Medium processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

A medium processing apparatus includes a liquid‑applying device configured to perform liquid application to at least a part of one or more media, including a first liquid storage unit 44 configured to store a liquid for use in the liquid application, a liquid‑supplying member 50 having an immersed portion 502 configured to be permeated by the liquid, the liquid‑supplying member being held by a holder 37 with respect to the first liquid storage unit such that the immersed portion is positioned within an internal space of the first liquid storage unit, and a liquid‑applying member 501 configured to receive the liquid from the liquid‑supplying member and to come in contact with the one or more media to perform the liquid application, and a flow path 511 disposed between the first liquid storage unit and the liquid‑supplying member held with respect to the first liquid storage unit.

Description

MEDIUM PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

[0001] The disclosures herein generally relate to medium processing apparatuses and image forming systems.

[0002] A medium processing apparatus capable of performing a process of binding a sheet bundle including sheet-like media (hereinafter, referred to as “binding process”) is known. The medium processing apparatus capable of performing a process of binding a sheet bundle composed of sheet-like media is known. Examples of binding processes applicable to the medium processing apparatus include a “needle stitching process”, in which a needle-shaped member (stitching member) penetrates a sheet bundle for binding, and a “crimp binding process”, in which a part of a sheet bundle is pressed and deformed for binding.

[0003] There is disclosed a configuration in which, when a liquid is applied to a paper as a sheet-like medium by a liquid applying unit, an amount of the liquid is adjusted in order to obtain an appropriate binding force during crimp binding (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-003754

[0005] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the liquid to be supplied to the liquid applying unit does not remain in a tank for storing the liquid or when the liquid supplying member for supplying the liquid to the sheet-like medium via the liquid applying unit is dry, there is a problem that the liquid supplying member requires time to reach a state capable of supplying liquid required for the liquid application to the liquid applying unit.

[0006] The present disclosure has an object to provide a medium processing apparatus capable of reducing time for the liquid applying unit to reach a state in which the liquid applying unit can apply the liquid to the sheet-like medium.Disclosure of the Invention

[0007] A medium processing apparatus includes a liquid applying device configured to perform liquid application to at least a part of one or more media, including a first liquid storage unit configured to store a liquid for use in the liquid application, a liquid supplying member including an immersed portion configured to be permeated by the liquid, the liquid supplying member being held by a holder with respect to the first liquid storage unit such that the immersed portion is positioned within an internal space of the first liquid storage unit, and a liquid applying member configured to receive the liquid from the liquid supplying member and to come in contact with the one or more media to perform the liquid application, and a flow path disposed between the first liquid storage unit and the liquid supplying member held with respect to the first liquid storage unit.Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, by increasing a contact area between the liquid supplying member, which supplies the liquid to the liquid applying unit for applying the liquid to a sheet-like medium, and the liquid, it is possible to reduce the time required for the liquid to permeate into the liquid supplying member and the time required for the liquid applying unit to reach a state capable of applying the liquid to the sheet-like medium.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system.Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an internal structure of a post-processing apparatus according to a first embodiment.Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an end binding processor as viewed from an upstream side in a conveying direction.Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the end binding processor as viewed from a liquid applying device side in a main scanning direction.Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a crimping device of the end binding processor.Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the needle stitching processor as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the needle stitching processor as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction.Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating an arrangement and a configuration of a second liquid storage tank in the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating an attaching and detaching configuration of the second liquid storage tank in the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control block for controlling the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a binding process performed by the end binding processor.Fig. 12 is a drawing illustrating positions of the liquid applying device and the crimping device during a single-point binding process performed by the end binding processor.Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating positions of the liquid applying device and the crimping device during a two-point binding process performed by the end binding processor.Fig. 14 is a drawing illustrating correspondence between a post-processing operation state and a liquid supplying or discharging mode according to the present embodiment.Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a supplying operation performed at a predetermined position when the post-processing apparatus is started.Fig. 16 is a drawing illustrating an outline of the supplying operation performed at the predetermined position.Fig. 17 is a drawing illustrating an outline of the supplying operation performed at the predetermined position.Fig. 18 is a drawing illustrating an outline of the supplying operation performed at the predetermined position.Fig. 19 is a flowchart of an overall control process of a binding process operation including a liquid supplying and discharging operation according to the present embodiment.Fig. 20 is a flowchart of a job preparation-liquid supplying operation control process according to the present embodiment.Fig. 21 is a drawing illustrating examples of a liquid level of a first liquid storage unit in a job preparation-liquid supplying operation.Fig. 22 is a flowchart of a post-job-liquid supplying operation control process according to the present embodiment.Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the binding process performed by the end binding processor.Fig. 24 is a schematic description diagram of a liquid discharging operation which is one of liquid supplying and discharging operations according to the present embodiment.Fig. 25 is a flowchart of a control process of the liquid discharging operation of the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 26 is a drawing illustrating an example of an operation screen of the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 27 is a drawing illustrating a flow path provided in a first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 28 is a drawing illustrating the flow path provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 29 is a drawing illustrating the flow path provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 30 is a drawing illustrating a guide unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 31 is a drawing illustrating the guide unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 32 is a drawing illustrating a lower pressure plate liquid storage unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 33 is a drawing illustrating the lower pressure plate liquid storage unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 34 is a drawing illustrating a cover unit provided in the first liquid storage unit according to the present embodiment.Fig. 35 is a drawing illustrating a first modified example of a control unit of the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 36 is a drawing illustrating a second modified example of the control unit of the post-processing apparatus.Fig. 37 is a drawing illustrating an internal structure of a post-processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.Fig. 38 is a drawing illustrating an internal tray according to the second embodiment as viewed from a thickness direction of paper.Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating a crimping device according to the second embodiment as viewed from a downstream side in a conveying direction.Fig. 40 is a drawing illustrating a liquid applying device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper.Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken at XXV-XXV of Fig. 40.Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken at XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 40.Fig. 43 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control block of the post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.Fig. 44 is a post-processing flowchart of the post-processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.Fig. 45 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of a modified example of an image forming system.Embodiment of Image Forming System 1

[0010] In the following, an embodiment of an image forming system 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating an overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The image forming system 1 has an image forming function for forming an image on paper as a type of a sheet-like medium, a post-processing function for performing a predetermined post-process on the paper on which the image is formed, and the like. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured to operate an image forming apparatus 2 having an image forming function and a post-processing apparatus 3 as a medium processing apparatus having a post-processing function according to the present disclosure, in cooperation.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the description assumes that “paper” is used as a sheet-like medium to be processed in the image forming system 1. However, the object of process according to the present embodiment is not limited to paper. For example, as long as a medium is capable of forming an image using a conventionally known image forming process, the type of the medium is not limited. In addition, a medium that can be an object of a folding process or a binding process is also included, and materials and specifications are not limited.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper and discharges the paper on which the image is formed to the post-processing apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 2 includes storage trays 211 (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) for storing paper, a conveyor 212 for conveying the paper stored in the storage trays 211, and an image forming unit 213 for forming an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyor 212. The image forming unit 213 may be an inkjet method for forming an image using ink, or an electrophotographic method for forming an image using toner. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes a control unit 100a for controlling various operations of the conveyor 212 and the image forming unit 213. Since the configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 is already known, a detailed description of the image forming apparatus 2 will be omitted.

[0013] Paper is widely known as an example of a sheet-like medium. Therefore, in this specification, a term “paper P” will be used when describing a medium as a processed object. Further, when describing a bundle of media, a term “paper bundle Pb” constituted by bundling a plurality of sheets of paper as media will be used as an example.First Embodiment of Post-processing Apparatus 3

[0014] Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an internal structure of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to a first embodiment. The post-processing apparatus 3 has a function of performing predetermined post-processes on the paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. One of the post-process according to the present embodiment is a “crimp binding process” for binding a bundle of a plurality of sheets of paper P (hereinafter referred to as “paper bundle Pb”) on which images have been formed as a medium bundle without using a stitching needle. Another post-process according to the present embodiment is a “needle stitching process” in which the paper bundle Pb as a medium bundle is bound by using a stitching needle.

[0015] In the present embodiment, a description will be mainly given of a liquid applying process in the case of performing the crimp binding process. However, a liquid applying process performed in association with the needle stitching process is also similar. In the following description, the term “binding process” includes both the “crimp binding process” and the “needle stitching process”, and a method of binding (whether binding is performed by using a stitching needle or by pressing and deforming without a stitching needle) is not limited.

[0016] In more detail, the “crimp binding process” according to the present embodiment is a process for binding the paper P together by applying pressure to a bound position corresponding to a part of the paper bundle Pb with a crimping device 32, which deforms the bound position and entangles fibers of overlapping sheets of paper P. With the crimp binding process, a part of the overlapping portions of the paper P are bound together to form a paper bundle Pb. This “crimp binding process” is hereinafter referred to as “crimp binding”.

[0017] The “binding process” (including both crimp binding and needle stitching) that can be performed in the post-processing apparatus 3 includes an end binding process for binding the end of the paper bundle Pb and a saddle stitching process for binding the center portion of the paper bundle Pb.

[0018] The post-processing apparatus 3 includes conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 serving as conveyors and a switching member 20. The conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 inside the post-processing apparatus 3. More specifically, the conveying roller pairs 10 to 13 convey the paper P along the first conveying path Ph1. The conveying roller pairs 14 and 15 convey the paper P along the second conveying path Ph2. The conveying roller pairs 16 to 19 convey the paper P along the third conveying path Ph3. A punch hole forming device 132 for punching the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 is disposed between the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11. The post-processing apparatus 3 includes a control unit 100b as a control unit. The control unit 100b controls the operation of driving members in the post-processing apparatus 3, such as the conveying roller pairs 10 to 19 and the switching member 20, and acquires detection results from various sensors as detecting devices. Details of the control unit 100b will be described later.

[0019] The first conveying path Ph1 is a path from a supply port of the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 to the first discharge tray 21. The second conveying path Ph2 branches from the first conveying path Ph1 between the conveying roller pair 11 and the conveying roller pair 14 in the conveying direction, and reaches the second discharge tray 26 via an internal tray 22. The third conveying path Ph3 branches from the first conveying path Ph1 between the conveying roller pair 11 and the conveying roller pair 14 in the conveying direction, and reaches a third discharge tray 30.

[0020] The switching member 20 is arranged at a branch position of the first conveying path Ph1 and the second conveying path Ph2. The switching member 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position for discharging the paper P to the first discharge tray 21 through the first conveying path Ph1 and a second position for guiding the paper P conveyed through the first conveying path Ph1 to the second conveying path Ph2. Further, when the rear end of the paper P introduced into the second conveying path Ph2 passes the branch position of the second conveying path Ph2 and the third conveying path Ph3, the conveying roller pair 14 is reversely rotated to guide the paper P to the third conveying path Ph3. The post-processing apparatus 3 is provided with a plurality of sensors S1 to S6 for detecting the positions of the paper P on the conveying paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. In Fig. 2, the plurality of sensors S1 to S6 are represented by solid black triangles (▲).

[0021] The post-processing apparatus 3 is provided with a first discharge tray 21. The paper P discharged through the first conveying path Ph1 is placed on the first discharge tray 21. Sheets of paper P not subjected to the binding process, among the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, are discharged into the first discharge tray 21.

[0022] Further, the post-processing apparatus 3 is provided with the internal tray 22 serving as a placing unit on which the paper P or the paper bundle Pb is placed, an end binding end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, an end binding processor 25, a needle stitching processor 155, and a second discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end binding end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, the end binding processor 25, and the needle stitching processor 155 perform an end binding process on the paper bundle Pb composed of a plurality of sheets of paper P conveyed from the second conveying path Ph2 to the internal tray 22. A paper bundle Pb subjected to the end binding process, among the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, is discharged into the second discharge tray 26.

[0023] The “end binding process” herein refers to the binding process performed by the end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155. Specifically, “parallel binding process” in which the binding process is performed along one side parallel to the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb, “oblique binding process” in which the binding process is performed at the corner portion of the paper bundle Pb, and “vertical binding process” in which the binding process is performed along one side parallel to the conveying direction of the paper bundle Pb are included.

[0024] Hereinafter, the direction in which the paper P is conveyed from the conveying roller pair 15 toward the end binding end fence 23 is defined as the “conveying direction” of the paper P. That is, the “conveying direction” in the present specification corresponds to a direction in which the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 moves toward the second discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 10 or the like, and then the direction is changed by the conveying roller pair 15 to move toward the end binding end fence 23, which is the opposite direction from the previous direction. A direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and the conveying direction of the sheet of paper P, that is, the width direction of the sheet of paper P, is defined as the “main scanning direction”.

[0025] A plurality of sheets of paper P sequentially conveyed via the second conveying path Ph2 are temporarily placed on the internal tray 22. The end binding end fence 23 aligns the position of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The side fences 24L and 24R align the position of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155 perform the end binding process on the paper bundle Pb aligned by the end binding end fence 23 and the side fences 24L and 24R. The conveying roller pair 15 discharges the paper bundle Pb subjected to the end binding process to the second discharge tray 26.

[0026] Further, the post-processing apparatus 3 further includes a saddle stitching end fence 27, a saddle stitching processor 28, a sheet folding blade 29, and the third discharge tray 30. The saddle stitching end fence 27, the saddle stitching processor 28, and the sheet folding blade 29 perform the saddle stitching process on the paper bundle Pb composed of a plurality of paper P conveyed along the third conveying path Ph3. A paper bundle Pb subjected to the saddle stitching process, among the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, is discharged to the third discharge tray 30.

[0027] The saddle stitching end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveying direction of the plurality of paper P conveyed sequentially along the third conveying path Ph3. The saddle stitching end fence 27 is configured to be movable in the direction in which the paper P are conveyed toward the saddle stitching end fence 27 and in the opposite direction (vertical direction in Fig. 2) so that the center of the paper bundle Pb is positioned at a bound position facing the saddle stitching processor 28 and a folding position facing the sheet folding blade 29. The saddle stitching processor 28 binds the center of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the saddle stitching end fence 27 at the bound position. The sheet folding blade 29 folds the paper bundle Pb placed on the saddle stitching end fence 27 at the folding position in half and the conveying roller pair 18 sandwiches the paper bundle Pb. The conveying roller pair 18 and the conveying roller pair 19 discharge the paper bundle Pb subjected to the saddle stitching process to the third discharge tray 30.

[0028] Further, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 described later, the post-processing apparatus 3 includes, in the end binding processor 25, a liquid applying member 501 and a liquid supplying member 50 as a part of a liquid applying device, and a first liquid storage tank 44 as a first liquid storage unit. Further, the post-processing apparatus 3 includes, as a configuration for replenishing the liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid conveying path 45, a liquid pump 46 as a liquid conveying device, a second liquid storage tank 47 as a part of the second liquid storage unit, and a second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61. The liquid (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47”) stored in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, the liquid pump 46, and the liquid conveying path 45.Description of End Binding Processor 25

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the end binding processor 25 for performing the liquid applying process and the crimp binding process illustrated in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the end binding processor 25 as viewed from a side of a liquid applying device 31 in the main scanning direction. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the end binding processor 25 includes the liquid applying device 31 for applying liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb, and the crimping device 32 which is an example of the post-processing device and performs crimp binding to the paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction and adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.Configuration of Liquid Applying Device 31

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the liquid applying device 31 applies liquid (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44”) stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. Hereinafter, the process in which the liquid applying device 31 applies liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb and the operation of the liquid applying device 31 in applying the liquid will be referred to as “liquid applying”. The liquid applying operation of the liquid applying device 31 accompanied by a control process will be referred to as “liquid applying process”.

[0031] Here, the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 as the liquid to be used for the liquid applying is a substance mainly composed of a liquid state of a compound of hydrogen and oxygen represented by a chemical formula “H2O”. The substance may be used in a liquid state regardless of temperature, including what is called warm water and hot water. Further, not only pure water but also purified water and ionized salts may be included. As for the content of a metal ion, the liquid may be varied from what is called soft water to ultra-hard water regardless of hardness.

[0032] Further, additives may be added in addition to the main component. The liquid may include residual chlorine used as tap water, and it is also preferable for the liquid to include colorants, permeating agents, pH adjusters, preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, and drying inhibitors such as glycerin. Further, since ink used in inkjet printing apparatuses and ink used in water-based pens also use water as a component, ink may be used for “liquid applying”.

[0033] Although “water” in a broad sense, such as hypochlorous acid water or an ethanol aqueous solution diluted for disinfection, is also functional, tap water, which is easy to obtain and manage, may be used if the purpose is only to exert an action of increasing the binding strength after the binding process. The binding strength of the paper bundle Pb can be improved by using a liquid containing water as a main component, as illustrated above, compared with a liquid not containing water as a main component.

[0034] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the liquid applying device 31 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction together with the crimping device 32 by the transmission of the driving force of the end binding processor moving motor 55. The liquid applying device 31 includes a lower pressure plate 33, an upper pressure plate 34, and a liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 serving as a mounting base for the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. The components of the liquid applying device 31 including the lower pressure plate 33, the upper pressure plate 34, the liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35, the liquid applying unit moving motor 42, and the like are held by at least one of a liquid applying frame 31a and a base member 48.

[0035] The liquid applying frame 31a holding the components of the liquid applying device 31 has a liquid applying device rotating shaft 562 having a drive transmission gear 562a fixed to the bottom surface. The liquid applying device rotating shaft 562 and the drive transmission gear 562a are held by the base member 48 provided with the liquid applying frame 31a so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 562a is engaged with the output gear 563a of the liquid applying device rotating motor 563. The liquid applying device 31 is configured to be rotatable on the base member 48 in the forward and reverse directions about the liquid applying device rotating shaft 562 by transmitting the driving force of the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 to the liquid applying device rotating shaft 562 through the output gear 563a and the drive transmission gear 562a.

[0036] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is also placed on the lower pressure plate 33. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided on the lower pressure plate holder 331. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be movable in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P or the paper bundle Pb at a position facing the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are disposed on opposite sides of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 so as to face each other in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter, simply referred to as “thickness direction”).

[0037] Further, the upper pressure plate 34 is formed with a through-hole 34a penetrating in the thickness direction. The through-hole 34a is positioned to face the liquid applying member 501 as a part of the liquid applying device held via a holder 37 attached to a base plate 40. As will be described later, the liquid applying member 501 is provided at one end of the liquid supplying member 50 as the absorbing liquid. The liquid applying member 501 applies liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by coming into contact with the paper P or the paper bundle Pb via the through-hole 34a. The liquid applying member 501 is one end of the liquid supplying member 50 as the absorbing liquid and corresponds to a distal end. Details of the liquid supplying member 50 will be described later.

[0038] The liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 moves the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holder 37, the liquid applying member 501, the liquid supplying member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P or the paper bundle Pb. In the liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 according to the present embodiment, the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holder 37, the liquid applying member 501, the liquid supplying member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are seamlessly moved by a single liquid applying unit moving motor 42. The liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35 includes, for example, a liquid applying unit moving motor 42, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41a and 41b, and coil springs 42a and 42b.

[0039] The liquid applying unit moving motor 42 generates a driving force for moving the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, the holder 37, the liquid applying member 501, the liquid supplying member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P or the paper bundle Pb, and is provided on the liquid applying frame 31a so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is screwed to the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38 in the forward and reverse directions. The nut 39 reciprocates on the trapezoidal screw 38 caused by the rotation of the trapezoidal screw 38 in the forward and reverse directions.

[0040] The base plate 40 is disposed at a position separated from the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 holds the liquid applying member 501 with the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 protruding from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34. Further, the base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 via the nut 39, and is configured to reciprocate along the trapezoidal screw 38 by rotating the trapezoidal screw 38 in the forward and reverse directions. The position in the thickness direction of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb on the base plate 40 is detected by a movement sensor 40a (see Fig. 10).

[0041] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude from the base plate 40 toward the upper pressure plate 34 surrounding the distal end of the liquid applying member 501. The columnar members 41a and 41b are movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. The columnar members 41a and 41b hold the upper pressure plate 34 at the distal ends on the lower pressure plate 33 side. Further, the distal ends of the columnar members 41a and 41b on the opposite side from the lower pressure plate 33 are provided with detents for preventing the columnar members 41a and 41b from coming off the base plate 40. The coil springs 42a and 42b are disposed around the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressure plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b toward the lower pressure plate 33 with respect to the base plate 40.

[0042] The liquid applying device 31 applies a liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. More specifically, the liquid applying device 31 applies the liquid to at least one sheet of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb by bringing the liquid applying member 501 into contact with the paper P or the paper bundle Pb.

[0043] The liquid applying device 31 is provided with a first liquid level sensor 43 as a first liquid detecting device, a first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid applying member 501, a liquid supplying member 50, and a holder 37. The first liquid storage tank 44 stores a liquid for applying a liquid to paper P or a paper bundle Pb. The liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43. The first liquid storage tank 44 is connected to the base plate 40 via the holder 37.

[0044] The liquid applying member 501 applies the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying member 501, the liquid supplying member 50 as an absorbing liquid installed so as to adhere to the liquid applying member 501, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are held by the holder 37. The holder 37 is held by the base plate 40. One end of the liquid supplying member 50 adheres to the liquid applying member 501, and the other end is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. That is, the other end of the liquid supplying member 50 corresponds to an immersed portion 502 for absorbing a liquid and supplying the liquid to the liquid applying member 501.

[0045] The liquid applying member 501 and the liquid supplying member 50 are composed of a material having a high liquid absorption rate such as an elastic resin formed of continuous air bubbles, for example, a sponge or fibrous material. However, the liquid applying member 501 and / or the liquid supplying member 50 may be of any type as long as they are made of a material having a property of absorbing and holding liquid and having a property of being compressed in response to a pressing force applied when they are in contact with the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. That is, the liquid applying member 501 and / or the liquid supplying member 50 may be made of a material capable of absorbing liquid with a capillary phenomenon.

[0046] Therefore, when the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supplying member 50 is brought into a state of absorbing the liquid by a capillary phenomenon. That is, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is absorbed from the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50. Subsequently, the liquid is supplied to the liquid applying member 501 connected to the distal end of the liquid supplying member 50 through the liquid supplying member 50. Then, when the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is absorbed to the liquid applying member 501 in close contact with one end of the liquid supplying member 50, the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is lowered. When the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the lowering of the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid pump 46 starts supplying the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0047] In the case described above, the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are separate, but the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 may be seamlessly composed of a material having similar properties, for example, a material having a high liquid absorption rate. That is, the liquid applying member 501 may be formed as a part of the liquid supplying member 50. In this case, it is possible to more smoothly supply the liquid from the liquid supplying member 50 to the liquid applying member 501 by capillary action and to reduce costs.

[0048] Further, the second liquid storage tank 47 is provided in the end binding processor 25 or the post-processing apparatus 3. The second liquid storage tank 47 is detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 as a part of the second liquid storage unit provided in the end binding processor 25 or the post-processing apparatus 3 (see Fig. 9). The second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 may be provided in either the end binding processor 25 or the post-processing apparatus 3. The second liquid storage tank 47 is set in a predetermined orientation in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 so that the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 can be supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0049] The operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 is performed mainly as a trigger when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops below a first predetermined liquid level described later. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 drops as the liquid is consumed by the liquid supply by the liquid applying device 31. That is, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 corresponds to the liquid supplying operation required in the performance of the binding process including the liquid supply by the liquid applying device 31. Hereinafter, the operation of supplying liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46 is referred to as a “liquid supplying operation”.

[0050] When the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is filled in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 by a predetermined amount. The second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is provided with a set detecting sensor 51 as a set detecting device for detecting the set state of the second liquid storage tank 47 (see Fig. 9). When the set detecting sensor 51 detects the set state of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 (see Fig. 9 (C)), a signal notifying that the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is notified to a control unit 100b described later. Thus, the control unit 100b described later determines whether or not the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 based on the signal received from the set detecting sensor 51. Details of the configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 will be described later.

[0051] The first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 are connected via the liquid conveying path 45. The liquid pump 46 is provided near the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61. When the liquid pump 46 operates, the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 via the liquid conveying path 45. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is a component of a liquid conveying device for performing a liquid supplying operation for supplying the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid conveying path 45 is formed of a flexible material. Thus, the liquid can be reliably supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 even when the first liquid storage tank 44 is moved by the liquid applying unit moving mechanism 35.

[0052] The supply amount of the liquid from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 can be controlled according to the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. That is, the control unit 100b, which will be described later, determines the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 based on the detection result of the first liquid level sensor 43. Then, the control unit 100b described later can adjust the amount of the liquid supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 and keep the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 above a predetermined level by controlling the operation speed and the operation time of the liquid pump 46 in accordance with the determined liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44.Configuration of Crimping Device 32

[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the crimping device 32 as a post-processing device provided in the end binding processor 25 binds the paper bundle Pb by crimping at least a part of the sheets of paper P with recessed and projected upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b by applying pressure to deform at least a part of the paper bundle Pb to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying device 31, that is, the liquid applying position. Thus, the crimping device 32 can bind the paper bundle Pb without using a stitching needle. The upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b as components of the crimping device 32 are provided on a crimping frame 32c. Hereinafter, the act of binding the paper bundle Pb by pressing and deforming a predetermined position using the crimping device 32 will be simply referred to as “crimp binding”. The crimp binding operation of the crimping device 32 accompanied by a control process will be referred to as “crimp binding process”.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the crimping device 32. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the crimping device 32 includes the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. The upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb, such that the paper bundle Pb stacked on the internal tray 22 can be interposed between the pair of the crimping teeth 32a and 32b. The surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b opposing each other are formed in a recessed and projected shape in which recessions and projections are alternately formed. The upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are formed in such a positional relationship that the recessions and the projections are shifted so as to mesh with each other. The upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are contacted and separated by the driving force of a contact and separation motor 32d (see Fig. 10).

[0055] In the process of stacking a plurality of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb on the internal tray 22, the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are separated from each other as illustrated in Fig. 5 (A). When all of the plurality of sheets of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb are stacked on the internal tray 22, as illustrated in Fig. 5 (B), the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b engage with each other under the driving force of the contact and separation motor 32d to press and deform the paper bundle Pb in the thickness direction. As a result, the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 is crimped and bound. The crimped paper bundle Pb is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by the conveying roller pair 15.

[0056] The structure of the crimping device 32 is not limited to the structure of the operation mechanism illustrated in the present embodiment, since it is sufficient that the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b included in the crimping mechanism engage with each other. For example, a link mechanism type crimping mechanism (e.g., configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167) may be employed in which the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are crimped and separated by using a drive source that rotates only in the forward direction or in the reverse direction and a link mechanism. A linear motion type crimping mechanism may be employed in which the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are crimped and separated linearly with a screw mechanism that converts the rotational movement of the drive source in the forward and reverse directions into a linear reciprocating movement.

[0057] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the end binding processor 25 includes an end binding processor moving mechanism 57. The end binding processor moving mechanism 57 moves the end binding processor 25, that is, the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32, in the main scanning direction along the end on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet of paper P placed on the internal tray 22. The end binding processor moving mechanism 57 includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, an end binding processor moving motor 55, a driving force transmitting mechanism 551 that transmits the driving force of the end binding processor moving motor 55 to the base member 48, and a home position sensor 540 (see Fig. 10).

[0058] The liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are attached to the base member 48 so as to be adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the guide shaft 49 is held on the upstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction by a plurality of guide shaft brackets 49a and 49b provided in the main scanning direction. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the guide shaft 49 extends on the binding mechanism base 116 in the main scanning direction to hold the base member 48 movably in the main scanning direction. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 4, a guide rail 115 extends on the downstream side of the binding mechanism base 116 in the conveying direction in the main scanning direction. Further, the guide rail 115 is provided with a fitted portion 115a which is fitted in the main scanning direction to a scanning roller 48a rotatably provided on the base member 48. That is, the base member 48 is held movably on the binding mechanism base 116 in the main scanning direction by the guide shaft 49 and the guide rail 115.

[0059] The end binding processor moving motor 55 generates a driving force for moving the end binding processor 25. The driving force transmitting mechanism 551 transmits the driving force of the end binding processor moving motor 55 to the base member 48 via pulleys 551a and 551b, a timing belt 551c, and a fastener 48b which fastens the base member 48 and the timing belt 551c. As a result, the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 integrated by the base member 48 move along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0060] The end binding processor moving motor 55 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a servo motor. By using the servo motor, the end binding processor 25 can be stopped at any target position without returning the end binding processor 25 to the original position every movement. That is, the end binding processor moving motor 55 can stop the end binding processor 25 at a target position, that is, a first liquid applying position B1, a first bound position B1, a second liquid applying position B2, and a second bound position B2 described later, without returning the end binding processor 25 to the original position (e.g., home position HP described later) every movement.

[0061] Further, the post-processing apparatus 3 includes the home position sensor 540 (see Fig. 10) for detecting that the end binding processor 25 has reached the home position HP (see Fig. 12 (A)), and an encoder sensor 541 (see Fig. 10) attached to the output shaft of the end binding processor moving motor 55. The home position sensor 540 is, for example, a light-shielding type optical sensor. A control unit 100b described later detects that the end binding processor 25 has reached the home position HP based on the detection result of the home position sensor 540. Further, the control unit 100b described later detects the present position of the end binding processor 25 moved from the home position HP by counting pulse signals output from the encoder sensor 541.

[0062] However, a specific method for stopping the end binding processor 25 at the target position without returning it to the home position HP is not limited to the aforementioned example. As another example, the post-processing apparatus 3 may include a sensor for detecting that the end binding processor 25 has reached a predetermined target position.

[0063] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the crimping frame 32c for holding the components of the crimping device 32 has a crimping device rotating shaft 54 having a drive transmission gear 54a fixed to its bottom surface. The crimping device rotating shaft 54 and the drive transmission gear 54a are held on the base member 48 provided with the crimping frame 32c so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. The drive transmission gear 54a is engaged with an output gear 56a of the crimping device rotating motor 56. The crimping device 32 is configured so as to be rotatable on the base member 48 in the forward and reverse directions about the crimping device rotating shaft 54 by transmitting the driving force of the crimping device rotating motor 56 to the crimping device rotating shaft 54 via the output gear 56a and the drive transmission gear 54a.

[0064] Note that the end binding processor 25 has been described as a configuration in which the crimping device 32 and the liquid applying device 31 are seamlessly configured and moved along the guide shaft 49. However, the present disclosure is not limited to aforementioned configuration, and the crimping device 32 and the liquid applying device 31 may be configured to move independently of each other.Configuration of Needle Stitching Processor 155

[0065] Next, details of the needle stitching processor 155 having a function of performing the needle stitching process will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the needle stitching processor 155 as viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The needle stitching processor 155 includes a needle stitching device 62 for binding the paper bundle Pb using a stitching needle. The needle stitching device 62 is disposed on the downstream side of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction so as to be separated from the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction.

[0066] The needle stitching device 62 as the post-processing device is configured to perform what is called a “needle stitching process” for binding the paper bundle Pb using a stitching needle. More specifically, the needle stitching device 62 includes a needle stitching unit driving motor 62d (see Fig. 10) for driving the needle stitching unit 62a. A needle stitching unit 62a binds the paper bundle Pb by piercing the stitching needle loaded in the needle stitching unit 62a through the paper bundle Pb by the driving force of the needle stitching unit driving motor 62d. Since the configuration of the needle stitching device 62 is well known, a detailed description is omitted.

[0067] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the needle stitching processor 155 includes a needle stitching processor moving mechanism 77. The needle stitching processor moving mechanism 77 moves the needle stitching processor 155 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the conveying direction of the sheet of paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. The needle stitching processor moving mechanism 77 includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a needle stitching processor moving motor 80, and a driving force transmitting mechanism 81. The driving force transmitting mechanism 81 transmits the driving force of the needle stitching processor moving motor 80 to the base member 78 via pulleys 81a and 81b, a timing belt 81c, and a fastener 78a for fastening the base member 78 and the timing belt 81c. Further, a needle stitching frame 62b holding the components of the needle stitching device 62 has a needle stitching device rotating shaft 83 having a drive transmission gear 83a fixed to its bottom surface.

[0068] The needle stitching device rotating shaft 83 and the drive transmission gear 83a are rotatably held in the forward and reverse directions by the base member 78 provided with the needle stitching frame 62b. The drive transmission gear 83a meshes with the output gear 82a of the needle stitching device rotating motor 82. The needle stitching device 62 is configured to be rotatable on the base member 78 in the forward and reverse directions about the needle stitching device rotating shaft 83 by transmitting the driving force of the needle stitching device rotating motor 82 to the needle stitching device rotating shaft 83 through the output gear 82a and the drive transmission gear 83a.

[0069] The end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 and the needle stitching processor moving mechanism 77 move the end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 and the needle stitching processor moving mechanism 77 can independently move the end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155.Configuration of Modified Example of Needle Stitching Processor 155

[0070] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a needle stitching processor 155’, a modified example of the needle stitching processor 155, the needle stitching processor 155’ being viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The needle stitching processor 155’ differs from the needle stitching processor 155 in that it includes not only the needle stitching device 62 but also the second liquid applying device 612. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the needle stitching processor 155’ includes a second liquid applying device 612 and the needle stitching device 62. The second liquid applying device 612 and the needle stitching device 62 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction and adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction.

[0071] The second liquid applying device 612 performs liquid applying for applying the liquid stored in the third liquid storage tank 73 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. A predetermined region including a position where the liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the second liquid applying device 612 corresponds to a bound position where the needle stitching device 62 is scheduled to perform needle stitching. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the second liquid applying device 612 includes a second lower pressure plate 63, a second upper pressure plate 64, a second liquid applying unit moving mechanism 65, and a second liquid applying mechanism 66. The second liquid applying unit moving mechanism 65 includes, for example, a second liquid applying unit moving motor 67, a second trapezoidal screw 68, a second nut 69, a second base plate 70, second columnar members 711a and 711b, and second coil springs 721a and 721b.

[0072] The second liquid applying mechanism 66 includes a third liquid storage tank 73, a second liquid supplying member 75, a second liquid applying member 74, and a second holder 76. The configuration of the second liquid applying mechanism 66 is the same as the liquid applying mechanism (first liquid storage tank 44, liquid supplying member 50, liquid applying member 501, and holder 37) of the liquid applying device 31 described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, and therefore a description again is omitted. The configuration of the needle stitching device 62 is the same as that of the needle stitching processor 155 illustrated in Fig. 6, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The rotating mechanism of the second liquid applying device 612, which includes the liquid applying device rotating motor 563, the output gear 563a, the drive transmission gear 562a, the liquid applying device rotating shaft 562, and the like, is the same as the rotating mechanism of the liquid applying device 31 illustrated in Fig. 3, and therefore a description again is omitted.

[0073] As in the needle stitching processor 155’ illustrated in Fig. 7, by applying liquid to the paper P in the needle stitching process, it is possible to loosen and soften the bound position, and to make the bound position likely to be penetrated by the stitching needle. Thus, as compared with the case where the needle stitching process is performed without applying liquid, it is possible to increase the number of sheets bound per paper bundle Pb.Configuration of Second Liquid Storage Tank 47

[0074] Next, the arrangement and configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating an arrangement and a configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 as a main tank in the post-processing apparatus 3. Fig. 8 (A) illustrates a state in which the opening and closing cover 71 constituting a part of the apparatus housing of the post-processing apparatus 3 is opened. Fig. 8 (B) is a side cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus 3, and illustrates a state in which the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing apparatus 3 is closed.

[0075] As illustrated in Fig. 8 (A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is installed at a position accessible by opening the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing apparatus 3. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 8 (B), the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 are arranged on the front side in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing apparatus 3. Further, the first liquid storage tank 44 and the like are arranged at the rear in the depth direction (X direction) of the post-processing apparatus 3. A main body lateral plate 72 of the post-processing apparatus 3 is provided between the arrangement positions of the second liquid storage tank 47 and the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 and the arrangement positions of the first liquid storage tank 44 and the like. The second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is attached to the main body lateral plate 72 of the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating an attaching and detaching configuration of the second liquid storage tank 47 in the post-processing apparatus 3. Fig. 9 illustrates a state in which the second liquid storage tank 47 is detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 and a state in which liquid is replenished to the second liquid storage tank 47. As illustrated in Fig. 9 (A), the second liquid storage tank 47 is detachably attached to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 so that liquid can be replenished to the first liquid storage tank 44. As illustrated in Fig. 9 (B), the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is provided with the set detecting sensor 51 for detecting that the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0077] When the set detecting sensor 51 detects a state in which the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 (see Fig. 9 (C)), a signal indicating the state is notified to a control unit 100b described later. Thus, the control unit 100b described later is configured to determine whether or not the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0078] The second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is also provided with a second liquid level sensor 94 as a second liquid detecting device for detecting the liquid level of the liquid L (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61”) stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61. The output value (e.g., voltage) of the second liquid level sensor 94 is notified to a control unit 100b described later. The control unit 100b described later determines whether or not the liquid level of the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is a necessary liquid level by determining the output value of the second liquid level sensor 94, that is, whether or not the liquid amount stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is a necessary liquid amount. When the control unit 100b determines that the second liquid storage tank 47 is in the set state based on the output signal of the set detecting sensor 51, the control unit 100b turns on the second liquid level sensor 94. This allows the second liquid level sensor 94 to detect the level of the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, that is, the presence or absence of the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0079] When the second liquid storage tank 47 is not set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, a liquid discharge port 471a is closed by a liquid supplying valve 471 so that the liquid L does not leak. As illustrated in Fig. 9 (C), when the second liquid storage tank 47 is set in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61, the liquid supplying valve 471 is pushed up to open the liquid discharge port 471a of the second liquid storage tank 47. As a result, the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank 47 flows out to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61. The liquid L flowing out from the second liquid storage tank 47 is stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61.

[0080] At the time of maintenance of the post-processing apparatus 3 or as a measure to prevent the liquid L from freezing, a “liquid draining process” for draining the liquid L in the post-processing apparatus 3 may be performed. In the liquid drain process, the liquid L remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid conveying path 45 is conveyed in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 via the liquid conveying path 45 by the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is set to a capacity capable of storing the liquid L in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid conveying path 45.

[0081] As illustrated in Figs. 9 (B) and 9 (C), the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 is provided with a liquid drain plug 611. After the liquid L remaining in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid conveying path 45 is conveyed in the reverse direction to the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 by the liquid pump 46, the liquid drain plug 611 is opened. By opening the liquid drain plug 611, the liquid L stored in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 can be discharged to the outside of the post-processing apparatus 3.Configuration of Control Block of Post-Processing Apparatus 3

[0082] Next, the configuration of the control block of the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control block for controlling the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the post-processing apparatus 3 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F (Interface) 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0083] The CPU 101 is an arithmetic device and controls the operation of the entire post-processing apparatus 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a nonvolatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and having a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

[0084] The post-processing apparatus 3 processes the control program stored in the ROM 103, the information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 to the RAM 102, and the like by the arithmetic function of the CPU 101. This process constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing apparatus 3. A combination of the software control unit thus constituted and hardware resources mounted on the post-processing apparatus 3 constitutes a functional block for achieving the functions of the post-processing apparatus 3. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, the HDD 104, and the I / F 105 are included in the control unit 100b as control unit for controlling the operation of the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0085] The I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, a contact and separation motor 32d, a crimping device rotating motor 56, the liquid applying unit moving motor 42, a liquid applying device rotating motor 563, the end binding processor moving motor 55, the needle stitching unit driving motor 62d, a needle stitching device rotating motor 82, the needle stitching processor moving motor 80, the liquid pump 46, the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detecting sensor 51, the home position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, a cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542, and an operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0086] The control unit 100b controls the operation of the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the contact and separation motor 32d, the crimping device rotating motor 56, the liquid applying unit moving motor 42, the liquid applying device rotating motor 563, the end binding processor moving motor 55, the needle stitching unit driving motor 62d, the needle stitching device rotating motor 82, the needle stitching processor moving motor 80, and the liquid pump 46 through the I / F 105. Further, the control unit 100b acquires detection results of the movement sensor 40a, the first liquid level sensor 43, the second liquid level sensor 94, the set detecting sensor 51, the home position sensor 540, the encoder sensor 541, and the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542. Although Fig. 10 illustrates components related to the end binding processor 25 and the needle stitching processor 155 for performing the end binding process, components related to the saddle stitching processor 28 for performing the saddle stitching process are similarly controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0087] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes the operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 is provided with an operation unit for receiving an input operation from a user and a display as a notification unit for notifying the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, a hard key and a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. A specific example of the notification unit is not limited to the display, but may be an LED lamp or a speaker. Further, the post-processing apparatus 3 may be provided with the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0088] As described above, the post-processing apparatus 3 uses hardware resources provided by the control unit 100b to achieve a function for controlling an operation related to liquid application by software performed by the CPU 101, that is, a control program.

[0089] Note that the liquid application performed by the post-processing apparatus 3 may be configured such that the needle stitching processor 155 is provided with only the needle stitching device 62, and the liquid application may be configured by using the liquid applying device 31 provided in the end binding processor 25. Conversely, the end binding processor 25 may be provided with only the crimping device 32, and the liquid application may be configured by using the second liquid applying device 612. That is, regardless of the type of the binding process, only either the liquid applying device 31 or the second liquid applying device 612 may be configured to apply the liquid.

[0090] Further, the needle stitching processor 155’ has been described as a configuration in which the needle stitching device 62 and the second liquid applying device 612 are seamlessly configured and moved along the guide shaft 49, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the needle stitching device 62 and the second liquid applying device 612 may be configured to move independently of each other.Description of Binding Process

[0091] Next, a flow of the binding process performed by the end binding processor 25 provided in the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a single-point binding process performed by the end binding processor 25. Fig. 12 is a drawing illustrating a transition of positions of the end binding processor 25 including the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 during the single-point binding process. In Fig. 12, changes in the orientation of the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are not illustrated. A position at which liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid applying position”) by the liquid applying device 31 corresponds to a bound position at which the crimping device 32 is scheduled to perform crimp binding to the paper bundle Pb. Therefore, the liquid applying position and the bound position will be described with the same reference numerals (B1 and B2).

[0092] The control unit 100b starts the binding process illustrated in Fig. 11, for example, at a timing when the binding process performance command (hereinafter, referred to as “binding process command”) is obtained from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0093] The binding process command includes, for example, information about the type of paper P, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the number of sheets of the paper bundle Pb to be bound, the bound position of the paper bundle Pb, the binding orientation of the end binding processor 25, and the like. The information about the type of paper P includes information affecting the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness. In the following description, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb is denoted by “predetermined number N”. The number of sheets of the paper bundle Pb to be bound is denoted by “required number M”.

[0094] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 12 (A), it is assumed that the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are positioned at the home position HP, which is a position away from the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction, in the parallel binding orientation at the time of starting the binding process.

[0095] First, when the orientation indicated by the binding command is the “oblique binding orientation”, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 and the crimping device rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 included in the end binding processor 25 to the oblique binding orientation (S1101). In the case of the “oblique binding orientation”, only the crimping device 32 may be rotated to the oblique binding orientation, and the liquid applying device 31 may not be rotated in the forward and reverse directions. Thus, since the driving mechanism can be simplified as compared with the case where both the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are rotated in forward and reverse directions, effects such as cost reduction, downsizing of the apparatus, and a reduction in the risk of failure can be achieved.

[0096] Conversely, in the case where the orientation indicated by the binding command is the “parallel binding orientation”, the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 included in the end binding processor 25 to the oblique binding orientation.

[0097] The control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid applying device 31 faces the first liquid applying position B1 indicated by the binding command (S1101). The control unit 100b performs the process of a step S1101 before the first sheet of paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0098] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to receive the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2 in the internal tray 22 (S1102). Further, the control unit 100b reciprocates the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction to perform what is called a jogging process for aligning the positions of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S1102).

[0099] Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 facing the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S1102 to perform liquid application to the first liquid applying position B1 based on the previously adjusted liquid application control data (S1103). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 to bring the liquid applying member 501 into contact with the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 (see Fig. 12 (B)). In the liquid applying process in a step S1103, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid applying member 501 applies liquid to the paper P according to the type of the paper P included in the binding process command and the bound position. The control unit 100b also adjusts the amount by which the liquid applying member 501 is pressed against the paper P. That is, the control unit 100b controls the drive of the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 based on the adjusted control data to adjust the amount by which the liquid applying member 501 is moved relative to the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0100] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N indicated by the binding command (S1104). When it is determined that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 does not reach the predetermined number N (S1104: NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S1104: YES). That is, the control unit 100b performs the processes of steps S1102 to S1104 each time a sheet of paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. The liquid application by the liquid applying device 31 may be performed not only to all of the plurality of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, but also to only a part of the plurality of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb.

[0101] When it is determined that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S1104: YES), the control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping device 32 faces the first bound position B1, as illustrated in Fig. 12 (C) (S1105).

[0102] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping device 32 to perform crimp binding on the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S1106). The control unit 100b causes the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the paper bundle Pb crimped by the crimping device 32 to the second discharge tray 26 (S1107). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact and separation motor 32d to sandwich the first bound position B1 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact and separation motor 32d to cause the first bound position B1 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 to be held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. As a result, the paper bundle Pb is pressed and deformed between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b to perform crimp binding. Subsequently, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the crimp bound paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

[0103] On the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22, a crimp bound region held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b in the step S1106, that is, the first bound position B1, overlaps the liquid applied region in which the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 abuts in the step S1103, that is, the first liquid applying position B1. In other words, the crimping device 32 crimp-binds the liquid-applied region in the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by the liquid applying device 31. The crimp bound region held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap the liquid applied region in which the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 abuts, and sufficient binding strength can be obtained even partially overlapping.

[0104] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of the paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M indicated in the binding process command (S1108). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of the discharged paper bundles Pb has not reached the required number M (S1108: NO), the process after step S1101 is performed again. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of steps S1101 to S1108 until the number of the paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S1108: YES).

[0105] Conversely, when it is determined that the number of the paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M (S1108: YES), the control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 including the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the home position HP as illustrated in Fig. 12 (D) (S1109). When the orientation instructed by the binding command is the “oblique binding orientation”, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 and the crimping device rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the parallel binding orientation (S1109). Additionally, when the orientation instructed by the binding command is the “parallel binding orientation”, the operation of rotating the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the parallel binding orientation is omitted. As a result, the end binding processor 25 returns to the home position HP of Fig. 12 (D). In the steps S1101 and S1109, the performance order of the operation of moving the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 and the operation of rotating the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 in the forward and reverse directions by the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 and the crimping device rotating motor 56 is not limited to the aforementioned order, and may be the reverse order.

[0106] Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating positions of the end binding processor 25 during a two-point binding process. A detailed description of the commonality with the process described with reference to Fig. 12 will be omitted, and the difference will be mainly described. As illustrated in Fig. 13 (A), it is assumed that the end binding processor 25 is positioned at the home position HP at the time of starting the two-point binding process. Further, the first bound position B1 and the second bound position B2 are separated from each other in the main scanning direction. Further, Fig. 13 describes a case where two sheets of paper P are crimped and bound, that is, a case where N = 2. In the case where two-point binding is performed, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb is not limited to two. Two-point binding can be performed on a paper bundle Pb having the same number of sheets as can be bound in single-point binding.

[0107] Before a first sheet of paper P1 included in the paper bundle Pb is conveyed to the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid applying device 31 can face the first liquid applying position B1 (see Fig. 13 (B)). Then, as illustrated in Fig. 13 (B), the control unit 100b places the paper P1 on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2 on the internal tray 22 in a state where the liquid applying device 31 is disposed at a position capable of facing the first liquid applying position B1, and performs a jogging process by the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, in response to the fact that the sheet of paper P1 is placed on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 of the sheet of paper P1.

[0108] Next, as illustrated in Fig. 13 (C), the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid applying device 31 faces the second liquid applying position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1. Subsequently, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid applying position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1.

[0109] Next, in response to applying liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 and the second liquid applying position B2 of the first sheet of paper P1, as illustrated in Fig. 13 (D), the control unit 100b places the second paper P2 included in the paper bundle Pb on the internal tray 22 while the liquid applying device 31 is arranged at a position capable of facing the second liquid applying position B2, and performs a jogging process by the side fences 24L and 24R. Then, in response to placing a second sheet P2 on the internal tray 22, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply liquid to the second liquid applying position B2 of the sheet P2.

[0110] Next, as illustrated in Fig. 13 (E), the control unit 100b causes the end binding processor 25 to move in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the liquid applying device 31 faces the first liquid applying position B1 of the second sheet P2. Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 of the second sheet P2.

[0111] That is, until the number of sheets of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches a predetermined number N, the control unit 100b repeats conveying the paper P by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 and application of liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 and the second liquid applying position B2 by the liquid applying device 31. At this time, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply a liquid to a B-th (B < N) sheet of the paper P at the first liquid applying position B1 and the second liquid applying position B2, in that order. Further, the control unit 100b applies liquid to a (B + 1)-th paper P to a liquid applying device 31 in the order of a second liquid applying position B2 and a first liquid applying position B1. In other words, the control unit 100b changes the order in which the liquid applying device 31 applies liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 and the second liquid applying position B2 for each sheet of the paper P. Further, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 from one of the first liquid applying position B1 and the second liquid applying position B2 to the other by the shortest distance without passing through the home position HP.

[0112] Next, in response to the determination that the number of sheets of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping device 32 faces the first bound position B1 as illustrated in Fig. 13 (F). Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping device 32 to perform crimp binding to the first bound position B1 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0113] Next, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction by the end binding processor moving mechanism 57 so that the crimping device 32 faces the second bound position B2 as illustrated in Fig. 13 (G). Then, the control unit 100b causes the crimping device 32 to perform crimp binding to the second bound position B2 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0114] In the example of Fig. 13, since the liquid is applied to the first liquid applying position B1 at the end, the crimp binding is performed in the order of the first bound position B1 and the second bound position B2. Conversely, if the liquid is applied to the second liquid applying position B2 at the end, the crimp binding may be performed in the order of the second bound position B2 and the first bound position B1.

[0115] Next, the control unit 100b discharges the paper bundle Pb crimp-bound at the first bound position B1 and the second bound position B2 to the second discharge tray 26. Further, the control unit 100b moves the end binding processor 25 to the home position HP as illustrated in Fig. 13 (H).

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example of crimp binding one or two positions of the paper bundle Pb has been described, but the present disclosure is also applicable to the case of crimp binding three or more positions of the paper bundle Pb separated in the main scanning direction. In this case, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 to apply liquid to three or more liquid applying positions (corresponding to the crimp bound positions) and causes the crimping device 32 to perform crimp binding. Even when three or more positions are crimped, the productivity of crimp binding can be improved by applying the present disclosure.

[0117] However, it is not necessary to apply liquid to all the liquid applying positions (corresponding to the crimp bound positions) for all the sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb. For example, when performing crimp binding at three-place crimp bound positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction, the control unit 100b may apply liquid to three liquid applying positions (corresponding to the crimp bound positions) of an E-th (E < N - 2) sheet of paper P1, apply liquid to two liquid applying positions (corresponding to the crimp bound positions) of an (E + 1)-th sheet P2, and apply liquid to 1 liquid applying position (corresponding to the crimp bound position) of an (E + 2)-th sheet P2.Liquid Supplying and Discharging Operation at Startup of Post-Processing Apparatus

[0118] Next, the correspondence between the operation state (referred to as “post-processing operation state”) of the post-processing apparatus 3 when the control unit 100b performs the liquid supplying and discharging operation and the liquid supplying or discharging mode performed accordingly will be described. Fig. 14 illustrates the correspondence between the post-processing operation state and the liquid supplying or discharging mode. Here, the “liquid supplying and discharging operation” means that the liquid used for supplying the liquid is conveyed between the second liquid storage tank 47 and the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid pump 46. In other words, the “liquid supplying and discharging operation” includes both a “liquid supplying operation” in which the liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47 is supplied to the first liquid storage tank 44 by driving the liquid pump 46 and a “liquid discharging operation” in which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is discharged to the second liquid storage tank 47 by reversely driving the liquid pump 46.

[0119] As illustrated in Fig. 14 (A), when the post-processing apparatus 3 is started, the post-processing operation state is classified into “when the post-processing apparatus is started” (corresponding to the time of turning on the post-processing apparatus 3 or the time of returning from the energy saving mode), “in standby”, “when the opening and closing cover is moved”, “when the liquid supplying operation is forcibly performed”, and “when the liquid discharging operation is forcibly performed” by the user operation in the operation unit.

[0120] As illustrated in Fig. 14 (B), when the post-processing apparatus 3 is performing the crimp binding process, the post-processing operation state is classified into “preparation for the crimp binding job”, “during the performance of the crimp binding job”, and “after the crimp binding job”. Here, it is assumed that “crimp binding” is a crimp binding process accompanied by liquid application. Further, “job” means a binding process operation based on a binding process performance command transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing apparatus 3. Then, as illustrated in Fig. 14 (A) and (B), the liquid supplying or discharging mode corresponding to each of the categories of the “post-processing operation state” described above is set.

[0121] When the “post-processing operation state” is “when the post-processing apparatus is started”, “when the opening and closing cover is moved”, or “when the liquid supplying operation is forcibly performed” (see Fig. 14 (A)), and when the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank, the control unit 100b performs the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” described later as a liquid supplying or discharging mode. Here, depending on the frequency of use of the post-processing apparatus 3 by the user, there may be a case where the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 remains at a level where liquid supply can be performed. Therefore, in such a case, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 14 (A), it is possible to set a liquid supplying or discharging mode (see Fig. 14 (A) “do nothing”) in which the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” is not performed in “when the post-processing apparatus is started” or “in standby”.Control Flow of Startup liquid supplying operation

[0122] Next, a flow of a liquid supplying operation (hereinafter, referred to as “startup-liquid supplying operation”) performed at startup and the like will be described with reference to a flowchart of Fig. 15. The control flowchart is performed by the control unit 100b. First, when the control flow of “startup-liquid supplying operation” is started, the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 as liquid amount detectors (S1501). In the following description, the position of the liquid surface when the remaining amount of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 or the second liquid storage tank is a predetermined amount is referred to as “liquid level”. The state in which a predetermined amount of liquid exists is referred to as “to have reached a predetermined liquid level”.

[0123] Subsequently, the control unit 100b determines whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached a predetermined liquid level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S1502).

[0124] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined level (S1502: YES), whether the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached a predetermined level is determined with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1503).

[0125] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined level (S1503: YES), the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 are turned off (S1504), and the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation” ends.

[0126] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has not reached the predetermined level in a step S1502 (S1502: NO), the user is notified to supply liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 (S1505). Here, “liquid supply notification” is performed by, for example, causing the control unit 100b to display information notifying the user to supply liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 on the operation panel 110 which serves for reporting the storage state of liquid in the second liquid storage tank 47.

[0127] When the user confirms the liquid supply notification displayed on the operation panel 110, the user performs a predetermined operation such as opening and closing the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing apparatus 3, supplying liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47, and closing the opening and closing cover 71. The post-processing apparatus 3 is provided with the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542 (see Fig. 10) serving as an opening and closing detecting device for detecting the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover 71.

[0128] The control unit 100b receives an opening or closing signal of the opening and closing cover 71 transmitted from the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542 provided in the post-processing apparatus 3 (S1506). After receiving the close signal of the opening and closing cover 71 transmitted from the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542, the control unit 100b returns to the step S1502 and determines whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47, by the second liquid level sensor 94, has reached the predetermined liquid level.

[0129] Note that the determination of whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined liquid level in the step S1502 may be performed in the step of “startup-liquid supplying operation” as described above, or may be monitored at all times independently of the step of “startup-liquid supplying operation”.

[0130] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has not reached the predetermined liquid level (S1503: NO), the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” of the liquid is performed. Specifically, in the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation”, the control unit 100b first starts driving the liquid pump 46, that is, the liquid supplying operation (S1507). In the following step S1507, the control unit 100b determines again whether the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined liquid level (S1508). In a step S1508, when the control unit 100b determines that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is in a state in which the liquid is detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1508: YES), the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 are turned off (S1509).

[0131] After starting driving the liquid pump 46 in step S1507, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the time T5 [sec] until the liquid amount detector of the step S1509 is turned off is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510). If the time T5 [sec] is less than the predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510: NO), the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for the predetermined time T2 [sec] (S1511). Subsequently, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the elapse of the predetermined time T2 [sec] (S1512), and ends the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation”. Note that the “time T5 [sec]”, the “predetermined time Tth [sec]”, and the “predetermined time T2 [sec]” are synonymous with the “liquid supply time T5 [sec]”, the “liquid permeation supply time Tth [sec]”, and the “predetermined time T2 [sec]” in Fig. 18 (A), respectively.

[0132] Conversely, if the time T5 [sec] is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Tth [sec] (S1510: YES), the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for the predetermined time T2’ [sec] (S1513). Subsequently, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the elapse of the predetermined time T2’ [sec] (S1514). Note that the “predetermined time T2’ [sec]” is synonymous with the “predetermined time T2’ [sec]” in Fig. 18 (B).

[0133] Subsequently, the control unit 100b starts the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46, that is, the liquid discharging operation (S1515). After a step S1515, the control unit 100b continues the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T4 [sec] (S1516). Subsequently, after the predetermined time T4 [sec] has elapsed, the control unit 100b stops the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 (S1517), and the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation” ends. Note that the “predetermined time T4 [sec]” is synonymous with the “predetermined time T4 [sec]” in Fig. 18 (B).

[0134] The flow rate per time of the liquid pump 46 is set to be constant. Therefore, in the “startup-liquid supplying operation” by the liquid pump 46, the control unit 100b starts driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] after detecting by the first liquid level sensor 43 that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is a detection liquid level to be described later. Then, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the predetermined time T2 [sec] has elapsed, so that the liquid can be supplied up to the predetermined liquid level h2 as the first predetermined liquid level.

[0135] Further, since the flow rate per time of the liquid pump 46 is set to be constant, in the “startup-liquid supplying operation”, the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2’ [sec] after detecting by the first liquid level sensor 43 that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is a detection liquid level to be described later. Then, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 after the elapse of the predetermined time T2’ [sec]. At this time, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is at the second predetermined level illustrated in Fig. 18 (B). Then, the control unit 100b starts the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 and continues the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 for the predetermined time T4 [sec]. Then, the control unit 100b stops the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 after the elapse of the predetermined time T4, so that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be lowered from the second predetermined level to the first predetermined level as illustrated in Fig. 18 (B).

[0136] In the above description, the control unit 100b stops the driving of the liquid pump 46 after continuing the driving of the liquid pump 46 for the predetermined time T2’ [sec] (S1513). However, a predetermined time may elapse before starting the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 (S1515) after stopping the driving of the liquid pump 46 (S1514). In this case, the predetermined time is set to an appropriate time as the liquid permeation time due to the capillary phenomenon of the liquid supplying member 50.

[0137] As described above, in the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation”, sensing by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 is used as a trigger for stopping the driving of the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 at the time of startup can be stabilized at the first predetermined liquid level as the reference liquid level which is the same height every time.

[0138] The control unit 100b starts driving the liquid pump 46 (S1507) in the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” which is performed when it is determined in step S1503 that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (S1503: NO), and waits for the passage of the predetermined time T1 [sec] (S1518) when the liquid is not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S1508: NO). When the liquid is not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 even after the passage of the predetermined time T1 [sec], the control unit 100b performs an error stop process (S1519) for stopping the progress of the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation” because it is assumed that the liquid pump 46 has failed or that water has leaked from the first liquid storage tank 44. Further, the control unit 100b performs an abnormality notification (S1520) by the operation panel 110 or the like following the error stop process, and ends the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation”.

[0139] Next, an outline of the “startup-liquid supplying operation” which is one of the liquid supplying or discharging modes will be described with reference to Figs. 16, 17, and 18. The first liquid storage tank 44 illustrated in Fig. 16 (A) is empty of liquid. At this time, the liquid supplying member 50 may be wet containing moisture or dry due to evaporation of moisture depending on the elapsed time from the time when the liquid applying device 31 was used for supplying liquid last time.

[0140] When the liquid pump 46 in the step S1507 of Fig. 15 is started from the state in which the first liquid storage tank 44 is empty as illustrated in Fig. 16 (A), a liquid supplying operation in which liquid is supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 is performed as illustrated in Fig. 16 (B). As illustrated in Fig. 16, the first liquid level sensor 43 is composed of a pair of electrode pins having different lengths. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 16 (B), as the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 rises, the electrode pins having longer lengths are immersed in the liquid in the order of the electrode pins having shorter lengths.

[0141] Then, as illustrated in Fig. 16 (C), when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the electrode pins having shorter lengths, the pair of electrode pins become conductive and the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is detected as the first liquid level sensor 43. The liquid level when the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 in this way, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is hereinafter referred to as a “detected liquid level” (see Fig. 18).

[0142] A wall 43a is provided between the pair of electrode pins. The wall 43a is preferably formed in a part of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0143] Then, when the liquid supplying operation by the liquid pump 46 is continued for a predetermined time T2 [sec] from the state in which the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the detection liquid level (see Fig. 16 (C)), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 becomes the state illustrated in Fig. 17 (A). As illustrated in Fig. 17 (A), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches a predetermined position beyond the higher (shorter) electrode pin. The liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 at this time, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is hereinafter referred to as the “first predetermined liquid level”. Here, the “first predetermined liquid level” is a liquid level at which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can sufficiently permeate the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501. That is, the “first predetermined liquid level” is a liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 that is required for the liquid supplying member 50 to supply an appropriate amount of liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb.

[0144] Further, when the liquid supplying operation by the liquid pump 46 is continued for a predetermined time T2’ [sec] after the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the detection liquid level (see Fig. 16 (C)), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 becomes the state illustrated in Fig. 17 (B). That is, as illustrated in Fig. 17 (B), the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 exceeds the first predetermined liquid level and reaches a predetermined position. The liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 at this time, that is, the liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44, is hereinafter referred to as the “second predetermined liquid level”. Here, the “second predetermined liquid level” is a liquid level indicating the amount of liquid stored in the first liquid storage tank 44 that is necessary for the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 to change from a dry state to a state in which the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 has sufficiently permeated into the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 because the immersed portion 502 of the liquid applying member 501 is not immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0145] In Fig. 16, two electrodes having different lengths are used as the first liquid level sensor 43, but when the first liquid storage tank 44 is inclined as illustrated in Fig. 17, the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be appropriately detected even when two electrodes having the same length are used as the first liquid level sensor 43. By using two electrodes having the same length, the cost of the first liquid level sensor 43 can be reduced.

[0146] Subsequently, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is absorbed by the influence of capillary action by the liquid supplying member 50.

[0147] Next, the liquid supplying and discharging operation when the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is brought to the first predetermined liquid level will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 (A) illustrates a case where the liquid permeates the liquid supplying member 50. Here, the liquid supplying operation in the case where the liquid level (hereinafter, referred to as “initial liquid level”) of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 at the time of starting or the like of the post-processing apparatus 3 is higher than the liquid level (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid immersion boundary level Lth”) which is a boundary where the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 will be described.

[0148] After starting the liquid supplying operation by the liquid pump 46 in the step S1507 of Fig. 15, in the step S1509 of Fig. 15, the first liquid level sensor 43 is positioned in the first liquid storage tank 44. The elapsed time until the liquid is detected and the first liquid level sensor 43 is turned off is defined as a predetermined time T5 [sec] (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid supply time T5”). In this case, the liquid supply time T5 [sec] is shorter than the time until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the detected liquid level from the liquid immersion boundary level Lth (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid permeation supply time Tth”). In this case, the liquid supplying member 50 is already permeated with liquid to some extent. Therefore, the down time to bring the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 to the first predetermined liquid level at which the liquid applying member 501 can supply an appropriate amount of liquid to the paper P can be minimized. That is, by continuing the liquid supplying operation by the liquid pump 46 for the liquid supply time T5 [sec] and then continuing the liquid supplying operation for the predetermined time T2 [sec], the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 can be brought to the first predetermined liquid level.

[0149] That is, according to the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” when the liquid remains in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supplying operation is performed while changing the liquid supply time T5 from the initial liquid level to the detected liquid level based on the detection result by the first liquid level sensor 43. Thus, the time from the initial liquid level to the first predetermined liquid level can be minimized. That is, the time for the liquid to permeate the entire area of the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 can be reduced. Further, since the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the liquid applying member 501 can be continuously adjusted to an appropriate amount, the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb by the crimping device 32 can be stabilized.

[0150] Next, the liquid supplying and discharging operation in the case where the initial liquid level is lower than the liquid immersion boundary level Lth will be described. Fig. 18 (B) illustrates a case where the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 is not immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. That is, in this case, since the liquid cannot be absorbed by the capillary transfer phenomenon of the liquid supplying member 50, the liquid does not sufficiently permeate into the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501, or the liquid is practically dry. Therefore, in this case, since the initial liquid level of the first liquid storage tank at the time of starting the post-processing apparatus 3 or the like is lower than the liquid immersion boundary level Lth of the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50, the liquid supply time T5 [sec] becomes longer than the liquid permeation supply time Tth.

[0151] In this case, a considerable time is spent for the liquid to permeate into the entire area of the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 by the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, if the liquid supply time T5 [sec], which is the time from the start of driving the liquid pump 46 (step S1507 in Fig. 15) until the first liquid level sensor 43 detects the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and turns the first liquid level sensor 43 off (step S1509 in Fig. 15), is longer than the liquid permeation supply time Tth, as illustrated in Fig. 18 (B), a control unit 100 continues the liquid supplying operation by the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2’ [sec], which is the elapsed time from the time the first liquid level sensor 43 is turned off (step S1509 in Fig. 15) until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the second predetermined liquid level (step S1513 in Fig. 15). Subsequently, the control unit 100 starts the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 (step S1515 in Fig. 15) to convey the liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44 to the second liquid storage tank 47, that is, starts the liquid discharging operation. Then, as illustrated in Fig. 18 (B), the control unit 100 continues the liquid discharging operation by the liquid pump 46 until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the first predetermined liquid level from the second predetermined liquid level (a step S1516 in Fig. 15). That is, the liquid discharging operation by the liquid pump 46 continues until the elapsed time from the start of the reverse driving of the liquid pump 46 reaches the predetermined time T4. After that, the control unit 100 stops the driving of the liquid pump 46 in step S1517, and ends the control flow of the “startup-liquid supplying operation”.

[0152] As described above, when no liquid remains in the first liquid storage tank 44, by increasing the area in which the liquid supplying member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, it is possible to reduce the time for the liquid to permeate the entire area of the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501.

[0153] In addition, according to the liquid supplying and discharging operation illustrated in Fig. 18 (B), it is possible to prevent the liquid from dripping from the liquid applying member 501 provided at the distal end of the liquid supplying member 50 due to an excessively high liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44. In other words, since it is possible to prevent the liquid applying member 501 from imparting an excess amount of liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb, it is possible to prevent the lowering of the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb by the crimping device 32.

[0154] Then, by ensuring the time for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to permeate the entire area of the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501, it is possible to reliably apply the liquid to the paper P by the liquid applying member 501. If the predetermined times T2’ and T4 have not passed, the liquid application by the liquid applying member 501 is not performed. That is, the liquid application by the liquid applying member 501 is not performed until the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 reaches the first predetermined liquid level. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of liquid applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the liquid applying member 501 from becoming less than the proper amount, so that it is possible to prevent the reduction of the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb by the crimping device 32.

[0155] In the case where an electrode sensor is used for the first liquid level sensor 43, if the electrode is always energized, there is a risk that the electrode made of metal is corroded due to the occurrence of an electric corrosion phenomenon. In addition, if a voltage is always applied to the liquid, the liquid is subjected to electrolysis, which may cause problems such as adhesion of foreign matter to the electrode or dissolution of the electrode. In consideration of these problems, the voltage is applied to the first liquid level sensor 43 as the electrode sensor only when the presence or absence of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is detected.

[0156] Although an electrode sensor is illustrated as an example of the first liquid level sensor 43 in the present embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and other systems may be used. For example, a float sensor or a capacitance sensor may be used to detect the liquid level. Further, the first liquid level sensor 43 may be any sensor that can calculate the liquid storage amount in the first liquid storage tank 44 (e.g., a weight sensor), and is not limited to one that detects the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44.Overall Image of Binding process Operation Flow Including liquid supplying operation

[0157] Next, Fig. 19 is a flowchart of overall control process of a binding process operation including a liquid supplying and discharging operation to the liquid applying device 31 of the end binding processor 25. Processes related to the control flowchart is performed in the control unit 100b.

[0158] First, when the control flow of the binding process operation is started, the control unit 100b performs a “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” as preparation before performing a job (S1901). The “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 20. Subsequently, the control unit 100b moves the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 of the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction, performs liquid supply by the liquid applying device 31 to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22, and performs a binding process on the paper bundle Pb to which the liquid is applied (S1902). Here, the details of the “moving, liquid supply, and binding process” in a step S1902 have been described as the flow of the binding process in Fig. 11. Finally, the control unit 100b performs the “post-job-liquid supplying operation” as the completion operation (S1903). The “post-job-liquid supplying operation” will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 22.Control Flow of Job Preparation-Liquid Supplying operation

[0159] Fig. 20 is a control flowchart of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” in a step S1901 of Fig. 19. When a binding process performance command is received from the user, the control flow of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” is started. Prior to moving the end binding processor 25 including the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32, the liquid applying device 31 is required to be in a state in　which liquid can be applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb.

[0160] Therefore, upon receiving the determination request for presence or absence of the liquid, the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 as the liquid amount detector in order to determine whether liquid levels in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 have reached predetermined liquid levels (S2001). When the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 are turned on, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 are brought into the detectable state.

[0161] Subsequently, the control unit 100b determines whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined liquid level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002). When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002: YES), subsequently, whether the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached a predetermined level is determined with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003).

[0162] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003: YES), subsequently, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 are turned off (S2004), and the control flow of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” ends. By turning off the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 become undetectable.

[0163] Conversely, when the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has not reached the predetermined level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2002: NO), subsequently, the user is notified to supply liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2005). When the user finishes supplying liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 and the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing apparatus 3 is closed, the control unit 100b receives a signal from the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542 indicating that the opening and closing cover 71 is closed as a trigger (S2006). The determination as to whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined liquid level may be performed in the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation”, which is one of the steps of the binding process performed by the end binding processor 25 as described above. Alternatively, the determination may be performed at a timing independent of the step of the binding process.

[0164] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has not reached the predetermined liquid level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2003: NO), the “predetermined amount supplying operation” of the liquid is performed. Specifically, in the “predetermined amount supplying operation”, the control unit 100b first turns off the second liquid level sensor 94 and the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2007) and starts driving the liquid pump 46 as a preparation operation for supplying the liquid (S2008). The driving of the liquid pump 46 is continued for a predetermined time T3 [sec] (S2009), and then the driving of the liquid pump 46 is stopped (S2010). Subsequently, the control unit 100b ends the control flow of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation”. Since the flow rate per time of the liquid pump 46 is set to be constant, in the “predetermined amount supplying operation”, the predetermined amount of liquid can be supplied from the second liquid storage tank 47 to the first liquid storage tank 44 by continuing the driving of the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T3 [sec].

[0165] Here, in the “predetermined amount supplying operation”, no sensing by the liquid amount detector is performed as a trigger for stopping the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the time for the liquid supplying operation is constant, and the process can be immediately shifted to the next process, and the process time of the binding process operation can be reduced as a whole to improve the productivity of the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0166] Next, an outline of the “predetermined amount supplying operation” which is a part of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 (A) illustrates a state in which the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is higher than the detected liquid level. At this time, as described above, this corresponds to a case in which the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined liquid level (a case in which YES is determined in a step S2003 of Fig. 20), so that the control unit 100b turns off the liquid amount detector (step S2004 of Fig. 20), and then ends the control flow of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation”.

[0167] Fig. 21 (B) illustrates a state in which the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is lower than the detected liquid level. This is a case in which the evaporation of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 progresses because the use environment of the post-processing apparatus 3 is a low-humidity environment or the elapsed time since the last use of the post-processing apparatus 3 is long. At this time, as described above, this corresponds to a case in which the first liquid level sensor 43 determines that there is no predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 (a case in which NO is determined in the step S2003 of Fig. 20), so that the control unit 100b turns off the liquid amount detector (step S2007 of Fig. 20), and then performs the “predetermined amount supplying operation” in steps S2008 to S2010 of Fig. 20. Subsequently, the control unit 100b ends the control flow of the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation”.

[0168] In the state in which the above-described “predetermined amount supplying operation” is performed, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is close to the “first predetermined liquid level” as illustrated in Fig. 21 (C). However, since the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 changes according to the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 when the “predetermined amount supplying operation” is started, the liquid level is not constant. That is, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not always the “first predetermined liquid level” by the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation”.

[0169] Further, the same liquid supplying operation as the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” illustrated in Fig. 15 is performed for the liquid supplying operation in the liquid supplying or discharging mode corresponding to the “on performing the crimp binding job” in Fig. 14 (B). That is, there is a case where the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank becomes lower than the detected liquid level (see Fig. 21 (B)) by performing the liquid supply by the liquid applying device 31 for a predetermined number of times in the step S1902 of Fig. 19. In this case, the control unit 100b brings the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 close to the “first predetermined liquid level”, as illustrated in Fig. 21 (C), by performing the “startup-predetermined position supplying operation” illustrated in Fig. 15 (operations of the step S1507 to S1517 of Fig. 15).Control Flow of Post-Job-Liquid Supplying Operation

[0170] Fig. 22 is a control flowchart of “post-job-liquid supplying operation control process”. The post-job-liquid supplying operation is a liquid supplying operation performed in preparation for the next binding process after the binding operation at the step S1902 in Fig. 19 is completed (step S1903 in Fig. 19).

[0171] First, the control unit 100b determines whether there is a next post-process performance command. That is, the control unit 100b determines whether there is a next binding process command (hereinafter, referred to as “next process performance command”) when the post-process is performed continuously (S2201). When the control unit 100b determines that there is a performance command of the succeeding process to be performed continuously (S2201: YES), the control flow of “post-job-liquid supplying operation” is completed and the next binding process is started.

[0172] Conversely, when the control unit 100b determines that there is no command to perform the succeeding process to be performed continuously (S2201: NO), the control unit 100b turns on the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 as the liquid amount detector in order to determine whether the liquid levels in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the second liquid storage tank 47 have reached predetermined liquid levels (S2202).

[0173] Subsequently, the control unit 100b determines whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached a predetermined liquid level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2203). When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined level (S2203: YES), whether the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached a predetermined level is determined with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2204).

[0174] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2204: YES), subsequently, the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 are turned off (S2205), and the control flow of the “post-job-liquid supplying operation” ends.

[0175] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has not reached the predetermined level with the second liquid level sensor 94 (S2203: NO), subsequently, the user is notified to supply liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 (S2206). When the user finishes supplying liquid to the second liquid storage tank 47 and the opening and closing cover 71 of the post-processing apparatus 3 is closed, the control unit 100b receives a signal from the cover opening and closing detecting sensor 542 indicating that the opening and closing cover 71 is closed as a trigger (S2207). The determination as to whether the liquid level in the second liquid storage tank 47 has reached the predetermined liquid level may be performed in the “post-job-liquid supplying operation”, which is one of the steps of the binding process performed by the end binding processor 25 as described above. Alternatively, the determination may be performed at a timing independent of the step of the binding process.

[0176] When the control unit 100b determines that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has not reached the predetermined liquid level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2204: NO), the “post-job predetermined position supplying operation” of the liquid is performed. Specifically, in the “post-job-supplying operation performed at a predetermined position”, the control unit 100b first starts driving the liquid pump 46 (S2208). Then, the control unit 100b determines again whether the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined liquid level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2209). Then, when it is determined that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 has reached the predetermined liquid level with the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2209: YES), the control unit 100b turns off the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 as the liquid amount detector (S2210). Further, the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] (S2211). Then, the control unit 100b stops driving the liquid pump 46 (S2212) to end the control flow of the “post-job-liquid supplying operation”.

[0177] Since the flow rate of the liquid pump 46 is set to be constant, in the “post-job predetermined position supplying operation”, the control unit 100b continues driving the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time T2 [sec] after the first liquid level sensor 43 detects that the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is the detection liquid level. By stopping the driving of the liquid pump 46 after the predetermined time T2 [sec] has elapsed, the liquid can be supplied up to the predetermined liquid level h2 as the first predetermined liquid level. In the “post-job predetermined position supplying operation”, sensing by the first liquid level sensor 43 and the second liquid level sensor 94 is performed as a trigger for stopping the driving of the liquid pump 46. Therefore, the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 after the job can be stabilized at the same first predetermined liquid level every time.

[0178] In the “post-job predetermined position supplying operation”, when the driving of the liquid pump 46 is started (S2208) and the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 (S2209: NO), the control unit 100b waits until the elapse of a predetermined time T1 [sec] (S2213). If the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not detected by the first liquid level sensor 43 even after the elapse of the predetermined time T1 [sec], the control unit 100b performs error stop process (S2214) for stopping the progress of the control flow of the “post-job-liquid supplying operation”, and then performs an abnormality notification (S2215) by the operation panel 110 or the like, and ends the control flow of the “post-job-liquid supplying operation”, because a failure of the liquid pump 46 or a water leakage from the first liquid storage tank 44 is assumed.

[0179] Fig. 23 is a control flowchart illustrating a modified example of the binding process. Fig. 23 is different from the control flowchart illustrating the binding process in Fig. 11 in that when the number of consecutive liquid applications exceeds a predetermined number of times, a continuous liquid supplying operation (hereinafter, referred to as “continuous-liquid supplying operation”) is carried out.

[0180] The control unit 100b starts the binding process illustrated in Fig. 23, for example, at a timing when a performance command of the binding process (hereinafter, referred to as “binding process command”) is received from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0181] The binding process command includes, for example, the type of paper P (including information affecting the spread of the liquid, such as material and thickness), the number of sheets of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined number N”), the number of the paper bundles Pb to be bound (hereinafter, referred to as “required number M”), the bound position of the paper bundle Pb, and the binding orientation of the end binding processor 25. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 12 (A), it is assumed that the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are in the parallel binding orientation and are positioned at the home position HP which is a position away in the width direction from the sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 at the time of starting the binding process.

[0182] First, when the orientation instructed by the binding process command is the “oblique binding orientation”, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 and the crimping device rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 included in the end binding processor 25 to the oblique binding orientation (S2301). In the case of the “oblique binding orientation”, only the crimping device 32 may be rotated to the oblique binding orientation, and the liquid applying device 31 may not be rotated in the forward and reverse directions. As a result, the driving mechanism can be simplified as compared with the case where both the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions, so that the effects of cost reduction, miniaturization of the apparatus, and reduction in failure of the apparatus are achieved.

[0183] Additionally, when the orientation instructed by the binding process command is the “parallel binding orientation”, the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 included in the end binding processor 25 to the oblique binding orientation. Further, the control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction so that the liquid applying device 31 faces the first liquid applying position B1 designated by the binding command (S2301). The control unit 100b performs the process of step S2301 before the first paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15.

[0184] Next, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to accommodate the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 in the internal tray 22 (S2302). Further, the control unit 100b reciprocates the side fences 24L and 24R to perform a what is called a jogging process for aligning the positions of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S2302).

[0185] Next, the control unit 100b causes the liquid applying device 31 facing the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S2302 to apply a liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 based on the liquid applying control data adjusted in advance (S2303). That is, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 to bring the liquid applying member 501 into contact with the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22 (see Fig. 12 (B)). In the liquid applying process in a step S2303, the control unit 100b adjusts the position at which the liquid applying member 501 applies a liquid to the paper P in accordance with the type of the paper P included in the binding process command and the bound position. The control unit 100b also adjusts the amount by which the liquid applying member 501 is pressed against the paper P. That is, based on the adjusted control data, the control unit 100b controls the drive of the liquid applying unit moving motor 42 to adjust the amount of movement of the liquid applying member 501 with respect to the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P placed on the internal tray 22.

[0186] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N indicated by the binding process command (S2304). When it is determined that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S2304: NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of steps S2302 to S2304 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N (S2304: YES). That is, the control unit 100b performs the processes of steps S2302 to S2304 each time the paper P is conveyed to the internal tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15. Note that the liquid applying device 31 is not required to apply the liquid to all of the plurality of sheets of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb and may apply the liquid to only a part of the plurality of sheets of paper P included in the paper bundle Pb.

[0187] When the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 is determined to have reached the predetermined number N (S2304: YES), the control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction so that the crimping device 32 faces the first bound position B1, as illustrated in Fig. 12 (C) (S2305).

[0188] Next, the control unit 100b causes the crimping device 32 to perform crimp binding on the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 (S2306). Then, the control unit 100b causes the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the paper bundle Pb crimped and bound by the crimping device 32 to the second discharge tray 26 (S2307). That is, the control unit 100b drives the contact and separation motor 32d to sandwich the first bound position B1 of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b. Thus, the paper bundle Pb is pressed and deformed between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b to perform crimp binding. Then, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26.

[0189] On the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22, a crimp bound region (corresponding to the first bound position B1) held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b in the step S2306 overlaps the liquid applied region (corresponding to the first liquid applied position B1) in which the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 abuts in the step S2303. In other words, the crimping device 32 crimp-binds the liquid applied region in the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 with the liquid applying device 31. The crimp bound region held between the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b does not need to completely overlap the liquid applied region in which the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 abuts, and sufficient binding strength can be obtained even partially overlapping.

[0190] Subsequently, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of consecutive liquid-applications has reached a predetermined number K (S2308). In the description of the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times K corresponding to the threshold of the number of times of continuous liquid application is, for example, “1000 times”.

[0191] When it is determined that the number of times of continuous liquid application is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (S2308: YES), since the liquid amount in the first liquid storage tank 44 is not sufficient, the control unit 100b temporarily stops the binding process and performs the “continuous time-liquid supplying operation” (S2309). Here, since the “continuous time-liquid supplying operation” is the same as the “job preparation-liquid supplying operation” described with reference to Fig. 20, that is, the “predetermined amount supplying operation”, a detailed description of the operation flow is omitted.

[0192] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number M indicated by the binding process command (S2310). If the control unit 100b determines that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged does not reach the required number M (S2310: NO), the control unit 100b re-performs the process after the step S2301. That is, the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of the steps S2301 to S2310 until the number of the paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S2310: YES).

[0193] Conversely, when it is determined that the number of the paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 reaches the required number M (S2310: YES), the control unit 100b drives the end binding processor moving motor 55 to move the end binding processor 25 including the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the home position HP as illustrated in Fig. 12 (D) (S2311). Additionally, when the orientation indicated by the binding command is the “oblique binding orientation”, the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying device rotating motor 563 and the crimping device rotating motor 56 to rotate the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the parallel binding orientation (S2311). Additionally, when the orientation indicated by the binding command is the “parallel binding orientation”, the operation of rotating the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 to the parallel binding orientation is omitted. As a result, the end binding processor 25 returns to the home position HP of Fig. 12 (D). In step S2301 and step S2311, the performance order of the operation of moving the end binding processor 25 in the main scanning direction and the operation of rotating it in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the aforementioned order, and may be the reverse order.Liquid Discharging Operation and Control Flow of Liquid Discharging Operation

[0194] Next, the liquid discharge control when controlling the liquid discharging operation that can be performed in the post-processing apparatus 3 will be described. Fig. 24 is a schematic description diagram of a liquid discharging operation which is one of liquid supplying and discharging operations. Fig. 25 is a flowchart of control process of the liquid discharging operation (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid discharging control flow”). Here, the “liquid discharging operation” refers to that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is discharged to the second liquid storage tank 47 by the reverse drive of the liquid pump 46 as described above.

[0195] When the post-processing apparatus 3 is in use, liquid exists in the first liquid storage tank 44, and the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 are permeated with liquid throughout. Conversely, during maintenance of the post-processing apparatus 3, the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 may be removed. In this case, in order to prevent liquid leakage from the first liquid storage tank 44, an operation of emptying the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 may be required. In addition, in order to prevent contamination by liquid when the post-processing apparatus 3 is not used for a long period of time, an operation of emptying the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 may be required. That is, when the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 is emptied, the liquid discharging operation is performed.

[0196] When the “liquid discharging operation” is selected as the liquid supplying and discharging operation, the liquid discharge control flow is started. When the liquid discharge control flow is started, the control unit 100b reversely drives the liquid pump 46 for a predetermined time Tr [sec] (S2501) to absorb the liquid from the first liquid storage tank 44. That is, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 is discharged from the first liquid storage tank 44 toward the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 (see Fig. 24 (A)). As a result, the liquid level of the liquid L in the second liquid storage tank fixing unit 61 rises and the liquid level of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 falls. As a result, the first liquid storage tank 44 becomes empty (see Fig. 24 (B)). The predetermined time Tr, which is the operation time of the liquid pump 46, is set to a time when the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the liquid supplying member 50 and / or the liquid applying member 501 is sufficiently discharged, for example. After the liquid pump 46 is driven in reverse for the predetermined time Tr, the control unit 100b terminates the liquid discharge control flow.

[0197] Note that the “liquid discharging operation” as the liquid supplying and discharging operation may be performed by the user arbitrarily selecting on the operation screen of the operation panel 110 as illustrated in Fig. 26. That is, when the forced supplying operation, which is the operation of forcibly supplying the liquid, is selected, a performance button 110a of “forcible liquid supply” is pressed. When the liquid discharging operation is selected, a performance button 110b of “liquid discharge” is pressed.Embodiment of Configuration for Supplying Liquid to the First Liquid Storage Unit

[0198] Next, the configuration of a flow path for supplying liquid to the first liquid storage tank 44 as the first liquid storage unit will be described in more detail. Fig. 27 (A) illustrates a first liquid storage tank 44, a liquid supplying member 50, and the liquid applying member 501 used for supplying liquid in the liquid applying device 31 for supplying liquid to at least one sheet of paper P as a medium. Fig. 27 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid supplying member 50, and the liquid applying member 501 when viewed from the main scanning direction (Y direction in Fig. 27), which are cut at a central position in the main scanning direction.

[0199] As illustrated in Fig. 27 (A), the liquid applying device 31 includes a first liquid storage tank 44 for storing liquid used for supplying liquid. The liquid applying device 31 also includes the liquid applying member 501 for supplying liquid to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by abutting on the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. The liquid applying device 31 also includes a liquid supplying member 50 for supplying liquid used when the liquid applying member 501 abuts on the paper P or the paper bundle Pb to supply liquid to the liquid applying member 501.

[0200] Fig. 27 (B) is an enlarged perspective view of a state in which the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are installed in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37.

[0201] As illustrated in Fig. 27 (A), one end of the liquid supplying member 50 is provided with an immersed portion 502 for being immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44. The other end of the liquid supplying member 50 is provided with a connecting portion 503 for abutting on or connecting to the liquid applying member 501 abutting on the paper P or the paper bundle Pb when applying the liquid. The liquid applying member 501 is provided at a predetermined position of the holder 37 in a state of abutting on or connecting to the connecting portion 503 which is one end of the liquid supplying member 50. The liquid applying member 501 is held by the liquid applying device 31 in a state where the liquid from the liquid supplying member 50 flows. By thus forming the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 as separate members, attaching the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 to the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37 is facilitated, and the assemblability of the liquid applying device 31 is improved.

[0202] The liquid absorbed from the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 by the liquid supplying member 50 can flow to the liquid applying member 501. That is, if the immersed portion 502 provided at the other end of the liquid supplying member 50 is immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 in a state where there is a predetermined liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 44, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 flows to the liquid applying member 501 through the liquid supplying member 50.

[0203] As illustrated in Figs. 27 (A) and 27 (B), the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are held by the holder 37 such that the immersed portion 502 is positioned at a predetermined position in the internal space of the first liquid storage tank 44. The holder 37 holds the first liquid storage tank 44 together with the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501.

[0204] Fig. 28 (A) is a plan view of the holder 37. Fig. 28 (A) corresponds to, for example, a plan view when the holder 37 holds the first liquid storage tank 44 when the holder 37 is viewed from the opposite side of the side in contact with the first liquid storage tank 44. Fig. 28 (B) is a view taken along the arrow AA in Fig. 27 (A). As illustrated in Fig. 28 (A), in order to form a flow path 511 in which liquid overflowing from the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 flows, a plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c are formed between the liquid supplying member 50 and the holder 37, and between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37.

[0205] As illustrated in Figs. 27 (B) and 28 (A), the gap 511a is a gap extending along the Z direction between the liquid supplying member 50 and a wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44. As illustrated in Figs. 27 (B) and 28 (A) and (B), the gaps 511b1 and 511b2 are gaps extending along the X direction between the liquid supplying member 50 and a wall surface of the holder 37. As illustrated in Figs. 28 (A) and 28 (B), the gap 511b2 is formed larger than the gap 511b1. By forming the gap 511b2 large in this way, a predetermined amount of liquid can stay on the upper surface of the liquid applying member 501. As a result, the liquid can be directly supplied to the liquid applying member 501 in addition to the liquid supplied from the liquid supplying member 50, so that the liquid permeation time into the liquid applying member 501 can be reduced. Further, as illustrated in Figs. 27 (A), 27 (B), and 28 (A), the gap 511c is a gap extending in the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end portion in the X direction of the liquid applying member 501 and the inner surface of the downstream end wall in the X direction of the holder 37. As illustrated in Figs. 27 (A) and 27 (B), the gap 511c is formed by a groove formed on the inner surface of the X direction downstream end wall of the holder 37 over the entire Z direction, and an outer surface of the X direction downstream end portion of the liquid applying member 501. The liquid remaining on the upper surface of the liquid applying member 501 permeates into the liquid applying member 501 not only from the upper surface of the liquid applying member 501 but also from the X direction downstream end of the liquid applying member 501 through the gap 511c. Thus, the liquid permeation time into the liquid applying member 501 can be further reduced.

[0206] The flow path 511 including the plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c forms a passage for flowing the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 so as to permeate into the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 when the liquid is filled in the first liquid storage tank 44. The liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are arranged in the holder 37 and the first liquid storage tank 44 so that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 permeates through the flow path 511. As illustrated in Fig. 27 (A), the flow path 511 is continuously provided from the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 to the connecting portion 503, and further is continuously provided to a position reaching a predetermined position of the liquid applying member 501. That is, the flow path 511 is formed in a groove shape continuously provided from the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 to the connecting portion 503. By configuring the flow path 511 in this manner, the liquid overflowing from the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 flows through a plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c, and quickly permeates into the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501. As a result, the time for the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 to sufficiently permeate into the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 can be reduced.

[0207] The immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 is one end portion of the liquid supplying member 50 immersed in the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44, and corresponds to a portion absorbing the liquid. The connecting portion 503 of the liquid supplying member 50 is the other end portion of the liquid supplying member 50, and corresponds to an end portion abutting on the liquid applying member 501. Note that the contact between the connecting portion 503 of the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 is not limited to a state of merely abutting on each other, and may be connected with a predetermined configuration. That is, in the above description, a case where the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are constituted of separate members, and the connecting portion 503 of the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are abutted or connected is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this case. For example, the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 may be seamlessly formed into one member. In this case, since the liquid absorbed by the liquid supplying member 50 can be smoothly made to flow to the liquid applying member 501 by using the capillary phenomenon, a predetermined amount of liquid can be stably imparted to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the liquid applying member 501. In addition, the cost can be reduced compared with the case where the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are separately formed.

[0208] As illustrated in Figs. 27 (A) and (B) and Fig. 28 (B), the upper surface of the liquid applying member 501 is located lower than the upper surface of the liquid supplying member 50. As a result, the groove-shaped gap 511b2 formed with the lateral surface of the connecting portion 503 of the liquid supplying member 50, the upper surface of the liquid supplying member 50, and the lateral surface of the holder 37 constitutes a part of the liquid flow path 511.

[0209] The flow path 511 includes the gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c continuously provided from the immersed portion 502 of the liquid supplying member 50 to the liquid applying member 501. As a result, the liquid overflowing from the inside of the first liquid storage tank 44 can smoothly flow along the flow path 511. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can permeate the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 more quickly.

[0210] Next, a plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c included in the flow path 511 provided in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37 will be described with reference to Fig. 29. As illustrated in Fig. 29 (A), in order to hold the liquid supplying member 50 in the first liquid storage tank 44, a part of the liquid supplying member 50 must be brought into close contact with the wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0211] The flow path 511 may be formed so that the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 44 can flow between the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501, and the holder 37, and between the liquid supplying member 50 and the first liquid storage tank 44. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 29 (B), which is an arrow view taken along the AD of Fig. 29 (A), by forming a groove on the wall surface of the downstream end portion in the X direction of the holder 37, the groove extending over the entire Z direction, a gap 511c is formed between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 29 (C), which is an arrow view taken along the AC of Fig. 29 (A), a gap 511b1 extending along the X direction is formed between the liquid supplying member 50 and the wall surface of the holder 37. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 29 (D), which is an arrow view taken along the AB of Fig. 29 (A), the gaps 511a and 511b1 are formed by forming a plurality of grooves on an inner wall of the first liquid storage tank 44, that is, the wall surface of the first liquid storage tank 44, with which the liquid supplying member 50 comes in contact. As described above, the flow path 511 is formed by a plurality of gaps 511a, 511b1, 511b2, and 511c formed between a portion of the holder 37 and a portion of the first liquid storage tank 44, and the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501.

[0212] As illustrated in Figs. 27 (A), 27 (B) and 28 (A), when the liquid applying member 501 is also inclined to the receiving port for receiving the paper P, it is desirable that the gap 511c be extended in the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end portion in the X direction of the liquid applying member 501 and the inner surface of the downstream end portion wall in the X direction of the holder 37. For example, when the gap 511c is extended in the Z direction between the outer surface of the both end portions in the Y direction of the liquid applying member 501 and the inner surface of the both end portions wall in the Y direction of the holder 37, the time for the liquid passing the gap 511c to permeate into the liquid applying member 501 is reduced. As a result, the liquid that has not permeated into the liquid applying member 501 tends to drip directly from the distal end of the liquid applying member 501; accordingly, an amount of liquid greater than an appropriate amount is applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb. As a result, a problem occurs that the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb is reduced.

[0213] Additionally, as illustrated in Figs. 27 (A), 27 (B), and 28 (A), when the gap 511c is extended in the Z direction between the outer surface of the downstream end in the X direction of the liquid applying member 501 and the inner surface of the downstream end wall in the X direction of the holder 37, the time for the liquid passing the gap 511c to permeate into the liquid applying member 501 can be sufficiently prolonged. As a result, the liquid that has not permeated into the liquid applying member 501 is prevented from dripping from the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 as it is. As a result, the liquid applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the liquid applying member 501 can be controlled to an appropriate amount, and the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb can be stabilized.

[0214] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 30 (A), the distal end of the holder 37 for holding the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 may be provided with a guide unit 441 as a guide member for guiding the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37. The guide unit 441 protrudes in the Z direction from the distal end of the holder 37. The guide unit 441 is formed along the outer surface of the liquid applying member 501.

[0215] The guide unit 441 is formed of, for example, a thin plate-like member along the outer surface of the liquid applying member 501. By providing the guide unit 441 in this manner, a wall can be formed around a portion that protrudes in the Z direction from the distal end of the holder 37 of the liquid applying member 501 (hereinafter, referred to as a “protruding portion of the liquid applying member 501”).

[0216] As illustrated in Fig. 30 (b), the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37 can be guided along the surface of the liquid applying member 501 by the guide unit 441. As a result, as illustrated in Fig. 30 (c), the liquid can directly permeate the protruding portion of the liquid applying member 501. As a result, the liquid permeation time into the liquid applying member 501 can be reduced.

[0217] Fig. 31 is a view taken along the arrow BA of Fig. 30 (A), illustrating the shape of the guide unit 441. Fig. 31 (A) is an example in which the guide unit 441 is provided so as to surround the entire perimeter of the liquid applying member 501. Fig. 31 (B) is an example in which the guide unit 441 is provided so as to surround a portion of the liquid applying member 501 instead of surrounding the entire perimeter.

[0218] As illustrated in Fig. 31 (A), when the guide unit 441 is provided so as to surround the entire perimeter of the liquid applying member 501, the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37 can be guided along the surface of the liquid applying member 501 in the entire perimeter of the liquid applying member 501. As a result, the liquid can permeate the liquid applying member 501 more efficiently.

[0219] Further, in the case where the flow path 511 for allowing a large amount of liquid to flow through a specific surface of the liquid applying member 501 is provided, for example, as illustrated in Figs. 27 (A) and 27 (B), in a case where the gap 511c is a part of the flow path 511, the configuration illustrated in Fig. 31 (A) may obstruct the liquid flow because of the guide unit 441. In this case, as illustrated in Fig. 31 (B), the guide unit 441 may not be provided at the lower end portion of the X direction downstream end wall of the holder 37 provided with the gap 511c.

[0220] In any of the configurations illustrated in Figs. 31 (A) and 31 (B), the guide unit 441 has an effect of preventing the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37 from falling unintentionally from the tip of the liquid applying member 501.

[0221] Next, countermeasures for the case where the liquid overflowing from the gap between the liquid applying member 501 and the holder 37 falls unintentionally from the tip of the liquid applying member 501 will be described with reference to Fig. 32. By the effect of the flow path 511, it is possible to reduce the liquid permeation time into the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501, that is, the time until the liquid applying member 501 is filled with the liquid up to the distal end. However, due to the reducing of the liquid permeation time, it is assumed that there is a possibility that the liquid overflows from the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 and falls.

[0222] The lower pressure plate 33 according to the present embodiment is disposed in the moving direction when the liquid applying member 501 applies the liquid, that is, on the lower side of the liquid applying member 501. The lower pressure plate 33 is held by a lower pressure plate holder 331. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the lower pressure plate 33 according to the present embodiment is disposed above the lower pressure plate liquid storage unit 332 held by the lower pressure plate holder 331.

[0223] Fig. 33 (A) illustrates only the lower pressure plate holder 331 for holding the lower pressure plate 33 and the lower pressure plate liquid storage unit 332 held by the lower pressure plate holder 331. The lower pressure plate 33 is provided with lower pressure plate openings 333. The lower pressure plate openings 333 correspond to discharge ports through which the liquid overflowing from the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 is discharged downward. The liquid discharged from the lower pressure plate openings 333 is temporarily stored in the lower pressure plate liquid storage unit 332 held below the lower pressure plate 33.

[0224] Fig. 33 (B) is a plan view that illustrates the lower pressure plate 33, and illustrates the shape of the lower pressure plate openings 333. As illustrated in Fig. 33 (B), a plurality of the lower pressure plate openings 333 are provided in a wider area than the area where the liquid applying member 501 moves toward the lower pressure plate 33. Thus, even when the liquid falls from the liquid applying member 501, the liquid falls into the lower pressure plate liquid storage unit 332 without staying on the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 33.

[0225] The liquid falls from the periphery of the liquid application region by the liquid applying device 31, that is, the contact range R (see Fig. 33 (B)) when the liquid applying member 501 contacts the lower pressure plate 33. Therefore, the lower pressure plate openings 333 are formed so that the outermost position of the lower pressure plate openings 333 are located outside the contact range R (liquid application region) by the liquid applying member 501.

[0226] The shape of the lower pressure plate openings 333 may be a slit shape, a square hole, a round hole, or the like, and is not limited to a specific shape. It is desirable that the area of the lower pressure plate openings 333 be as large as possible to facilitate the passage of the liquid.

[0227] If the distance between the liquid applying member 501 and the lower pressure plate 33 is large, there is a concern that the liquid does not fall into the lower pressure plate openings 333 and leaks to an unintended position. Therefore, in order to prevent this, it is desirable that the liquid applying member 501, the liquid supplying member 50, and the first liquid storage tank 44 are moved toward the lower pressure plate 33 to bring the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 close to the lower pressure plate 33, and then the liquid supplying operation is performed while the distal end of the liquid applying member 501 is moved toward the lower pressure plate 33.

[0228] Next, a description will be given of the first liquid storage unit covering member 60 covering the installation portions of the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 installed in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37 with reference to Fig. 34. As illustrated in Fig. 34, in order to install the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37, it is required to insert the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 into the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37. For this purpose, an insertion opening 442 may be provided in the first liquid storage tank 44 and the holder 37.

[0229] By providing the insertion opening 442, the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 can be easily installed or replaced. After the liquid supplying member 50 and the liquid applying member 501 are inserted, the insertion opening 442 is formed so as to be covered by the first liquid storage unit covering member 60 so as to cover these members. That is, the opening portion of the insertion opening 442 is formed so as to be covered by the first liquid storage unit covering member 60.

[0230] If the entire area of the liquid supplying member 50 is filled with liquid, there is a concern that the liquid may leak from between the holder 37 and the first liquid storage unit covering member 60. Therefore, in order to prevent the liquid from leaking, a sealing member 601 is provided to seal between the holder 37 and the first liquid storage unit covering member 60. The sealing member 601 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the outer mold portion of the insertion opening 442 provided in the holder 37 and the first liquid storage unit covering member 60. The sealing member 601 prevents the liquid oozing from the liquid supplying member 50 from leaking to the outside of the holder 37 and the first liquid storage tank 44.

[0231] Although the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 in the above description is provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2 as illustrated in Fig. 1, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 35 (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 may be provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 35 (B), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 may be integrated with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0232] Further, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 36 (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3 may be divided into, for example, a control unit 100b1 for controlling a drive unit system such as a motor and a control unit 100b2 for controlling a detecting unit system such as a sensor, that is, by function. Further, among the divided control unit 100b1 and the control unit 100b2, for example, only the control unit 100b2 of one of the post-processing apparatus 3A may be provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 36 (B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing apparatus 3 provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2 may be integrated with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.Second Embodiment of Post-Processing Apparatus 3

[0233] Next, the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 37 to 45. Note that the same reference numerals are given to components common to those of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0234] Unlike the end binding processor 25 of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment in which the liquid applying device 31 and the crimping device 32 are provided together, an end binding processor 251 of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment includes only the crimping device 32’, and the liquid applying device 131 is provided on the upstream side of the conveying path. As a result, a predetermined number of sheets of paper P can be pre-stacked after the liquid applying process and conveyed to the crimping device 32’ of the end binding processor 251 provided on the downstream side, so that the productivity of the binding process at the crimping device 32’ can be improved.

[0235] The direction in which the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, and 14 convey the paper P is opposite to the “conveying direction” defined above, and is therefore defined as the “reverse conveying direction”. The reverse conveying direction and the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P, that is, the width direction of the sheet of paper P, are defined as the “main scanning direction”. The liquid applying position at which liquid is applied to the paper P or the paper bundle Pb by the liquid applying device 131 corresponds to the bound position at which the crimping device 32’ is scheduled to perform crimp binding to the paper bundle Pb. Accordingly, the liquid applying position and the bound position are denoted by the same reference numeral (B1) in the following description.

[0236] Fig. 37 is a drawing illustrating an internal structure of a post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 38, the end binding processor 251 includes only the crimping device 32’. As illustrated in Fig. 38, the crimping device 32’ and a needle stitching processor 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping device 32’ and the needle stitching processor 156 are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction at a position where they can face the downstream end portion of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the crimping device 32’ and the needle stitching processor 156 are configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions about the crimping device rotating shaft 340 and the needle stitching device rotating shaft 84 that extend in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. That is, the crimping device 32’ and the needle stitching processor 156 can bind the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 at an arbitrary position and at an arbitrary angle in the main scanning direction, such as in corner oblique binding, parallel single-point binding, and parallel two-point binding.

[0237] The crimping device 32’ binds the paper bundle Pb by pressing and deforming the paper bundle Pb with the recessed and projected upper crimping teeth 32a and lower crimping teeth 32b (hereinafter, referred to as “crimp binding”). Additionally, the needle stitching processor 156 can stitch the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 by inserting a stitching needle into the bound position of the paper bundle Pb.

[0238] Fig. 38 is a drawing illustrating the internal tray 22 as viewed from the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating the crimping device 32’ as viewed from a downstream side in a conveying direction. As illustrated in Fig. 38, the crimping device 32’ and the needle stitching processor 156 are disposed downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping device 32’ is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the surface of the paper bundle Pb mounted on the internal tray 22. The crimping device 32’ is configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions around a crimping device rotating shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0239] Similarly, the needle stitching processor 156 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb. The needle stitching processor 156 is configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions about a needle stitching device rotating shaft 84 extending in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. Since the other configuration of the needle stitching processor 156 is the same as that of the needle stitching processor 155 (see Fig. 6) of the post-processing apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.

[0240] As illustrated in Fig. 39, the crimping device 32’ has a guide rail 337 extending in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The crimping device 32’ is provided with a crimping device moving motor 238 serving as a drive source. The base member 48 supporting the crimping frame 32c is provided with a fastener 48b to a timing belt 240c at its bottom. Thus, the drive force of the crimping device moving motor 238 is transmitted to the base member 48 by a drive transmission mechanism 240 including pulleys 240a and 240b, the timing belt 240c, and the fastener 48b, whereby the crimping device 32’ moves along the surface of the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 on the guide rail 337 in the main scanning direction. Further, the crimping frame 32c holding the components of the crimping device 32’ has a crimping device rotating shaft 340 provided with a drive transmission gear 340a fixed to the bottom surface.

[0241] The crimping device rotating shaft 340 and the drive transmission gear 340a are held rotatably in the forward and reverse directions by the base member 48 provided with the crimping frame 32c. The drive transmission gear 340a meshes with an output gear 239a of the crimping device rotating motor 239. The crimping device 32’ rotates on the base member 48 in the forward and reverse directions around the crimping device rotating shaft 340 extending in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 by transmitting the drive force of the crimping device rotating motor 239 to the crimping device rotating shaft 340 via the output gear 239a and the drive transmission gear 340a. The guide rail 337, the crimping device moving motor 238, the crimping device rotating motor 239, the crimping device rotating shaft 340, and the drive transmission mechanism 240 constitute an example of the drive mechanism of the crimping device 32’.

[0242] The crimping device 32’ is configured to be movable between a home position HP2 illustrated in Fig. 38 (A) and a position facing the first bound position B1 illustrated in Figs. 38 (B) and 38 (C). The home position HP2 is a position away from the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 on one side in the main scanning direction. The first bound position B1 is a position on the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22. However, the specific position of the first bound position B1 is not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 38, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at an end on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet of paper P, and a plurality of positions may be used.

[0243] In addition, the crimping device 32’ changes its orientation from the parallel binding orientation illustrated in Fig. 38 (B) to the oblique binding orientation illustrated in Fig. 38 (C). That is, the crimping device 32’ is configured to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions about the crimping device rotating shaft 340. Here, the parallel binding orientation is an orientation of the crimping device 32’ in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b face the main scanning direction, or, an orientation of the crimping device 32’ in which the longitudinal direction of the “rectangular crimp binding mark” faces the main scanning direction. The oblique binding orientation is an orientation of the crimping device 32’ in which the longitudinal directions of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b are inclined with respect to the main scanning direction. In other words, it is an orientation of the crimping device 32’ in which the longitudinal direction of the “rectangular crimp binding mark” is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0244] The rotation angle in the oblique binding orientation, that is, the angle of the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b with respect to the main scanning direction, is not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 38 (C). The rotation angle in the oblique binding orientation may be any angle as long as the upper crimping teeth 32a and the lower crimping teeth 32b face the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22.

[0245] The post-processing apparatus 3A includes a liquid applying device 131 and a punch hole forming device 132 as a processor. The liquid applying device 131 and the punch hole forming device 132 are disposed upstream of the internal tray 22 in the reverse conveying direction. In addition, the liquid applying device 131 and the punch hole forming device 132 are displaced in the reverse conveying direction at positions where they can simultaneously face a single sheet of the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 to 19.

[0246] The liquid applying device 131 and the punch hole forming device 132 according to the present embodiment are disposed between the conveying roller pair 10 and the conveying roller pair 11. However, the arrangement of the liquid applying device 131 is not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 37. For example, when the inserter 6 is disposed between the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3A as illustrated in Fig. 45, the liquid applying device 131 may be provided in the inserter 6 located upstream of the post-processing apparatus 3A. Examples of the inserter 6 include an apparatus capable of feeding a preprint medium as a cover sheet, an insert sheet, or a partition sheet, without passing through the image forming apparatus 2, to the post-processing apparatus 3A together with the paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0247] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 40 (A), the conveying roller pair 11 is disposed at a position not overlapping in the main scanning direction with the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying head 146 of the liquid applying device 131. This is to prevent a decrease in the amount of liquid at the first liquid applying position B1 caused by the plurality of roller pairs pressing the first liquid applying position B1 when the conveying roller pair 11 conveys the paper P. As a result, since the amount of liquid at the first liquid applying position B1 can secure the amount of liquid necessary for maintaining the binding strength when the paper P reaches the crimping device 32’ provided downstream of the liquid applying device 131 in the reverse conveying direction, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the binding strength of the paper bundle Pb due to a decrease in the amount of liquid at the first liquid applying position B1 (corresponding to the first bound position B1) during the conveying process.

[0248] Furthermore, by disposing the plurality of roller pairs included in the conveying roller pair 11 at positions not overlapping the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction, it is possible to prevent liquid from adhering to the plurality of roller pairs, and as a result, deterioration in the conveyance performance of the paper P is prevented and paper jams resulting from such deterioration are also prevented.

[0249] Although only the conveying roller pair 11 has been described above, it is preferable that the plurality of roller pairs included in the conveying roller pairs 14 and 15 be similarly disposed at positions not overlapping the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P in the main scanning direction.

[0250] The liquid applying device 131 applies (hereinafter, referred to as “liquid application”) liquid to the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11. The punch hole forming device 132 forms a punch hole penetrating through the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 in the thickness direction. The processor provided in the vicinity of the liquid applying device 131 is not limited to the punch hole forming device 132, and may be a tilt correcting unit for correcting the tilt (skew) of the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0251] Fig. 40 is a drawing illustrating the liquid applying device 131 according to the second embodiment as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P. Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken at XXV-XXV of Fig. 40 (A). Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken at XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 40 (A). As illustrated in Figs. 40 to 42, the liquid applying device 131 includes a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b, a pair of pulleys 134a and 134b, endless annular belts 135 and 136, a liquid applying device moving motor 137, a home position sensor 138 (see Fig. 43), and a liquid applying unit 140.

[0252] The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b extend in the main scanning direction at positions separated from each other in the reverse conveying direction. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b are supported by a pair of lateral plates 4a and 4b of the post-processing apparatus 3A. The pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b support the liquid applying unit 140 movably in the main scanning direction.

[0253] The pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are disposed between the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b provided in the reverse conveying direction. The pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are disposed apart from each other in the main scanning direction. Further, the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b are supported by the frame of the post-processing apparatus 3A so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions about a rotating shaft extending in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P.

[0254] The endless annular belt 135 is extended over the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. The endless annular belt 135 is connected to the liquid applying unit 140 by a connecting portion 135a. The endless annular belt 136 is extended over the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a fixed to the output shaft of the liquid applying device moving motor 137. The liquid applying device moving motor 137 generates a driving force for moving the liquid applying unit 140 in the main scanning direction.

[0255] As the liquid applying device moving motor 137 rotates, the endless annular belt 136 rotates between the pulley 134a and the drive pulley 137a, and the pulley 134a is rotated. Further, as the pulley 134a rotates, the endless annular belt 135 circles between the pair of pulleys 134a and 134b. As a result, the liquid applying unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction along the pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b. Further, by switching the rotational direction of the liquid applying device moving motor 137, the liquid applying unit 140 reciprocates in the main scanning direction.

[0256] The home position sensor 138 detects that the liquid applying unit 140 has reached the home position HP1 (see Fig. 40) in the main scanning direction, and sends a home position signal indicating the detection result to a control unit 100b described later (see Fig. 43). The home position sensor 138 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The liquid applying unit 140 blocks an optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit at the home position HP1. The home position sensor 138 outputs a home position signal in response to the fact that the light output from the light emitting unit is not received by the light receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the home position sensor 138 is not limited to the foregoing example.

[0257] As illustrated in Fig. 41, the conveying path in the post-processing apparatus 3A is defined by an upper guide plate 5a and a lower guide plate 5b which are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P. The liquid applying unit 140 is disposed at a position facing an opening provided in the upper guide plate 5a. That is, the liquid applying unit 140 is disposed facing the paper P conveyed in the conveying path through the opening of the upper guide plate 5a.

[0258] As illustrated in Figs. 40 to 42, the liquid applying unit 140 includes a base member 141, a rotary bracket 142, a liquid storage tank 143, a liquid applying head moving device 144, a holding member 145, a liquid applying head 146, columnar members 147a and 147b, a pressure plate 148, coil springs 149a and 149b, an applying head rotating motor 150, an applying head moving motor 151 (see Fig. 43), and a standby angle sensor 152 (see Fig. 43).

[0259] The base member 141 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 133a and 133b capable of sliding in the main scanning direction. The base member 141 is connected to an endless annular belt 135 by a connecting portion 135a. Further, the base member 141 supports components 142 to 152 of the liquid applying unit 140.

[0260] The rotary bracket 142 is attached to the lower surface of the base member 141 so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions about a rotating shaft extending in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P. The rotary bracket 142 rotates in the forward and reverse directions with respect to the base member 141 by transmission of a driving force of the applying head rotating motor 150. Further, the rotary bracket 142 holds the liquid storage tank 143, the liquid applying head moving device 144, the holding member 145, the liquid applying head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressure plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b.

[0261] The standby angle sensor 152 (see Fig. 43) detects that the rotary bracket 142 has reached a standby angle, and outputs a standby angle signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 100b. The standby angle is, for example, an angle at the time of parallel binding. The standby angle sensor 152 is, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The rotary bracket 142 of the standby angle blocks an optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The standby angle sensor 152 outputs a standby angle signal in response to the light output from the light emitting unit not being receivedby the light receiving unit. However, the specific configuration of the standby angle sensor 152 is not limited to the foregoing example.

[0262] The rotary bracket 142 illustrated in Fig. 40 (A) illustrates a state when the crimping device 32’ downstream of the liquid applying device 131 performs parallel binding. The rotary bracket 142 illustrated in Fig. 40 (B) illustrates a state when the crimping device 32’ downstream of the liquid applying device 131 performs oblique binding (square binding).

[0263] The liquid storage tank 143 stores liquid to be applied to the paper P. The liquid applying head moving device 144 is attached to the liquid storage tank 143 so as to be movable (e.g., vertically movable) in the thickness direction of the paper P. The liquid applying head moving device 144 is moved relative to the liquid storage tank 143 in the thickness direction of the sheet of paper P by transmission of the driving force of the applying head moving motor 151. The holding member 145 is attached to the lower end of the liquid applying head moving device 144. The liquid applying head 146 protrudes (in the present embodiment, downward) from the holding member 145 toward the conveying path. The liquid applying head 146 is supplied with the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 143. The liquid applying head 146 is made of a material having a high liquid absorption rate (e.g., sponge or fibrous material).

[0264] The columnar members 147a and 147b protrude downward from the holding member 145 around the liquid applying head 146. The columnar members 147a and 147b are movable relative to the holding member 145 in the thickness direction. Further, the columnar members 147a and 147b hold a pressure plate 148 at their lower ends. The pressure plate 148 is formed with a through-hole 148a at a position facing the liquid applying head 146. The coil springs 149a and 149b are disposed around the columnar members 147a and 147b between the holding member 145 and the pressure plate 148. The coil springs 149a and 149b bias the columnar members 147a and 147b and the pressure plate 148 in a direction away from the holding member 145.

[0265] As illustrated in Figs. 41 (A) and 42 (A), at a stage before the paper P is conveyed to a position facing the opening of the upper guide plate 5a, the pressure plate 148 is positioned at the opening or above the opening. Next, when the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 stops at a position facing the opening, the applying head moving motor 151 is rotated in the first direction. As a result, the liquid applying head moving device 144, the holding member 145, the liquid applying head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressure plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b are lowered seamlessly, and the pressure plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P. Note that the first liquid applying position B1 is a position to be crimped and bound by the crimping device 32’ included in the end binding processor 251, that is, the first bound position B1.

[0266] By rotating the applying head moving motor 151 in the first direction even after the pressure plate 148 comes into contact with the paper P, the coil springs 149a and 149b are compressed, and the liquid applying head moving device 144, the holding member 145, the liquid applying head 146, and the columnar members 147a and 147b are further lowered. Then, as illustrated in Figs. 41 (B) and 42 (B), the lower surface of the liquid applying head 146 comes into contact with the paper P through the through-hole 148a. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid applying head 146 is applied to the paper P.

[0267] Further, as illustrated in Figs. 41 (C) and 42 (C), by further rotating the applying head moving motor 151 in the first direction, the liquid applying head 146 can be pressed more strongly against the paper P. Thus, the amount of liquid applied to the paper P is increased. That is, the liquid applying device 131 can adjust the amount of liquid applied by changing the pressing force of the liquid applying head 146 against the paper P.

[0268] Conversely, by rotating the applying head moving motor 151 in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the liquid applying head moving device 144, the holding member 145, the liquid applying head 146, the columnar members 147a and 147b, the pressure plate 148, and the coil springs 149a and 149b are raised together. Thus, as illustrated in Figs. 41 (A) and 42 (A), the liquid applying head 146 and the pressure plate 148 are separated from the paper P. That is, the liquid applying device 131 includes the liquid applying head 146 detachable from the paper P.

[0269] Fig. 43 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control block of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 43, the post-processing apparatus 3A has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and an I / F (Interface) 105 are connected via the common bus 109.

[0270] The CPU 101 is an arithmetic device and controls the entire operation of the post-processing apparatus 3A. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing 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 and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and having a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

[0271] The post-processing apparatus 3A processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 104 to the RAM 102, and the like with an arithmetic function provided in the CPU 101. This process constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing apparatus 3A. A combination of the software control unit thus constituted and hardware resources mounted on the post-processing apparatus 3A constitutes a functional block for achieving the functions of the post-processing apparatus 3A. That is, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, the ROM 103, the HDD 104, and the I / F 105 constitute a control unit 100b as control unit for controlling the operation of the post-processing apparatus 3A.

[0272] The I / F 105 is an interface for connecting the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the crimping device moving motor 238, the crimping device rotating motor 239, the contact and separation motor 32d, the liquid applying device moving motor 137, the applying head rotating motor 150, the applying head moving motor 151, the home position sensor 138, the standby angle sensor 152, the punch hole forming device 132, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109.

[0273] The control unit 100b controls the operation of the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching member 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the crimping device moving motor 238, the crimping device rotating motor 239, the contact and separation motor 32d, the liquid applying device moving motor 137, the applying head rotating motor 150, the applying head moving motor 151, and the punch hole forming device 132 through the I / F 105. Further, the control unit 100b receives a detection result from the home position sensor 138 and the standby angle sensor 152 through the I / F 105.

[0274] Fig. 43 illustrates the components of the end binding processor 251 and the liquid applying device 131 including the crimping device 32’ which mainly performs the end binding process, but the components of the saddle stitching processor 28 which performs the saddle stitching process are similarly controlled by the control unit 100b.

[0275] As illustrated in Fig. 45, the image forming apparatus 2 includes the operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit for accepting input operations from the user and a display as a notification unit for notifying the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, a hard key and a touch panel superimposed on the display. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. The notification unit is not limited to the display, but may be an LED lamp or a speaker. Further, the post-processing apparatus 3A may be provided with the same operation panel 110 as described above.

[0276] Fig. 44 is a post-processing flowchart of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 44 is a flowchart for performing the single-point binding process illustrated in Fig. 38.

[0277] The control unit 100b performs the post-process illustrated in Fig. 44, for example, in response to receiving the post-process performance command (hereinafter, referred to as “post-process command”) from the image forming apparatus 2. The post-process command includes, for example, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined number Np”), the number of the paper bundles Pb to be bound (hereinafter, referred to as “required number Mp”), the first bound position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid applying position B1), the angle of the first bound position B1 (corresponding to the angle of the first liquid applying position B1), the type of binding process (e.g., parallel binding process and oblique binding process), and a process (in the present embodiment, the punch hole is formed) to be performed in parallel with the liquid applying process. It is assumed that, at the time of starting the post-process, the liquid applying unit 140 is positioned at the home position HP1 (see Fig. 40), and the rotary bracket 142 is held at the standby angle (corresponding to the “parallel binding orientation”).

[0278] First, by moving the liquid applying unit 140 (corresponding to the liquid applying device) in the main scanning direction by driving the liquid applying device moving motor 137, the control unit 100b moves the liquid applying head 146 from the home position HP1 to a position facing the first liquid applying position B1 (see Fig. 40 (B), position corresponding to the first bound position B1 in Figs. 38 (B) and 38 (C)). Further, when the type of binding process instructed by the post-process command is the “oblique binding process”, the control unit 100b rotates the liquid applying head 146 from the standby angle to the liquid applying angle corresponding to the “oblique binding orientation” by driving the applying head rotating motor 150 and rotating the rotary bracket 142 (S3601). The liquid applying head 146 reaching a position facing the first liquid applying position B1 and a liquid applying angle can be grasped by pulse signals output from the liquid applying device moving motor 137 and the rotary encoder of the applying head rotating motor 150. Further, when the type of binding process instructed by the post-process command is the “parallel binding process”, the control unit 100b omits the above-described operation of rotating the rotary bracket 142. That is, the liquid applying unit 140 moves in the main scanning direction while holding the rotary bracket 142 at the standby angle.

[0279] Further, the control unit 100b drives the crimping device moving motor 238 to move the crimping device 32’ from the home position HP2 to a position facing the first bound position B1 as illustrated in Figs. 38 (A) and 38 (B) (S3601). When the type of binding process instructed by the post-process command is “oblique binding process”, the control unit 100b drives the crimping device rotating motor 239 to rotate the crimping device 32’ from the standby angle to the crimp binding angle corresponding to the “oblique binding orientation” (S3601). A pulse signal output from the rotary encoders of the crimping device moving motor 238 and the crimping device rotating motor 239 indicates that the crimping device 32’ has reached a position facing the first bound position B1 and the crimp binding angle. When the type of binding process instructed by the post-process command is “parallel binding process”, the control unit 100b omits the operation of rotating the crimping device 32’. That is, the crimping device 32’ moves in the main scanning direction while maintaining the standby angle.

[0280] Next, the control unit 100b starts conveying the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2 by driving the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 (S3602). Then, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid applying unit 140 (more particularly, liquid dispensing head 146) (S3603). If it is determined that the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P does not face the liquid applying unit 140 (S3603: NO), the control unit 100b continues conveying the paper P by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 until the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid applying unit 140 (S3603: YES). Conversely, if it is determined that the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P faces the liquid applying head 146 (S3603: YES), the control unit 100b stops conveying the paper P by the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11 (S3604). The first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P facing the liquid applying head 146 can be grasped by the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the motor for driving the conveying roller pairs 10 and 11.

[0281] The control unit 100b performs a process of applying liquid to the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P by the liquid applying unit 140 (S3605). More specifically, the control unit 100b rotates the applying head moving motor 151 in the first direction to bring the liquid applying head 146 into contact with the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P. The control unit 100b also changes the pressing force of the liquid applying head 146, that is, the rotation amount of the applying head moving motor 151, in accordance with the amount of liquid applied to the paper P.

[0282] The amount of liquid applied to the paper P may be the same for all the sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, or may be different for each sheet of paper P. For example, the control unit 100b may decrease the amount of liquid applied as the paper P is conveyed later. The rotation amount of the applying head moving motor 151 can be grasped by a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder of the applying head moving motor 151.

[0283] Next, the control unit 100b drives the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P on the internal tray 22 (S3606). Further, the control unit 100b reciprocates the side fences 24L and 24R in the main scanning direction to perform a what is called a jogging process for aligning the positions of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (S3606).

[0284] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np indicated by the post-process command (S3607). When the control unit 100b determines that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 does not reach the predetermined number Np (S3607: NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of steps S3602 to S3607 until the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number Np (S3607: YES).

[0285] Conversely, when it is determined that the number of sheets of paper P placed on the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number Np (S3607: YES), the control unit 100b causes the crimping device 32’ to crimp and bind the first bound position B1 (corresponding to the first liquid applying position B1 of the paper P) of the paper bundle Pb including the paper P to which the liquid has been applied by the liquid applying unit 140 (S3608). Further, the control unit 100b rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the crimp-bound paper bundle Pb to the second discharge tray 26 (S3608).

[0286] Next, the control unit 100b determines whether or not the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number Mp indicated by the post-process command (S3609). When the control unit 100b determines that the number of discharged paper bundles Pb does not reach the required number Mp (S3609: NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly performs the processes of steps S3602 to S3609 until the number of discharged paper bundles Pb reaches the required number Mp (S3609: YES).

[0287] Conversely, when it is determined that the number of paper bundles Pb discharged to the second discharge tray 26 has reached the required number Mp (S3609: YES), the control unit 100b drives the liquid applying device moving motor 137 to move the liquid applying unit 140 to the home position HP1 (see Fig. 40), and drives the crimping device moving motor 238 to move the crimping device 32’ to the home position HP2 (see Fig. 38) (S3610). When the orientation instructed by the post-process command is the “oblique binding orientation”, the control unit 100b drives the applying head rotating motor 150 and the crimping device rotating motor 239 to rotate the liquid applying unit 140 and the crimping device 32’ to the parallel binding orientation (corresponding to the standby angle) (S3610). Additionally, when the orientation instructed by the post-process command is the “parallel binding orientation”, the operation of rotating the liquid applying unit 140 and the crimping device 32’ to the parallel binding orientation (corresponding to the standby angle) is omitted. In steps S3601 and S3610, the order in which the liquid applying unit 140 and the crimping device 32’ are moved in the main scanning direction and the order in which they are rotated in the forward and reverse directions is not limited to the aforementioned order, and may be the reverse order.

[0288] Further, the present disclosure is applicable not only to the end binding processor 25 that performs the end binding process, but also to the saddle stitching processor 28 that performs the saddle stitching process.

[0289] Further, the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A according to the second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 37 is provided separately from the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2 in the same manner as in Fig. 1. For example, as in Fig. 35 (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A may be provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side. Further, as in Fig. 35 (B), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A may be seamlessly configured with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0290] Further, as in Fig. 36 (A), the control unit 100b of the post-processing apparatus 3A may be divided into, for example, a control unit 100b1 for controlling a drive unit system such as a motor and a control unit 100b2 for controlling a detecting unit system such as a sensor, that is, by function. Further, between the divided control unit 100b1 and the control unit 100b2, for example, only the control unit 100b2 of one post-processing apparatus 3A may be provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 2. Further, as in Fig. 36 (B), the control unit 100b2 of the post-processing apparatus 3A provided on the image forming apparatus 2 side may be seamlessly configured with the control unit 100a of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0291] As already described, the control method by the control unit 100b described above is achieved by cooperation between hardware resources of a computer and a program as computer software. That is, the control method is a method in which an arithmetic unit, a storage device, an input device, an output device, and a control device are operated cooperatively based on a program and performed by the computer. The program may be written in a storage device or a storage medium and distributed, or may be distributed through a telecommunications line or the like.

[0292] Further, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, but various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Clauses of the Present Disclosure

[0293] The clauses of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> A medium processing apparatus including: a liquid applying device configured to perform liquid application to at least a part of one or more media, including: a first liquid storage unit configured to store a liquid for use in the liquid application; a liquid supplying member including an immersed portion configured to be permeated by the liquid, the liquid supplying member being held by a holder with respect to the first liquid storage unit such that the immersed portion is positioned within an internal space of the first liquid storage unit; and a liquid applying member configured to receive the liquid from the liquid supplying member and to come in contact with the one or more media to perform the liquid application; and a flow path disposed between the first liquid storage unit and the liquid supplying member held with respect to the first liquid storage unit. <2> The medium processing apparatus according to <1>, wherein the flow path is disposed between an inner wall of the first liquid storage unit and the liquid supplying member. <3> The medium processing apparatus according to <1> or <2>, wherein the flow path is also disposed in the holder so as to continue from a connecting portion between the liquid applying member and the immersed portion. <4> The medium processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the flow path is disposed so as to extend to a distal end of the liquid applying member. <5> The medium processing apparatus according to any of <1> to <4>, wherein the holder has a guide member formed along the liquid applying member and protruding from the holder. <6> The medium processing apparatus according to any of <1> to <5>, wherein the liquid applying device includes: a lower pressure plate configured to hold the one or more media when the liquid applying member performs the liquid application to the one or more media; and a lower pressure plate holder configured to hold the lower pressure plate, the lower pressure plate holder including a lower pressure plate liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid. <7> The medium processing apparatus according to <6>, wherein　the lower pressure plate is provided with an opening at a position overlapping a liquid application region in which the liquid applying member performs the liquid application to the one or more media. <8> The medium processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the first liquid storage unit is provided with: an insertion opening for inserting the liquid supplying member and the liquid applying member, a first liquid storage unit covering member that covers the insertion opening; and a sealing member that seals between the first liquid storage unit and the first liquid storage unit covering member. <9> The medium processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8> further including: a post processing device configured to process a medium bundle including the one or more media to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying device; and a second liquid storage unit configured to store the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage unit <10> An image forming system including: an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on the one or more media; and the medium processing apparatus of any one of <1> to <9> configured to process a plurality of the media.Description of the Reference Numeral

[0294] 1 image forming system 2 image forming apparatus 3, 3A post-processing apparatus 25 end binding processor 26 second discharge tray 30 third discharge tray 31 liquid applying device 32 crimping device 43 first liquid level sensor 44 first liquid storage tank 45 liquid conveying path 46 liquid pump 47 second liquid storage tank 50 liquid supplying member 51 set detecting sensor 71 opening and closing cover 94 second liquid level sensor 100a, 100b control unit 110 operation panelCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0295] The present application is based on and claims priority to Japanese patent application No. 2024-180385 filed on October 15, 2024, with the Japan Patent Office, and Japanese patent application No. 2025-098634 filed on June 12, 2025, with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A medium processing apparatus comprising: a liquid applying device configured to perform liquid application to at least a part of one or more media, including: a first liquid storage unit configured to store a liquid for use in the liquid application; a liquid supplying member including an immersed portion configured to be permeated by the liquid, the liquid supplying member being held by a holder with respect to the first liquid storage unit such that the immersed portion is positioned within an internal space of the first liquid storage unit; and a liquid applying member configured to receive the liquid from the liquid supplying member and to come in contact with the one or more media to perform the liquid application; and a flow path disposed between the first liquid storage unit and the liquid supplying member held with respect to the first liquid storage unit.

2. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is disposed between an inner wall of the first liquid storage unit and the liquid supplying member.

3. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path is also disposed in the holder so as to continue from a connecting portion between the liquid applying member and the immersed portion.

4. The medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path is disposed so as to extend to a distal end of the liquid applying member.

5. The medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder has a guide member formed along the liquid applying member and protruding from the holder.

6. The medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid applying device includes: a lower pressure plate configured to hold the one or more media when the liquid applying member performs the liquid application to the one or more media; and a lower pressure plate holder configured to hold the lower pressure plate, the lower pressure plate holder including a lower pressure plate liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid.

7. The medium processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein　the lower pressure plate is provided with an opening at a position overlapping a liquid application region in which the liquid applying member performs the liquid application to the one or more media.

8. The medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first liquid storage unit is provided with: an insertion opening for inserting the liquid supplying member and the liquid applying member, a first liquid storage unit covering member that covers the insertion opening; and a sealing member that seals between the first liquid storage unit and the first liquid storage unit covering member.

9. The medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a post processing device configured to process a medium bundle including the one or more media to which the liquid is applied by the liquid applying device; and a second liquid storage unit configured to store the liquid supplied to the first liquid storage unit.

10. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus configured to form an image on the one or more media; and the medium processing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9 configured to process a plurality of the media.

Images