Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a medium treatment device capable of feeding water to a water addition treatment section while avoiding an increase in size and a complicated layout of the water addition treatment section.SOLUTION: The medium treatment device of the present invention comprises: a transport section for transporting a medium in a transport direction; a tray capable of supporting a plurality of the media transported by the transport section; a water addition treatment section that adds water to the medium supported by the tray; a crimping treatment section for pressurizing and deforming a plurality of the media having been added with water by the water addition treatment section for crimping and binding the media; a moving mechanism for moving the water addition treatment section and the crimping treatment section along a surface of the medium supported by the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction; and a water supply treatment section having a first storage section for storing water and a supply nozzle for supplying the water stored in the first storage section, wherein the water addition treatment section is connected to the supply nozzle and receives the water supplied at the water supply position which is away from the medium supported on the tray in the main scanning direction, and at a water adding position facing the medium supported on the tray, the water is added to the medium in a state of being separated from the supply nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, media processing devices have been known that bundle and bind sheet-like media on which images have been formed by an image forming device. Because paper is a widely known example of sheet-like media, this specification uses a "sheet stack" of multiple sheets of paper as an example of a bundle of sheet-like media. Furthermore, in consideration of resource conservation and reducing environmental impact, some media processing devices are equipped with a crimping unit that can perform so-called "crimp binding," in which a bundle of sheets is clamped and pressure-deformed with uneven binding teeth, without using metal staples (staples).

[0003] A problem with pressure binding is that the greater the number of sheets of paper that make up a paper stack, the harder it is for the binding teeth to bite into the paper stack, which can cause bound sheets to peel off and fall off, making it difficult to maintain a proper binding state. To address this, some media processing devices that perform pressure binding are equipped with a hydration processing unit that adds water to the paper sheets at the positions where the binding teeth will come into contact, making it easier for the binding teeth to bite into the paper stack, in order to increase binding strength (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, installing a water storage tank in the hydration processing unit increases the size of the unit, while a configuration in which water is supplied to the hydration processing unit from a tank fixed outside the range of movement of the hydration processing unit via a tube results in a longer tube and a more complex layout.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a technology for supplying water to a hydration processing unit in a media processing device that hydrates the paper that makes up a stack of paper and then crimps and binds it, while avoiding increasing the size of the hydration processing unit and complicating the layout. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention comprises a conveying unit that conveys media in a conveying direction, a tray that can support multiple media conveyed by the conveying unit, a hydration processing unit that adds water to the media supported on the tray, a pressure-bonding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms the multiple media that have been hydrated by the hydration processing unit to bind them together, a moving mechanism that moves the hydration processing unit and the pressure-bonding processing unit along the surface of the media supported on the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a water supply processing unit that has a first storage unit that stores water and a supply nozzle that supplies water stored in the first storage unit, wherein the hydration processing unit is connected to the supply nozzle to receive a supply of water at a water supply position that is offset from the media supported on the tray in the main scanning direction, and adds water to the media while spaced apart from the supply nozzle at a water supply position that faces the media supported on the tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a media processing device that hydrates the sheets that make up a stack of sheets and then press-stitches them together, water can be supplied to the hydration processing unit while avoiding an increase in size of the hydration processing unit and a complex layout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the binding processing section according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a pressure bonding processing section. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a staple process. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the binding processing unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a binding processing unit in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a binding processing section according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the binding processing section according to the eighth embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has the function of forming an image on a sheet P (medium) and performing post-processing on the sheet P on which the image has been formed. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 is made up of an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3 (medium processing device).

[0010] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and discharges the sheet P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 mainly comprises a tray in which the sheet P is stored, a transport unit that transports the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet P transported by the transport unit. The image forming unit may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming device 2 is already well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. The post-processing according to the first embodiment is a stapling process that binds together a bundle of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet bundle"). More specifically, the stapling process according to the first embodiment is a so-called "press binding" that applies pressure to and deforms the sheet bundle at the binding position. Furthermore, press binding includes an edge binding process that binds together the ends of the sheet bundle, and a saddle binding process that binds together the center of the sheet bundle.

[0012] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section) and a switching claw 20. The conveyance roller pairs 10-19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10-13 convey the paper P along a first conveyance path Ph1. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3.

[0013] The first transport path Ph1 is a path that leads from the supply port of the paper P from the image forming device 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 30.

[0014] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branching position of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 21 via the first transport path Ph1, and a second position where the sheet P transported along the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, when the trailing edge of the sheet P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes the pair of transport rollers 11, the pair of transport rollers 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the sheet P to the third transport path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 also includes multiple sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The sensors that detect the position of the sheet P during transport are indicated by solid black triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0015] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 supports the paper sheets P discharged through the first transport path Ph1. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, those that are not to be stapled are discharged to the discharge tray 21.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 (tray), an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, a binding processing unit 25, and an output tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, and the binding processing unit 25 perform edge binding processing on the sheets P transported along the second transport path Ph2. A stack of sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 that has been edge-stitched is output to the output tray 26. Hereinafter, the direction from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction of the sheets P." Furthermore, the thickness direction of the sheets P and the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheets P are defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheets P)."

[0017] The internal tray 22 temporarily supports multiple sheets of paper P that are transported sequentially through the second transport path Ph2. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheet stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L, 24R align the position of the sheet stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The binding processing unit 25 binds the ends of the sheet stack aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L, 24R. Then, the pair of transport rollers 15 discharges the sheet stack that has undergone edge binding processing onto the discharge tray 26.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the binding processing unit 25 according to the first embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the binding processing unit 25 mainly includes a hydration processing unit 31 and a pressure bonding processing unit 32. The hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure bonding processing unit 32 are disposed adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0019] The hydration unit 31 applies (hereinafter referred to as "hydration") a liquid (e.g., water) to the paper P supported by the internal tray 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the hydration unit 31 mainly includes a lower pressure plate 33, an upper pressure plate 34, a lifting mechanism 35, and a hydration mechanism 36.

[0020] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22 from below. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be able to move up and down above the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the stack of sheets (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction"), sandwiching the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22 between them. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the tip of the hydration member 44 supported by the base plate 40.

[0021] The lifting mechanism 35 raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44 in the thickness direction of the paper stack. The lifting mechanism 35 according to this embodiment raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44 in unison using a single lifting motor 37. The lifting mechanism 35 mainly includes, for example, the lifting motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0022] The lifting motor 37 generates a driving force that raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported on the hydration frame. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 37 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the lifting motor 37 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38, causing the nut 39 to rise and fall.

[0023] The base plate 40 is a flat plate parallel to the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. The base plate 40 is positioned above the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 supports the hydration members 44 with their tips protruding downward. The base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 and is configured to be able to move up and down together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a lift sensor.

[0024] The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the hydration member 44. The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b support the upper pressure plate 34 at their lower ends. The coil springs 42a, 42b are fitted around the pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a, 42b urge the upper pressure plate 34 and the pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b downward with respect to the base plate 40.

[0025] The hydration mechanism 36 hydrates the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. More specifically, the hydration mechanism 36 hydrates at least one sheet of the stack of sheets by bringing the tip of the hydration member 44 into contact with the stack of sheets. The hydration mechanism 36 mainly includes a supply portion 43, a hydration member 44, and a joint 45.

[0026] The supply receiving section 43 has an opening that receives a supply nozzle 52 of the water supply processing section 50, which will be described later. The supply receiving section 43 has a means for preventing water from leaking out when the supply nozzle 52 is not connected (for example, rubber or cushioning material arranged to seal the periphery of the opening). The hydration member 44 supplies water supplied through the supply nozzle 52 connected to the supply receiving section 43 to the paper stack. The hydration member 44 is supported on the base plate 40 with its tip facing downward. The hydration member 44 is made of a material with high water absorption (for example, sponge or fiber). The joint 45 secures the hydration member 44 to the base plate 40. As a result, even when the hydration member 44 is raised and lowered by the lifting mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains its tip facing downward.

[0027] The pressure bonding unit 32 binds the bundle of sheets by applying pressure and deforming the bundle of sheets with the concave and convex binding teeth 32a, 32b (hereinafter referred to as "pressure binding"). In other words, the pressure bonding unit 32 can bind the bundle of sheets without using staples.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressure-bonding processing unit 32. As shown in Fig. 4, the pressure-bonding processing unit 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack so as to be able to sandwich the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed unevenly with concave and convex portions alternately formed. Furthermore, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed with the concave and convex portions misaligned so as to mesh with each other. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4(A), when a plurality of sheets P constituting a sheet bundle are being supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other. Then, when all of the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle are supported by the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b mesh with each other, as shown in Fig. 4(B), and pressurize and deform the sheet bundle in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet bundle supported by the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet bundle is then discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the pair of conveying rollers 15.

[0030] 3, the binding processing unit 25 includes a movement mechanism 46. The movement mechanism 46 moves the binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure bonding processing unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream edge in the conveyance direction of the surface of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22. The movement mechanism 46 mainly includes, for example, a base member 47, a guide shaft 48, and a movement motor 49.

[0031] The base member 47 supports the hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure-bonding processing unit 32 in a state where they are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 48 extends in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The guide shaft 48 also supports the base member 47 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The movement motor 49 generates a driving force for moving the hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure-bonding processing unit 32. The hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure-bonding processing unit 32, which are integrated (unitized) by the base member 47, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 48 by transmitting the driving force of the movement motor 49 via a driving force transmission mechanism such as a pulley or timing belt.

[0032] More specifically, the hydration processing section 31 and the pressure bonding processing section 32 are configured to be movable between a hydration position P1 shown in Figure 7(A) and a hydration position P2 shown in Figures 7(B) and 7(C). The positions of the hydration processing section 31 and the pressure bonding processing section 32 can be determined, for example, by an encoder sensor attached to the output shaft of the movement motor 49. The hydration position P1 and the hydration position P2 are spaced apart in the main scanning direction.

[0033] The water supply position P1 is a position offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The water supply position P1 is a position where the water application unit 31 receives water from the water application unit 50, which will be described later. The water supply position P1 is also a standby position where the binding unit 25 waits until the stapling process, which will be described later, begins. The water application position P2 is a position facing the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The water application position P2 is a position where the water application unit 31 applies water to the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The water application position P2 corresponds to the binding position where the pressure bonding unit 32 will perform pressure binding after the sheets P have been watered by the water application unit 31. However, the water application position P2 is not limited to the position shown in FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C) and may be any position facing the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22.

[0034] The binding processing unit 25 further includes a water supply processing unit 50. The water supply processing unit 50 is fixed to the frame of the post-processing device 3 at a position offset to one side in the main scanning direction from the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The water supply processing unit 50 supplies water to the hydration member 44 of the hydration processing unit 31 located at the water supply position P1. The water supply processing unit 50 mainly includes a first reservoir 51 and a supply nozzle 52.

[0035] First reservoir 51 is a tank having an internal space for storing water. First reservoir 51 is fixed at a position above supply destination 43 of hydration processing unit 31. First reservoir 51 is configured to be refilled with water by the user. One end (base end) of supply nozzle 52 is connected to an opening formed in the bottom surface of first reservoir 51, and the other end (tip) is fixed facing the hydration position P2 in the main scanning direction. Supply nozzle 52 has an internal space for circulating water. Furthermore, supply nozzle 52 has a valve that opens the internal space when the tip is connected to supply destination 43 and closes the internal space when the tip is separated from supply destination 43. However, the means for opening and closing supply nozzle 52 is not limited to a valve and may be a shutter or the like.

[0036] 3, the supplied portion 43 faces the tip of the supply nozzle 52 in the main scanning direction. In other words, the supplied portion 43 and the tip of the supply nozzle 52 are arranged in a position where they overlap when viewed from the main scanning direction. Furthermore, an opening is formed on the surface of the supplied portion 43 facing the tip of the supply nozzle 52, allowing the tip of the supply nozzle 52 to enter (receive the tip of the supply nozzle 52).

[0037] 7(A), when the hydration processing unit 31 moves from the hydration position P2 to the water supply position P1, the tip of the supply nozzle 52 enters the supplied portion 43 and connects to the hydration member 44. This causes the valve of the supply nozzle 52 to open the internal space, and the water stored in the first storage portion 51 is supplied to the hydration member 44 through the supply nozzle 52. Note that the water stored in the first storage portion 51 is supplied to the hydration member 44 by utilizing gravity, so no power (for example, a pump) is required to move the water.

[0038] Meanwhile, as the hydration processing unit 31 moves from the water supply position P1 to the water addition position P2, the tip of the supply nozzle 52 is removed from the supplied portion 43. In other words, the hydration processing unit 31 moves away from the supply nozzle 52. This stops the supply of water from the water supply processing unit 50 to the hydration processing unit 31. Furthermore, the valve of the supply nozzle 52 closes the internal space, so the discharge of water from the tip of the supply nozzle 52 stops.

[0039] 2, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a binding processing section 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the binding processing section 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle stitching on the paper sheets P transported through the third transport path Ph3. A bundle of paper sheets P that has been saddle stitched is discharged to the discharge tray 30 from among the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2.

[0040] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of multiple sheets P that are conveyed sequentially through the third conveying path Ph3. The end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the sheet stack faces the binding processing unit 28, and a folding position where the center faces the paper folding blade 29. The binding processing unit 28 staples the center of the sheet stack aligned by the end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the sheet stack supported by the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and sandwiches it between the conveying roller pair 18. The conveying roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack that has been saddle-stitched onto the discharge tray 30.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 5, post-processing device 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0042] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0043] The post-processing device 3 processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104, and the like using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0044] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the binding processing unit 25, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, and the binding processing unit 25 through the I / F 105. Note that while only the components that perform the edge binding process are illustrated in FIG. 5, the components that perform the saddle stitching process are also similarly controlled by the controller 100.

[0045] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Note that the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the stapling process. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of the binding processing unit 25 in the first embodiment. The stapling process is a series of processes in which the water adding unit 31 adds water to the sheets P supported on the internal tray 22 and the pressure binding unit 32 pressure binds the sheets. The controller 100 executes the stapling process shown in FIG. 6 in response to, for example, receiving an instruction to execute the stapling process (hereinafter referred to as a "stapling instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The stapling instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the sheet stack (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined number N"), the number of binding positions, and positions in the main scanning direction.

[0047] 7(A), at the start of stapling, the hydration unit 31 is located at the hydration position P1. That is, the movement mechanism 46 keeps the hydration unit 31 waiting at the hydration position P1 until stapling begins. In other words, the hydration unit 31 receives water from the hydration unit 50 at the hydration position P1 until stapling begins (that is, while waiting at the hydration position P1).

[0048] In this state, the controller 100 rotates the pairs of conveying rollers 10, 11, 14, and 15 to store the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 2 in the internal tray 22 (S601). In addition, the controller 100 moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0049] 7(B), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 49 to move the binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the hydration processing unit 31 reaches the hydration position P2 (S602). Next, the controller 100 causes the hydration processing unit 31 to hydrate the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S601 (S603). That is, the controller 100 drives the lift motor 37 to bring the hydration member 44 into contact with the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22.

[0050] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets of paper accommodated in the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N indicated by the staple instruction (S604). Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets of paper accommodated in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S604: No), the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S601 to S603 again. That is, every time a sheet of paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveyance roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S601 to S603. However, it is not necessary to add water to all the sheets of paper P that make up the paper bundle. As another example, the controller 100 may cause the water addition processing unit 31 to add water to the sheet of paper P at an interval of one sheet for every n (n < N) sheets.

[0051] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets of paper P accommodated in the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S604: Yes), as shown in FIG. 7(C), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 49 to move the binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure-bonding processing unit 32 reaches the water addition position P2 (= binding position) (S605).

[0052] Next, the controller 100 performs pressure-bonding binding on the paper bundle accommodated in the internal tray 22 and discharges it to the discharge tray 26 (S606). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor to sandwich the paper bundle supported on the internal tray 22 between the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. Further, the controller 100 discharges the pressure-bonded paper bundle to the discharge tray 26 by rotating the conveyance roller pair 15.

[0053] Then, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 49 to move the water addition processing unit 31 to the water supply position P1 (S607). That is, the water addition processing unit 31 receives water supply from the water supply processing unit 50 again until the staple processing is started next.

[0054] According to the first embodiment, for example, the following operational effects can be achieved.

[0055] According to the first embodiment, the hydration processing unit 31 and the water supply processing unit 50 are separate units, which allows the size of the hydration processing unit 31 to be reduced. Furthermore, the hydration processing unit 31 is connected to the water supply processing unit 50 at the water supply position P1, and is separated from the water supply processing unit 50 at positions other than the water supply position P1 (i.e., the water supply position P2). This eliminates the need to connect the hydration processing unit 31 and the water supply processing unit 50 with tubes or the like, which simplifies the layout of the binding processing unit 25.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by arranging the first reservoir 51 above the supply portion 43, it is possible to utilize gravity to supply water to the hydration processing portion 31. As a result, it is possible to omit means for moving water (for example, a pump), and therefore the binding processing portion 25 can be further miniaturized and simplified.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the supply receiving portion 43 and the tip of the supply nozzle 52 are opposed to each other, so that the hydration member 44 and the supply nozzle 52 can be connected and disconnected simply by moving the hydration processing portion 31 in the main scanning direction. This makes it possible to omit means for moving the hydration member 44 and the supply nozzle 52 closer and farther apart (for example, a motor for moving the hydration processing portion 50), thereby further miniaturizing and simplifying the binding processing portion 25.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the water adding unit 31 is kept on standby at the water supply position during periods when stapling is not being performed. This allows water to be supplied before and after a job is started and finished, thereby improving the throughput of stapling.

[0059] [Second embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the binding processing unit 25A according to the second embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0060] The binding processing unit 25A (water supply processing unit 50A) according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the first storage unit 51 and in that it further includes a supply pump 53. The first storage unit 51 according to the second embodiment is placed on a frame that supports the binding processing unit 25, below the supply receiving unit 43. Furthermore, although the shape of the supply nozzle 52 according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, the tip of the supply nozzle 52 is positioned so as to face the supply receiving unit 43. Furthermore, the supply pump 53 is a pumping unit that pumps up water stored in the first storage unit 51 and supplies it to the tip of the supply nozzle 52 under the control of the controller 100.

[0061] According to the second embodiment, first storage section 51 is disposed below supply receiving section 43, so that binding processing section 25A can be made smaller in the vertical direction. Furthermore, even if supply receiving section 43 and supply nozzle 52 are connected, water supply is not performed unless supply pump 53 is driven, so that excessive water supply can be prevented. Note that a specific example of the pumping means is not limited to supply pump 53, and it may also be a device that pumps water by utilizing capillary action.

[0062] [Third embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the binding processing unit 25B according to the third embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0063] The binding processing unit 25B (hydration processing unit 31A) according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a second storage unit 54. The second storage unit 54 is a tank that stores water supplied from the first storage unit 51 through the connected supply destination unit 43 and supply nozzle 52, and supplies the stored water to the hydration member 44. The hydration member 44 then adds water stored in the second storage unit 54 to the sheets P. The capacity (amount of water that can be stored) of the second storage unit 54 may be smaller than that of the first storage unit 51.

[0064] According to the third embodiment, by incorporating a small second reservoir 54 in the hydration unit 31A, the number of sheets of paper P that can be hydrated without water supply from the water supply unit 50 increases. In addition, because water can be supplied from the water supply unit 50, the capacity of the second reservoir 54 can be made smaller than when the water supply unit 50 is not provided. As a result, the hydration unit 31A can be made smaller.

[0065] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the binding processing unit 25C according to the fourth embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the binding processing unit 25C in the fourth embodiment. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0066] 10, binding processing unit 25C (water adding processing unit 31B) according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that supply receiving unit 43A opens upward. Also, binding processing unit 25C (water supply processing unit 50C) according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tip of supply nozzle 52A faces downward and includes lifting motor 55 that lifts and lowers water supply processing unit 50C.

[0067] 11(A) and 11(B), when the hydration unit 31 is positioned at the water supply position P1, the supply target portion 43A faces the tip of the supply nozzle 52A in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the controller 100 can drive the lift motor 55 to lower the water supply unit 50C, thereby inserting the tip of the supply nozzle 52A into the supply target portion 43A. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the controller 100 can drive the lift motor 55 to raise the water supply unit 50C, thereby removing the tip of the supply nozzle 52A from the supply target portion 43A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11(C), after raising the water supply unit 50C, the controller 100 can drive the movement motor 49 to move the water supply unit 31 to the water supply position P2.

[0068] According to the fourth embodiment, by pressing the tip of the supply nozzle 52A against the water adding member 44 from above, water can be supplied more reliably by utilizing gravity compared to pressing it horizontally.

[0069] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25D according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the binding processing unit 25D according to the fifth embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0070] The binding processing unit 25D according to the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes one of the drainage receivers 56A and 56B and has a through-hole 33a that penetrates the lower pressure plate 33 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The drainage receivers 56A and 56B receive water discharged from the hydration processing unit 31 (hydration member 44). More specifically, by pressing the hydration member 44 against the lower pressure plate 33, excess water that seeps out from the hydration member 44 is discharged into the drainage receivers 56A and 56B through the through-hole 33A.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the amount of water contained in the hydration member 44 can be adjusted, and therefore the amount of water added to the paper P can be equalized. In addition, the water can be prevented from spoiling in the hydration member 44, and calcium carbonate can be prevented from accumulating in the hydration member 44.

[0072] It is sufficient that the binding processing unit 25D is provided with either one of the drainage receivers 56A or 56B. The drainage receiver 56A is fixed to the underside of the lower pressure plate 33 and moves together with the hydration processing unit 31. On the other hand, the drainage receiver 56B is fixed in a position facing the underside of the lower pressure plate 33 when the hydration processing unit 31 reaches the water supply position P1. Furthermore, the method of draining excess water from the hydration member 44 is not limited to pressing it against the lower pressure plate 33, and suction means or means for squeezing out the hydration member 44 by clamping it may also be used.

[0073] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25E according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic view of the binding processing unit 25E according to the sixth embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0074] The binding processing unit 25E (water supply processing unit 50D) according to the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a supply pump 53, a third storage unit 57, and a supply path 58. The third storage unit 57 is a tank that stores water. The third storage unit 57 is disposed at a different position from the first storage unit 51 (in the example of FIG. 13, below the supplied portion 43). The third storage unit 57 is configured to allow the user to replenish it with water. The supply path 58 connects the third storage unit 57 and the first storage unit 51. The supply path 58 has an internal space through which water can flow. The supply pump 53 pumps up water stored in the third storage unit 57 and supplies it to the first storage unit 51 through the supply path 58.

[0075] As in the sixth embodiment, by providing a plurality of reservoirs 51, 57 in the water supply processing unit 50D, the capacity of each reservoir 51, 57 can be reduced and the degree of freedom in layout can be increased. As a result, this contributes to the miniaturization and cost reduction of the binding processing unit 25. Note that the method of supplying water from the third reservoir 57 to the first reservoir 51 is not limited to the supply pump 53, and capillary action or the like may also be used.

[0076] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25F according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic view of the binding processing unit 25F according to the seventh embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0077] The binding processing unit 25F (water supply processing unit 50E) according to the seventh embodiment is configured by adding the drainage receiving unit 56B according to the fifth embodiment to the water supply processing unit 50D according to the sixth embodiment, and connecting the drainage receiving unit 56B, the third storage unit 57, and the first storage unit 51 by return paths 59A and 59B. The return path 59A supplies the water drained into the drainage receiving unit 56B to the third storage unit 57. The return path 59B supplies the water stored in the third storage unit 57 to the first storage unit 51. In other words, the return paths 59A and 59B return the water drained into the drainage receiving unit 56B to the first storage unit 51 via the third storage unit 57.

[0078] According to the seventh embodiment, excess water drained from the water adding member 44 to the drainage receiving portion 56B can be returned to the first storage portion 51, thereby reducing the number of times water is replenished to the first storage portion 51. Note that in the seventh embodiment, the supply pump 53 may be omitted, and the water discharged to the drainage receiving portion 56B may be returned directly to the first storage portion 51 through the return paths 59A and 59B.

[0079] [Eighth embodiment] Next, a binding processing unit 25G according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of the binding processing unit 25G according to the eighth embodiment as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the above embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0080] The binding processing unit 25G (water supply processing unit 50F) according to the eighth embodiment is configured by adding a filter 60 to the water supply processing unit 50E according to the seventh embodiment. The filter 60 is disposed between the drainage receiving unit 56B and the third storage unit 57. The filter 60 is a purification unit that purifies the water drained into the drainage receiving unit 56B and supplies the water to the third storage unit 57.

[0081] According to the eighth embodiment, impurities (e.g., pieces of paper) contained in water discharged into drainage receiver 56B are removed before the water is supplied to third storage 57, thereby preventing impurities from accumulating in supply pump 53, third storage 57, reflux path 59B, first storage 51, and supply nozzle 52. Note that filter 60 may be any material that has a filtering function, such as a physical filter medium such as a sponge or wool mat, a biological filter medium such as porous ceramic or bakuhan stone, or a chemical filter medium such as activated carbon or zeolite. Specific examples of the purifier are not limited to filter 60, and may include a UV irradiation device, an ozone removal device, or the like.

[0082] The control method described above may be realized, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by causing an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit to cooperate with each other based on the program. The program may be written to a storage unit or a storage medium and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line, etc.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described first to eighth embodiments can be combined in any combination.

[0084] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> a transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction; a tray capable of supporting the plurality of media transported by the transport unit; a hydration processing unit that hydrates the medium supported on the tray; a pressure-binding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms the plurality of media that have been hydrated by the hydration processing unit to bind them together; a moving mechanism that moves the hydration processing unit and the pressure bonding processing unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction along the surface of the medium supported on the tray; a water supply processing unit having a first storage unit that stores water and a supply nozzle that supplies the water stored in the first storage unit, The water adding processing unit a water supply nozzle connected to the water supply position, which is offset in the main scanning direction from the medium supported on the tray, to receive the water; The media processing device is characterized in that water is added to the media at a water addition position facing the media supported on the tray, while being spaced apart from the supply nozzle. <2> The first reservoir is fixed above the hydration treatment section, The supply nozzle supplies the water stored in the first storage section to the water adding section by utilizing gravity. <1> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <3> The water adding processing unit a second reservoir configured to store the water supplied through the supply nozzle; a hydration member that contacts the medium supported on the tray and adds water stored in the second storage section to the medium. <1> or <2> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <4> The water supply system is characterized in that it comprises a drainage receiver for receiving water discharged from the water adding unit. <1> ~ <3> The media processing device is any one of the above. <5> a return passage for returning water discharged from the water adding treatment section to the wastewater receiving section to the first reservoir section; <4> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <6> a third storage section that stores the water drained into the drainage receiving section and supplies the water to the first storage section; The return path returns the water discharged into the drainage receiving section to the first storage section via the third storage section. <5> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <7> The present invention is characterized in that a purification section for purifying water drained into the drain receiving section is provided between the drain receiving section and the third storage section. <6> 2 is a media processing device according to the first embodiment. <8> The moving mechanism causes the hydration processing unit to wait at the hydration position until a stapling process is started in which the hydration processing unit hydrates the media supported on the tray and the pressure bonding processing unit presses and binds the media. <1> ~ <7> The media processing device is any one of the above. <9> the supply nozzle is fixed with its tip facing the water addition position in the main scanning direction, The water adding processing unit is characterized in that it has a supply receiving portion that faces the tip of the supply nozzle in the main scanning direction and receives the tip of the supply nozzle at the water supply position. <1> ~ <8> The media processing device is any one of the above. <10> an image forming device for forming an image on the medium; the image forming apparatus The method of press-binding a plurality of the media on which images are formed by the method of <1> ~ <9> and a media processing device according to any one of the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 10 to 19: Transport roller pair 20: Switching claw 21, 26, 30: Output tray 22: Internal tray 23,27: End fence 24L, 24R: Side fence 25, 25A to 25G, 28: Binding processing section 29: Paper folding blade 31, 31A, 31B: Water adding processing section 32: Pressure bonding processing section 32a, 32b: teeth 33: Lower pressure plate 33a, 34a: Through hole 34: Upper pressure plate 35: Lifting mechanism 36: Water adding mechanism 37,55: Lifting motor 38: Trapezoidal screw 39: Nut 40: Base plate 41a, 41b: columnar members 42a, 42b: Coil spring 43,43A:Supplied part 44: Hydrated material 45: Joint 46: Movement mechanism 47: Base material 48: Guide shaft 49: Travel motor 50, 50A-50F: Water supply processing section 51: First storage section 52, 52A: Supply nozzle 53: Supply pump 54: Second storage section 56A, 56B: Drainage receiving section 57: Third storage section 58: Supply route 59A, 59B: Circulation path 60: Filter 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103:ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0086] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-101009

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction; a tray capable of supporting the plurality of media transported by the transport unit; a hydration processing unit that hydrates the medium supported on the tray; a pressure-binding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms the plurality of media that have been hydrated by the hydration processing unit to bind them together; a moving mechanism that moves the hydration processing unit and the pressure bonding processing unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction along the surface of the medium supported on the tray; a water supply processing unit having a first storage unit that stores water and a supply nozzle that supplies the water stored in the first storage unit, The water adding processing unit a water supply nozzle connected to the water supply position, which is offset in the main scanning direction from the medium supported on the tray, to receive the water; A media processing device characterized in that water is added to the media at a water addition position facing the media supported on the tray while being spaced apart from the supply nozzle.

2. The first reservoir is fixed above the hydration treatment section, The media processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the supply nozzle supplies the water stored in the first storage section to the water adding section by using gravity.

3. The water adding processing unit a second reservoir configured to store the water supplied through the supply nozzle; 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a hydration member that contacts the media supported on the tray and adds water stored in the second storage section to the media.

4. The media processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a drainage receiver for receiving water discharged from the water adding unit.

5. The media processing device according to claim 4 , further comprising a return passage that returns water drained from the hydration processing section to the drainage receiving section.

6. a third storage section that stores the water drained into the drainage receiving section and supplies the water to the first storage section; The media processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the return path returns water drained into the drainage receiver to the first reservoir via the third reservoir.

7. The media processing device according to claim 6 , further comprising a purification unit between the drainage receiving unit and the third storage unit that purifies the water drained into the drainage receiving unit.

8. The media processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the moving mechanism causes the water adding processing unit to wait at the water supply position until a stapling process is started in which the water adding processing unit adds water to the media supported on the tray and the pressure bonding processing unit presses and binds the media.

9. the supply nozzle is fixed with its tip facing the water addition position in the main scanning direction, 2 . The media processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the water adding unit includes a supply receiving unit that faces the tip of the supply nozzle in the main scanning direction and receives the tip of the supply nozzle at the water supply position.

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

Images