Medium processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a technique for obtaining appropriate binding strength in a medium processing device for pressure-bonding and binding a medium to which liquid is applied.SOLUTION: The medium processing device includes a first tray, a liquid applying unit that applies a liquid to at least one medium supported by the first tray, a crimping unit that crimps and binds a plurality of media to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying unit, and a control unit that controls operations of the liquid applying unit and the crimping unit. The control unit measures an elapsed time from when the liquid applying unit applies the liquid to the first medium, causes the crimping unit to crimp-bind a medium bundle including the first medium and a second medium without re-applying the liquid to the first medium when the second medium subsequent to the first medium is supplied to the first tray before the elapsed time reaches a threshold time, and causes the crimping unit to crimp-bind the medium bundle by re-applying the liquid to the first medium when the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known media processing devices that bind sheets of media onto which images have been formed by an image forming device. To conserve resources and reduce environmental impact, some media processing devices are equipped with a crimping unit that can perform so-called "crimp binding," in which a stack of media is clamped between uneven binding teeth and deformed by pressure, without using metal staples.

[0003] A problem with pressure binding is that the greater the number of sheets of media that make up a media stack, the harder it is for the binding teeth to bite into the media stack, causing the bound media to fall off and making it difficult to maintain a proper binding state. Therefore, some media processing devices that perform pressure binding are equipped with a liquid application means that applies liquid in advance to the positions where the binding teeth will come into contact, in order to make it easier for the binding teeth to bite into the media stack (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if a long period of time passes without pressure binding due to a problem such as the media getting stuck in the transport path (a so-called jam), the liquid applied to the media will evaporate. Therefore, if pressure binding is performed after the problem is resolved, there is a problem that appropriate binding strength cannot be obtained.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technology for obtaining appropriate binding strength in a media processing device that crimps and binds media to which a liquid has been applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention comprises a first tray, a liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one sheet of medium supported on the first tray, a pressing means for pressing and binding multiple sheets of the medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the liquid application means and the pressing means, wherein the control unit measures the elapsed time since the liquid application means applied liquid to the first medium, and if a second medium following the first medium is supplied to the first tray before the elapsed time reaches a threshold time, the control unit causes the pressing means to press and bind a stack of media including the first medium and the second medium without re-applying liquid to the first medium, and if the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray, the control unit re-applies liquid to the first medium and causes the pressing means to press and bind the stack of media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an appropriate binding strength can be obtained in a media processing device that crimps and binds media to which a liquid has been applied. [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. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detachable configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [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] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a liquid applying unit included in a liquid applying unit of the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank when the liquid supply member of the liquid applicator in FIG. 13 is dry. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of liquid leakage that may occur in the first liquid storage tank according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 6 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the output value of the first liquid level sensor and the liquid detection threshold value in time series according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] Example data for the threshold time table. [Figure 19] Example of data in a push time table. [Figure 20] Examples of the re-application setting screen (A) and the pressing time setting screen (B). [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart of a binding process according to a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a view of the internal tray according to the second embodiment, seen from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 24] 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 25] 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 26] 25. A cross-sectional view taken along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. [Figure 27] 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 25. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart of post-processing by a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the control unit of the post-processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Embodiment of Image Forming System 1] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has an image forming function for forming an image on paper P, which is a type of sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function for performing predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to operate in cooperation with an image forming device 2 having an image forming function and a post-processing device 3, which is a media processing device having a post-processing function according to the present invention.

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

[0013] [First embodiment of post-processing device 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. The post-processing device 3 has a function of performing predetermined post-processing on sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. One type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that serves as a "pressure binding process" in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (a sheet stack) is bound without using staples. Another type of post-processing according to this embodiment is a binding process that serves as a "staple binding process" in which a stack of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (a sheet stack) is bound using staples. Hereinafter, the stack of sheets P will be referred to as a "sheet stack Pb" as a medium stack.

[0014] In this embodiment, the liquid application process when performing pressure binding processing will be mainly described. However, the liquid application process performed in relation to staple binding processing is also similar. Furthermore, when the term "binding processing" is used in the following description, it means both the "pressure binding processing" and the "staple binding processing" and is not limited to the binding method (whether using staples or pressure deformation).

[0015] In addition, the "pressure binding process" according to this embodiment is, more specifically, a process of applying pressure to a binding position corresponding to a part of the paper stack Pb to deform (pressure-deform) the binding position and bind the sheets, and is a process called "pressure binding." Note that the binding processes that can be performed by the post-processing device 3 include an end binding process that binds the end of the paper stack Pb and a saddle binding process that binds the center of the paper stack Pb.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section), a switching member 20, and a control unit 100b (control means). The control unit 100b controls the operations of the conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section), the switching member 20, and the like. The control unit 100b will be described in detail later. The conveyance roller pairs 10-19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10-13 convey the paper P along a first conveyance path Ph1. The conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. The conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3. A punch hole punching unit 132 that punches the paper P conveyed by the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11 is disposed between the conveyance roller pairs 10 and 11.

[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 pair of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the second discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pair of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the 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 from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. The sheet bundle Pb that has been subjected to edge binding processing is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 from among the sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0021] The "edge binding process" here refers to the binding process performed by the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155. Specifically, it includes a "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, a "diagonal binding process" in which binding process is performed at a corner of the paper stack Pb, and a "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] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is transported from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 for edge binding is defined as the "transport direction." In other words, in this specification, the "transport direction" corresponds to the direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming device 2 moves toward the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 10, etc., and then changes direction by the transport roller pair 15, moving toward the end fence 23 for edge binding, which is a different direction from the previous direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the transport direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper 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] 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 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 through the third transport path Ph3. The discharge tray 30 receives the paper stack Pb that has been saddle-stitched from the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0025] The saddle stitching end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence along the third conveying 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 clamps it between the conveying roller pair 18. The conveying roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack Pb that has been saddle stitched onto the discharge tray 30.

[0026] The post-processing device 3 also includes a liquid applying member 501 (part of the liquid applying means), a liquid supply member 50 (part of the liquid applying means), and a first liquid storage tank 44 (first liquid storage section) in the edge stitching processing section 25. The first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 are not shown in FIG. 3. The post-processing device 3 also includes a liquid supply path 45 (part of the liquid supply means), a liquid supply pump 46 (part of the liquid supply means), a second liquid storage tank 47 (part of the second liquid storage section), and a second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 (part of the second liquid storage section) as components for replenishing the first liquid storage tank 44 with liquid. 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 section 61, the liquid supply pump 46, and the liquid supply path 45.

[0027] [Configuration of the edge binding processing unit 25] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25, which performs the liquid application process and pressure binding process shown in Fig. 2, as seen from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit 25 as seen from the liquid application 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 applies liquid to the paper P or the paper stack Pb, and a pressure bonding means 32, which is an example of a post-processing means, that performs pressure binding on the paper stack Pb. The liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction.

[0028] 4, the liquid application unit 31 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the application of liquid by the liquid application unit 31 to the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb, and the operation of the liquid application unit 31 when applying the liquid, will be referred to as "liquid application." Furthermore, the liquid application operation of the liquid application unit 31 that involves control processing will be referred to as "liquid application process."

[0029] More specifically, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 as the liquid used for liquid application is primarily composed of a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O." As long as it is in a liquid state, its temperature does not matter, and it may be so-called warm water or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water, and it may of course be purified water, or may contain ionized salts. The metal ion content does not matter, and the hardness may range from so-called soft water to ultra-hard water.

[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] [Configuration of liquid applying means 31] 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 processing 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, the liquid applicator movement mechanism 35, and the liquid applicator movement motor 42) 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 disposed downstream in the conveying direction from the internal tray 22. The paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is also placed on the lower pressure plate 33. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on a lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb at a position facing the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0035] That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction") of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, sandwiching the paper P or paper stack Pb therebetween. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through-hole 34a penetrating in the thickness direction at a position facing the liquid application member 501 held via a holding part 37 attached to the base plate 40. The liquid application member 501 is one end of a liquid supply member 50 (liquid-absorbing) described later, and corresponds to the tip portion.

[0036] The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid applicator 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 according to this embodiment moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid applicator 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 in a linked manner using a single liquid applicator moving motor 42. The liquid applicator moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, the liquid applicator moving 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.

[0037] The liquid applicator movement motor 42 generates a driving force that moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding unit 37, the liquid applicator member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or the stack of paper sheets Pb, and is provided on the liquid applicator frame 31a so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applicator movement motor 42 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the liquid applicator movement motor 42 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38 in forward and reverse directions, causing the nut 39 to move back and forth on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0038] The base plate 40 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 501 with the tip of the liquid application member 501 protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to be able to move back and forth along the trapezoidal screw 38 as the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates forward and backward. The position of the base plate 40 in the thickness direction of the paper sheet P or paper stack Pb is detected by a movement sensor 40a (see FIG. 10).

[0039] The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34 around the tip portion of the liquid dispensing member 501. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable in the thickness direction relative to the base plate 40. The pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at their tip portions on the lower pressure plate 33 side. The tip portions of the pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b opposite the lower pressure plate 33 are provided with stoppers to prevent the pillar-shaped members 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40.

[0040] The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted onto the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressure plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressure plate 33 with respect to the base plate 40.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The liquid applying member 501 applies the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb. The liquid applying member 501, the liquid supply member 50 (liquid absorbing) installed 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) with high liquid absorption, such as an elastic resin formed with open cells. However, the type of material for the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 is not important as long as it has the ability to absorb and retain liquid and has the ability to collapse in response to the pressure applied when in contact with the paper P. In other words, it is sufficient if the material is capable of absorbing liquid by capillary action.

[0044] Therefore, when the other end (immersion portion 502) of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply member 50 enters a state in which it sucks up the liquid by capillary action. That is, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50, and the sucked up liquid is supplied to the liquid applying member 501 connected to the tip through the liquid supply member 50. Then, as the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sucked up into the liquid applying member 501 that is in close contact with one end of the liquid supply member 50, the level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of stored liquid) detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 drops. As a result, the liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46.

[0045] Although the above description has been given of the case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are separate bodies, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 may be integrally formed from materials with similar properties (for example, materials with high liquid absorption). In other words, the liquid application member 501 may be configured to be part of the liquid supply member 50. In this case, it becomes possible to more smoothly supply the liquid from the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid application member 501 by capillary action, and costs can be reduced.

[0046] Then, as the liquid applying member 501 sucks up the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 temporarily falls below a reference liquid level, which will be described later, and this triggers the execution of a series of liquid supply operations in which liquid is sent from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. This liquid supply operation is mainly performed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the post-processing device 3 starts to perform a binding process that involves liquid application, and corresponds to a liquid supply operation for bringing the post-processing device 3 into a state in which liquid application using the liquid applying member 501 can be performed.

[0047] Further, the edge stitching processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3 is provided with a second liquid storage tank 47. The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachable from a second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 (part of the second liquid storage unit) provided in the edge stitching processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3 (see FIG. 9). 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 the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 (part of the second liquid storage unit).

[0048] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 is mainly triggered by the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 dropping below a reference liquid level, which will be described later. The amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops as the liquid is consumed by the liquid deposition by the liquid deposition unit 31. In other words, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 corresponds to a liquid supply operation that is required in conjunction with the execution of a job that includes liquid deposition by the liquid deposition unit 31.

[0049] This liquid supply operation corresponds to an operation of supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 so as to replenish it every time the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below a reference liquid level, which will be described later.

[0050] 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. 9(B)). When the setting detection sensor 51 detects that the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61 (see FIG. 9(C)), a signal notifying this is sent to a control unit 100b (described later). This enables the control unit 100b (described later) to detect whether the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing portion 61. The configuration of the second storage tank 47 will be described in detail later.

[0051] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected by a liquid supply path 45. A liquid supply pump 46 is provided near the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. When this liquid supply pump 46 operates, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied (replenished) from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the liquid supply path 45. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is a component of the liquid supply means that performs the liquid supply operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In addition, the liquid supply path 45 is formed of a flexible material. This allows the liquid to be reliably supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 even if the first liquid storage tank 44 is moved by the liquid applying means moving mechanism 35.

[0052] The amount of liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be controlled in accordance with the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. That is, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, determines the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. Then, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, controls the operating speed and operating time of the liquid supply pump 46 in accordance with the determined amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby adjusting the amount of liquid replenished to the first liquid storage tank 44 and controlling the amount of liquid stored (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 to be kept constant.

[0053] [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."

[0054] 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 placed on 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. 10).

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5(A) , when multiple sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are being supplied to the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b are spaced apart. Then, when all sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb are placed on the internal tray 22, the upper and lower pressure teeth 32a and 32b mesh with each other due to the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, as shown in Fig. 5(B) , thereby compressing and deforming the sheet stack Pb in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet stack Pb is then discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the conveyance roller pair 15.

[0056] 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 and link mechanism that rotates forward only or forward and reverse. Alternatively, the crimping mechanism may be a linear motion type crimping mechanism that performs the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b linearly using a screw mechanism that converts the forward and reverse rotational motion of the drive source into linear reciprocating motion.

[0057] 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. 10).

[0058] 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. As shown in FIG. 3 , 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The end binding processing unit moving motor 55 in this embodiment is a servo motor that can stop the end binding processing unit 25 at a target position (the first binding position B1 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.

[0061] The post-processing device 3 also includes a standby position sensor 540 (e.g., a light-blocking optical sensor; see FIG. 10) that detects that the edge binding processing unit 25 has reached a standby position HP (see FIG. 12(A)), and an encoder sensor 541 (see FIG. 10) 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Although the edge stitching processing unit 25 has been described as having a configuration in which the pressure bonding unit 32 and the liquid applying unit 31 are integrally configured and move along the guide shaft 49, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure bonding unit 32 and the liquid applying unit 31 may each move separately and independently.

[0065] [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.

[0066] The staple binding means 62 serving as a post-processing means has a configuration for performing so-called "staple binding processing," which is to bind the paper-sheet bundle Pb using staples. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 has a staple binding unit drive motor 62d (see FIG. 10) that drives the staple binding unit 62a. The staple binding unit 62a then staples the paper-sheet bundle Pb by causing staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a to penetrate the paper-sheet bundle Pb using the driving force of the staple binding unit drive motor 62d. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] [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.

[0071] The second liquid applicator 612 applies the liquid stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the second liquid applicator 612 applies the liquid to the paper sheet P or the paper stack Pb corresponds to the binding position where the stapling device 62 is to perform stapling. 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 movement mechanism 65, and a second liquid applicator mechanism 66. The second liquid applicator movement mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid applicator movement motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second pillar-shaped members 711a and 711b, and second coil springs 721a and 721b.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] [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 FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows an example of the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as a main tank. FIG. 8(A) illustrates an example of the arrangement and configuration of the post-processing device 3 with the opening / closing cover 71 open. FIG. 8(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 FIG. 8(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. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(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. Also, the first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are arranged on the back side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing device 3. A main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3 is provided between the positions where the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 are arranged and the positions where the first liquid storage tank 44, etc. are arranged. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is attached to the main body side plate 72 of the post-processing device 3.

[0075] 9 illustrates an example in which the second storage tank 47 is detachably attached to the second storage tank fixing part 61, and an example in which liquid is refilled into the second storage tank 47. As shown in FIG. 9(A), the second storage tank 47 is configured to be detachably attached to the second storage tank fixing part 61 so that liquid can be refilled into the first storage tank 44. As shown in FIG. 9(B), the second storage tank fixing part 61 is provided with a set detection sensor 51 (set detection means) that detects that the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing part 61.

[0076] When the set detection sensor 51 detects that the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing part 61 (see FIG. 9(C)), a signal informing the same is sent to the control part 100b (described later). In this way, the control part 100b (described later) is configured to be able to detect whether the second storage tank 47 has been set in the second storage tank fixing part 61 or not.

[0077] 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. The output value (voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94 is notified to a control part 100b (described later). The control part 100b (described later) 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 (described later) determines that the second storage tank 47 is in the set state based on the output signal of the set detection sensor 51, it turns on the second liquid level sensor 94 to make it possible to detect the presence or absence (liquid level) of liquid in the second storage tank fixing part 61.

[0078] 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 to prevent leakage of the liquid L. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(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.

[0079] During maintenance of the post-processing 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-processing 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 through 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 capable of storing the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45. As shown in FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C), the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is provided with a liquid drain plug 611. After the liquid supply pump 46 has pumped the liquid L remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply path 45 in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, the liquid drain plug 611 can be opened to drain the liquid L stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 from inside the post-processing device 3.

[0080] [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. 10. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram for executing control processing in post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 10, 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the pressure-receiving means rotation motor 56, the liquid application section movement motor 42, the liquid application means rotation motor 563, the end-stitching processing section movement motor 55, the staple binding section drive motor 62d, the staple binding means rotation motor 82, the staple binding processing section movement motor 80, the liquid supply pump 46, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0084] 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, and the encoder sensor 541. Note that while Figure 10 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, the stapling processing unit 155' has been described as having a configuration in which the stapling means 62 and the second liquid providing means 612 are configured integrally and move along the guide shaft 49, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stapling means 62 and the second liquid providing means 612 may each move separately and independently.

[0089] [Binding process explanation] Next, the flow of the binding process executed in the end binding processing unit 25 included 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 numeral (B1).

[0090] 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.

[0091] The binding process instruction includes, for example, the type of paper P (information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets P that make up the paper stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined number of sheets N"), the number of 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.

[0092] 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 (S701). 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, without rotating the liquid application means 31. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to when both the liquid application means 31 and the pressure bonding means 32 are rotated forward and backward, thereby achieving the effects of reducing costs, downsizing the device, and reducing equipment failures.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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 (S701). Note that the control unit 100b executes the process of step S701 before the first sheet P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0095] 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 (S702). 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 (S702).

[0096] 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 S702, based on the liquid applicator control data adjusted in advance (S703). 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 S703, 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.

[0097] 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 (S704). 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 (S704: No), it repeats the processes of steps S702 to S704 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S704: Yes). That is, the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S702 to S704 every time a sheet P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. Note that the liquid application by the liquid application unit 31 may be applied not only to all of the sheets P constituting the sheet stack Pb, but also to only some of the sheets P.

[0098] 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 (S704: 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 (S705).

[0099] Next, 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 (S706). Then, the control unit 100b causes the conveyance roller pair 15 to discharge the sheet bundle Pb pressure-bound by the pressure bonding unit 32 to the second discharge tray 26 (S707). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to clamp the first binding position B1 of the sheet bundle 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 bundle 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 bundle Pb pressure-bound to the second discharge tray 26.

[0100] 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 S706 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 S703. 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.

[0101] 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 (S708). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the discharged sheet bundle Pb has not reached the required number of copies M (S708: No), it executes the processes from step S702 onwards again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S702 to S708 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 (S708: Yes).

[0102] 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 (S708: Yes), it drives the edge-stitching processing unit moving 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(A) (S709). Furthermore, when the posture specified in the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding posture," the control unit 100b drives the liquid applicator rotating motor 563 and the pressure-bonding unit rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applicator 31 and the pressure-bonding unit 32 to the parallel binding posture (S709). 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(A) . Note that in steps S701 and S709, 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.

[0103] [Configuration of liquid applying means 31] Next, the liquid application means 31 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described in further detail. Fig. 13 is a structural diagram of the liquid application means 31 according to this embodiment. The liquid application means 31 has a liquid application member 501, a liquid supply member 50 having an immersion portion 502, a first liquid storage tank 44 as a first liquid storage portion, a second liquid storage tank 47 as a second liquid storage portion, a liquid supply pump 46 as a liquid supply means, a liquid supply path 45, and a control unit 100b as a control means.

[0104] As already explained, the liquid supply member 50 is configured as a liquid absorber in which a part (immersion portion 502) is immersed in the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, and another part (liquid application member 501) comes into contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb to apply liquid.

[0105] The second liquid storage tank 47 stores liquid to be replenished 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 liquid supply path 45 by the operation of the liquid supply pump 46.

[0106] The first storage tank 44 is provided with a first liquid level sensor 43 as a first liquid detection means for detecting the presence or absence of liquid (amount of stored liquid) in the first storage tank 44. The first liquid level sensor 43 is an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes.

[0107] The output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor when it detects the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 is input to the control unit 100b, which serves as a control means. The control unit 100b determines whether or not there is liquid (amount of stored liquid) in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on whether or not the input output value exceeds a "liquid detection threshold" (threshold value). If it is determined that the first liquid storage tank 44 needs to be replenished with liquid, the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0108] The control unit 100b controls the timing of application of voltage to the electrodes provided in the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b also controls the start and stop of operation of the liquid supply pump 46 according to the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43. Furthermore, when the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 due to the operation of the liquid supply pump 46 according to the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43, the control unit 100b stops the operation of the liquid supply pump 46 and also stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0109] Then, the control unit 100b measures the elapsed time after the liquid supply pump 46 has stopped operating, and when the elapsed time exceeds a first predetermined time, it energizes (applies voltage to) the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43 and again executes a detection process to detect the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0110] It takes time for the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to be sucked up by the capillary action of the liquid supply member 50 and sent from the immersion unit 502 to the liquid applying member 501 via the liquid supply member 50. Therefore, as described above, after waiting for the passage of a predetermined time, the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 is detected. At this time, if the liquid is sucked up by the liquid supply member 50 and the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (liquid level) decreases, and the first liquid level sensor 43 does not detect the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44, the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 again to supply the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0111] The output value of the first liquid level sensor 43 corresponds to an electrical signal that changes depending on the amount of contact between the electrodes and the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. This electrical signal includes a signal indicating an electrical resistance value, a signal indicating a voltage value, a signal indicating a current value, etc. In other words, any signal that indicates an electrical value that changes when electricity is passed between the electrodes (when a voltage is applied) depending on whether the pair of electrodes that make up the electrode sensor are immersed in the liquid or not is considered to be an "electrical signal."

[0112] 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.

[0113] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the amount (liquid level) of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 when the liquid supply member 50 is dry. Hereinafter, a change in the amount (liquid level) of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 will be referred to as a "liquid level change."

[0114] 14(a), liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, and the first liquid level sensor 43 is brought into a state where it can detect the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44. At this time, the liquid supply member 50 including the immersion portion 502 is in a dry state. Then, the liquid level (amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44) when the first liquid level sensor 43 is brought into a state where it can detect the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is defined as the "reference liquid level."

[0115] 14(B), the liquid is sucked up from the immersion portion 502 by capillary action, and the liquid supply member 50 absorbs the liquid. At this time, the amount of liquid (liquid level) stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops from the reference liquid level. When the liquid level drops, that is, when the liquid supply member 50 has absorbed the liquid and become wet, the control unit 100b once again determines the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43. If the control unit 100b determines at this stage that the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (liquid level) is less than the reference liquid level, the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to again supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0116] When an electrode sensor is used as the first liquid level sensor 43, constantly applying a current to the pair of electrodes raises concerns that electrolytic corrosion may occur in the metal used for the electrodes. Furthermore, because a voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, there is a concern that deterioration of the electrodes may be induced, such as electrolysis of the liquid or the adhesion of foreign matter to the electrode surface due to electrolysis, causing the electrodes to dissolve. Therefore, the control unit 100b controls the timing of energizing the first liquid level sensor 43 so that, rather than constantly energizing the first liquid level sensor 43, it energizes the sensor (turns the sensor on) only when detecting the presence (liquid level) of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0117] [Liquid supply operation control flow] 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow of the liquid supply operation executed by the control unit 100b ("liquid supply control flow"). The liquid supply operation according to this embodiment is executed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the pressure binding process involving the application of liquid is started.

[0118] For example, when post-processing device 3 is started, the liquid supply control flow is initiated. When the liquid supply control flow is initiated, a liquid presence / absence check request is issued to control unit 100b (S1401). The liquid presence / absence check request may be based on information input by the user from operation panel 110 provided on image forming device 2 and / or post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the liquid presence / absence check request from image forming device 2, control unit 100b applies voltage to first liquid level sensor 43 (turns on power) (S1402).

[0119] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the value of the electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as the "output value" (voltage)) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines whether or not there is liquid (amount of liquid stored) in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1403). The determination of whether or not there is liquid (amount of liquid stored) in the first liquid storage tank 44 is made based on whether or not the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold). For example, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b determines that the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sufficient (S1403: YES). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power) (S1404), displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete, for example, on the operation panel 110 (S1405), and ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0120] On the other hand, in step S1403, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1403: NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1406).

[0121] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than a preset "liquid detection threshold" (threshold) (S1407). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 (S1407: YES). On the other hand, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1407: NO), the control unit 100b determines whether the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1406) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]) (S1416). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: NO), the control unit 100b continues to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 using the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes greater than or equal to the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output value V1) (S1407: YES).

[0122] On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: YES), control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the device (such as a failure of liquid supply pump 46 and / or first liquid level sensor 43), and performs error stop processing to stop liquid supply pump 46 and / or turn off power to first liquid level sensor 43 (S1418). Then, control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on operation panel 110 (S1419), and then ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0123] In step S1407, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1407: YES), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 to stop the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1408).Then, the control unit 100b stops the application of voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off the power supply) (S1409).

[0124] Thereafter, the liquid supply control flow is temporarily stopped until a preset waiting time (first predetermined time T0 [sec]) has elapsed, which is the time until the liquid supply member 50 draws up the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 by capillary action or the like, and the liquid application member 501 is ready to apply the liquid (a state in which the liquid application member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 is sufficiently filled with liquid) (S1410).

[0125] Then, after the first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, the control unit 100b again turns on the power to the first liquid-level sensor 43 (S1411), obtains the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid-level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines the presence or absence of liquid (the amount of liquid stored) in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1412). At this stage, the liquid level (the amount of liquid stored) in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops due to the suction of the liquid supply member 50. However, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid-level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1412: YES), the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid-level sensor 43 (turns off the power) (S1404). Then, the control unit 100b displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1405), and ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0126] On the other hand, in step S1412, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1412: NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 91 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1413).

[0127] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the output value (voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines whether or not there is liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (the amount of liquid stored) (S1414). If the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44. In this case, the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 to stop the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1415). The control unit 100b then stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43 (turns off power) (S1404), displays a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1405), and ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0128] On the other hand, if the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: NO), the control unit 100b determines (S1417) whether the time elapsed since the liquid supply pump 46 started operating (S1413) has exceeded the abnormality determination time (T1 [sec]). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1417: NO), the control unit 100b continues supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES).

[0129] On the other hand, if the elapsed time has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1414: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some abnormality has occurred in the device, and performs error stop processing (S1418) to stop the liquid supply pump 46 and / or turn off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43. Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1419), and then ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0130] The "abnormality notification" may be, for example, a warning displayed on the operation panel 110 urging the user to check the liquid supply pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43 because there is a possibility that they may be out of order.

[0131] As described above, by executing the control flow for the liquid supply operation according to this embodiment, it is possible to stably ensure a constant amount of liquid that can be applied by the liquid application member 501 in the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501. As a result, it is possible to reduce the frequency of the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby improving the efficiency of the liquid application process.

[0132] Next, the relationship between the liquid supply control flow described in Fig. 15 and the change in the amount (liquid level) of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 described in Fig. 14 will be described. First, if the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is confirmed prior to reaching the state shown in Fig. 14(A), the control unit 100b determines that the state in the first liquid storage tank 44 is "no liquid" (S1403: NO) and drives the liquid supply pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1406). Then, when the state shown in Fig. 14(A) is reached, the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1407: YES), so the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 (S1408) and then turns off the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1409).

[0133] 14(B), when a first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, which is set in advance as the time required for the liquid supply member 50 to suck up the liquid and reach a state where the liquid dispensing member 501 can dispense the liquid, the control unit 100b again turns on the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1411). At this stage, a predetermined amount of liquid has been sucked up from the first liquid storage tank 44 into the liquid supply member 50 by the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases, and the liquid level (storage amount) of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level, so that the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes less than the liquid detection threshold value (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1412: NO).

[0134] Therefore, the control unit 100b operates the liquid supply pump 46 again (S1413) and continues supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 until the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES). When the output value (voltage) from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b stops the liquid supply pump 46 (S715) and turns off the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1404). As a result, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is sufficiently stored throughout the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid dispensing member 501, and the control unit 100b causes the operation panel 110 to display a notification that preparation for liquid dispensing is complete (S1405).

[0135] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of liquid leakage that may occur in the liquid applying means 31 according to this embodiment.

[0136] The liquid applying means 31 according to this embodiment is a system in which liquid is replenished to the second liquid storage tank 47. Therefore, the properties of the liquid (hardness, pH, amount of chlorine, conductivity, etc.) vary depending on the type of liquid replenished to the second liquid storage tank 47. That is, when determining the presence or absence of liquid (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the output value (voltage) of the first liquid level sensor 43, it is conceivable that there may be situations in which it becomes difficult to accurately detect the presence or absence of liquid (storage amount) in the first liquid storage tank 44 even if the liquid detection threshold is fixed at a specific value.

[0137] For example, assume that the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 is a liquid with extremely low electrical conductivity (such as ultrapure water used in industrial applications). In this case, if a liquid detection threshold set based on tap water is used, even if the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is in contact with the first liquid level sensor 43, the output value at that time (the output value of ultrapure water) may not satisfy the condition for detecting the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 when compared with the liquid detection threshold set based on tap water. As a result, the supply of liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supply pump 46 cannot be stopped at the appropriate time, and the entire first liquid storage tank 44 becomes filled with liquid, which may lead to problems such as liquid leakage from a gap between the liquid supply member 50 and the first liquid storage tank 44 and from the tip of the liquid application member 501, as shown in FIG. 16 .

[0138] Therefore, the liquid applying means 31 according to this embodiment varies the liquid detection threshold used to determine the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid level sensor 43 depending on the type of liquid. Fig. 17 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the change in output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 and the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 in time series. The horizontal axis t in Fig. 17 represents the elapsed time from when the liquid supply pump 46 is operated to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, and the vertical axis V represents the output value (voltage) of the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0139] Before the pair of electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43 come into contact with the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (see FIG. 14(B)), air is detected. The output value (voltage) of the first liquid level sensor 43 at this time is defined as "V1." If the type of liquid is "La" with a predetermined electrical conductivity, the output value (voltage) changes from "V1" to "V2" when the liquid La comes into contact with the electrodes after an elapsed time tL. Therefore, to detect the liquid La using the first liquid level sensor 43, the control unit 100b sets the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 between the output value V1 and the output value V2, as shown in FIG. 17.

[0140] It is desirable to set the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 to the midpoint between the output value V1 and the output value V2, taking into consideration variations in the output value V1 and the output value V2, noise, and the like.

[0141] Furthermore, if the type of liquid is not "La" but "Lb," which has a lower conductivity than "La," the output value changes from "V1" to "V3" when the liquid Lb comes into contact with the electrodes. Here, the output value V3 is greater than the output value V2 but less than the output value V1. In this case, when the liquid Lb comes into contact with the electrodes at an elapsed time tL, the output value changes from "V1" to "V3" and does not reach "V2." In other words, even if the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 (the liquid detection threshold for liquid La) is set midway between the output values ​​V1 and V2 as shown in FIG. 17, the first liquid level sensor 43 cannot detect the level (storage amount) of the liquid Lb in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0142] Therefore, in the case of liquid Lb, the control unit 100b sets the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 to between the output values ​​V1 and V3, rather than midway between the output values ​​V1 and V2, as shown in Fig. 17. In other words, the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 can be changed depending on the type of liquid so that the first liquid level sensor 43 can accurately detect the liquid (liquid level) in the first liquid storage tank 44 depending on the type of liquid.

[0143] [Modification of the first embodiment] A post-processing device 3 according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. The basic configuration of the post-processing device 3 according to the modified example is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the post-processing device 3 according to the modified example differs from the first embodiment in that, during the binding process, liquid can be reapplied to the sheets P supported on the internal tray 22 (first tray) (or the sheets can be discharged without pressure binding).

[0144] 18 is an example of data in the threshold time table. The threshold time table is a table for managing threshold times for determining whether or not to reapply liquid to the paper P (or to discharge the paper without pressure binding). The threshold time table is stored, for example, in memory (for example, HDD 104). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether or not to reapply liquid to the paper P (or to discharge the paper without pressure binding) based on the threshold time table.

[0145] The threshold time table stores threshold times associated with at least one of, for example, the type (paper type) of paper P, the thickness (paper thickness) of paper P, the number of sheets of paper P currently supported in internal tray 22, the humidity of the installation location of post-processing device 3, and the room temperature of the installation location of post-processing device 3. That is, control unit 100b adjusts the threshold time used in step S2107 based on at least one of the type (paper type) of paper P, the thickness (paper thickness) of paper P, the number of sheets of paper P currently supported in internal tray 22, the humidity of the installation location of post-processing device 3, and the room temperature of the installation location of post-processing device 3.

[0146] As one example, the control unit 100b shortens the threshold time when the paper P is plain paper compared to when the paper P is coated paper. As another example, the control unit 100b shortens the threshold time the thinner the paper is, and lengthens the threshold time the thicker the paper is. As another example, the control unit 100b shortens the threshold time the fewer the number of sheets of paper P currently supported in the internal tray 22, and lengthens the threshold time the more the number of sheets of paper P is.

[0147] As another example, the control unit 100b shortens the threshold time as the humidity is lower, and lengthens the threshold time as the humidity is higher. As yet another example, the control unit 100b shortens the threshold time as the temperature is higher, and lengthens the threshold time as the temperature is lower. Note that the control unit 100b may obtain the humidity (temperature) from a hygrometer (thermometer) installed in the post-processing device 3 (or the image forming system 1). Alternatively, the control unit 100b may obtain the humidity (temperature) from an externally installed hygrometer (thermometer) via a communication network.

[0148] 19 shows an example of data in the pressing time table. The pressing time table is a table that manages the pressing time for which the liquid applying member 501 is pressed against the paper sheet P. The pressing time table is stored, for example, in memory (for example, HDD 104). The control unit 100b then increases or decreases the time for which the liquid applying member 501 is pressed against the paper sheet P based on the pressing time table. Note that the longer the pressing time, the greater the amount of liquid that is re-applied to the paper sheet P. In other words, the control unit 100b adjusts the amount of liquid re-applied to the paper sheet P by increasing or decreasing the pressing time.

[0149] The pressing time table stores pressing times in association with at least one of, for example, the type (paper type) of paper P, the thickness (paper thickness) of paper P, and the time elapsed since liquid was applied to paper P. That is, control unit 100b adjusts the amount of liquid to be re-applied to paper P based on at least one of the type (paper type) of paper P, the thickness (paper thickness) of paper P, and the time elapsed since liquid was applied to paper P.

[0150] As one example, the control unit 100b shortens the pressing time when the paper P is plain paper compared to when the paper P is coated paper. As another example, the control unit 100b shortens the pressing time the thinner the paper is, and lengthens the pressing time the thicker the paper is. As another example, the control unit 100b shortens the pressing time the fewer the number of sheets of paper P currently supported in the internal tray 22, and lengthens the pressing time the greater the number. As yet another example, the control unit 100b shortens the pressing time the shorter the time that has elapsed since the first application of liquid to the paper P, and lengthens the pressing time the longer the time that has elapsed.

[0151] 20 shows examples of a re-application setting screen (A) and a pressing time setting screen (B). Prior to the binding process described later with reference to FIG. 21, the control unit 100b displays the re-application setting screen or the pressing time setting screen on the operation panel 110. In other words, the control unit 100b displays the re-application setting screen or the pressing time setting screen on the operation panel 110 in accordance with a user's operation via the operation panel 110.

[0152] The reapplication setting screen is a screen for setting whether to reapplication of liquid to sheet P1 or forcibly discharge sheet P or sheet bundle Pb currently supported by internal tray 22 to second discharge tray 26 (second tray) without pressure binding when the elapsed time from when liquid is applied to sheet P1 (first medium) until the next sheet P2 (second medium) is transported to internal tray 22 reaches a threshold time. As shown in FIG. 20(A), the reapplication setting screen includes radio buttons corresponding to "automatic determination" indicating that control unit 100b automatically determines whether to reapplication or forced discharge, "reapplication" indicating reapplication, and "forced discharge" indicating forced discharge, as well as a "confirm" icon and a "cancel" icon.

[0153] When one of the radio buttons is selected and the [Confirm] icon is tapped, the control unit 100b stores (changes) the setting corresponding to the selected radio button in the HDD 104. On the other hand, when the [Cancel] icon is tapped, the control unit 100b cancels the setting change. Furthermore, the initial value of the re-assignment setting is, for example, "automatic determination."

[0154] The pressing time setting screen is a screen that allows the user to set the pressing time. As shown in FIG. 20(B), the pressing time setting screen displays the parameters of the pressing time table (for example, plain paper, paper thickness 3 (257 to 280 g / m 2 The screen also includes a text box for inputting an increase or decrease in pressing time corresponding to the following: less than 5 sheets, less than 5 sheets, and elapsed time less than 500 seconds, a "Confirm" icon, and a "Cancel" icon. Note that the corresponding parameters can be changed via the operation panel 110.

[0155] When the "Confirm" icon is tapped, the control unit 100b adds or subtracts the value entered in the text box to the corresponding pressing time in the pressing time table. On the other hand, when the "Cancel" icon is tapped, the control unit 100b cancels the change in the pressing time. Furthermore, the initial value of the pressing time is set in advance in the pressing time table, for example.

[0156] [Variations of binding process] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of the binding process according to the modified example. Note that a detailed description of the points in common with Fig. 11 will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the points of difference.

[0157] First, when a sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2 is supplied to the internal tray 22 (S2101: Yes), the control unit 100b executes a so-called jogging process, which aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the sheet P or the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by moving the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction (S2102).

[0158] Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application unit 31 to apply liquid to the liquid application position of the paper sheet P most recently supported by the internal tray 22 (S2103). The control unit 100b also starts measuring the elapsed time since executing step S2103 (S2104). Furthermore, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N (i.e., the last paper) (S2105).

[0159] Then, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the processes of steps S2101 to S2104 until it determines that the sheet P placed on the internal tray 22 is the last sheet (S2105: No). More specifically, if the next sheet P2 (second medium) is transported (S2101: Yes) before the elapsed time since liquid was applied to the previous sheet P1 (first medium) reaches the threshold time (S2107: No), the control unit 100b executes the processes of steps S2102 to S2104 for that sheet P2. Note that each time step S2107 is executed, the control unit 100b determines the threshold time based on the threshold time table shown in FIG.

[0160] Furthermore, when the control unit 100b determines that the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 is the last paper (S2105: Yes), it causes the crimping means 32 to crimp and bind the binding position of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, and causes the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped and bound paper stack Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S2106).

[0161] On the other hand, if the time elapsed since the previous step S2104 reaches the threshold time (S2107: Yes) before the sheet P2 following the sheet P1 is conveyed to the internal tray 22 (S2101: No), the control unit 100b notifies the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2 of the need for re-application or forced ejection at the timing when the elapsed time reaches the threshold time (S2108). Note that the control unit 100b continues measuring the elapsed time.

[0162] Here, if the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the next sheet P2 is transported to the internal tray 22 (S2101: No & S2107: Yes), it is possible that a problem has occurred that prevents the sheet P2 from being supplied to the internal tray 22. Examples of such a problem include the sheet P2 getting stuck in the transport path from the image forming device 2 to the internal tray 22 (a so-called jam), or the sheet P stored in the storage tray 211 running out. These problems may occur either inside the image forming device 2 or inside the post-processing device 3.

[0163] Therefore, when control unit 100a receives the notification of step S2108, it waits to transport the next sheet of paper P until it receives the notification of steps S2112 / S2114 from control unit 100b. Furthermore, when the trouble in image forming apparatus 2 is recovered, control unit 100a notifies control unit 100b that the recovery is complete (hereinafter referred to as "recovery notification").

[0164] Next, when a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 2, the control unit 100b waits to execute the processes from step S2110 onwards until it receives a recovery notification from the control unit 100a (S2109: No). On the other hand, when a problem occurs in the post-processing apparatus 3, the control unit 100b waits to execute the processes from step S2110 onwards until it receives an operation through the operation panel 110 indicating that the problem has been resolved (S2109: No). That is, the control unit 100b waits to execute the processes from step S2110 onwards until the sheet P2 can be supplied to the internal tray 22 (S2109: No).

[0165] Then, when recovery from the trouble is completed (i.e., the next sheet P2 can be conveyed) (S2109: Yes), the control unit 100b determines whether to reapply liquid to the sheet P1 or to discharge the sheet P1 or the sheet bundle Pb including the sheet P1 placed on the internal tray 22 without crimping and binding them (S2110). The control unit 100b makes the determination in step S2110 based on, for example, a setting value stored in the HDD 104.

[0166] Note that if "Re-issuance" is selected on the re-issuance setting screen (S2110: Yes), the control unit 100b executes the processes from step S2111 onwards. Also, if "Forced Ejection" is selected on the re-issuance setting screen (S2110: No), the control unit 100b executes the processes from step S2113 onwards. That is, the control unit 100b may make the determination of step S2110 based on a user operation via the operation panel 110.

[0167] On the other hand, when "automatic determination" is selected on the reapplication setting screen, the control unit 100b may perform the determination of step S2110 based on at least one of, for example, the type (paper type) of the paper P1, the thickness (paper thickness) of the paper P1, the number of sheets of paper P currently supported in the internal tray 22, the amount of liquid contained in the paper P1, and the number of reapplications (S2111) performed so far in this binding process.

[0168] As one example, the control unit 100b applies liquid again if the paper P1 is plain paper, and performs forced ejection if the paper P1 is coated paper. As another example, the control unit 100b applies liquid again if the paper thickness of the paper P1 is equal to or less than a threshold, and performs forced ejection if the paper thickness of the paper P1 is equal to or greater than the threshold. As another example, the control unit 100b applies liquid again if the current number of sheets of paper P is equal to or less than a threshold, and performs forced ejection if the current number of sheets of paper P is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0169] As another example, the control unit 100b re-applies liquid when the amount of liquid currently contained in the sheet P1 is equal to or greater than a threshold, and performs forced ejection when the amount of liquid currently contained in the sheet P1 is less than the threshold. The current liquid content of the sheet P1 may be measured, for example, by a measuring device mounted on the post-processing device 3. As yet another example, the control unit 100b re-applies liquid when the number of times re-application has been performed in the current binding process is less than a threshold, and performs forced ejection when the number of times re-application has been performed is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0170] Then, when it is determined that liquid should be re-applied (S2110: Yes), the control unit 100b causes the liquid applicator 31 to re-apply liquid to the liquid application position on the sheet P1 (S2111). The control unit 100b adjusts the amount of liquid to be re-applied (the time for which the liquid applicator 501 is pressed) according to, for example, the pressing time table shown in FIG. 19. Furthermore, when the re-application of liquid is completed, the control unit 100b notifies the control unit 100a of the completion of the re-application (S2112). In response to receiving the notification of step S2112, the control unit 100a resumes supplying the sheet P2 to the post-processing device 3. The control unit 100b then executes the processes from step S2105 onwards.

[0171] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines to perform forced ejection (S2110: No), it ejects the sheets P or sheet bundle Pb supported by the internal tray 22 to the second ejection tray 26 without pressure binding (S2113). As another example, the control unit 100b may instruct the user via the operation panel 110 to eject the sheets P or sheet bundle Pb from the internal tray 22. Furthermore, the control unit 100b notifies the control unit 100a of the completion of the forced ejection at the timing when the forced ejection of the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22 is completed (S2114). In response to receiving the notification of step S2114, the control unit 100a re-supplies the sheets P to the post-processing device 3, starting with the first sheet P to be pressure-bound in the current binding process. Then, the control unit 100b temporarily ends the current binding process and starts a new binding process.

[0172] [Effects of modified examples] According to the above-described modified example, by making it possible to reapply liquid to the sheet P1, it is possible to obtain an appropriate binding strength even if a long time has passed without the sheet P2 following the sheet P1 being supplied to the internal tray 22. Furthermore, since the sheets P that have been supported by the internal tray 22 up to that point are not wasted, it is possible to reduce the user's waiting time and the amount of wasted paper.

[0173] Furthermore, according to the above-described modified example, the liquid content of the paper P1 can be appropriately determined by determining the threshold time based on the threshold time table. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of liquid to be reapplied from being too much or too little, and obtain an appropriate binding strength. As another example, the control unit 100b may reapply liquid to the paper P1 when the liquid content of the paper P1 measured by a measuring device installed in the post-processing device 3 is less than the threshold.

[0174] Furthermore, according to the above-described modified example, by adjusting the amount of liquid to be reapplied based on the pressing time table, an appropriate amount of liquid can be reapplied. As a result, an excessive or insufficient amount of liquid to be reapplied can be prevented, and an appropriate binding strength can be obtained. As another example, the control unit 100b may adjust the amount of liquid to be reapplied based on the liquid content of the paper P1 measured by a measuring device installed in the post-processing device 3.

[0175] Furthermore, according to the above-described modified example, by selecting whether to reapply liquid to the paper P1 or forcibly eject the previous paper P, it is possible to switch between reducing the user's waiting time and wasted paper, and maintaining the quality of the paper stack Pb that is crimped and bound.

[0176] As one example, by having the control unit 100b automatically determine whether to re-apply or forcibly eject, it is possible to reduce the user's waiting time and waste paper while maintaining the quality of the crimp-bound sheet bundle Pb. As another example, by allowing the user to select between re-applying or forcibly ejecting, it is possible to allow the user to select whether to prioritize reducing the user's waiting time and waste paper, or maintaining the quality of the crimp-bound sheet bundle Pb.

[0177] Furthermore, according to the above modification, by applying liquid again after recovery is completed (S2109: Yes → S2111), it is possible to prevent the waiting time from becoming long again after applying liquid again, thereby preventing a deterioration in the quality of the paper P1 due to repeated application of liquid again.

[0178] 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. 31(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. 31(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.

[0179] 32(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. 32(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.

[0180] [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 22 to 30. 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.

[0181] 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'.

[0182] 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).

[0183] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb. As shown in Fig. 23, the end stitching processing section 251 is equipped with only a pressure bonding means 32'. As shown in Fig. 23, the pressure bonding means 32' and the staple binding processing section 156 are arranged downstream in the transport direction from the internal tray 22. Furthermore, the pressure bonding means 32' and the staple binding processing section 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end in the transport direction of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0184] Furthermore, the crimping means 32' and the staple binding processing section 156 are configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping means rotation shaft 340 and a staple binding means rotation shaft 84 that extend in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. In other words, the crimping means 32' and the staple binding processing section 156 can bind the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at any position in the main scanning direction and at any angle, such as diagonal corner binding, one-point parallel binding, or two-point parallel binding.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 23, the pressing means 32' and the stapling processing section 156 are disposed downstream in the conveying direction from the internal tray 22. 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 configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a pressing means rotation shaft 340 that extends in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 24 is a schematic diagram of the pressing unit 32' viewed from the downstream side in the conveyance direction. As shown in FIG. 24, the pressing unit 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveyance direction. The pressing unit 32' is equipped with a pressing unit 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 connection to a timing belt 240c. As a result, the driving force of the pressing unit movement motor 238 is transmitted to the base member 48 by a drive transmission mechanism 240 including pulleys 240a, 240b, the timing belt 240c, and the fastening portion 48b, whereby the pressing unit 32' moves in the main scanning direction along the surface of the sheet stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (in other words, along the guide rail 337). Furthermore, a crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping means 32' has a crimping means rotation shaft 340 equipped with a drive transmission gear 340a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0189] 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'.

[0190] The pressing means 32' is configured to be movable between a standby position HP2 shown in Fig. 23(A) and a position facing the first binding position B1 shown in Fig. 23(B) and Fig. 23(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. 23, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the end of the sheet P on the downstream side in the transport direction, and there may be multiple positions thereat.

[0191] The crimping means 32' changes its posture between a parallel binding posture shown in Fig. 23(B) and a diagonal binding posture shown in Fig. 23(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.

[0192] 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 23 (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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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 location of the liquid applicator 131 is not limited to the example in FIG. 22. For example, if an inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in FIG. 30, 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, an insert sheet, or an interleaf sheet without passing through the image forming device 2.

[0195] 25(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.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] Figure 25 is a view of liquid applicator 131 according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of paper P. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Figure 25. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Figure 25. As shown in Figures 25 to 27, 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, and a liquid applicator unit 140.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] The standby position sensor 138 detects that the liquid deposition unit 140 has reached a standby position HP1 (see FIG. 25) in the main scanning direction, and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b (see FIG. 28), 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. At the standby position HP1, the liquid deposition unit 140 blocks the optical path between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The standby position sensor 138 outputs a standby position signal in response to the light output from the light-emitting element not being received by the light-receiving element. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0205] 26, 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.

[0206] As shown in Figures 25 to 27, 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 and 147b, a pressure plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, a dispensing head rotating motor 150, a dispensing head moving motor 151 (see Figure 28), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 28).

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 28) 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.

[0210] 25(A) shows the state when the pressure-bonding means 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs parallel binding. Also, the rotation bracket 142 shown in FIG. 25(B) shows the state when the pressure-bonding means 32' downstream of the liquid applicator 131 performs diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0211] 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).

[0212] 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.

[0213] 26(A) and 27(A), before the sheet P is conveyed to a position facing the opening in the upper guide plate 5a, the pressure plate 148 is positioned at or above the opening. Next, when the 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′).

[0214] 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. 26(B) and 27(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.

[0215] 26(C) and 27(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.

[0216] 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 26(A) and 27(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.

[0217] Fig. 28 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. 28, 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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 unit 132. In addition, the control unit 100b acquires the detection results of the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105.

[0222] Note that Figure 28 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.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 30, 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. The post-processing device 3A may also be provided with an operation panel 110 similar to the above.

[0224] 29 is a flowchart of post-processing by the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 29 is a flowchart when the one-point binding process shown in FIG.

[0225] The control unit 100b executes the post-processing shown in FIG. 29 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. 25), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0226] 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. 25(B) ; a position corresponding to the first binding position B1 in FIGS. 23(B) and 23(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" (S801). 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.

[0227] 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 the crimping means 32' can face the first binding position B1, as shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) (S801). Furthermore, when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding process," the control unit 100b drives the crimping means rotating motor 239 to rotate the crimping means 32' from the standby angle to a crimping binding angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S801). It can be recognized from pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping means moving motor 238 and the crimping means rotating motor 239 that the crimping means 32' has reached the position where it can face the first binding position B1 and the crimping binding angle. Note that when the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "parallel binding process," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping means 32' described above. That is, the pressure bonding means 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0228] Next, the control unit 100b drives the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 to start transporting the sheet P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 (S802). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P does not face the liquid application unit 140 (S803: No), the control unit 100b continues transporting the sheet P by the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 until the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (S803: Yes). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100b stops transport of the sheet P by the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S804). The fact that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid application head 146 can be detected by a pulse signal output from a rotary encoder of the motor that drives the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11.

[0229] The control unit 100b executes a process of applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 on the paper sheet P by the liquid application unit 140 (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100b rotates the application head movement motor 151 in a first direction, thereby bringing the liquid application head 146 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 on the paper sheet P. The control unit 100b also changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 (i.e., the amount of rotation of the application head movement motor 151) depending on the amount of liquid applied to the paper sheet P.

[0230] 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.

[0231] Next, the control unit 100b drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the internal tray 22 (S806). The control unit 100b also executes a so-called jogging process, which aligns the position of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction by moving the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction (S806).

[0232] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np specified in the post-processing instruction (S807). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number Np (S807: No), it repeats the processes of steps S802 to S807 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S807: Yes).

[0233] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np (S807: Yes), it causes the pressure bonding means 32' to pressure-bind the sheet bundle Pb including the sheets P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 140 at the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1 of the sheets P) (S808). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the conveyance roller pair 15 to eject the pressure-bound sheet bundle Pb onto the second ejection tray 26 (S808).

[0234] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of copies of the sheet stack Pb discharged onto the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies Mp indicated in the post-processing instruction (S809). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the discharged sheet stack Pb has not reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: No), it repeats the processes of steps S802 to S809 until the number of copies of the discharged sheet stack Pb reaches the required number of copies Mp (S809: Yes).

[0235] On the other hand, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of copies of the sheet bundle Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number of copies Mp (S809: Yes), it drives the liquid application unit movement motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to the standby position HP1 (see FIG. 25), and drives the pressure bonding unit movement motor 238 to move the pressure bonding unit 32' to the standby position HP2 (see FIG. 23) (S810). 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) (S810). 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 S801 and S810, 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 22 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. 31(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. 31(B).

[0238] 32(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. 32(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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> A first tray; a liquid applying means for applying a liquid to at least one sheet of medium supported by the first tray; a pressure-binding unit that pressure-binds the plurality of media onto which the liquid has been applied by the liquid-application unit; a control unit for controlling operations of the liquid applying unit and the pressure bonding unit, The control unit measuring the elapsed time since the liquid applying means applied the liquid to the first medium; When a second medium following the first medium is supplied to the first tray before the elapsed time reaches a threshold time, the medium bundle including the first medium and the second medium is press-stitched by the press-stitching means without re-applying liquid to the first medium; This media processing device is characterized in that if the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second media is supplied to the first tray, liquid is re-applied to the first media and the media stack is crimped and bound by the crimping means. <2> the above <1> In the media processing device described in The control unit of this media processing device is characterized by adjusting the threshold time based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the humidity of the location where the media processing device is installed, the room temperature of the location where the media processing device is installed, and the number of sheets of media supported in the first tray. <3> the above <1> or the above <2> In the media processing device described in The control unit is a media processing device that adjusts the amount of liquid re-applied to the first medium based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the number of sheets of the medium supported on the first tray, and the length of the elapsed time. <4> the above <3> In the media processing device described in the liquid applying means applies the liquid by pressing a liquid applying member containing the liquid against the medium supported by the first tray; The control unit is a medium processing device that adjusts the amount of liquid re-applied to the first medium by increasing or decreasing the pressing time of the liquid applying member. <5> the above <1> or the above <4> In the media processing device according to any one of the above items, Further comprising a second tray; The control unit of this media processing device is characterized in that, when the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray, it determines whether to re-apply liquid to the first medium or to eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it. <6> the above <5> In the media processing device described in The control unit of this media processing device is characterized in that it determines whether to re-apply liquid to the first medium or to eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the number of sheets of the medium supported on the first tray, the amount of liquid contained in the first medium, and the number of times liquid has been re-applied to the medium supported on the first tray. <7> the above <5> In the media processing device described in an operation unit that accepts user operations; The control unit is a media processing device characterized by determining whether to re-apply liquid to the first medium or eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it based on user operation through the operation unit. <8> the above <1> or the above <7> In the media processing device according to any one of the above items, The control unit is a media processing device characterized in that, when the elapsed time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray reaches the threshold time, it re-applies liquid to the first medium in response to the second medium being able to be supplied to the first tray. <9> an image forming device that forms an image on a medium; the above <1> or the above <8> and a media processing device according to any one of the above. <10> the above <9> In the image forming system described in The control unit is a media processing device characterized in that it notifies the image forming device when the elapsed time until the second medium is supplied to the first tray reaches the threshold time and when the re-application of liquid to the first medium is completed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 25: Edge binding processing unit 31: Liquid supply means 32: Crimping means 42: Liquid application unit movement motor 43: 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 72: Main body side panel 100b: control unit 110: Operation panel 471:Liquid supply valve 501: Liquid application member 611: Drain plug [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0243] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2023-109695

Claims

1. A first tray; a liquid applying means for applying a liquid to at least one sheet of medium supported by the first tray; a pressure-binding unit that pressure-binds the plurality of media onto which the liquid has been applied by the liquid-application unit; a control unit for controlling operations of the liquid applying unit and the pressure bonding unit, The control unit measuring the elapsed time since the liquid applying means applied the liquid to the first medium; When a second medium following the first medium is supplied to the first tray before the elapsed time reaches a threshold time, the medium bundle including the first medium and the second medium is press-stitched by the press-stitching means without applying liquid again to the first medium; A media processing device characterized in that, if the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second media is supplied to the first tray, liquid is re-applied to the first media and the media stack is press-stitched by the pressing means.

2. 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, The control unit adjusts the threshold time based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the humidity of the location where the media processing device is installed, the room temperature of the location where the media processing device is installed, and the number of sheets of the medium supported in the first tray.

3. 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, The control unit adjusts the amount of liquid reapplied to the first medium based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the number of sheets of medium supported in the first tray, and the length of the elapsed time.

4. 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, the liquid applying means applies the liquid by pressing a liquid applying member containing the liquid against the medium supported by the first tray; The control unit adjusts the amount of liquid re-applied to the first medium by increasing or decreasing the pressing time of the liquid applicator.

5. 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, Further comprising a second tray; The control unit is characterized in that, when the elapsed time reaches the threshold time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray, it determines whether to re-apply liquid to the first medium or to eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it.

6. 6. The media processing device according to claim 5, The control unit determines whether to reapply liquid to the first medium or to eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it based on at least one of the type of the first medium, the thickness of the first medium, the number of sheets of the medium supported on the first tray, the amount of liquid contained in the first medium, and the number of times liquid has been reapplied to the medium supported on the first tray.

7. 6. The media processing device according to claim 5, an operation unit that accepts user operations; The control unit determines whether to reapply liquid to the first medium or eject the medium supported on the first tray to the second tray without crimping and binding it based on user operation through the operation unit.

8. 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, when the elapsed time before the second medium is supplied to the first tray reaches the threshold time, the control unit re-applies liquid to the first medium in response to the second medium being able to be supplied to the first tray.

9. an image forming device that forms an image on a medium; An image forming system comprising the media processing device according to claim 1.

10. 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, The control unit notifies the image forming device when the elapsed time until the second medium is supplied to the first tray reaches the threshold time and when the reapplication of liquid to the first medium is completed.

Images