Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a medium processing device that can improve productivity in processing for binding a plurality of sheet-like media by pressure-bonding the media and also improve performance in holding the media in a bound state.SOLUTION: A medium processing device comprises: a conveying part that conveys media; liquid applying means that applies liquid to the media conveyed by the conveying means; and pressure-bonding means that binds a bundle of media including at least one medium to which liquid is applied by the liquid applying means, by pressurizing and deforming the bundle. The liquid applying means is configured to select, whether application of the liquid to all of the media constituting the bundle of media is executed or application of the liquid only to some of the media constituting the bundle of media is executed, in accordance with a conveyance interval at which the media are conveyed by the conveying part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a media processing device that performs binding processing on a sheet bundle formed by bundling sheet-like media on which images are formed. Note that paper is widely known as an example of sheet-like media. Therefore, in this specification, when describing a sheet bundle, a "paper bundle" formed by bundling papers as a plurality of media will be used as an example. In addition, there is also known a media processing device that performs binding processing without using a metal binding needle (staple needle) from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load. This media processing device includes a crimping processing unit capable of performing so-called "crimp binding" in which a paper bundle is sandwiched between uneven binding teeth and pressurized and deformed.

[0003] It is also known that in crimp binding, as the thickness of the paper bundle increases (as the number of papers constituting the paper bundle increases), it becomes difficult for the binding teeth to bite in, the holding force for maintaining the bound state weakens, and the bound papers peel off, making it difficult to maintain the bound state. Therefore, for the purpose of increasing the binding strength in a media processing device that performs crimp binding, a technique is known in which the position where the binding teeth contact the paper (hereinafter referred to as the "binding position") is pre-wetted to make it easier for the binding teeth to bite in (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a watering unit for adding water to paper. The watering by the watering unit is performed each time paper is stacked in a paper stack, after an alignment process is performed to align the side edges and leading edges of the paper stack. This allows subsequent aligned sheets of paper to be individually watered, and ultimately, crimp binding can be performed at a position where the binding teeth can easily bite into the paper. Therefore, if subsequent sheets of paper are transported before the watering process is completed, the transport of those subsequent sheets must be temporarily put into a waiting state to wait for the watering process to be completed.

[0005] Therefore, conventional technology faces the problem of reduced productivity in the crimping and binding process due to the addition of water.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a technology that improves the productivity of the process of pressing and binding multiple sheets of sheet-like media together, and also improves the retention of the bound state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing apparatus, comprising: a transport unit for transporting media; a liquid application means for applying liquid to the media transported by the transport unit; and a crimping means for compressing and deforming a media bundle containing at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid application means, wherein the liquid application means is configured to select whether to apply the liquid to all of the media constituting the media bundle or to apply the liquid to only some of the media constituting the media bundle, depending on the transport interval at which the media are transported by the transport unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the productivity of the process of pressing and binding multiple sheet-like media can be improved, and the retention of the bound state can also be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]A diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the processing tray viewed from above. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the binding processing unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping mechanism. [Figure 6] Hardware configuration diagram of the control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 7] An example of the binding mode selection screen displayed on the screen. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the binding process of compressing a stack of paper at the binding position. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows the position of the binding processing unit during the binding process. [Figure 10] A timing chart illustrating an example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 11] A timing chart illustrating another example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 12] A timing chart illustrating yet another example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 13] A timing chart illustrating yet another example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 14] A timing chart illustrating yet another example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 15] A timing chart illustrating yet another example of the relationship between liquid application and paper transport time. [Figure 16] A data table that defines productivity, which serves as the criterion for determining whether or not a liquid application operation is possible. [Figure 17] A flowchart illustrating the details of the liquid application determination process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment of an Image Forming System] Hereinafter, the image forming system 1000 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1000. The image forming system 1000 has a function of forming an image on a sheet-like medium, i.e., a sheet of paper P, and performing post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. Figure 1 As shown in FIG., the image forming system 1000 is composed of an MFP 10 and a post-processing device 20 as an embodiment of the medium processing device according to the present invention.

[0011] The image forming system 1000 is configured such that an MFP 10 as an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet of paper P as a medium by an electrophotographic method and the post-processing device 20 cooperate with each other. That is, an inlet of the post-processing device 20 is connected to an outlet for discharging the paper P from the MFP 10, and the post-processing device 20 is configured to be able to set its operation based on the parameters set in the MFP 10.

[0012] Note that the image forming system 1000 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, a configuration in which the MFP 10 includes the post-processing device 20 and is made into one device is also possible. Further, it is also possible to configure the system to operate based not only on the parameters set in the MFP 10 but also on the parameters set in the post-processing device 20.

[0013] [Overview of MFP10] As an image forming apparatus, the MFP10 includes a paper feeding unit 110, an optical writing unit 120, an image forming unit 130, a fixing unit 140, and a transport path Tp that transports the paper P housed in the paper feeding unit 110 to the image forming unit 130. Also, as an image reading apparatus, the MFP10 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 150 that automatically supplies the original document Sp on which an image is formed, and an image reading unit 160 that optically reads the original document Sp sent from the ADF 150. And the MFP10 also includes an operation panel 170 that serves as a user interface for performing execution instructions of processing, processing conditions, and settings by the user, and also serves as an information display unit that displays the operating status of the MFP10 and the post-processing apparatus 20.

[0014] The paper feeding unit 110 includes a plurality of storage trays for storing the paper P, and a pair of paper feeding rollers that send out the paper P from each storage tray to the transport path Tp, and sends out a predetermined number of sheets of the paper P to the transport path Tp in response to an execution instruction of image forming processing.

[0015] The operation panel 170 is an operation input interface for instructing the operation of the image forming system 1000, and also functions as an information input interface for the user to set the operation conditions of the image forming system 1000 and the like. On the operation panel 170, as a GUI (Graphical User Interface), when the start key that serves as an operation start instruction of the MFP10 is pressed, image forming processing is executed, an image is formed on the paper P, and then it is discharged.

[0016] The image reading unit 160 optically reads the original document Sp placed on the ADF 150 by a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs it as a reading signal. The reading signal is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit and converted into image data. Then the image data is stored in the image storage unit. The stored image data is read out, converted into a control signal, and used for the operation of the optical writing unit 120.

[0017] The optical writing unit 120 outputs optically modulated laser light according to a control signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum of the image formation unit 130 by a polygon mirror.

[0018] The image-forming unit 130 applies toner as a developer from the developing device to the latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum, forming a toner image on the photoreceptor drum. When the paper P supplied from the feeding unit 110 is transported to the image-forming unit 130 via the transport path Tp, the photoreceptor drum The toner image formed on top is transferred to the paper P.

[0019] The toner image transferred to the paper P is fixed to the paper P via the fuser unit 140. Through this series of steps, a predetermined image is formed on the paper P.

[0020] The paper P on which the image has been formed by the MFP10 is discharged to the subsequent post-processing device 20. The type and conditions of post-processing performed on the paper P in the post-processing device 20 may be based on settings that have been set in advance via the operation panel 170 of the MFP10, or, as will be described later, on settings that have been set via the operation panel of the post-processing device 20.

[0021] The post-processing device 20 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper P that has been fed in from the MFP 10. The processed paper P or paper bundle Pb is then discharged into the tray section of the post-processing device 20, which serves as the discharge destination.

[0022] Furthermore, the image forming process in the MFP10 is not solely based on the original document Sp read by the image reading unit 160. For example, it can also receive image forming data from an external device and perform image forming processing based on that data.

[0023] [Overview of the post-processing device 20] Next, an overview of the post-processing device 20 as an embodiment of the media transport device according to the present invention will be described. The post-processing device 20 is equipped with a superposition transport section 250 as a retraction transport path. The superposition transport section 250 enables a "pre-stack process" in which the preceding medium, which is transported first, is temporarily retracted to a switchback transport path, and the subsequent medium, which is transported thereafter, is superimposed with the preceding medium. The preceding and subsequent media, aligned by the pre-stack process, are transported to a processing tray 260, which will be described later, while remaining aligned. The retraction transport path is provided upstream of the processing tray 260 in the transport direction.

[0024] The post-processing device 20 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper P discharged from the MFP 10, which acts as a higher-level device. The post-processing performed by the post-processing device 20 may be controlled by a control block provided in the post-processing device 20, as described later, based on information from the higher-level device, or it may be controlled by a control block on the higher-level device side (for example, the MFP 10).

[0025] The post-processing device 20 includes a loading and transporting section 210 that extends from the loading port for receiving the paper P discharged by the MFP 10, an upper-shift discharge transporting section 220 and a lower-shift discharge transporting section 230 that branch off downstream of the loading and transporting section 210, and a superposition transporting section 250.

[0026] The loading and transporting section 210 is equipped with a punching unit PU for performing a punching process on the paper P loaded into the post-processing device 20. The paper P that has passed through the loading and transporting section 210 is transported either to the upper shift tray 227 via the upper shift discharge transporting section 220, to the lower shift tray 236 via the lower shift discharge transporting section 230, or to the overlapping transporting section 250. The destination of the paper P is determined by a first branching claw bc1 and a second branching claw bc2 provided at the branching points of the transport path.

[0027] The overlapping transport unit 250 is equipped with a third branching claw bc3. The third branching claw bc3 switches the destination of the paper P between either being transported to the processing tray 260 via the overlapping transport path D, which is the first transport path, or being sent back to the retraction transport path E, which is the second transport path.

[0028] The loading and transport section 210 has multiple transport roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as transport roller pairs) 211, 212, 213, and 214 arranged along the loading and transport path A from the loading entrance. A punch unit PU is positioned between transport roller pair 213 and transport roller pair 214.

[0029] A first branching claw bc1 is positioned downstream of the transport roller pair 214. By switching the state of the first branching claw bc1, the transport direction of the paper P can be divided into either the upper-shift transport path B, the lower-shift transport path C, or the overlapping transport path D. Further downstream of the first branching claw bc1, a second branching claw bc2 is positioned. By switching the state of the second branching claw bc2, the transport direction of the paper P can be divided into either the upper-shift transport path B or the lower-shift transport path C.

[0030] The upper shift discharge conveying section 220 is equipped with multiple conveying roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveying roller pairs) 221, 222, 223, and 225, forming an upper shift conveying path B. Paper P that has passed through the upper shift conveying path B is discharged into the upper shift tray 227. An upper shift sensor 226 is provided near the discharge port to detect when paper P has been discharged into the upper shift tray 227.

[0031] The lower shift discharge conveying section 230 is equipped with multiple conveying roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveying roller pairs) 231, 232, and 233, forming a lower shift conveying path C. Lower shift sensors 234 and 235 are provided near the discharge port to detect when paper P has been discharged into the lower shift tray 236.

[0032] The polymerization conveying section 250 is configured with a polymerization conveying path D. The polymerization conveying path D is equipped with a third branch claw bc3. The polymerization conveying section 250 is also equipped with multiple conveying roller pairs (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as conveying roller pairs) 251, 252, 253, 254, and 255.

[0033] More specifically, an upstream conveyor roller pair 251 is located upstream of the third branch claw bc3, and a downstream conveyor roller pair 252 is located downstream of the third branch claw bc3. A connecting / separating conveyor roller pair 253 is located between the upstream conveyor roller pair 251 and the downstream conveyor roller pair 252, and downstream of the third branch claw bc3. Additionally, a retractable conveyor roller pair 254 is located in the retractable conveyor path E.

[0034] The paper P, transported from upstream to downstream in the polymerization transport section 250, is transported to the processing tray 260 via the processing tray discharge roller pair 255. In the processing tray 260, alignment processing is performed to align the edges of multiple sheets of paper P, and liquid application processing is performed to apply liquid to the binding position. After that, the edges of the aligned paper bundle Pb are bound by the binding processing section 25. The bound paper bundle Pb (media bundle) is then discharged to the lower shift tray 236 via the lower shift transport path C.

[0035] In the post-processing device 20, the post-processing applied to the paper P is a binding process that binds together a stack of multiple sheets of paper P (paper stack Pb) on which images have been formed. More specifically, the binding process according to this embodiment includes a so-called "pressure binding" which deforms the paper stack Pb by applying pressure at the binding position, and a "staple binding" which binds the paper stack Pb with staples. This specification omits the description of the configuration and operation related to staple binding.

[0036] [Example configuration of binding processing unit 25 and processing tray 260] Here, the binding processing unit 25, which is a binding processing unit provided in the post-processing device 20, and the processing tray 260 on which the paper P is placed when the binding processing of the paper P is performed in the binding processing unit 25 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 corresponds to view B in Figure 2.

[0037] The paper P is transported to the processing tray 260 by the processing tray discharge roller pair 255. The white arrows shown in Figure 3 indicate the transport direction in this specification. After being transported by the processing tray discharge roller pair 255, the paper P is discharged into the processing tray 260 and then slides down the inclined mounting surface by gravity to reach the mounting position. In this specification, the direction indicated by the white arrows (the direction in which the paper slides down the mounting surface) is defined as the transport direction. Note that movement to the mounting position is not limited to gravity; although not shown in Figure 3, transport by tapping rollers that push the paper P on the mounting surface in the direction of the white arrows, and movement by a tip jogger are also possible.

[0038] When the binding processing unit 25 performs binding on the end of the paper stack Pb, alignment processing is performed in the processing tray 260 to align the ends of the paper P or paper stack Pb. As shown in Figure 3, the processing tray 260 includes a pair of side fences 24 that define the position of the side ends of the paper P or paper stack Pb in order to perform alignment processing, and an end fence 23 that defines the position of the leading end of the paper P or paper stack Pb that has been conveyed toward the binding processing unit 25. The ends of the paper P or paper stack Pb stacked in the processing tray 260 are aligned by the side fences 24 and the end fence 23, and preparations are made for performing binding processing.

[0039] First, the paper P that has been transported to the processing tray 260 undergoes alignment processing. Then, after applying liquid to the final paper Pe, which is the final medium constituting the paper bundle Pb, binding processing is performed. Binding is performed at a predetermined position perpendicular to the transport direction where liquid application was performed (corresponding to binding position B1 in Figure 9). The bound paper bundle Pb is then discharged from the post-processing device 20. The liquid application processing is performed on each sheet of paper P after the alignment processing is completed.

[0040] As previously explained, the direction toward the state in which the paper is placed on the processing tray 260 is defined as the "conveying direction" (paper conveying direction in Figure 3). Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and conveying direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)".

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the binding processing unit 25 viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. Figure 4 corresponds to view A in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the binding processing unit 25 includes a liquid application means 31 and a crimping means 32. The liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 are arranged downstream of the processing tray 260 in the transport direction and adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0042] The liquid application means 31 applies liquid (for example, water) stored in the liquid storage tank 43 to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid application"). The position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or paper stack Pb by the liquid application means 31 (liquid application position) corresponds to the binding position (binding position B1 in Figure 9) where crimp binding is to be performed. As shown in Figure 4, the liquid application means 31 comprises a lower pressing plate 33, an upper pressing plate 34, a moving mechanism 35, and a liquid application mechanism 36.

[0043] Here, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 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 can be so-called hot water or hot water. Furthermore, it is not limited to pure water; it can be purified water, or even contain ionized salts. The hardness of the water, from so-called soft water to very hard water, is also irrelevant regarding the metal ion content.

[0044] In addition to the main component, additives may also be included. It may contain residual chlorine used in tap water, and it is desirable that colorants, penetrating agents, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying agents such as glycerin are added. Furthermore, since inks used in inkjet printing devices and inks used in water-based pens also use water as an ingredient, these may also be used as "liquid additives."

[0045] While the specific examples given here are not the only options, any "water" in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or diluted ethanol solution for disinfection, will also function. However, for the sole purpose of pressure binding, readily available and manageable tap water is sufficient. Furthermore, using a liquid with water as its main component, as exemplified above, will improve the binding strength of the paper stack Pb compared to using a liquid that does not have water as its main component.

[0046] The lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are positioned downstream of the processing tray 260 in the transport direction. The lower pressing plate 33 supports the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260 from below. The lower pressing plate 33 is provided on the lower pressing plate holder 331. The upper pressing plate 34 is configured to be movable above the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260. That is, the lower pressing plate 33 and the upper pressing plate 34 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness direction") of the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260, with the paper P or paper stack Pb in between. Furthermore, the upper pressing plate 34 has a through-hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the tip of the liquid application member 44 attached to the base plate 40.

[0047] The moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 44 in the thickness direction of the paper P or paper stack Pb. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 44 in conjunction with a single liquid application means moving motor 37. The moving mechanism 35 comprises, for example, a liquid application means moving motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0048] The liquid application mechanism moving motor 37 generates a driving force to move the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the liquid application member 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably attached to the liquid application frame 31a. The trapezoidal screw 38 is also connected to the output shaft of the liquid application mechanism moving motor 37 via a pulley or belt. The nut 39 is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force from the liquid application mechanism moving motor 37 is transmitted, causing the trapezoidal screw 38 to rotate, which in turn causes the nut 39 to move.

[0049] The base plate 40 is a flat plate parallel to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260. The base plate 40 is positioned above the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid application member 44 with its tip protruding downwards. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 and is configured to be movable together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a movement sensor 40a.

[0050] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the liquid application member 44. 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 lower ends. Coil springs 42a and 42b are externally fitted to the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b downward relative to the base plate 40.

[0051] The liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to the paper P or paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260. More specifically, the liquid application mechanism 36 applies liquid to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb by bringing the tip of the liquid application member 44 into contact with the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid application mechanism 36 comprises a liquid storage tank 43, a liquid application member 44, a supply member 45, and a joint 46.

[0052] The liquid storage tank 43 stores water for supply to the paper P or paper stack Pb. The amount of water stored in the liquid storage tank 43 is detected by the liquid level sensor 43a. The liquid dispensing member 44 dispenses the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 onto the paper P or paper stack Pb. The liquid dispensing member 44 is attached to the base plate 40 with its tip facing downwards. The liquid dispensing member 44 is made of a material with high water absorption (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0053] The supply member 45 is a long member whose base end is immersed in the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 43 and whose tip is connected to the liquid supply member 44. Furthermore, the supply member 45 is made of a material with a high liquid absorption rate, similar to the liquid supply member 44. As a result, water absorbed from the base end of the supply member 45 is supplied to the liquid supply member 44 by capillary action.

[0054] The protective member 45a is a long cylindrical body (e.g., a tube) that is fitted onto the supply member 45. This prevents the liquid absorbed by the supply member 45 from leaking out or evaporating. The supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are made of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the liquid application member 44 to the base plate 40. This ensures that even when the liquid application member 44 is moved by the moving mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains a downward-facing tip.

[0055] The crimping means 32 fastens the paper bundle Pb by applying pressure and deforming the paper bundle Pb with its uneven fastening teeth 32a and 32b (hereinafter referred to as "crimping fastening"). In other words, the crimping means 32 can fasten the paper bundle Pb without using staples. The components of the crimping means 32 (fastening teeth 32a (upper crimping teeth), fastening teeth 32b (lower crimping teeth)) are provided on the crimping frame 32c.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping means 32. As shown in Figure 5, the crimping means 32 comprises a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 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 processing tray 260. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed in an uneven shape with alternating recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the recesses and protrusions of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are offset from each other so that they interlock. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b move toward and toward each other by the driving force of the separation motor 32d (see Figure 6).

[0057] As multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb are supplied to the processing tray 260, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are spaced apart from each other, as shown in Figure 5(A). When all the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack Pb are placed on the processing tray 260, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b engage, as shown in Figure 5(B), and pressurize and deform the paper stack Pb from the thickness direction. This causes the paper stack Pb placed on the processing tray 260 to be crimped and bound. The crimped and bound paper stack is then discharged to the lower shift tray 236 by the transport roller pair.

[0058] Furthermore, the configuration of the crimping means 32 is not limited to this embodiment, as it only needs to be such that the fastening teeth 32a and 32b constituting the crimping mechanism mesh together. For example, it could be a link mechanism type crimping mechanism that 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 fastening teeth 32a and 32b (for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167), or it could be a linear-motion type crimping mechanism that uses a screw mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the drive source into linear motion to perform the crimping and separating operations of the fastening teeth 32a and 32b linearly.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the binding processing unit 25 includes a binding processing unit moving mechanism 47. The binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 moves the binding processing unit 25 (i.e., 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 processing tray 260 in the transport direction. The binding processing unit moving mechanism 47 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a binding processing unit moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0060] 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. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction downstream of the processing tray 260 in the transport direction. The guide shaft 49 also supports the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The binding processing unit moving motor 50 generates a driving force to move the binding processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys and a timing belt. As a result, the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49.

[0061] [Control block of post-processing device 20] Figure 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control block that controls the operation of the post-processing unit 20. As shown in Figure 6, the post-processing unit 20 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 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0062] The CPU 101 is the arithmetic unit and controls the operation of the entire post-processing unit 20. 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.

[0063] The post-processing unit 20 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, which includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 20. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing unit 20 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing unit 20. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100, which is a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing unit 20.

[0064] I / F105 is an interface that connects the transport roller pairs (251-255, etc.), branching claws (bc1, bc2, bc3, etc.), side fences 24, liquid application means 31, crimping means 32, liquid application means moving motor 37, contact / separation motor 32d, binding processing unit moving motor 50, and operation panel 170 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the transport roller pairs, branching claws, side fences 24, liquid application means 31, crimping means 32, liquid application means moving motor 37, contact / separation motor 32d, and binding processing unit moving motor 50 via I / F105. Note that Figure 6 only shows the components that perform the edge binding process.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the MFP10 is equipped with an operation panel 170, which comprises an operation unit that receives input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 170 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display. The post-processing device 20 may also be equipped with an operation panel 170 similar to the one described above.

[0066] Figure 7 shows an example of the binding mode selection screen displayed on the display. The binding mode selection screen is displayed on the operation panel 170, which serves as the operation mode setting unit, and is a screen that allows the user of the post-processing device 20 to select the binding mode for the binding process, which will be described later.

[0067] The binding mode is used to switch between the productivity (throughput) of the process of crimping multiple binding positions and the strength of the crimping. In other words, the binding mode is used to switch the operating timing of the crimping means 32 and the liquid application means 31 in crimping. The binding mode includes, for example, a productivity priority mode, a binding strength priority mode, and a balance mode.

[0068] The productivity-priority mode is a mode that prioritizes productivity over the strength of the pressure binding. More specifically, the productivity-priority mode is a binding mode in which the number of times the liquid is applied to the liquid application means 31 is reduced compared to the binding strength-priority mode. For example, when it is determined that it is more advantageous from a productivity standpoint to perform the binding process without applying liquid to a certain sheet of paper P, this mode performs the binding process on a stack of paper Pb that includes sheets of paper P that have not been treated with liquid, rather than performing the liquid application process on the sheet of paper P every time. In other words, the productivity-priority mode is a mode in which the number of times the liquid application process on the stack of paper Pb is reduced (the number of times the liquid application process is skipped, or the number of pre-stacks) is greater than in the binding strength-priority mode and the balance mode. For example, this mode reduces the liquid application process on 60% or more of the sheets of paper P that make up the stack of paper Pb.

[0069] The binding strength priority mode is a mode that prioritizes the strength of the pressure binding over productivity. Since it prioritizes the liquid application process, it corresponds to the "liquid application priority mode". More specifically, in the binding strength priority mode, the number of times the liquid is applied to the liquid application means 31 is compared with the productivity priority mode. balanceThis is a binding mode that increases the number of times compared to the standard mode. For example, even if it is determined that applying liquid to a certain sheet of paper P would temporarily delay the transport of subsequent media, thus reducing productivity, this binding mode performs the liquid application process to the sheet of paper P every time. Alternatively, this mode reduces the number of times the liquid application process is skipped for the sheet of paper Pb (the number of times the liquid application process is skipped, or the number of pre-stacks) compared to the productivity priority mode and the balance mode. For example, this mode reduces the liquid application process for 40% or less of the sheets of paper P that make up the sheet of paper Pb.

[0070] The Balance Mode is a binding mode that balances productivity with the strength of the pressure binding. More specifically, the Balance Mode is a binding mode that increases the strength of the pressure binding compared to the productivity-priority mode by leveling out the number of times liquid is applied to multiple binding positions. Furthermore, the Balance Mode is a binding mode that increases productivity compared to the binding strength-priority mode by reducing the number of times the liquid is applied to the liquid application means 31. In other words, it is a mode in which the number of times the liquid application process is reduced for the paper stack Pb (the number of times the liquid application process is skipped, or the number of pre-stacks) is about halfway between the productivity-priority mode and the binding strength-priority mode. For example, it is a mode in which the liquid application process is reduced for 50% of the paper P that make up the paper stack Pb.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the binding mode selection screen includes a [Productivity Priority Mode] button corresponding to the productivity priority mode, a [Binding Strength Priority Mode] button corresponding to the binding strength priority mode, a [Balanced Mode] button corresponding to the balanced mode, and an [Automatic] button. The [Automatic] button corresponds to the controller 100 determining the binding mode based on the execution conditions of the binding process (for example, a predetermined number N of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the liquid absorbency of the paper P, etc.).

[0072] The user of the post-processing device 20 presses (inputs) the button corresponding to the desired binding mode from among the multiple buttons included on the binding mode selection screen. The controller 100 switches to the binding mode corresponding to the pressed button (input operation via the control panel). Note that the binding modes are not limited to the three modes: productivity priority mode, binding strength priority mode, and balance mode; any one of them may be omitted.

[0073] [Binding process flow] Next, a binding process as an example of a binding process performed in the media processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described using a flowchart and a timing chart. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the binding process. The binding process shown in Figure 8 is an example of one that is performed when the [Automatic] button is selected on the binding mode selection screen. That is, the controller 100 performs the binding process in response to receiving, for example, an execution instruction for the binding process (hereinafter referred to as "binding process instruction") from the MFP 10.

[0074] Figure 9 shows the positions of the liquid application means 31 and the crimping means 32 during the binding process shown in Figure 8. Note that at the start of the binding process, the binding processing unit 25 is assumed to be in the standby position HP.

[0075] First, as shown in Figure 9(A), the controller 100 drives the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid application means 31 faces the binding position B1 (i.e., the liquid application position B1) (S801).

[0076] Next, the controller 100 rotates the transport roller pair to place the paper P, on which the image has been formed by the MFP 10, onto the processing tray 260 (S802). The controller 100 also moves the side fence 24 to align the position of the paper P on the processing tray 260 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0077] Next, the controller 100 executes a liquid application determination process to determine whether to execute a liquid application process on the binding position B1 of the sheet P placed on the processing tray 260 in the immediately preceding step S802 (S803). The detailed processing content of S803 will be described later. When controlling to perform the liquid application process in S803, the liquid application means 31 is moved to the binding position to perform the liquid application process. Usually, if the liquid application process is to be executed, the controller 100 drives the liquid application means moving motor 37 to bring the liquid application member 44 into contact with the binding position B1 of the sheet P placed on the processing tray 260.

[0078] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets placed on the processing tray 260 has reached a predetermined number N instructed by the binding process instruction (S804). The predetermined number N corresponds to the number of sheets P constituting one sheet bundle Pb. And, in response to determining that the number of sheets placed on the processing tray 260 has not reached the predetermined number N (S804: No), the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S802 to S803 again.

[0079] That is, every time the sheet P is conveyed to the processing tray 260 by the pair of conveyance rollers, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S802 to S803. However, depending on the processing content in S803, liquid application may not be performed on all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb. And, separately from the determination process of the liquid application process in S803, the controller 100 may control to cause the liquid application means 31 to apply liquid to the binding position B1 at an interval of one sheet per n ( 1 < n <N) sheets.

[0080] And, in response to determining that the number of sheets P placed on the processing tray 260 has reached the predetermined number N (one sheet bundle Pb) (S804: Yes), as shown in FIG. 9(C), the controller 100 drives the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the crimping means 32 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping means 32 faces the binding position B1 (S805).

[0081] Next, the controller 100 applies pressure binding to the stack of paper Pb contained in the processing tray 260 and discharges it into the lower shift tray 236 (S806). That is, the controller 100 uses an approach / disengagement motor. 32d The controller 100 drives the binding teeth 32a and 32b to grip the binding position B1 of the stack of paper Pb placed on the processing tray 260. The controller 100 also rotates the transport roller pair 233 to discharge the crimped stack of paper Pb into the lower shift tray 236.

[0082] Then, once the series of binding processes is complete, the controller 100 drives the binding processing unit moving motor 50 to move the binding processing unit 25 to the standby position HP, as shown in Figure 9(D) (S807).

[0083] [Details of the liquid application determination process] Next, the liquid application determination process in S803 will be described. When the liquid application determination process is executed in the post-processing device 20 according to this embodiment, the necessity of liquid application (to perform liquid application / not to perform liquid application) is determined using determination conditions.

[0084] Before explaining using flowcharts, we will first explain using the timing charts in Figures 10 to 15. These timing charts illustrate the time series of the liquid application operation, the paper alignment operation, and the paper bundle Pb discharge operation. The dotted lines in the figures illustrate the transport interval of the paper P being transported to the processing tray 260. Paper P1, paper P2, ... illustrate the transport order of the paper P. The final paper Pe indicates the last paper P to be transported to the processing tray 260 among the multiple paper P that make up one paper bundle Pb. Therefore, after the final paper Pe is transported to the processing tray 260 and the predetermined processing is completed, the binding process is performed, and after the binding process is completed, one paper bundle Pb is discharged from the processing tray 260.

[0085] First, let's explain the "productivity of the binding process," which is important for determining whether or not liquid application is necessary. The productivity of the binding process is defined as the number of paper bundles Pb that can be discharged per unit time. In this case, the productivity of the binding process can be said to be determined by "the time defined by the transport interval in which the paper P is transported toward the processing tray 260 (transport time t1)," "the alignment time t2 in which alignment processing is performed in the processing tray 260," "the liquid application time t3 in which liquid is applied to the paper P," "the binding time t4 in which binding processing is performed on the paper bundles Pb," and "the discharge time t5 in which the paper bundles Pb are discharged from the processing tray 260." In particular, the transport time t1 is determined by the processing capacity of the MFP 10 that discharges the paper P to the post-processing device 20.

[0086] Figure 16 shows the "productivity of the MFP10," which is the number of sheets of paper P that the MFP10 forms an image on and discharges to the post-processing device 20 per minute. As shown in Figure 16, the productivity of the MFP10 varies depending on the size, type, and thickness (paper thickness) of the paper P, and also varies depending on the type of MFP10. The MFP10 has processing capacity data corresponding to the productivity data (Figure 16) based on its type stored in advance. The post-processing device 20 may receive the processing capacity data from the MFP10, or it may store it in advance in an HDD 104 or the like.

[0087] The post-processing device 20 can calculate the transport time t1 per sheet of paper P, which is determined by the processing capacity of the MFP, based on processing capacity data as illustrated in Figure 16. Alternatively, the transport time t1 may be calculated by the MFP 10 and notified to the post-processing device 20.

[0088] [Timing Chart] Figure 10 shows a comparison between the transport time t1, which is the transport interval time for one sheet of paper P to be transported to the processing tray 260, and the first total time t10, which is the sum of the alignment time t2 and liquid application time t3 required for the sheet of paper P. The first total time t10 corresponds to the liquid application processing time. In the example in Figure 10, since the transport time t1 is longer than the first total time t10, even if liquid application processing is performed for each sheet of paper P, there is no need to wait for the transport of subsequent sheets of paper, and therefore the productivity of the binding process is not reduced.

[0089] The example in Figure 11 shows a case where the first total time t10, which is the liquid application processing time, is longer than the transport time t1, which is the transport interval time. In this case, it becomes necessary to wait for the transport of subsequent sheets of paper until the first total time t10 has elapsed. For example, it becomes necessary to stop the paper ejection operation of the MFP10 or stop the image forming process, which will reduce productivity.

[0090] In such cases, for example, the liquid application process is not performed on paper P2 and paper P4. As a result, the corresponding liquid application time t3 does not occur, and the first total time t10 becomes equivalent to the alignment time t2. Generally, the alignment time t2 is shorter than the transport time t1, so there is no need to wait for the transport of subsequent paper, and the productivity of the binding process can be improved.

[0091] As previously described, the post-processing device 20 is equipped with a stacking transport unit 250. In the stacking transport unit 250, the preceding medium is temporarily moved to a switchback transport path, and the subsequent medium that is transported afterward is transported stacked multiple times with the preceding medium. When this pre-stacking process is performed, as shown in Figure 12, even if the first total time t10 is longer than the transport time t1, there is no need to wait for the transport of paper P from the MFP 10. In addition, the alignment time t2 for paper P2 and paper P4 can be omitted, thereby improving the productivity of the binding process.

[0092] The above describes a method for improving the productivity of the binding process in relation to the time required for transporting the paper P until the paper bundle Pb is formed, and for the alignment and liquid application processes applied to it. Next, we will explain the determination of whether or not liquid application is necessary for the final sheet of paper (final sheet Pe) that makes up the paper bundle Pb, and a method for improving the productivity of the binding process.

[0093] The example in Figure 13 illustrates a case in which the necessity of liquid application processing to the final sheet of paper Pe is determined by comparing a second total time t11, which includes the binding time t4 for binding the paper stack Pb and the release time t5 for releasing the paper stack Pb from the processing tray 260, with the transport time t1. As shown in Figure 13, if the second total time t11, which is the sum of the alignment time t2, liquid application time t3, binding time t4, and release time t5 for the final sheet of paper Pe of one paper stack Pb, is longer than the transport time t1, then it becomes necessary to temporarily delay the transport of the next sheet of paper P3 (next medium) that makes up the next sheet of paper Pb. In other words, the productivity of the binding process deteriorates.

[0094] In a case like that shown in Figure 13, as shown in Figure 14, the liquid application operation to the last sheet of paper Pe (paper P2) of a single sheet of paper Pb is not performed. As a result, the liquid application time t3 to the last sheet of paper Pe of a single sheet of paper Pb is not incurred, and the second total time t11 becomes equivalent to the sum of the alignment time t2, the binding time t4, and the release time t5. In this case, the second total time t11 is shorter than the transport time t1, so there is no need to wait for the transport of subsequent sheets of paper to form the next sheet of paper Pb, and the productivity of the binding process can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, if the paper P that is transported after the last paper Pe of one paper stack Pb, that is, the paper P3 (next medium) that constitutes the next paper stack Pb, is temporarily moved to the switchback transport path in the overlapping transport unit 250, and the subsequent medium (paper P4) and the preceding medium (paper P3) that are transported afterwards are transported in layers, a decrease in the productivity of the binding process can be avoided even in the case shown in Figure 14. In addition, in this case, it is possible to respond even when it is determined that omitting the application of liquid to the last paper Pe of one paper stack Pb would result in unfavorable binding strength. In other words, it is possible to maintain binding strength while suppressing a decrease in the productivity of the binding process.

[0096] [Flowchart for liquid application determination process] Figure 17 is a flowchart detailing the liquid application determination process shown in S803. First, it is determined whether the binding mode is set to "binding strength priority mode" (S1701). If it is in binding strength priority mode (S1701: Yes), the liquid application operation for each sheet of paper P is performed even if the productivity of the binding process is reduced (S1702). If it is not in binding strength priority mode (S1702: No), it is determined whether the sheet of paper P to be determined is the last sheet of paper Pe in a sheet of paper Pb (S1703).

[0097] If the paper P to be judged is not the final paper Pe (S1703: No), it is in the process of forming a single paper stack Pb, which corresponds to the state explained in Figure 10. Therefore, the transport time t1 and the first total time t10 are compared (S1704). If the transport time t1 is longer than the first total time t10 (t1 ≥ t10), then applying liquid to the paper P to be judged will not reduce the productivity of the binding process. Therefore, in this case (S1704: Yes), the liquid application operation to the paper P is performed (S1702).

[0098] In S1704, if the conveyance time t1 is shorter than the first total time t10 (t1 < t10), it is in the middle of forming a stack of sheets Pb and corresponds to the state described in FIG. 11. That is, applying liquid to the paper P to be determined will reduce the productivity of the binding process. Therefore, in this case (S1704: No), it is determined whether it is possible to perform a prestack process of conveying the subsequent sheet (sheet P2) to the retraction conveyance path and aligning it in advance for the sheet P (sheet P1) to be processed (S1705). Specifically, it is determined that prestacking is possible when the subsequent sheet (sheet P2) satisfies the conditions that it is a paper size that can be prestacked (for example, A4 portrait, A4 landscape) shown in FIG. 16 and that it is a paper type / paper thickness that can be prestacked (for example, plain paper, thick paper).

[0099] If the prestack process can be executed (S1705: Yes), since it corresponds to the state described in FIG. 12, a liquid application operation is performed on the sheet P (sheet P1) that was the determination target (S1702). If the prestack process cannot be executed (S1705: No), the liquid application operation to the sheet P (sheet P1) is skipped (S1706).

[0100] If the sheet P to be determined is the final sheet Pe (S1703: Yes), since it is the stage of performing a binding operation and a discharging operation on a stack of sheets Pb, it is in the state described in any of FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. Therefore, a comparison is made between the conveyance time t1 and the second total time t11 (S1707). Here, if the conveyance time t1 is longer than the second total time t11 (t1 ≧ t11), it is in the state described in FIG. 13, and applying water to the sheet P to be determined (final sheet Pe) will not reduce the productivity of the binding process. Therefore, in this case (S1707: Yes), a liquid application operation is performed on the sheet P (S1702).

[0101] If the conveying time t1 is shorter than the second total time t11 (t1 < t11), it is the state described in FIG. 13. In this case, applying liquid to the final sheet Pe to be determined will reduce the productivity of the binding process. Therefore, it is determined whether the prestack process can be executed on the subsequent sheet (sheet P3) of the final sheet Pe (sheet P2) (S1705).

[0102] If the prestack process can be executed (S1705: Yes), since it corresponds to the state described in FIG. 15, the liquid application operation is executed on the final sheet Pe to be determined (S1702). If the prestack process cannot be executed (S1705: No), since it is the state described in FIG. 14, the liquid application operation to the final sheet Pe is skipped (S1706).

[0103] Note that the liquid application determination process (S803) is not limited to determining and setting the presence or absence of the liquid application operation by comparing the conveying time t1 with the required time (the first total time t10, the second total time t11) for performing the post-processing as described above. For example, the presence or absence of the liquid application operation may be set based on a preset liquid application presence or absence operation pattern. As the liquid application presence or absence operation pattern, for example, among the plurality of sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb, the liquid application operation is performed or not performed only on the odd-numbered or even-numbered sheets P, or the liquid application operation is performed or not performed every other sheet.

[0104] Furthermore, even if the liquid application operation is skipped (S1706), the system can be configured to perform the liquid application operation if it is determined that the necessary binding strength cannot be obtained without liquid application. Here, the case in which it is determined that the necessary binding strength cannot be obtained without liquid application is, for example, when the number of liquid application operations up to the paper P (the Nth sheet) among the multiple sheets P constituting the paper stack Pb falls below the predetermined number of liquid application operations (the number of times the paper stack Pb cannot be maintained in a bound state if the number of liquid application operations is less than or equal to that number), or when the number of consecutive sheets P that have not undergone liquid application exceeds a predetermined number (the number of sheets that cannot be maintained in a bound state if it exceeds a predetermined number).

[0105] According to the above embodiment, for example, the following effects are achieved.

[0106] In other words, when the post-processing device 20 performs the crimping and binding process, if the productivity of the binding process decreases in relation to the processing capacity of the MFP 10, it is possible to maintain the productivity of the binding process by not applying liquid to the paper as long as the binding strength of the crimping and binding is within an acceptable range.

[0107] Furthermore, instead of assuming that applying liquid to paper P will reduce the productivity of the binding process, it becomes possible to decide in advance whether or not to apply liquid to any particular type of paper.

[0108] Furthermore, if an operating mode prioritizing the productivity of the binding process is selected, it is possible to avoid reducing the productivity of the binding process by not applying liquid to the paper P within a range where the binding strength of the pressure binding is acceptable.

[0109] Furthermore, by obtaining the time interval (transport time t1) of the paper P discharged from the MFP 10, it is possible to determine that the productivity of the binding process as an image forming system 1000 does not decrease even when liquid is applied.

[0110] Furthermore, if a sheet of paper P is determined not to require liquid application, it is temporarily transported to a retraction path and transported together with subsequent sheets of paper P. This process reduces the overall processing time by processing multiple sheets of paper P together, thus preventing a decrease in the productivity of the binding process.

[0111] If it is determined that omitting the application of liquid to the final sheet of paper P (final sheet of paper Pe) among the multiple sheets of paper P that make up one sheet of paper Pb would result in unfavorable binding strength, then applying liquid to the final sheet of paper Pe and temporarily moving the subsequent sheets of paper P that make up the next sheet of paper Pb to a retraction path can prevent a decrease in the productivity of the binding process by performing the liquid application process on the final sheet of paper Pe.

[0112] Furthermore, the control method described above may be implemented, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method by which a computer executes by having the arithmetic unit, memory device, input device, output device, and control device work together based on a program. The program may also be written to a memory device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0113] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified 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 above embodiments 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.

[0114] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A transport unit that transports the media, A liquid application means for applying liquid to the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, A crimping means for compressing and deforming a bundle of media containing at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-applying means, Equipped with, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the liquid application means is configured to select whether to apply the liquid to all of the media constituting the media bundle or to apply the liquid to only some of the media constituting the media bundle, depending on the conveying interval at which the media is conveyed by the conveying unit. <2> The liquid application means, when the liquid application processing time from when one medium constituting the medium bundle reaches the liquid application position until the end of the liquid application is shorter than the transport interval time corresponding to the transport interval, applies liquid to the medium that is transported after the medium. <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <3> The device includes an operating mode setting unit that allows the user to select and set operating modes, including a binding strength priority mode in which liquid is applied to each of the multiple media constituting the media bundle, and a productivity priority mode in which the time from binding the media bundle with the crimping means to ejection. The liquid dispensing means, when the operating mode is the productivity priority mode, and the liquid dispensing processing time from when one medium constituting the medium bundle reaches the liquid dispensing position until the end of the liquid dispensing is longer than the transport interval time corresponding to the transport interval, either refrains from dispensing liquid to the medium transported after the medium, or dispensing liquid to a portion of the medium transported after the medium. <1> or <2> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <4> The liquid application means, when the operating mode is the binding strength priority mode, applies liquid to the medium that is conveyed after the medium, even if the liquid application processing time is longer than the conveyance interval time. <3> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <5> The liquid application means determines whether or not to apply the liquid to the preceding medium based on the result of comparing the time until the completion of the process performed prior to the process of applying the liquid to the medium with the transport interval. <1> or the above <4> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <6> The transport unit has a transport path for transporting the media to a tray on which a plurality of the media are placed, and a retraction transport path located upstream of the tray in the transport direction and different from the transport path. The transport unit temporarily transports the medium to which the liquid is not dispensed by the liquid dispensing means to the retraction transport path, and then transports the medium to which the liquid is not dispensed and the medium to be transported after it onto the tray. The liquid application means applies the liquid to the stacked media. <1> or the above <5> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <7> The liquid dispensing means, when the next medium to be transported after the last medium to be transported among the multiple media constituting a single media bundle is transported to the retraction transport path, dispenses the liquid to the last medium. <6> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <8> An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that forms images on multiple media, The image forming apparatus presses together a plurality of media on which images have been formed. <1> or the above <7> This is an image forming system characterized by comprising the media processing apparatus described above and [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 10: MFP 20: Post-processing equipment 23: End fence 24: Side fence 25: Binding Processing Unit 31: Liquid dispensing means 32: Crimping means 32a, 32b: Binding teeth 33: Lower pressure plate 34: Upper pressure plate 34a: Through-hole 35: Movement mechanism 36: Liquid application mechanism 37: Liquid application means moving motor 38: Trapezoidal screw 39: Nut 40: Base plate 41a, 41b: Columnar members 42a, 42b: Coil spring 43: Liquid storage tank 44: Liquid-applying member 45: Supply component 45a: Protective member 46: Joint 47: Binding Processing Unit Movement Mechanism 48: Base component 49: Guide axis 50: Binding processing unit moving motor 51: Power transmission mechanism 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105 :I / F 109: Common Bus 110: Feeding section 120: Optical writing section 130: Imaging section 140: Fixing section 160: Image reading unit 170: Control Panel 210: Loading and Transport Department 213: Conveyor roller pair 214: Conveyor roller pair 220: Upper shift discharge conveying section 226: Upper shift sensor 227: Upper shift tray 230: Lower shift discharge conveying section 234: Lower shift sensor 235: Lower shift sensor 236: Lower shift tray 250: Polymerization conveying unit 251: Upstream conveyor roller pair 252: Downstream conveyor roller pair 253: Contact / separation conveyor roller pair 254: Evacuation transport roller 255: Processing tray discharge roller pair 257: Conveyor roller pair 260: Processing tray 1000: Image forming system [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-101009

Claims

1. A transport unit that transports the media, A liquid application means for applying liquid to the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, A crimping means for compressing and deforming a bundle of media containing at least one of the media to which liquid has been applied by the liquid-applying means, Equipped with, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the liquid application means is configured to select whether to apply the liquid to all of the media constituting the media bundle or to apply the liquid to only some of the media constituting the media bundle, depending on the conveying interval at which the media is conveyed by the conveying unit.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid dispensing means dispenses liquid to a medium that is transported after the medium if the liquid dispensing processing time from when one medium constituting the media bundle reaches the liquid dispensing position until the end of the liquid dispensing is shorter than the transport interval time corresponding to the transport interval.

3. The device includes an operating mode setting unit that allows the user to select and set operating modes, including a binding strength priority mode in which liquid is applied to each of the multiple media constituting the media bundle, and a productivity priority mode in which the time from binding the media bundle with the crimping means to ejection. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid dispensing means, when the operating mode is the productivity priority mode, and the liquid dispensing processing time from when one medium constituting the media bundle reaches the liquid dispensing position until the end of the liquid dispensing is longer than the transport interval time corresponding to the transport interval, either does not dispense liquid to the medium transported after the medium, or dispenses liquid to a portion of the medium transported after the medium.

4. The media processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the liquid application means applies liquid to a medium that is conveyed after the medium, even if the liquid application processing time is longer than the conveyance interval time, when the operating mode is the binding strength priority mode.

5. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid application means determines whether or not to apply the liquid to the preceding medium based on the result of comparing the time until the completion of the process performed prior to the process of applying the liquid to the medium with the transport interval.

6. The transport unit has a transport path for transporting the media to a tray on which a plurality of the media are placed, and a retraction transport path located upstream of the tray in the transport direction and different from the transport path. The transport unit temporarily transports the medium to which the liquid is not dispensed by the liquid dispensing means to the retraction transport path, and then transports the medium to which the liquid is not dispensed and the medium to be transported after it onto the tray. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid application means applies the liquid to the stacked media.

7. The media processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the liquid dispensing means dispenses the liquid to the final medium when the next medium to be transported after the last medium to be transported among a plurality of media constituting a single media bundle is transported to the retraction transport path.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that forms images on multiple media, A media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus are compressed and bound together, An image forming system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images