Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a media processing apparatus that can shorten the time required for the liquid application unit to reach a state where it can apply liquid to a sheet-like medium. [Solution] A media processing apparatus comprising a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one medium, the liquid application means including a first liquid storage section for storing liquid used for application, a liquid supply member held relative to the first liquid storage section and held by a holding section such that an immersion section, which is a part for permeating the liquid, is located in the internal space of the first liquid storage section, and a liquid application member that is supplied with liquid from the liquid supply member and applies the liquid in contact with the medium, wherein a flow path is provided between the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member held relative to the first liquid storage section.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , , , , ,

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a media processing apparatus capable of performing a process of binding a stack of sheets made of sheet-like media (hereinafter referred to as "binding process"). As the binding process applied to the media processing apparatus, there are known a "needle binding process" of binding using a needle-like member (binding member) penetrating the stack of sheets, a "pressure bonding binding process" of binding by pressurizing and deforming a part of the stack of sheets, and the like.

[0003] When performing liquid application to paper as a sheet-like medium during pressure bonding binding, a configuration for adjusting the amount of liquid applied to the medium is disclosed for the purpose of obtaining an appropriate binding force (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the liquid supplied to the liquid application unit does not remain in the tank storing the liquid, or when the liquid supply member for supplying the liquid to the liquid application unit with respect to the sheet-like medium is dried, the problem that it takes time for the liquid supply member to reach a state where it can supply the liquid necessary for the liquid application cannot be solved.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a media processing apparatus capable of shortening the time until the liquid application unit reaches a state where it can apply liquid to a sheet-like medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing apparatus, comprising a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one medium, wherein the liquid application means includes a first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used for the liquid application, a liquid supply member held relative to the first liquid storage section and held by a holding section such that an immersion section, which is a portion for permeating the liquid, is located in the internal space of the first liquid storage section, and a liquid application section that receives the liquid from the liquid supply member and applies the liquid in contact with the medium, wherein a flow path for the liquid is provided between the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member held relative to the first liquid storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by increasing the contact area between the liquid supply member and the liquid supply member, which supplies liquid to a liquid supply unit that applies liquid to a sheet-like medium, the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the liquid supply member can be shortened, and the time it takes for the liquid supply unit to reach a state where it can apply liquid to the sheet-like medium can also be shortened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the end-stitching unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the edge binding processing unit as seen from the liquid application means side in the main scanning direction. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping mechanism for the edge binding section. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the staple stapling unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing a modified staple stapling unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 9]Figure showing the attachment and detachment configuration of the second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 10] Hardware configuration diagram of the control block for controlling the post-treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Flowchart of the binding process by the end-binding processing unit. [Figure 12] Figure showing the positions of the liquid application means and the pressure bonding means during the binding process at one point by the end-binding processing unit. [Figure 13] Figure showing the positions of the liquid application means and the pressure bonding means during the binding process at two points by the end-binding processing unit. [Figure 14] Figure showing the correspondence between the post-treatment operation status and the liquid supply / drain mode according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Flowchart of the positioning supply operation when starting the post-treatment device, etc. [Figure 16] Figure explaining the outline of the positioning supply operation. [Figure 17] Figure explaining the outline of the positioning supply operation. [Figure 18] Figure explaining the outline of the positioning supply operation. [Figure 19] Flowchart of the overall control process of the binding process operation including the liquid supply / drain operation according to this embodiment. [Figure 20] Flowchart of the job preparation - liquid supply operation control process according to this embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure explaining an example of the liquid level in the first liquid storage part during the job preparation - liquid supply operation. [Figure 22] Flowchart of the job post - liquid supply operation control process according to this embodiment. [Figure 23] Flowchart showing a modified example of the binding process by the end-binding processing unit. [Figure 24] Outline explanatory diagram of the liquid discharge operation, which is one of the liquid supply / drain operations according to this embodiment. [Figure 25] Flowchart of the control process of the liquid discharge operation of the post-treatment device. [Figure 26] Figure showing an example of the operation screen of the post-treatment device. [Figure 27]A diagram for explaining the flow path provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 28] A diagram for explaining the flow path provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 29] A diagram for explaining the flow path provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 30] A diagram for explaining the guide unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 31] A diagram for explaining the guide unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 32] A diagram for explaining the lower pressing plate liquid storage unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 33] A diagram for explaining the lower pressing plate liquid storage unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 34] A diagram for explaining the cover unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 35] A diagram showing a first modification example of the control unit of the post-treatment device. [Figure 36] A diagram showing a second modification example of the control unit of the post-treatment device. [Figure 37] A diagram showing the internal structure of the post-treatment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] A diagram of the internal tray according to the second embodiment as viewed in the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 39] A schematic diagram of the crimping means according to the second embodiment as viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 40] A diagram of the liquid application means according to the second embodiment as viewed in the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 41] A cross-sectional view taken along XXV-XXV of FIG. 40. [Figure 42] A cross-sectional view taken along XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 40. [Figure 43] A hardware configuration diagram of the control block of the post-treatment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 44] A post-treatment flowchart of the post-treatment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 45] A diagram showing the overall configuration of a modification example of the image forming system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] In this embodiment, the description assumes that "paper" is the sheet-like medium to be processed in the image forming system 1. However, the processing in this embodiment is not limited to paper. For example, any medium on which an image can be formed using a conventionally known image forming process is acceptable, regardless of its type. Furthermore, media that can be subjected to folding or binding processes are also included, and there are no limitations on materials or specifications.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper and discharges the image-formed paper to the post-processing device 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a paper storage tray 211 (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) for storing paper, a transport unit 212 for transporting the paper stored in the paper storage tray 211, and an image forming unit 213 for forming an image on the paper transported by the transport unit 212. The image forming unit 213 may be an inkjet system that forms images using ink, or an electrophotographic system that forms images using toner. The image forming apparatus 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 apparatus 2 is already well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0012] Paper is a widely known example of a sheet-like medium. Therefore, in this specification, when describing a medium to be processed, "paper P" will be used. Furthermore, when describing a bundle of mediums, "paper bundle Pb," which is composed of multiple sheets of paper as a medium, will be used as an example.

[0013] [First embodiment of the post-processing device 3] Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. The post-processing device 3 has the function of performing predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. One of the post-processing methods according to this embodiment is a "pressure binding process" in which a bundle of multiple sheets of paper P on which an image has been formed (hereinafter referred to as "paper bundle Pb") is bound together without using staples. Another post-processing method according to this embodiment is a "staple binding process" in which the paper bundle Pb is bound together using staples.

[0014] In this embodiment, the explanation will primarily focus on the liquid application process when performing a crimping stapling process. However, the liquid application process performed in connection with a staple stapling process is similar. Furthermore, in the following explanation, "stapling process" includes both the "crimping stapling process" and the "staple stapling process," and the method of stapling (whether stapling is performed using staples or by pressurizing and deforming without using staples) is not limited.

[0015] In this embodiment, the "pressure binding process" is, more specifically, a process in which pressure is applied by the pressure means 32 to a binding position corresponding to a part of the paper stack Pb, thereby deforming the binding position and entangling the fibers of the overlapping paper P, thus binding the paper P together. As a result of this pressure binding process, a portion of the overlapping parts of the paper P become bound together, forming a single paper stack Pb. This "pressure binding process" will be referred to as "pressure binding" below.

[0016] Furthermore, the "binding processes" (including both pressure binding and staple binding) that can be executed in the post-processing device 3 include edge binding, which binds the ends of the paper stack Pb, and saddle binding, which binds the central part of the paper stack Pb.

[0017] The post-processing device 3 comprises transport roller pairs 10-19 as a transport unit and a switching member 20. The transport roller pairs 10-19 transport the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 within the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the transport roller pairs 10-13 transport the paper P along the first transport path Ph1. The transport roller pairs 14-15 transport the paper P along the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 16-19 transport the paper P along the third transport path Ph3. A punch hole punching means 132 for punching the paper P transported by the transport roller pairs 10 and 11 is located between the transport roller pairs 10 and 11. The post-processing device 3 also includes a control unit 100b as a control means. The control unit 100b controls the operation of drive members within the post-processing device 3, such as the transport roller pairs 10-19 and the switching member 20, and acquires detection results from various sensors as a detection means. Further details about the control unit 100b will be described later.

[0018] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper supply port P from the image forming apparatus 2 to the first discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and the transport roller pair 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the second discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and the transport roller pair 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the third discharge tray 30.

[0019] The switching member 20 is positioned at the branching point of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching member 20 is configured to switch between a first position in which the paper P is discharged to the first discharge tray 21 via the first transport path Ph1, and a second position in which the paper P being transported along the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, when the rear end of the paper P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes the branching point of the second transport path Ph2 and the third transport path Ph3, the transport roller pair 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the paper P to the third transport path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 is also equipped with a plurality of sensors S1 to S6 that detect the position of the paper P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The plurality of sensors S1 to S6 are indicated by black triangles (▲) in Figure 2.

[0020] The post-processing device 3 includes a first discharge tray 21. Paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1 is placed on the first discharge tray 21. Paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 that has not undergone binding is discharged to the first discharge tray 21.

[0021] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 as a mounting section on which paper P or paper bundles Pb are placed, an end fence 23 for edge stapling, side fences 24L and 24R, an edge stapling processing unit 25, a staple stapling processing unit 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23 for edge stapling, the side fences 24L and 24R, the edge stapling processing unit 25, and the staple stapling processing unit 155 perform edge stapling on paper bundles Pb, which are composed of multiple sheets of paper P transported from the second transport path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. Paper bundles Pb that have undergone edge stapling are discharged to the second discharge tray 26 from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0022] In this context, "edge binding" refers to the binding process performed by the edge binding processing unit 25 and the staple binding processing unit 155. Specifically, this includes "parallel binding," which performs binding along one side of the paper stack Pb parallel to the main scanning direction; "diagonal binding," which performs binding at the corners of the paper stack Pb; and "vertical binding," which performs binding along one side of the paper stack Pb parallel to the transport direction.

[0023] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is transported from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end-binding end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction" of the paper P. That is, the "transport direction" in this specification refers to the direction toward the end-binding end fence 23, which is the opposite direction to the previous direction, after the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 has moved toward the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 10, etc. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and transport direction of the paper P, that is, the width direction of the paper P, is defined as the "main scanning direction".

[0024] Multiple sheets of paper P, transported sequentially via the second transport path Ph2, are temporarily placed on the internal tray 22. The end-binding end fence 23 aligns the positions of the sheets of paper P or paper bundles Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the positions of the sheets of paper P or paper bundles Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end-binding processing unit 25 and the staple-binding processing unit 155 perform end-binding on the paper bundles Pb aligned by the end-binding end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, the transport roller pair 15 discharges the end-bound paper bundles Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

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

[0026] The saddle-stitching end fence 27 aligns the positions of multiple sheets of paper P being transported sequentially along the third transport path Ph3. The saddle-stitching end fence 27 is also configured to be movable in the direction in which the paper P is transported toward and toward the saddle-stitching end fence 27, that is, in the direction in which the paper P is transported toward and toward the saddle-stitching end fence 27, so that the center of the paper bundle Pb is positioned at a binding position facing the saddle-stitching processing unit 28 and at a folding position facing the paper folding blade 29. The saddle-stitching processing unit 28 saddle-stitches the center of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the saddle-stitching end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the paper bundle Pb placed on the saddle-stitching end fence 27 at the folding position in half and holds it between the transport roller pair 18. The transport roller pair 18 and the transport roller pair 19 discharge the saddle-stitched paper bundle Pb to the third discharge tray 30.

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

[0028] [Explanation of the end-binding processing unit 25] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the edge stapling processing unit 25, which performs the liquid application process and crimping process shown in Figure 2, as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the edge stapling processing unit 25 as viewed from the liquid application means 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figure 3, the edge stapling processing unit 25 comprises a liquid application means 31 for applying liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb, and a crimping means 32, which is an example of a post-processing means for performing crimping on the paper bundle Pb. The liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0029] [Configuration of the liquid dispensing means 31] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid dispensing means 31 dispenses the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44") onto the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the dispensing of liquid by the liquid dispensing means 31 onto the paper P or paper stack Pb, and the operation of the liquid dispensing means 31 when dispensing the liquid, will be referred to as "liquid dispensing." Furthermore, the liquid dispensing operation of the liquid dispensing means 31, which involves control processing, will be referred to as "liquid dispensing processing."

[0030] Here, the liquid stored in the first storage tank 44 as the liquid used for liquid supply is, more specifically, mainly composed of a liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by the chemical formula "H2O". The temperature of the liquid is irrelevant; it may be hot water or even boiling water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it may include purified water, or even ionized salts. The hardness of the water, from soft water to very hard water, is also irrelevant, as is the metal ion content.

[0031] Furthermore, additives may be included in addition to the main component. It may contain residual chlorine used in tap water, and it is also desirable that colorants, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying agents such as glycerin be added. Moreover, since inks used in inkjet printing devices and inks used in water-based pens also use water as a component, these may also be used as "liquid additives."

[0032] While the specific examples given here are not the only ones that will work, any "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or diluted ethanol solution used for disinfection, will also function. However, if the sole purpose is to enhance the binding strength after binding, readily available and manageable tap water will suffice. Furthermore, using a liquid with water as its main component, as described above, will improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb more effectively than using a liquid that does not have water as its main component.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid application means 31 is configured to move in the main scanning direction together with the crimping means 32 by the driving force transmitted from the edge binding processing unit moving motor 55. The liquid application means 31 includes a lower pressing plate 33 as a base for the paper P or paper stack Pb, an upper pressing plate 34, and a liquid application unit moving mechanism 35. The components of the liquid application means 31, including the lower pressing plate 33, the upper pressing plate 34, the liquid application unit moving mechanism 35, and the liquid application unit moving motor 42, are held by at least one of the liquid application frame 31a and the base member 48.

[0034] Furthermore, the liquid application frame 31a, which holds the components of the liquid application means 31, has a liquid application means rotating shaft 562 equipped with a drive transmission gear 562a fixed to its bottom surface. The liquid application means rotating shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held on the base member 48 on which the liquid application frame 31a is provided so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 562a also meshes with the output gear 563a of the liquid application means rotating motor 563. The liquid application means 31 is configured to be rotatable on the base member 48 about the liquid application means rotating shaft 562, by the driving force of the liquid application means rotating motor 563 being transmitted to the liquid application means rotating shaft 562 via the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a.

[0035] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are positioned downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. Paper P or stacks of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 are also placed on the lower pressure plate 33. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the paper P or stacks of paper Pb at a position facing the paper P or stacks of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness direction") of the paper P or stacks of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22, with the paper P or stacks of paper Pb in between.

[0036] Furthermore, the upper pressing plate 34 has a through-hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction. The through-hole 34a is positioned to face the liquid application member 501, which is part of the liquid application means held via a holding portion 37 attached to the base plate 40. As will be described later, the liquid application member 501 is provided at one end of the liquid supply member 50, which acts as a liquid absorber. The liquid application member 501 then applies liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb by contacting it through the through-hole 34a. The liquid application member 501 is at one end of the liquid supply member 50, which acts as a liquid absorber, and corresponds to the tip portion. Details of the liquid supply member 50 will be described later.

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

[0038] The liquid application unit moving motor 42 generates a driving force to move the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, the holding part 37, the liquid application 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 P or paper stack Pb and is rotatably mounted on the liquid application frame 31a in forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is also connected to the output shaft of the liquid application unit moving motor 42 via a pulley or belt. The nut 39 is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw 38. When the driving force of the liquid application unit moving motor 42 is transmitted and the trapezoidal screw 38 rotates in forward and reverse directions, the nut 39 reciprocates on the trapezoidal screw 38.

[0039] The base plate 40 is positioned at a distance from the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 also holds the liquid application member 501 with its tip portion protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 via a nut 39, and is configured to reciprocate along the trapezoidal screw 38 by rotating in forward and reverse directions. The position of the base plate 40 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb is detected by a movement sensor 40a (see Figure 10).

[0040] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressing plate 34 around the tip portion of the liquid application member 501. Furthermore, the columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. In addition, the columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their tip portions on the lower pressing plate 33 side. The tip portions of the columnar members 41a and 41b opposite to the lower pressing plate 33 are provided with retaining devices to prevent them from detaching from the base plate 40. The coil springs 42a and 42b are externally fitted to the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressing plate 33 relative to the base plate 40.

[0041] The liquid application means 31 applies liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid application means 31 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing the liquid application member 501 into contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0042] The liquid application means 31 includes a first liquid level sensor 43 as a first liquid detection means, a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid application member 501, a liquid supply member 50, and a holding part 37. The first liquid storage tank 44 stores liquid for applying liquid to paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43. The first liquid storage tank 44 is also connected to the base plate 40 via the holding part 37.

[0043] The liquid dispensing member 501 dispenses the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 onto the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid dispensing member 501, the liquid supply member 50 which is installed in close contact with the liquid dispensing member 501 as a liquid absorber, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are held by a holding part 37. The holding part 37 is held by a base plate 40. One end of the liquid supply member 50 is in close contact with the liquid dispensing member 501, and the other end is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. That is, the other end of the liquid supply member 50 corresponds to an immersion part 502 that draws up liquid and supplies it to the liquid dispensing member 501.

[0044] The liquid-applying member 501 and the liquid-supplying member 50 are made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate, such as an elastic resin formed with open cells, for example, a sponge or fiber. However, the liquid-applying member 501 and / or the liquid-supplying member 50 are made of any material that has the property of absorbing and retaining liquid, and that has the property of collapsing in response to the pressure applied when in contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb. In other words, the liquid-applying member 501 and / or the liquid-supplying member 50 are made of any material that can absorb liquid by capillary action.

[0045] Therefore, when the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply member 50 is in a state where it draws up the liquid by capillary action. That is, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is drawn up from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50, and the drawn-up liquid is supplied through the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid application member 501 which is connected to its tip. As the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is drawn up to the liquid application member 501 which is in close contact with one end of the liquid supply member 50, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases. When the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the decrease in the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid pump 46 starts supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0046] Although the above description explained the case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid dispensing member 501 are separate components, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid dispensing member 501 may be integrally constructed from materials with similar properties, for example, materials with high liquid absorption. In other words, the liquid dispensing member 501 can be configured to be part of the liquid supply member 50. In that case, the supply of liquid from the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid dispensing member 501 by capillary action can be made smoother, and costs can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, the end-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 detachably attached to a second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, which is part of the second liquid storage unit provided in the end-stitching processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3 (see Figure 9). The second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 may be provided in either the end-stitching processing unit 25 or the post-processing device 3. The second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be set in a predetermined position on the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 so that the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 can be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0048] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 is mainly triggered when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below a first predetermined liquid level, which will be described later. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases as liquid is consumed by the liquid supply means 31. In other words, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 corresponds to the liquid supply operation required in conjunction with the execution of the binding process, which includes the supply of liquid by the liquid supply means 31. In the following, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 will be referred to as the "liquid supply operation".

[0049] When the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61, a certain amount of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 is filled into the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61. The second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is equipped with a set detection sensor 51 as a set detection means for detecting the set state of the second liquid storage tank 47 (see Figure 9). When the set detection sensor 51 detects that the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 (see Figure 9(C)), a signal indicating that the second liquid storage tank 47 has been set in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is sent to the control unit 100b, which will be described later. Based on the signal received from the set detection sensor 51, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61. Details of the configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 will be described later.

[0050] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected via a liquid transport path 45. A liquid pump 46 is provided near the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. When this liquid pump 46 operates, the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the liquid transport path 45. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is a component of the liquid transport means that performs the liquid supply operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. Furthermore, the liquid transport path 45 is made of a flexible material. This ensures that even if the first liquid storage tank 44 is moved by the liquid supply part moving mechanism 35, liquid can be reliably supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0051] The amount of liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be controlled according to the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. Specifically, the control unit 100b, described later, determines the 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, described later, controls the operating speed and operating time of the liquid pump 46 according to the determined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby adjusting the amount of liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 and maintaining the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 at or above a predetermined level.

[0052] [Configuration of the crimping means 32] As shown in Figure 3, the crimping means 32, which is a post-processing means provided in the edge stapling processing unit 25, uses its uneven upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b to apply pressure to at least a portion of the paper stack Pb to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means 31, i.e., the liquid application position, thereby deforming it and pressing the sheets of paper P together in this portion, thus stapling the paper stack Pb. In other words, the crimping means 32 can staple the paper stack Pb without using staples. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b, which are components of the crimping means 32, are provided on the crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, the process of applying pressure and deforming a predetermined position of the paper stack Pb by the crimping means 32 will be simply referred to as "crimping stapling". The crimping stapling operation of the crimping means 32, which involves control processing, will be referred to as "crimping stapling processing".

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping mechanism 32. As shown in Figure 5, the crimping mechanism 32 comprises upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb so that they can clamp the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are formed in an uneven shape with alternating recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b are formed in a positional relationship such that the recesses and protrusions are offset from each other so that they can interlock. The upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b move toward and toward each other by the driving force of the separation motor 32d (see Figure 10).

[0054] As the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb are loaded into the internal tray 22, the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are separated from each other, as shown in Figure 5(A). When all of the multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb are loaded into the internal tray 22, the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b engage due to the driving force of the contact / separation motor 32d, as shown in Figure 5(B), thereby compressing and deforming the paper stack Pb from the thickness direction. As a result, the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is crimped and bound. The crimped and bound paper stack Pb is then discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 15.

[0055] The configuration of the crimping means 32 is not limited to the structure of the operating mechanism shown in this embodiment, as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b that constitute the crimping mechanism mesh together. For example, a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (for example, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) may be used, which uses a drive source that rotates only in the forward direction or in both forward and reverse directions and a link mechanism to perform the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b. Alternatively, a linear-acting type crimping mechanism may be used, which uses a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source in the forward and reverse directions into linear reciprocating motion to perform the crimping and separating operations of the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b linearly.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the end-stitching unit 25 includes an end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57. The end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 moves the end-stitching unit 25, that is, the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an end-stitching unit moving motor 55, a drive force transmission mechanism 551 that transmits the driving force of the end-stitching unit moving motor 55 to the base member 48, and a standby position sensor 540 (see Figure 10).

[0057] The liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are attached to the base member 48 in an adjacent position in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide shaft 49 is located upstream of the transport direction on the binding mechanism base 116, and is held in the main scanning direction by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a and 49b. As shown in Figure 3, the guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116 and holds the base member 48 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 115 extends in the main scanning direction on downstream of the transport direction on the binding mechanism base 116. The guide rail 115 also has a fitted portion 115a that fits with a scanning roller 48a rotatably mounted on the base member 48 across the main scanning direction. In other words, the base member 48 is held so as to be movable in the main scanning direction on the binding mechanism base 116 by the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115.

[0058] The end-stitching unit moving motor 55 generates a driving force to move the end-stitching unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the end-stitching unit moving motor 55 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a and 551b, a timing belt 551c, and a fastening part 48b that fastens the base member 48 and the timing belt 551c. As a result, the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0059] The end-stitching processing unit movement motor 55 according to this embodiment is, for example, a servo motor. By using a servo motor, it becomes possible to stop the end-stitching processing unit 25 at any target position without having to return the end-stitching processing unit 25 to its origin position each time it moves. In other words, the end-stitching processing unit movement motor 55 can stop the end-stitching processing unit 25 at a target position, i.e., the first liquid application position B1, the first stitching position B1, the second liquid application position B2, and the second stitching position B2, as described later, without having to return the end-stitching processing unit 25 to its origin position (for example, the standby position HP described later) each time it moves.

[0060] The post-processing unit 3 also includes a standby position sensor 540 (see Figure 10) that detects when the end-stitching unit 25 has reached the standby position HP (see Figure 12(A)), and an encoder sensor 541 (see Figure 10) attached to the output shaft of the end-stitching unit movement motor 55. The standby position sensor 540 is, for example, a light-shielding optical sensor. The control unit 100b, which will be described later, detects when the end-stitching 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 determines the current position of the end-stitching unit 25 after it has moved from the standby position HP by counting the pulse signals output from the encoder sensor 541.

[0061] However, the specific method for stopping the end-stapling unit 25 at the target position without returning it to the standby position HP is not limited to the example described above. As another example, the post-processing device 3 may be equipped with a sensor that detects when the end-stapling unit 25 has reached a predetermined target position.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the crimping frame 32c, which holds the components of the crimping means 32, has a crimping means rotating shaft 54 ​​equipped with a drive transmission gear 54a fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping means rotating shaft 54 ​​and the drive transmission gear 54a are held on the base member 48 on which the crimping frame 32c is provided so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 54a also meshes with the output gear 56a of the crimping means rotating motor 56. The crimping means 32 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48, with the driving force of the crimping means rotating motor 56 being transmitted to the crimping means rotating shaft 54 ​​via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a.

[0063] Although the end-binding section 25 has been described as a configuration in which the crimping means 32 and the liquid application means 31 are integrally configured and move along the guide shaft 49, it is not limited to this configuration, and the crimping means 32 and the liquid application means 31 may move separately and independently.

[0064] [Configuration of the staple binding processing unit 155] Next, the details of the staple stapling processing unit 155, which has the function of performing staple stapling, will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the staple stapling processing unit 155 as seen from the upstream side in the transport direction. The staple stapling processing unit 155 is equipped with a staple stapling means 62 that staples the paper bundle Pb using staples. The staple stapling means 62 is located downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and spaced apart from the edge stapling processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0065] The staple binding means 62, as a post-processing means, is configured to perform a so-called "staple binding process" in which the stack of paper Pb is bound together using staples. More specifically, the staple binding means 62 includes a staple binding unit drive motor 62d (see Figure 10) that drives the staple binding unit 62a. The staple binding unit 62a then binds the stack of paper Pb by using the driving force of the staple binding unit drive motor 62d to penetrate the stack of paper Pb with staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a. The configuration of the staple binding means 62 is already well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the staple stapling unit 155 is equipped with a staple stapling unit moving mechanism 77. The staple stapling unit moving mechanism 77 moves the staple stapling unit 155 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The staple stapling unit moving mechanism 77 comprises, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a staple stapling unit moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The drive force transmission mechanism 81 transmits the driving force of the staple stapling unit moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a, 81b, a timing belt 81c, and a fastening part 78a that fastens the base member 78 and the timing belt 81c. In addition, the staple frame 62b, which holds the components of the staple stapling means 62, has a staple stapling means rotation shaft 83 equipped with a drive transmission gear 83a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0067] The staple fastening mechanism's rotating shaft 83 and the drive transmission gear 83a are held on the base member 78 on which the staple fastening frame 62b is provided, so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 83a also meshes with the output gear 82a of the staple fastening mechanism's rotating motor 82. The staple fastening mechanism 62 is configured to rotate on the base member 78 in forward and reverse directions about the staple fastening mechanism's rotating shaft 83, as the driving force of the staple fastening mechanism's rotating motor 82 is transmitted to the staple fastening mechanism's rotating shaft 83 via the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a.

[0068] The end-stitching unit 25 and the staple-stitching unit 155 are supported by a common guide axis 49. That is, the end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 and the staple-stitching unit moving mechanism 77 move the end-stitching unit 25 and the staple-stitching unit 155 along the common guide axis 49 in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 and the staple-stitching unit moving mechanism 77 can move the end-stitching unit 25 and the staple-stitching unit 155 independently.

[0069] [Modified configuration of the staple stapling processing unit 155] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the staple stapling processing unit 155, namely the staple stapling processing unit 155', and is a schematic diagram of the staple stapling processing unit 155' viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. The staple stapling processing unit 155' differs from the staple stapling processing unit 155 in that it includes not only the staple stapling means 62 but also a second liquid application means 612. As shown in Figure 7, the staple stapling processing unit 155' includes the second liquid application means 612 and the staple stapling means 62. The second liquid application means 612 and the staple stapling means 62 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0070] The second liquid application means 612 applies liquid stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. A predetermined area including the position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper stack Pb by the second liquid application means 612 corresponds to the binding position where the staple binding means 62 is scheduled to perform staple binding. As shown in Figure 7, the second liquid application means 612 includes a second lower pressing plate 63, a second upper pressing plate 64, a second liquid application unit moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid application unit moving mechanism 66. The second liquid application unit moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid application unit moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 711a, 711b, and second coil springs 721a, 721b.

[0071] The second liquid supply mechanism 66 comprises a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supply member 75, a second liquid supply member 74, and a second holding part 76. The configuration of the second liquid supply mechanism 66 is the same as that of the liquid supply mechanism of the liquid supply means 31 (first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supply member 50, liquid supply member 501, holding part 37) described in Figures 3 and 4, so a further explanation is omitted. The configuration of the staple fastening means 62 is the same as that of the staple fastening processing unit 155 shown in Figure 6, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The rotation mechanism of the second liquid supply means 612, which is composed of a liquid supply means rotating motor 563, output gear 563a, drive transmission gear 562a, and liquid supply means rotating shaft 562, etc., is the same as that of the liquid supply means 31 shown in Figure 3, so a further explanation is omitted.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the staple binding processing unit 155', by applying liquid to the paper P during the staple binding process, the binding area can be loosened and softened, making it easier for the staples to penetrate. This allows for an increase in the number of sheets that can be bound per stack of paper Pb compared to when staple binding is performed without applying liquid.

[0073] [Configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47] Next, the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the post-treatment device 3 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as the main tank in the post-treatment device 3. Figure 8(A) shows the state in which the opening / closing cover 71, which constitutes part of the device housing of the post-treatment device 3, is open. Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view of the post-treatment device 3 seen from the side, showing the state in which the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-treatment device 3 is closed.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is positioned so that it can be accessed by opening the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-treatment device 3. Also, as shown in Figure 8(B), the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 are located on the front side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-treatment device 3. The first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are located on the back side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-treatment device 3. A main body side plate 72 of the post-treatment device 3 is provided between the positions of the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 and the positions of the first liquid storage tank 44 and the like. The second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is attached to the main body side plate 72 of the post-treatment device 3.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the attachment and detachment configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the post-processing device 3. Figure 9 shows how the second liquid storage tank 47 is detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, and how liquid is replenished in the second liquid storage tank 47. As shown in Figure 9(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is configured to be detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 so that liquid can be replenished in the first liquid storage tank 44. As shown in Figure 9(B), the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is provided with a set detection sensor 51 that detects when the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61.

[0076] When the set detection sensor 51 detects that the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 (see Figure 9(C)), a signal is sent to the control unit 100b, which will be described later. This allows the control unit 100b, which will be described later, to determine whether or not the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61.

[0077] Furthermore, the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is provided with a second liquid level sensor 94 as a second liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level of the liquid L stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61"). The output value (e.g., voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94 is notified to the control unit 100b, which will be described later. The control unit 100b, which will be described later, then determines whether the liquid level of liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is at the required level by determining the output value of the second liquid level sensor 94, that is, whether the amount of liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is the required amount. The control unit 100b, which will be described later, then turns on the second liquid level sensor 94 when it determines from the output signal of the set detection sensor 51 that the second liquid storage tank 47 is in a set state. As a result, the second liquid level sensor 94 becomes capable of detecting the liquid level of the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61, that is, whether or not there is liquid L in the second liquid 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, the liquid outlet 471a is sealed by the liquid supply valve 471 to prevent liquid L from leaking. Then, as shown in Figure 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. As a result, the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank 47 flows out into the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61. The liquid L that flows out of the second liquid storage tank 47 is then stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61.

[0079] Furthermore, a "liquid draining process" may be performed to remove the liquid L from the post-treatment device 3 during maintenance or as a measure to prevent the liquid L from freezing. In the liquid draining process, the liquid L remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid transport path 45 is transported in the reverse direction via the liquid transport path 45 to the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 by the liquid pump 46. For this reason, the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 is set to a capacity that can store the liquid L in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid transport path 45.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), a drain plug 611 is provided in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61. After the liquid L remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid transport path 45 is transported in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 by the liquid pump 46, the drain plug 611 is opened. By opening the drain plug 611, the liquid L accumulated in the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 can be discharged to the outside of the post-treatment device 3.

[0081] [Configuration of the control block of the post-processing device 3] Next, the control block configuration of the post-processing device 3 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control block of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the post-processing device 3 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and I / F (Interface) 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0082] The CPU 101 is the arithmetic unit and controls the operation of the entire post-processing unit 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101 when processing 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 allows reading and writing of information and has a large storage capacity, and stores the OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0083] The post-processing unit 3 processes control programs stored in the ROM 103, information processing programs (application programs) loaded into the RAM 102 from storage media such as the HDD 104, etc., using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing unit 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing unit 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b that acts as a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing unit 3.

[0084] I / F105 is an interface that connects the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the crimping means rotation motor 56, the liquid application unit movement motor 42, the liquid application unit rotation motor 563, the end stapling unit movement motor 55, the staple stapling unit drive motor 62d, the staple stapling unit rotation motor 82, the staple stapling unit movement motor 80, the liquid 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, the cover opening / closing detection sensor 542, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0085] The control unit 100b controls the operation of the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact / separation motor 32d, the crimping means rotation motor 56, the liquid application unit movement motor 42, the liquid application unit rotation motor 563, the end stapling unit movement motor 55, the staple stapling unit drive motor 62d, the staple stapling unit rotation motor 82, the staple stapling unit movement motor 80, and the liquid pump 46 via the I / F 105. The control unit 100b also acquires the detection results of the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, and the cover opening / closing detection sensor 542. Figure 10 shows the components related to the edge-stitching processing unit 25 and the staple-stitching processing unit 155 that perform edge-stitching, but the components related to the saddle-stitching processing unit 28 that performs saddle-stitching are similarly controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 2 is equipped with an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives input operations from the user and a display that serves as a notification unit for informing 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 information to the user through the display. Note that the specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, but may also be an LED lamp or a speaker, etc. Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 may also be equipped with an operation panel 110 similar to the one described above.

[0087] As explained above, the post-processing device 3 uses the hardware resources provided by the control unit 100b to implement a function that controls operations related to liquid application through software executed by the CPU 101, i.e., a control program.

[0088] Furthermore, the liquid application performed by the post-processing device 3 may be configured such that the staple-stapling processing unit 155 is equipped only with staple-stapling means 62, and the liquid application is performed using the liquid application means 31 provided by the end-stapling processing unit 25. Conversely, the end-stapling processing unit 25 may be equipped only with crimping means 32, and the liquid application is performed using the second liquid application means 612. In other words, regardless of the type of stapling process, the system may be configured so that only the liquid application means 31 or the second liquid application means 612 performs the liquid application.

[0089] Furthermore, although the staple binding section 155' has been described as a configuration in which the staple binding means 62 and the second liquid application means 612 are integrally configured and move along the guide shaft 49, it is not limited to this configuration, and the staple binding means 62 and the second liquid application means 612 may move separately and independently.

[0090] [Explanation of binding process] Next, the flow of the binding process performed in the edge binding processing unit 25 of the post-processing device 3 will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the one-point binding process performed by the edge binding processing unit 25. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the positional transitions of the edge binding processing unit 25, including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, during the execution of the one-point binding process. Note that in Figure 12, the changes in the orientation of the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are not shown. The position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper stack Pb by the liquid application means 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid application position") corresponds to the binding position where the crimping means 32 is scheduled to perform crimp binding on the paper stack Pb. Therefore, the liquid application position and the binding position will be described below using the same reference numerals (B1, B2).

[0091] The control unit 100b starts the binding process shown in Figure 11 when it receives, for example, an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter referred to as "binding process instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0092] The binding instructions include information such as the type of paper P, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the number of paper bundles Pb to be bound, the binding position of the paper bundle Pb, and the binding orientation of the edge binding unit 25. Information regarding the type of paper P includes information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness. In the following explanation, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb will be referred to as "predetermined number N". The number of paper bundles Pb to be bound will be referred to as "required number M".

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(A), the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are positioned at a standby position HP at the start of the binding process, in a parallel binding position and away from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0094] First, if the orientation instructed by the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding orientation," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotation motor 563 and the crimping means rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and crimping means 32, which constitute the end binding processing unit 25, into the diagonal binding orientation (S1101). In addition, if the orientation is the "diagonal binding orientation," only the crimping means 32 may be rotated into the diagonal binding orientation, and the liquid application means 31 may not be rotated in the forward or reverse direction. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to the case where both the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions, resulting in cost reduction, miniaturization of the device, and reduction of equipment failure.

[0095] On the other hand, if the orientation specified in the binding instruction is the "parallel binding orientation," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, which constitute the edge binding processing unit 25 described above, to the diagonal binding orientation.

[0096] The control unit 100b drives the edge stapling processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge stapling processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge stapling processing unit moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid application means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 instructed by the stapling processing instruction (S1101). The control unit 100b performs the process of step S1101 before the first sheet of paper P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0097] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 into the internal tray 22 (S1102). The control unit 100b also performs a so-called jogging process by moving the side fences 24L and 24R back and forth in the main scanning direction to align the positions of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S1102).

[0098] Next, the control unit 100b, based on the liquid application control data adjusted in advance, causes the liquid application means 31 facing the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed in the internal tray 22 in the previous step S1102 to perform liquid application (S1103). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit moving motor 42 to bring the liquid application member 501 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed in the internal tray 22 (see Figure 12(B)). In the liquid application process in step S1103, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid application member 501 applies liquid to the paper P according to the type of paper P included in the binding process instruction and the binding position. The control unit 100b also adjusts the amount of pressure the liquid application member 501 applies to the paper P. In other words, the control unit 100b controls the drive of the liquid application unit moving motor 42 based on the adjusted control data to adjust the amount of movement of the liquid application member 501 relative to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0099] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N instructed by the binding process instruction (S1104). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S1104: No), it repeatedly executes the process in steps S1102 to S1104 until the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S1104: Yes). In other words, the control unit 100b executes the process in steps S1102 to S1104 each time sheets of paper P are 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 means 31 may be performed not only on all of the sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, but also only on some of the sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0100] Then, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N (S1104: Yes), as shown in Figure 12(C), it drives the edge stapling processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge stapling processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge stapling processing unit moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping means 32 faces the first stapling position B1 (S1105).

[0101] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimping on the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S1106). Then, the control unit 100b causes the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the stack of paper Pb crimped by the crimping means 32 to the second discharge tray 26 (S1107). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to grip the first binding position B1 of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. In other words, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to grip the first binding position B1 of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. This causes the stack of paper Pb to be compressed and deformed between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, thereby performing crimping. Subsequently, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped paper bundle Pb into the second discharge tray 26.

[0102] Furthermore, on the stack of paper Pb placed in the internal tray 22, the crimping area gripped by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b in step S1106, i.e., the first binding position B1, overlaps with the liquid application area where the tip of the liquid application member 501 made contact in step S1103, i.e., the first liquid application position B1. In other words, the crimping means 32 crimps and binds the area on the stack of paper Pb placed in the internal tray 22 to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application means 31. It should be noted that the crimping area gripped by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap the liquid application area where the tip of the liquid application member 501 made contact; sufficient binding strength can be obtained even if there is a partial overlap.

[0103] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M indicated in the binding instruction (S1108). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the required number M (S1108: No), it repeats the process from step S1101 onwards. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the process from steps S1101 to S1108 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S1108: Yes).

[0104] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M (S1108: Yes), it drives the edge stapling processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge stapling processing unit 25, including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, to the standby position HP as shown in Figure 12(D) (S1109). Also, if the orientation instructed in the stapling processing instruction is the "diagonal stapling orientation", the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotating motor 563 and the crimping means rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 to the parallel stapling orientation (S1109). On the other hand, if the orientation instructed in the stapling processing instruction is the "parallel stapling orientation", the operation of rotating the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 to the parallel stapling orientation is omitted. As a result, the edge stapling processing unit 25 returns to the standby position HP as shown in Figure 12(D). In steps S1101 and S1109, the execution order of the operation to move the end-stitching unit 25 in the main scanning direction by the end-stitching unit moving mechanism 57 and the operation to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 in forward and reverse directions by the liquid application means rotating motor 563 and the crimping means rotating motor 56 is not limited to the order described above, and may be in the reverse order.

[0105] Figure 13 shows the positional transitions of the edge binding unit 25 during the execution of the two-location binding process. Detailed explanations of the similarities with the process described with reference to Figure 12 will be omitted, and the differences will be explained in detail. As shown in Figure 13(A), at the start of the two-location binding process, the edge binding unit 25 is assumed to be in the standby position HP. In addition, the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 are assumed to be spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, Figure 13 explains the case where two sheets of paper P are pressure-bound, that is, when N=2. Note that when the two-location binding process is performed, it does not mean that the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb is limited to two; two-location binding can be performed on the same number of paper bundles Pb as the number of sheets that can be bound in the one-location binding process.

[0106] Before the first sheet of paper P1 constituting the paper stack Pb is transported to the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid application means 31 can face the first liquid application position B1 (see Figure 13(B)). Then, as shown in Figure 13(B), with the liquid application means 31 positioned to face the first liquid application position B1, the control unit 100b places the paper P1, on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, onto the internal tray 22 and performs jogging processing using the side fences 24L and 24R. Subsequently, in response to the paper P1 being placed on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P1.

[0107] Next, as shown in Figure 13(C), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge binding unit moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid application means 31 faces the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1. After that, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1.

[0108] Next, in response to applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet P1, as shown in FIG. 13(D), with the liquid application means 31 arranged at a position where it can face the second liquid application position B2, the second sheet P2 constituting the sheet bundle Pb is placed on the inner tray 22, and jogging processing by the side fences 24L and 24R is executed. Then, in response to the second sheet P2 being placed on the inner tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to perform liquid application to the second liquid application position B2 of the sheet P2.

[0109] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(E), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction by the edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid application means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2. Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to perform liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2.

[0110] That is, until the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N, the control unit 100b repeats the conveyance of the sheet P by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15 and the liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 by the liquid application means 31. At this time, for the B (B < N)-th sheet P, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid in the order of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2. Also, for the (B + 1)-th sheet P, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid in the order of the second liquid application position B2 and the first liquid application position B1. In other words, the control unit 100b changes the order in which the liquid application means 31 applies liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 for each sheet P. Further, the control unit 100b moves the binding processing unit 25 from one of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 to the other by the shortest distance without passing through the standby position HP.

[0111] Next, the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N, and as shown in Figure 13(F), moves the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge binding processing unit moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping means 32 faces the first binding position B1. Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimping on the first binding position B1 of the stack of paper Pb placed in the internal tray 22.

[0112] Next, as shown in Figure 13(G), the control unit 100b moves the edge binding unit 25 in the main scanning direction using the edge binding unit moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping means 32 faces the second binding position B2. Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimp binding on the second binding position B2 of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 13, since the liquid was applied last to the first liquid application position B1, crimp binding is performed in the order of the first binding position B1 and then the second binding position B2. On the other hand, if the liquid was applied last to the second liquid application position B2, then crimp binding should be performed in the order of the second binding position B2 and then the first binding position B1.

[0114] Next, the control unit 100b discharges the paper stack Pb, which has been pressure-bound at the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2, into the second discharge tray 26. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13(H), the control unit 100b moves the binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example of crimping and binding one or two locations on a stack of paper Pb was described. However, the present invention is also applicable when crimping and binding three or more locations on a stack of paper Pb that are spaced apart in the main scanning direction. In this case, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to three or more liquid application locations (corresponding to crimping and binding locations) and the crimping means 32 to perform crimping and binding. Even when crimping three or more locations, the productivity of crimping and binding can be improved by applying the present invention.

[0116] However, it is not necessary to apply liquid to all the liquid application positions (corresponding to the pressure-bonding binding positions) for all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb. For example, when performing pressure-bonding binding at three pressure-bonding binding positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction, the control unit 100b applies liquid to the three liquid application positions (corresponding to the pressure-bonding binding positions) of the E-th (E < N - 2) sheet P1, applies liquid to the two liquid application positions (corresponding to the pressure-bonding binding positions) of the (E + 1)-th sheet P2, and applies liquid to the one liquid application position (corresponding to the pressure-bonding binding position) of the (E + 2)-th sheet P2.

[0117] [Liquid supply and discharge operation at startup of the post-processing device, etc.] Next, the correspondence between the operation status of the post-processing device 3 (referred to as "post-processing operation status") when the control unit 100b performs the liquid supply and discharge operation and the liquid supply and discharge mode executed accordingly will be described. FIG. 14 shows the correspondence between the post-processing operation status and the liquid supply and discharge mode. Here, the "liquid supply and discharge operation" means transporting the liquid used for liquid application between the second liquid storage tank 47 and the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46. That is, the "liquid supply and discharge operation" includes both a "liquid supply operation" in which the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 by driving the liquid pump 46 and a "liquid discharge operation" in which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is discharged to the second liquid storage tank 47 by reverse driving the liquid pump 46.

[0118] In addition, as shown in FIG. 14(A), the "post-processing operation status" is classified into "when the post-processing device is started" (which corresponds to when the power of the post-processing device 3 is turned on or when returning from the energy-saving mode), "standby", "when the opening / closing cover is opened / closed", "forced execution of liquid supply operation" and "forced execution of liquid discharge operation" by user operation on the operation unit at the startup of the post-processing device 3 and the like.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(B), the "post-processing operation status" is divided into "preparation for crimping job," "execution of crimping job," and "after crimping job" during the crimping and binding process of the post-processing device 3. Here, "crimping and binding" refers to a crimping and binding process that involves the application of liquid. Also, "job" refers to the binding process operation based on the execution instruction for the binding process sent from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing device 3. As shown in Figures 14(A) and (B), a liquid supply and discharge mode corresponding to each of the "post-processing operation status" categories described above is set.

[0120] If the "post-processing operation status" is "post-processing device startup," "opening / closing cover," or "forced liquid supply operation" (see Figure 14(A)), and the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank, the control unit 100b executes the "startup, etc. - fixed position supply operation" described later as the liquid supply / discharge mode. Depending on the frequency of use of the post-processing device 3 by the user, there may be cases where there is enough liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 to perform liquid supply. In such cases, it is possible to set a liquid supply / discharge mode that does not perform the "startup, etc. - fixed position supply operation" during "post-processing device startup" or "standby" (see Figure 14(A) "do nothing"), for example, as shown in Figure 14(A).

[0121] [Control flow for liquid supply operations during startup, etc.] Next, the flow of the liquid supply operation performed at startup, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "startup, etc. - liquid supply operation") will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 15. The processing related to this control flowchart is executed by the control unit 100b. First, when the control flow of "startup, etc. - liquid supply operation" is started, the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, which are liquid level detection units (S1501). In the following explanation, the position of the liquid level when the remaining amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 or the second liquid storage tank is a predetermined amount will be referred to as "liquid level". Also, the state in which a predetermined amount of liquid is present will be referred to as "a predetermined liquid level is present".

[0122] Next, the control unit 100b uses the second liquid level sensor 94 to determine whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1502).

[0123] If the control unit 100b determines that there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1502: YES), it then uses the first liquid level sensor 43 to determine whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1503).

[0124] If the control unit 100b determines that there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1503: YES), it then turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 (S1504), and terminates the "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation" control flow.

[0125] If the control unit 100b determines in step S1502 that there is no predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1502: NO), it then issues a liquid replenishment notification to the user prompting them to replenish the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1505). Here, the "liquid replenishment notification" is performed, for example, by the control unit 100b displaying information on the operation panel 110, which is a means of notifying the liquid storage status in the second liquid storage tank 47, prompting the user to replenish the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47.

[0126] When the user confirms the liquid replenishment notification displayed on the control panel 110, they perform predetermined operations such as opening the on / off cover 71 of the after-treatment device 3, replenishing liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47, and closing the on / off cover 71. The after-treatment device 3 is equipped with an on / off detection sensor 542 (see Figure 10) as an on / off detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the on / off cover 71.

[0127] The control unit 100b receives an open / close signal for the open / closed cover 71 transmitted from the cover open / closed detection sensor 542 provided in the post-processing device 3 (S1506). After receiving the closed signal for the open / closed cover 71 transmitted from the cover open / closed detection sensor 542, the control unit 100b returns to step S1502 and determines whether a predetermined liquid level is present in the second liquid storage tank 47 using the second liquid level sensor 94.

[0128] The determination of whether a predetermined liquid level exists in the second liquid storage tank 47 in step S1502 may be performed during the "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation" process as described above, or it may be monitored continuously independently of the "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation" process.

[0129] If the control unit 100b determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1503: NO), it performs a "startup-precise liquid supply operation". Specifically, in the "startup-precise liquid supply operation", the control unit 100b first starts driving the liquid pump 46, that is, the liquid supply operation (S1507). Following step S1507, the control unit 100b determines again whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1508). In step S1508, if the control unit 100b determines that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is in a state where it can be detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1508: YES), it turns off the power to the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1509).

[0130] The control unit 100b determines whether the time T5 [sec] from the start of driving the liquid pump 46 in step S1507 until the liquid volume detection unit is turned OFF in step S1509 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510). If the time T5 [sec] is less than the predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510: NO), the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for a further predetermined time T2 [sec] (S1511). After that, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the predetermined time T2 [sec] has elapsed (S1512), and terminates the control flow of "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation". Note that the above-mentioned "Time T5 [sec]", "Predetermined Time Tth [sec]", and "Predetermined Time T2 [sec]" are equivalent to "Liquid Supply Time T5 [sec]", "Liquid Infiltration Supply Time Tth [sec]", and "Predetermined Time T2 [sec]" in Figure 18(A), respectively.

[0131] On the other hand, if the time T5 [sec] is equal to or greater than a predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510: YES), the control unit 100b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 for a further predetermined time T2' [sec] (S1513). After that, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the predetermined time T2' [sec] has elapsed (S1514). Note that the above "predetermined time T2' [sec]" is synonymous with "predetermined time T2' [sec]" in Figure 18(B).

[0132] Subsequently, the control unit 100b starts the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46, i.e., the liquid discharge operation (S1515). After step S1515, the control unit 100b continues the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T4 [sec] (S1516). After the predetermined time T4 [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b stops the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 (S1517) and terminates the control flow of "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation". Note that the above "predetermined time T4 [sec]" is synonymous with "predetermined time T4 [sec]" in Figure 18(B).

[0133] The liquid pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour. Therefore, in the "startup-positional supply operation" of the liquid pump 46, the control unit 100b detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is at a detection level described later using the first liquid level sensor 43, and then starts driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec]. After the predetermined time T2 [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46, thereby supplying liquid up to a constant liquid level h2, which is the first predetermined liquid level.

[0134] Furthermore, since the liquid pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, in the "startup, etc. - fixed-position supply operation," the control unit 100b detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is at the detection level described later using the first liquid level sensor 43, and then continues to drive the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2' [sec]. After the predetermined time T2' [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46. At this time, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is at the second predetermined liquid level shown in Figure 18(B). Subsequently, the control unit 100b starts reverse driving the liquid pump 46 and continues reverse driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T4 [sec]. After the predetermined time T4 has elapsed, the control unit 100b stops reverse driving the liquid pump 46, thereby lowering the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 from the second predetermined liquid level to the first predetermined liquid level, as shown in Figure 18(B).

[0135] Furthermore, in the above description, the control unit 100b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2' [sec] (S1513) and then stops driving the liquid pump 46. However, a predetermined time may be allowed to elapse between stopping the driving of the liquid pump 46 (S1514) and starting the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 (S1515). In this case, the predetermined time is set to an appropriate time as the liquid penetration time due to capillary action in the liquid supply member 50.

[0136] As explained above, in the "startup-positional supply operation," sensing by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 is used as a trigger to stop the driving of the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 at startup can be stabilized at a first predetermined liquid level, which is the same height each time as a reference liquid level.

[0137] If the control unit 100b determines in step S1503 that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1503:NO), it performs the "startup, etc. - fixed-level supply operation" to start driving the liquid pump 46 (S1507). If no liquid is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1508:NO), it waits for a predetermined time T1 [sec] to elapse (S1518). If no liquid is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 even after the predetermined time T1 [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b assumes a malfunction of the liquid pump 46 or a water leak from the first liquid storage tank 44, and therefore performs an error stop process (S1519) to stop the progress of the control flow of the "startup, etc. - liquid supply operation". Following the error stop process, the control unit 100b also sends an abnormality notification via the operation panel 110 or the like (S1520) and terminates the control flow of the "startup, etc. - liquid supply operation".

[0138] Next, we will explain the overview of "Startup, etc. - Liquid Supply Operation," one of the liquid supply and discharge modes, using Figures 16, 17, and 18. Figure 16(A) shows the first liquid storage tank 44 in an empty state. At this time, the liquid supply member 50 may be either wet with moisture or dry due to evaporation, depending on the time elapsed since it was used in the previous liquid supply by the liquid supply means 31.

[0139] As shown in Figure 16(A), when the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty, and the liquid pump 46 is started to run in step S1507 in Figure 15, a liquid supply operation is performed in which liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, as shown in Figure 16(B). The first liquid level sensor 43 is composed of a pair of electrode pins of different lengths, as shown in Figure 16. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16(B), as the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 rises, the electrode pins are immersed in the liquid in the order of the longer electrode pin to the shorter electrode pin.

[0140] Then, as shown in Figure 16(C), when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the shorter electrode pin, the pair of electrode pins become electrically connected, and the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid level at which the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, will be hereafter referred to as the "detected liquid level" (see Figure 18).

[0141] A wall 43a is provided between the pair of electrode pins. This wall 43a is preferably formed from a part of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0142] Then, by continuing the liquid supply operation by the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] after the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the detection level (see Figure 16(C)), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the state shown in Figure 17(A). As shown in Figure 17(A), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 exceeds the higher (shorter) electrode pin and reaches a predetermined position. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 at this time, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, will be referred to as the "first predetermined liquid level" below. Here, the "first predetermined liquid level" is the liquid level at which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can sufficiently permeate the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501. In other words, the "first predetermined liquid level" is the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 that is necessary for the liquid supply member 50 to supply an appropriate amount of liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb.

[0143] Furthermore, by continuing the liquid supply operation by the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2' [sec] after the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the detected liquid level (see Figure 16(C)), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will reach the state shown in Figure 17(B). In other words, as shown in Figure 17(B), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will exceed the first predetermined liquid level and reach a predetermined position. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 at this time, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, will be hereinafter referred to as the "second predetermined liquid level". Here, "second predetermined liquid level" refers to the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 that is necessary to move from a state where the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid supply member 501 are dry because the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 501 is not immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, to a state where the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 has sufficiently permeated the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid supply member 501.

[0144] In Figure 16, two electrodes of different lengths are used as the first liquid level sensor 43. However, as shown in Figure 17, if the first liquid storage tank 44 is tilted, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be appropriately detected even if two electrodes of the same length are used as the first liquid level sensor 43. Using two electrodes of the same length can reduce the cost of the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0145] Subsequently, the liquid in the first storage tank 44 is drawn up due to the capillary action of the liquid supply member 50.

[0146] Next, using Figure 18, we will explain the liquid supply and discharge operation when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is brought to a first predetermined liquid level. Figure 18(A) shows the case where liquid has permeated the liquid supply member 50. Here, we will first explain the liquid supply operation when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 at startup, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the "initial liquid level") is higher than the liquid level at which the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 becomes immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid immersion boundary liquid level Lth").

[0147] The time elapsed from the start of the liquid supply operation by the liquid pump 46 in step S1507 of Figure 15 until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 in step S1509 of Figure 15 and turns the first liquid level sensor 43 to the OFF state is defined as a predetermined time T5 [sec] (hereinafter referred to as "liquid supply time T5"). In this case, the liquid supply time T5 [sec] is shorter than the time it takes for the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 to rise from the liquid immersion boundary liquid level Lth to the detected liquid level (hereinafter referred to as "liquid penetration supply time Tth"). In this case, the liquid supply member 50 has already been permeated to some extent with liquid. Therefore, the downtime required to raise the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 to a first predetermined liquid level at which the liquid application member 501 can apply an appropriate amount of liquid to the paper P can be minimized. In other words, by continuing the liquid supply operation by the liquid pump 46 for a liquid supply time T5 [sec], and then continuing the liquid supply operation for a further predetermined time T2 [sec], it is possible to bring the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 to a first predetermined liquid level.

[0148] In other words, according to the "startup-position supply operation" when there is liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply operation is performed while changing the liquid supply time T5 from the initial liquid level to the detected liquid level based on the detection result by the first liquid level sensor 43. This makes it possible to minimize the time from the initial liquid level to the first predetermined liquid level. In other words, it is possible to shorten the time it takes for the liquid to permeate the entire area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501. Furthermore, since the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application member 501 can be continuously maintained at an appropriate amount, the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb by the crimping means 32 can be stabilized.

[0149] Next, we will explain the liquid supply and discharge operation when the initial liquid level is lower than the liquid immersion boundary liquid level Lth. Figure 18(B) shows the case where the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 is not immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. In other words, in this case, the liquid cannot be drawn up by the capillary transfer phenomenon of the liquid supply member 50, so the liquid has not sufficiently permeated the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501, or it is almost dry. Therefore, in this case, the initial liquid level in the first liquid storage tank, such as when the post-treatment device 3 is started, is lower than the liquid immersion boundary liquid level Lth, so the liquid supply time T5 [sec] becomes longer than the liquid permeation supply time Tth.

[0150] In this case, it will take a considerable amount of time for the liquid to penetrate the entire area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501 due to capillary action. Therefore, if the liquid supply time T5 [sec], which is the time from when the liquid pump 46 is started to run (step S1507 in Figure 15) until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and turns the first liquid level sensor 43 to the OFF state (step S1509 in Figure 15), is longer than the liquid penetration supply time Tth, the control unit 100 will turn the first liquid level sensor 43 to the OFF state (step S1509 in Figure 15) and continue the liquid supply operation by the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2' [sec], which is the elapsed time until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the second predetermined liquid level (step S1513 in Figure 15). Subsequently, the control unit 100 starts the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 (step S1515 in Figure 15) to transport liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47, that is, to start the liquid discharge operation. Then, as shown in Figure 18(B), the control unit 100 continues the liquid discharge operation by the liquid pump 46 until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops from the second predetermined liquid level to the first predetermined liquid level (step S1516 in Figure 15). In other words, the liquid discharge operation by the liquid pump 46 continues until the elapsed time since the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 was started reaches a predetermined time T4. After that, in step S1517, the control unit 100 stops the drive of the liquid pump 46 and ends the control flow of "Startup etc. - Liquid Supply Operation".

[0151] As described above, when there is no liquid remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44, the time it takes for the liquid to permeate the entire area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid application member 501 can be shortened by increasing the area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 that is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0152] Furthermore, according to the liquid supply and discharge operation shown in Figure 18(B), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be prevented from becoming too high, thus preventing liquid from dripping from the liquid application member 501 provided at the tip of the liquid supply member 50. In other words, the liquid application member 501 prevents an excess amount of liquid from being applied to the paper P or paper stack Pb, thereby preventing a decrease in the binding strength of the paper stack Pb by the crimping means 32.

[0153] Furthermore, by ensuring sufficient time for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to permeate the entire area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501, the application of liquid to the paper P by the liquid application member 501 can be reliably performed. Also, if the predetermined times T2' and T4 have not elapsed, the application of liquid by the liquid application member 501 is not performed. In other words, the application of liquid by the liquid application member 501 is not performed until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches a first predetermined liquid level. This prevents the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application member 501 from falling below the appropriate amount, thereby preventing a decrease in the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb by the crimping means 32.

[0154] Furthermore, if an electrode sensor is used for the first liquid level sensor 43, continuous energization may cause galvanic corrosion at the metal electrode, leading to corrosion. Additionally, constant voltage application to the liquid may cause electrolysis of the liquid, potentially leading to problems such as foreign matter adhering to the electrode or the electrode dissolving. Considering these potential problems, the voltage applied to the first liquid level sensor 43 as an electrode sensor is only turned ON when detecting the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0155] In this embodiment, an electrode sensor is shown as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43, but it 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 liquid level. Furthermore, the first liquid level sensor 43 is not limited to detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, but is capable of calculating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (for example, a weight sensor).

[0156] [Overall view of the binding process flow, including liquid supply operation] Next, Figure 19 is a control flowchart of the entire binding process operation, including the liquid supply operation to the liquid supply means 31 of the edge binding processing unit 25. The processing related to this control flowchart is executed in the control unit 100b.

[0157] First, when the control flow for the binding process operation is started, the control unit 100b executes the "job preparation_liquid supply operation" as preparation before job execution (S1901). The "job preparation_liquid supply operation" is explained in detail in Figure 20. Next, the control unit 100b moves the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 of the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction, applies liquid to the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 using the liquid application means 31, and performs the binding process on the liquid-applied paper bundle Pb (S1902). Here, the details of the "movement, liquid application, and binding process" in step S1902 are explained as the flow of the binding process in Figure 11 above. Finally, the control unit 100b executes the "post-job_liquid supply operation" as a completion operation (S1903). The "post-job_liquid supply operation" is explained in detail in Figure 22.

[0158] [Job preparation - liquid supply operation control flow] Figure 20 is a control flowchart of the "job preparation_liquid supply operation" in step 1901 of Figure 19. When a command to execute the binding process is received from the user, the control flow of the "job preparation_liquid supply operation" is started. Prior to moving the edge binding processing unit 25, which includes the liquid supply means 31 and the crimping means 32, the liquid supply means 31 must be in a state where it can supply liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0159] Therefore, when the control unit 100b receives a request to determine whether or not there is liquid, it turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, which are liquid level detection units, in order to determine whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2001). By turning on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, they become detectable.

[0160] The control unit 100b determines whether a predetermined liquid level exists in the second liquid storage tank 47 using the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002). If the control unit 100b determines that a predetermined liquid level exists in the second liquid storage tank 47 using the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002: YES), it then determines whether a predetermined liquid level exists in the first liquid storage tank 44 using the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003).

[0161] If the control unit 100b determines that a predetermined liquid level exists in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003: YES), it then turns off the power supply to the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2004), and terminates the "job preparation_liquid supply operation" control flow. Note that by turning off the power supply to the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 become undetectable.

[0162] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 based on the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002: NO), it then issues a liquid replenishment notification to the user prompting them to replenish the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2005). When the user has finished replenishing the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 and the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is closed, the control unit 100b receives a signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor 542 indicating that the opening / closing cover 71 has been closed as a trigger (S2006). The determination of whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 may be performed in the "job preparation_liquid supply operation" step, which is one of the binding processes performed by the end binding processing unit 25, as described above, or it may be performed at an independent timing separate from the binding process.

[0163] Furthermore, if the control unit 100b determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003: NO), it executes a "predetermined amount supply operation" of liquid. Specifically, the "predetermined amount supply operation" first involves the control unit 100b turning off the power to the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2007), and then starting to drive the liquid pump 46 as a preparatory operation for supplying liquid (S2008). The liquid pump 46 is driven for a predetermined time T3 [sec] (S2009), and then the driving of the liquid pump 46 is stopped (S2010). After that, the control unit 100b terminates the control flow of "job preparation_liquid supply operation". Since the liquid pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, in the "predetermined amount supply operation", a predetermined amount of liquid can be supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by continuing to drive the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T3 [sec].

[0164] In this "predetermined amount supply operation," the liquid volume detection unit does not use sensing as a trigger to stop the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the time required for the liquid supply operation is constant, allowing for immediate transition to subsequent processing, and thus shortening the overall process time for the binding operation and improving the productivity of the post-processing device 3.

[0165] Next, we will explain the outline of the "predetermined amount supply operation," which is part of the "job preparation_liquid supply operation," using Figure 21. Figure 21(A) shows a state in which the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is higher than the detected liquid level. In this case, as mentioned above, the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (when YES is determined in step S2003 of Figure 20), so the control unit 100b turns off the power to the liquid volume detection unit (step S2004 of Figure 20) and then terminates the control flow of the "job preparation_liquid supply operation."

[0166] Figure 21(B) shows a state where the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is lower than the detected liquid level. This can occur when the operating environment of the post-processing device 3 is a low-humidity environment, or when a long time has elapsed since the last use of the post-processing device 3, causing evaporation of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to progress. In this case, as described above, the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (when NO is determined in step S2003 of Figure 20). Therefore, the control unit 100b turns off the power to the liquid volume detection unit (step S2007 of Figure 20) and then executes the "predetermined amount supply operation" described in steps S2008 to S2010 of Figure 20. After that, the control unit 100b terminates the control flow of "job preparation_liquid supply operation".

[0167] When the "predetermined amount supply operation" described above is performed, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will be close to the "first predetermined liquid level," as shown in Figure 21(C). However, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will not be constant because it will change depending on the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 when the "predetermined amount supply operation" is started. In other words, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will not always be at the "first predetermined liquid level" as a result of the "job preparation_liquid supply operation."

[0168] Furthermore, the liquid supply operation in the liquid supply / discharge mode corresponding to "Crimping job in progress" in Figure 14(B) is the same liquid supply operation as the "Predetermined amount supply operation" shown in Figure 20. That is, in step S1902 in Figure 19, the liquid supply by the liquid supply means 31 is performed a predetermined number of times, which may cause the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank to fall below the detected liquid level (see Figure 21(B)). In this case, the control unit 100b first stops the liquid supply by the liquid supply means 31 and determines whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 using the first liquid level sensor 43 (step S2003 in Figure 20). In this case, since the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank is below the detected liquid level, the control unit 100b determines using the first liquid level sensor 43 that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (step S2003: NO in Figure 20). Subsequently, the control unit 100b performs the operations of steps S2008 to S2010 in Figure 20, as shown in Figure 21(C), to bring the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 close to the "first predetermined liquid level".

[0169] [Control flow for liquid supply operation after job] Figure 22 is a control flowchart for the "post-job liquid supply operation." The "post-job liquid supply operation" is a liquid supply operation performed after the completion of the binding operation in step S1902 of Figure 19, in preparation for the next binding process (step S1903 in Figure 19).

[0170] First, the control unit 100b determines whether there is a command to execute subsequent post-processing. That is, the control unit 100b determines whether there is a command to execute the next binding process (hereinafter referred to as "command to execute subsequent processing") when performing post-processing consecutively (S2201). If the control unit 100b determines that there is a command to execute subsequent processing to be performed consecutively (S2201: YES), it completes the control flow of "job_post_liquid supply operation" and starts the next binding process.

[0171] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that there is no command to execute subsequent processing to be performed consecutively (S2201: NO), it turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, which serve as liquid level detection units, in order to determine whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2202).

[0172] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 using the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2203). If the control unit 100b determines that there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2203: YES), it then determines whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 using the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2204).

[0173] If the control unit 100b determines that a predetermined liquid level exists in the first liquid storage tank based on the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2204: YES), it then turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2205), thereby ending the "post-job_liquid supply operation" control flow.

[0174] If the control unit 100b determines, based on the second liquid level sensor 94, that there is no predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2203: NO), it then issues a liquid replenishment notification to the user prompting them to replenish the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2206). When the user has finished replenishing the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 and the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-processing device 3 is closed, the control unit 100b receives a signal from the cover opening / closing detection sensor 542 indicating that the opening / closing cover 71 has been closed as a trigger (S2207). The determination of whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 may be performed during the "post-job liquid supply operation," which is one step in the binding process by the end binding processing unit 25, as described above, or it may be performed at an independent timing separate from the binding process.

[0175] If the control unit 100b determines, based on the first liquid level sensor 43, that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2204: NO), it performs a "post-job-position supply operation" of the liquid. Specifically, the "post-job-position supply operation" involves the control unit 100b first starting to drive the liquid pump 46 (S2208). Then, the control unit 100b again determines, based on the first liquid level sensor 43, whether there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2209). If the control unit 100b determines, based on the first liquid level sensor 43, that there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2209: YES), it turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, which act as liquid volume detection units (S2210). Furthermore, the control unit 100b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] (S2211). Subsequently, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 (S2212) and terminates the "post-job_liquid supply operation" control flow.

[0176] Since the liquid pump 46 is set to a constant flow rate per hour, in the "post-job-positional supply operation," the control unit 100b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] after the first liquid level sensor 43 detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is at the detected liquid level. By stopping the operation of the liquid pump 46 after the predetermined time T2 [sec] has elapsed, liquid can be supplied up to a constant liquid level h2, which is the first predetermined liquid level. Here, in the "post-job-positional supply operation," sensing by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 is used as a trigger to stop the operation of the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 after a job can be stabilized to the same first predetermined liquid level each time.

[0177] In the "post-job-position supply operation," if the liquid pump 46 is started to drive (S2208) and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2209: NO), the control unit 100b waits for a predetermined time T1 [sec] to elapse (S2213). If the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is still not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 after the predetermined time T1 [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b assumes that the liquid pump 46 is faulty or that there is a water leak from the first liquid storage tank 44, and proceeds with an error stop process (S2214) to stop the progress of the "post-job_liquid supply operation" control flow, followed by an abnormality notification (S2215) via the operation panel 110 or the like, and terminates the "post-job_liquid supply operation" control flow.

[0178] Figure 23 is a control flowchart showing a modified version of the binding process. The difference from the control flowchart of the binding process shown in Figure 11 is that a continuous liquid supply operation (hereinafter referred to as "continuous liquid supply operation") is performed when the number of consecutive liquid supply cycles exceeds a predetermined number.

[0179] The control unit 100b starts the binding process shown in Figure 23 when it receives, for example, an instruction to execute the binding process (hereinafter referred to as "binding process instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0180] The binding instructions include, for example, the type of paper P (including information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined number N"), the number of paper bundles Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "required number M"), the binding position of the paper bundle Pb, and the binding orientation of the edge binding processing unit 25. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(A), the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are positioned at a standby position HP at the start of the binding process, in a parallel binding orientation and at a position offset in the width direction from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0181] First, if the orientation instructed by the binding process instruction is the "diagonal binding orientation," the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotation motor 563 and the crimping means rotation motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and crimping means 32, which constitute the end binding processing unit 25, into the diagonal binding orientation (S2301). In addition, if the orientation is the "diagonal binding orientation," only the crimping means 32 may be rotated into the diagonal binding orientation, and the liquid application means 31 may not be rotated in the forward or reverse direction. This simplifies the drive mechanism compared to the case where both the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions, resulting in cost reduction, miniaturization of the device, and reduction of equipment failure.

[0182] On the other hand, if the orientation specified in the binding instruction is the "parallel binding orientation," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, which constitute the edge binding processing unit 25 described above, to the diagonal binding orientation. The control unit 100b also drives the edge binding processing unit moving 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 specified in the binding instruction (S2301). The control unit 100b performs the process of step S2301 before the first sheet of paper P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0183] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 into the internal tray 22 (S2302). The control unit 100b also performs a so-called jogging process by moving the side fences 24L and 24R back and forth to align the position of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S2302).

[0184] Next, the control unit 100b, based on pre-adjusted liquid application control data, causes the liquid application means 31 facing the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed in the internal tray 22 in the previous step S2302 to perform liquid application (S2303). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application unit moving motor 42 to bring the liquid application member 501 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed in the internal tray 22 (see Figure 12(B)). In the liquid application process in step S2303, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid application member 501 applies liquid to the paper P, according to the type of paper P included in the binding process instruction and the binding position. The control unit 100b also adjusts the amount of pressure the liquid application member 501 applies to the paper P. In other words, the control unit 100b controls the drive of the liquid application unit moving motor 42 based on the adjusted control data to adjust the amount of movement of the liquid application member 501 relative to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0185] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N instructed by the binding process instruction (S2304). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets P placed in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S2304: No), it repeatedly executes the process in steps S2302 to S2304 until the number of sheets P placed in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S2304: Yes). In other words, the control unit 100b executes the process in steps S2302 to S2304 each time sheets P are 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 means 31 may be performed not only on all of the multiple sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb, but also only on some of the multiple sheets P constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0186] Then, when the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N (S2304: Yes), it drives the edge stapling processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge stapling processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping means 32 faces the first stapling position B1, as shown in Figure 12(C) (S2305).

[0187] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimping on the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S2306). Then, the control unit 100b causes the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped stack of paper Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S2307). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact / separation motor 32d to grip the first binding position B1 of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. This causes the stack of paper Pb to be compressed and deformed between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b, thereby performing crimping. After that, the control unit 100b discharges the crimped stack of paper Pb to the second discharge tray 26 by rotating the transport roller pair 15.

[0188] Furthermore, on the stack of paper Pb placed in the internal tray 22, the crimping area (corresponding to the first binding position B1) gripped by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b in step S2306 overlaps with the liquid application area (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1) that the tip of the liquid application member 501 contacts in step S2303. In other words, the crimping means 32 crimps and binds the area on the stack of paper Pb placed in the internal tray 22 to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application means 31. It should be noted that the crimping area gripped by the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap with the liquid application area that the tip of the liquid application member 501 contacts; sufficient binding strength can be obtained even if there is a partial overlap.

[0189] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of consecutive liquid applications has reached a predetermined number K (S2308). In this embodiment, the predetermined number K, which corresponds to the threshold for the number of consecutive liquid applications, is, for example, "1000 times".

[0190] If it is determined that the number of consecutive liquid supply cycles exceeds a predetermined number (S2308: YES), the control unit 100b interrupts the binding process and performs a "continuous liquid supply operation" (S2309) because the amount of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is insufficient. Here, the "continuous liquid supply operation" is the same as the "job preparation_liquid supply operation," or "predetermined amount supply operation," explained in Figure 20, so a detailed explanation of the operation flow is omitted.

[0191] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M indicated in the binding instruction (S2310). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the required number M (S2310: No), it repeats the process from step S2301 onwards. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the process from steps S2301 to S2310 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S2310: Yes).

[0192] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M (S2310: Yes), it drives the edge stapling processing unit moving motor 55 to move the edge stapling processing unit 25, including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, to the standby position HP as shown in Figure 12(D) (S2311). Also, if the orientation instructed in the stapling processing instruction is the "diagonal stapling orientation", the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means rotating motor 563 and the crimping means rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 to the parallel stapling orientation (S2311). On the other hand, if the orientation instructed in the stapling processing instruction is the "parallel stapling orientation", the operation of rotating the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 to the parallel stapling orientation is omitted. As a result, the edge stapling processing unit 25 returns to the standby position HP as shown in Figure 12(D). In step S2301 and step S2311, the execution order of the operation to move the edge binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction and the operation to rotate it in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be in the reverse order.

[0193] [Liquid discharge operation and control flow of the liquid discharge operation] Next, we will explain the liquid discharge control when controlling the liquid discharge operation that can be performed in the aftertreatment device 3. Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the liquid discharge operation, which is one of the liquid supply and discharge operations. Figure 25 is a flowchart of the control flow of the liquid discharge operation (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid discharge control flow"). Here, the "liquid discharge operation" is, as mentioned above, the discharge of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47 by reversing the liquid pump 46.

[0194] When the post-treatment device 3 is in use, liquid is present in the first liquid storage tank 44, and the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501 are completely permeated with liquid. On the other hand, during maintenance of the post-treatment device 3, the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501 may be removed for work. In this case, it may be necessary to empty the first liquid storage tank 44 to prevent liquid leakage from the first liquid storage tank 44. Also, it may be necessary to empty the first liquid storage tank 44 to prevent contamination by liquid when the post-treatment device 3 is not used for a long period of time. In other words, the liquid discharge operation is performed when the first liquid storage tank 44 is emptied.

[0195] When "liquid discharge operation" is selected as the liquid supply / discharge operation, the liquid discharge control flow is started. When the liquid discharge control flow is started, the control unit 100b reverses the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time Tr [sec] (S2501) to draw liquid up from the first liquid storage tank 44. In other words, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is discharged from the first liquid storage tank 44 toward the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 (see Figure 24(A)). As a result, the liquid level L in the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 rises, and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls. Consequently, the first liquid storage tank 44 becomes empty (see Figure 24(B)). The predetermined time Tr, which is the operating time of the liquid pump 46, is set to, for example, the time required for sufficient discharge of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501. Then, the control unit 100b terminates the liquid discharge control flow after driving the liquid pump 46 in reverse for a predetermined time by Tr.

[0196] Furthermore, the "liquid discharge operation" as a liquid supply and discharge operation may be performed by the user arbitrarily selecting it on the operation screen of the operation panel 110 as shown in Figure 26. That is, when selecting the forced supply operation, which is an operation to forcibly supply liquid, the user presses the "forced liquid supply" execution button 110a. Similarly, when selecting the liquid discharge operation, the user presses the "liquid discharge" execution button 110b.

[0197] [Embodiment of liquid supply configuration to the first liquid storage section] Next, the configuration of the flow path for supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44, which serves as the first liquid storage section, will be described in more detail. Figure 27(A) shows the first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supply member 50, and liquid supply member 501 used for supplying liquid to at least one sheet of paper P as a medium in the liquid supply means 31. Figure 27(A) is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supply member 50, and liquid supply member 501 when cut at the central position in the main scanning direction and viewed from the main scanning direction (Y direction in Figure 27).

[0198] As shown in Figure 27(A), the liquid application means 31 includes a first liquid storage tank 44 for storing the liquid used for application. The liquid application means 31 also includes a liquid application member 501 that contacts the paper P or paper stack Pb to apply the liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application means 31 also includes a liquid supply member 50 that supplies the liquid used when the liquid application member 501 contacts the paper P or paper stack Pb to apply the liquid to the liquid application member 501.

[0199] Figure 27(B) is an enlarged perspective view showing the liquid supply member 50 and liquid application member 501 installed in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding section 37.

[0200] As shown in Figure 27(A), the liquid supply member 50 has an immersion portion 502 at one end that is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid supply member 50 also has a connection portion 503 at the other end that contacts or connects to a liquid supply member 501 that contacts the paper P or paper stack Pb when supplying liquid. The liquid supply member 501 is provided at a predetermined position in the holding portion 37 in contact with or connected to the connection portion 503, which is one end of the liquid supply member 50. The liquid supply member 501 is held in the liquid supply means 31 while the liquid from the liquid supply member 50 is flowing. By constructing the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid supply member 501 as separate components in this way, the work of attaching the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid supply member 501 to the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding portion 37 becomes easier, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the liquid supply means 31.

[0201] The liquid drawn up by the liquid supply member 50 from the first liquid storage tank 44 is in a state where it can flow to the liquid dispensing member 501. That is, if the immersion portion 502 provided at the other end of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 when there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is configured to flow through the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid dispensing member 501.

[0202] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B), the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are held via the holding portion 37 so that the immersion portion 502 is positioned at a predetermined location within the internal space of the first liquid storage tank 44. The holding portion 37 also holds the first liquid storage tank 44 together with the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501.

[0203] Figure 28(A) is a plan view of the holding portion 37. Figure 28(A) corresponds to a plan view of the holding portion 37 when it is held by the first liquid storage tank 44, viewed from the opposite side of the side that is in contact with the first liquid storage tank 44. Figure 28(B) is a view taken along arrow AA in Figure 27(A). As shown in Figure 28(A), a plurality of intervals 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c of predetermined shape and size are formed between the liquid supply member 50 and the holding portion 37, and between the liquid application member 501 and the holding portion 37, in order to form a flow path 511 through which the liquid overflowing from the first liquid storage tank 44 flows.

[0204] As shown in Figures 27(B) and 28(A), the gap 511a is the gap extending along the Z direction between the liquid supply member 50 and the wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44. The gaps 511b1 and 511b2 are the gaps extending along the X direction between the liquid supply member 50 and the wall surface of the holding part 37, as shown in Figures 27(B) and 28(A) and (B). The gap 511b2 is formed to be larger than the gap 511b1, as shown in Figures 28(A) and (B). By forming the gap 511b2 to be larger in this way, a predetermined amount of liquid can be retained on the upper surface of the liquid application member 501. As a result, in addition to the liquid supplied from the liquid supply member 50, liquid can be directly supplied to the liquid application member 501, thereby shortening the penetration time of the liquid into the liquid application member 501. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 27(A), (B) and 28(A), the gap 511c is a space extending along the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end of the liquid application member 501 in the X direction and the inner surface of the downstream end wall of the holding portion 37 in the X direction. As shown in Figures 27(A), (B), the gap 511c is formed by a groove formed over the entire Z direction on the inner surface of the downstream end wall of the holding portion 37 in the X direction and the outer surface of the downstream end of the liquid application member 501 in the X direction. The liquid accumulating on the upper surface of the liquid application member 501 penetrates into the liquid application member 501 not only from the upper surface but also through the gap 511c from the downstream end of the liquid application member 501 in the X direction. This further shortens the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate into the liquid application member 501.

[0205] The flow path 511, composed of multiple intervals 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c, constitutes a passage for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to flow into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 when the first liquid storage tank 44 is filled with liquid. The liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are positioned in the holding part 37 and the first liquid storage tank 44 so that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 permeates through the flow path 511. As shown in Figure 27(A), the flow path 511 is provided continuously from the immersion part 502 to the connection part 503 of the liquid supply member 50, and further continues to a position where it reaches a predetermined position on the liquid application member 501. That is, the flow path 511 is formed in a groove shape that is provided continuously from the immersion part 502 to the connection part 503 of the liquid supply member 50. In this way, by configuring the flow path 511, the liquid overflowing from the first liquid storage tank 44 flows through the multiple intervals 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c and quickly permeates into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to sufficiently permeate into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501.

[0206] The immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 is one end of the liquid supply member 50 that is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and corresponds to the portion that draws up the liquid. The connection portion 503 of the liquid supply member 50 is the other end of the liquid supply member 50 and corresponds to the end that abuts against the liquid application member 501. The contact between the connection portion 503 of the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 is not limited to simply being in contact, but may be connected in a predetermined configuration. In other words, the above description has described a case in which the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are made of separate components and the connection portion 503 of the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are in contact or connected, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to integrally mold the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 and make them a single component. In this case, by utilizing capillary action, the liquid drawn up by the liquid supply member 50 can be smoothly flowed to the liquid application member 501, so that a predetermined amount of liquid can be stably applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application member 501. Furthermore, costs can be reduced compared to manufacturing the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 separately.

[0207] As shown in Figures 27(A), (B) and 28(B), the upper surface of the liquid application member 501 is lower than the upper surface of the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the groove-shaped gap 511b2 formed by the side surface of the connection portion 503 of the liquid supply member 50, the upper surface of the liquid supply member 50, and the side surface of the holding portion 37 constitutes part of the liquid flow path 511.

[0208] The flow path 511 is composed of continuously spaced intervals 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c, extending from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 to the liquid application member 501. This configuration allows the liquid overflowing from the first liquid storage tank 44 to flow smoothly along the flow path 511. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be permeated into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 more quickly.

[0209] Next, the multiple intervals 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c that constitute the flow path 511 provided in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding part 37 will be explained with reference to Figure 29. As shown in Figure 29(A), in order to hold the liquid supply member 50 inside the first liquid storage tank 44, it is necessary to bring a part of the liquid supply member 50 into close contact with the wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0210] The flow path 511 should be formed so that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can flow between the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 and the holding part 37, and between the liquid supply member 50 and the first liquid storage tank 44. For example, as shown in Figure 29(B), which is a view of the AD arrow in Figure 29(A), a gap 511c is formed between the liquid application member 501 and the holding part 37 by forming a groove on the wall surface of the downstream end of the holding part 37 in the X direction, extending over the entire area in the Z direction. Also, as shown in Figure 29(C), which is a view of the AC arrow in Figure 29(A), a gap 511b1 is formed between the liquid supply member 50 and the wall surface of the holding part 37, extending along the X direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29(D), which is a view of the AB arrow in Figure 29(A), gaps 511a and 511b1 are formed by forming a plurality of grooves on the inner wall of the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44 that the liquid supply member 50 abuts against. As described above, the flow path 511 is formed by a plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c formed between a portion of the holding portion 37 and a portion of the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501.

[0211] As shown in Figures 27(A), 27(B), and 28(A), if the liquid application member 501 is tilted to match the receiving opening for receiving the paper P, it is desirable that the gap 511c extends along the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end of the liquid application member 501 in the X direction and the inner surface of the wall of the downstream end of the holding part 37 in the X direction. For example, if the gap 511c extends along the Z direction between the outer surfaces of both ends of the liquid application member 501 in the Y direction and the inner surfaces of the walls of both ends of the holding part 37 in the Y direction, the time it takes for the liquid passing through the gap 511c to penetrate the liquid application member 501 is shortened. As a result, the liquid that does not penetrate the liquid application member 501 is more likely to drip from the tip of the liquid application member 501, resulting in the application of more liquid than the appropriate amount to the paper P or paper stack Pb. Consequently, a problem arises in which the binding strength of the paper stack Pb is reduced.

[0212] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 27(A), 27(B), and 28(A), if a gap 511c is extended along the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end of the liquid application member 501 in the X direction and the inner surface of the wall of the downstream end of the holding part 37 in the X direction, the time required for the liquid passing through the gap 511c to penetrate the liquid application member 501 can be sufficiently extended. This prevents the liquid that does not penetrate the liquid application member 501 from dripping from the tip of the liquid application member 501. As a result, the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application member 501 can be controlled to an appropriate amount, thereby stabilizing the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb.

[0213] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30(A), a guide portion 441 may be provided at the tip of the holding portion 37 that holds the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501, acting as a guide member to guide the liquid that overflows from the gap between the liquid application member 501 and the holding portion 37. The guide portion 441 is provided protruding in the Z direction from the tip of the holding portion 37. Also, the guide portion 441 is shaped to conform to the outer surface of the liquid application member 501.

[0214] The guide portion 441 is formed, for example, as a thin plate-shaped member along the outer surface of the liquid application member 501. By installing the guide portion 441 in this way, a wall can be formed around the portion that protrudes in the Z direction from the tip of the holding portion 37 of the liquid application member 501 (hereinafter referred to as the "protruding portion of the liquid application member 501").

[0215] As shown in Figure 30(b), the guide portion 441 can guide the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid application member 501 and the holding portion 37 so that it flows along the surface of the liquid application member 501. As a result, as shown in Figure 30(c), the liquid can be directly permeated into the protruding portion of the liquid application member 501. Consequently, the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the liquid application member 501 can be shortened.

[0216] Figure 31 is a view along the BA arrow in Figure 30(A), showing the shape of the guide portion 441. Figure 31(A) is an example where the guide portion 441 surrounds the entire circumference of the liquid application member 501. Figure 31(B) is an example where the guide portion 441 surrounds only a part of the liquid application member 501, rather than the entire circumference.

[0217] As shown in Figure 31(A), by providing the guide portion 441 so as to surround the entire circumference of the liquid application member 501, the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid application member 501 and the holding portion 37 can be guided along the surface of the liquid application member 501 around its entire circumference. As a result, the liquid can be more efficiently permeated into the liquid application member 501.

[0218] Furthermore, if a flow path 511 is provided on a specific surface of the liquid-applying member 501 to allow more liquid to flow through it, for example, if the gap 511c constitutes part of the flow path 511 as shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B), the guide portion 441 may obstruct the liquid flow in the shape shown in Figure 31(A). In this case, as shown in Figure 31(B), the guide portion 441 should not be provided at the lower end of the downstream end wall in the X direction of the holding portion 37 where the gap 511c is provided.

[0219] In addition, regardless of the shape shown in Figure 31(A) and Figure 31(B), the guide portion 441 has the effect of preventing liquid that overflows from the gap between the liquid application member 501 and the holding portion 37 from falling unintentionally from the tip of the liquid application member 501.

[0220] Next, using Figure 32, we will explain countermeasures for when liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid dispensing member 501 and the holding part 37 falls from the tip of the liquid dispensing member 501 at an unintended time. Due to the effect of the flow path 511, the liquid penetration time into the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid dispensing member 501, that is, the time until the liquid dispensing member 501 is filled with liquid up to its tip, This can shorten the time required for liquid penetration. However, this reduction in liquid penetration time may cause the liquid to overflow and drip from the tip of the liquid application member 501.

[0221] In this embodiment, the lower pressing plate 33 is positioned in the direction of movement when the liquid application member 501 is applying liquid, that is, below the liquid application member 501. The lower pressing plate 33 is held by the lower pressing plate holder 331. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 32, the lower pressing plate 33 in this embodiment is positioned above the lower pressing plate liquid reservoir 332, which is held by the lower pressing plate holder 331.

[0222] Figure 33(A) shows only the lower pressing plate holder 331 that holds the lower pressing plate 33 and the lower pressing plate liquid reservoir 332 held by the lower pressing plate holder 331. The lower pressing plate 33 is provided with a lower pressing plate opening 333. The lower pressing plate opening 333 corresponds to an outlet for allowing liquid that overflows from the tip of the liquid application member 501 to pass downwards. The liquid that passes through the lower pressing plate opening 333 and falls is temporarily stored in the lower pressing plate liquid reservoir 332 which is held below the lower pressing plate 33.

[0223] Figure 33(B) is a plan view of the lower pressing plate 33, showing the shape of the lower pressing plate opening 333. As shown in Figure 33(B), multiple lower pressing plate openings 333 are provided over a wider area than the region when the liquid application member 501 moves toward the lower pressing plate 33. As a result, even if liquid falls from the liquid application member 501, the liquid will not accumulate on the upper surface of the lower pressing plate 33, but will instead fall into the lower pressing plate liquid reservoir 332.

[0224] The liquid will fall from around the liquid application range provided by the liquid application means 31, that is, the contact range R (see Figure 33(B)) when the liquid application member 501 contacts the lower pressure plate 33. Therefore, the lower pressure plate opening 333 is formed such that its outermost position is outside the contact range R (liquid application range) provided by the liquid application member 501.

[0225] The shape of the lower pressure plate opening 333 can be a slit, a square hole, a round hole, etc., and is not limited to a specific shape. The area of ​​the lower pressure plate opening 333 should be as large as possible to facilitate the passage of liquid.

[0226] Furthermore, if the distance between the liquid application member 501 and the lower pressure plate 33 is large, there is a concern that the liquid may not fall into the lower pressure plate opening 333, resulting in liquid leakage to an unintended location. Therefore, to prevent this, it is desirable to move the liquid application member 501, the liquid supply member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 toward the lower pressure plate 33, bringing the tip of the liquid application member 501 closer to the lower pressure plate 33, or to perform the liquid supply operation while the tip of the liquid application member 501 is being moved toward the lower pressure plate 33.

[0227] Next, the first liquid storage section cover member 60, which covers the installation portions of the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 installed in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding section 37, will be described with reference to Figure 34. As shown in Figure 34, in order to install the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding section 37, it is necessary to insert them into the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding section 37. As a configuration for this purpose, member insertion openings 442 may be provided in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holding section 37.

[0228] By providing the component insertion port 442, the installation or replacement of the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid dispensing member 501 can be easily performed. The component insertion port 442 is shaped so that after the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid dispensing member 501 are inserted, they are covered by the first liquid storage section cover member 60. In other words, the opening portion of the component insertion port 442 is shaped so that it is covered by the first liquid storage section cover member 60.

[0229] Furthermore, if the entire area of ​​the liquid supply member 50 is filled with liquid, there is a concern that liquid may leak out from between the holding part 37 and the first liquid storage cover member 60. Therefore, in order to prevent liquid leakage, a sealing member 601 is provided between the holding part 37 and the first liquid storage cover member 60. The sealing member 601 is a member that is sandwiched between the outer part of the member insertion opening 442 provided in the holding part 37 and the first liquid storage cover member 60. The sealing member 601 prevents liquid seeping from the liquid supply member 50 from leaking out to the outside of the holding part 37 and the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0230] In the above description, the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 was described as being provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2, as shown in Figure 1, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 35(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 Figure 35(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.

[0231] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 36(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 may be divided into, for example, a control unit 100b1 that controls the drive system such as a motor, and a control unit 100b2 that controls the detection system such as a sensor, i.e., divided by function. Alternatively, of the divided control units 100b1 and 100b2, for example, only the control unit 100b2 of one of the post-processing devices 3A may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Moreover, as shown in Figure 36(B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3 provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0232] [Second embodiment of the post-processing device 3] Next, the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 45. Note that components common to the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted.

[0233] Unlike the edge stapling section 25 of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, which has both a liquid application means 31 and a crimping means 32, the edge stapling section 251 of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment is equipped only with a crimping means 32', and the liquid application means 131 is provided on the upstream side of the transport path. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P can be pre-stacked after the liquid application process and transported to the crimping means 32' of the edge stapling section 251 provided on the downstream side, thereby improving the productivity of the stapling process at the crimping means 32'.

[0234] Furthermore, the direction in which the transport roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 transport the paper P is the opposite direction to the "transport direction" defined above, and is therefore defined as the "reverse transport direction." Also, the direction perpendicular to the reverse transport direction and the thickness direction of the paper P, that is, the width direction of the paper P, is defined as the "main scanning direction." In addition, the liquid application position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper bundle Pb by the liquid application means 131 corresponds to the binding position where the crimping means 32' is scheduled to perform crimp binding on the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, in the following description, the liquid application position and the binding position will be denoted by the same reference numeral (B1).

[0235] Figure 37 shows the internal structure of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. The edge stapling processing unit 251 is equipped only with a crimping means 32', as shown in Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, the crimping means 32' and the staple stapling processing unit 156 are located downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the crimping means 32' and the staple stapling processing unit 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. In addition, the crimping means 32' and the staple stapling processing unit 156 are configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a crimping means rotation axis 340 and a staple stapling means rotation axis 84, which 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 unit 156 can bind any position in the main scanning direction of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at any angle, such as corner diagonal binding, parallel single-point binding, or parallel double-point binding.

[0236] Furthermore, the crimping means 32' binds the paper bundle Pb by applying pressure and deforming it with its uneven upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b (hereinafter referred to as "crimp binding"). On the other hand, the staple binding processing unit 156 can staple the paper bundle Pb by passing staples through the binding positions of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0237] Figure 38 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 viewed from the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. Figure 39 is a schematic diagram of the crimping means 32' viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in Figure 38, the crimping means 32' and the staple binding processing unit 156 are located downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping means 32' is configured to move along the surface of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The crimping means 32' is configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions around a crimping means rotation axis 340 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0238] Similarly, the staple binding unit 156 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper stack Pb. The staple binding unit 156 is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a staple binding means rotation axis 84 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. The other configurations of the staple binding unit 156 are the same as those of the staple binding unit 155 (see Figure 6) of the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0239] As shown in Figure 39, the crimping means 32' has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping means 32' is equipped with a crimping means moving motor 238, which is the drive source. The base member 48 that supports the crimping frame 32c has a fastening portion 48b for the timing belt 240c at its bottom. As a result, the driving force of the crimping means moving motor 238 is transmitted to the base member 48 by a drive transmission mechanism 240 comprising pulleys 240a, 240b, the timing belt 240c, and the fastening portion 48b, causing the crimping means 32' to move along the surface of the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22 on the guide rail 337 in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the crimping frame 32c that holds the components of the crimping means 32' has a crimping means rotating shaft 340 equipped with a drive transmission gear 340a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0240] Furthermore, the crimping means rotating shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held rotatably in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 on which the crimping frame 32c is provided. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with the output gear 239a of the crimping means rotating motor 239. The crimping means 32' rotates in forward and reverse directions on the base member 48 around the crimping means rotating shaft 340, which extends in the thickness direction of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22, as the driving force of the crimping means rotating motor 239 is transmitted to the crimping means rotating shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a. The guide rail 337, crimping means moving motor 238, crimping means rotating motor 239, crimping means rotating shaft 340, and drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of the drive mechanism of the crimping means 32'.

[0241] The crimping means 32' is configured to move between a standby position HP shown in Figure 38(A) and a position facing the first binding position B1 shown in Figures 38(B) and 38(C). The standby position HP2 is a position away from the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22, on one side in the main scanning direction. The first binding position B1 is a position on the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the first binding position B1 is not limited to the example in Figure 38, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end of the paper P in the transport direction, and may be multiple positions.

[0242] Furthermore, the crimping means 32' can change its orientation between the parallel binding orientation shown in Figure 38(B) and the oblique binding orientation shown in Figure 38(C). In other words, the crimping means 32' is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions around the crimping means rotation axis 340. Here, the parallel binding orientation is the orientation of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b face the main scanning direction. In other words, it is the orientation of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal direction of the "rectangular crimped binding mark" faces the main scanning direction. The oblique binding orientation is the orientation of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are inclined with respect to the main scanning direction. In other words, it is the orientation of the crimping means 32' in which the longitudinal direction of the "rectangular crimped binding mark" is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0243] Note that the rotation angle in the oblique binding position, i.e., the angle of the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b with respect to the main scanning direction, is not limited to the example in Figure 38(C). The rotation angle in the oblique binding position can be any angle as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b face the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0244] The post-processing device 3A comprises a liquid application means 131 and a punch hole punching means 132 as a processing unit. The liquid application means 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 are located upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse transport direction. Furthermore, the liquid application means 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 are positioned offset in the reverse transport direction so that they can simultaneously face a single sheet of paper P being transported by the transport roller pairs 10 to 19.

[0245] In this embodiment, the liquid application means 131 and the punch hole punching means 132 are arranged between the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid application means 131 is not limited to the example in Figure 37. For example, if an inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in Figure 45, the liquid application means 131 can also be provided in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing device 3A. An example of an inserter 6 is a device that can feed preprint media, which are transported to the post-processing device 3A together with the paper P transported from the image forming apparatus 2, as a cover, insert paper, or divider paper, without passing through the image forming apparatus 2.

[0246] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 40(A), the transport roller pair 11 is positioned so as not to overlap in the main scanning direction with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application head 146 of the liquid application means 131. This is to prevent the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 from decreasing due to the multiple roller pairs pressing on the first liquid application position B1 when the transport roller pair 11 transports the paper P. As a result, when the paper P reaches the crimping means 32' located downstream of the liquid application means 131 in the reverse transport direction, the amount of liquid at the first liquid application position B1 is sufficient to maintain the binding strength, thus preventing a decrease in the binding strength of the paper 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 transport process.

[0247] Furthermore, by arranging the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pair 11 in positions that do not overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the multiple roller pairs, which would worsen the transportability of the paper P, and to prevent transport jams caused by this deterioration in transportability.

[0248] Although only the transport roller pair 11 has been described above, it is also preferable that the multiple roller pairs constituting the transport roller pairs 14-15 are similarly positioned so as not to overlap with the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0249] The liquid application means 131 applies liquid to the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10 and 11 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The punch hole punching means 132 punches holes in the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10 and 11 that penetrate in the thickness direction. The processing unit provided in close proximity to the liquid application means 131 is not limited to the punch hole punching means 132, but may also be a tilt correction unit that corrects the tilt (skew) of the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10 and 11.

[0250] Figure 40 is a view of the liquid dispensing means 131 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the thickness direction of the paper P. Figure 41 is a view taken along the arrows XXV-XXV in Figure 40(A). Figure 42 is a view taken along the arrows XXVI-XXVI in Figure 40(A). As shown in Figures 40 to 42, the liquid dispensing means 131 comprises a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, an endless annular belt 135 and 136, a liquid dispensing means moving motor 137, a standby position sensor 138 (see Figure 43), and a liquid dispensing unit 140.

[0251] A pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are spaced apart in the reverse transport direction, and each extends in the main scanning direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported by a pair of side plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing device 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b support the liquid application unit 140 so that it can move in the main scanning direction.

[0252] A pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are positioned between a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b in the reverse transport direction. Furthermore, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Additionally, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are supported on the frame of the post-processing device 3A so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P.

[0253] The endless annular belt 135 is stretched over a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. The endless annular belt 135 is also connected to the liquid application unit 140 by a connecting portion 135a. The endless annular belt 136 is stretched over pulley 134a and a drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid application means moving motor 137. The liquid application means moving motor 137 generates a driving force to move the liquid application unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0254] As the liquid application means moving motor 137 rotates, the endless annular belt 136 circulates between pulley 134a and drive pulley 137a, causing pulley 134a to rotate. As pulley 134a rotates, the endless annular belt 135 circulates between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. As a result, the liquid application unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the liquid application means moving motor 137, the liquid application unit 140 reciprocates in the main scanning direction.

[0255] The standby position sensor 138 detects when the liquid application unit 140 reaches the standby position HP1 (see Figure 40) in the main scanning direction and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b (see Figure 43), which will be described later. The standby position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The liquid application unit 140 blocks the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit at the standby position HP1. The standby position sensor 138 then outputs a standby position signal in response to the fact that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is not received by the light-receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby position sensor 138 is not limited to the example described above.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 41, the conveyance path in the post-processing apparatus 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b that are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the sheet P. And the liquid application unit 140 is disposed at a position facing an opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid application unit 140 is disposed facing the sheet P conveyed through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a in the conveyance path.

[0257] As shown in FIGS. 40 to 42, the liquid application unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotary bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, liquid application head moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid application head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, an application head rotation motor 150, an application head movement motor 151 (see FIG. 43), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 43).

[0258] 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. Further, the base member 141 is connected to an endless annular belt 135 by a connecting portion 135a. Furthermore, the base member 141 supports the components 142 to 152 of the liquid application unit 140.

[0259] The rotary bracket 142 is attached to the lower surface of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the sheet P. Also, the rotary bracket 142 rotates in the forward and reverse directions with respect to the base member 141 when the driving force of the application head rotation motor 150 is transmitted. Further, the rotary bracket 142 holds the liquid storage tank 143, the liquid application head moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b. <从这里开始,后面的<标签编号>是重复前面的内容,按照要求应保持不变,所以不再重复翻译。

[0260] The standby angle sensor 152 (see FIG. 43) detects that the rotation 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 when performing parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. Then, the rotation bracket 142 at the standby angle blocks the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. And the standby angle sensor 152 outputs a 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 above example.

[0261] Note that the rotation bracket 142 shown in FIG. 40(A) shows the state when the crimping means 32' downstream of the liquid applying means 131 performs parallel binding. Also, the rotation bracket 142 shown in FIG. 40(B) shows the state when the crimping means 32' downstream of the liquid applying means 131 performs diagonal binding (angled binding).

[0262] The liquid storage tank 143 stores the 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, move up and down) in the thickness direction of the paper P. Also, the liquid application head moving means 144 moves in the thickness direction of the paper P with respect to the liquid storage tank 143 when the driving force of the application head moving motor 151 is transmitted. 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 toward the conveyance path (in this embodiment, downward). Also, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143 is supplied to the liquid application head 146. Further, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge, fiber).

[0263] The columnar members 147a and 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid dispensing head 146. Furthermore, the columnar members 147a and 147b are configured to be movable relative to the holding member 145 in the thickness direction. Additionally, the columnar members 147a and 147b hold the pressing plate 148 at their lower ends. The pressing plate 148 has a through-hole 148a at a position facing the liquid dispensing head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are externally attached to the columnar members 147a and 147b between the holding member 145 and the pressing plate 148. The coil springs 149a and 149b bias the columnar members 147a and 147b and the pressing plate 148 in a direction away from the holding member 145.

[0264] As shown in Figures 41(A) and 42(A), before the paper P is transported to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressing plate 148 is located at or above the opening. Next, when the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P transported by the transport roller pairs 10 and 11 stops facing the opening, the application head moving motor 151 is rotated in the 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 and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b descend together, and the pressing plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P. The first liquid application position B1 is the position where the paper is to be crimped and bound by the crimping means 32' included in the edge binding processing unit 251, that is, the first binding position B1.

[0265] Then, even after the pressing plate 148 contacts the paper P, the liquid application head moving motor 151 is rotated in the first direction, compressing the coil springs 149a and 149b, causing the liquid application head moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b to descend further. As shown in Figures 41(B) and 42(B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 then contacts the paper P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid application head 146 is applied to the paper P.

[0266] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 41(C) and 42(C), by further rotating the liquid application head moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid application head 146 can be pressed more firmly against the paper P. This increases the amount of liquid applied to the paper P. In other words, the liquid application means 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pressing force of the liquid application head 146 against the paper P.

[0267] On the other hand, by rotating the liquid application head moving motor 151 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the liquid application head moving means 144, the holding member 145, the liquid application head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressing plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b rise together. As a result, the liquid application head 146 and the pressing plate 148 move away from the paper P, as shown in Figures 41(A) and 42(A). In other words, the liquid application means 131 is equipped with a liquid application head 146 that can be detached from the paper P.

[0268] Figure 43 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control block of the post-processing unit 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 43, the post-processing unit 3A has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and I / F (Interface) 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0269] The CPU 101 is the arithmetic unit and controls the operation of the entire post-processing unit 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows for high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101 when processing 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 allows for reading and writing of information and has a large storage capacity, and stores the OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0270] The post-processing unit 3A processes control programs stored in ROM 103, information processing programs (application programs) loaded into RAM 102 from storage media such as HDD 104, etc., using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit that includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 3A. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing unit 3A constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing unit 3A. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, HDD 104, and I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b that acts as a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing unit 3A.

[0271] I / F105 is an interface that connects the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the crimping means moving motor 238, the crimping means rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means moving motor 137, the application head rotating motor 150, the application head moving motor 151, the standby position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punch hole drilling means 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0272] The control unit 100b controls the operation of the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the crimping means moving motor 238, the crimping means rotating motor 239, the contact / separation motor 32d, the liquid application means moving motor 137, the application head rotating motor 150, the application head moving motor 151, and the punch hole drilling means 132 via the I / F 105. The control unit 100b also acquires detection results from the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105.

[0273] Figure 43 shows the components of the edge-stitching processing unit 251 and the liquid application means 131, which mainly include the crimping means 32' that perform edge-stitching. Similarly, the components of the saddle-stitching processing unit 28 that performs saddle-stitching are also controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0274] As shown in Figure 45, the image forming apparatus 2 is equipped with an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that receives input operations from the user and a display that serves as a notification unit for informing 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 information to the user through the display. The notification unit is not limited to a display and may also be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc. Furthermore, the post-processing device 3A may also be equipped with an operation panel 110 similar to the one described above.

[0275] Figure 44 is a flowchart of the post-processing of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 44 is a flowchart for performing the one-point binding process shown in Figure 38.

[0276] The control unit 100b executes the post-processing shown in Figure 44 in response to receiving, for example, an execution instruction for post-processing from the image forming apparatus 2 (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing instruction"). The post-processing instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined number Np"), the number of paper stacks Pb to be bound (hereinafter referred to as "required number 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 process (for example, parallel binding process, diagonal binding process), and a process to be executed in parallel with the liquid application process (in this embodiment, punching holes). At the start of post-processing, the liquid application unit 140 is located at the standby position HP1 (see Figure 40), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0277] First, the control unit 100b drives the liquid application means moving motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 (corresponding to the liquid application means) in the main scanning direction, thereby moving the liquid application head 146 from the standby position HP1 to a position where it can face the first liquid application position B1 (see Figure 40(B). This position corresponds to the first binding position B1 in Figures 38(B) and 38(C)). Furthermore, if the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "diagonal binding," the control unit 100b drives the application head rotation motor 150 to rotate the rotation bracket 142, thereby rotating the liquid application head 146 from the standby angle to the liquid application angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S3601). The fact that the liquid application head 146 has reached the position and liquid application angle where it can face the first liquid application position B1 can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the liquid application means moving motor 137 and the application head rotation motor 150. Furthermore, if the type of binding process specified in the post-processing instructions is "parallel binding," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the rotating bracket 142 as described above. That is, the liquid application unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction while holding the rotating bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0278] Furthermore, the control unit 100b drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32' from the standby position HP2 to a position where it can face the first binding position B1, as shown in Figures 38(A) and 38(B) (S3601). Also, if the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "diagonal binding process", the control unit 100b drives the crimping means rotating motor 239 to rotate the crimping means 32' from the standby angle to the crimping angle corresponding to the "diagonal binding posture" (S3601). The fact that the crimping means 32' has reached the position where it can face the first binding position B1 and the crimping angle can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the crimping means moving motor 238 and the crimping means rotating motor 239. Furthermore, if the type of binding process specified in the post-processing instructions is "parallel binding," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping means 32' described above. That is, the crimping means 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining its standby angle.

[0279] Next, the control unit 100b starts transporting the sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 by driving the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S3602). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S3603). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P does not face the liquid application unit 140 (S3603: No), the control unit 100b continues to transport 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 (S3603: Yes). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application head 146 (S3603: Yes), the control unit 100b stops transporting the sheet P by the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11 (S3604). The fact that the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P faces the liquid application head 146 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the motor that drives the pair of transport rollers 10 and 11.

[0280] The control unit 100b executes a process of applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P by the liquid application unit 140 (S3605). More specifically, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application head 146 to abut against the first liquid application position B1 of the sheet P by rotating the application head movement motor 151 in the first direction. Further, the control unit 100b changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146, that is, the rotation amount of the application head movement motor 151, according to the amount of liquid applied to the sheet P.

[0281] The amount of liquid applied to the sheet P may be the same for all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb, or may be different for each sheet P. For example, the control unit 100b may decrease the amount of liquid applied to the sheets P to be transported later. Further, the rotation amount of the application head movement motor 151 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the application head movement motor 151.

[0282] Next, the control unit 100b places the paper P onto the internal tray 22 by driving the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 (S3606). The control unit 100b also performs a so-called jogging process, which aligns the positions 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 back and forth in the main scanning direction (S3606).

[0283] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number Np specified in the post-processing instructions (S3607). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number Np (S3607: No), it repeatedly executes the processes in steps S3602 to S3607 until the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S3607: Yes).

[0284] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np (S3607: Yes), it causes the crimping means 32' to crimp the first binding position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P) of the paper bundle Pb, which includes the paper P to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application unit 140 (S3608). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S3608).

[0285] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number Mp indicated in the post-processing instruction (S3609). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the required number Mp (S3609: No), it repeatedly executes the processes in steps S3602 to S3609 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged reaches the required number Mp (S3609: Yes).

[0286] On the other hand, if the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number Mp (S3609: Yes), it drives the liquid application means moving motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to standby position HP1 (see Figure 40) and drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32' to standby position HP2 (see Figure 38) (S3610). Also, if the posture instructed in the post-processing instruction is the "diagonal binding posture", the control unit 100b drives the application head rotation motor 150 and the crimping means rotation motor 239 to rotate the liquid application unit 140 and the crimping means 32' to the parallel binding posture (corresponding to the standby angle) (S3610). On the other hand, if the posture instructed in the post-processing instructions is the "parallel binding posture," the operation of rotating the liquid application unit 140 and the crimping means 32' to the parallel binding posture (corresponding to the standby angle) is omitted. Note that in steps S3601 and S3610, the execution order of the operation of moving the liquid application unit 140 and the crimping means 32' in the main scanning direction and the operation of rotating them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be in the reverse order.

[0287] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the edge-stitching processing unit 25 that performs edge-stitching, but also to the saddle-stitching processing unit 28 that performs saddle-stitching.

[0288] Furthermore, although the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 37 has been described as being provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2, similar to Figure 1, the configuration 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, similar to Figure 35(A). Moreover, 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, similar to Figure 35(B).

[0289] Furthermore, similar to Figure 36(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A may be divided into, for example, a control unit 100b1 that controls the drive system such as a motor, and a control unit 100b2 that controls the detection system such as a sensor, i.e., divided by function. Alternatively, of the divided control units 100b1 and 100b2, for example, only the control unit 100b2 of one of the post-processing devices 3A may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Moreover, similar to Figure 36(B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing device 3A provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side may be configured integrally with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0290] Furthermore, the control method by the control unit 100b described above is realized through the cooperation of the computer's hardware resources and the computer software program, as already explained. In other words, the control method is a method in which the computer executes by having the arithmetic unit, memory device, input device, output device, and control device work together based on the program. The program may also be written to a memory device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0291] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its technical essence. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The embodiments described above are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0292] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows: <1> The system includes a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one medium, The liquid supply means is A first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used for the aforementioned liquid application, A liquid supply member is held by a holding part such that it is held in the first liquid storage part and the immersion part, which is the part that permeates the liquid, is located in the internal space of the first liquid storage part, A liquid dispensing member that receives the liquid from the liquid supply member and dispenses the liquid in contact with the medium, Includes, A flow path is provided between the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member held in relation to the first liquid storage section. This is a media processing apparatus characterized by the following features. <2> The aforementioned flow path is A structure is provided between the inner wall of the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member, The aforementioned <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <3> The aforementioned flow path is The holding portion is also provided so as to be continuous from the connection portion with the liquid-applying member to the immersion portion. The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <4> The aforementioned flow path is It is provided so as to extend to the tip of the liquid-applying member, The aforementioned <1> or the above <3> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <5> The holding portion includes a guide member that has a shape that conforms to the liquid application member protruding from the holding portion. The aforementioned <1> or the above <4> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <6> The liquid supply means is The liquid supply member includes a lower pressing plate that holds the medium when it dispenses liquid to the medium, It comprises a lower pressing plate holder that holds the lower pressing plate, The lower pressing plate holder includes a lower pressing plate liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid. The aforementioned <1> or the above <5> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <7> The lower pressing plate has an opening at a position that overlaps with the liquid application range corresponding to the range in which the liquid application member applies the liquid to the medium. The aforementioned <6> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <8> The first liquid storage section is provided with an insertion port for inserting the liquid supply member and the liquid application member, It comprises a first liquid storage section cover member that covers the insertion opening and a sealing member that seals the space between the first liquid storage section and the liquid storage section cover member. The aforementioned <1> or the above <7> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <9> A post-processing means for processing a media bundle including at least one of the media to which the liquid has been applied in the liquid application means, A second liquid storage section that stores the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage section, Equipped with, The aforementioned <1> or the above <8> This is a media processing device described in any one of the following. <10> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, Processing is performed on multiple media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned <1> or the above <9> A media processing apparatus described in any one of the following, This is an image forming system characterized by comprising the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0293] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming apparatus 3,3A: Post-processing equipment 25: Edge binding processing section 26: Second output tray 30: Third discharge tray 31: Liquid dispensing means 32: Crimping means 43: First liquid level sensor 44: First liquid storage tank 45: Liquid transport route 46: Liquid pump 47: Second liquid storage tank 50: Liquid supply component 51: Set detection sensor 71: Open / Close Cover 94: Second liquid level sensor 100a, 100b: Control Unit 110: Control Panel [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0294] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-003754

Claims

1. The system includes a liquid application means for applying liquid to a portion of at least one medium, The liquid dispensing means is A first liquid storage section for storing the liquid used for the aforementioned liquid application, A liquid supply member is held by a holding part such that it is held in the first liquid storage part and the immersion part, which is the part that permeates the liquid, is located in the internal space of the first liquid storage part, A liquid dispensing member that receives the liquid from the liquid supply member and dispenses the liquid in contact with the medium, Includes, A flow path is provided between the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member held in relation to the first liquid storage section. A media processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned flow path is A structure is provided between the inner wall of the first liquid storage section and the liquid supply member, The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned flow path is The holding portion is also provided so as to be continuous from the connection portion with the liquid-applying member to the immersion portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned flow path is It is provided so as to extend to the tip of the liquid-applying member, The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The holding portion includes a guide member that has a shape that conforms to the liquid application member protruding from the holding portion. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The liquid supply means is The liquid supply member includes a lower pressing plate that holds the medium when it dispenses liquid to the medium, It comprises a lower pressing plate holder that holds the lower pressing plate, The lower pressing plate holder includes a lower pressing plate liquid storage section capable of storing the liquid. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The lower pressing plate has an opening at a position that overlaps with the liquid application range corresponding to the range in which the liquid application member applies the liquid to the medium. The media processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The first liquid storage section is provided with an insertion port for inserting the liquid supply member and the liquid application member, It comprises a first liquid storage cover member that covers the insertion opening and a sealing member that seals the space between the first liquid storage and the liquid storage cover member. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. A post-processing means for processing a media bundle including at least one of the media to which the liquid has been applied in the liquid application means, It comprises a second liquid storage section for storing the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage section, The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, Processing is performed on multiple media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, An image forming system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images