Medium processing device and image formation system

Abstract

To provide a medium processing device which enables reduction of a time period that elapses before a liquid penetrates through an entire area of a supply member.SOLUTION: A medium processing device includes: liquid application means which applies a liquid to a part of at least one medium; post-processing means which performs processing to a medium bundle including the at least one medium to which the liquid is applied by the liquid application means; a first liquid storage part which stores the liquid to be used by the liquid application means for application of the liquid; a second liquid storage part which stores the liquid to be supplied to the first liquid storage part; liquid supply means which supplies the liquid to the first liquid storage part from the second liquid storage part; first liquid detection means which detects a liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage part; and control means which controls an operation of the post-processing means and the liquid supply means. The control means changes, according to a liquid residual quantity of the first liquid storage part, a liquid supply stop liquid level in a liquid supply operation to be conducted by the liquid supply means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are known media processing devices that bind stacks of sheet-like media. Known 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 penetrate the sheet stack, and a "pressure binding process" that binds the sheet stack by applying pressure and deforming a portion of the sheet stack.

[0003] When applying liquid to paper as a sheet-like medium during pressure binding, a configuration has been disclosed that adjusts the amount of liquid applied to the medium in order to obtain an appropriate binding force (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not solve the problem that if the liquid in the tank that supplies the liquid is empty, it takes time for the supply member that applies the liquid to the paper to become immersed in the liquid in order to apply the liquid to the paper.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a media processing device that reduces the time it takes for the entire supply member to be immersed in liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing device comprising a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one piece of media, a post-processing means for processing a media bundle including at least one piece of media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, a first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used for liquid application by the liquid application means, a second liquid storage section for storing the liquid to be supplied to the first liquid storage section, a liquid supply means for supplying the liquid from the second liquid storage section to the first liquid storage section, a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage section, and a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing means and the liquid supply means, wherein the control means changes the liquid supply stop level in the liquid supply operation to be performed by the liquid supply means depending on the remaining liquid amount in the first liquid storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for the entire area of ​​the supply member to be immersed in liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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 applying means 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 section. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the stapling processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the staple binding processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detachable configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a binding process by an edge binding processing unit. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating positions of a liquid applying unit and a pressure bonding unit during binding processing by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating positions of a liquid applying unit and a pressure bonding unit during binding processing by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating correspondence between post-processing operation states and liquid supply / drain modes according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a positional supply operation at the time of starting up the post-processing device, etc. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a positional supply operation. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a positional supply operation. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a positional supply operation. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of an overall control process including a liquid supply and drainage operation according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart of a job preparation liquid supply operation control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the liquid level in the first liquid storage portion during the job preparation liquid supply operation. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of post-job liquid supply operation control processing according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the binding process by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a liquid discharge operation, which is one of the liquid supply and drainage modes according to the embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart of a control process for a liquid discharge operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 26] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the post-processing device. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 11 is a view of the internal tray according to the second embodiment, seen from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 31] 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 32] FIG. 11 is a view of a liquid applying unit according to a second embodiment, viewed from the thickness direction of a sheet of paper. [Figure 33] 32. A cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. [Figure 34] 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 32. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart of post-processing by a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment of Image Forming System 1] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has a function of forming an image on paper P, which is a type of sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function of 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 serving as a media processing device having a post-processing function according to the present invention.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and discharges the sheet P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 includes a storage tray 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.

[0012] 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 various post-processing operations on the sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. One type of post-processing operation according to this embodiment is a binding operation known as a "pressure binding operation" 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 operation according to this embodiment is a binding operation known as a "staple binding operation" in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (a sheet stack) is bound using staples.

[0013] Hereinafter, the stack of sheets P will be referred to as a "sheet stack Pb" as a medium stack. In this embodiment, the liquid application process performed when performing pressure binding processing will be mainly described. However, the liquid application process performed in connection with staple binding processing is similar. In addition, in the following description, when the term "binding processing" is used, it is intended to include both the "pressure binding processing" and the "staple binding processing."

[0014] More specifically, the "pressure binding process" according to this embodiment is a process of applying pressure to a binding position corresponding to a portion of the paper stack Pb, thereby deforming (pressure deforming) the binding position and entangling the fibers of the overlapping paper sheets P, thereby binding the paper sheets P together. As a result of this pressure binding process, some of the overlapping portions of the paper sheets P become bound together, forming a single paper stack Pb. This pressure binding process will be referred to as "pressure binding" below.

[0015] The binding processes (including both pressure binding and staple binding) 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.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section) and a switching member 20. The conveyance roller pairs 10-19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10-13 convey the paper P along a first conveyance path Ph1. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3. Furthermore, a punch hole punching means 132 that punches the paper conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11 is disposed between the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0017] 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 pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the second discharge tray 26 through the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the third discharge tray 30.

[0018] 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 through the pair of transport rollers 11, the pair of transport rollers 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the sheet P to the third transport path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 also includes multiple sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The multiple sensors are indicated by solid triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 as a loading tray, an end fence 23 for edge binding, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge binding processing unit 25, a staple binding processing unit 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23 for edge binding, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge binding processing unit 25, and the staple binding processing unit 155 perform edge binding processing on a sheet bundle Pb made up of a plurality of sheets P transported on the second transport path Ph2.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Of the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, the sheet bundle Pb that has been edge-stitched is discharged to the second discharge tray 26. Hereinafter, the direction from the conveying roller pair 15 toward the edge-stitching end fence 23 is defined as the "conveying direction" of the sheets P. That is, in this specification, the "conveying direction" corresponds to the direction in which the sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 are moved toward the second discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 10 and then moved toward the edge-stitching end fence 23 by the conveying roller pair 15. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the conveying direction of the sheets P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheets P)."

[0023] 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 for edge binding aligns the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L, 24R align the position of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The 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 for edge binding and the side fences 24L, 24R. Then, the transport roller pair 15 discharges the sheet bundle Pb that has been edge-stitched onto the second discharge tray 26.

[0024] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 further includes a saddle-stitching end fence 27, a saddle-stitching processing section 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a third discharge tray 30. The saddle-stitching end fence 27, the saddle-stitching processing section 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle-stitching processing on a paper stack Pb made up of a plurality of paper sheets P transported along the third transport path Ph3. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, the paper stack Pb that has been saddle-stitched is discharged to the third discharge tray 30.

[0025] The saddle stitching end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveyance direction of multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence along the third conveyance path Ph3. The saddle stitching end fence 27 is configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the sheet stack Pb faces the saddle stitching processing unit 28, and a folding position where the center faces the paper folding blade 29. The saddle stitching processing unit 28 stitches the center of the sheet stack Pb aligned by the saddle stitching end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the sheet stack Pb placed on the saddle stitching 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.

[0026] The post-processing device 3 also includes a first liquid storage tank 44 (first liquid storage section) and a liquid supply member 50 in the edge stitching processing section 25. The first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 are not shown in FIG. 2. The post-processing device 3 also includes a liquid supply path 45, a liquid supply pump 46 (liquid supply means), a second liquid storage tank 47 (part of the second liquid storage section), and a second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 (part of the second liquid storage section) as components for replenishing liquid to 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 part 61, the liquid supply pump 46, and the liquid supply path 45.

[0027] [Explanation of the edge binding processing unit 25] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25, which performs a liquid application process and a pressure binding process, as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25 as seen from the liquid application means 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the edge binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application means 31 that performs a liquid application process, and a pressure bonding means 32 that is an example of a post-processing means and serves as a pressure binding means. The liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0028] The liquid application means 31 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the application of liquid by the liquid application means 31 to the paper P or paper stack Pb, and the operation of the liquid application means 31 when applying the liquid, will be referred to as "liquid application." Furthermore, the liquid application operation of the liquid application means 31 that involves control processing will be referred to as "liquid application processing."

[0029] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 as the liquid used 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 state does not matter, and it may be so-called warm water or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water, and purified water may of course contain ionized salts. The metal ion content also does not matter, and the hardness may range from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[0030] 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."

[0031] 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.

[0032] 3 and 4, the liquid applicator 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 stitching unit movement motor 55. The liquid applicator 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 applicator movement mechanism 35. The components of the liquid applicator 31 (the lower pressure plate 33, the upper pressure plate 34, and the liquid applicator movement mechanism 35) are held by a liquid applicator frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0033] 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 meshed 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.

[0034] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged 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. In other words, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction"), sandwiching the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 therebetween. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through hole 34a formed therein that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the liquid dispensing member 501 (one end of the liquid supply member 50 (liquid-absorbing) described later, which corresponds to the tip portion) held via a holding portion 37 attached to the base plate 40.

[0035] The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, base plate 40, holding unit 37, liquid application member 501, liquid supply member 50, and first liquid storage tank 44 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application unit movement mechanism 35 according to this embodiment moves the upper pressure plate 34, base plate 40, holding unit 37, liquid application member 501, liquid supply member 50, and first liquid storage tank 44 in a coordinated manner 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.

[0036] 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 supported by 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.

[0037] 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 the 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.

[0038] The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 around the tip of the liquid applying member 501 toward the upper pressure plate 34. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at their tips on the lower pressure plate 33 side. The tips 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. The coil springs 42a and 42b are inserted around the pillar-shaped 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 pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressure plate 33 with respect to the base plate 40.

[0039] The liquid applying means 31 applies liquid to the paper sheet P or paper sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applying means 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper sheet bundle Pb by bringing the liquid applying member 501 into contact with the paper sheet P or the paper sheet bundle Pb.

[0040] The liquid applying means 31 includes a first liquid level sensor 43 (first liquid detection means), a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid applying member 501, a liquid supply member 50, and a holding portion 37. The first liquid storage tank 44 stores liquid for applying to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. 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 connected to the base plate 40 via the holding portion 37.

[0041] The liquid applying member 501, the liquid supply member 50 (liquid absorbing) that is placed so as to be in close contact with the liquid applying 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 applying 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 sucks up the liquid and supplies it to the liquid applying member 501. The liquid applying member 501 and the liquid supply member 50 are made of a material (for example, sponge or fiber) that has a high liquid absorption rate, such as an elastic resin formed with open cells.

[0042] Although the above description has been given of the case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are separate bodies, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 can also be configured as an integrated unit using a material with high liquid absorption. In other words, the liquid applying member 501 can 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 applying member 501 by capillary action.

[0043] Further, the edge stitching processing unit 25 is provided with a second liquid storage tank 47. The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachable from the edge stitching processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3 (see FIG. 12). 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 posture to a second liquid storage tank fixing portion 61 (part of the second liquid storage portion).

[0044] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 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 means 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 process that includes liquid deposition by the liquid deposition means 31.

[0045] 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. 10). When this setting detection sensor 51 detects that the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61 (see FIG. 12(C)), a signal notifying this is sent to the control unit 100b. In this way, the control unit 100b is configured to be able to detect whether the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61 or not.

[0046] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected via a liquid supply path 45. A liquid supply pump 46 is provided near the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. When this liquid supply pump 46 operates, liquid 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 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.

[0047] 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 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, by controlling 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, the amount of liquid replenished to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be adjusted, and the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be controlled to be kept constant.

[0048] [Configuration of crimping means 32] As shown in FIG. 3, the crimping means 32 as a post-processing means applies pressure to at least a portion of the sheet stack Pb to which liquid has been applied by the liquid applying means 31 (i.e., the liquid application position) using the concave and convex upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b, deforming the sheet stack Pb and binding the sheets P of this portion together. In other words, the crimping means 32 can bind the sheet stack Pb without using staples. The components of the crimping means 32 (upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b) are provided on a crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, the act of deforming and binding a predetermined position of the sheet stack Pb by the crimping means 32 will be simply referred to as "crimping binding." Furthermore, the crimping binding operation of the crimping means 32, which involves control processing, will be referred to as "crimping binding process."

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressing means 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the pressing means 32 includes upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b. The upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb, sandwiching the sheet stack Pb supported by the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b are formed unevenly with alternating concave and convex portions. The upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b are also formed with their concave and convex portions offset from each other so as to mesh with each other. The upper pressing teeth 32a and lower pressing teeth 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor 32d (see FIG. 8).

[0050] 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 supported by 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.

[0051] The configuration of the crimping means 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 that rotates forward only or forward and reverse and a link mechanism. 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.

[0052] 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 applying 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. 8).

[0053] The liquid applicator 31 and the pressure-bonding device 32 are attached to the base member 48 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 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, 49b. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116 and holds the base member 48 movably in the main scanning direction. As shown in FIG. 4 , the guide rail 115 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction. The guide rail 115 has a fitted portion 115a that fits with a scanning roller 48a rotatably provided on the base member 48 across the main scanning direction. In other words, the base member 48 is held movably in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116 by the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115.

[0054] 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 applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49.

[0055] 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 liquid application position B1 (first binding position B1) and the second liquid application position B2 (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.

[0056] The post-processing device 3 also includes a standby position sensor 540 (e.g., a light-blocking optical sensor; see FIG. 8) that detects that the edge binding processing unit 25 has reached a standby position HP (see FIG. 12A), and an encoder sensor 541 (see FIG. 8) 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 the 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 3, a crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping means 32 has a crimping means rotation shaft 54 ​​equipped with a drive transmission gear 54a fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping means rotation shaft 54 ​​and the drive transmission gear 54a are rotatably supported 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 means rotation motor 56. The crimping means 32 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 about the crimping means rotation shaft 54 ​​as the driving force of the crimping means rotation motor 56 is transmitted to the crimping means rotation shaft 54 ​​via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a.

[0059] Although the end binding processing unit 25 has been described as having a configuration in which the pressing means 32 and the liquid application means 31 are integrally configured and move along the guide shaft 49, this is not limited to this, and the pressing means 32 and the liquid application means 31 may each move independently.

[0060] [Configuration 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. 6 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.

[0061] The staple binding means 62 serving as post-processing means has a configuration for performing so-called "staple binding processing," which is to bind the paper stack Pb using staples. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 has a staple binding unit drive motor 62d (see FIG. 8) that drives the staple binding unit 62a. The staple binding unit 62a then staples the paper stack Pb by causing staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a to penetrate the paper stack Pb using the driving force of the staple binding unit drive motor 62d. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] 6, 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 sheets P or sheet bundle 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 device 62.

[0063] 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 a staple binding means 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 means rotation motor 82 being transmitted to the staple binding means rotation shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a.

[0064] 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.

[0065] [Configuration of Modified Example of Stapling Processing Unit 155] 7 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 applying device 612. As shown in FIG. 7, the stapling processing unit 155' includes the second liquid applying device 612 and the stapling device 62. The second liquid applying device 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.

[0066] The second liquid applicator 612 applies the liquid stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb supported by the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the second liquid applicator 612 applies the liquid to the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb corresponds to the binding position where the stapler 62 is to perform staple binding. As shown in FIG. 7 , the second liquid applicator 612 includes a second lower pressure plate 63, a second upper pressure plate 64, a second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid applicator mechanism 66. The second liquid applicator moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid applicator moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 711a, 711b, and second coil springs 721a, 721b.

[0067] 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 means 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 of the stapling processing unit 155 shown in FIG. 6, so a detailed description will be omitted. The rotation mechanism of the second liquid dispensing means 612 (liquid dispensing means rotation motor 563, output gear 563a, drive transmission gear 562a, liquid dispensing means rotation shaft 562) is the same as that of the liquid dispensing means 31 shown in FIG. 3, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0068] 7, 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.

[0069] [Configuration of control block of post-processing device 3] Next, the control block configuration of post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram for executing control processing in post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 8, 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] I / F 105 is an interface that connects pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, 15, switching member 20, side fences 24L, 24R, contact / separation motor 32d, pressure bonding means rotation motor 56, liquid application section movement motor 42, liquid application means rotation motor 563, end stitching processing section movement motor 55, staple binding section drive motor 62d, staple binding means rotation motor 82, staple binding processing section movement motor 80, liquid supply pump 46, movement sensor 40a, first liquid level sensor 43, second liquid level sensor 94, set detection sensor 51, standby position sensor 540, encoder sensor 541, cover opening / closing detection sensor 542, and operation panel 110 to common bus 109.

[0073] 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 means rotation motor 56, the liquid applicator movement motor 42, the liquid applicator rotation motor 563, the edge stitching processing unit movement motor 55, the stapling unit drive motor 62d, the stapling means 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, the encoder sensor 541, and the cover open / close detection sensor 542. Note that while Figure 8 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 unit 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 pressure bonding 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.

[0077] Furthermore, the staple binding processing unit 155' has been described as having a configuration in which the staple binding means 62 and the second liquid application means 612 are configured integrally and move along the guide shaft 49, but this is not limited to this, and the staple binding means 62 and the second liquid application means 612 may each move independently.

[0078] [Configuration of second 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 Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as a main tank. Figure 9(A) illustrates an example of the arrangement and configuration of the post-processing device 3 with the opening / closing cover 71 open. Figure 9(B) is a cross-sectional side view of the post-processing device 3, illustrating an example of the state in which the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is closed. As shown in Figure 9(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is installed in a position that can be accessed when the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is opened. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(B), the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 are arranged on the front side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing device 3.

[0079] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are disposed at 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 disposed and the positions where the first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are disposed. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is attached to the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3.

[0080] 10 illustrates an example in which the second liquid storage tank 47 is detachably attached to 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. 10(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 so that liquid can be refilled into the first liquid storage tank 44. As shown in FIG. 10(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.

[0081] 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. 10(C)), a signal informing 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.

[0082] 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 of liquid L stored therein. 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, making it possible to detect the presence or absence (liquid level) of liquid in the second storage tank fixing part 61.

[0083] Furthermore, when the second liquid storage tank 47 is not set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 (unset state), the liquid outlet 471a is blocked by the liquid supply valve 471, preventing leakage of the liquid L. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(C), when the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid supply valve 471 is pushed up and the liquid outlet 471a of the second liquid storage tank 47 is opened, causing the liquid L to flow out from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. As a result, the liquid L stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 flows out into the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. The liquid L flowing out from the second liquid storage tank 47 is stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61.

[0084] During maintenance of the post-treatment device 3 or as a measure to prevent the liquid L from freezing, a "liquid draining process" may be performed to drain the liquid L from the post-treatment device 3. In the liquid draining process, the liquid L 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 via the liquid supply path 45 to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is set to a capacity that can store the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45.

[0085] 10(B) and 10(C), a drain plug 611 is provided on the second storage tank fixing part 61. After the liquid supply pump 46 has fed the liquid L remaining in the first storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 in the reverse direction to the second storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid L stored in the second storage tank fixing part 61 can be discharged to the outside of the post-processing device 3 by opening the drain plug 611.

[0086] [Binding process explanation] Next, the flow of the binding process executed in the end binding processing unit 25 provided in the post-processing device 3 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart when one-point binding processing is executed. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the transition of the position of the end binding processing unit 25 (liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32) during execution of one-point binding processing. Note that Fig. 12 does not show changes in the attitude of the liquid application unit 31 and pressure bonding unit 32. Furthermore, the position (liquid application position) where liquid is applied to the sheet P or 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).

[0087] The control unit 100b starts the binding process shown in FIG. 11, 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.

[0088] The binding processing instructions include, for example, the type of paper P (including information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets of paper P that make up the paper stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as the ``predetermined number of sheets N''), the number of copies of 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.

[0089] In addition, as shown in Figure 12 (A), at the start of the binding process, the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are in a parallel binding posture and are positioned at a standby position HP, which is a position widthwise offset from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0090] First, when the posture instructed in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotation motor 563 and the pressure bonding means rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 that constitute the edge binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture (S1101). Note that, when the posture is the "diagonal binding posture," it is also possible to rotate only the pressure bonding means 32 to the diagonal binding posture, and not rotate the liquid application means 31 in the forward or reverse direction. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to when both the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are rotated in the forward or reverse direction, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, downsizing the device, and reducing equipment failures.

[0091] 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 means 31 and the crimping means 32 that constitute the above-mentioned end binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture.

[0092] 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 means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 instructed in the binding processing instruction (S1101). Note that the control unit 100b executes the process of step S1101 before the first sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0093] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the pairs of conveying rollers 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 (S1102). The control unit 100b also executes a so-called jogging process, which aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by moving the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction (S1102).

[0094] 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 S1102, based on the liquid applicator control data adjusted in advance (S1103). 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. 12(B)). In the liquid applicator process in step S1103, 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.

[0095] 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 (S1104). 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 (S1104: No), the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S1104: Yes). That is, the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 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 bundle Pb, but also to only some of the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb.

[0096] 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 (S1104: Yes), as shown in Figure 12 (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 pressing means 32 faces the first binding position B1 (S1105).

[0097] 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 (S1106). 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 (S1107). 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.

[0098] 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 S1106 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 S1103. In other words, the pressure-bonding unit 32 pressure-bonds and binds the area on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-application unit 31. 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.

[0099] 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 (S1108). If the control unit 100b determines that the required number of copies M has not been reached (S1108: No), it executes the processes from step S1102 onwards again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1102 to S1108 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 (S1108: Yes).

[0100] 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 (S1108: Yes), it drives the edge-stitching processing unit movement motor 55 to move the edge-stitching processing unit 25 (liquid applicator 31 and pressure-bonding unit 32) to the standby position HP as shown in FIG. 12(D) (S1109). Furthermore, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid applicator rotation motor 563 and the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S1109). On the other hand, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the operation of rotating the liquid applicator 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. 12(D) Note that in steps S1101 and S1109, 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.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the position of the edge binding processing unit 25 during execution of two-point binding. A detailed description of the commonalities with the process described with reference to FIG. 12 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 13(A), at the start of two-point binding, the edge binding processing unit 25 is located at the standby position HP. The first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 are located at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, FIG. 13 describes a case where two sheets P are pressure-bonded and bound (i.e., N=2). Note that when two-point binding is performed, this does not mean that the number of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb is limited to two, and two-point binding can be performed on the same number of sheets of the sheet bundle Pb as the number of sheets that can be bound in the one-point binding process.

[0102] Before the first sheet P1 of the sheet bundle Pb is supplied to the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b moves the edge stitching processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application unit 31 can face the first liquid application position B1 (see FIG. 13(B)). Then, as shown in FIG. 13(B), with the liquid application unit 31 positioned so that it can face the first liquid application position B1, the control unit 100b places the sheet P1, on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2, on the internal tray 22 and executes the jogging process. After that, in response to the sheet P1 being placed on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P1.

[0103] 13(C), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application means 31 faces the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1. Thereafter, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1.

[0104] Next, in response to applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet P1, as shown in FIG. 13(D), with the liquid application means 31 arranged at a position where it can face the second liquid application position B2, the control unit 100b places the second sheet P2 constituting the sheet bundle Pb on the internal tray 22 and executes jogging processing. Then, in response to the second sheet P2 being placed on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to perform liquid application to the second liquid application position B2 of the sheet P2.

[0105] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(E), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2. Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to perform liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2.

[0106] That is, the control unit 100b repeats the conveyance of the sheet P by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15 and the liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 by the liquid application means 31 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N. At this time, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the B-th (B < N) sheet P in the order of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2. Also, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the (B + 1)-th sheet P in the order of the second liquid application position B2 and the first liquid application position B1. In other words, the control unit 100b changes the order in which the liquid application means 31 applies liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 for each sheet P. Further, the control unit 100b moves the binding processing unit 25 from one of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 to the other by the shortest distance without passing through the standby position HP.

[0107] Next, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N, the control unit 100b moves the edge stitching processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding means 32 faces the first stitching position B1, as shown in Fig. 13(F). Then, the control unit 100b causes the pressure bonding means 32 to perform pressure binding on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at the first stitching position B1.

[0108] 13(G), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure bonding unit 32 faces the second binding position B2. Then, the control unit 100b causes the pressure bonding unit 32 to perform pressure binding on the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at the second binding position B2.

[0109] 13, liquid application was performed last to the first liquid application position B1, so pressure binding was performed in the order of the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2. On the other hand, if liquid was applied last to the second liquid application position B2, pressure binding may be performed in the order of the second binding position B2 and the first binding position B1.

[0110] Next, the control unit 100b discharges the sheet stack Pb that has been press-bonded and bound at the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 onto the second discharge tray 26. Furthermore, the control unit 100b moves the binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP, as shown in FIG. 13(H).

[0111] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one or two locations on the sheet stack Pb are pressure-bonded and bound, but the present invention can also be applied to cases in which three or more locations on the sheet stack Pb that are spaced apart in the main scanning direction are pressure-bonded and bound. In this case, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to three or more liquid application positions (corresponding to pressure-bonding positions) and causes the pressure bonding unit 32 to perform pressure binding. Even when pressure-bonding is performed at three or more locations, the productivity of pressure binding can be improved by applying the present invention.

[0112] However, it is not necessary to apply liquid to all liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimp binding positions) for all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb. For example, when performing crimp binding at three crimp binding positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction, the control unit 100b applies liquid to the three liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimp binding positions) of the E (E < N - 2) -th sheet P1, applies liquid to the two liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimp binding positions) of the (E + 1) -th sheet P2, and applies liquid to the one liquid application position (corresponding to the crimp binding position) of the (E + 2) -th sheet P2.

[0113] [Liquid supply and drainage operation at startup of post - processing device, etc.] Next, the correspondence between the operation status of the post - processing device 3 (referred to as "post - processing operation status") when the control unit 100b performs the liquid supply and drainage operation and the supply and drainage mode executed accordingly will be described. FIG. 14 illustrates the correspondence between the post - processing operation status and the supply and drainage mode.

[0114] Here, the "liquid supply and drainage operation" means transferring the liquid used for liquid application between the second liquid storage tank 47 and the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46. That is, the "liquid supply and drainage operation" includes both the operation of supplying (refilling) 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) from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47 by the liquid supply pump 46.

[0115] For example, the "post - processing operation status" is distinguished as, at "startup, etc." in FIG. 14(A), "when starting the post - processing device" (when the power of the post - processing device 3 is turned on or when resuming from the energy - saving mode, etc.), "standby", "when opening and closing the cover", etc. There are also "forced execution of liquid supply operation" and "forced execution of liquid discharge operation" by user operation on the operation unit.

[0116] 14(B), the state is divided into "Preparing for crimp binding job," "Crimping binding job in progress," and "After crimp binding job." Here, crimp binding refers to a crimp binding process that involves applying liquid. Also, the "job" refers to a binding operation based on an execution instruction for the binding process sent from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0117] At times such as "when the post-processing device starts up" (FIG. 14(A)) and "when a crimp binding job is being executed" (FIG. 14(B)), the control unit 100b executes the "positional supply operation" as the liquid supply / drainage mode. Depending on the frequency of use by the user, it is possible to select not to execute the positional supply operation, for example, "when the post-processing device starts up."

[0118] [Control flow of positioning supply operation at startup etc.] Next, the flow of processing for the regular position supply operation executed at startup or the like will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 15. The processing according to this control flowchart is executed by the control unit 100b. First, when the control flow for the regular position supply operation at startup or the like is started, the control unit 100b energizes the liquid amount detection unit (first liquid level sensor 43, second liquid level sensor 94) (S1501). In the following description, the position of the liquid surface when the remaining amount of liquid (liquid remaining amount) stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 or the second liquid storage tank is a predetermined amount will be referred to as the "liquid level." Furthermore, the state in which a predetermined amount of liquid is present will be referred to as "there is a predetermined liquid level."

[0119] Next, the control unit 100b checks whether the second liquid level sensor 94 detects whether the second liquid storage tank 47 has a predetermined liquid level (S1502).

[0120] If the second liquid storage tank 47 has a predetermined liquid level (S1502: YES), the first liquid level sensor 43 then checks whether the first liquid storage tank 44 has a predetermined liquid level (S1503).

[0121] If the first liquid storage tank 44 has the predetermined liquid level (S1503: YES), the power supply for liquid level detection (first liquid level sensor 43, second liquid level sensor 94) is then turned off (S1504), and the control flow for the fixed position supply operation at startup, etc. is terminated.

[0122] In step S1502, if the second liquid storage tank 47 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S1502: NO), a notification to replenish the liquid is subsequently issued (S1505). The notification to replenish the liquid is executed, for example, by the control unit 100b causing the operation panel 110, which serves as a means for notifying the liquid storage state in the second liquid storage tank 47, to display information urging the user to replenish the second liquid storage tank 47 with the liquid.

[0123] The user confirms the liquid replenishment notification, opens the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3, replenishes the liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47, and performs predetermined operations such as closing the opening / closing cover 71. The post-processing device 3 is equipped with a cover opening / closing detection sensor 542 (opening / closing detection means) that detects whether the opening / closing cover 71 is open or closed.

[0124] The control unit 100b receives as a trigger an open / close signal of the open / close cover 71 transmitted from the cover open / close detection sensor 542 provided in the post-processing device 3 (S1506). After receiving this trigger, the process returns to step S1502, and the control unit 100b determines whether the liquid storage state of the second liquid storage tank 47 is in a state where the second liquid level can be detected.

[0125] The presence or absence of liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 may be checked during the regular position supply operation, such as at startup, as described above, or may be monitored continuously independently of the regular position supply operation.

[0126] If the first liquid storage tank 44 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S1503: NO), a "regular position supply operation" of the liquid is executed. Specifically, in the "regular position supply operation," the liquid supply pump 46 is first started to be driven (S1507). Following step S1507, it is again confirmed whether the first liquid storage tank 44 has the predetermined liquid level (S1508). In step S1508, if the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1508: YES), the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid amount detection unit) are turned off (S1509).

[0127] If the time from when the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven (S1507) until the liquid volume detection is turned off (S1509) is less than T5 [sec] (S1510: YES), the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven for another T2 [sec] (S1511). Thereafter, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S1512), and the control flow for the positional supply operation at startup, etc., is terminated.

[0128] If the time from when the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven in step S1507 to when the liquid volume detection is turned off in step S1509 is equal to or longer than T5 [sec] (S1510: NO), the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven for an additional T2' [sec] (S1513), and then the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S1514).

[0129] Thereafter, reverse driving of the liquid supply pump 46 is started (S1515). After step S1515, the process waits for T4 [sec], during which time the liquid is discharged (S1516). After the liquid is discharged, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S1517), and the control flow for the positional supply operation at startup, etc., ends.

[0130] The liquid supply pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour. Therefore, in the "constant position supply operation" by the liquid supply pump 46, the liquid supply pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time T2 [sec] after detection by the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid amount detection unit). By stopping the liquid supply pump 46 after the predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to supply liquid up to a constant liquid level h2.

[0131] Furthermore, because the liquid supply pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, in the "constant position supply operation", the liquid supply pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time T2' [sec] after detection by the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid volume detection unit). After the predetermined time has elapsed, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped. Thereafter, reverse driving of the liquid supply pump 46 is started, and the liquid supply pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time T4 [sec]. By stopping the liquid supply pump 46 after the predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to supply liquid up to a constant liquid level h2.

[0132] Furthermore, the liquid supply pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time T2' [sec] (S1513), and then the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped. A predetermined time may be allowed to elapse after the driving of the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S1514) and before the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven in the reverse direction (S1515). The predetermined time is set to an appropriate time depending on the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the liquid supply member 50 due to capillary action.

[0133] Here, in the "regular position supply operation," sensing by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 is used as a trigger to stop the liquid supply pump 46. Therefore, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 at startup can be stabilized at the same height every time.

[0134] In the "regular position supply operation" that is executed when the first liquid storage tank 44 does not have a predetermined liquid level in step S1503 (S1503: NO), the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven (S1507). If the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect liquid (S1508: NO), the process waits for T1 [sec] to elapse (S1518). If the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect liquid even after T1 [sec] has elapsed, a malfunction or water leak in the liquid supply pump 46 is assumed, and an error stop process (S1519) is executed. Furthermore, following the error stop process, an abnormality notification (S1520) is issued via the operation panel 110 or the like, and the control flow for the regular position supply operation at startup or the like is terminated.

[0135] Next, an outline of the positional supply operation, which is one of the liquid supply / drainage modes, will be described using Figures 16, 17, and 18. Figure 16(A) shows an example of the first liquid storage tank 44 being empty of liquid. At this time, the liquid supply member 50 may be wet due to moisture, or may be dry due to evaporation of moisture, depending on the time that has elapsed since it was used in the previous liquid application operation.

[0136] When the liquid supply pump 46 starts to operate in step S1507 from the empty state shown in Fig. 16(A), liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, as shown in Fig. 16(B). The first liquid level sensor 43 is configured with a pair of electrode pins of different lengths, as shown in Fig. 16(B). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 16(B), as the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 rises, the electrode pins come into contact with the liquid in the order from the longest to the shortest.

[0137] 16(C), when the liquid in the first storage tank 44 reaches the short electrode pin, the pair of electrode pins become conductive, and the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first storage tank 44. The liquid level (amount of liquid stored in the first storage tank 44) when the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first storage tank 44 is referred to as the "detected liquid level."

[0138] A wall 43a is provided between the pair of electrode pins. This wall 43a is preferably formed by a part of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(A), the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven, and liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In Figure 17(A), the liquid level exceeds the higher (shorter) electrode pin and reaches a predetermined position. The liquid level at this time (amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44) is referred to as the "reference liquid level (first predetermined liquid level)."

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(B), even if the first predetermined liquid level is exceeded, the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven and liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In Figure 17(B), the liquid level exceeds the first predetermined liquid level and reaches a predetermined position. The liquid level at this time (the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44) is referred to as the "second predetermined liquid level."

[0141] Thereafter, due to the effect of capillary action caused by the liquid supply member 50, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up.

[0142] Fig. 18(A) shows a case where the supply of liquid is stopped at a first predetermined liquid level. Fig. 18(A) shows a case where the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in liquid. Here, a case will be described where the liquid level (initial liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 at the time of starting up the post-processing device 3 is higher than the liquid level (liquid permeation boundary liquid level Lth) that defines the boundary where the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid.

[0143] The time from when the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven in step S1507 (liquid supply starts) until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid and turns off power to the first liquid level sensor 43 in step S1509 is defined as elapsed time T5 [sec]. In this case, elapsed time T5 [sec] is shorter than the time from the liquid permeation boundary liquid level Lth to liquid detection (liquid permeation supply time Tth). In this way, if the liquid supply member 50 is already immersed in liquid, no downtime for liquid suction occurs.

[0144] In other words, according to the positional supply operation when liquid remains in the first liquid storage tank 44, by performing a liquid supply operation that changes the liquid supply stop level in accordance with the detection result by the first liquid level sensor 43, the time until the entire supply member is immersed in liquid can be shortened and the amount of liquid applied can be stabilized.

[0145] Fig. 18(B) shows the supply operation when the initial liquid level is lower than the liquid permeation boundary liquid level Lth. Fig. 18(B) shows the case where the liquid supply member 50 is not immersed in liquid. In this case, the liquid level (initial liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank at the start of the post-processing device 3 is lower than the liquid level (liquid permeation boundary liquid level Lth) at which the liquid supply member 50 becomes immersed in the liquid, so the elapsed time T5 [sec] is longer than the liquid permeation supply time Tth.

[0146] In this case, it takes time for the liquid to reach the liquid application member 501 of the liquid supply member 50 due to capillary action. Therefore, if the time T5 [sec] from the start of liquid supply (S1507) to liquid detection (S1509) is longer than the liquid penetration supply time Tth, as shown in FIG. 18(B), the liquid supply pump 46 continues to supply liquid (continues to be driven) for T2' [sec], which is the elapsed time from when the liquid volume detection unit is turned off (S1509) until the liquid reaches the second predetermined liquid level (S1513). Thereafter, the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven in the reverse direction (S1515), and liquid is discharged from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1515). In order to discharge the liquid from the second predetermined liquid level to the reference liquid level (first predetermined liquid level), the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time until the elapsed time T4. Thereafter, in step S1517, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped, and the flow of the liquid supply operation at startup is completed.

[0147] As described above, when there is no liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44, the time it takes for the liquid to permeate the liquid supply member 50 can be shortened by increasing the area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 that is immersed in the liquid.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the supply operation illustrated in FIG. 18(B), it is possible to prevent the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 from becoming too high and causing the liquid to drip from the tip of the liquid supply member 50.

[0149] Then, by ensuring time for the liquid to permeate the liquid supply member 50, it is possible to reliably apply the liquid to the medium. Furthermore, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the liquid is not applied, so the time can be shortened depending on the situation.

[0150] In addition, since the time it takes for the liquid to permeate the liquid supply member 50 varies depending on the period of use, the optimal amount of liquid can be applied.

[0151] If an electrode sensor is used for the first liquid level sensor 43, constant application of electricity may cause electrolytic corrosion in the metal electrodes, resulting in a risk of corrosion. Furthermore, constant application of voltage to the liquid may cause electrolysis of the liquid, potentially resulting in problems such as foreign matter adhering to the electrodes or the electrodes dissolving. Considering these problems, voltage is applied to the first liquid level sensor 43 as an electrode sensor only when detecting the presence or absence of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (power ON).

[0152] 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 is not limited to a sensor that detects the liquid level (liquid surface) of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, as long as it can detect the presence or absence of liquid (liquid storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0153] [Overall view of binding process flow including liquid supply and drainage] 19 is an overall control flowchart including the liquid supply and drainage operations for the liquid application means 31 of the edge binding processing section 25. The processing according to this control flowchart is executed by the control section 100b.

[0154] First, when the control flow of the binding processing operation is started, the control unit 100b performs a job preparation_liquid supply operation as preparation before job execution (S1901). The job preparation_liquid supply operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 18. Next, the control unit 100b performs movement, liquid supply, and binding operations for the liquid supplying means 31 and the crimping means 32 of the edge binding processing unit 25 (S1902). The movement, liquid supply, and binding operations are detailed as explained above in FIG. 11 as the flow of the binding processing. Finally, the control unit 100b executes a post-job_liquid supply operation as a completion operation (S1903). The post-job_liquid supply operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22.

[0155] 20 is a control flowchart for the job preparation_liquid supply operation. When a command to execute the binding process is received from the user, the control flow for the job preparation_liquid supply operation starts. Before moving the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, it is necessary to make them ready for the liquid application process.

[0156] When the control unit 100b receives a request to check the presence or absence of liquid, it energizes the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43, which serve as liquid amount detection units, to check whether the liquid level is at a predetermined level (S2001). Note that by energizing the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 enter a detection-enabled state.

[0157] The control unit 100b checks whether the second liquid level sensor 94 has detected a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2002). If the second liquid storage tank 47 has the predetermined liquid level (S2002: YES), the control unit 100b then checks whether the first liquid level sensor 43 has detected a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2003).

[0158] If the first storage tank 44 has a predetermined liquid level (S2003: YES), the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid level detection unit) are subsequently turned off (S2004), and the control flow for the job preparation_liquid supply operation is terminated. Note that by turning off the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 become in a detection-incapable state.

[0159] If the second liquid storage tank 47 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S2002: NO), a notification to replenish the liquid is then sent (S2005). When the user replenishes the second liquid storage tank 47 with liquid, a signal indicating that the open / close cover of the post-processing device 3 has been closed is received as a trigger (S2006). Note that the confirmation of the presence or absence of liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 may be performed during the job preparation_liquid supply operation as described above, or may be performed at a timing independent of the binding process.

[0160] If the first liquid storage tank 44 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S2003: NO), a "predetermined amount supply operation" of liquid is executed. Specifically, the "predetermined amount supply operation" first turns off the power to the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid amount detection unit) (S2007), and starts driving the liquid supply pump 46 as a preparatory operation for liquid application (S2008). The liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven for T3 [sec] (S2009), and then the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S2010), ending the control flow of the job preparation_liquid supply operation as a preparatory supply operation. Because the liquid supply pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, the "predetermined amount supply operation" can supply a fixed amount of liquid by driving it for T3 [sec].

[0161] Here, in the "predetermined amount supply operation," sensing by the liquid detection means is not performed on the trigger for stopping the liquid supply pump 46. Therefore, the time required for the supply operation is constant, and it is possible to immediately move on to the subsequent process, shortening the processing time for the entire binding process and improving productivity.

[0162] Next, an overview of the "predetermined amount supply operation," which is one of the liquid supply and drainage operations, will be explained using Figure 21. Figure 21(A) shows an example of a state in which the first liquid storage tank 44 contains more liquid than the detected liquid level, which is the predetermined liquid level. As described above, this is the case when the predetermined liquid level is present in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2003: YES), and the control flow for the job preparation_liquid supply operation ends.

[0163] 21(B) illustrates a state in which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is less than the detected liquid level. This occurs when the post-processing device 3 is used in a low-humidity environment, or when a long time has passed since the last use, causing evaporation. As described above, this occurs when the first liquid storage tank 44 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S2003: NO), and the "predetermined amount liquid supply operation" is performed.

[0164] As a preparation operation for liquid application, the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven for T3 [sec] (S1809), and then the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S2010), thereby completing the control flow for job preparation_liquid supply operation. In this state, as shown in Figure 21(C), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is close to the "reference liquid level", but is not a constant liquid level because it depends on the liquid level when the predetermined amount supply operation is started.

[0165] 22 is a control flowchart of the post-job liquid supply operation. After the binding operation is completed, the liquid supply operation is performed in preparation for the next binding process.

[0166] First, the control unit 100b checks whether there is a command to execute the subsequent post-processing. That is, the control unit 100b checks whether there is a command to execute the next binding process when executing the post-processing continuously (S2201). If there is a command to execute the next binding process (a command to execute the subsequent process) to execute continuously (S2201: YES), the control flow of the post-job liquid supply operation is completed, and the next binding process is started.

[0167] If there is no next binding process command to be executed consecutively (S2201: NO), the control unit 100b energizes the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid level detection unit) to check whether the liquid level is at the specified level (S2202).

[0168] Next, the second liquid level sensor 94 checks whether the second liquid storage tank 47 has a predetermined liquid level (S2203). If the second liquid storage tank 47 has a predetermined liquid level (S2203: YES), the first liquid level sensor 43 then checks whether the first liquid storage tank 44 has a predetermined liquid level (S2204).

[0169] If the first liquid storage tank 44 has the predetermined liquid level (S2204: YES), the power to the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid volume detection unit) is then turned off (S2205), and the control flow for the post-job liquid supply operation is terminated.

[0170] If the second liquid storage tank 47 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S2203: NO), a notification to replenish the liquid is subsequently issued (S2206). A signal indicating that the user has replenished the second liquid storage tank 47 with liquid and that the open / close cover of the post-processing device 3 has been closed is received as a trigger (S2207). Note that the confirmation of the presence or absence of liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 may be executed during the job preparation_liquid supply operation as described above, or may be performed at a timing independent of the binding process.

[0171] If the first liquid storage tank 44 does not have the predetermined liquid level (S2204: NO), a "regular position supply operation" of liquid is executed. Specifically, the "regular position supply operation" first starts driving the liquid supply pump 46 (S2208). It is again confirmed whether there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2209). If the first liquid storage tank 44 is filled to the point where it can be detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2209: YES), the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid amount detection unit) are turned off (S2210), and the liquid supply pump 46 continues to be driven for an additional T2 [sec] (S2211). Thereafter, the liquid supply pump 46 is stopped (S2212), and the control flow for the post-job liquid supply operation is terminated.

[0172] Because the liquid supply pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, in the "constant-position supply operation," the liquid supply pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time, T2 [sec], after detection by the first liquid level sensor 43 (liquid volume detection unit). By stopping the liquid supply pump 46 after the predetermined time has elapsed, liquid can be supplied up to a constant liquid level, h2. Here, in the "constant-position supply operation," sensing is performed by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 as a trigger for stopping the liquid supply pump 46. Therefore, the level of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 after each job can be stabilized at the same height every time.

[0173] In the "regular position supply operation," the liquid supply pump 46 starts to be driven (S2208), and if the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect liquid (S2209: NO), the process waits for T1 [sec] to elapse (S2213). If the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect liquid even after T1 [sec] has elapsed, a malfunction or water leak in the liquid supply pump 46 is assumed, and therefore an error stop process is performed (S2214), an abnormality notification is issued via the operation panel 110, etc. (S2215), and the control flow for the post-job liquid supply operation ends.

[0174] Fig. 23 is a control flowchart showing a modified example of the binding process. Note that the difference from the control flow of the binding process shown in Fig. 11 is that when the number of consecutive liquid applications exceeds a predetermined number, a continuous liquid supply operation is performed.

[0175] The control unit 100b starts the binding process shown in FIG. 23, 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.

[0176] The binding process instruction includes, for example, the type of paper P (including information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as the 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 copies of 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. 12(A), at the start of the binding process, the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 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.

[0177] First, when the posture instructed in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotation motor 563 and the pressure bonding means rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 that constitute the edge binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding posture (S2301). Note that, when the posture is the "diagonal binding posture," it is also possible to rotate only the pressure bonding means 32 to the diagonal binding posture, and not rotate the liquid application means 31 in the forward or reverse direction. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to when both the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are rotated in the forward or reverse direction, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, downsizing the device, and reducing equipment failures.

[0178] On the other hand, if the posture instructed in the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure bonding unit 32 constituting the edge binding processing unit 25 to the oblique binding posture. Furthermore, 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 applicator 31 faces the first liquid applicator position B1 instructed in the binding process instruction (S2301). The control unit 100b executes the process of step S2101 before the first sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0179] 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 (S2302).The control unit 100b also executes a so-called jogging process, which aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by moving the side fences 24L and 24R (S2302).

[0180] 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 S2302, based on the liquid applicator control data adjusted in advance (S2303). 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. 12(B)). In the liquid applicator process in step S2303, 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.

[0181] 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 (S2304). 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 (S2304: No), the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S2302 to S2304 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S2304: Yes). That is, the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S2302 to S2304 each 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 bundle Pb, but also to only some of the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb.

[0182] 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 (S2304: Yes), as shown in Figure 12 (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 pressing means 32 faces the first binding position B1 (S2305).

[0183] 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 (S2306). 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 (S2307). 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.

[0184] 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 S2106 overlaps the liquid-application area (corresponding to the first liquid-application position B1) that the tip (tip position) of the liquid-application member 501 contacted in step S2103. In other words, the pressure-bonding unit 32 pressure-bonds and binds the area on the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-application unit 31. 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 pressure-bonding area only partially overlaps.

[0185] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of consecutive liquid depositions has reached a predetermined number K (S2308). In the description of this embodiment, the predetermined number K, which corresponds to the threshold value for the number of consecutive liquid depositions, is set to, for example, "1000 times."

[0186] If the number of continuous liquid applications exceeds a predetermined number (1000 times) (S2308: YES), the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is insufficient, so the control unit 100b temporarily suspends the binding process and performs a continuous liquid supply operation (S2309). Here, the continuous liquid supply operation is the same as the startup liquid supply operation described in Fig. 15, i.e., the positional supply operation, and therefore a detailed description of the operation flow will be omitted.

[0187] 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 (S2310). If the control unit 100b determines that the required number of copies M has not been reached (S2310: No), it executes the processes from step S2302 onwards again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S2302 to S2310 until the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged onto the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number of copies M (S2310: Yes).

[0188] 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 (S2310: Yes), it drives the edge-stitching processing unit movement motor 55 to move the edge-stitching processing unit 25 (liquid applicator 31 and pressure-bonding unit 32) to the standby position HP as shown in FIG. 12(D) (S2311). Furthermore, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid applicator rotation motor 563 and the pressure-bonding unit rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S2311). On the other hand, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "parallel binding posture," the operation of rotating the liquid applicator 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. 12(D) Note that in steps S2301 and S2311, 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.

[0189] [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. 24 is a diagram that provides an overview of the liquid discharge operation, which is one of the liquid supply and drainage modes. FIG. 25 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.

[0190] 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. On the other hand, when performing maintenance on the post-processing device 3, the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501 may be removed. In this case, it may be necessary to empty the first liquid storage tank 44 to prevent liquid leakage from the first liquid storage tank 44. Furthermore, when the post-processing device 3 is not used for a long period of time, it may be necessary to empty the first liquid storage tank 44 to prevent contamination with liquid. For example, in such a case, i.e., when the first liquid storage tank 44 is to be emptied, the liquid discharging operation is performed.

[0191] 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]]) (S2501) to suck up liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 (FIG. 24(A)). As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sent to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 and discharged from the first liquid storage tank 44, so that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 rises and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls. As a result, the first liquid storage tank 44 becomes empty (FIG. 24(B)). The predetermined time Tr, which is the operating time of the liquid supply pump 46, is set, for example, to a time 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, after driving (reversely rotating) the liquid supply pump 46 for a predetermined time Tr, the control unit 100b ends the liquid discharge control flow.

[0192] 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. 26. That is, to select a forced supply operation, which is an operation of forcibly supplying liquid, the user selects "forced liquid supply." Also, to select a liquid discharge operation, the user selects "liquid discharge." The user can also arbitrarily issue a command to execute a "fill supply operation" or a "top-up supply operation" as a liquid supply / drainage mode via the operation panel 110.

[0193] 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. 27(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. 27(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.

[0194] 28(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. 28(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.

[0195] [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 29 to 37. 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.

[0196] Unlike the end binding processing unit 25 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, which is equipped 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 equipped 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'.

[0197] 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 means 131 corresponds to the binding position where the pressure bonding means 32' is scheduled to perform pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position and the binding position are given the same reference numeral (B1).

[0198] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 30, the edge stitching processing unit 251 is equipped with only a crimping means 32'. As shown in Fig. 29, the crimping means 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are disposed downstream in the transport direction from the internal tray 22. The crimping means 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 of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping means 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are also configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping means rotation shaft 340 and a staple binding means rotation shaft 84, which extend in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. In other words, the pressure-bonding means 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 at any angle, such as corner diagonal binding, parallel single-point binding, or parallel two-point binding.

[0199] The crimping means 32' binds the paper stack Pb by pressurizing and deforming the paper stack Pb with the concave and convex upper and lower crimping teeth 32a and 32b (hereinafter referred to as "crimp binding"). Meanwhile, the staple binding processing unit 156 can staple the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by passing staples through the paper stack Pb at the binding position.

[0200] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb. Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram of the pressing means 32' as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in Fig. 30, the pressing means 32' and the stapling processing section 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The pressing means 32' is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The pressing means 32' is also configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a pressing means rotation shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0201] 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. Note that other configurations of the stapling processing unit 156 are similar to those of the stapling processing unit 155 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 31, the pressing means 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The pressing means 32' is equipped with a pressing means movement motor 238 as a drive source. Furthermore, a base member 48 supporting the pressing 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 pressing means 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 pressing means 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 pressing means rotation shaft 340 including a drive transmission gear 340a is fixed to the bottom surface of the pressing frame 32c, which holds the components of the pressing means 32'.

[0203] The pressing means 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 pressing frame 32c is provided. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with an output gear 239a of a pressing means rotation motor 239. The driving force of the pressing means rotation motor 239 is transmitted to the pressing means rotation shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a, causing the pressing means 32' to rotate in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 around the pressing means rotation shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The guide rail 337, the pressing means movement motor 238, the pressing means rotation motor 239, the pressing means rotation shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of a drive mechanism for the pressing means 32'.

[0204] The pressing means 32' is configured to be movable between a standby position HP shown in Fig. 30(A) and a position facing the first binding position B1 shown in Fig. 30(B) and Fig. 30(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. 30, 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 thereat.

[0205] The crimping means 32' changes its posture between a parallel binding posture shown in Fig. 30(B) and a diagonal binding posture shown in Fig. 30(C). That is, the crimping means 32' is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping means rotation shaft 340. Here, the parallel binding posture is a posture of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimp binding marks) are oriented in the main scanning direction. The diagonal binding posture is a posture of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b (in other words, the rectangular crimp binding marks) are inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0206] 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 30 (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.

[0207] The post-processing device 3A includes a liquid applying means 131 and a punch hole forming means 132 (processing section). The liquid applying means 131 and the punch hole forming means 132 are arranged upstream in the reverse conveyance direction from the internal tray 22. The liquid applying means 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.

[0208] The liquid applicator 131 and the hole puncher 132 according to this embodiment are disposed between the pair of conveying rollers 10, 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applicator 131 is not limited to the example in FIG. 29. For example, if an inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in FIG. 37, the liquid applicator 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, insert sheet, or separator sheet without passing through the image forming device 2.

[0209] 32(A), the conveying 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 means 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 conveying roller pair 11 conveys the sheet P. As a result, by the time the sheet P reaches the pressing means 32' provided downstream of the liquid application means 131 in the reverse conveyance direction, the amount of liquid at the 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] The liquid applying means 131 applies liquid (hereinafter referred to as "liquid applying") to the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. The punch hole making means 132 makes punch holes penetrating through the thickness direction of the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11. Note that the processing unit provided adjacent to the liquid applying means 131 is not limited to the punch hole making means 132, and may be a skew correction unit that corrects the skew of the paper sheet P being transported by the transport roller pair 10, 11.

[0213] Figure 32 is a view of liquid applicator 131 according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of paper P. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Figure 32. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 32. As shown in Figures 32 to 34, liquid applicator 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a, 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a, 134b, endless circular belts 135, 136, a liquid applicator movement motor 137, a standby position sensor 138 (see Figure 35), and a liquid applicator unit 140.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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 means movement motor 137. The liquid deposition means movement motor 137 generates a drive force for moving the liquid deposition unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0217] Rotation of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 causes the endless circular belt 136 to revolve between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, rotating the pulley 134a. Rotation of the pulley 134a also causes the endless circular belt 135 to revolve between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. This causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Switching the rotation direction of the liquid applicator movement motor 137 also causes the liquid applicator unit 140 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0218] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid deposition unit 140 has reached a standby position HP1 (see FIG. 36) in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b (see FIG. 35), 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 then blocks the optical path between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element at the standby position HP1. The standby position sensor 138 then 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.

[0219] 33, 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.

[0220] As shown in Figures 32 to 34, 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 35), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 35).

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 35) 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.

[0224] The rotating bracket 142 shown in Fig. 32(A) shows a state in which the pressure-bonding means 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs parallel binding. The rotating bracket 142 shown in Fig. 32(B) shows a state in which the pressure-bonding means 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0225] 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 relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by transmitting the driving force of a liquid 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).

[0226] 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.

[0227] As shown in FIGS. 33A and 34A, 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 means 32′).

[0228] 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. 33(B) and 34(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.

[0229] 33(C) and 34(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.

[0230] 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 33(A) and 34(A), the liquid dispensing head 146 and pressure plate 148 move away from the paper P. In other words, the liquid dispensing means 131 includes a liquid dispensing head 146 that can be detached from the paper P.

[0231] Fig. 35 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. 35, post-processing device 3A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, switching member 20, side fences 24L, 24R, pressing means movement motor 238, pressing means rotation motor 239, contact / separation motor 32d, liquid application means movement motor 137, application head rotation motor 150, application head movement motor 151, standby position sensor 138, standby angle sensor 152, punch hole punching means 132, and operation panel 110 to common bus 109.

[0235] 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 pressing means moving motor 238, the pressing means rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid applying means moving motor 137, the applying head rotating motor 150, the applying head moving motor 151, and the hole punching means 132. In addition, the control unit 100b acquires detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105.

[0236] Note that Figure 35 mainly illustrates the components of the end binding processing unit 251 (pressing means 32') and the liquid application means 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.

[0237] As shown in FIG. 37, 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.

[0238] 36 is a flowchart of post-processing by post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 36 is a flowchart when one-point binding processing shown in FIG.

[0239] The control unit 100b executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 36 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). It is assumed that, at the start of post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned at the standby position HP1 (see FIG. 32), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0240] First, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applicator moving motor 137 to move the liquid applicator unit 140 (corresponding to the liquid applicator) in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid applicator head 146 from the standby position HP1 to a position where it can face the first liquid applicator position B1 (see FIG. 32(B) ; a position corresponding to the first binding position B1 in FIGS. 30(B) and 30(C)). Furthermore, if the type of binding process specified in the post-processing instruction is a "diagonal binding process," the control unit 100b drives the applicator head rotating motor 150 to rotate the rotating bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid applicator head 146 from the standby angle to a liquid applicator angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S3601). The fact that the liquid applicator head 146 has reached a position and liquid applicator angle where it can face the first liquid applicator position B1 can be determined by pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid applicator moving motor 137 and the applicator head rotating motor 150. It should be noted that when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process," the 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.

[0241] Furthermore, the control unit 100b drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32' from the standby position HP2 to a position where it can face the first binding position B1, as shown in FIGS. 30(A) and 30(B) (S3601). Furthermore, if the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding process," the control unit 100b drives the crimping means rotating motor 239 to rotate the crimping means 32' from the standby angle to the crimping angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S3601). The fact that the crimping means 32' has reached the position where it can face the first binding position B1 and the crimping angle can be determined by pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping means moving motor 238 and the crimping means rotating motor 239. If the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping means 32' described above. That is, the crimping means 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0242] 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 (S3602). 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) (S3603). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P does not face the liquid application unit 140 (S3603: No), the control unit 100b continues transporting the sheet P with 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 (S3603: 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 (S3603: Yes), the control unit 100b stops transporting the sheet P with the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S3604). 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.

[0243] 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 (S3605). 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] 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 (S3606). 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 (S3606).

[0246] 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 (S3607). 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 (S3607: No), it repeats the processes of steps S3602 to S3607 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S3607: Yes).

[0247] 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 (S3607: Yes), it causes the pressure bonding means 32' to pressure-bind the sheet stack Pb 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 sheet P). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to eject the pressure-bound sheet stack Pb onto the second ejection tray 26 (S3608).

[0248] 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 (S3609). 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 (S3609: No), it repeats the processes of steps S3602 to S3609 until the number of copies of the discharged sheet stack Pb reaches the required number of copies Mp (S3609: Yes).

[0249] 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 (S3609: Yes), it drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to the standby position HP1 (see FIG. 32), and drives the pressure bonding unit movement motor 238 to move the pressure bonding unit 32' to the standby position HP2 (see FIG. 30) (S3610). Furthermore, when the posture specified 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) (S3610). On the other hand, when the posture specified 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 S3601 and S3610, the order in which the liquid application unit 140 and the pressure bonding means 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 29 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. 27(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. 27(B).

[0252] 28(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.)) based on 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. 28(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.

[0253] 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 with each other based on the program. The program may also be written to a storage unit or a storage medium, etc., and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line, etc.

[0254] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0255] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> a liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that processes a stack of media including at least one sheet of media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit; a first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used by the liquid supplying means for supplying the liquid; a second reservoir configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the first reservoir; a liquid supply means for supplying the liquid from the second liquid storage portion to the first liquid storage portion; a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage portion; a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing means and the liquid supply means; Equipped with The control means a liquid supply stop level in the liquid supply operation to be performed by the liquid supply means is changed according to the remaining amount of liquid in the first liquid storage section; The media processing device is characterized by the above. <2> The control means When the first liquid detection means detects the liquid level within a time shorter than a predetermined time from the start of the liquid supply operation, a fixed position supply operation is executed to supply the liquid up to a first predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <3> The control means When the first liquid detection means detects the liquid level for a time longer than a predetermined time from the start of the liquid supply operation, a fixed-position supply operation is executed to supply the liquid up to a second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section. The aforementioned <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <4> The control means After performing a constant-position supply operation up to a second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section, discharging liquid from the first liquid storage section for a predetermined period of time. The aforementioned <3> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <5> The control means After performing the constant position supply operation up to the second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section, the liquid is discharged after a predetermined time has elapsed. The aforementioned <1> and above <4> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <6> The control means The height of the second predetermined liquid level of the first liquid storage section is changed depending on the period of use. The aforementioned <1> or the above <3> or the above <4> 10. A media processing device according to claim 19. <7> an image forming device that forms an image on a medium; performing the processing on a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming device; The aforementioned <1> and above <6> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming system is characterized by comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0256] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 3A: After-treatment device 25: Edge binding processing unit 26: Second output tray 30: Third output tray 31: Liquid supply means 32: Crimping means 43: First liquid level sensor 44: First storage tank 45: Liquid supply path 46: Liquid supply pump 47: Second storage tank 50: Liquid supply member 51: Set detection sensor 71: Opening and closing cover 94: Second liquid level sensor 100a, 100b: control section 110: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0257] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-003754

Claims

1. a liquid applying means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one sheet of medium; a post-processing unit that processes a stack of media including at least one sheet of media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit; a first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used by the liquid supplying means for supplying the liquid; a second reservoir configured to store the liquid to be supplied to the first reservoir; a liquid supply means for supplying the liquid from the second liquid storage portion to the first liquid storage portion; a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage portion; a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing means and the liquid supply means; Equipped with The control means a liquid supply stop level in the liquid supply operation to be performed by the liquid supply means is changed according to the remaining amount of liquid in the first liquid storage section; A media processing device characterized by:

2. The control means When the first liquid detection means detects the liquid level within a time shorter than a predetermined time from the start of the liquid supply operation, a fixed position supply operation is executed to supply the liquid up to a first predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. The control means When the first liquid detection means detects the liquid level for a time longer than a predetermined time from the start of the liquid supply operation, a fixed-position supply operation is executed to supply the liquid up to a second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section. The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. The control means After performing a constant-position supply operation up to a second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section, discharging liquid from the first liquid storage section for a predetermined period of time. The media processing device of claim 3 .

5. The control means After performing the constant-position supply operation up to the second predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage section, the liquid is discharged after a predetermined time has elapsed. The media processing device of claim 1 .

6. The control means changing the second predetermined liquid level of the first liquid storage section depending on the period of use; 5. The media processing device according to claim 1, 3 or 4.

7. an image forming device that forms an image on a medium; performing the processing on a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming device; The media processing device according to claim 1 ; An image forming system comprising:

Images