Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a media processing apparatus that shortens the liquid supply time to the liquid-dispensing member. [Solution] The media processing apparatus comprises a conveying unit for conveying media in a conveying direction, a liquid application means for applying liquid to at least one medium conveyed by the conveying unit, and a first processing means for performing a first processing on a bundle of media including at least one medium to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means. The liquid application means comprises a liquid application member for applying liquid by contacting at least one medium, a liquid storage tank having an internal space for storing liquid and at least a portion of the outer wall defining the internal space being an elastic wall that can be elastically deformed in a direction that reduces the volume of the internal space, and a liquid supply member for sucking up the liquid stored in the internal space and supplying it to the liquid application member. The media processing apparatus further comprises a pressing member for pressing the elastic wall from the outside of the liquid storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a medium processing apparatus that performs a process of binding sheet-like media on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus into a bundle. Further, from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load, some medium processing apparatuses are provided with pressure bonding processing means capable of so-called "pressure bonding binding" in which a medium bundle is sandwiched by concave and convex binding teeth and pressurized and deformed without using a metal binding needle.

[0003] In pressure bonding binding, there is a problem that it is difficult to appropriately maintain the binding state, such as the binding teeth being less likely to bite into the medium bundle as the number of media constituting the medium bundle increases, and the bound media peeling off. Therefore, some medium processing apparatuses that perform pressure bonding binding are provided with liquid applying means for previously applying a liquid to the position where the binding teeth abut in order to make it easier for the binding teeth to bite into the medium bundle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the liquid applying means described in Patent Document 1, a liquid applying member that abuts on the medium to apply liquid is connected to one end, and a liquid supply member whose other end is immersed in the liquid in the liquid storage tank supplies the liquid from the liquid storage tank to the liquid applying member by capillary action. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time until the liquid is supplied to the liquid applying member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for shortening the supply time of liquid to a liquid applying member in a medium processing apparatus that performs processing on a liquid-applied medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention comprises a liquid dispensing means for dispensing a liquid onto at least one medium, and a first processing means for performing a first processing on a bundle of mediums including at least one medium onto which the liquid has been dispensed by the liquid dispensing means, wherein the liquid dispensing means comprises a liquid dispensing member for dispensing the liquid by contacting at least one of the mediums, a liquid storage tank having an internal space for storing the liquid and having an elastic wall, at least a portion of which of the outer wall defining the internal space is elastically deformable in a direction that reduces the volume of the internal space, and a liquid supply member for supplying the liquid stored in the internal space to the liquid dispensing member, and further comprising a pressing member for pressing the elastic wall from the outside of the liquid storage tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a media processing apparatus that processes a medium to which a liquid has been applied, the supply time of the liquid to the liquid-applying member can 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 apparatus 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] A diagram showing the attachment / detachment configuration of the second liquid storage tank in the post-treatment device. [Figure 10]Hardware configuration diagram of a control block for controlling a post-processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Flowchart of the binding process by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the positions of the liquid application means and the crimping means during the binding process at one point by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 13] Diagram showing the positions of the liquid application means and the crimping means during the binding process at two points by the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 14] Configuration diagram of the liquid application means of the edge binding processing unit. [Figure 15] Diagram illustrating the change in the amount of liquid in the liquid storage tank when the liquid supply member of the liquid application means in FIG. 14 is dry. [Figure 16] Flowchart of the liquid supply determination process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating the state of possible liquid leakage occurring in the first liquid storage tank according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] Graph illustrating the relationship between the output value of the first liquid level sensor and the liquid detection threshold according to the present embodiment in a time series. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of the liquid application means when the liquid application member is at the liquid application position (A) and the separated position (B). [Figure 20] Side view of the main part of the liquid application means according to the modified example. [Figure 21] Diagram showing the relationship between the elastic wall and the pressing member. [Figure 22] Diagram showing an example where the pressing member is provided in the needle binding processing unit. [Figure 23] Diagram showing an example where the pressing member is provided in the liquid application means. [Figure 24] Diagram for explaining the movement of the pressing member. [Figure 25] Diagram showing an example where the pressing member is provided in the crimping means. [Figure 26] Diagram showing an example of moving the pressing member with a dedicated drive source. [Figure 27] Diagram showing an example of pressing the elastic wall with the pressing member in conjunction with the liquid application operation of the liquid application means. [Figure 28]Flowchart of a process for promoting the supply of liquid to a liquid application member when the power is turned on. [Figure 29] Flowchart of a process for promoting the supply of liquid to a liquid application member during liquid application to paper. [Figure 30] Diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 31] View of an internal tray according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 32] Schematic view of a pressure bonding means according to the second embodiment as seen from the downstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 33] View of a liquid application means according to the second embodiment as seen from the thickness direction of the paper. [Figure 34] Cross-sectional view taken along XXV-XXV of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] Cross-sectional view taken along XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 33. [Figure 36] Hardware configuration diagram of a control block of a post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 37] Post-processing flowchart of a post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 38] Diagram showing the overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system. [Figure 39] Diagram showing a first modified example of a control unit of a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 40] Diagram showing a second modified example of a control unit of a post-processing apparatus. [Embodiments 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 a diagram showing the overall configuration 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 conjunction 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 sheet-like 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 crimp binding. However, the liquid application process performed in connection with staple binding is similar. Furthermore, in the following explanation, when "binding process" is used, it includes both the "crimp binding process" and the "staple binding process," and the method of binding (whether to use staples or to bind 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 part of the overlapping portion of the paper P becomes bound together, forming a single paper stack Pb. This "pressure binding process" will be referred to as "pressure binding" below. The "binding process" (including both pressure binding and staple binding) that can be executed in the post-processing device 3 includes edge binding, which binds the ends of the paper stack Pb, and saddle binding, which binds the central part of the paper stack Pb.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper supply port of 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 discharge tray 30.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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." That is, the "transport direction" in this specification refers to the direction toward the end-binding end fence 23, which is a different direction from 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., and then has its direction changed by the transport roller pair 15. 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."

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 an output 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 output tray 30 receives the stack of paper Pb that has been saddle-stitched from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0025] 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 into the discharge tray 30.

[0026] 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 supply path 45, a liquid pump 46 as a liquid supply 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 supply path 45.

[0027] [Configuration 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.

[0028] 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 during said dispensing, 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."

[0029] 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 so-called hot water or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it may include purified water, or even ionized salts. The metal ion content is also irrelevant, ranging from so-called soft water to very hard water, regardless of hardness.

[0030] 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."

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 bundle Pb, an upper pressing plate 34, and a liquid application means moving mechanism 35. The components of the liquid application means 31, such as the lower pressing plate 33, the upper pressing plate 34, the liquid application means 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 when it is positioned 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.

[0035] Furthermore, the upper pressing plate 34 has a through hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction. The through hole 34a is positioned facing the liquid application member 501, which is 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 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.

[0036] 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 movement motor 42. The liquid application mechanism 35 comprises, for example, the liquid application mechanism movement motor 42, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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. Additionally, the columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressing plate 34 at their tip portions on the lower pressing plate 33 side. Furthermore, retainers are provided at the tip portions of the columnar members 41a and 41b opposite the lower pressing plate 33 to prevent them from detaching from the base plate 40.

[0040] The coil springs 42a and 42b are fitted onto the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b then 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 application member 501 applies the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application member 501, the liquid supply member 50 which is installed in close contact with the liquid application member 501 as a liquid absorber, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are held by the holding part 37. The holding part 37 is held by the base plate 40. One end of the liquid supply member 50 is in close contact with the liquid application member 501, and the other end is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. That is, the other end of the liquid supply member 50 corresponds to the immersion part 502 which draws up the liquid and supplies it to the liquid application member 501. The liquid application member 501 and the liquid supply member 50 are made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (for example, sponge or fiber), such as an elastic resin formed with open cells. However, the liquid-applying member 501 and / or liquid-supplying member 50 can be 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, it is sufficient if it is made of a material that can absorb liquid by capillary action.

[0044] 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 will draw 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 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. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 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. 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".

[0045] Although the above description explained the case where the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 are separate components, the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid application member 501 may be integrally constructed from materials with similar properties (for example, materials with high liquid absorption). In other words, the liquid application 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 application member 501 by capillary action can be made smoother, and costs can be reduced.

[0046] Then, when the liquid supply member 501 draws up liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 temporarily falls below the reference liquid level described later, and this triggers a liquid supply operation in which liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. This liquid supply operation is mainly performed when the post-processing device 3 is started up or when the post-processing device 3 starts executing a binding process that involves liquid supply, and corresponds to a liquid supply operation that makes it possible to perform liquid supply using the liquid supply member 501.

[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 the reference liquid level 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.

[0049] This liquid supply operation corresponds to the operation of supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 by topping it up whenever the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level described later.

[0050] 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(B)). 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.

[0051] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected by a liquid supply 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 supply path 45. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing part 61 is a component of the liquid supply means that performs the liquid supply operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. In addition, the liquid supply path 45 is made of a flexible material. This ensures that even if the first liquid storage tank 44 is moved by the liquid supply means moving mechanism 35, liquid can be reliably supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0052] 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 controlling it to maintain a constant liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0053] [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".

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the end-stitching unit 25 is equipped with 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).

[0058] The liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are attached to the base member 48 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide shaft 49 is provided in the main scanning direction on the upstream side of the transport direction of the binding mechanism base 116 and is held by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a and 49b. Also, 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. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 115 extends in the main scanning direction on the downstream side of the transport direction of the binding mechanism base 116. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 115 has a fitted portion 115a that fits across the main scanning direction with a scanning roller 48a rotatably provided on the base member 48. 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Although the end-binding processing unit 25 has been described as having 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. For example, the crimping means 32 and the liquid application means 31 may move separately and independently.

[0065] [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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] [Configuration of a modified example 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.

[0071] 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 means moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid application mechanism 66. The second liquid application means 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.

[0072] 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, which includes the first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supply member 50, liquid supply member 501, and holding part 37, as described in Figures 3 and 4, so a further explanation is omitted. Also, 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. Furthermore, the configuration of the rotation mechanism of the second liquid application means 612, which includes the second liquid application means rotating motor 573, the second output gear 573a, the second drive transmission gear 572a, and the second liquid application means rotating shaft 572, is the same as the configuration of the rotation mechanism of the liquid application means 31, which includes the liquid application means rotating motor 563, the output gear 563a, the drive transmission gear 562a, and the liquid application means rotating shaft 562, as shown in Figure 3, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0073] 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.

[0074] [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 viewed from the side, showing the state in which the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-treatment device 3 is closed. As shown in Figure 8(A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is installed in a position that can be accessed when the opening / closing cover 71 of the post-treatment device 3 is opened. 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, etc., are located on the back side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-treatment device 3. Furthermore, 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, etc. 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 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 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 supply path 45 is transported in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 via the liquid supply path 45 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 supply path 45. Also, as shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), a liquid 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 supply path 45 is transported in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing section 61 by the liquid pump 46, the liquid drain plug 611 is opened. By opening the liquid 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.

[0080] [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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 supply unit movement motor 42, the liquid supply 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 liquid supply acceleration solenoid 454, the liquid supply acceleration motor 455, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detection sensor 51, the standby position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0084] The control unit 100b controls 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, the liquid pump 46, the liquid supply acceleration solenoid 454, and the liquid supply acceleration motor 455 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, and the encoder sensor 541. 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, although the stapling section 155' has been described as a configuration in which the stapling 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. For example, the stapling means 62 and the second liquid application means 612 may move separately and independently.

[0089] [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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 processing unit 25. Information regarding the type of paper P includes information that affects the spread of the liquid, such as the material and thickness. In the following description, 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". Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(A), the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are assumed to be in a parallel binding orientation and located at a standby position HP, which is away from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction, at the start of the binding process.

[0092] 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 included in the end binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding orientation (S701). In addition, if the orientation is the "diagonal binding orientation," only the crimping means 32 may be rotated to 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.

[0093] 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 included in the edge binding processing unit 25 to the diagonal binding orientation.

[0094] 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 (S701). The control unit 100b performs the process of step S701 before the first sheet of paper P is transported to the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0095] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to accommodate the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 into the internal tray 22 (S702). The control unit 100b also performs a so-called jogging process by moving the side fences 24L and 24R, which serve as alignment means, 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 (S702).

[0096] 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 S702 to perform liquid application (S703). 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 S703, 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.

[0097] 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 (S704). 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 (S704: No), it repeatedly executes the process in steps S702 to S704 until the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S704: Yes). In other words, the control unit 100b executes the process in steps S702 to S704 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 multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, but also on only some of the multiple sheets of paper P.

[0098] 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 (S704: 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 (S705).

[0099] 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 (S706). 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 (S707). 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.

[0100] 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 S706, i.e., the first binding position B1, overlaps with the liquid application area that the tip of the liquid application member 501 contacts in step S703, 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 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.

[0101] 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 (S708). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the required number M (S708: No), it repeats the process from step S701 onwards. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the process from steps S701 to S708 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged into the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S708: Yes).

[0102] 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 (S708: 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) (S709). 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 (S709). 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, including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, returns to the standby position HP as shown in Figure 12(D). In steps S701 and S709, 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.

[0103] 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. Also, the first binding position B1 and the second binding position B2 are separated positions in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, Figure 13 explains the case where two sheets of paper P1 and P2 are pressure-bound, that is, when N=2. Note that when the two-location binding process is executed, 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.

[0104] 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 by moving the side fences 24L and 24R back and forth in the main scanning direction. 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Next, in response to the application of liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1, the control unit 100b places the second sheet of paper P2, which constitutes the paper stack Pb, on the internal tray 22 with the liquid application means 31 positioned to face the second liquid application position B2, as shown in Figure 13(D), and performs jogging by moving the side fences 24L and 24R back and forth in the main scanning direction. Then, in response to the second sheet of paper P2 being placed on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 of the said sheet of paper P2.

[0107] 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 applying means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2. Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying means 31 to perform liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 of the second sheet P2.

[0108] That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly executes the conveyance of the sheet P by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 and the liquid application to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 by the liquid applying means 31 until the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches a predetermined number N. At this time, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying means 31 to perform liquid application to the B-th (B < N) sheet P in the order of the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2. Further, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying means 31 to perform liquid application to the (B + 1)-th sheet P in the order of the second liquid application position B2 and the first liquid application position B1. In other words, the control unit 100b changes the order in which the liquid applying means 31 applies liquid to the first liquid application position B1 and the second liquid application position B2 for each sheet P. Furthermore, 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.

[0109] Next, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N, as shown in FIG. 13(F), 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 crimping means 32 faces the first binding position B1. Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimping binding to the first binding position B1 of the sheet bundle Pb composed of the two sheets P1 and P2 placed on the internal tray 22.

[0110] 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 of the paper stack Pb. Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping means 32 to perform crimp binding on the second binding position B2 of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 13, the control unit 100b instructs the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid application position B1 last, so it performs crimping and binding in the order of the first binding position B1 and then the second binding position B2. On the other hand, if the control unit 100b instructs the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid application position B2 last, it should perform crimping and binding in the order of the second binding position B2 and then the first binding position B1 using the crimping means 32.

[0112] In other words, as shown in Figure 13, the end stapling processing unit moving mechanism 57 can move the end stapling processing unit 25 over the shortest distance between the position where the liquid application means 31 faces the first liquid application position B1 and the position where the liquid application means 31 faces the second liquid application position B2, without passing through the standby position HP. Furthermore, the end stapling processing unit moving mechanism 57 can move the end stapling processing unit 25 over the shortest distance between the position where the crimping means 32 faces the first stapling position B1 and the position where the crimping means 32 faces the second stapling position B2, without passing through the standby position HP. This can improve the productivity of crimp binding.

[0113] Next, the control unit 100b discharges the paper bundle Pb crimped at the first crimping position B1 and the second crimping position B2 by the crimping means 32 to the second discharge tray 26 by rotating the pair of conveyance rollers 15. Further, as shown in FIG. 13(H), the control unit 100b drives the end-binding processing unit movement motor 55 to move the binding processing unit 25 including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 to the standby position HP.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which one or two locations of the paper bundle Pb are crimped has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a case where three or more locations of the paper bundle Pb separated in the main scanning direction are crimped. In this case, the control unit 100b causes the liquid application means 31 to perform liquid application and the crimping means 32 to perform crimping for three or more liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimping positions). Even when crimping three or more locations, the productivity of crimping can be improved by applying the present invention.

[0115] However, it is not necessary to perform liquid application to all liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimping positions) for all the papers P constituting the paper bundle Pb. For example, when crimping at three crimping positions separated in the main scanning direction, the control unit 100b performs liquid application to three liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimping positions) of the E-th (E < N - 2) paper P1, performs liquid application to two liquid application positions (corresponding to the crimping positions) of the (E + 1)-th paper P2, and performs liquid application to one liquid application position (corresponding to the crimping position) of the (E + 2)-th paper P2.

[0116] [Configuration of Liquid Application Means 31] Next, the liquid application means 31 of the post-processing device 3 according to the present invention will be described in more detail. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the liquid application means 31 according to the present embodiment. The liquid application means 31 includes a liquid application member 501, a liquid supply member 50 having an immersion part 502, a first liquid storage tank 44 as a first liquid storage part, a second liquid storage tank 47 as a second liquid storage part, a liquid pump 46 as a liquid supply means, a liquid supply path 45, and a control unit 100b as a control means.

[0117] As previously described, the liquid supply member 50 is composed of an absorbent liquid that provides liquid by having one part, i.e., the immersion part 502, immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and the other part, i.e., the liquid application member 501, in contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0118] The second liquid storage tank 47 stores liquid for replenishment of the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the liquid supply path 45 by the operation of the liquid pump 46.

[0119] The first liquid storage tank 44 is equipped with a first liquid level sensor 43, which serves as a first liquid detection means for detecting the liquid level inside the first liquid storage tank 44. The first liquid level sensor 43 is an electrode sensor having a pair of electrodes.

[0120] The output value (e.g., voltage) output by the first liquid level sensor when it detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is input to the control unit 100b, which acts as a control means. The control unit 100b determines the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, based on whether or not the input output value exceeds a threshold value called the "liquid detection threshold". If it is determined that the first liquid storage tank 44 needs to be refilled, the control unit 100b operates the liquid pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0121] The control unit 100b controls the timing of voltage application to the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43. The control unit 100b also controls the start and stop of operation of the liquid pump 46 according to the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43. Furthermore, when the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 due to the operation of the liquid pump 46, the control unit 100b stops the operation of the liquid pump 46 and also stops the voltage application to the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0122] The control unit 100b then measures the elapsed time after the liquid pump 46 has stopped operating, and when the elapsed time exceeds a first predetermined time, it energizes the electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43, that is, applies a voltage, and performs a detection process to detect the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 again.

[0123] It takes time for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to be drawn up by the capillary action of the liquid supply member 50 and sent from the immersion section 502 to the liquid supply member 50 and then to the liquid supply member 501. Therefore, as described above, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is detected after waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. At this time, if the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has decreased due to being drawn up by the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not detected, the control unit 100b operates the liquid pump 46 again to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0124] The output value of the first liquid level sensor 43 corresponds to an electrical signal that changes depending on the amount of contact between the electrodes and the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. This electrical signal includes signals indicating electrical resistance, voltage, and current. In other words, any signal that indicates an electrical value that changes when current is passed between the electrodes, i.e., when a voltage is applied, depending on whether the pair of electrodes constituting the electrode sensor are immersed in the liquid, is considered an "electrical signal".

[0125] 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 presence or absence of liquid. Furthermore, the first liquid level sensor 43 only needs to be capable of detecting the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, and is not limited to detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0126] Figure 15 shows the change in the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 when the liquid supply member 50 is dry. Hereafter, the change in the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 will be referred to as "liquid level change".

[0127] First, as shown in Figure 15(a), liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 so that the first liquid level sensor 43 can detect the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44. At this time, the liquid supply member 50, including the immersion portion 502, is kept dry. The liquid level at which the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 as detected by the first liquid level sensor 43, is defined as the "reference liquid level".

[0128] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 15(B), liquid is drawn up from the immersion portion 502 of the liquid supply member 50 by capillary action, causing the liquid supply member 50 to absorb liquid. At this time, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops below the reference liquid level. When the liquid level drops, that is, when the liquid supply member 50 has absorbed liquid and become moist, the control unit 100b once again determines the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43. If, at this stage, it is determined that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is below the reference liquid level, the control unit 100b operates the liquid pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 again.

[0129] Furthermore, if an electrode sensor is used as the first liquid level sensor 43, there is a concern that continuous energization of the pair of electrodes may cause galvanic corrosion of the metal used in the electrodes. Also, since a voltage is constantly applied to the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, there is a concern that this may induce electrode deterioration, such as electrolysis of the liquid or the adhesion of foreign matter to the electrode surface due to electrolysis, leading to electrode dissolution. Therefore, the control unit 100b controls the timing of energization to the first liquid level sensor 43, so that it is only energized when it detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, rather than energizing the first liquid level sensor 43 at all times.

[0130] [Control flow for liquid supply operation] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the liquid supply operation performed in the control unit 100b (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid supply control flow"). The liquid supply operation according to this embodiment is performed when the post-processing device 3 is started up and when the crimping and binding process involving liquid application begins.

[0131] For example, when the post-processing device 3 is started, the liquid supply control flow is initiated. When the liquid supply control flow is initiated, the image forming apparatus 2 instructs the control unit 100b to confirm the presence or absence of liquid (S1401). The instruction to confirm the presence or absence of liquid may be based on information entered by the user from the operation panel 110 provided on the image forming apparatus 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. Upon receiving the instruction to confirm the presence or absence of liquid from the image forming apparatus 2, the control unit 100b applies a voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43, that is, turns it ON (S1402).

[0132] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the value of the electrical signal output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (hereinafter referred to as the "output value") and determines the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1403). The determination of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is based on whether or not the output value output by the first liquid level sensor 43 exceeds a preset threshold, known as the "liquid detection threshold". For example, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is sufficient (S1403: YES). In this case, the control unit 100b stops applying voltage to the first liquid level sensor 43, that is, turns off the power (S1404), and displays a notification that preparation for liquid supply is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1405), thereby ending the liquid supply control flow.

[0133] On the other hand, in step S1403, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1403:NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1406).

[0134] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than a preset "liquid detection threshold" (S1407). If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 (S1407: YES). On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1407: NO), the control unit 100b determines whether the elapsed time since the start of operation of the liquid pump 46 (S1406) has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 [sec] (S1416). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: NO), the control unit 100b continues to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output value V1) (S1407: YES).

[0135] On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1416: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the equipment (for example, a failure of the liquid pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43) and performs an error stop process to stop the liquid pump 46 and / or turn off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1418). Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1419) and terminates the liquid supply control flow.

[0136] In step S1407, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1407: YES), the control unit 100b stops the liquid pump 46 and stops the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1408). Then, the control unit 100b turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1409).

[0137] Subsequently, the liquid supply control flow is temporarily stopped until a first predetermined time T0 [sec], which is a pre-set waiting time, has elapsed, until the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is drawn up by the liquid supply member 50 by capillary action or the like, and the liquid dispensing member 501 is ready to dispense liquid, that is, until the liquid dispensing member 501 and / or the liquid supply member 50 are sufficiently filled with liquid (S1410).

[0138] Then, after the first predetermined time T0 has elapsed, the control unit 100b turns the first liquid level sensor 43 ON again (S1411), obtains the output value that the first liquid level sensor 43 outputs when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1412). At this stage, although the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases due to suction by the liquid supply member 50, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (for example, output voltage VTh1) (S1412: YES), the control unit 100b turns the first liquid level sensor 43 OFF (S1404). Then, the control unit 100b displays a notification that preparation for liquid supply is complete, for example on the operation panel 110 (S1405), and terminates the liquid supply control flow.

[0139] On the other hand, in step S1412, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1412:NO), the control unit 100b operates the liquid pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1413).

[0140] Next, the control unit 100b acquires the output value output by the first liquid level sensor 43 when it detects liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and determines the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1414). If the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES), the control unit 100b determines that a sufficient amount of liquid has been supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44. In this case, the control unit 100b stops the liquid pump 46 and stops the supply of liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1415). Then, the control unit 100b turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1404), displays a notification that preparation for liquid supply is complete on, for example, the operation panel 110 (S1405), and ends the liquid supply control flow.

[0141] On the other hand, if the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: NO), the control unit 100b determines whether the elapsed time since the start of operation of the liquid pump 46 (S1413) has exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 [sec] (S1417). If the elapsed time has not exceeded the abnormality determination time T1 (S1417: NO), the control unit 100b continues to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES).

[0142] On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the abnormality determination time T1 (S1414: YES), the control unit 100b determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the equipment and performs an error stop process that stops the liquid pump 46 and / or turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1418). Then, the control unit 100b displays an abnormality notification on the operation panel 110 (S1419) and terminates the liquid supply control flow.

[0143] The "abnormality notification" could, for example, display a warning on the control panel 110 prompting the user to check the liquid pump 46 and / or the first liquid level sensor 43, as there is a possibility of malfunction.

[0144] As described above, by executing the control flow of the liquid supply operation according to this embodiment, a constant amount of liquid that can be supplied by the liquid supply member 501 can be stably secured in the liquid supply member 50 and / or the liquid supply member 501. As a result, the frequency of liquid supply operations from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the liquid supply process.

[0145] Next, we will explain the relationship between the liquid supply control flow described in Figure 16 and the change in the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, as described in Figure 15. First, if the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is checked in the stage before reaching the state shown in Figure 15(A), the control unit 100b determines that the state in the first liquid storage tank 44 is "no liquid" (S1403: NO), and drives the liquid pump 46 to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1406). Then, when the state shown in Figure 15(A) is reached, the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes greater than or equal to the liquid detection threshold (for example, the output voltage VTh1) (S1407: YES), so the control unit 100b stops the liquid pump 46 (S1408) and then turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1409).

[0146] Next, as shown in Figure 15(B), when the first predetermined time T0, which is the time until the liquid supply member 50 draws up liquid and the liquid dispensing member 501 is ready to dispense liquid, has elapsed, the control unit 100b turns the first liquid level sensor 43 ON again (S1411). At this stage, a predetermined amount of liquid has been drawn up from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid supply member 50 by the liquid supply member 50. As a result, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 decreases, and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls below the reference liquid level, so the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 becomes less than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1412: NO).

[0147] Therefore, the control unit 100b restarts the liquid pump 46 (S1413) and supplies liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 until the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1) (S1414: YES). When the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 is equal to or greater than the liquid detection threshold (e.g., output voltage VTh1), the control unit 100b stops the liquid pump 46 (S1415) and also turns off the power to the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1404). As a result, as shown in Figure 15(C), the liquid supply member 50 and / or liquid application member 501 are sufficiently filled with liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44, so the control unit 100b displays a notification on the operation panel 110 that the liquid application is ready (S1405).

[0148] Figure 17 shows a possible liquid leakage that may occur in the liquid supply means 31 according to this embodiment.

[0149] The liquid supply means 31 according to this embodiment is a method of supplying liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47. Therefore, the properties of the liquid (for example, hardness, pH, chlorine content, conductivity, etc.) vary depending on the type of liquid supplied to the second liquid storage tank 47. In other words, when determining the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, based on the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43, it is conceivable that even if the liquid detection threshold is fixed to a specific value, it may become difficult to accurately detect the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0150] For example, suppose the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 is a liquid with extremely low conductivity (for example, ultrapure water used in industrial applications). In this case, if a liquid detection threshold set based on tap water is used, even if the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is in contact with the first liquid level sensor 43, the output value at that time, i.e., the output value for ultrapure water, may not meet the conditions for detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 when compared to the liquid detection threshold set based on tap water. As a result, it may not be possible to stop the supply of liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 at the appropriate time, and the entire first liquid storage tank 44 may become filled with liquid, leading to problems such as liquid leakage from the gap between the liquid supply member 50 and the first liquid storage tank 44 or from the tip of the liquid application member 501, as shown in Figure 17.

[0151] Therefore, the liquid supply means 31 according to this embodiment varies the liquid detection threshold used for determining the presence or absence of liquid in the first liquid level sensor 43 depending on the type of liquid. Figure 18 is a graph showing the relationship between the change in the output value from the first liquid level sensor 43 and the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 in time series. In Figure 18, the horizontal axis t represents the elapsed time when the liquid pump 46 is operated to supply liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44, and the vertical axis V represents the output value of the first liquid level sensor 43.

[0152] Before the pair of electrodes of the first liquid level sensor 43 come into contact with the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 (see Figure 15(B)), air is detected. The output value of the first liquid level sensor 43 at this time is denoted as "V1". If the type of liquid is "La", which has a predetermined conductivity, the output value will change from "V1" to "V2" when the liquid La comes into contact with the electrodes after a time tL. Therefore, in order for the first liquid level sensor 43 to detect the liquid La, the control unit 100b sets the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 between the output values ​​V1 and V2, as shown in Figure 18.

[0153] Furthermore, it is desirable to set the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 to an intermediate value between output value V1 and output value V2, taking into account variations in output value V1 and output value V2, as well as noise.

[0154] Furthermore, if the liquid type is not "La" but "Lb" which has lower conductivity, the output value will change from "V1" to "V3" when the liquid Lb comes into contact with the electrode. Here, the output value V3 will be greater than the output value V2 and less than the output value V1. In this case, when the liquid Lb comes into contact with the electrode at elapsed time tL, the output value will change from "V1" to "V3" and will not reach "V2". In other words, even if the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 is set to the liquid detection threshold for liquid La shown in Figure 18, which is midway between the output values ​​V1 and V2 as shown in Figure 18, the first liquid level sensor 43 will not be able to detect the liquid level of liquid Lb in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0155] Therefore, in the case of liquid Lb, the control unit 100b readjusts the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43, not to the midpoint between output value V1 and output value V2, but to between output value V1 and output value V3, as shown in Figure 18. In other words, the liquid detection threshold of the first liquid level sensor 43 can be changed depending on the type of liquid so that the first liquid level sensor 43 can accurately detect the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0156] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the liquid dispensing means 31 when the liquid dispensing member 501 is in the liquid dispensing position (A) and the separated position (B). As shown in Figure 19, the liquid dispensing means 31 comprises a first liquid storage tank 44, a first liquid level sensor 43, a liquid supply member 50, a liquid dispensing member 501, and a contact / separation motor 32d (see Figure 10), which is an example of a contact / separation means. The basic configuration of each component has already been described, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0157] The first liquid storage tank 44 is a box-shaped container for storing liquid. The first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44. One end of the liquid supply member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. A liquid application member 501 is attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 50. Furthermore, the area between the one end and the other end of the liquid supply member 50 is exposed from the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid application member 501 is attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 50 above the lower pressure plate 33, that is, in a position where it can face the paper P supported by the lower pressure plate 33. The liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is drawn up to the liquid supply member 50 by capillary action and supplied to the liquid application member 501 attached to the other end of the liquid supply member 50.

[0158] The contact / separation motor 32d moves the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supply member 50, and the liquid application member 501 together in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application member 501, moved in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb by the contact / separation motor 32d, moves between the liquid application position shown in Figure 19(A) and the separated position shown in Figure 19(B) in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application position is the position of the liquid application member 501 when it contacts the paper P supported by the lower pressure plate 33 and applies liquid to the paper P. The separated position is the position of the liquid application member 501 that is separated upward in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb from the paper P supported by the lower pressure plate 33. In other words, the liquid application position and the separated position are positions separated in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0159] Here, since there is a limit to the rate at which liquid can be supplied to the liquid application member 501 by capillary action, if the frequency of liquid application by the liquid application means 31 increases, there is a possibility that the supply of liquid to the liquid application member 501 may not keep up. As a result, the first problem arises: the amount of liquid applied to the paper P by the liquid application means 31 becomes unstable. Furthermore, if liquid application is interrupted until a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied to the liquid application member 501, the second problem arises: the productivity of the liquid application means 31 decreases.

[0160] [Differentiation] Referring to Figures 20 to 29, a modified post-treatment device 3 according to the above embodiment will be described. Detailed explanations of the common points with the above embodiment will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences. The modified post-treatment device 3 mainly differs from the above embodiment in that the first liquid storage tank 44 is equipped with elastic walls 442 and 443, and is equipped with pressing members 445, 458, and 459 that press against the elastic walls 442 and 443, while other points are common with the above embodiment.

[0161] Figure 20 is a side view of the main part of a modified liquid dispensing means 31. As shown in Figure 20, the liquid dispensing means 31 mainly comprises a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid supply member 50, a liquid dispensing member 501, and a first liquid level sensor 43, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0162] The first liquid storage tank 44 is box-shaped and has an internal space 441 for storing liquid. The internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 is defined by an outer wall. Elastic walls 442 and 443 are formed on a part of the outer wall. One side of the elastic walls 442 and 443 is exposed to the outside of the first liquid storage tank 44, and the other side defines a part of the internal space 441, that is, it is in contact with the internal space 441. In addition, the elastic walls 442 and 443 may bulge outward from the outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44 in a natural state, that is, a state in which no external forces other than gravity are acting.

[0163] The elastic walls 442 and 443 are made of a material that can be elastically deformed by external forces. In other words, the elastic walls 442 and 443 are stretchable. The elastic walls 442 and 443 are made of, for example, rubber or flexible plastic (for example, polypropylene). On the other hand, the parts of the outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44 other than the elastic walls 442 and 443 may be made of a material with less elastic deformation capacity (i.e., more robust) compared to the elastic walls 442 and 443. Alternatively, the entire outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44 may be made of elastic walls 442 and 443.

[0164] As an example, as shown in Figure 20(A), the elastic wall 442 may be provided on a part of the side wall of the outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44 that is perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Also, a sealing member 444 may be provided around the elastic wall 442 to prevent the liquid stored in the internal space 441 from flowing out. As another example, as shown in Figure 20(B), the elastic wall 443 may be provided on a part of the bottom wall of the outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44 that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the positions of the elastic walls 442 and 443 are not limited to the example in Figure 20, and they only need to be provided on at least a part of the outer wall of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0165] The liquid supply member 50 is a long member made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate. A liquid dispensing member 501 is attached to one end of the liquid supply member 50, outside the first liquid storage tank 44. The other end of the liquid supply member 50, that is, the immersion portion 502, is housed in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 and is immersed in the liquid stored in the internal space 441. The liquid supply member 50 then draws up the liquid stored in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 by capillary action and supplies it to the liquid dispensing member 501.

[0166] The liquid application member 501 is configured to move toward and away from the paper P or paper stack Pb supported on the internal tray 22 by receiving the driving force of the liquid application unit moving motor 42, which is the third moving mechanism. The liquid application member 501 then contacts the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22 and applies the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage tank 44 through the liquid supply member 50 to the paper P or paper stack Pb. The first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid level of the liquid stored in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 and outputs a signal indicating the detected liquid level to the control unit 110b.

[0167] Figure 21 shows the relationship between the elastic wall 442 and the pressing member 445. Figures 21(B) to (C) are views of Figure 21(A) from the direction of arrow A. As shown in Figure 21, the pressing member 445 is located outside the first liquid storage tank 44. Furthermore, the pressing member 445 is positioned facing the elastic wall 442 in the main scanning direction. In other words, the pressing member 445 is positioned so as to overlap with the elastic wall 442 when the post-processing device 3 is viewed from the main scanning direction. To put it another way, the pressing member 445 is positioned so as to be able to press the elastic wall 442 from the outside of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0168] As shown in Figure 21(B), the pressing member 445 can be separated from the elastic wall 442, and as shown in Figure 21(C), it can press the elastic wall 442 from the outside. When the elastic wall 442 is pressed from the outside by the pressing member 445, it elastically deforms toward the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44, reducing the volume of the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44. Furthermore, when the pressing member 445 is separated from the elastic wall 442, the elastic wall 442 elastically returns to its original state, increasing the volume of the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 back to its initial state.

[0169] As a result, the liquid level in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 is temporarily higher at position P2 when the pressing member 445 presses against the elastic wall 442 compared to position P1 when the pressing member 445 is separated from the elastic wall 442. Consequently, the contact area between the liquid stored in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supply member 50 increases, and the supply rate of the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid supply member 501 via the liquid supply member 50 increases. On the other hand, after the liquid stored in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 has been supplied to the liquid supply member 501, the amount of liquid that can be stored in the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 can be secured by separating the pressing member 445 from the elastic wall 442.

[0170] Figure 22 shows an example in which a pressing member 445 is provided in the staple stapling processing unit 155. As shown in Figure 22, the liquid application means 31, the crimping means 32 as a first processing means, and the staple stapling processing unit 155 as a second processing means are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along a common guide shaft 49. The end staple processing unit 25, including the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, moves in the main scanning direction by receiving driving force from the end staple processing unit moving mechanism 57 as a first moving mechanism. The staple stapling processing unit 155 moves in the main scanning direction independently of the end staple processing unit 25 by receiving driving force from the staple processing unit moving mechanism 77 as a second moving mechanism. In other words, the end staple processing unit 25 and the staple stapling processing unit 155 have overlapping movement paths in the main scanning direction.

[0171] In the example shown in Figure 22, the pressing member 445 is provided in the stapling section 155. More specifically, the pressing member 445 protrudes from the surface of the stapling section 155 facing the liquid application means 31 toward the liquid application means 31 in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the pressing member 445 is positioned to overlap the elastic wall 442 when viewed from the main scanning direction.

[0172] As shown in Figure 22(A), when the end stapling section 25 is positioned away from the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction, and the staple stapling section 155 is positioned away from the internal tray 22 in the other direction, the pressing member 445 moves away from the elastic wall 442. Also, as shown in Figures 22(B) to (D), by moving one or both of the end stapling section 25 and the staple stapling section 155 in the main scanning direction, the pressing member 445 can be made to press against the elastic wall 442 at any position on the guide shaft 49, i.e., a position facing the internal tray 22, or a position away from the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22(E) to (F), when the edge stapling unit 25 performs stapling at any position on the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22, the pressing member 445 can be retracted to a position where it does not press against the elastic wall 442. Also, although not shown in the figures, when the stapling unit 155 performs liquid application and pressure stapling at any position on the stack of paper Pb placed on the internal tray 22, the pressing member 445 can be retracted to a position where it does not press against the elastic wall 442.

[0174] Figure 23 shows an example in which the pressing member 445 is provided on the liquid application means 31. Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the pressing member 445. Figures 23(B) to (C) are views of Figure 23(A) from the direction of arrow A. Figure 24(A) is a view of Figure 23(A) from the direction of arrow BB. Furthermore, Figures 24(B) to (C) are views of Figure 23(A) from the direction of arrow C.

[0175] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the pressing member 445 may be held by the liquid application means 31 by a holding member 446. The holding member 446 comprises an overhanging portion 447 and a hanging portion 448. One end of the overhanging portion 447 is fixed to the first liquid storage tank 44 and protrudes toward the staple binding processing unit 155 in the main scanning direction. The hanging portion 448 hangs down from the protruding end of the overhanging portion 447 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The pressing member 445 is attached to the lower end of the hanging portion 448. The pressing member 445 is also positioned to overlap the elastic wall 442 when viewed from the main scanning direction.

[0176] Furthermore, the pressing member 445 is held to move in the main scanning direction by a holding member 446 provided on the first liquid storage tank 44, between a position spaced apart from the elastic wall 442 (see Figure 23(B)) and a position pressing the elastic wall 442 from the outside (see Figure 23(C)). More specifically, the pressing member 445 is held to move in the main scanning direction by the holding member 446 by housing a locking portion 449 provided at the tip of the hanging portion 448 in a housing groove 450 provided on the upper surface of the pressing member 445.

[0177] The locking portion 449 extends from the lower end of the hanging portion 448 to both sides in the conveying direction. The housing groove 450 extends on the upper surface of the pressing member 445 in the main scanning direction. The housing groove 450 also comprises a wide portion 451 and a narrow portion 452. The wide portion 451 is the part at the back of the housing groove 450 that can accommodate the locking portion 449. The narrow portion 452 is open to the upper surface of the pressing member 445 and is a part through which the hanging portion 448 can pass but through which the locking portion 449 cannot. The locking portion 449 is housed in the wide portion 451 from one end of the pressing member 445 in the main scanning direction, thereby allowing the pressing member 445 to move in the main scanning direction by the holding member 446.

[0178] Furthermore, a coil spring 453, which serves as a biasing member, is housed in the housing groove 450. One end of the coil spring 453 abuts against the inner wall of the housing groove 450 provided in the pressing member 445, and the other end abuts against the locking portion 449. The coil spring 453 then biases the pressing member 445 in a direction that separates it from the elastic wall 442.

[0179] Specifically, as shown in Figures 23(B), 24(B), and 24(D), when the staple-binding section 155 is separated from the pressing member 445, the pressing member 445 is separated from the elastic wall 442 by the biasing force of the coil spring 453. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 23(C), 24(C), and 24(E), the pressing member 445 is pressed against the elastic wall 442 against the biasing force of the coil spring 453 by the staple-binding section 155 moving toward the liquid application means 31. Moreover, when the staple-binding section 155 separates from the pressing member 445, the pressing member 445 is again separated from the elastic wall 442 by the biasing force of the coil spring 453.

[0180] Figure 25 shows an example in which a pressing member 445 is provided on the crimping means 32. As shown in Figure 25, the pressing member 445 is provided on the surface of the crimping means 32 facing the liquid application means 31. Although not shown in the figure, the elastic wall 442 is also arranged on the surface of the liquid application means 31 facing the crimping means 32. Furthermore, the crimping means 32 is driven by the driving force of the crimping means rotation motor 56, which acts as a rotation mechanism, and rotates around the crimping means rotation axis 54, which acts as a rotation axis extending in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22, between the parallel binding position as the first position shown in Figure 25(A) and the diagonal binding position as the second position shown in Figure 25(B).

[0181] As shown in Figure 25(A), the pressing member 445 is positioned to press against the elastic wall 442 when the crimping means 32 is in a parallel binding position. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25(B), the pressing member 445 is positioned away from the elastic wall 442 when the crimping means 32 is in a diagonal binding position.

[0182] Figure 26 shows an example in which the pressing member 445 is moved by a dedicated drive source. The post-processing device 3 may be equipped with a liquid supply promotion solenoid 454 shown in Figures 26(A) to (D), or a liquid supply promotion motor 455 shown in Figures 26(E) to (F), as a drive source for moving the pressing member 445 in the main scanning direction.

[0183] Furthermore, the driving force of the liquid supply promotion solenoid 454 may be transmitted directly to the pressing member 445, for example, as shown in Figures 26(A) to (B), or it may be transmitted to the pressing member 445 via a link mechanism 456, for example, as shown in Figures 26(C) to (D). Similarly, the driving force of the liquid supply promotion motor 455 may be transmitted to the pressing member 445 via a driving force transmission mechanism 457 (including, for example, gears, an endless annular belt, rack and pinion, etc.), for example, as shown in Figures 26(E) to (F).

[0184] Then, the pressing member 445 moves in the main scanning direction between the pressing position shown in Figures 26(A), (C), and (D) and the separated position shown in Figures 26(B), (D), and (F) as the liquid supply promotion solenoid 454 or liquid supply promotion motor 455 is driven according to the control of the control unit 110b. The pressing position is the position of the pressing member 445 pressing the elastic wall 442 from the outside. The separated position is the position of the pressing member 445 separated from the elastic wall 442.

[0185] Figure 27 shows an example in which the pressing members 458 and 459 press the elastic walls 442 and 443 in conjunction with the liquid application operation of the liquid application means 31. The liquid application means 31 is driven by the driving force of the liquid application unit moving motor 42, which is the third moving mechanism for the liquid application unit, and moves in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, between a contact position where the liquid application member 501 contacts the paper P or paper stack Pb, and a separation position where the liquid application member 501 moves away from the paper P or paper stack Pb.

[0186] As shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B), the pressing member 458 may be a plate-shaped member located below the liquid application means 31. The pressing member 458 faces the elastic wall 443 provided on the bottom surface of the first liquid storage tank 44 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The pressing member 458 also moves in the main scanning direction together with the liquid application means 31. As shown in Figure 27(A), the pressing member 458 moves away from the elastic wall 443 when the liquid application means 31 is in a separated position. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 27(B), the pressing member 458 presses against the elastic wall 443 when the liquid application means 31 is in a contact position.

[0187] As shown in Figures 27(C) to (F), the first liquid storage tank 44 may be equipped with elastic walls 442L, 442R, and 443. The elastic walls 442L and 442R are provided on each of a pair of wall surfaces perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The post-processing device 3 may also be equipped with pressing members 458, 459L, and 459R. The pressing members 459L and 459R protrude upward from the pressing member 458 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the spacing between the pressing members 459L and 459R in the main scanning direction is narrower than the spacing between the bulging ends of the elastic walls 442L and 442R in the natural state, i.e., when the liquid application means 31 is in a spaced-away position.

[0188] Then, as shown in Figures 27(C) and (E), when the liquid application means 31 is in the separated position, the elastic walls 442L and 442R retract upward from between the pressing members 459L and 459R, and the elastic wall 443 is separated from the pressing member 458. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 27(D) and (F), when the liquid application means 31 is in the contact position, the elastic walls 442L and 442R are pressed inward between the pressing members 459L and 459R, and the elastic wall 443 is pressed against the pressing member 458.

[0189] Figure 28 is a flowchart of the process that facilitates the supply of liquid to the liquid application member 501 when the power is turned on. First, when the power supply from the external power source to the post-processing device 3 is started, the control unit 110b performs a predetermined initial process (S2701). The initial process is a preparatory process that enables the post-processing device 3 to perform post-processing.

[0190] Next, the control unit 110b drives the liquid pump 46 to supply the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2702). The control unit 110b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached a predetermined position (for example, full) (S2703: No). Then, in response to the first liquid level sensor 43 detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2703: Yes), the control unit 110b stops the liquid pump 46 (S2704).

[0191] Next, the control unit 110b promotes the supply of liquid to the liquid supply member 501 by pressing the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445 from the outside of the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2705). The control unit 110b continues to press the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445 until a predetermined time has elapsed (S2706: No). Then, in response to the elapsed time since the start of pressing the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445 (S2706: Yes), the control unit 110b moves the pressing member 445 away from the elastic wall 442 (S2707). Note that in steps S2705 to S2707, the elastic walls 443, 442L, and 442R may also be pressed with the pressing members 458, 459L, and 495R.

[0192] Next, the control unit 110b drives the liquid pump 46 to supply the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2708). The control unit 110b continues to drive the liquid pump 46 until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached a predetermined position (for example, full) (S2709: No). Then, in response to the first liquid level sensor 43 detecting the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2709: Yes), the control unit 110b stops the liquid pump 46 (S2710).

[0193] Figure 29 is a flowchart of the liquid supply promotion operation, which facilitates the supply of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid supply member 501 between the liquid supply of multiple sheets of paper P by the liquid supply means 31. The control unit 110b executes the control flow of the liquid supply promotion operation shown in Figure 29, for example, between the liquid supply of the first sheet of paper by the liquid supply means 31 and the liquid supply of the second sheet of paper by the liquid supply means 31. More specifically, the control unit 110b executes the control flow of the liquid supply promotion operation shown in Figure 29 after the liquid supply of the first sheet of paper by the liquid supply means 31 has finished, and before the liquid supply of the second sheet of paper by the liquid supply means 31 has started (more preferably, before the second sheet of paper reaches the internal tray 22). The second sheet of paper is the sheet of paper P that is transported to the internal tray 22 after the first sheet of paper.

[0194] First, when the liquid supply acceleration operation is instructed to begin, the control unit 110b accelerates the supply of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid supply member 501 by pressing the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445 from the outside of the first liquid storage tank 44 (S2801). The control unit 110b continues to press the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445 until a predetermined time has elapsed (S2802: No). Then, in accordance with the elapsed time since the start of pressing the elastic wall 442 (S2802: Yes), the control unit 110b moves the pressing member 445 away from the elastic wall 442 (S2803). Note that in steps S2801 to S2803, the elastic walls 443, 442L, and 442R may also be pressed with the pressing members 458, 459L, and 495R.

[0195] [Effects of the modification] According to the above modification, the volume of the internal space 441 of the first liquid storage tank 44 can be temporarily reduced by pressing the elastic wall 442 from the outside with the pressing member 445. This increases the contact area between the liquid supply member 50 and the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, thereby increasing the supply rate of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid dispensing member 501. In other words, the supply of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid dispensing member 501 can be accelerated.

[0196] Furthermore, according to the above modified example, by using the driving force of the end-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 57, the staple-stitching processing unit moving mechanism 77, or the liquid application unit moving motor 42 to press the elastic wall 442 with the pressing member 445, the supply of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid application member 501 can be promoted without adding a new drive source. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 26, by providing a dedicated drive source to move the pressing member 445, the supply of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid application member 501 can be promoted at any desired timing.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the above modification, by promoting the supply of liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the liquid supply member 501 at the timing shown in Figure 28 or Figure 29, an appropriate amount of liquid can be supplied to the paper P, and the temporary suspension of operation of the post-processing device 3 and the decrease in binding strength of the paper bundle Pb due to insufficient supply of liquid to the liquid supply member 501 can be prevented.

[0198] Furthermore, 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 39(A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3 may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Moreover, as shown in Figure 39(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.

[0199] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 40(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 40(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.

[0200] [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 30 to 38. Note that components common to the post-processing device 3 according to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0201] 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'.

[0202] 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).

[0203] Figure 30 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 31. As shown in Figure 31, 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.

[0204] Furthermore, the crimping means 32' and the staple stapling processing unit 156 are configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions around the crimping means rotation axis 340 and the 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 stapling processing unit 156 can staple at any position in the main scanning direction of the paper stack Pb placed on the internal tray 22, at any angle, such as corner diagonal stapling, parallel single-point stapling, and parallel double-point stapling.

[0205] 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.

[0206] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the internal tray 22 viewed from the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the crimping means 32' viewed from the downstream side in the transport direction. As shown in Figure 31, 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] As shown in Figure 32, 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.

[0209] 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'.

[0210] The crimping means 32' is configured to be movable between a standby position HP2 shown in Figure 31(A) and a position facing the first binding position B1 shown in Figures 31(B) and 31(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 31, 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.

[0211] Furthermore, the crimping means 32' can change its orientation between the parallel binding orientation shown in Figure 31(B) and the oblique binding orientation shown in Figure 31(C). In other words, the crimping means 32' is configured to be rotatable 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.

[0212] 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 31(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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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 30. For example, if an inserter 6 is arranged between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing device 3A as shown in Figure 38, 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.

[0215] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 33(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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] The liquid application means 131 applies liquid to the paper P being transported by the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 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 the transport roller pair 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 the transport roller pair 11.

[0219] Figure 33 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 34 is a view taken along the arrows XXV-XXV in Figure 33(A). Figure 35 is a view taken along the arrows XXVI-XXVI in Figure 33(A). As shown in Figures 33 to 35, 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 36), and a liquid dispensing unit 140.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] The standby position sensor 138 detects when the liquid application unit 140 reaches the standby position HP1 (see Figure 33) in the main scanning direction and outputs a standby position signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b (see Figure 36), 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.

[0225] As shown in Figure 34, the transport path within the post-processing device 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the paper P. The liquid application unit 140 is positioned facing an opening in the upper guide plate 5a. In other words, the liquid application unit 140 is positioned facing the paper P being transported along the transport path through the opening in the upper guide plate 5a.

[0226] As shown in Figures 33 to 35, the liquid dispensing unit 140 comprises a base member 141, a rotating bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a liquid dispensing head moving means 144, a holding member 145, a liquid dispensing head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressing plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, a dispensing head rotation motor 150, a dispensing head moving motor 151 (see Figure 36), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 36).

[0227] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b so as to be slidable in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is also connected to an endless annular belt 135 by a connecting portion 135a. Furthermore, the base member 141 supports components 142 to 152 of the liquid application unit 140.

[0228] The rotating bracket 142 is mounted on the lower surface of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions around a rotation axis that extends in the thickness direction of the paper P. The rotating bracket 142 also rotates in forward and reverse directions relative to the base member 141 when the driving force of the liquid application head rotation motor 150 is transmitted to it. Furthermore, the rotating 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.

[0229] The standby angle sensor 152 (see Figure 36) detects when the rotating bracket 142 reaches 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 parallel binding is performed. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. When the rotating bracket 142 reaches the standby angle, it blocks the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. The standby angle sensor 152 then outputs a standby angle 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 angle sensor 152 is not limited to the example described above.

[0230] Figure 33(A) shows the rotating bracket 142 in the state when the crimping means 32' downstream of the liquid application means 131 is performing parallel binding. Figure 33(B) shows the rotating bracket 142 in the state when the crimping means 32' downstream of the liquid application means 131 is performing diagonal binding (corner binding).

[0231] The liquid storage tank 143 stores liquid for application to the paper P. The liquid application head moving means 144 is attached to the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable (e.g., up and down) in the thickness direction of the paper P. The liquid application head moving means 144 moves in the thickness direction of the paper P relative to the liquid storage tank 143 by the driving force transmitted from the application head moving motor 151. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the liquid application head moving means 144. The liquid application head 146 protrudes from the holding member 145 toward the transport path (downward in this embodiment). The liquid application head 146 is supplied with liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143. Furthermore, the liquid application head 146 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0232] 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 formed at a position facing the liquid dispensing head 146. Coil springs 149a and 149b are externally fitted 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.

[0233] As shown in Figures 34(A) and 35(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 pair 10 and the transport roller pair 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.

[0234] 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 34(B) and 35(B), the lower surface of the liquid application head 146 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.

[0235] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 34(C) and 35(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.

[0236] 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 34(A) and 35(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.

[0237] Figure 36 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control block of the post-processing unit 3A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 36, 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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 including 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, which is a control means for controlling the operation of the post-processing unit 3A.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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 the detection results of the standby position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 via the I / F 105.

[0242] Figure 36 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.

[0243] As shown in Figure 38, 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.

[0244] Figure 37 is a flowchart of the post-processing of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 37 is a flowchart for performing the one-point binding process shown in Figure 31.

[0245] The control unit 100b executes the post-processing shown in Figure 37 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 copies of the paper stack 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 33), and the rotating bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the "parallel binding position").

[0246] 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 33(B). This position corresponds to the first binding position B1 in Figures 31(B) and 31(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" (S801). The fact that the liquid application head 146 has reached the position and liquid application angle where it can face the first liquid application position B1 can be determined by 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.

[0247] 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 31(A) and 31(B) (S801). Also, if the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "diagonal binding," 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" (S801). 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. Note that if the type of binding process instructed in the post-processing instruction is "parallel binding," the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping means 32' as described above. In other words, the crimping means 32' moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining its standby angle.

[0248] Next, the control unit 100b drives the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 11 to start transporting the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 (S802). The control unit 100b then determines whether the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is facing the liquid application unit 140 (more specifically, the liquid application head 146) (S803). If it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is not facing the liquid application unit 140 (S803: No), the control unit 100b continues transporting the paper P by the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 11 until the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is facing the liquid application unit 140 (S803: Yes). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is facing the liquid application head 146 (S803: Yes), the control unit 100b stops transporting the paper P by the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 11 (S804). The fact that the first liquid application position B1 of the paper P is facing the liquid application head 146 can be determined by the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders of the motors that drive the transport roller pair 10 and the transport roller pair 11.

[0249] The control unit 100b executes the process of applying liquid to the first liquid application position B1 on the paper P using the liquid application unit 140 (S805). More specifically, the control unit 100b brings the liquid application head 146 into contact with the first liquid application position B1 on the paper P by rotating the application head moving motor 151 in a first direction. The control unit 100b also changes the pressing force of the liquid application head 146, that is, the amount of rotation of the application head moving motor 151, according to the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0250] The amount of liquid applied to each sheet of paper P may be the same for all sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, or it may differ for each sheet of paper P. For example, the control unit 100b may reduce the amount of liquid applied to each sheet of paper P that is conveyed later. The amount of rotation of the application head movement motor 151 can be determined by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the application head movement motor 151.

[0251] Next, the control unit 100b drives the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P onto the internal tray 22 (S806). 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 on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S806).

[0252] 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 (S807). 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 (S807: No), it repeatedly executes the processes in steps S802 to S807 until the number of sheets of paper P placed in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S807: Yes).

[0253] 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 (S807: 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 (S808). Furthermore, the control unit 100b rotates the transport roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S808).

[0254] 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 (S809). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged has not reached the required number Mp (S809: No), it repeatedly executes the processes in steps S802 to S809 until the number of paper bundles Pb discharged reaches the required number Mp (S809: Yes).

[0255] 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 (S809: Yes), it drives the liquid application means moving motor 137 to move the liquid application unit 140 to standby position HP1 (see Figure 33) and drives the crimping means moving motor 238 to move the crimping means 32' to standby position HP2 (see Figure 31) (S810). 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) (S810). On the other hand, if the posture instructed in the post-processing instruction 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. In step S801 and step S810, the execution order of the operation to move the liquid application unit 140 and the crimping means 32' in the main scanning direction and the operation to rotate them in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the order described above, and may be in the reverse order.

[0256] 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.

[0257] Furthermore, although the control unit 100b of the post-processing device 3A according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 30 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 39(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 39(B).

[0258] Furthermore, similar to Figure 40(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 40(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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows: <1> A liquid dispensing means for applying liquid to at least one medium, The system comprises a first processing means for performing a first processing on a bundle of media including at least one of the media to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, The liquid supply means is A liquid application member that contacts at least one of the media and applies the liquid; A liquid storage tank having an internal space for storing the liquid, and provided with an elastic wall in which at least a part of the outer wall defining the internal space is elastically deformable in a direction of reducing the volume of the internal space; A liquid supply member that supplies the liquid stored in the internal space to the liquid application member, and The medium processing apparatus further includes a pressing member that presses the elastic wall from the outside of the liquid storage tank. <2> In the medium processing apparatus according to <1> above, A transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction, A first moving mechanism that moves the liquid application means in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction, The elastic wall is provided on an outer wall orthogonal to the main scanning direction, The pressing member is provided on a movement path of the liquid application means in the main scanning direction. The medium processing apparatus is characterized by this. <3> In the medium processing apparatus according to <1> or <2> above, Second processing means for performing a second process on the medium bundle, A second moving mechanism that moves the second processing means in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium, independently of the liquid application means, and The pressing member is provided in the second processing means at a position facing the elastic wall in the main scanning direction. The medium processing apparatus is characterized by this. <4> In the medium processing apparatus according to <1> or <2> above, The pressing member is held by the liquid application means so as to be movable in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium at a position facing the elastic wall, A biasing member that biases the pressing member in a direction away from the elastic wall, Second processing means for performing a second process on the medium bundle, A second moving mechanism that moves the second processing means in the main scanning direction, independently of the liquid application means, and The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is pressed by the second processing means, which moves in a direction toward the liquid application means, and presses the elastic wall against the biasing force of the biasing member. <5> the above <1> In the media processing apparatus described above, The first processing means is provided with a rotation mechanism that rotates the first processing means around a pivot axis extending in the thickness direction of the medium, between a first position in which the first processing means is in contact with the liquid dispensing means and a second position in which the first processing means is separated from the liquid dispensing means. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is provided on the first processing means such that it presses against the elastic wall when the first processing means is in the first position. <6> the above <1> In the media processing apparatus described above, The media processing apparatus is further characterized by comprising a drive source for moving the pressing member between a pressing position that presses against the elastic wall and a separated position that is separated from the elastic wall. <7> the above <1> In the media processing apparatus described above, The liquid-applying means is provided with a third moving mechanism that moves the liquid-applying means in the thickness direction of the medium between a contact position in which the liquid-applying member is in contact with the medium and a separation position in which the liquid-applying member is separated from the medium. The elastic wall is provided on the outer wall of the liquid-applying means perpendicular to the thickness direction of the medium, The pressing member is a media processing device characterized by pressing the elastic wall when the liquid application means is in contact with the contact position. <8> the above <1> or the above <7> In a media processing apparatus described in any one of the following, The pressing member is characterized by pressing the elastic wall when power is supplied to the media processing apparatus or while the liquid is being applied to the medium. <9> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, the above <1> or the above <8> An image forming system characterized by comprising a media processing apparatus described in any one of the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0262] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Post-processing apparatus 25: Edge binding processing unit 31: Liquid application means 32: Pressing means 42: Liquid application unit moving motor 43: Liquid level sensor 44: First liquid storage tank 45: Liquid supply path 46: Liquid supply pump 47: Second liquid storage tank 50: Liquid supply member 51: Set detection sensor 71: Opening / closing cover 72: Main body side plate 100b: Control unit 110: Operation panel 441: Internal space 442, 442L, 442R, 443: Elastic wall 444: Sealing member 445, 458, 459L, 459R: Pressing member 446: Holding member 447: Protruding part 448: Hanging part 449: Locking part 450: Accommodation groove 451: Wide part 452: Narrow part 453: Coil spring 454: Liquid supply promoting solenoid 455: Liquid supply promoting motor 456: Link mechanism<​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-002902

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing means for applying liquid to at least one medium, The system comprises a first processing means for performing a first processing on a bundle of media including at least one of the media to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, The liquid supply means is A liquid dispensing member that contacts at least one of the media to dispense the liquid, A liquid storage tank having an internal space for storing the liquid, wherein at least a portion of the outer wall defining the internal space is an elastic wall that can be elastically deformed in a direction that reduces the volume of the internal space, The system comprises a liquid supply member that supplies the liquid stored in the internal space to the liquid supply member, A media processing apparatus further comprising a pressing member that presses against the elastic wall from the outside of the liquid storage tank.

2. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, A conveying unit that conveys the aforementioned medium in the conveying direction, The system includes a first moving mechanism that moves the liquid application means in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The elastic wall is provided on the outer wall perpendicular to the main scanning direction, A media processing apparatus characterized in that the pressing member is provided on the movement path of the liquid application means in the main scanning direction.

3. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, A second processing means for performing a second processing on the aforementioned media bundle, The second processing means is provided with a second moving mechanism that moves the second processing means in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, independently of the liquid dispensing means. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is provided on the second processing means at a position facing the elastic wall in the main scanning direction.

4. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The pressing member is held by the liquid dispensing means so as to be movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the medium at a position facing the elastic wall, A biasing member that biases the pressing member in a direction that separates it from the elastic wall, A second processing means for performing a second processing on the aforementioned media bundle, The second processing means is provided with a second moving mechanism that moves the second processing means in the main scanning direction, independently of the liquid application means. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is pressed by the second processing means, which moves in a direction toward the liquid supply means, and presses the elastic wall against the biasing force of the biasing member.

5. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The first processing means is provided with a rotation mechanism that rotates the first processing means around a pivot axis extending in the thickness direction of the medium, between a first position in which the first processing means is in contact with the liquid dispensing means and a second position in which the first processing means is separated from the liquid dispensing means. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member is provided on the first processing means such that it presses the elastic wall when the first processing means is in the first position.

6. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, A media processing apparatus further comprising a drive source for moving the pressing member between a pressing position that presses against the elastic wall and a separated position that is separated from the elastic wall.

7. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The liquid-applying means is provided with a third moving mechanism that moves it in the thickness direction of the medium between a contact position where the liquid-applying member is in contact with the medium and a separation position where the liquid-applying member is separated from the medium. The elastic wall is provided on the outer wall of the liquid-applying means perpendicular to the thickness direction of the medium, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member presses the elastic wall when the liquid application means is in the contact position.

8. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the pressing member presses the elastic wall when power is supplied to the media processing apparatus or while the liquid is being applied to the media.

9. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, An image forming system comprising the media processing apparatus described in claim 1.

Images