Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a media processing device that can improve user convenience in attaching and detaching a liquid storage tank in a media processing device that performs binding processing involving application of liquid to media.SOLUTION: A media processing device includes a liquid application part that applies liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium, a first liquid storage part that stores liquid used for liquid application by the liquid application part, a second liquid storage part that stores the liquid to be supplied to the first liquid storage part, and liquid supply means that performs a liquid supply operation that supplies the liquid from the second liquid storage part to the first liquid storage part; the second liquid storage part includes a liquid storage tray connected to the liquid supply means, a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid and is detachable from the liquid storage tray, and a locking mechanism that regulates the position of the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Media processing devices are known that bind stacks of sheet-like media. Examples of binding processes that can be applied to these media processing devices include a "staple binding process" that uses a needle-like member (binding member) to pierce the sheet stack, and a "pressure binding process" that binds the sheet stack by applying pressure and deforming a portion of the sheet stack. A water-based pressure binding process is also known, in which a liquid is applied to paper sheets as sheet-like media during the pressure binding process, and a water-based pressure binding device capable of performing this process is also known.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art A known water-applying pressure binding device includes a removable water supply tank that supplies liquid to a water storage tank having a liquid supply mechanism when the remaining liquid level in the water storage tank becomes low.

[0004] Prior art has disclosed a configuration aimed at providing a small humidifier that allows easy attachment and detachment of a water tank for replenishing water even in tight spaces, in which the flat surface of the water container is butted against the flat surface of the main body case, and the container is held removably on the side of the main body case by first and second engaging portions (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When refilling the water supply tank of a water-applied pressure binding device with liquid, the water supply tank must be removed. However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not explicitly state the configuration of a mechanism for easily attaching and detaching the water supply tank of a media processing device. In other words, there is an issue with improving user convenience with the mechanism for attaching and detaching the water supply tank of a media processing device.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a media processing device that performs a binding process involving the application of liquid to media, and that can improve user convenience when attaching and detaching a liquid storage tank. [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 unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of media; a first liquid storage unit that stores the liquid used for liquid application by the liquid application unit; a second liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be supplied to the first liquid storage unit; and a liquid supply means that performs a liquid supply operation that supplies the liquid from the second liquid storage unit to the first liquid storage unit, wherein the second liquid storage unit comprises a liquid storage tray connected to the liquid supply means, a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid and is detachable from the liquid storage tray, and a locking mechanism that regulates the position of the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in a media processing device that performs a binding process involving the application of liquid to media, it is possible to improve user convenience in attaching and detaching a liquid storage tank. [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 according to the first embodiment. [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 application section side in the main scanning direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a crimping unit of the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the edge binding processing section. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a liquid application and pressure bonding unit according to a modified example of the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating a liquid applying operation and a pressure binding operation performed by the liquid applying and pressure bonding unit of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 10] 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 11] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a binding process by an edge binding processing unit. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating positions of a liquid application unit and a pressure bonding unit during binding processing by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detachable configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a liquid supply / drainage mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of how a first liquid storage tank is refilled with liquid according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of how a first liquid storage tank is refilled with liquid according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection input screen for a liquid supply / drainage mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of a detachable configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a second liquid storage tank. [Figure 28] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a locking mechanism provided in the second liquid storage tank. [Figure 29] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of locking claws that constitute the locking mechanism. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the correlation of each part constituting the locking mechanism. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the detailed configuration of the locking mechanism provided in the second liquid storage tank. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the detailed configuration of the locking mechanism provided in the second liquid storage tank. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the detailed configuration of the locking mechanism provided in the second liquid storage tank. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid supply means connected to a second liquid storage tank. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a liquid level detection sensor provided in the second liquid storage tank. [Figure 36] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the parallel binding operation by the crimping unit and the liquid applying unit. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a view of the internal tray according to the second embodiment, seen from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a pressure-bonding unit according to a second embodiment, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 40] FIG. 11 is a view of a liquid deposition section according to a second embodiment, viewed from the thickness direction of a sheet of paper. [Figure 41] 40. A cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. [Figure 42] 40. A cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 44] 10 is a flowchart of post-processing by a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment of Image Forming System 1] 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 an image forming function for forming an image on paper P, which is a type of sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function for performing predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to operate in cooperation with an image forming device 2 having an image forming function and a post-processing device 3, which is a media processing device having a post-processing function according to the present invention.

[0011] In this embodiment, the explanation is based on the premise that the sheet-like medium to be processed in the image forming system 1 is "paper." However, the object of processing according to this embodiment is not limited to paper. For example, any type of medium is acceptable as long as an image can be formed on the medium using a conventionally known image forming process. This also includes media that can be subjected to folding and binding processes, and there are no limitations on the material, specifications, etc.

[0012] 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 211 for storing sheets P, a transport unit 212 for transporting the sheets P stored in the storage tray 211, and an image forming unit 213 for forming an image on the sheet P transported by the transport unit 212. The image forming unit 213 may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The image forming device 2 also includes a control unit 100a that controls various operations of the transport unit 212 and the image forming unit 213. The configuration of the image forming device 2 is already known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] Incidentally, paper is a widely known example of a sheet-like medium. Therefore, in this specification, when describing a sheet-like medium to be processed, the term "paper P" will be used. Furthermore, when describing a sheet bundle, the term "paper bundle Pb" will be used as an example, which is a bundle of multiple sheets of paper as a medium.

[0014] [First embodiment of post-processing device 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. The post-processing device 3 has a function of performing predetermined post-processing on sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. One type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that serves as a "pressure binding process" in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (a sheet stack) is bound without using staples. Another type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that serves as a "staple binding process" in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (a sheet stack) is bound using staples. Hereinafter, the stack of sheets P will be referred to as a "sheet stack Pb" as a medium stack.

[0015] In this embodiment, the liquid application process when performing pressure binding processing will be mainly described. However, the liquid application process performed in relation to staple binding processing is also similar. Furthermore, when the term "binding processing" is used in the following description, it means both the "pressure binding processing" and the "staple binding processing" and is not limited to the binding method (whether using staples or pressure deformation).

[0016] In addition, the "pressure binding process" according to this embodiment is, more specifically, a process of applying pressure to a binding position corresponding to a part of the paper stack Pb to deform (pressure-deform) the binding position and bind the sheets, and is a process called "pressure binding." Note that the binding processes that can be performed by the post-processing device 3 include an end binding process that binds the end of the paper stack Pb and a saddle binding process that binds the center of the paper stack Pb.

[0017] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section), a switching member 20, and a control unit 100b (control means). The control unit 100b controls the operations of the conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section), the switching member 20, and the like. The control unit 100b will be described in detail later. 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. The conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. The conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3. A punch hole punching unit 132 that punches the paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11 is disposed between the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0018] 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 first discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pair of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the second discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the second transport path Ph2 between the pair of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the third discharge tray 30.

[0019] The switching member 20 is disposed at a branching position of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching member 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the first 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 trailing edge of the sheet P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes the branching position of the second transport path Ph2 and the third transport path Ph3, 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.

[0020] The post-processing device 3 includes a first discharge tray 21. The paper sheets P discharged through the first conveyance path Ph1 are placed on the first discharge tray 21. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, those that are not to be bound are discharged to the first discharge tray 21.

[0021] 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 155, and a second 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 155 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 edge-stitched is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 from among the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0022] The "edge binding process" referred to here includes "parallel binding process" in which binding process is performed along one side of the paper stack Pb that is parallel to the main scanning direction, "diagonal binding process" in which binding process is performed at a corner of the paper stack Pb, and "vertical binding process" in which binding process is performed along one side of the paper stack Pb that is parallel to the transport direction.

[0023] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is transported from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction." In other words, in this specification, the "transport direction" corresponds to the direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming device 2 moves toward the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 10, etc., and then changes direction by the transport roller pair 15, moving toward the end fence 23, which is a different direction from the previous direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the paper P and the transport direction is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)."

[0024] The multiple sheets of paper P transported in order via the second transport path Ph2 are temporarily placed on the internal tray 22, which serves as a loading tray. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155 perform edge binding processing on the sheet bundle Pb 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 second discharge tray 26.

[0025] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a saddle stitching unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a third 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 a plurality of paper sheets P transported along the third transport path Ph3. The paper stack Pb that has been saddle stitched is discharged to the third discharge tray 30 from among the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0026] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveyance direction of multiple sheets P conveyed sequentially to the third conveyance path Ph3. The end fence 27 is configured to be movable in the direction in which the sheets P are conveyed toward the end fence 27 and in the opposite direction (up and down in the drawing) so that the center of the sheet stack Pb can be positioned at a binding position where the sheets face the saddle stitching unit 28 and a folding position where the sheets face the paper folding blade 29. The saddle stitching 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 sandwiches it between the conveyance roller pair 18. The conveyance roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack Pb that has been saddle stitched onto the third discharge tray 30.

[0027] 3 and 4, the post-processing device 3 includes a liquid application member 501 (part of the liquid application unit), a liquid supply member 50 (part of the liquid application unit), and a first liquid storage tank 44 (first liquid storage unit) in the edge stitching processing unit 25. The post-processing device 3 also includes a liquid supply path 45 (part of the liquid supply means), a liquid supply pump 46 (part of the liquid supply means), a second liquid storage tank 47 (part of the second liquid storage unit), and a second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 (part of the second liquid storage unit) as components for replenishing liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, the liquid supply pump 46, and the liquid supply path 45.

[0028] [Detailed explanation of the edge binding processing unit 25] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25, which performs the liquid application process and the pressure binding process shown in Fig. 2, as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25 as seen from the liquid application unit 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application unit 31 that applies liquid to the paper P, and a pressure bonding unit 32, which is an example of a post-processing unit, that performs pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. The liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction.

[0029] 4, the liquid deposition unit 31 deposits the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 onto the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the deposition of liquid by the liquid deposition unit 31 onto the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb, and the operation of the liquid deposition unit 31 when depositing the liquid, will be referred to as "liquid deposition." Furthermore, the liquid deposition operation of the liquid deposition unit 31 that involves control processing will be referred to as "liquid deposition processing."

[0030] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 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, and it may of course be purified water, or may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content does not matter, and the hardness may range from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[0031] 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."

[0032] The liquids are 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 the examples above, can improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more than using a liquid whose main component is not water.

[0033] 3 and 4, the liquid deposition unit 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the pressing unit 32 by transmitting the driving force of the edge binding processing unit movement motor 55. The liquid deposition unit 31 includes a lower pressure plate 33 as a platform for placing the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb, an upper pressure plate 34, and a liquid deposition unit movement mechanism 35. The components of the liquid deposition unit 31 (the lower pressure plate 33, the upper pressure plate 34, the liquid deposition unit movement mechanism 35, and the liquid deposition unit movement motor 42) are held by at least one of the liquid deposition frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0034] Furthermore, a liquid applicator frame 31a that holds the components of the liquid applicator 31 has a liquid applicator rotation shaft 562 equipped with a drive transmission gear 562a fixed to its bottom surface. The liquid applicator rotation shaft 562 and drive transmission gear 562a are rotatably held in forward and reverse directions on a base member 48 on which the liquid applicator frame 31a is provided. The drive transmission gear 562a is in mesh with an output gear 563a of a liquid applicator rotation motor 563. The liquid applicator 31 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the liquid applicator rotation shaft 562 as the driving force of the liquid applicator rotation motor 563 is transmitted to the liquid applicator rotation shaft 562 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a.

[0035] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream in the conveying direction from the internal tray 22. The paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is also placed on the lower pressure plate 33. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on a lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb at a position facing the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0036] That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as 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. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through-hole 34a penetrating in the thickness direction at a position facing the liquid application member 501 held via a holding part 37 attached to the base plate 40. The liquid application member 501 is one end of a liquid supply member 50 (liquid-absorbing) described later, and corresponds to the tip portion.

[0037] The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid application member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 according to this embodiment integrally moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid application member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 using a single liquid application unit movement motor 42. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid application unit movement motor 42, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41 a, 41 b, and coil springs 42 a, 42 b.

[0038] The liquid applicator movement motor 42 generates a driving force that moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid applicator member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the stack of paper sheets Pb, and is provided on the liquid applicator frame 31a so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applicator movement motor 42 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the liquid applicator movement motor 42 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38 in forward and reverse directions, causing the nut 39 to move back and forth on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0039] The base plate 40 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid applying member 501 with the tip of the liquid applying member 501 protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to be able to move back and forth along the trapezoidal screw 38 as the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates forward and backward. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a movement sensor 40a (see FIG. 11).

[0040] The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34 around the tip portion of the liquid dispensing member 501. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable in the thickness direction relative to the base plate 40. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at their tip portions on the lower pressure plate 33 side. The tip portions of the pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b opposite the lower pressure plate 33 are provided with stoppers to prevent the pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40.

[0041] The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted onto the columnar members 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 columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressure plate 33 with respect to the base plate 40.

[0042] The liquid applicator 31 applies liquid to the paper sheet P or the paper sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applicator 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P that constitutes the paper sheet bundle Pb by bringing the liquid applicator member 501 into contact with the paper sheet P or the paper sheet bundle Pb.

[0043] The liquid deposition section 31 includes a first liquid level sensor 43 (first liquid detection means), a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid deposition member 501, a liquid supply member 50, and a holding section 37. The first liquid storage tank 44 stores liquid for deposition onto the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The level (amount of stored liquid) of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43. The first liquid storage tank 44 is also connected to the base plate 40 via the holding section 37.

[0044] The liquid application member 501, the liquid supply member 50 (liquid absorbent) that is installed so as to be in close contact with the liquid application member 501, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are all held by the holding unit 37. The holding unit 37 is held by the base plate 40. One end of the liquid supply member 50 is in close contact with the liquid application member 501, and the other end is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44. In other words, the other end of the liquid supply member 50 corresponds to a liquid immersion unit 502 that absorbs the liquid and supplies it to the liquid application member 501. The liquid application member 501 and the liquid supply member 50 are made of a material with high liquid absorption (e.g., sponge or fiber), such as an elastic resin formed with open cells. However, the type of material for the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 is not limited as long as it is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid and has the property of collapsing in response to the pressure applied when in contact with the paper P. In other words, it is sufficient that the material is capable of absorbing liquid by capillary action.

[0045] Therefore, when the other end (immersion portion 502) of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply member 50 enters a state in which it sucks up the liquid by capillary action. That is, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50, and the sucked up liquid is supplied to the liquid applying member 501 connected to the tip through the liquid supply member 50. Then, as the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up into the liquid applying member 501 that is in close contact with one end of the liquid supply member 50, the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of stored liquid) detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 drops. As a result, the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46.

[0046] Although the above description has been given of the case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are separate bodies, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 may be integrally formed from materials with similar properties (for example, materials with high liquid absorption). In other words, the liquid application member 501 may be configured to be part of the liquid supply member 50. In this case, it becomes possible to more smoothly supply the liquid from the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid application member 501 by capillary action, and costs can be reduced.

[0047] Then, as the liquid supplying member 501 sucks up the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 temporarily falls below a reference liquid level, which will be described later, and this triggers the execution of a series of liquid supply operations in which liquid is sent from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. This liquid supply operation is mainly performed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the post-processing device 3 starts to perform a binding process that involves liquid supply, and corresponds to a liquid supply operation for making it possible to supply liquid using the liquid supplying member 501. Hereinafter, this liquid supply operation will be referred to as a "filling and supplying operation." The filling and supplying operation will be described in detail later.

[0048] The post-processing device 3 is also provided with a second liquid storage tank 47. The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachable from the post-processing device 3 (see FIG. 15). The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be able to supply the stored liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 by being fixed (set) in a predetermined position to a second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 (part of the second liquid storage portion).

[0049] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 is mainly triggered by the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 dropping below a reference liquid level, which will be described later. The amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops as the liquid is consumed by the liquid deposition by the liquid deposition unit 31. In other words, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 corresponds to a liquid supply operation that is required in conjunction with the execution of a job that includes liquid deposition by the liquid deposition unit 31.

[0050] This liquid supply operation corresponds to an operation of supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 so as to replenish it whenever the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below a reference liquid level, which will be described later. Hereinafter, this liquid supply operation will be referred to as a "replenishment supply operation." Details of the replenishment supply operation will be described later.

[0051] When the second storage tank 47 is set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61, a certain amount of liquid from the second storage tank 47 is filled in the second storage tank fixing portion 61. The second storage tank fixing portion 61 is provided with a setting detection sensor 51 (setting detection means) (see FIG. 15). When the setting detection sensor 51 detects that the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61 (see FIG. 15(C)), a signal notifying this is sent to a control unit 100b (described later). This allows the control unit 100b (described later) to detect whether the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61. The configuration of the second storage tank 47 will be described in detail later.

[0052] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected by a liquid supply path 45. A liquid supply pump 46 is provided near the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. When the liquid supply pump 46 operates, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied (replenished) from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the liquid supply path 45. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is a component of a liquid supply means that performs a liquid supply operation to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In addition, the liquid supply path 45 is formed of a flexible material. This allows the liquid to be reliably supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 even if the first liquid storage tank 44 is moved by the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35.

[0053] The amount of liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be controlled in accordance with the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. That is, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, determines the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. Then, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, controls the operating speed and operating time of the liquid supply pump 46 in accordance with the determined amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby adjusting the amount of liquid replenished to the first liquid storage tank 44 and controlling the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 to be maintained at a predetermined amount or above.

[0054] [Configuration of crimping portion 32] The crimping unit 32, which serves as a post-processing means, applies pressure to a portion of the paper-sheet stack Pb using the concave and convex upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b to deform the paper-sheets P, thereby crimping the paper-sheets P together and binding the paper-sheet stack Pb. In other words, the crimping unit 32 can bind the paper-sheet stack Pb without using staples. The components of the crimping unit 32 (upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b) are provided on a crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, the act of pressurizing and deforming a predetermined position of the paper-sheet stack Pb to bind it will be simply referred to as "crimping binding." Furthermore, the crimping binding operation of the crimping unit 32, which involves control processing, will be referred to as "crimping binding process."

[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping unit 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the crimping unit 32 includes upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are arranged opposite 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 upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are formed unevenly with alternating concave and convex portions. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are formed in a positional relationship such that the concave and convex portions are alternately offset so as to mesh with each other. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor 32d (see FIG. 11).

[0056] As shown in Fig. 5(A) , when multiple sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are being supplied to the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b are spaced apart. Then, when all sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are placed on the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b mesh with each other due to the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, as shown in Fig. 5(B) , thereby compressing and deforming the sheet stack Pb in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet stack Pb is then discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the conveyance roller pair 15.

[0057] The configuration of the crimping unit 32 is not limited to the structure of the operating mechanism exemplified in this embodiment, as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b constituting the crimping mechanism are able to mesh with each other. For example, the crimping mechanism may be a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) that performs the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b using a drive source and link mechanism that rotates forward only or forward and reverse. Alternatively, the crimping mechanism may be a linear motion type crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b linearly using a screw mechanism that converts the forward and reverse rotational motion of the drive source into linear reciprocating motion.

[0058] 3, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes an edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57. The edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 moves the edge binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream edge in the transport direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an edge binding processing unit moving motor 55, a drive force transmission mechanism 551 that transmits the drive force of the edge binding processing unit moving motor 55 to the base member 48, and a standby position sensor 540 (see FIG. 11).

[0059] The liquid applicator 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 are attached to the base member 48 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide shaft 49 is provided in the main scanning direction on the upstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction and is held by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 115 is provided in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 115 has a fitted portion 115a that fits with a fitting portion 48a of the base member 48 across the main scanning direction. In other words, the base member 48 is held by the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116.

[0060] The edge stitching processing unit movement motor 55 generates a driving force for moving the edge stitching processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the edge stitching processing unit movement motor 55 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a and 551b, a timing belt 551c, and a fastening unit 48b that fastens the base member 48 and the timing belt 551c. 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.

[0061] The end binding processing unit moving motor 55 in this embodiment is a servo motor that can stop the end binding processing unit 25 at a target position (the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 described later) without having to return the end binding processing unit 25 to the origin position (for example, the standby position HP described later) every time it moves.

[0062] The post-processing device 3 also includes a standby position sensor 540 (e.g., a light-blocking optical sensor; see FIG. 11) that detects that the edge binding processing unit 25 has reached a standby position HP (see FIG. 13(A)), and an encoder sensor 541 (see FIG. 11) attached to the output shaft of the edge binding processing unit movement motor 55. The control unit 100b, which will be described later, detects that the edge binding processing unit 25 has reached the standby position HP based on the detection result of the standby position sensor 540. The control unit 100b, which will be described later, also counts pulse signals output from the encoder sensor 541 to determine the current position of the edge binding processing unit 25, which has moved from the standby position HP.

[0063] However, the specific method for stopping the edge binding processing unit 25 at the target position without returning it to the standby position HP is not limited to the above example. As another example, the post-processing device 3 may be provided with a sensor that detects that the edge binding processing unit 25 has reached a predetermined target position.

[0064] 3, a crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping unit 32 has a crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​equipped with a drive transmission gear 54a fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​and the drive transmission gear 54a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on a base member 48 on which the crimping frame 32c is provided. The drive transmission gear 54a is meshed with an output gear 56a of a crimping unit rotation motor 56. The crimping unit 32 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​by transmitting the driving force of the crimping unit rotation motor 56 to the crimping unit rotation shaft 54 ​​via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a.

[0065] Although the edge binding processing unit 25 has been described as having a configuration in which the pressure-bonding unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 are integrally configured and move along the guide shaft 49, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure-bonding unit 32 and the liquid application unit 31 may each move separately and independently.

[0066] [Modification of the edge binding processing unit 25] Next, an edge binding processing unit 25' that is a modified example of the edge binding processing unit 25 provided in the post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The difference from the edge binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment is that the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are integrally configured. Note that components common to the edge binding processing unit 25 already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0067] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing section 25' as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Fig. 7(A) is a perspective view of the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310. Fig. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 7(A). Fig. 7(C) is a plan view of the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a as seen from the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b side in Fig. 7(A). Figs. 8(A) to (C) are schematic diagrams as seen from the downstream side in the conveying direction, showing the liquid application operation and pressure bonding binding operation by the liquid application and pressure bonding section 310.

[0068] 6, the edge binding processing unit 25' includes a liquid application and pressure-bonding unit 310 that integrates the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 (post-processing unit) of the edge binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment. The liquid application and pressure-bonding unit 310 is disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0069] The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 applies the liquid LQ stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction by transmitting the driving force of the edge binding processing unit movement motor 55 to the base member 48 by a driving force transmission mechanism 551. The liquid applying and pressing unit 310 includes an upper pressure plate 34, upper pressure teeth 32a, lower pressure teeth 32b, a liquid applying and pressing unit movement mechanism 350, and a liquid supply mechanism 360. Each component of the liquid applying and pressing unit 310 is held by at least one of the liquid applying frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0070] Furthermore, a liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 561' equipped with a drive transmission gear 561a' is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid-applying frame 31a. The liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 561' and the drive transmission gear 561a' are rotatably held in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 on which the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part 31a is provided. The drive transmission gear 561a' is meshed with an output gear 56a' of a liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation motor 56'. The liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part 310 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 561' as a result of the driving force of the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation motor 56' being transmitted to the liquid-applying and pressure-bonding part rotation shaft 561' via the output gear 56a' and the drive transmission gear 561a'.

[0071] The liquid applicator / pressure bonding unit moving mechanism 350 moves the upper pressure plate 34, base plate 40, and upper pressure teeth 32a in conjunction with each other in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb using an electric cylinder 370. The base plate 40 holds the upper pressure tooth holding member 32a1 and the upper pressure teeth 32a via a holding portion 46a. The base plate 40 also movably holds the upper pressure plate 34 via pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b. The base plate 40 is attached to the tip of a rod 371 of the electric cylinder 370 via a connecting member 401.

[0072] The columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at their lower ends. The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted around the columnar members 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 columnar members 41a and 41b in a direction away from the base plate 40.

[0073] The liquid supply mechanism 360 includes a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid supply pump 431, and a liquid supply member 45'. The liquid supply pump 431 supplies the liquid LQ to a liquid reservoir 320 provided in the upper crimping teeth holding member 32a1 as shown in Fig. 7(A) via the liquid supply member 45'. The liquid supply member 45' has a base end connected to the liquid supply pump 431 and a tip end connected to the liquid reservoir 320, and is made of a long, flexible member.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7(B), the upper crimping teeth 32a are provided integrally with an upper crimping tooth holding member 32a1. The upper crimping tooth holding member 32a1 is provided with a liquid reservoir 320 and a liquid supply path 321 that supplies the liquid LQ stored in the liquid reservoir 320 to the upper crimping teeth 32a. As shown in Fig. 7(C), the surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a have been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, so that the liquid LQ supplied from the liquid supply path 321 spreads evenly over the surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a. On the other hand, portions of the upper crimping tooth holding member 32a1 other than the upper crimping teeth 32a have been subjected to a hydrophobic treatment, so that the liquid LQ spreads efficiently over the surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the lower crimping teeth 32b are integrally provided with a lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1 that is part of the liquid applicator frame 31a, and are attached onto the base member 48 via the lower crimping teeth holding member 32b1.

[0076] Next, the liquid application operation and pressure binding operation by the liquid application and pressure bonding unit 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the process of supplying the paper P to the internal tray 22, the upper pressure tooth 32a and the lower pressure tooth 32b are separated, as shown in FIG. 8(A). Then, when the paper P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is contracted to move the upper pressure tooth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 toward the paper P. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the upper pressure plate 34 first comes into contact with the paper P, and then the upper pressure tooth 32a passes through the through hole 34a of the upper pressure plate 34 and comes into contact with the paper P. At this time, because the liquid LQ has spread over the surface of the upper pressure tooth 32a, the liquid is applied to the liquid application position of the paper P by bringing the upper pressure tooth 32a into contact with the paper P. Then, when liquid application to the liquid application position is completed, the electric cylinder 370 is extended to separate the upper pressure tooth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 from the paper P. The above-described contact and separation operation of the upper pressure tooth 32a and the upper pressure plate 34 with respect to the paper P (liquid application operation) is repeatedly performed on the paper P that constitutes the paper stack Pb.

[0077] Thereafter, when a sheet stack Pb consisting of a specified number of sheets P is placed on the internal tray 22, the electric cylinder 370 is further contracted to move the upper crimping teeth 32a from the liquid application position toward the lower crimping teeth 32b. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(C), with the sheet stack Pb sandwiched between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, the upper crimping teeth 32a move further toward the lower crimping teeth 32b, and the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b pressurize and deform the sheet stack Pb, thereby crimping and binding the sheet stack Pb (crimping binding operation).

[0078] [Explanation of staple binding processing unit 155] Next, the stapling processing unit 155, which has the function of executing stapling processing, will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 155 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The stapling processing unit 155 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.

[0079] The staple binding means 62 serving as a post-processing means has a configuration for performing so-called "staple binding processing," which is to bind the paper-sheet bundle Pb using staples. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 has a staple binder drive motor 62d (see FIG. 11) 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 binder drive motor 62d. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 9, the staple binding processing unit 155 includes a staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77. The staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 moves the staple binding processing unit 155 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 staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a staple binding processing unit moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The drive force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the drive force of the staple binding processing unit moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a and 81b, a timing belt 81c, and a fastening portion 78a that fastens the base member 78 and the timing belt 81c. Furthermore, a staple binding means rotation shaft 83 equipped with a drive transmission gear 83a is fixed to the bottom surface of a staple binding frame 62b that holds components of the staple binding means 62.

[0081] The staple binding means rotation shaft 83 and the drive transmission gear 83a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on a base member 78 on which the staple binding frame 62b is provided. The drive transmission gear 83a is in mesh with an output gear 82a of the staple binding unit rotation motor 82. The staple binding means 62 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 78 about the staple binding means rotation shaft 83 as a result of the drive force of the staple binding unit rotation motor 82 being transmitted to the staple binding means rotation shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a.

[0082] The edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155 are supported on a common guide shaft 49. That is, the edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 and the staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 move the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 and the staple binding processing unit moving mechanism 77 can move the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155 independently.

[0083] 10 shows a stapling processing unit 155' as a modified example of the stapling processing unit 155, and is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing unit 155' as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The stapling processing unit 155' differs from the stapling processing unit 155 in that it includes not only the stapling device 62 but also a second liquid application unit 612. As shown in FIG. 10, the stapling processing unit 155' includes the second liquid application unit 612 and the stapling device 62. The second liquid application unit 612 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.

[0084] The second liquid deposition unit 612 deposits the liquid stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 onto the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the second liquid deposition unit 612 deposits the liquid onto the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb corresponds to the binding position where the staple binding means 62 is to perform staple binding. As shown in FIG. 10 , the second liquid deposition unit 612 includes a second lower pressure plate 63, a second upper pressure plate 64, a second liquid deposition unit movement mechanism 65, and a second liquid deposition mechanism 66. The second liquid deposition unit movement mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid deposition unit movement motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 711a, 711b, and second coil springs 721a, 721b.

[0085] The second liquid dispensing mechanism 66 includes a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supply member 75, a second liquid dispensing member 74, and a second joint 76. The configuration of the second liquid dispensing mechanism 66 is the same as that of the liquid dispensing mechanism of the liquid dispensing unit 31 described in FIGS. 3 and 4 (first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supply member 50, liquid dispensing member 501, holding unit 37), so a repeated description will be omitted. The configuration of the stapling means 62 is the same as that shown in FIG. 9, so a detailed description will be omitted. The rotation mechanism of the second liquid dispensing unit 612 (liquid dispensing unit rotation motor 563, output gear 563a, drive transmission gear 562a, liquid dispensing unit rotation shaft 562) is the same as that of the liquid dispensing unit 31 shown in FIG. 3, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0086] 10, even in the staple binding process, by applying liquid to the sheets P, the binding position can be loosened and softened, making it easier for the staple to penetrate. This makes it possible to increase the number of sheets bound per bundle of sheets Pb compared to when staple binding is performed without applying liquid.

[0087] [Control block of post-processing device 3] Next, the control block configuration of post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram for executing control processing in post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 11, post-processing device 3 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b (control means) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0090] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 56, the liquid application unit movement motor 42, the liquid application unit rotation motor 563, the end-stitching processing unit movement motor 55, the staple binding machine drive motor 62d, the staple binding unit rotation motor 82, the staple binding processing unit movement motor 80, the liquid supply pump 46, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0091] The control unit 100b controls, via the I / F 105, the operations of the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure bonding unit rotation motor 56, the liquid application unit movement motor 42, the liquid application unit rotation motor 563, the edge stitching processing unit movement motor 55, the stapling device drive motor 62d, the stapling unit rotation motor 82, the stapling processing unit movement motor 80, and the liquid supply pump 46. In addition, the control unit 100b acquires the detection results of the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, and the encoder sensor 541. Note that while Figure 11 illustrates components related to the end binding processing unit 25 and staple binding processing unit 155 that perform the end binding process, components related to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that performs the saddle stitching process are also similarly controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from a user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, 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. The post-processing device 3 may also be provided with an operation panel 110 similar to the above.

[0093] As described above, post-processing device 3 uses the hardware resources of control unit 100b to realize the function of controlling operations related to liquid deposition through software (control program) executed by CPU 101.

[0094] The liquid application performed by the post-processing device 3 may be configured such that the staple binding processing unit 155 is provided with only the staple binding means 62, and the liquid application is performed by the liquid application unit 31 provided in the end binding processing unit 25. Conversely, the end binding processing unit 25 may be provided with only the crimping unit 32, and the liquid application is performed by the second liquid application unit 612. In other words, regardless of the type of binding process, the configuration may be such that only either the liquid application unit 31 or the second liquid application unit 612 applies the liquid.

[0095] Furthermore, the stapling processing unit 155' has been described as having a configuration in which the stapling means 62 and the second liquid application unit 612 are configured integrally and move along the guide shaft 49, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stapling means 62 and the second liquid application unit 612 may each move separately and independently.

[0096] [Binding process explanation] Next, the flow of the binding process executed in the edge binding processing unit 25 included in the post-processing device 3 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart when one-point binding processing is executed. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of the position of the edge binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32) during execution of the one-point binding processing. Note that Fig. 13 does not show changes in the attitude of the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32. Furthermore, the position (liquid application position) where liquid is applied to the sheet P or the sheet stack Pb by the liquid application unit 31 corresponds to the binding position where the pressure bonding unit 32 is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position and the binding position will be assigned the same reference numerals (B1, B2).

[0097] The control unit 100b starts the binding process shown in FIG. 12, for example, at the timing when an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter referred to as a "binding process instruction") is acquired from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0098] The binding process instruction includes, for example, the type of paper P (information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets P that make up the paper stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined number of sheets N"), the number of sheets in the paper stack Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as the "required number of copies M"), the binding position of the paper stack Pb, and the binding posture of the edge binding processing unit 25. Also, as shown in FIG. 13(A), at the start of the binding process, the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are assumed to be in a parallel binding posture and to be located at a standby position HP that is a position that is offset in the width direction from the paper sheets P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0099] First, when the posture instructed in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit rotation motor 563 and the pressure bonding unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 that constitute the edge binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture (S901). Note that when the posture is the "diagonal binding posture," only the pressure bonding unit 32 may be rotated to the diagonal binding posture, and the liquid application unit 31 may not be rotated. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to when both the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 are rotated forward and backward, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, downsizing the device, and reducing equipment failures.

[0100] On the other hand, if the posture instructed in the binding processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid application unit 31 and the crimping unit 32 that constitute the above-mentioned end binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture.

[0101] The control unit 100b drives the edge binding processing unit movement motor 55 to move the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 instructed in the binding processing instruction (S901). Note that the control unit 100b executes the process of step S901 before the first sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0102] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to store the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 2 in the internal tray 22 (S902). The control unit 100b also moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position in the main scanning direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, a so-called jogging process (S902).

[0103] Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applicator 31 facing the first liquid applicator position B1 to apply liquid to the first liquid applicator position B1 of the paper sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S902, based on the liquid applicator control data adjusted in advance (S903). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applicator movement motor 42 to bring the liquid applicator member 501 into contact with the first liquid applicator position B1 of the paper sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 (see FIG. 13(B)). In the liquid applicator process in step S903, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid applicator member 501 applies liquid to the paper sheet P, depending on the type of paper sheet P and the binding position included in the binding process instruction. The control unit 100b also adjusts the amount of pressure applied by the liquid applicator member 501 to the paper sheet P. That is, based on the adjusted control data, the control unit 100b controls the driving of the liquid application unit movement motor 42 to adjust the movement amount of the liquid application member 501 relative to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0104] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N specified in the binding process instruction (S904). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S904: No), the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S902 to S904 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S904: Yes). That is, the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S902 to S904 every time a sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. Note that the liquid application by the liquid application unit 31 may be applied not only to all of the sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb, but also to only some of the sheets P.

[0105] Then, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S904: Yes), as shown in Figure 13 (C), it drives the end binding processing unit movement motor 55 to move the end binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding unit 32 faces the first binding position B1 (S905).

[0106] Next, the control unit 100b causes the pressure bonding unit 32 to perform pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S906). Then, the control unit 100b causes the conveyance roller pair 15 to discharge the sheet stack Pb pressure-bound by the pressure bonding unit 32 to the second discharge tray 26 (S907). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to clamp the first binding position B1 of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b. This causes the sheet stack Pb to be pressurized and deformed between the upper pressure bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure bonding teeth 32b, thereby performing pressure binding. Thereafter, the control unit 100b rotates the conveyance roller pair 15 to discharge the sheet stack Pb pressure-bound to the second discharge tray 26.

[0107] Note that, on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, the pressure-bonding area (corresponding to the first binding position B1) clamped by the upper pressure-bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure-bonding teeth 32b in step S906 overlaps the liquid-application area (corresponding to the first liquid-application position B1) that the tip of the liquid-application member 501 contacted in step S903. In other words, the pressure-bonding unit 32 pressure-bonds and binds the area to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-application unit 31 on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Note that the pressure-bonding area clamped by the upper pressure-bonding teeth 32a and the lower pressure-bonding teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap the liquid-application area that the tip of the liquid-application member 501 contacted; sufficient binding strength can be obtained even if the area partially overlaps.

[0108] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged onto the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M indicated in the binding process instruction (S908). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the discharged sheet bundle Pb has not reached the required number of copies M (S908: No), it executes the processes from step S901 onwards again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S901 to S908 until the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged onto the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M (S908: Yes).

[0109] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies M (S908: Yes), it drives the edge-stitching processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge-stitching processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32) to the standby position HP as shown in FIG. 13(A) (S909). Furthermore, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit rotating motor 563 and the pressure bonding unit rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S909). On the other hand, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the operation of rotating the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture is omitted. As a result, the edge binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32) returns to the standby position HP in Fig. 13(A) . Note that in steps S901 and S909, the order of performing the operations of moving the liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32 in the main scanning direction and rotating them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be the reverse order.

[0110] [Details of No. 2 Storage Tank 47] Next, the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as a main tank. FIG. 14(A) illustrates an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as a main tank. FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional side view of the post-processing device 3, illustrating an example of the state in which the open / close cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is closed. As shown in FIG. 14(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is installed in a position that can be accessed when the open / close cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. As shown in FIG. 14(B), the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 are located on the front side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing device 3. The first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are located on the rear side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing device 3. A main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 is provided between the positions where the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 are arranged and the positions where the first liquid storage tank 44, etc. are arranged. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is attached to the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3. The main body side plate 72 is part of the device housing and corresponds to the area where a locking hole (engaged part) provided in a locking mechanism, which will be described later, is formed.

[0111] 15 illustrates an example in which the second liquid storage tank 47 is detachable from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, and an example in which liquid is refilled into the second liquid storage tank 47. As shown in FIG. 15(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachable so that liquid can be refilled into the first liquid storage tank 44. As shown in FIG. 15(B), the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is provided with a set detection sensor 51 (set detection means) that detects that the second liquid storage tank 47 has been set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61.

[0112] When the set detection sensor 51 detects that the second storage tank 47 is set in the second storage tank fixing part 61 (see FIG. 15(C)), a signal notifying the same is sent to the control part 100b. In this way, the control part 100b is configured to be able to detect whether the second storage tank 47 is set in the second storage tank fixing part 61 or not.

[0113] The second storage tank fixing part 61 is also provided with a second liquid level sensor 94 (second liquid detection means) for detecting the amount (liquid level) of the liquid L to be stored. The output value (voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94 is notified to the control part 100b. The control part 100b then determines whether the amount of liquid stored in the second storage tank fixing part 61 is the required amount by determining the output value (voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94. When the control part 100b determines that the second storage tank 47 is in the set state based on the output signal of the set detection sensor 51, it turns on the second liquid level sensor 94 to make it possible to detect the presence or absence (liquid level) of liquid in the second storage tank fixing part 61.

[0114] Furthermore, when the second storage tank 47 is not set in the second storage tank fixing part 61 (unset state), the outlet is blocked by the liquid supply valve 471 to prevent liquid from leaking. Then, as shown in FIG. 15(C), when the second storage tank 47 is set in the second storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid supply valve 471 is pushed up and the liquid outlet 471a of the second storage tank 47 is opened, causing the liquid to flow out from the second storage tank 47 to the second storage tank fixing part 61. As a result, the liquid stored in the second storage tank 47 flows out into the second storage tank fixing part 61. The liquid that flows out from the second storage tank 47 is stored in the second storage tank fixing part 61.

[0115] During maintenance of the post-treatment device 3 or as a measure to prevent the liquid from freezing, a "liquid draining process" may be performed to drain the liquid from the post-treatment device 3. In the liquid draining process, the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 is pumped in the reverse direction by the liquid supply pump 46 through the liquid supply path 45 to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. For this reason, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is set to a capacity capable of storing the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is also provided with a liquid drain plug 611. After the liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 is pumped in the reverse direction by the liquid supply pump 46 to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 can be discharged from inside the post-treatment device 3 by opening the liquid drain plug 611.

[0116] [Overall image of liquid supply and drainage operation flow in liquid application unit 31] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of the liquid supply and drainage operation in the liquid application unit 31 of the edge stitching processing unit 25 executed by the control unit 100b (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid supply and drainage operation flow"). Here, the "liquid supply and drainage operation" refers to the transfer of the liquid used for applying the liquid between the second liquid storage tank 47 and the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46. In other words, the "liquid supply and drainage operation" includes both the operation of supplying (replenishing) liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46, and the operation of feeding (discharging) liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47 by the liquid supply pump 46.

[0117] First, when the liquid supply / drainage operation flow is started, the control unit 100b determines whether the detachable second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 (whether the setting detection sensor 51 is in the ON state), as shown in FIG. 15, and whether the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 is sufficiently filled with liquid L (whether the output value of the second liquid level sensor 94 is above the threshold value) (S1301). If the control unit 100b determines (S1301: NO) that the second liquid storage tank 47 is not set correctly (the set detection sensor 51 is in the OFF state) and that the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 does not have enough liquid L stored therein (the output value of the second liquid level sensor 94 is less than the threshold value), there is a possibility that the liquid supply pump 46 will not be able to properly supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 due to the liquid running out in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, and therefore outputs a request to set the second liquid storage tank 47 via the operation panel 110 (S1310) and ends the liquid supply / drainage operation flow.

[0118] On the other hand, if the second liquid storage tank 47 is set (the set detection sensor 51 is in the ON state) and sufficient liquid L is stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 (the output value of the second liquid level sensor 94 is above the threshold value) (S1301: YES), the control unit 100b then sets the operating mode of the liquid supply pump 46.

[0119] The liquid supply pump 46 can vary the liquid supply speed (liquid supply mode). The liquid supply speed is varied by selecting and setting one of a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of liquid supply modes provided by the liquid supply pump 46 include, for example, a "high-speed liquid supply mode" and a "low-speed liquid supply mode."

[0120] The control unit 100b determines whether or not high-speed liquid supply is to be performed by the liquid supply pump 46, that is, whether or not the high-speed liquid supply mode is set (S1302). If it is determined in step S1302 that high-speed liquid supply is to be performed (S1302: YES), the control unit 100b sets the operating speed of the liquid supply pump 46 to high speed (S1303). The high-speed liquid supply mode is set, for example, when the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty of liquid and the liquid supply pump 46 supplies liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In such a case, it takes time to complete the supply of liquid into the first liquid storage tank 44, so the control unit 100b sets the liquid supply speed (liquid supply pump operating speed) of the liquid supply pump 46 to high speed in order to shorten the time it takes to supply liquid into the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1302 that high-speed liquid supply is not to be performed, that is, if it is determined that low-speed liquid supply mode is set (S1302: NO), the control unit 100b sets the operating speed of the liquid supply pump 46 to low speed (S1304). The low-speed liquid supply mode is set, for example, when the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is consumed by the liquid deposition operation of the liquid deposition unit 31, and an amount of liquid equivalent to the consumed liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46. In such a case, since a small amount of liquid is supplied, supplying the liquid at high speed may result in oversupply, causing the liquid to overflow from the first liquid storage tank 44. Because such side effects are possible, it may be desirable to set the liquid supply speed of the liquid supply pump 46 (liquid supply pump operating speed) to low speed.

[0122] As a premise for the determination process in step S1302, the setting of the liquid supply speed of liquid supply pump 46 may be arbitrarily selected by the user via operation panel 110. Alternatively, the liquid supply speed of liquid supply pump 46 corresponding to a liquid supply / drainage mode such as a "filling / supply operation" and a "top-up supply operation" described below may be set in advance, and control unit 100b may automatically select the supply speed of liquid supply pump 46 corresponding to each liquid supply / drainage mode in response to the selection of each of the liquid supply / drainage modes.

[0123] Next, the control unit 100b determines the liquid supply / drainage mode (S1305). The determination of the liquid supply / drainage mode is made based on, for example, the operating status of the post-processing device 3 shown in Fig. 17 ("post-processing operating status"), which will be described later, and / or the result of a user's input to a liquid supply / drainage mode selection input screen shown in Fig. 25.

[0124] First, in step S1305, the control unit 100b determines whether the liquid supply / drainage mode is the "filling / supply operation." If the determination in step S1305 indicates that the liquid supply / drainage mode is the "filling / supply operation" (S1305: YES), the control unit 100b causes the liquid deposition unit 31 to execute the "filling / supply operation" (S1306), which will be described later, and ends the liquid supply / drainage operation flow. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1305 is not the "filling / supply operation" (S1305: NO), the control unit 100b next determines whether the liquid supply / drainage mode is the "top-up supply operation" (S1307).

[0125] If the liquid supply / drainage mode is determined to be the "replenishment supply operation" in step S1307 (S1307: YES), the control unit 100b causes the liquid deposition unit 31 to execute the "replenishment supply operation" (S1308), which will be described later, and ends the liquid supply / drainage operation flow. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1307 is not the "replenishment supply operation" (S1307: NO), the control unit 100b determines that the liquid supply / drainage mode is the "liquid discharge operation," and causes the liquid deposition unit 31 to execute the "liquid discharge operation" (S1309), which will be described later, and ends the liquid supply / drainage operation flow.

[0126] Details of the "filling supply control," "top-up supply control," and "liquid discharge control" as controls corresponding to the liquid supply / drain mode (each of the above liquid supply / drain operations) selected based on the determination results of steps S1305 and S1307 will be described later.

[0127] Next, we will explain the control method for selecting the optimal liquid supply / drainage mode for each step of the pressure binding process involving liquid application from multiple liquid supply / drainage modes set corresponding to multiple steps of the pressure binding process involving liquid application when performing operations that can be performed by the post-processing device 3, for example, pressure binding using the pressure bonding unit 32 involving liquid application.

[0128] FIG. 17 illustrates the correspondence between the operating status of post-processing device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing operating status") when post-processing device 3 performs liquid supply / drainage operation and the liquid supply / drainage mode selected accordingly.

[0129] For example, the "post-processing operation status" is classified into "when post-processing device starts" (which corresponds to when post-processing device 3 is started, such as when post-processing device 3 is turned on or when returning from energy saving mode), "when pressure binding process starts," "when pressure binding process ends," and "when in standby mode."

[0130] It should be noted that the "pressure binding process" in the "start of the pressure binding process" and "end of the pressure binding process" refers to a pressure binding process that involves application of liquid.

[0131] At the timing when the pressure binding process is started in the post-processing device 3, such as "when the post-processing device is started" or "when the pressure binding process starts," the "filling and supplying operation" is selected as the liquid supply and draining mode. For example, if the pressure binding process involving liquid application is performed many times and it is desired to shorten the waiting time until the liquid application becomes possible, the filling and supplying operation is also performed when the post-processing device 3 is started. Also, if the pressure binding process involving liquid application is performed infrequently and it is desired to prevent evaporation of the liquid while the edge binding processing unit 25 is not operating, the filling and supplying operation is performed each time the pressure binding process involving liquid application starts.

[0132] When "at the end of the press binding process" or "during standby," the "replenishment supply operation" is selected as the liquid supply / drainage mode. For example, when the press binding process involving liquid application is completed, the replenishment supply operation is performed to supply liquid in the next press binding process involving liquid application. The replenishment supply operation is an operation performed for the purpose of supplying (replenishing) the first liquid storage tank 44 with the amount of liquid consumed by the liquid application in the completed press binding process involving liquid application. The replenishment supply operation is also performed to shorten the waiting time until the start of liquid application in the next press binding process involving liquid application. Furthermore, when the standby state of the post-processing device 3 continues for a predetermined time and the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 evaporates, the replenishment supply operation is also performed for the purpose of supplying (replenishing) the first liquid storage tank 44 with the amount of liquid lost due to the evaporation.

[0133] In addition to the above, the user may select a liquid supply / drain mode via the operation panel 110 provided on the image forming device 2 and / or post-processing device 3, thereby allowing the user to manually selectively perform the above-mentioned filling / supply operation and replenishment / supply operation.

[0134] [Filling and feeding operation] Next, an overview of the filling / supplying operation, which is one of the liquid supply / draining modes, will be described with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18(A) illustrates an example state in which the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty of liquid. From this state, liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 to change to the state shown in Figure 18(B). At this time, liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. Note that the liquid level when the first liquid level sensor 43 detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44) is referred to as the "reference liquid level."

[0135] Thereafter, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up by the effect of capillary action by the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level (see FIG. 18(C)). Once the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 has dropped, the liquid supply pump 46 again executes the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 as necessary in order to return the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the reference liquid level once again (see FIG. 18(D)).

[0136] In this embodiment, an electrode sensor is used as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43, but the present invention is not limited to this and other methods may be used. For example, a float sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used to detect the presence or absence of liquid. Furthermore, the first liquid level sensor 43 may be any sensor that can detect the presence or absence of liquid (amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44, and may detect the liquid level (liquid surface) by detecting the presence or absence of liquid (amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0137] Furthermore, when an electrode sensor is used as the first liquid level sensor 43, constantly passing (applying) electricity to the pair of electrodes raises concerns that electrolytic corrosion may occur in the metal used for the electrodes. Furthermore, because a voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, 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 100b controls the timing of energizing the first liquid level sensor 43 so that, rather than constantly energizing the first liquid level sensor 43, it energizes (turns on) only when detecting the amount (level) of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0138] [Control flow of filling supply operation] 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of a filling and supplying operation (hereinafter referred to as a "filling and supplying control flow"), which is an example of a liquid supplying operation executed by the control unit 100b. The filling and supplying operation is executed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the pressure binding process involving the application of liquid is started, as shown in FIG.

[0139] When the post-processing device 3 is started, the filling and supplying control flow is initiated. When the filling and supplying control flow is initiated, the image forming device 2 issues a liquid presence / absence check request to the control unit 100b (S1601). The liquid presence / absence check request may be based on information input by the user from the operation panel 110 provided on the image forming device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the liquid presence / absence check request from the image forming device 2, the control unit 100b applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns on the power) (S1602).

[0140] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) (S1603). The determination of whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) is made based on whether or not the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold). For example, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sufficient (S1603: YES). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off power) (S1604), displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1605), and ends the filling / supply control flow.

[0141] On the other hand, in step S1603, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1603: NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1606).

[0142] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold) (S1607). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 (S1607: YES). On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1607: NO), the control unit 100b determines whether the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1606) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1616). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1616: NO), the control unit 100b continues to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1607: YES).

[0143] On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1616: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the device (such as a failure of the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43), and executes error stop processing to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or turn off power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1618).Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1619), and then ends the filling / supply control flow.

[0144] In step S1607, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1607: YES), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 to stop the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1608).Then, the control unit 100b stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power supply) (S1609).

[0145] Thereafter, the filling / supply control flow is temporarily stopped (S1610) until the liquid supply member 50 has absorbed the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 by capillary action or the like, and a waiting time (first predetermined time T0 [sec]) has elapsed, which is the time until the liquid application member 501 is ready to apply the liquid (a state in which the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 is sufficiently filled with liquid).

[0146] Then, after the first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, the control unit 100b again turns on the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1611), obtains the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines the presence or absence of liquid (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1612). At this stage, the liquid level (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops due to the suction of the liquid supply member 50. However, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1612: YES), the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power) (S1604). Then, the control unit 100b displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1605), and ends the filling / supply control flow.

[0147] On the other hand, in step S1612, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1612: NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1613).

[0148] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) (S1614). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1614: YES), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44. In this case, the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 to stop the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1615). Then, the control unit 100b stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off power) (S1604), displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1605), and ends the filling / supply control flow.

[0149] On the other hand, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1614: NO), the control unit 100b determines (S1617) whether the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1613) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1617: NO), the control unit 100b continues supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1614: YES).

[0150] On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1617: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the device, and executes error stop processing to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or turn off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1618). Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1619), and then ends the filling / supply control flow. Note that the "abnormality notification" may be, for example, a warning displayed on the operation panel 110 to prompt the user to check the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43 because they may be malfunctioning.

[0151] By executing the filling and supplying control flow described above, it is possible to stably ensure a constant amount of liquid that can be supplied by the liquid supplying member 501 to the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid supplying member 501. As a result, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46, thereby improving the efficiency of the liquid supplying process.

[0152] Next, the relationship between the filling and supply control flow described in Fig. 19 and the filling operation, which is an example of the liquid supply operation described in Fig. 18, will be described. First, in the state shown in Fig. 18(A) ("When post-processing device is started" in Fig. 17), the control unit 100b turns on the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1602), acquires the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines the presence or absence of liquid (the amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1603). At this stage, the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty, so the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1). Therefore, the control unit 100b determines that the state inside the first liquid storage tank 44 is "no liquid" (S1603: NO), and drives the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1606). Then, when the state shown in FIG. 18(B) is reached, the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1607: YES), so the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 (S1608) and then turns off the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1609).

[0153] 18(C), when a first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, which is set in advance as the time required for the liquid supply member 50 to draw up the liquid and reach a state where the liquid dispensing member 501 can dispense the liquid, the control unit 100b again turns on the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1611). At this stage, a predetermined amount of liquid has been drawn up from the first liquid storage tank 44 into the liquid supply member 50 by the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases, and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level, so that the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1612: NO).

[0154] Therefore, the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 again (S1613) and continues supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1614: YES). When the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 (S1615) and then turns off the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1604). As a result, as shown in FIG. 18(D), the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sufficiently stored throughout the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid dispensing member 501, and the control unit 100b causes the operation panel 110 to display a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete (S1605).

[0155] As described above, the "filling and supplying operation" is a liquid supply and draining mode that is executed when liquid is applied by the liquid application unit 31. That is, in order to stably apply a constant amount of liquid to the paper P, it is necessary that a constant amount of liquid is always stored in the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501.

[0156] However, when the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty, such as when the post-processing device 3 is started up, and the first liquid level sensor 43 cannot detect liquid (see FIG. 18(A)), it is necessary to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 so that the liquid level (storage amount) of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is equal to or higher than the reference liquid level. The same applies when the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases due to the liquid deposition operation of the liquid deposition unit 31 (liquid deposition member 501) onto the paper P, and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level (see FIG. 18(C)). In other words, it is necessary to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 so that the liquid level (storage amount) of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is equal to or higher than the reference liquid level. The liquid supply / drain mode in which the liquid supply pump 46 supplies the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 is the "filling / supplying operation."

[0157] [Top-up supply operation] Next, the top-up supply operation, which is one of the liquid supply / drainage modes, will be described. Figure 20 shows an overview of the top-up supply operation.

[0158] The top-up supply operation is a liquid supply / drainage mode in which, when the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is consumed by the liquid deposition by the liquid deposition unit 31 onto the paper P and the liquid level (amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops below the reference liquid level, the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In this case, when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches a level at which the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect the liquid, the liquid supply pump 46 is operated to supply the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the reference liquid level).

[0159] The filling supply operation already described is a liquid supply operation for replenishing liquid to the liquid supply member 50 when the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 has dropped and it is necessary to refill the liquid to the liquid supply member 50 (when there is insufficient liquid to be used for liquid deposition). On the other hand, the top-up supply operation is a liquid supply operation for supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 when liquid is held in the liquid supply member 50 (when there is sufficient liquid to be used for liquid deposition). That is, it is assumed that the liquid level (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 has been filled to a reference liquid level or higher (see FIG. 18(D)), but as a result of the liquid being consumed by liquid deposition, the liquid level (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 has dropped to below the reference liquid level (see FIG. 20(A)). In this case, the liquid supply pump 46 is operated to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, so that the liquid level (amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44 again becomes equal to or exceeds the reference liquid level, as shown in Fig. 20(B). That is, this is a liquid supply / drainage mode in which the liquid supply pump 46 supplies liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 as the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is consumed by adding the liquid.

[0160] [Control flow of top-up supply operation] 21 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of a replenishment operation (hereinafter referred to as a "replenishment control flow"), which is an example of a liquid supply operation executed by the control unit 100b. As shown in FIG. 17, the replenishment operation is executed when the pressure binding process by the pressure bonding unit 32, which involves applying liquid, is completed or when the post-processing device 3 is on standby (such as when the edge binding processing unit 25 is not operating).

[0161] For example, when the crimping unit 32 completes the crimping binding process, which involves applying liquid, the replenishment supply control flow is initiated. When the replenishment supply control flow is initiated, the image forming apparatus 2 issues a liquid presence / absence check request to the control unit 100b (S1801). The liquid presence / absence check request may be based on information input by the user from the operation panel 110 provided on the image forming apparatus 2 and / or post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the liquid presence / absence check request from the image forming apparatus 2, the control unit 100b applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns on the power) (S1802).

[0162] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the output value output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) (S1803). The determination of whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) is made based on whether or not the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold). For example, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sufficient (S1803: YES). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off power) (S1807), displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1808), and ends the top-up supply control flow.

[0163] On the other hand, in step S1803, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1803: NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1804).

[0164] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold) (S1805). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 (S1805: YES). The control unit 100b then stops the liquid supply pump 46 to stop the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1806). The control unit 100b then stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (power OFF) (S1807), displays a notification that preparation for liquid addition is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1808), and ends the top-up supply control flow.

[0165] On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1805: NO), the control unit 100b determines (S1809) whether the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1804) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1809: NO), the control unit 100b continues supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage V1) (S1805: YES).

[0166] On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1809: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the device, and executes error stop processing to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or turn off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1810). Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1811), and then ends the top-up supply control flow. Note that the "abnormality notification" is the same as that described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0167] [Standby supply operation control flow] Next, the control flow for the standby supply operation (hereinafter referred to as the "standby supply control flow") will be described with reference to Figure 22. In the post-processing device 3, when the above-described liquid application and liquid supply operations are performed periodically, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is maintained at an appropriate level. However, if the liquid application and / or liquid supply operations are not performed for an extended period of time, the liquid may evaporate, reducing the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 or causing the first liquid storage tank 44 to become empty.

[0168] As already explained, the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501 are made of a liquid-absorbing material such as a sponge. Therefore, if the first liquid storage tank 44 is left empty for a long period of time, the absorbent material will dry out. Once the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501 (liquid-absorbing material) has dried out, even if liquid is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 again, it will take a considerable amount of time for the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid application member 501 to complete absorbing the liquid. As a result, the user's waiting time increases, and user convenience decreases. Furthermore, if a binding process involving liquid application (press binding process and / or staple binding process) is performed before the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid application member 501 completes absorbing the liquid, the liquid application to the sheets P will be insufficient, resulting in poor binding and potentially reduced binding quality.

[0169] Therefore, when a liquid supplying operation has not been performed for a certain period of time (during standby), the liquid supplying operation is performed periodically in preparation for the next pressure binding process involving liquid application, thereby preventing the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid application member 501 from drying out. This reduces the time it takes for the liquid application process by the liquid application unit 31 to start in the next pressure binding process involving liquid application. This reduces the user's waiting time, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce binding defects caused by insufficient liquid application to the sheets P due to the binding operation involving liquid application (pressure binding process and / or staple binding process) being performed before the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid application member 501 has completed absorbing the liquid, thereby improving binding quality.

[0170] 22 is a flowchart illustrating the standby supply control flow. When the standby supply control flow starts, the control unit 100b counts the time that has elapsed since the end of a liquid supply operation such as a filling supply operation or a top-up supply operation (hereinafter referred to as the "time that has elapsed since the liquid supply operation") and monitors whether the time that has elapsed since the liquid supply operation has elapsed a second predetermined time (T2 [sec]) as an elapsed time (S1901). The monitoring continues until the time that has elapsed since the liquid supply operation has elapsed the second predetermined time T2 (S1901: NO).

[0171] When the time elapsed since the liquid supply operation has reached the second predetermined time T2 (S1901: YES), the control unit 100b executes the replenishment supply control flow, which controls the replenishment supply operation as described above (S1902), and then terminates the standby supply control flow. If any liquid supply operation is performed while the timer is counting, the timer is reset. The second predetermined time T2 is set to the time it takes for the first liquid storage tank 44 to become empty when left without a liquid supply operation, taking into account the properties of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, etc.

[0172] [Liquid discharge operation and control flow of liquid discharge operation] Next, liquid discharge control when controlling a liquid discharge operation that can be performed in post-processing device 3 will be described. FIG. 23 is a diagram that provides an overview of the liquid discharge operation, which is one of the liquid supply and drainage modes. FIG. 24 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of the control flow of the liquid discharge operation ("liquid discharge control flow"). Here, the "liquid discharge operation" refers to the liquid supply pump 46 supplying the liquid stored in first liquid storage tank 44 to second liquid storage tank 47. In other words, it refers to the liquid being supplied in the opposite direction to the liquid supply direction in the liquid supply operation described above.

[0173] When the post-processing device 3 is in use, the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply member 50, and / or the liquid application member 501 are filled with liquid, but it may be necessary to perform an operation to empty the first liquid storage tank 44 (the above-mentioned "liquid draining operation") to prevent liquid leakage from the first liquid storage tank 44 when the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501 are removed for maintenance work, or to prevent contamination with liquid when the post-processing device 3 is not used for an extended period of time. In such cases, for example, the liquid draining operation is performed.

[0174] When the "liquid discharge operation" is selected as the liquid supply / drain mode, the liquid discharge control flow is initiated. When the liquid discharge control flow is initiated, the control unit 100b drives (reversely rotates) the liquid supply pump 46 for a predetermined time (Tr [sec]) (S2101) to draw up liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 (see FIG. 23(A)). As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sent to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, and the liquid is discharged from the first liquid storage tank 44, leaving the first liquid storage tank 44 empty (see FIG. 23(B)). The predetermined time Tr, which is the operating time of the liquid supply pump 46, is set, for example, to a time period during which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 is sufficiently discharged. Then, the control unit 100b drives (reversely rotates) the liquid supply pump 46 for the predetermined time Tr, and then ends the liquid discharge control flow.

[0175] The "liquid discharge operation" as a liquid supply / drainage mode may be executed by a user's arbitrary selection on the operation screen of the operation panel 110 as shown in Fig. 25. Furthermore, the user can also arbitrarily issue a command to execute a "filling supply operation" or a "top-up supply operation" as a liquid supply / drainage mode via the operation panel 110.

[0176] In the above description, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 is provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2, as shown in Fig. 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 46(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 46(B), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0177] 47(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 may be divided into a control unit 100b1 (for example, a drive system (motor, etc.)) and a control unit 100b2 (a detection system (sensor, etc.)) based on function, and only the control unit 100b2 of one of the post-processing devices 3 may be provided on the image forming device 2 side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 47(B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3 provided on the image forming device 2 side may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming device 2.

[0178] [Embodiment of Detachable Configuration of Second Reservoir] Next, the detachable configuration of the second reservoir unit included in the media processing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the configuration that allows a second reservoir tank 47 as an embodiment of the second reservoir unit to be detachably attached to the post-processing device 3.

[0179] The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachable from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 which serves as a liquid storage tray. The second liquid storage tank 47 includes a tank part 472 which serves as a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid used for liquid application and to be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44, a cap part 473, and a second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. The cap part 473 is detachable from the tank part 472 and is configured to allow liquid to be supplied from a liquid outlet 471a provided in the tank part 472. The cap part 473 is configured to fit into a cap insertion hole 961 which the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 has.

[0180] When the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases due to the addition of liquid, liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. When the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 decreases due to this supply of liquid and liquid needs to be replenished (supplied), the tank part 472 is removed from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the cap part 473 is removed from the tank part 472, and the liquid is replenished into the tank part 472 through the liquid outlet 471a (see FIG. 26(A)).

[0181] Thereafter, when the liquid discharge port 471a is closed with the cap portion 473 and the tank portion 472 is set to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, the cap portion 473 fits into the cap insertion hole 961. Through this series of operations, the liquid is stored in the liquid storage tray 96 that serves as the liquid storage tray of the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, and the liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tray 96 to the liquid supply path 45.

[0182] [Configuration of liquid supply valve 471] Next, the configuration of the liquid supply valve 471 provided in the second liquid storage tank 47 will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27(A) illustrates a state in which the tank part 472 is detached from the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 and the liquid supply valve 471 is closed. Fig. 27(B) illustrates a state in which the tank part 472 is attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 and the liquid supply valve 471 is open.

[0183] 27, a liquid supply valve 471 is provided on the cap portion 473. The liquid supply valve 471 is biased by a cap spring 4711 in a direction from the inside to the outside of the tank portion 472. Therefore, when the tank portion 472 is detached from the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, the liquid supply valve 471 is in a state in which it blocks the liquid discharge port 471a due to the biasing force Fc (see the arrow in FIG. 24(A)) of the cap spring 4711.

[0184] When the tank part 472 is set in the second storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid supply valve 471 is pushed up against the biasing force Fc of the cap spring 4711, and the liquid discharge port 471a is opened, so that the liquid flows from the opening (liquid discharge port 471a) of the cap part 473 to the storage tray 96 of the second storage tank fixing part 61. A notch is provided at the tip of the cap part 473, and the liquid level in the second storage tank fixing part 61 can be kept constant.

[0185] [Locking mechanism of the second liquid storage tank 47 (locking claw type)] Next, a description will be given of a configuration that allows easy operation and reliable attachment and detachment when removing the second storage tank 47 from the second storage tank fixing part 61 and when fixing the second storage tank 47 to the second storage tank fixing part 61. The second storage tank 47 according to this embodiment includes a locking mechanism 95, as shown in FIG. 26, as a configuration that makes it easy to attach and detach the tank part 472.

[0186] Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the locking mechanism 95 according to this embodiment. Figure 28(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the tank part 472 has been removed from the second storage tank fixing part 61, as viewed from above. Figure 28(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the tank part 472 has been removed from the second storage tank fixing part 61, as viewed from a side. Figure 28(C) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the tank part 472 has been attached to the second storage tank fixing part 61, as viewed from above. Figure 28(D) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the tank part 472 has been attached to the second storage tank fixing part 61, as viewed from a side.

[0187] As already explained, the liquid supply valve 471 is biased in the closing direction by the biasing force Fc of the cap spring 4711. When the tank part 472 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the tip of the liquid supply valve 471 presses the liquid storage tray 96 of the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. That is, a reaction force Fc' that is generated by the biasing force Fc of the cap spring 4711 acts on the second liquid storage tank 47 in a direction that pushes up the second liquid storage tank 47 (see FIGS. 27(B) and 28(D)).

[0188] The locking mechanism 95 of the second liquid storage tank 47 includes a locking claw 951 (engagement portion), a lock release lever 952 (disengagement member), and a lock spring 953 (biasing member). The locking claw 951 and the lock release lever 952 are biased by a biasing force Fs of the lock spring 953 that acts in a direction that causes the locking claw 951 to jump out (see FIGS. 28B and 28D). Therefore, when sliding the lock release lever 952, the user slides it in the direction opposite to the biasing force Fs of the lock spring 953, and when the user releases the sliding force, the locking claw 951 automatically slides in the direction of the biasing force Fs of the lock spring 953.

[0189] 28(A) to 28(D), when attaching the tank part 472 to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the locking claw 951 is inserted by the biasing force Fs of the locking spring 953 toward the locking hole 971 provided in the main body side plate 72, which is part of the device housing of the post-processing device 3 (see FIGS. 28(C) and 28(D)). As a result, the locking claw 951 engages with the locking hole 971, and the position of the tank part 472 in the attachment / detachment direction (vertical direction) is restricted.

[0190] When pulling out the second storage tank 47, the user slides the unlock lever 952 in the direction opposite to the biasing force Fs of the lock spring 953 (see the arrow in FIGS. 28A and 28B) to retract the lock claw 951 from the lock hole 971, thereby disengaging the lock. Then, the user can remove the tank part 472 by pulling it out of the second storage tank fixing part 61 while holding the upper part of the tank part 472 and maintaining the unlocked state.

[0191] [Example of Lock Claw 951 shape] Next, examples of the shape of the lock claw 951 will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figures 29(A) to (C) are diagrams showing the relationship between the lock claw 951 and the lock hole 971 when the lock claw 951 is engaged with the lock hole 971 as shown in Figures 28(C) and (D) and the position of the tank part 472 in the attachment / detachment direction is restricted.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 26(A), the overall shape of the locking claw 951 may have a horizontal surface in the sliding direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 29). However, in this case, since the weight of the tank portion 472 itself is light, as the liquid W stored in the tank portion 472 decreases, the reaction force Fc' in the direction pushing up the second liquid storage tank 47 increases. On the other hand, from the perspective of improving operability for the user, it is desirable that the biasing force Fs of the locking spring 953 be small (the minimum magnitude that can maintain the engagement between the locking claw 951 and the locking hole 971). Therefore, for example, if the locking claw 951 is deformed by the reaction force Fc' in the direction pushing up the second liquid storage tank 47, the locking claw 951 may easily come out of the locking hole 971.

[0193] 29(B), the overall shape of the protruding portion of the locking claw 951 may be inclined with an upwardly inclined surface relative to the main body. In this case, it is desirable that the inner surface of the locking hole 971, which abuts against the upwardly inclined surface of the protruding portion of the locking claw 951, also have a similarly inclined surface. By shaping the locking claw 951 and the locking hole 971 as shown in FIG. 29(B), even if the reaction force Fc' in the direction pushing up the second liquid storage tank 47 increases due to a decrease in the liquid W stored in the tank portion 472 as described above, deformation of the locking claw 951 is suppressed, and the force attempting to pull the locking claw 951 out of the locking hole 971 due to the inclined surface can be made smaller than the biasing force Fs of the locking spring 953. As a result, the inclined surface of the locking claw 951 is caught in the locking hole 971, making it difficult to pull out.

[0194] 29(C), the tip of the protruding portion of locking claw 951 may be provided with an inclined portion that protrudes upward relative to the sliding direction of the main body. In this case, it is also desirable that the inner surface of locking hole 971 that abuts against the upper surface of the protruding portion of locking claw 951 has a similar shape. By configuring locking claw 951 and locking hole 971 as shown in FIG. 29(C), the inclined portion of locking claw 951 is more firmly hooked onto locking hole 971, making it even more difficult for locking claw 951 to come out of locking hole 971 than in FIG. 29(B).

[0195] [Guide mechanism for second liquid storage tank 47] Next, a guide mechanism that regulates the position of the second storage tank 47 in the front-rear and left-right directions will be described. Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism of the second storage tank 47. Fig. 30(A) is a diagram showing the tank section 472 attached to the second storage tank fixing section 61 as viewed from above. Fig. 30(B) is a cross-sectional view of the tank section 472 attached to the second storage tank fixing section 61 as viewed from the direction of arrow A at the cross section taken along the dashed dotted line in Fig. 30(A). Fig. 30(C) is a diagram illustrating the correlation between the height of the tank section 472 and the height of the guide section 97 serving as the guide mechanism.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 30 , the second storage tank fixing part 61 is provided with a storage tray 96 that stores liquid spilled from the second storage tank 47, and a guide part 97 that guides and holds the tank part 472 when it is attached or detached. When the tank part 472 is to be detached from the second storage tank fixing part 61 (when attaching or detaching), the tank part 472 is lifted so as to be pulled out along the guide part 97. That is, when the tank part 472 is detached from the second storage tank fixing part 61 to replenish the liquid, the left-right position when pulled up along the guide part 97 is restricted. That is, the guide part 97 is configured to restrict the position of the tank part 472 in the attachment / detachment direction. This configuration prevents the tank part 472 from wobbling in a direction different from the attachment / detachment direction, for example, in the left-right direction. By restricting the position of the tank part 472 in the attachment / detachment direction and preventing the tank part 472 from wobbling when the user pulls out the tank part 472, the user can easily pull out the tank part 472.

[0197] If the height of the guide portion 97 as a wall portion is too low compared to the height of the tank portion 472, when the tank portion 472 is attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, it is expected that the tank portion 472 will not maintain an upright position relative to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 and will fall over, resulting in an unstable posture. If the tank portion 472 falls over, problems such as the locking claw 951 coming off will occur.

[0198] 30(C), in consideration of ease of attachment and detachment and stability of tank portion 472, it is desirable that the lower limit of the height dimension (guide height b) of guide portion 97 be from 1 / 2 (approximately half) to more than 1 / 2 of the height dimension (tank height a) of tank portion 472. In addition, in consideration of operability, it is desirable that the upper limit of guide height b be set so as to be lower than lock mechanism 95 attached to the upper surface of tank portion 472.

[0199] Furthermore, the tank portion 472 may be entirely or partially transparent or translucent so that the amount of liquid inside the tank portion 472 can be visually confirmed. In this case, if the height of the guide portion 97 is increased, the side surface of the tank portion 472 cannot be visually confirmed when the tank portion 472 is set in the second liquid-storage-tank fixing portion 61, making it difficult to confirm the amount of liquid. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30(C), a confirmation window 972 may be provided in the guide portion 97 as a window-like portion (visualization portion) so that the amount of liquid inside the tank portion 472 can be visually confirmed from the outside. This makes it possible to directly visually confirm the content of the tank portion 472 through the confirmation window 972.

[0200] [First Modification of Locking Mechanism 95] Next, modified examples of the locking mechanism 95 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 31(A) is a diagram showing the locked state of the locking mechanism 95a according to this embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 31(B) is a cross-sectional view of the locked state of the locking mechanism 95a according to this embodiment as viewed from the direction of arrow A at the cross section taken along the dashed dotted line in Fig. 31(A) . Fig. 31(C) is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 95a according to this embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 31(D) is a cross-sectional view of the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 95a according to this embodiment as viewed from the direction of arrow A at the cross section taken along the dashed dotted line in Fig. 31(C) .

[0201] 31 includes a lock plate 951a (engagement portion) instead of the lock claw 951. The lock plate 951a is provided slidably in the left-right direction on the ceiling portion of the liquid storage tray 96, which is part of the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61. The lock plate 951a is biased by an elastic member 951b so as to protrude in a direction that narrows the radial gap of a bottle insertion hole 9111 provided in the ceiling portion of the liquid storage tray 96, which is part of the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61. Therefore, when a force is applied to the lock plate 951a in a direction that resists the bias on the lock plate 951a, the elastic member 951b contracts, and the lock plate 951a retracts in a direction that widens the gap of the bottle insertion hole 9111.

[0202] A plate engaging portion 4731a (engaged portion) that engages with the lock plate 951a and the ceiling portion of the liquid storage tray 96 is provided on the side of the cap portion 473a to which the tank portion 472 is attached. The plate engaging portion 4731a is a convex or concave portion. The lock plate 951a is inserted into the plate engaging portion 4731a, and the entire tank portion 472 moves in the insertion direction, thereby restricting the position of the cap portion 473a in the attachment / detachment direction. This restricts the position of the tank portion 472 in the attachment / detachment direction.

[0203] When the tank part 472 is inserted into the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the lock plate 951a is pushed by the plate engaging part 4731a of the cap part 473a and moves in the retracting direction. When the tank part 472 is set all the way in, the lock plate 951a overcomes the convex shape of the plate engaging part 4731a and enters a locked state.

[0204] The lock plate 951a is provided with an interlocking unlocking lever 952, and by operating and retracting the lock release lever 952, the tank portion 472 can be pulled out.

[0205] [Second Modification of Locking Mechanism] Next, another modified example of the locking mechanism 95 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 32 is a side view of the locking state of the locking mechanism 95b according to this example. The locking mechanism 95b has a so-called "snap-fit" configuration.

[0206] A cap protrusion 4731b (protrusion) is provided on the side surface of the cap portion 473 attached to the protruding portion of the tank portion 472. In addition, a tray protrusion 962 (protrusion) is provided on the outer periphery of a hole in a portion where the cap portion 473 is fitted, the hole being provided on the liquid storage tray 96 of the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61. Either or both of the cap portion 473 and the liquid storage tray 96 are made of an elastic material (such as resin).

[0207] That is, by making either or both of the cap convex portions 4731b as the two locking-shaped portions and the tray convex portions 962 as the two protrusion-shaped portions elastic, when the tank portion 472 is fitted into the liquid storage tray 96 and pushed in, it deforms and the cap convex portions 4731b reach a position where they exceed the tray convex portions 962. When the cap convex portions 4731b pass through the tray convex portions 962 and fit into the opening, the position of the tank portion 472 in the attachment / detachment direction is regulated.

[0208] Furthermore, when removing the tank portion 472b from the liquid storage tray 96, no action is required to unlock it; by simply pulling the tank portion 472b upward, the elasticity of the cap protrusion 4731b will allow it to pass over the tray protrusion 962, and it can be removed and inserted as is.

[0209] [Third Modification of Locking Mechanism] Next, another modified example of the locking mechanism 95 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 33 illustrates an example of the operation of the locking mechanism 95c according to this embodiment, with Figure 33(A) being a top view and Figure 33(B) being a side view. The locking mechanism 95c is a so-called rotation lock type, and secures the tank portion 472 to the liquid storage tray 96 by engaging a bottle protrusion 4721c (protrusion-like engaging portion) provided on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the tank portion 472 with a locking shape 961c (protrusion-like engaged portion) provided on the liquid storage tray 96.

[0210] 33, bottle protrusions 4721c constituting the locking mechanism 95c are provided at multiple locations (at least two locations) on the outer peripheral surface of the tank portion 472. Furthermore, locking shapes 961c are provided on the outer surface of the top surface of the liquid storage tray 96, each having a protrusion shape, so that the bottle protrusions 4721c are inserted from the rotation direction of the tank portion 472. With the cap portion 473 attached to the tank portion 472, the tank portion 472 is inserted to a position where it is fixed to the second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61, and the tank portion 472 is rotated in the circumferential direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 33(A)), whereby the bottle protrusions 4721c are inserted into the locking shapes 961c.

[0211] This restricts movement in the attachment / detachment direction of tank part 472. When removing tank part 472, by rotating tank part 472 counterclockwise in Figure 33(A), the engagement between bottle protrusion part 4721c and locking shape 961c is released, thereby releasing the locked state.

[0212] [First Modification of Second Storage Tank Fixing Portion 61] Next, a first modified example of the second storage tank fixing part 61 will be described. As shown in Fig. 34, the second storage tank fixing part 61 has a filter 6112 provided at the liquid supply port 6111. The liquid stored in the second storage tank fixing part 61 is supplied to the liquid applying member 501 through the liquid supply path 45 via the liquid supply port 6111 of the second storage tank fixing part 61. If contaminants get into the liquid supply path 45, the liquid supply path 45 will be clogged, making it impossible to supply liquid, and causing other malfunctions. Therefore, a filter 6112 is provided upstream (at the inlet) of the liquid supply port 6111 of the second storage tank fixing part 61 to prevent contaminants from flowing into the liquid supply path 45.

[0213] [Second Modification of Second Storage Tank Fixing Portion 61] Next, a second modified example of the second storage tank fixing part 61 will be described. As shown in Fig. 35, a tray liquid level detection sensor 6113 is provided to detect the liquid level in the storage tray 96 of the second storage tank fixing part 61, and monitors the presence or absence of liquid supplied from the second storage tank 47. When it is determined that the tank part 472 has become empty and no liquid is being supplied to the second storage tank fixing part 61, a message may be displayed on the operation panel 110 urging the user to replenish the liquid.

[0214] Figure 36 shows a case where parallel binding is performed at multiple locations across the width of the paper stack Pb in a "parallel binding position" (first binding position) in which the longitudinal direction (i.e., long side) of the tip of each of the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a, 32b, and liquid application member 501 is aligned with the main scanning direction.

[0215] First, before the paper P is transported to the internal tray 22, the end binding processing unit 25 is moved from the standby position HP in Figure 36(A) to the first liquid application position B1 shown in Figure 36(B) so that the liquid application unit 31 is positioned at the first liquid application position B1.

[0216] Then, when alignment of the paper sheet P supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction and the transport direction is complete, the liquid deposition unit 31 located at the first liquid deposition position B1 deposits liquid onto the paper sheet P. When liquid deposition at the first liquid deposition position B1 is complete, the liquid deposition unit 31 moves to the second liquid deposition position B2, as shown in Figure 36(C). Then, when the movement is complete, liquid deposition is performed on the paper sheet P at the second liquid deposition position B2.

[0217] Then, the liquid application process shown in Figures 36(B) and 36(C) described above is repeatedly performed until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches a predetermined number (the number of sheets that make up the sheet stack Pb).

[0218] Thereafter, when the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches a predetermined number and the liquid application process is completed, the edge binding processing unit 25 is moved in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding unit 32 is located at the second binding position B2, as shown in FIG. 36(D). Then, when the movement is completed, the pressure bonding unit 32 performs pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb at the second binding position B2. When the pressure binding at the second binding position B2 is completed, the edge binding processing unit 25 is moved in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding unit 32 is located at the first binding position B1, as shown in FIG. 36(E). Then, when the movement is completed, the pressure bonding unit 32 performs pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb at the first binding position B1.

[0219] Then, when the pressure binding process at the first binding position B1 is completed, the edge binding processing unit 25 is moved to the standby position HP in FIG. 36(A) to finish the binding process.

[0220] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which one liquid applicator 31 and one pressure-bonding portion 32 were provided, but the number of liquid applicators 31 and pressure-bonding portions 32 is not limited to this. As another example, two liquid applicators 31L, 31R and two pressure-bonding portions 32L, 32R may be provided.

[0221] According to the embodiment described above, the liquid supply control is performed according to the state of the liquid storage unit in the post-processing device 3, thereby appropriately maintaining the liquid in the liquid storage unit. In other words, the liquid supply operation to the liquid storage unit is controlled according to the operating status of the post-processing device 3. As a result, the binding quality can be improved by stably supplying liquid to the liquid application unit. Furthermore, since the time required for the pressure binding operation can be shortened, the user's waiting time can be optimized, thereby improving user convenience.

[0222] [Second embodiment of post-processing device 3] Next, a post-processing device 3A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 45. Note that components common to the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0223] Unlike the end binding processing unit 25 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, which is provided with both the liquid application unit 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32, the end binding processing unit 251 of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment is provided with only the pressure-bonding unit 32', and the liquid application unit 131 is provided upstream of the conveyance path. This allows a predetermined number of sheets P to be pre-stacked after the liquid application process and conveyed to the pressure-bonding unit 32' of the end binding processing unit 251 provided downstream, thereby improving the productivity of the binding process in the pressure-bonding unit 32'.

[0224] Furthermore, the direction in which the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 convey the paper P is opposite to the "conveying direction" defined above, and is therefore defined as the "reverse conveying direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the reverse conveying direction and the thickness direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)." Furthermore, the position (liquid application position) where liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper stack Pb by the liquid application unit 131 corresponds to the binding position where the pressure bonding unit 32' is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position and the binding position are denoted by the same reference numeral (B1).

[0225] Fig. 37 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 38, the end binding processing unit 251 is equipped with only a pressure bonding unit 32'. The pressure bonding unit 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are arranged downstream in the transport direction from the internal tray 22. Furthermore, the pressure bonding unit 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0226] Furthermore, the crimping unit 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping unit rotation shaft 340 and a staple binding means rotation shaft 84 that extend in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. In other words, the crimping unit 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 can bind the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction and at any angle, such as diagonal corner binding, parallel one-point binding, or parallel two-point binding.

[0227] The crimping unit 32' binds the paper stack Pb by applying pressure and deforming the paper stack Pb with the concave and convex upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b (hereinafter referred to as "crimp binding"). On the other hand, the staple binding processing unit 156 can staple the paper stack Pb by passing staples through the binding positions of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0228] Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram of the pressure bonding unit 32' as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in Fig. 38, the pressure bonding unit 32' and the stapling processing unit 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The pressure bonding unit 32' is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The pressure bonding unit 32' is also configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a pressure bonding unit rotation shaft 340 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0229] Similarly, the stapling processing unit 156 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper-sheet bundle Pb. The stapling processing unit 156 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a stapling means rotation shaft 84 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper-sheet bundle Pb. The other configurations of the stapling processing unit 156 are the same as those of the stapling processing unit 155 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 9), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 39, the pressure bonding unit 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The pressure bonding unit 32' is equipped with a pressure bonding unit movement motor 238 as a drive source. Furthermore, a base member 48 supporting the pressure bonding frame 32c has a fastening portion 48b at its bottom for connecting to a timing belt 240c. As a result, the driving force of the pressure bonding unit movement motor 238 is transmitted to the base member 48 by a drive transmission mechanism 240 including pulleys 240a and 240b, the timing belt 240c, and the fastening portion 48b, whereby the pressure bonding 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). Furthermore, a pressure bonding unit rotation shaft 340 including a drive transmission gear 340a is fixed to the bottom surface of the pressure bonding frame 32c, which holds the components of the pressure bonding unit 32'.

[0231] The pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on a base member 48 on which the pressure-bonding frame 32c is provided. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with an output gear 239a of a pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 239. The driving force of the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 239 is transmitted to the pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a, causing the pressure-bonding unit 32' to rotate in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 around the pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The guide rail 337, the pressure-bonding unit movement motor 238, the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 239, the pressure-bonding unit rotation shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of a drive mechanism for the pressure-bonding unit 32'.

[0232] The pressure-bonding unit 32' is configured to be movable between a standby position HP2 shown in Fig. 38(A) and a position facing the first binding position B1 shown in Fig. 38(B) and Fig. 38(C). The standby position HP2 is a position offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The first binding position B1 is a position on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the first binding position B1 is not limited to the example in Fig. 38, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the end on the downstream side in the transport direction of the sheets P, and there may be multiple positions.

[0233] The crimping portion 32' changes its posture between a parallel binding posture shown in Fig. 38(B) and a diagonal binding posture shown in Fig. 38(C). That is, the crimping portion 32' is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping portion rotation shaft 340. Here, the parallel binding posture is a posture of the crimping portion 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) are oriented in the main scanning direction. The diagonal binding posture is a posture of the crimping portion 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimping binding marks) are inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0234] In addition, the rotation angle in the diagonal binding position (the angle of the upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b relative to the main scanning direction) is not limited to the example in Figure 38 (C), and can be any angle as long as the upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b face the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0235] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid deposition unit 131 and a punch hole forming means 132 (processing unit). The liquid deposition unit 131 and the punch hole forming means 132 are arranged upstream in the reverse conveyance direction from the internal tray 22. The liquid deposition unit 131 and the punch hole forming means 132 are arranged offset in the reverse conveyance direction at positions where they can simultaneously face one sheet of paper P conveyed by pairs of conveyance rollers 10 to 19.

[0236] The liquid deposition unit 131 and the hole punching means 132 according to this embodiment are disposed between the pair of conveying rollers 10, 11. However, the location of the liquid deposition unit 131 is not limited to the example in FIG. 37. For example, if an inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in FIG. 45, the liquid deposition unit 131 can also be provided in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing device 3A. An example of the inserter 6 is a device that can feed preprinted media, which is transported to the post-processing device 3A together with the paper P transported from the image forming device 2, as a cover, an insert sheet, or an interleaf sheet without passing through the image forming device 2.

[0237] 40(A), the conveyance roller pair 11 is disposed at a position that does not overlap in the main scanning direction with the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application unit 131. This is to prevent a decrease in the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 due to the multiple roller pairs pressing against the first liquid application position B1 when the conveyance roller pair 11 conveys the sheet P. As a result, when the sheet P reaches the pressure bonding unit 32' provided downstream of the liquid application unit 131 in the reverse conveyance direction, the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 is sufficient 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 first liquid application position B1 (corresponding to the first binding position B1) during the conveyance process.

[0238] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs that make up the conveying roller pair 11 in positions that do not overlap with the first 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.

[0239] Although only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, it is preferable that the multiple roller pairs that make up the transport roller pairs 14-15 are also arranged in positions that do not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 on the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0240] The liquid application unit 131 applies liquid (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application") to the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. The punch hole punching means 132 punches holes through the paper sheet P in the thickness direction, the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. Note that the processing unit provided adjacent to the liquid application unit 131 is not limited to the punch hole punching means 132, and may be a skew correction unit that corrects the skew of the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0241] Figure 40 is a view of liquid deposition section 131 according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of paper P. Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Figure 40. Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 40. As shown in Figures 40 to 42, liquid deposition section 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b, endless circular belts 135, 136, a liquid deposition section movement motor 137, a standby position sensor 138, and a liquid deposition unit 140.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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 in forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0244] The endless circular belt 135 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. The endless circular belt 135 is connected to the liquid deposition unit 140 by a connection part 135a. 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 unit movement motor 137. The liquid deposition unit movement motor 137 generates a drive force for moving the liquid deposition unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0245] Rotation of the liquid deposition unit 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 deposition unit 140 to move in one direction in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Switching the rotation direction of the liquid deposition unit movement motor 137 also causes the liquid deposition unit 140 to move in the opposite direction to the one direction in the main scanning direction.

[0246] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid deposition unit 140 has reached a standby position HP1 (see FIG. 40) in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b (see FIG. 43), 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.

[0247] 41, 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.

[0248] As shown in Figures 40 to 42, the liquid dispensing unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a liquid dispensing head moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, a pressure plate 148, coil springs 149a, 149b, a dispensing head rotating motor 150, a dispensing head moving motor 151 (see Figure 43), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 43).

[0249] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is connected to the endless circular belt 135 by a connecting portion 135a. The base member 141 also supports components 142 to 152 of the liquid deposition unit 140.

[0250] The rotating bracket 142 is attached to the underside of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis that extends in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 rotates in forward and reverse directions relative to the base member 141 by transmitting the driving force of a liquid dispensing head rotating motor 150. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 142 holds a liquid storage tank 143, liquid dispensing head moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, columnar members 147a, 147b, a pressing plate 148, and coil springs 149a, 149b.

[0251] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 43) 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 100b. 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.

[0252] 40(A) shows the rotating bracket 142 in a state where the pressure-bonding unit 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs parallel binding. Also, the rotating bracket 142 in FIG. 40(B) shows the rotating bracket 142 in a state where the pressure-bonding unit 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0253] The liquid storage tank 143 stores liquid to be applied to the paper P. The liquid application head moving means 144 is attached to the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable (for example, vertically movable) in the thickness direction of the paper P. Furthermore, the liquid application head moving means 144 moves in the thickness direction of the paper P relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by transmitting the driving force of the application head moving motor 151. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the liquid application head moving means 144. The liquid application head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 towards the conveyance path (downward in this embodiment). Furthermore, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Furthermore, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge or fiber).

[0254] 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 in a direction away from the holding member 145.

[0255] As shown in FIGS. 41A and 42A, 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 first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 10, 11 stops at a position facing the opening, the application head moving motor 151 is rotated in a first direction. As a result, the liquid application head moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a, 147b, the pressure plate 148, and the coil springs 149a, 149b move downward as a unit, and the pressure plate 148 comes into contact with the sheet P. The first liquid application position B1 is the position (i.e., the first binding position B1) where the sheet P is to be pressure-bound by the edge binding processing unit 251 (i.e., the pressure bonding unit 32′).

[0256] Then, by continuing to rotate the liquid dispensing head moving motor 151 in the first direction after the pressing plate 148 has come into contact with the paper sheet P, the coil springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the liquid dispensing head 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. 41(B) and 42(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.

[0257] 41(C) and 42(C), by further rotating the liquid dispensing head movement motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid dispensing head 146 can be pressed even more firmly against the paper sheet P. This increases the amount of liquid dispensed onto the paper sheet P. In other words, the liquid dispensing unit 131 can adjust the amount of liquid dispensed by changing the pressing force of the liquid dispensing head 146 onto the paper sheet P.

[0258] On the other hand, by rotating the liquid dispensing head moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the liquid dispensing head moving 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 41(A) and 42(A), the liquid dispensing head 146 and pressure plate 148 move away from the paper P. In other words, the liquid dispensing unit 131 includes a liquid dispensing head 146 that can be detached from the paper P.

[0259] Fig. 43 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of post-processing device 3A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 43, post-processing device 3A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b (control means) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3A.

[0262] I / F 105 is an interface that connects the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressure-bonding unit movement motor 238, the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit movement motor 137, the application head rotation motor 150, the application head 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.

[0263] Through the I / F 105, the control unit 100b controls the operations of the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the pressure bonding unit movement motor 238, the pressure bonding unit rotation motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application unit movement motor 137, the application head rotation motor 150, the application head movement motor 151, and the punch hole punching means 132. In addition, the control unit 100b acquires the detection results of the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105.

[0264] Note that Figure 43 mainly illustrates the components of the end binding processing unit 251 (pressing unit 32') and the liquid application unit 131 that perform the end binding process, but the components of the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that perform the saddle stitching process are also similarly controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 45, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. The post-processing device 3A may also be provided with an operation panel 110 similar to the above.

[0266] 44 is a flowchart of post-processing by the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 44 is a flowchart when the one-point binding process shown in FIG.

[0267] The control unit 100b executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 44 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 of sheets Np"), the number of copies of the sheet stack Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as a "required number of copies Mp"), the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1), the angle of the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the angle of the first liquid application position B1), the type of binding (parallel binding, diagonal binding), and a process to be executed in parallel with the liquid application process (perforation of punch holes in this embodiment). At the start of the post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned at the standby position HP1 (see FIG. 40), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0268] First, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 (corresponding to the liquid application unit) in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 from the standby position HP1 to a position where it can face the first liquid application position B1 (see FIG. 40(B) ; a position corresponding to the first binding position B1 in FIG. 38). Furthermore, if the type of binding process specified in the post-processing instruction is "diagonal binding process," the control unit 100b drives the application head rotation motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application head 146 from the standby angle to a liquid application angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S801). The fact that the liquid application head 146 has reached the position and liquid application angle where it can face the first liquid application position B1 can be determined by pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application unit movement motor 137 and the application head rotation motor 150. It should be noted that when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the above-described operation of rotating the rotating bracket 142. In other words, the liquid deposition unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0269] Furthermore, the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit movement motor 238 to move the crimping unit 32' from the standby position HP2 to a position where the crimping unit 32' can face the first binding position B1, as shown in FIGS. 38(A) and 38(B) (S801). Furthermore, when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding process," the control unit 100b drives the crimping unit rotation motor 239 to rotate the crimping unit 32' from the standby angle to a crimping binding angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S801). It can be recognized from pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping unit movement motor 238 and the crimping unit rotation motor 239 that the crimping unit 32' has reached the position where it can face the first binding position B1 and the crimping binding angle. Note that when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping unit 32' described above. That is, the pressure-bonding portion 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0270] Next, the control unit 100b drives the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 to start transporting the sheet P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 (S802). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P does not face the liquid application unit 140 (S803: No), the control unit 100b continues transporting the sheet P by the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 until the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (S803: Yes). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100b stops transport of the sheet P by the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S804). The fact that the first liquid application position B1 of 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 and 11.

[0271] The control unit 100b executes a process of applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 on the paper sheet P by the liquid application unit 140 (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100b rotates the application head movement motor 151 in a first direction, thereby bringing the liquid application head 146 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 on the paper sheet P. The control unit 100b also changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the amount of rotation of the application head movement motor 151) depending on the amount of liquid applied to the paper sheet P.

[0272] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P may be the same for all the paper P constituting the paper stack Pb, or may be different for each paper P. For example, the control unit 100b may apply less liquid to the paper P that is transported later. The rotation amount of the application head movement motor 151 can be determined by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the application head movement motor 151.

[0273] Next, the control unit 100b drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the internal tray 22 (S806). The control unit 100b also executes a so-called jogging process, which aligns the position of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction by moving the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction (S806).

[0274] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np specified in the post-processing instruction (S807). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number Np (S807: No), it repeats the processes of steps S802 to S807 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S807: Yes).

[0275] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np (S807: Yes), it causes the pressure bonding unit 32' to pressure-bind the sheet bundle Pb including the sheets P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 140 at the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1 of the sheets P) (S808). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the conveyance roller pair 15 to eject the pressure-bound sheet bundle Pb onto the second ejection tray 26 (S808).

[0276] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of copies of the sheet stack Pb discharged onto the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies Mp indicated in the post-processing instruction (S809). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the discharged sheet stack Pb has not reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: No), it repeats the processes of steps S802 to S809 until the number of copies of the discharged sheet stack Pb reaches the required number of copies Mp (S809: Yes).

[0277] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: Yes), it drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to a standby position HP1 (see FIG. 40), and drives the pressure bonding unit movement motor 238 to move the pressure bonding unit 32' to a standby position HP2 (see FIG. 38) (S810). Furthermore, when the posture instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application head rotation motor 150 and the pressure bonding unit rotation motor 239 to rotate the liquid application unit 140 and the pressure bonding unit 32' to the parallel binding posture (standby angle) (S810). On the other hand, when the posture instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the operation of rotating the liquid application unit 140 and the pressure bonding unit 32' to the parallel binding posture (standby angle) is omitted. In steps S801 and S810, the order in which the liquid application unit 140 and the pressure bonding portion 32' are moved in the main scanning direction and rotated in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be the reverse of the order described above.

[0278] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the end binding processing unit 25 that executes the end binding process, but also to the saddle stitching processing unit 28 that executes the saddle stitching process.

[0279] 37 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A is provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2, as in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side, as in FIG. 46(A). Furthermore, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2, as in FIG. 46(B).

[0280] 47(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may be divided into a control unit 100b1 (for example, a drive system (motor, etc.)) and a control unit 100b2 (a detection system (sensor, etc.)) by function, and the control unit 100b2 of one of the post-processing devices 3A may be provided on the image forming device 2 side. Furthermore, as in FIG. 47(B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3A provided on the image forming device 2 side may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming device 2.

[0281] As already explained, the control method by the control unit 100b 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 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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> a liquid application unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a first liquid storage section that stores a liquid used for liquid deposition by the liquid deposition section; a second reservoir configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the first reservoir; a liquid supply unit that performs a liquid supply operation to supply the liquid from the second liquid storage unit to the first liquid storage unit; Equipped with The second liquid storage section is a liquid storage tray connected to the liquid supply means; a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid and is detachable from the liquid storage tray; a locking mechanism that regulates the position of the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray; The media processing device is characterized by comprising: <2> The locking mechanism is an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the device housing; an engagement release member that releases the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion; a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion, The engagement portion is disengaged from the engaged portion by moving the engagement portion in a direction against the biasing force of the biasing member using the disengaging member. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <3> The engaging portion has a shape having a horizontal surface along the direction and a sloped surface continuing to the horizontal surface, or a shape having a slope with respect to the direction. The aforementioned <2> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <4> the liquid storage tray has a guide mechanism that guides the liquid storage tank in an attachment / detachment direction when the liquid storage tank is attached or detached, the guide mechanism includes a wall portion having a height equal to or greater than approximately half the height of the liquid storage tank, The guide mechanism is located lower than the lock mechanism. The aforementioned <1> and the above <3> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <5> The wall portion has a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray to be visually recognized. have, The aforementioned <4> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <6> The locking mechanism is an engagement portion provided on the liquid storage tray; an engaged portion provided on the liquid storage tank and engaged with the engaging portion; a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion, When the liquid storage tank is attached to the liquid storage tray, the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion by the biasing member, thereby restricting the position of the liquid storage tank. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <7> The locking mechanism is a protrusion provided on each of the liquid storage tank and the liquid storage tray; When the liquid storage tank is attached to the liquid storage tray, the convex portions come into contact with each other, and at least one of the liquid storage tank and the liquid storage tray is elastically deformed, and the convex portions pass each other, thereby engaging with each other, thereby regulating the position of the liquid storage tank. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <8> The locking mechanism is At least two protruding engagement portions provided on the outer periphery of the liquid storage tank; and at least two protruding engaged portions provided on the liquid storage tray, After the liquid storage tank is inserted into the liquid storage tray, the liquid storage tank is rotated to engage the protruding engaging portion with the protruding engaged portion, thereby regulating the position of the liquid storage tank. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <9> the liquid storage tray has a liquid supply port connected to the liquid supply means; a filter for filtering the liquid provided upstream of the liquid supply port; The aforementioned <1> and the above <8> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <10> The liquid storage tray is provided with a liquid detection means for detecting the stored liquid. The aforementioned <1> and the above <9> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <11> an image forming device for forming an image on the medium; The method of press-binding a plurality of the media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus. <1> and the above <9> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming system is characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0284] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 43: First liquid level sensor 44: First storage tank 45: Liquid supply path 46: Liquid supply pump 47: Second storage tank 72: Main body side panel 95: Locking mechanism 97: Guide section 100a: control unit 471:Liquid supply valve 471a:Liquid outlet 472: Tank section 473: Cap part 951: Locking claw (engagement part) 951a: Lock plate (engagement part) 952: Lock release lever (disengagement member) 953: Lock spring (biasing member) 961: Cap insertion hole 961c: Lock shape (protruding engaged part) 962: Tray protrusion (protrusion) 962b: Lock shape 971: Lock hole (engaged part) 972: Confirmation window (visibility part) 4711: Cap spring 4721c: Bottle protrusion (protrusion-shaped engagement part) 4731a: Plate engaging part (engaged part) 4731b: Cap convex part (convex part) 6111:Liquid supply port 6112 : Filter 6113: Tray liquid level detection sensor 9111: Bottle insertion hole [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0285] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-026605

Claims

1. a liquid application unit that applies liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a first liquid storage section configured to store a liquid used for liquid deposition by the liquid deposition section; a second reservoir configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the first reservoir; a liquid supply unit that performs a liquid supply operation to supply the liquid from the second liquid storage unit to the first liquid storage unit; Equipped with The second liquid storage section is a liquid storage tray connected to the liquid supply means; a liquid storage tank that stores the liquid and is detachable from the liquid storage tray; a locking mechanism that regulates the position of the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray; A media processing device comprising:

2. The locking mechanism is an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the device housing; an engagement release member that releases the engagement between the engaged portion and the engaging portion; a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion, The engagement portion is disengaged from the engaged portion by moving the engagement portion in a direction against the biasing force of the biasing member using the disengaging member. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. The engaging portion has a shape having a horizontal surface along the direction and a sloped surface continuing to the horizontal surface, or a shape having a slope with respect to the direction. The media processing device of claim 2 .

4. the liquid storage tray has a guide mechanism that guides the liquid storage tank in an attachment / detachment direction when the liquid storage tank is attached or detached, the guide mechanism includes a wall portion having a height equal to or greater than approximately half the height of the liquid storage tank, The guide mechanism is located lower than the lock mechanism. The media processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the wall surface portion has a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid storage tank attached to the liquid storage tray to be visually recognized; The media processing device of claim 4 .

6. The locking mechanism is an engagement portion provided on the liquid storage tray; an engaged portion provided on the liquid storage tank and engaged with the engaging portion; a biasing member that biases the engaging portion toward the engaged portion, When the liquid storage tank is attached to the liquid storage tray, the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion by the biasing member, thereby restricting the position of the liquid storage tank. The media processing device of claim 1 .

7. The locking mechanism is a protrusion provided on each of the liquid storage tank and the liquid storage tray; When the liquid storage tank is attached to the liquid storage tray, the convex portions come into contact with each other, and at least one of the liquid storage tank and the liquid storage tray is elastically deformed, and the convex portions pass each other, thereby engaging with each other, thereby regulating the position of the liquid storage tank. The media processing device of claim 1 .

8. The locking mechanism is At least two protruding engagement portions provided on the outer periphery of the liquid storage tank; and at least two protruding engaged portions provided on the liquid storage tray, After the liquid storage tank is inserted into the liquid storage tray, the liquid storage tank is rotated to engage the protruding engaging portion with the protruding engaged portion, thereby regulating the position of the liquid storage tank. The media processing device of claim 1 .

9. the liquid storage tray has a liquid supply port connected to the liquid supply means; a filter for filtering the liquid provided upstream of the liquid supply port; The media processing device of claim 1 .

10. The liquid storage tray is provided with a liquid detection means for detecting the stored liquid. The media processing device of claim 1 .

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

Images