JP6972578B2 - Paper processing equipment and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper processing apparatus that eliminates static electricity by humidifying charged paper, and an image forming system including the paper processing apparatus.

A paper processing device that removes static electricity from charged paper by humidifying the paper has been proposed. By using such a paper processing device, it is possible to eliminate static electricity charged on the paper, reduce paper sticking, improve transportability due to paper sticking, and improve paper alignment. Is.

The paper processing device is equipped with a water storage tank for storing liquid for humidifying the paper, and is equipped with a water amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of liquid in the water storage tank to control the replenishment of liquid to the water storage tank and the stop of replenishment. Is done.

By the way, as a liquid for humidifying the paper, water to which an additive is added is used in order to enhance the static elimination effect of the paper. As the additive, water to which a surfactant is added is used. Such an additive has a higher viscosity than water, and when the water is naturally dried by being left for a long time, the additive becomes a solid substance and adheres to a water storage tank or a water amount detection sensor.

Generally, a technique of spraying water onto the deposits to remove them is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-70354

When the water amount detection sensor is exposed from the water surface and the water dries and the additive becomes a solid substance and adheres to the water amount detection sensor or the like, there is a possibility that the water amount is erroneously detected. However, there is a possibility that the solid matter cannot be removed by the configuration in which water or the like is sprayed to remove the solid matter after it has adhered. Therefore, in the operation of detecting the amount of water in the water storage tank and stopping the replenishment of water, the water amount detection sensor cannot correctly detect the amount of water, and there is a possibility that the replenishment of water cannot be stopped.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system provided with a paper processing measure and a paper processing apparatus capable of suppressing adhesion of solid matter.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 detects a humidifying section for humidifying paper, a water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank. A water amount detection sensor and a replenishment port for discharging the liquid to be replenished in the water storage tank are provided, and the replenishment port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a part contributing to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor , and is provided in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid is considered to be full, it is equipped with a control unit that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the amount of liquid in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid has decreased to the required amount, the liquid is replenished from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit supplies the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit. The control unit is a paper processing device that switches whether to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the time after the replenishment of the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank is stopped. ..
The invention according to claim 2 has a humidifying section for humidifying paper, a water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, a water amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank, and a water storage tank. It is equipped with a replenishment port from which the liquid to be replenished is discharged, and the replenishment port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged at a site that contributes to the detection of the amount of water by the water amount detection sensor. A control unit is provided to stop the supply of liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank when the water amount detection sensor detects the presence of the liquid, and the control unit has reduced the amount of liquid in the water storage tank to the amount required for replenishment. When the water amount detection sensor detects, the liquid is replenished from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit switches whether to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit. Is a paper processing apparatus that is water containing an additive that becomes a solid when dried.

The invention according to claim 3 is the paper processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the water amount detection sensor is provided with at least one detection unit for detecting the amount of liquid in the water storage tank.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the detection unit is provided at least at a position where the detection unit detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is considered to be full, and the supply port is a liquid at a portion contributing to the detection of the amount of water by the detection unit. The paper processing apparatus according to claim 3.

Invention, the detection unit includes a float floating on the liquid in the reservoir tank, according to claim 3 or claim 4 comprising a sensor unit for detecting the float to lift with increase or decrease in the amount of liquid water in the tank in accordance with claim 5 The paper processing apparatus according to the above.

The invention according to claim 6 is the paper processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the detection unit includes a sensor unit that detects an increase or decrease in the amount of liquid in a water storage tank by light.

The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, a paper processing apparatus for humidifying the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to eliminate static electricity, and a paper humidified by the paper processing apparatus. The paper processing device is equipped with a post-treatment device that performs post-treatment, and the paper processing device detects a humidifying section for humidifying the paper, a water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank. A water amount detection sensor and a replenishment port for discharging the liquid to be replenished in the water storage tank are provided, and the replenishment port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a part contributing to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor , and is provided in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid is considered to be full, it is equipped with a control unit that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the amount of liquid in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid has decreased to the required amount, the liquid is replenished from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit supplies the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit. The control unit is an image forming system that switches whether to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the time after stopping the replenishment of the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank. ..
The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, a paper processing apparatus for humidifying the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to eliminate static electricity, and a paper humidified by the paper processing apparatus. The paper processing device is equipped with a post-treatment device that performs post-treatment, and detects the humidifying section for humidifying the paper, the water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank. A water amount detection sensor and a replenishment port for discharging the liquid to be replenished in the water storage tank are provided, and the replenishment port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a part contributing to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor, and is provided in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid is considered to be full, it is equipped with a control unit that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the amount of liquid in the water storage tank. When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid has decreased to the required amount, the liquid is replenished from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit supplies the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit. Switching with or without replenishment, the liquid is an image forming system that is water containing additives that become solid when dried.

According to the present invention, in the operation of replenishing the liquid in the water storage tank, the liquid is applied to the portion contributing to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor, so that it is possible to prevent the portion contributing to the water amount detection from drying. As a result, when the liquid dries, it is possible to prevent the additives in the liquid from becoming solids and hindering the detection of the amount of water.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the paper processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the image formation system provided with the paper processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the state which the amount of water changed in the paper processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the state which the amount of water changed in the paper processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the paper processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the state which the amount of water changed in the paper processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the paper processing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the paper processing apparatus of 4th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the paper processing apparatus and image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Structure example of the paper processing apparatus of the first embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a paper processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The paper processing apparatus 1A of the first embodiment humidifies the paper on which the image is formed to remove static electricity from the paper charged by the operation of forming the image or the like.

The paper processing device 1A includes a humidifying unit 2 for humidifying paper and a water storage tank 3 for storing liquid such as water supplied to the humidifying unit 2. Further, the paper processing device 1A detects the supply unit 4 that supplies the water stored in the water storage tank 3 to the humidifying unit 2, the supply unit 5 that supplies water to the water storage tank 3, and the amount of water in the water storage tank 3. A water amount detection sensor 6A is provided.

In the paper processing apparatus 1A, water to which an additive is added is used as the liquid for humidifying the paper in order to enhance the static elimination effect of the paper. In this example, water to which a surfactant is added is used as an additive.

The humidifying section 2 includes a transport path 20 for transporting paper, a pair of humidifying rollers 21 for sandwiching the paper, and a supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying water to the humidifying rollers 21. The humidifying roller 21 is made of a material capable of containing water, and humidifies the sandwiched paper.

The supply unit 4 includes a supply path 40 composed of a pipe connecting the humidifying unit 2 and the water storage tank 3, and a pump 41 for delivering water to the supply path 40. The replenishment unit 5 has a replenishment path 50 composed of a pipe connecting a water supply source and a water storage tank 3 (not shown), a replenishment port 51 in which water passing through the replenishment path 50 is discharged to the water storage tank 3, and a replenishment port 51. A valve 52 for switching the presence or absence of water discharge is provided.

The water amount detection sensor 6A has a first detection unit 60a that detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full, and the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount of water that needs to be replenished. A second detection unit 60b for detecting the above, and a support shaft 61 for supporting the first detection unit 60a and the second detection unit 60b are provided.

The first detection unit 60a includes a float 62a having a predetermined specific gravity with respect to water, and a sensor unit 63a for detecting that the float 62a has moved to a predetermined position due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3.

The float 62a is provided with a hole (not shown) into which the support shaft 61 is inserted, and is slidably supported along the extending direction of the support shaft 61. The float 62a has a specific gravity that floats on water, and moves in the vertical direction along the support shaft 61 due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3.

The sensor unit 63a includes a magnet 64a on the float 62a and a magnetic sensor 65a on the support shaft 61. When the float 62a moves to a predetermined position due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, the first detection unit 60a detects the magnet 64a in the float 62a by the magnetic sensor 65a provided on the support shaft 61, and outputs the output. Change.

The water amount detection sensor 6A includes an upper limit position regulation unit 66a and a lower limit position regulation unit 67a that regulate the movement range of the float 62a of the first detection unit 60a. The upper limit position regulation unit 66a and the lower limit position regulation unit 67a are configured by providing a flange-shaped convex portion on the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft 61, and the movable range of the float 62a is the upper limit position regulation unit 66a and the lower limit position regulation unit. It is regulated between 67a.

When the amount of water increases, the first detection unit 60a can rise to a position where the float 62a comes into contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66a. Further, when the amount of water decreases, the first detection unit 60a can descend to a position where the float 62a is in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67a.

When the float 62a rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position restricting portion 66a, the first detection unit 60a moves the magnet 64a in the float 62a to a position where it can be detected by the magnetic sensor 65a provided on the support shaft 61. In this example, the output of the first detection unit 60a changes from OFF to ON when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases and the float 62a rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66a.

Further, when the float 62a descends to a position where the float 62a is in contact with the lower limit position restricting portion 67a, the first detection unit 60a is displaced from the position where the magnet 64a in the float 62a can be detected by the magnetic sensor 65a provided on the support shaft 61. In this example, the output of the first detection unit 60a changes from ON to OFF when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases and the float 62a descends to a position in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67a.

The second detection unit 60b includes a float 62b having a predetermined specific gravity with respect to water, and a sensor unit 63b for detecting that the float 62b has moved to a predetermined position due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3.

The float 62b is provided with a hole (not shown) into which the support shaft 61 is inserted, and is slidably supported along the extending direction of the support shaft 61. The float 62b has a specific gravity that floats on water, and moves in the vertical direction along the support shaft 61 due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3.

The sensor unit 63b includes a magnet 64b on the float 62b and a magnetic sensor 65b on the support shaft 61. When the float 62b moves to a predetermined position due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, the second detection unit 60b detects the magnet 64b in the float 62b by the magnetic sensor 65b provided on the support shaft 61, and outputs the output. Change.

The water amount detection sensor 6A includes an upper limit position regulation unit 66b and a lower limit position regulation unit 67b that regulate the movement range of the float 62b of the second detection unit 60b. The upper limit position regulation unit 66b and the lower limit position regulation unit 67b are configured by providing a flange-shaped convex portion on the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft 61, and the movable range of the float 62b is the upper limit position regulation unit 66b and the lower limit position regulation unit. It is regulated between 67b.

When the amount of water increases, the second detection unit 60b can rise to a position where the float 62b is in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66b. Further, when the amount of water decreases, the second detection unit 60b can descend to a position where the float 62b is in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67b.

When the float 62b rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulating portion 66b, the second detection unit 60b moves the magnet 64b in the float 62b to a position where it can be detected by the magnetic sensor 65b provided on the support shaft 61. In this example, the output of the second detection unit 60b changes from OFF to ON when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases and the float 62b rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66b.

Further, when the float 62b descends to a position where the float 62b is in contact with the lower limit position regulating portion 67b, the second detection unit 60b disengages the magnet 64b in the float 62b from a position that can be detected by the magnetic sensor 65b provided on the support shaft 61. In this example, the output of the second detection unit 60b changes from ON to OFF when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases and the float 62b descends to a position in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67b.

In the water amount detection sensor 6A, the support shaft 61 extends in the vertical direction in the water storage tank 3, and the first detection unit 60a is provided above the second detection unit 60b. When the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases and the water surface is within the movable range of the float 62a of the first detection unit 60a, the first detection unit 60a follows the increase / decrease in the amount of water and the float 62a moves up and down. Move to. On the other hand, the second detection unit 60b is in a state where the float 62b is raised to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66b in water.

Further, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is reduced and the water surface is within the movable range of the float 62b of the second detection unit 60b, the second detection unit 60b follows the increase / decrease in the amount of water and the float 62b moves. Move up and down. On the other hand, the first detection unit 60a is in a state of being lowered to a position where the float 62a is not in contact with water and is in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67a.

The replenishment port 51 is provided in the first detection unit 60a and the second detection unit 60b at a position where water can be discharged to a portion of the water storage tank 3 that contributes to water volume detection, and the float 62a and the support shaft 61 are provided. And the sticking of the float 62b and the support shaft 61 is suppressed.

That is, the first detection unit 60a detects the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 by moving the float 62a up and down in accordance with the increase and decrease of the water in the water storage tank 3. The first detection unit 60a has a configuration in which the float 62a slides with respect to the support shaft 61, and the portion of the support shaft 61 between the upper limit position regulation unit 66a and the lower limit position regulation unit 67a slides on the float 62a. It becomes part 61a.

The first detection unit 60a cannot detect the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 unless the float 62a can move up and down in accordance with the increase / decrease of water in the water storage tank 3. The sliding portion 61a is a portion that contributes to water volume detection.

Similarly, the second detection unit 60b also detects the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 by moving the float 62b up and down in accordance with the increase and decrease of the water in the water storage tank 3. The second detection unit 60b has a configuration in which the float 62b slides with respect to the support shaft 61, and the portion of the support shaft 61 between the upper limit position regulation unit 66b and the lower limit position regulation unit 67b slides on the float 62b. It becomes part 61b.

Then, the second detection unit 60b cannot detect the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 unless the float 62b can move up and down in accordance with the increase / decrease of the water in the water storage tank 3. The sliding portion 61b is a portion that contributes to water volume detection.

The replenishment port 51 is provided directly above the support shaft 61, with the water discharge direction facing downward, so that the water can be discharged, in particular, at a position contributing to the water amount detection by the first detection unit 60a. As a result, in order to replenish the water storage tank 3, when water is discharged from the replenishment port 51, the water flows from the upper side to the lower side along the support shaft 61. Water flows along the sliding portion 61a of the second detection unit 60b, and then water flows along the sliding portion 61b of the second detection unit 60b.

Next, the control function of the paper processing apparatus 1A will be described. The paper processing device 1A includes a control unit 7 for switching whether or not to replenish water based on the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 detected by the first detection unit 60a and the second detection unit 60b.

The control unit 7 reduces the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, descends to a position where the float 62b is in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67b, and the output of the second detection unit 60b changes from ON to OFF to store water. It is determined that the amount of water in the tank 3 has reached the amount of water that needs to be replenished, and the valve 52 is opened.

Further, in the control unit 7, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases, the float 62a rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66a, and the output of the first detection unit 60a changes from OFF to ON. , It is determined that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount of water regarded as full, and the valve 52 is closed.

<Structure example of the image forming system of this embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming system including the paper processing apparatus of the present embodiment. The image forming system 100 of the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 101 that forms an image on paper, the above-mentioned paper processing apparatus 1A that humidifies the paper on which an image is formed, and paper that has been humidified by the paper processing apparatus 1A. A post-processing device 102 that performs a predetermined post-processing is provided.

The image forming apparatus 101 has a process of forming a toner image on an image carrier such as a photoconductor drum and an intermediate transfer belt, a process of charging a paper and transferring the toner image from the image carrier to the paper, and a toner image on the paper. An image is formed on the paper by the fixing process.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes an image forming unit 11Y that forms an image of yellow (Y), an image forming unit 11M that forms an image of magenda (M), and an image forming unit 11C that forms an image of cyan (C). The image forming unit 11BK for forming a black (BK) image is provided.

Each image forming unit 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11Bk includes a photoconductor drum 12, an optical writing unit 13 that forms a latent image on the photoconductor drum 12, and a developing device 14 that develops the latent image. A latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 12 by scanning exposure by the optical writing unit 13. The developing device 14 supplies toner to the photoconductor drum 12 on which the latent image is formed. In each image forming unit 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11Bk, a latent image is developed and visualized by supplying toner to the photoconductor drum 12 from the developing device 14.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes an intermediate transfer belt 16 for primary transfer of the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 12, and a primary transfer roller 17 for transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 16. The toner image formed on each photoconductor drum 12 is sequentially transferred to a predetermined position on the intermediate transfer belt 16 by each primary transfer roller 17.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a secondary transfer unit 18 that secondarily transfers a toner image composed of each color transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 16 to paper. The secondary transfer unit 18 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 16 on the side facing one side of the paper, and a secondary transfer roller 18a on the side facing the other side of the paper.

In the secondary transfer portion 18, a transfer nip portion is formed by pressing the secondary transfer roller 18a against the intermediate transfer belt 16. In the secondary transfer unit 18, the paper is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the transfer nip unit, and the secondary transfer roller 18a is rotationally driven at a constant speed with the intermediate transfer belt 16 to transfer the toner image to the paper. ..

In the secondary transfer unit 18, a positive voltage is applied from the back surface side of the paper by the secondary transfer roller 18a in order to transfer the toner image to the paper. As a result, the paper that has passed through the secondary transfer unit 18 is charged with the negative electrode on the image forming surface side on which the toner image is transferred and the positive electrode on the back surface.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a paper transport unit 10 for transporting paper. The paper transport unit 10 includes a main transport path 10a that constitutes a transport path for the paper that passes through the secondary transfer section 18, and an inverted transport path 10b that constitutes a transport path that reverses the front and back of the paper. In the main transport path 10a, the transport paths for paper fed from the paper feed tray 10c and the external paper feed port 10d merge and are connected to the discharge port 10e. The reverse transfer path 10b constitutes a transfer path for determining the front and back sides by reversing the transfer direction of the paper.

The image forming apparatus 101 includes a fixing unit 15 for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper by the secondary transfer unit 18. The fixing nip portion is formed in the fixing portion 15 by pressure-contacting the pressure roller 15b to the fixing belt 15a. In a state where the pressure roller 15b is in pressure contact with the fixing belt 15a, the pressure roller 15b is rotationally driven and the heater 15c is energized to convey the paper sandwiched by the fixing nip portion. The image is fixed on the paper by pressure and heat.

The aftertreatment device 102 is referred to as, for example, a finisher, and for example, papers are aligned and loaded. In addition, processing such as binding the aligned and loaded paper is performed. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 101, the paper is charged in order to transfer the toner image. On the other hand, when the charged paper is loaded by the post-processing device, the papers stick to each other and repel each other.

Therefore, a paper processing device 1A is provided between the image forming apparatus 101 and the post-processing apparatus 102, and the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 101 is humidified by the paper processing apparatus 1A to remove static electricity, and then the post-processing apparatus. By transporting to 102, sticking and repulsion between papers are suppressed. The paper processing device 1A may be provided in the post-processing device 102 or the image forming device 101.

<Operation example of the paper processing apparatus of the first embodiment>
3 to 4 are configuration diagrams showing an example of a state in which the amount of water has changed in the paper processing apparatus of the first embodiment, and with reference to each figure, water is replenished to the water storage tank 3 in the paper processing apparatus 1A. The operation to be performed will be described.

By supplying water to the humidifying roller 21 of the humidifying section 2, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases, the float 62a of the first detecting section 60a descends to a position in contact with the lower limit position regulating section 67a, and further, the water is stored. When the amount of water in the tank 3 decreases, the float 62b of the second detection unit 60b descends to a position in contact with the lower limit position restricting unit 67b.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the control unit 7, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases, the float 62b descends to a position in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67b, and the output of the second detection unit 60b is turned from ON to OFF. When it changes to, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount of water that needs to be replenished, and the valve 52 is opened.

When the valve 52 is opened, water is discharged from the supply port 51 into the water storage tank 3, so that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases. As the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases, as shown in FIG. 4, the float 62b rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulating unit 66b, and the output of the second detection unit 60b changes from OFF to ON. do.

In this way, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases and the output of the second detection unit 60b changes from ON to OFF, water supply is started and the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases. The sliding portion 61b between the float 62b of the second detection unit 60b and the support shaft 61 is in contact with the water accumulated in the water storage tank 3.

On the other hand, even if the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases to the position where the float 62b of the second detection unit 60b rises and comes into contact with the upper limit position restricting unit 66b, the first detection unit 60a and the float 62a The sliding portion 61a with the support shaft 61 is exposed above the water surface.

When water contains additives such as a surfactant, solid matter is generated when the portion in contact with water dries. In the state where the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is reduced, in the first detection unit 60a, the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 is exposed above the water surface. Therefore, there is a possibility that the solid matter sticks to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61, and the float 62a cannot move in the vertical direction, resulting in a sliding defect.

On the other hand, in order to replenish the water storage tank 3, when water is discharged from the replenishment port 51, the water flows along the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a of the first detection unit 60a and the support shaft 61. ..

As a result, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is reduced, so that even if the first detection unit 60a is exposed from the water surface, water is splashed on the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 to support the float 62a. Drying of the sliding portion 61a with the shaft 61 is suppressed. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61.

When the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases due to the continuous discharge of water from the supply port 51, the position where the float 62a of the first detection unit 60a, which is lowered to the position in contact with the lower limit position regulation unit 67a, floats. The water level rises. Further, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases, the float 62a rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position restricting portion 66a.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the control unit 7, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increases, the float 62a rises to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulation unit 66a, and the output of the first detection unit 60a is turned from OFF to ON. When it changes to, it is determined that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount of water considered to be full, and the valve 52 is closed. As a result, the supply of water to the water storage tank 3 is stopped.

When the surfactant contained in the water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 so that the float 62a cannot move in the vertical direction, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 The float 62a cannot rise following the increase in. As a result, even if the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water regarded as full, the output of the first detection unit 60a does not change from OFF to ON, and it cannot be determined that the amount of water is considered to be full. Therefore, the valve 52 remains open and the water supply is continued, and there is a possibility that the water storage tank 3 overflows.

On the other hand, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases and the replenishment of water is started, water is splashed on the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61, and the first detecting portion 60a is on the water surface. Even if it is exposed from the water, the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 is prevented from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61.

As a result, the float 62a can be raised following the increase in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, and it can be reliably detected that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the water supply from being continued after the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water considered to be full, and it is possible to surely prevent the water from overflowing from the water storage tank 3.

<Structure example of the paper processing apparatus of the second embodiment>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the paper processing apparatus of the second embodiment. The paper processing device 1B of the second embodiment detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full and the amount of water needs to be replenished as the water amount detection sensor 6B. It includes a single detection unit 60 and a support shaft 61 that supports the detection unit 60.

The detection unit 60 includes a float 62 having a predetermined specific gravity with respect to water, and a sensor unit (not shown) that detects that the float 62 has moved to a predetermined position due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3. The float 62 has a specific gravity that floats on water, and moves in the vertical direction along the support shaft 61 due to a change in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3.

In the detection unit 60, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 increased and the float 62 rose to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulating unit 66, and the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreased and the float 62 was in the lower limit position. By detecting that the water has descended to a position in contact with the regulation unit 67, it is detected that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full and the amount of water needs to be replenished.

The replenishment port 51 is provided in the detection unit 60 at a position where water can be discharged to a portion of the water storage tank 3 that contributes to detecting the amount of water, and suppresses the sticking of the float 62 and the support shaft 61.

The detection unit 60 has a configuration in which the float 62 slides with respect to the support shaft 61, and if the float 62 cannot move up and down in accordance with the increase / decrease of water in the water storage tank 3, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 cannot be detected. Therefore, the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61 is a portion that contributes to water volume detection.

The replenishment port 51 is provided directly above the support shaft 61 at a position contributing to the detection of the amount of water by the detection unit 60 so that the water can be discharged with the water discharge direction facing downward. As a result, in order to replenish the water storage tank 3, when water is discharged from the replenishment port 51, the water flows from the upper side to the lower side along the support shaft 61, so that the sliding portion 68 of the detection unit 60 Water flows from above along.

<Operation example of the paper processing apparatus of the second embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a state in which the amount of water has changed in the paper processing apparatus of the second embodiment. With reference to each diagram, the operation of replenishing the water storage tank 3 in the paper processing apparatus 1B explain.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 7 detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has decreased and the float 62 has descended to a position in contact with the lower limit position regulating unit 67, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is replenished. Judges that the required amount of water has been reached, and opens the valve 52.

When the valve 52 is opened, water is discharged from the supply port 51 into the water storage tank 3, so that water flows from above along the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 of the detection unit 60 and the support shaft 61.

In the configuration in which the single detection unit 60 detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full and the amount of water needs to be replenished, as in the first embodiment. In addition, the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61 is longer than the configuration detected by the two detection portions.

Therefore, the water discharged from the supply port 51 is configured to flow from the upper side along the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 of the detection unit 60 and the support shaft 61. As a result, water is splashed on the entire sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61, and the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61 is prevented from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 7 detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has increased and the float 62 has risen to a position in contact with the upper limit position regulating unit 66, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is full. It is determined that the amount of water considered to be the same is reached, and the valve 52 is closed. As a result, the supply of water to the water storage tank 3 is stopped.

When the surfactant contained in the water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61 so that the float 62 cannot move in the vertical direction, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 The float 62 cannot rise following the increase in. As a result, it cannot be detected that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full. Therefore, the valve 52 remains open and the water supply is continued, and there is a possibility that the water storage tank 3 overflows.

On the other hand, when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 decreases and the replenishment of water is started, water is applied to the entire sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61, and the upper surface side of the float 62 is the water surface. Even if it is exposed from the water, the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61 is prevented from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 68 between the float 62 and the support shaft 61.

As a result, the float 62 can be raised following the increase in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, and it can be reliably detected that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the water supply from being continued after the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water considered to be full, and it is possible to surely prevent the water from overflowing from the water storage tank 3.

<Structure example of the paper processing apparatus of the third embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the paper processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. The paper processing apparatus 1C of the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and when the capacity of the water storage tank 3 is small, not only the water amount is detected by the detection unit but also an image is formed. Water replenishment to the water storage tank 3 is started according to the number of sheets of paper.

When the capacity of the water storage tank 3 is small, the time for the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 to decrease to the amount of water requiring replenishment is fast, and compared with the case where the capacity of the water storage tank 3 is large, the first detection unit 60a The time for the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 to be exposed from the water surface becomes faster.

Therefore, the control unit 7 acquires information on the number of sheets of paper on which the image is formed from the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. If the number of sheets of paper on which the image is formed is large, the amount of water consumed for humidification also increases, so the second detection unit 60b detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount of water that needs to be replenished. Before doing so, open the valve 52. For example, a threshold value is set for the number of sheets of paper information, and when the number of sheets of paper on which an image is formed exceeds the threshold value, the valve 52 is opened. In a configuration in which the opening degree of the valve 52 can be controlled, the amount of water discharged may be reduced as compared with the case where the second detection unit 60b determines that water needs to be replenished.

When the valve 52 is opened, water is discharged from the supply port 51 into the water storage tank 3, so that water flows along the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a of the first detection unit 60a and the support shaft 61. As a result, water is splashed on the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61, and the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 is prevented from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61.

When the control unit 7 detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full, the control unit 7 closes the valve 52. As a result, the supply of water to the water storage tank 3 is stopped.

As described above, when the number of sheets on which the image is formed is large and the amount of water consumed for humidification is large, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is before detecting that the amount of water needs to be replenished. By starting the replenishment of water, water is splashed on the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61, and the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 is suppressed from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61.

As a result, the float 62a can be raised following the increase in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, and it can be reliably detected that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the water supply from being continued after the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water considered to be full, and it is possible to surely prevent the water from overflowing from the water storage tank 3.

Further, the control unit 7 not only detects the amount of water by the detection unit, but also starts replenishing the water storage tank 3 according to the time after the water supply to the water storage tank 3 is stopped. For example, when the paper processing apparatus 1A is not used for a long time, the amount of water does not decrease due to the supply of water to the humidifying portion 2, but the amount of water decreases due to natural drying, and the float 62a or the like may stick. There is.

Therefore, the control unit 7 measures the time after stopping the supply of water to the water storage tank 3, and opens the valve 52 when a predetermined time elapses. For example, when a threshold value for elapsed time is set and the time after stopping the supply of water to the water storage tank 3 exceeds the threshold value, the valve 52 is opened. As a result, water is splashed on the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61, and the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61 is prevented from drying. Therefore, it is suppressed that the surfactant contained in water becomes a solid substance and adheres to the sliding portion 61a between the float 62a and the support shaft 61.

When the control unit 7 detects that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 has reached the amount considered to be full, the control unit 7 closes the valve 52. Alternatively, after the lapse of a predetermined time, the valve 52 is closed. As a result, the supply of water to the water storage tank 3 is stopped.

<Structure example of the paper processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the paper processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The paper processing device 1D of the fourth embodiment includes an optical detection unit 60d as the water amount detection sensor 6D. The detection unit 60d includes a float 62d having a predetermined specific gravity with respect to water, a support shaft 61 for supporting the float 62d, and a sensor unit 63d composed of a pair of light receiving / receiving elements for detecting the float 62d.

In this example, the water storage tank 3 has a transmissive portion 31 that transmits light on one side surface 30 according to the height of the float 62d that floats on the water surface when the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is considered to be full. Be prepared.

The detection unit 60d is provided with a sensor unit 63d on the outside of the water storage tank 3 in accordance with the position of the transmission unit 31. When the light emitted from the light emitting element passes through the transmitting unit 31 and the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water considered to be full, the sensor unit 63d reflects the light to the float 62d floating on the water surface and receives the light receiving element. The float 62d is detected by receiving light.

The replenishment port 51 is provided in the detection unit 60d at a position where water can be discharged to a portion of the water storage tank 3 that contributes to water volume detection, and the float 62d and the support shaft 61 are fixed to each other and to the permeation unit 31. Suppresses the adhesion of solids.

The detection unit 60d has a configuration in which the float 62d slides with respect to the support shaft 61, and if the float 62d cannot move up and down in accordance with the increase / decrease of water in the water storage tank 3, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 cannot be detected. Therefore, the sliding portion 61d between the float 62d and the support shaft 61 is a portion that contributes to the water amount detection. Further, when the adhered substance adheres to the transmissive portion 31 and the light is shielded, the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 cannot be detected, so that the transmissive portion 31 also contributes to the detection of the amount of water.

Therefore, the supply port 51 is provided directly above the support shaft 61 and directly above the side surface 30 where the transmission portion 31 is provided, with the water discharge direction facing downward. As a result, in order to replenish the water storage tank 3, when the water is discharged from the replenishment port 51, the water flows from the upper side to the lower side along the support shaft 61. Further, water flows from the upper side to the lower side along the transmission portion 31.

Therefore, the float 62d can be raised in accordance with the increase in the amount of water in the water storage tank 3, and the adhesion of adhered substances to the permeation portion 31 is suppressed, so that the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 is regarded as full. It is possible to reliably detect that the amount of water has reached. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the water supply from being continued after the amount of water in the water storage tank 3 reaches the amount of water considered to be full, and it is possible to surely prevent the water from overflowing from the water storage tank 3.

The present invention is applied to a paper processing device that eliminates static electricity by humidifying charged paper, and an image forming system provided with this paper processing device.

1A ... Paper processing device, 2 ... Humidifying section, 21 ... Humidifying roller, 3 ... Water storage tank, 4 ... Supply section, 40 ... Supply path, 41 ... Pump, 5 ... replenishment unit, 50 ... replenishment path, 51 ... replenishment port, 52 ... valve, 6A ... water amount detection sensor, 60a ... first detection unit, 60b ... second Detection unit, 61 ... Support shaft, 62a, 62b ... Float, 63a, 63b ... Sensor unit, 64a, 64b ... Magnet, 65a, 65b ... Magnetic sensor, 66a, 66b ... -Upper limit position regulation unit, 67a, 67b ... Lower limit position regulation unit, 7 ... Control unit, 100 ... Image formation system

Claims (8)

A humidifying part that humidifies the paper,
A water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and
A water amount detection sensor that detects the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank, and
The water storage tank is provided with a supply port from which the liquid to be replenished is discharged.
The supply port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a portion that contributes to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor.
A control unit is provided that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank when the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is considered to be full.
When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank has decreased to the amount required for replenishment, the control unit replenishes the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the liquid. Based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit, it is switched whether or not to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit stops replenishing the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank. based on the time from the sheet processing apparatus characterized by Ru whether switching to replenish the liquid into the reservoir tank from the supply port. A humidifying part that humidifies the paper,
A water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and
A water amount detection sensor that detects the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank, and
The water storage tank is provided with a supply port from which the liquid to be replenished is discharged.
The supply port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a portion that contributes to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor.
A control unit is provided that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank when the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is considered to be full.
When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank has decreased to the amount required for replenishment, the control unit replenishes the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the liquid. Whether or not to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank is switched based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified in the humidifying section.
The liquid is water containing an additive that becomes a solid when dried.
A paper processing device characterized by this. The paper processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water amount detection sensor includes at least one detection unit for detecting the amount of liquid in the water storage tank. The detection unit is provided at least at a position where it detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is an amount considered to be full.
The paper processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the supply port discharges a liquid to a portion that contributes to detecting the amount of water by the detection unit. The detection unit includes a float floating in the liquid in the water storage tank and a float.
The paper processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , further comprising a sensor unit for detecting the float that moves up and down according to an increase or decrease in the amount of liquid in the water storage tank. The paper processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the detection unit includes a sensor unit that detects an increase or decrease in the amount of liquid in the water storage tank by light. An image forming device that forms an image on paper,
A paper processing device that humidifies the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming device to eliminate static electricity, and a paper processing device.
A post-treatment device for post-treating the paper humidified by the paper processing device is provided.
The paper processing device is
A humidifying part that humidifies the paper,
A water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and
A water amount detection sensor that detects the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank, and
The water storage tank is provided with a supply port from which the liquid to be replenished is discharged.
The supply port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a portion that contributes to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor.
A control unit is provided that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank when the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is considered to be full.
When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank has decreased to the amount required for replenishment, the control unit replenishes the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the liquid. Based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified by the humidifying unit, it is switched whether or not to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit stops replenishing the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank. Switch whether to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank based on the time from
An image forming system characterized by this. An image forming device that forms an image on paper,
A paper processing device that humidifies the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming device to eliminate static electricity, and a paper processing device.
A post-treatment device for post-treating the paper humidified by the paper processing device is provided.
The paper processing device is
A humidifying part that humidifies the paper,
A water storage tank in which the liquid supplied to the humidifying section is stored, and
A water amount detection sensor that detects the amount of liquid stored in the water storage tank, and
The water storage tank is provided with a supply port from which the liquid to be replenished is discharged.
The supply port is provided at a position where the liquid is discharged to a portion that contributes to the water amount detection by the water amount detection sensor.
A control unit is provided that stops the supply of liquid from the supply port to the water storage tank when the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank is considered to be full.
When the water amount detection sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the water storage tank has decreased to the amount required for replenishment, the control unit replenishes the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank, and the control unit replenishes the liquid. Whether or not to replenish the liquid from the replenishment port to the water storage tank is switched based on the number of sheets of paper to be humidified in the humidifying section .
An image forming system , wherein the liquid is water containing an additive that becomes a solid when dried.

Images