Post-processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a post-processing device that can accurately estimate the deterioration state of the components constituting the drilling mechanism. [Solution] A post-processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a motor that drives a perforating means, a perforating unit that perforates the sheet with the perforating means, a measuring unit that measures the actual perforation time which is the time required to perforate the sheet based on the rotation speed of the motor, sheet processing information which includes the processing content performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, an acquisition unit that acquires the actual perforation time, an estimation unit that causes a learning model that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the actual perforation time as training data to estimate an estimated perforation time by inputting the sheet processing information, and a determination unit that determines the deterioration of the components constituting the perforating unit based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the actual perforation time and the estimated perforation time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for notifying the timing when maintenance of a unit included in a post-processing device is required. In Patent Document 1, a punching required time from the start of punching of a sheet by punching means to the end of punching is measured, and based on the result of comparing the measured punching required time with the punching required time predicted in advance for each sheet thickness, a technique for making a maintenance request is disclosed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not always possible to accurately predict the punching required time for a combination of paper types and paper thicknesses that were not assumed in advance. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to more accurately predict the deterioration state due to wear of a punch punching pin or the like.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device that can accurately estimate the deterioration state of components constituting a punching mechanism in order to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A post-processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a post-processing device that performs post-processing on a conveyed sheet, and includes a motor that drives a perforating means, a perforating unit that perforates the sheet with the perforating means, a measuring unit that measures the actual perforation time which is the time required to perforate the sheet, based on the rotation speed of the motor, sheet processing information which includes the processing content performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, an acquisition unit that acquires the actual perforation time, an estimation unit that causes a learning model, which has been trained using the sheet processing information and the actual perforation time as training data, to estimate an estimated perforation time by inputting the sheet processing information, and a determination unit that determines the deterioration of the components constituting the perforation unit based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the actual perforation time and the estimated perforation time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the post-processing device of the present invention, the deterioration state of the components constituting the drilling mechanism can be accurately estimated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the hardware configuration of the control unit included in the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the main unit included in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the configuration of the perforation mechanism in the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the perforation mechanism in the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the configuration of the perforation mechanism in the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a waveform detected by the encoder sensor of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This block diagram shows the functional configuration of a learning device for generating a learning model according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the relationship between an image forming apparatus, a post-processing device, and a learning model according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a database combining sheet processing information and actual punching time according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This flowchart shows a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the post-processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the control unit of the post-processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0009] [First Embodiment] <Overall Configuration of Image Forming System 200> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 200 includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 1.

[0010] As will be described later, the image forming system 200 may be configured such that a plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 and a processing apparatus 300 can communicate with each other via a network. However, FIG. 1 shows the configuration of one image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 100 transfers an image read from a sheet P or print data received from a terminal device or the like, and performs image formation.

[0011] The post-processing apparatus 1 performs post-processing on the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet P is, for example, a sheet such as plain paper and recycled paper. However, the sheet P may be coated paper, label paper, etc. other than paper, overhead projector sheets, films, or flexible thin plates.

[0012] In the image forming system 200, the image forming apparatus 100 is a part other than the post-processing apparatus 1, and is mainly composed of an image forming unit 115, a main body paper feed tray 112, a fixing unit 120, a document conveyance device 110, a document reading device 102, and the like. An operation display unit 144 for displaying various information in the image forming system 200 and inputting various commands is provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0013] The user can select a print mode on the operation display unit 144 of the image forming apparatus 100 and on a terminal device (not shown) configured to communicate with the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the sheet P based on the selected print mode.

[0014] The post-processing device 1 includes a first transport roller pair 11, a second transport roller pair 12, a third transport roller pair 13, a tapping roller 14, a discharge roller pair 15, a return roller 16, a reference fence 17, an internal tray 18, a binding device 19, a control unit 20, and a discharge tray 137. The post-processing device 1 is positioned downstream of the image forming apparatus 100 in the transport direction of the sheet P. The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 1 and causes it to perform each of its functions.

[0015] The first transport roller pair 11 is the upstreammost roller pair of the post-processing device 1, and the second transport roller pair 12 is a roller pair positioned downstream of the first transport roller pair 11. The third transport roller pair 13 is a roller pair that shifts the sheet P in the width direction of the sheet P in the post-processing device 1.

[0016] The tapping roller 14 is a roller that conveys the sheet P toward the reference fence 17, and the discharge roller pair 15 is the downstream roller pair of the post-processing device 1. The return roller 16 is a roller that conveys the sheet P toward the reference fence 17 and abuts it, and the reference fence 17 is an alignment means for aligning the conveying direction by abutting the edges of the sheet P toward it when the sheet P is being bound by the binding device 19. The internal tray 18 is a tray provided inside the post-processing device 1 that discharges the bound sheet P.

[0017] The post-processing device 1 has a function to perform predetermined post-processing on the sheet P on which an image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 100. The post-processing device 1 has a binding function to sequentially stack the sheets P on which images have been formed to form a sheet bundle containing multiple sheets P, and to perform binding processing on the ends. The post-processing device 1 may also have various functions such as a perforating function for perforating the sheet bundle, a sorting function, a sheet alignment function, a sheet folding function, and a sheet cutting function.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the post-processing device 1 is detachably installed in the internal space W, which is the space between the document reading device 102 and the image forming unit 115 of the image forming apparatus 100. The internal space W is a space from which sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 can be discharged, and is also a space from which the discharged sheets P can be retrieved. In other words, when the post-processing device 1 is not installed, the internal space W is a space for accumulating sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0019] The image forming process in the image forming system 200 will be explained below using Figure 1. In the image forming apparatus 100, the original document D is transported from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the transport rollers of the document transport device 110 and passes over the document reading device 102. At this time, the image information of the original document D passing over it is optically read by the document reading device 102.

[0020] The optical image information read by the document reading device 102 is then converted into an electrical signal and output to the writing device 103 of the image forming unit 115. From the writing device 103, laser light based on the electrical signal image information is irradiated onto the respective photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K for each color, and the exposure process is performed.

[0021] Then, charging, exposure, and development processes are performed on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the respective image-forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K. As a result, the desired images are formed on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K, respectively.

[0022] Subsequently, the images formed on each photoreceptor drum 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105 are transferred as a color image onto the intermediate transfer belt 178. Furthermore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred to the sheet P, which is fed and transported from the main feed tray 112 by the feed roller 197, at a position opposite the secondary transfer roller 189. The sheet P with the transferred color image is then transported to the fixing unit 120. The color image transferred to the surface is then fixed to the sheet P.

[0023] Subsequently, based on the printing mode selected by the user, the sheet P is either discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by the discharge roller pair 131 and sent to the post-processing device 1, or discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 by the discharge roller pair 132 and stored in the discharge tray 135.

[0024] When the printing mode is set to double-sided printing mode, the sheet P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to the discharge tray 135 by the discharge roller pair 132, and then the discharge roller pair 132 reverses direction to switch back to the reversal path 136 for transport. The sheet P, now reversed front and back, is then transported to a position opposite the secondary transfer roller 189 and the intermediate transfer belt 178, where an image is formed on the back side.

[0025] Here, we will describe the post-processing performed by the post-processing device 1 for each function enabled by the user's selection. The post-processing device 1 performs post-processing on the sheet P transported from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0026] When the sorting function is enabled, the sheets P are loaded onto the discharge tray 137 in a sorted state, with a predetermined number of sheets shifted in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction. At this time, the post-processing device 1 controls a tray moving means (not shown) that moves the discharge tray 137 by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheets P are discharged.

[0027] When the binding function is enabled, the sheets P conveyed by the first to third transport roller pairs 11 to 13 are not discharged to the discharge tray 137 by the discharge roller pair 15, but are sequentially loaded onto the internal tray 18. Each time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 18, the tapping roller 14 and return roller 16, located above the internal tray 18, move from their standby positions to positions where they contact the uppermost sheet P in the stack of sheets.

[0028] Then, the rotational drive of the striking roller 14 and the return roller 16 moves the sheet P toward the reference fence 17. The rear end of the sheet P in the conveying direction included in the sheet bundle abuts against the reference fence 17, aligning the positions of multiple sheets P in the conveying direction.

[0029] At this time, the side fences installed at both ends in the width direction of the internal tray 18 move in the width direction to grip the sheet bundle each time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 18, or after a desired number of sheets P have been stacked. This aligns the width direction of the sheets P. Subsequently, the binding device 19 performs a binding process on the rear ends of the multiple sheets P whose transport direction and width direction have been aligned.

[0030] Subsequently, the bound sheet bundle moves diagonally upward along the tray surface of the internal tray 18 by the reverse rotation of the return roller 16, and is discharged into the discharge tray 137 by being conveyed by the discharge roller pair 15.

[0031] When the perforation function is enabled, the perforation process is performed in the perforation mechanism 30 provided in the post-processing device 1. The perforation mechanism 30 includes a lateral resist detection device 31, a punch perforation device 32, a punch perforation pin 33, and a punch waste hopper 34.

[0032] The horizontal resist detection device 31 moves in the width direction of the sheet P and detects the end face of the sheet P. The punch punching device 32 moves in the width direction of the sheet P and aligns the punch punching pins 33 with the detected end face of the sheet P. The punch punching pins 33 are punching means that punch holes in the sheet P by penetrating it. Note that there may be two or three punch punch punching pins 33, but the number is not limited to these and can be any number. The punch waste hopper 34 is a container or the like that accumulates the sheet waste generated by the penetration of the punch punching pins 33.

[0033] The horizontal resist detection device 31 detects the position of the paper in the width direction by detecting the edge face of the conveyed sheet P, and moves the punch punching device 32 in the width direction according to the position of the edge face of the sheet P. The sheet P stops at the position to be punched, and the punch punching pins 33 provided in the punch punching device 32 punch holes in the stopped sheet P. The punch waste produced during punching falls into the punch waste hopper 34 and is accumulated. After punching, the sheet P is conveyed to the first conveyor roller pair 11.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the image forming system 200, as shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to communicate with the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 via an interface. The image forming apparatus 100 may also be configured to communicate with other image forming apparatuses 100 and processing devices 300 via a network. The processing device 300 is, for example, a cloud server on the cloud, but is not limited to this and may be various other information processing devices.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 100 comprises a main control unit 141, an interface 142, an external communication interface 143, and an operation display unit 144. The main control unit 141 is configured to communicate with the external communication interface 143 and the operation display unit 144 via the interface 142. The image forming apparatus 100 connects to a network via the external communication interface 143.

[0036] The control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 is configured to communicate with the image forming apparatus 100 via an interface 20a. The interface 20a is configured to be physically detachable, for example, by a relay connector and a drawer connector.

[0037] The control unit 20 is configured to communicate with the first transport motor 41, the second transport motor 42, the third transport motor 43, the tapping roller lifting motor 44, the discharge guide plate opening / closing motor 45, the internal tray motor 46, the binding device motor 47, and the discharge tray lifting motor 48 via the interface 49.

[0038] The first transport motor 41, the second transport motor 42, the third transport motor 43, and the tapping roller lifting motor 44 rotate the first to third transport roller pairs 11 to 13 and the tapping roller 14, respectively. The discharge guide plate opening / closing motor 45 drives a guide member for the sheet P to be discharged. The internal tray motor 46 drives an internal tray 18 that temporarily stores the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 for binding. The binding device motor 47 is a motor that drives the binding device 19, and the discharge tray lifting motor 48 is a motor that drives the discharge tray 137 that discharges the bound sheet P.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 20 is configured to communicate with the punching mechanism 30 via the interface 59. The punching mechanism 30 includes a punch punching motor 51 that drives the components for punching the sheet P, a punch movement motor 52, a punch pre-sensor 53 that detects the position of the sheet P to be punched, and a punch punch HP sensor 54 that detects the reference position for punching. The punching mechanism 30 also includes an encoder sensor 55 that detects the status of the punching process, a punch movement HP sensor 56, a punch cover opening / closing sensor 57, and a punch gas fullness detection sensor 58.

[0040] As will be described later, the processing by the post-processing device 1 according to this embodiment uses a learning model 9. The learning model 9 is stored in the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1, but is not limited to this, and may also be stored in the main control unit 141 and processing device 300 of the image forming apparatus 100, etc.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the hardware configuration of the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 and the main control unit 141 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 20 has computer functions. The control unit 20 includes a processor 21, RAM 22, ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, and I / O (Input / Output) 24 which are interconnected by a bus.

[0042] The processor 21 controls the entire post-processing unit 1 by executing program 25 using RAM 22 as work memory. The processor 21 and ROM 23 are non-volatile memories such as flash memory and store program 25. The processor 21 has various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). By executing program 25, the processor 21 provides the various functions that the post-processing unit 1 performs. I / O 24 is an input / output interface.

[0043] <Configuration of Post-processing Device 1> Figure 4 is a plan view of a post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing device 1 includes a perforation mechanism 30 that performs perforation on a sheet P. When the perforation function is enabled by user selection, the perforation mechanism 30 performs perforation on the sheet P on which the image has been formed. When the perforation function is not enabled, no perforation is performed on the sheet P passing through the perforation mechanism 30.

[0044] The sheet P transported from the image forming apparatus 100 passes through the punching mechanism 30 and is handed over to the first transport roller pair 11 of the post-processing device 1. While the sheet P is being transported between the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing device 1, the transverse resist detection device 31 detects the position of the sheet in the width direction by detecting the end face of the transported sheet P, and moves the punching device 32 in the width direction according to the position of the end face of the sheet P.

[0045] The sheet P stops at the position where punching will be performed, and the punching pins 33 provided in the punching device 32 punch holes in the stopped sheet P. The punching waste produced during punching falls into the punching waste hopper 34 and is accumulated. After punching, the sheet P is conveyed to the first conveyor roller pair 11.

[0046] The post-processing device 1 may receive the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 and the perforation mechanism 30 with the first transport roller pair 11, transport it to the discharge roller pair 15, and discharge it into the discharge tray 137.

[0047] When the binding function is enabled, the post-processing device 1 receives the sheets P transported from the image forming apparatus 100 and the perforation mechanism 30 with the first transport roller pair 11, transports them to the third transport roller pair 13, and discharges them into the internal tray 18. The post-processing device 1 then uses the tapping roller 14 and return roller 16 to switchback transport the sheets P to the reference fence 17. The post-processing device 1 repeats this operation for a predetermined number of sheets, and when the final sheet P has been transported to the reference fence 17, the binding device 19 drives staples into the sheet bundle, and the discharge roller pair 15 discharges the sheet bundle into the discharge tray 137.

[0048] Figures 5 to 7 show the configuration of the perforation mechanism 30 in the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a front view when no perforation operation is being performed on the sheet P, Figure 6 is a front view during the perforation operation, and Figure 7 is a plan view of the perforation mechanism 30.

[0049] The punching mechanism 30 comprises a punch pin 33, a link 61, an arm 62, a filler 63, a pin 64, and a motor 65. The arm 62 includes a groove 62a, and each link 61 includes a groove 66. The punch pin 33 is connected to the link 61 by a pin 67. A die frame 68 is provided below the punching mechanism 30 in the direction in which the sheet bundle is conveyed.

[0050] When the motor 65, which is the drive source, rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the connected filler 63. The filler 63 has a structure in which a notch is provided on the outer circumference of the gear, and the reference position of the gear is detected by the punching HP sensor 54 provided adjacent to it. In addition, an encoder sensor 55 provided coaxially with the motor 65 detects the rotation speed of the motor 65. The encoder sensor 55 can measure the time required to punch the sheet P by detecting the number of pulses corresponding to the rotation speed of the motor 65.

[0051] A pin 64 is attached to the filler 63 and inserted into a groove 62a provided in the adjacent arm 62. As the filler 63 rotates, the pin 64 rotates and moves along the groove 62a of the arm 62. As the pin 64 moves along the groove 62a, the rotational motion of the filler 63 is converted into linear motion in the extension direction of the arm 62.

[0052] The arm 62 is connected to the punch pin 33 via a link 61. The linear motion of the arm 62 in the extension direction is converted into linear motion in the direction of punching the sheet P via the link 61 and transmitted to the punch pin 33. A hole is provided on the sheet P side of the die frame 68, and the sheet P is punched when it is pushed in from the tip of the punch pin 33.

[0053] In this way, the rotation of the motor 65 is transmitted to the tip of the punch pin 33 via the arm 62, etc. However, in the process of transmitting the rotation of the motor 65 to the punch pin 33, parts such as the pin 64 attached to the filler 63 and the groove 62a of the arm 62, and the arm 62 and the punch pin 33 slide against each other during operation.

[0054] Therefore, as the number of times the sheet P is punched increases, deterioration occurs in the movable parts of the components. When components deteriorate, the rotation of the motor 65 is not properly transmitted to the punching pin 33, which increases the load on the sheet P during punching. As a result, the time required to complete punching the sheet P increases, and the power consumption of the motor 65 also increases.

[0055] Furthermore, the tip of the punch pin 33 has a sharp blade shape to easily penetrate the sheet P for punching, but as the number of punches increases, the tip deteriorates and becomes rounded due to wear. As the deterioration of the tip of the punch pin 33 progresses, it becomes more difficult for the tip of the punch pin 33 to penetrate the sheet P, resulting in an increase in the time required to complete punching and an increase in the power consumption of the motor 65 due to the increased punching load.

[0056] Figure 8 shows an example of a waveform detected by the encoder sensor 55 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 8, (a) shows the waveform in the initial state of the drilling mechanism 30, and (b) shows an example of a waveform when the deterioration of the drilling mechanism 30 progresses. The waveforms shown are pulse waves detected by the encoder sensor 55 after the motor 65 has started to operate.

[0057] As shown in the figures, according to the waveform of the drilling mechanism 30 in its initial state shown in (a), the actual drilling time is shorter than the estimated drilling time, while according to the waveform of the drilling mechanism 30 as deterioration progresses, shown in (b), the actual drilling time is longer than the estimated drilling time. Furthermore, the waveform shown in (b) is wider than the waveform shown in (a).

[0058] As the components of the punching mechanism 30, such as the tip of the punching pin 33 and the motor 65, deteriorate, the load during punching increases compared to the initial state, resulting in a longer punching time and a wider waveform. In the embodiment of the present invention, the deterioration state of each component is determined by comparing the estimated punching time, which is calculated based on a reference punching time, with the actual punching time, as described later.

[0059] <Functional configuration of post-processing device 1> Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing device 1 comprises a drilling unit 2, a measurement unit 3, an acquisition unit 4, an estimation unit 5, a determination unit 6, and an output unit 7, with the estimation unit 5 using a learning model 9. The functions of the drilling unit 2 and the measurement unit 3 are realized by the drilling mechanism 30, and the functions of the acquisition unit 4, estimation unit 5, determination unit 6, and output unit 7 are realized by the control unit 20.

[0060] The perforating section 2 includes a motor 65 that drives the perforating means, and the perforating means performs perforations in the sheet P. The perforating means is, for example, a punch pin 33 provided in the perforating mechanism 30.

[0061] The measurement unit 3 measures the actual drilling time, which is the time required to drill holes in the sheet P, based on the rotational speed of the motor 65. The rotational speed of the motor 65 is measured, for example, by an encoder sensor 55 provided in the drilling mechanism 30, and the measured actual drilling time is output to the acquisition unit 4.

[0062] The acquisition unit 4 acquires sheet processing information, which includes the processing performed on sheet P and information about sheet P until sheet P is discharged, as well as the measured punching time. The acquisition unit 4 acquires the sheet processing information from the image forming apparatus 100, but is not limited to this and can acquire it from other devices. The acquisition unit 4 also acquires the measured punching time from the measurement unit 3.

[0063] Furthermore, if the print data includes an image, the acquisition unit 4 can acquire information regarding the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus 100. In this case, if the area corresponding to the perforation position in the print data does not include an image, the estimation unit 5 can set the image area ratio of the sheet processing information to 0 in the learning model 9 from the viewpoint of shortening the perforation time. In other words, even if the print data includes an image, if the area corresponding to the perforation position in the print data does not include an image, the print data is considered blank from the viewpoint of the load during perforation.

[0064] The estimation unit 5 estimates the perforation time by inputting the sheet processing information into a machine learning model 9 that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the measured perforation time as training data. The machine learning model 9 may be a structure that learns by backpropagation using, for example, a neural network, but it is not limited to this and can employ various other structures.

[0065] The determination unit 6 determines the deterioration of the components constituting the drilling section 2 based on the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time. More specifically, the determination unit 6 determines the progression of deterioration of the components constituting the drilling section 2, whether or not there is a malfunction, and the need for replacement, based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time.

[0066] Furthermore, the post-processing device 1 may be set with a pre-determination value that indicates a time difference smaller than a threshold value for the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time, which is used to notify the user about replacing the parts constituting the drilling section 2. In this case, the determination unit 6 makes a determination about replacing the parts constituting the drilling section 2 based on the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time and the pre-determination value.

[0067] As the components constituting the perforation section 2 deteriorate, the time required to perforate the sheet P increases. Therefore, if the time difference between the measured perforation time and the estimated perforation time exceeds a threshold, the determination unit 6 determines that deterioration is progressing in the components constituting the perforation section 2, or that the components have reached the end of their lifespan and that the unit of components constituting the perforation section 2 needs to be replaced.

[0068] The output unit 7 outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit 6. The result of the determination output by the output unit 7 includes information regarding the replacement timing of the components constituting the drilling unit 2, and information regarding the deterioration of the components.

[0069] <Generation of Learning Model 9> Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a learning device 500 that generates a learning model 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The learning device 500 may include a teacher data acquisition unit 501, a teacher data storage unit 502, and a learning unit 503. The learning device 500 can also function as the teacher data acquisition unit 501 and the learning unit 503 by executing a program. Furthermore, the learning device 500 may be implemented in a processing unit 300 configured to communicate with an image forming apparatus 100, or it may be a standalone processing unit.

[0070] The training data acquisition unit 501 acquires training data. The training data acquisition unit 501 stores the acquired training data in the training data storage unit 502. It is desirable that the training data includes numerical data such as the paper type and paper thickness of the sheet P. More specifically, the paper type is the stiffness, smoothness, moisture content, internal bond strength, and fiber orientation angle of the sheet P. The paper thickness is, for example, the basis weight. The training data storage unit 502 stores the training data.

[0071] The learning unit 503 uses each item of the training data included in the sheet processing information as an explanatory variable and the perforation time of sheet P as the objective variable for machine learning. As a result of learning using the training data, a learning model 9 is generated.

[0072] As the learning model 9 in this embodiment, for example, a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained by supervised learning using a training dataset is used. When training the CNN, it is preferable that the parameters of the CNN are updated by backpropagation to reduce the error between the output result of the detection model and the label.

[0073] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the image forming apparatus 100, the post-processing device 1, and the learning model 9 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in (a) in the figure, the learning model 9 may be stored in a processing device 300 that is physically separate from the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing device 1 and connected via a network.

[0074] In this case, the learning model 9 generated by the learning device 500 may be shared and used by multiple image forming devices 100 included in the image forming system 200. More specifically, the determination results from the post-processing device 1 of each image forming device 100 shown in Figure 2 are reflected in the training data, and the learning model 9 trained using the reflected training data is used in each image forming device 100. Therefore, the estimation unit 5 can cause the learning model 9 to estimate the estimated drilling time based on the sheet processing information and actual drilling time used in the other image forming devices 100.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11(b), the learning model 9 may be stored in the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11(c), the learning model 9 may be stored in the post-processing device 1. In these cases as well, the learning model 9 may be shared and used by multiple image forming apparatuses 100 included in the image forming system 200.

[0076] Figure 12 shows an example of a database combining sheet processing information and actual punching time according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sheet processing information includes information on the type and thickness of sheet P. The sheet processing information further includes at least one of the following: the number of punches in sheet P, printing conditions, and image area ratio. The learning model 9 was trained using the database illustrated in Figure 12 as training data.

[0077] The sheet processing information includes data on the type and thickness of sheet P, the number of holes punched, printing conditions, and image area ratio, which are selected based on whether they affect the punching load. For example, the punching load differs depending on the type, thickness, and number of holes punched in sheet P. Also, regarding printing conditions, the thickness of sheet P changes depending on whether it is double-sided or single-sided printing, resulting in a different punching load. Furthermore, regarding the image area ratio, the amount of toner applied to sheet P differs depending on whether the print data is an image such as a photograph or text data, resulting in a change in the thickness of sheet P and thus a different punching load.

[0078] In the sheet processing information shown in the diagram, "printing conditions" refers to the printing mode, such as single-sided printing mode and double-sided printing mode. "Number of perforations" is the number of holes to be perforated in sheet P, which may be two or three, but is not limited to these. "Paper type" is the type of sheet P, such as plain paper and recycled paper. "Brand name" is the brand name of sheet P. "Stiffness," "smoothness," "moisture content," "internal bonding strength," "fiber orientation angle," and "paper thickness" are information regarding the type and thickness of sheet P, indicating the specifications of sheet P. Note that the sheet processing information is not limited to the example shown and may include various items.

[0079] When estimating the perforation time without using the learning model 9, the estimation unit 5 will estimate the perforation time based on which of "No. 1" or "No. 2" the sheet processing information acquired from the image forming apparatus 100 is closer to if the parameter is between "No. 1" and "No. 2" in the figure. In other words, in the illustrated example, the perforation time estimated by the estimation unit 5 can only be either 0.055 seconds or 0.057 seconds, so the estimated perforation time is discrete.

[0080] In contrast, when estimating the drilling time using the learning model 9, as in the post-processing device 1 of this embodiment, the estimation unit 5 can estimate a value between 0.055 seconds and 0.057 seconds as the estimated drilling time. That is, since the estimated drilling time can be estimated as a continuous value, a more accurate drilling time can be estimated.

[0081] In some cases, the image forming apparatus 100 may not be able to obtain information regarding the stiffness, smoothness, moisture content, internal bonding strength, and fiber orientation angle of the sheet P from the sheet processing information. In this case, fixed values ​​may be set in advance according to the classification of the type and thickness of the sheet P, and these fixed values ​​may be input into the learning model 9.

[0082] <Processing flow> Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires sheet processing information from the image forming apparatus 100, etc. (S101). The estimation unit 5 inputs the sheet processing information to the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of the sheet P (S102).

[0083] The acquisition unit 4 acquires the actual drilling time measured by the measurement unit 3 (S103). The determination unit 6 calculates the time difference between the actual drilling time and the estimated drilling time (S104), and compares the calculated time difference with a threshold (S105).

[0084] If the calculated time difference is less than or equal to the threshold (No in S105), the determination unit 6 determines that the components constituting the perforation section 2 have not deteriorated and completes the process. If the calculated time difference exceeds the threshold (Yes in S105), the determination unit 6 determines that the components constituting the perforation section 2 have deteriorated, and the output unit 7 outputs the result of the determination by the determination unit 6 and completes the process (S106).

[0085] These steps carry out the processing performed by the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, the processing performed by the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include other steps as appropriate, depending on the measurement conditions, measurement environment, etc.

[0086] <Example 1> Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information regarding the type and thickness of the sheet P from the image forming apparatus 100 or the like (S201). The estimation unit 5 inputs the information regarding the type and thickness of the sheet P into the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of the sheet P (S202).

[0087] The acquisition unit 4 acquires the actual drilling time measured by the measurement unit 3 (S203). The determination unit 6 calculates the time difference between the actual drilling time and the estimated drilling time (S204), and compares the calculated time difference with a threshold (S205).

[0088] If the calculated time difference is less than or equal to the threshold (No in S205), the determination unit 6 determines that the deterioration of the components constituting the perforation section 2 is not progressing and completes the process. If the calculated time difference exceeds the threshold (Yes in S205), the determination unit 6 determines that deterioration is progressing in the components constituting the perforation section 2, and the output unit 7 outputs the result of the determination by the determination unit 6 (S206).

[0089] The operation display unit 144 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays a message indicating that the perforation unit 2 needs to be replaced based on the outputted determination result (S207). If the components constituting the perforation unit 2 that have been determined to be deteriorating are to be used continuously (Yes in S208), and the type and thickness of sheet P are not included in the training data (No in S209), the control unit 20 completes the process. If the type and thickness of sheet P are included in the training data (Yes in S209), the control unit 20 updates the training data by adding sheet processing information for the type and thickness of sheet P to the training data, and completes the process (S210).

[0090] If the component constituting the perforated section 2, which has been determined to be deteriorating, is not to be used again (No. in S208), and the type and thickness of sheet P are included in the training data (Yes in S211), the control unit 20 completes the process. If the type and thickness of sheet P are not included in the training data (No. in S211), the control unit 20 adds sheet processing information for the type and thickness of sheet P to the training data and completes the process (S210).

[0091] According to the above modified example, the post-processing device 1 can determine with greater accuracy the extent to which deterioration has progressed in the components constituting the drilling mechanism 30, such as the punching pin 33 and motor 65, which are drilling means included in the drilling mechanism 30.

[0092] <Modification 2> Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modified version, unlike modified version 1, the estimation unit 5 estimates the estimated drilling time using information regarding the type, thickness, and number of holes in the sheet P from the sheet processing information.

[0093] First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information regarding the type, thickness, and number of perforations of sheet P from the image forming apparatus 100 or the like (S301). The estimation unit 5 inputs the information regarding the type, thickness, and number of perforations of sheet P into the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of sheet P (S302).

[0094] The following steps S303 to S311 are the same as the steps S203 to S211 described with reference to Figure 14. According to the above modification, the post-processing device 1 can determine with higher accuracy the extent to which deterioration has progressed in the components constituting the drilling mechanism 30, such as the punching pin 33 and motor 65, which are the drilling means included in the drilling mechanism 30.

[0095] <Variation 3> Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modified version, unlike modified version 1, the estimation unit 5 estimates the estimated perforation time using information on the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, and printing conditions from the sheet processing information.

[0096] First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information regarding the type, thickness, number of perforations, and printing conditions of the sheet P from the image forming apparatus 100, etc. (S401). The estimation unit 5 inputs the information regarding the type, thickness, number of perforations, and printing conditions of the sheet P into the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of the sheet P (S402).

[0097] The following steps S403 to S411 are the same as the steps S203 to S211 described with reference to Figure 14. According to the above modification, the post-processing device 1 can determine with higher accuracy the extent to which deterioration has progressed in the components constituting the drilling mechanism 30, such as the punching pin 33 and motor 65, which are the drilling means included in the drilling mechanism 30.

[0098] <Modification 4> Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modified version, unlike modified version 1, the estimation unit 5 estimates the estimated perforation time using information from the sheet processing information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio.

[0099] First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio from the image forming apparatus 100, etc. (S501). The estimation unit 5 inputs the information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio into the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of the sheet P (S502).

[0100] The following steps S503 to S511 are the same as the steps S203 to S211 described with reference to Figure 14. According to the above modification, the post-processing device 1 can determine with higher accuracy the extent to which deterioration has progressed in the components constituting the drilling mechanism 30, such as the punching pin 33 and motor 65, which are the drilling means included in the drilling mechanism 30.

[0101] <Modification 5> Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modified version, unlike modified version 4, the acquisition unit 4 acquires information regarding the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus 100 if the print data contains an image. The estimation unit 5 does not input information regarding the image area ratio of the sheet processing information to the learning model 9 if the area corresponding to the perforation position of the print data does not contain an image, but instead inputs information other than the image area ratio.

[0102] First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information from the image forming apparatus 100, etc., regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio (S601). If the print data read by the image forming apparatus 100 does not contain an image (No. in S602), the control unit 20 executes the process in step S606.

[0103] If the print data read by the image forming apparatus 100 contains an image (Yes in S602), the acquisition unit 4 acquires information regarding the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus 100 (S603).

[0104] If the area corresponding to the perforation position in the print data does not contain an image (Yes in S604), the estimation unit 5 sets the image area ratio of the sheet processing information input to the learning model 9 to 0 (S605). If the area corresponding to the perforation position in the print data does contain an image (No in S604), the control unit 20 executes the process in step S606.

[0105] The estimation unit 5 inputs information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of holes, printing conditions, and image area ratio into the learning model 9 to estimate the estimated perforation time of sheet P (S606). The following steps S607 to S615 are the same as the steps S503 to S511 described with reference to Figure 17.

[0106] In other words, the process in step S605 treats the print data as blank from the perspective of the load during punching, even if the print data contains an image. As in this modified example, if the print data contains an image, the input data can be examined by obtaining information about the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, according to this modified example, the post-processing device 1 can determine with higher accuracy the extent to which the components constituting the punching mechanism 30, such as the punching pins 33 and motor 65, which are punching means included in the punching mechanism 30, have deteriorated.

[0107] <Variation 6> Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Unlike Modification 4, this modified version is provided with a display means (not shown) in the post-processing device 1 to display the determination result. Therefore, the determination result output by the output unit 7 is displayed on both the operation display unit 144 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the display means provided in the post-processing device 1.

[0108] The processes in steps S701 to S706 are the same as the processes in steps S501 to S506, which were described using Figure 17. When the output unit 7 outputs the determination result (S706), the determination result output by the output unit 7 is displayed on both the operation display unit 144 of the image forming apparatus 100 and the display means (not shown) of the post-processing device 1 (S707). Then, the control unit 20 executes the processes in steps S708 to S711 in the same way as the processes in steps S508 to S511, which were described using Figure 17.

[0109] According to this modified example, the user can check for deterioration of the components constituting the perforation mechanism 30 in both the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 1.

[0110] <Example 7> Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Unlike Modification 6, this modification is set to a pre-determination value that is smaller than the threshold value for the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time, and is used to notify the user about the replacement of the parts constituting the drilling unit 2. The determination unit 6 then makes a determination about the replacement of the parts constituting the drilling unit 2 based on the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time and the pre-determination value. In other words, in this modification, the post-processing device 1 notifies the user of the need to replace the parts before reaching the stage of determining whether the parts constituting the drilling unit 2 have failed.

[0111] The processes in steps S801 to S804 are the same as those in steps S701 to S704, which were explained using Figure 19. The determination unit 6 compares the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time with a pre-determined value (S805). If the time difference calculated by the determination unit 6 is less than or equal to the pre-determined value (No. in S805), the determination unit 6 determines that there is no need to notify the system of information regarding the replacement of the parts constituting the drilling unit 2 and completes the process.

[0112] If the time difference calculated by the determination unit 6 exceeds the pre-determined value (Yes in S805), the determination unit 6 determines that there is a need to notify the system of information regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling unit 2. The output unit 7 outputs the result of the determination unit 6's determination regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling unit 2 (S806). Then, the control unit 20 executes the processes in steps S807 to S811 in the same way as the processes in steps S707 to S711, which were explained using Figure 17.

[0113] According to this modified example, the post-processing device 1 can alert the user to the need to replace a component before the component constituting the drilling section 2 fails, thereby reducing downtime after component failure.

[0114] <Effects of the post-processing device 1 according to the first embodiment> The post-processing device 1 according to this embodiment measures the actual punching time, which is the time required to punch holes in the sheet P, and estimates the punching time by inputting the sheet processing information and the actual punching time into a machine learning model 9 that has been trained using sheet processing information and the actual punching time as training data. The post-processing device 1 then determines the deterioration of the components constituting the punched section 2 based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the actual punching time and the estimated punching time.

[0115] Since the post-processing device 1 uses a learning model 9, it can accurately estimate the drilling time even when sheet processing information such as the type and thickness of the sheet P, for which the drilling time has not been measured in advance, is input. Therefore, according to the post-processing device 1 of this embodiment, the deterioration state of the components constituting the drilling mechanism 30 can be accurately estimated.

[0116] [Second Embodiment] <Functional configuration of post-processing device 1> Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the post-processing device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The post-processing device 1 comprises a drilling unit 2, a measurement unit 3, an acquisition unit 4, an estimation unit 5, a determination unit 6, an output unit 7, and a motor control unit 8, the estimation unit 5 using a learning model 9. Unlike the first embodiment, the post-processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a motor control unit 8.

[0117] The functions of the drilling unit 2 and the measurement unit 3 are realized by the drilling mechanism 30, while the functions of the acquisition unit 4, estimation unit 5, determination unit 6, output unit 7, and motor control unit 8 are realized by the control unit 20. Components identical to those already described are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0118] The motor control unit 8 extracts past print jobs corresponding to the sheet processing information conditions of the received print job, and controls the rotation speed of the motor 65 based on the time difference between the measured punching time and the estimated punching time in the previously stored past print jobs. The storage means for storing past print jobs is provided in the post-processing device 1, but is not limited to this, and may be provided in other devices such as the image forming apparatus 100 and the processing device 300 as shown in Figure 11. The storage means is implemented by memory such as RAM and ROM.

[0119] <Processing flow> Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, the acquisition unit 4 of the post-processing device 1 acquires information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio from the image forming apparatus 100 or the like (S901). The estimation unit 5 inputs the information regarding the type of sheet P, thickness, number of perforations, printing conditions, and image area ratio into the learning model 9 and estimates the estimated perforation time of the sheet P (S902).

[0120] The acquisition unit 4 acquires the actual drilling time measured by the measurement unit 3 (S903). The determination unit 6 calculates the time difference between the actual drilling time and the estimated drilling time (S904) and compares the calculated time difference with a threshold (S905).

[0121] If the calculated time difference is less than or equal to the threshold (No in S905), the determination unit 6 determines that the deterioration of the components constituting the perforation section 2 is not progressing and completes the process. If the calculated time difference exceeds the threshold (Yes in S905), the determination unit 6 determines that deterioration is progressing in the components constituting the perforation section 2, and the output unit 7 outputs the result of the determination by the determination unit 6 (S906).

[0122] The storage means of the post-processing device 1 stores the calculated time difference (S907). The control unit 20 of the post-processing device 1 completes the process if there are no past print jobs corresponding to the conditions of the received print job (No. in S908).

[0123] If there are past print jobs that correspond to the conditions of the received print job (Yes in S908), the motor control unit 8 extracts past print jobs that correspond to the conditions of the sheet processing information of the received print job. The motor control unit 8 controls the rotation speed of the motor 65 based on the time difference between the measured punching time and the estimated punching time in the past print jobs that have been stored in advance (S909).

[0124] <Effects of the post-processing device 1 according to the second embodiment> The post-processing device 1 according to this embodiment extracts past print jobs corresponding to the sheet processing information conditions of the received print job, and controls the rotation speed of the motor 65 based on the time difference between the measured punching time and the estimated punching time in the past print jobs that have been stored in advance. Therefore, the motor control unit 8 can suppress the deterioration of productivity of work involving the execution of print jobs by speeding up or slowing down the rotation speed of the motor 65 in response to the time difference in past print jobs.

[0125] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0126] Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above.

[0127] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A post-processing device that performs post-processing on a conveyed sheet, A perforating unit that includes a motor for driving a perforating means and performs perforations in the sheet by the perforating means, A measuring unit that measures the actual punching time, which is the time required to punch holes in the sheet, based on the rotation speed of the motor, A sheet processing information unit that includes the processing details performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, and an acquisition unit that acquires the measured perforation time, An estimation unit that estimates the estimated drilling time by inputting the sheet processing information into a machine learning model that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the measured drilling time as training data, A determination unit determines the deterioration of the components constituting the drilled area based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time. A post-processing device equipped with a post-processing device. <2> The acquisition unit further acquires information regarding the type and thickness of the sheet as sheet processing information. The aforementioned <1> Post-processing apparatus as described above. <3> The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of the following information as sheet processing information: the number of holes in the sheet, printing conditions, and image area ratio. The aforementioned <2> Post-processing apparatus as described above. <4> If the print data includes an image, the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus. The estimation unit, when the image is not included in the region corresponding to the perforation position of the print data, inputs the image area ratio of the sheet processing information as 0 to the learning model. The aforementioned <3> Post-processing apparatus as described above. <5> The system further includes a motor control unit that extracts past print jobs corresponding to the conditions of the sheet processing information of the received print job, and controls the rotation speed of the motor based on the time difference between the measured punching time and the estimated punching time in the past print jobs that have been stored in advance. The aforementioned <1> from the above <4> A post-processing device as described in any one of the following. <6> A value for providing notification regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling portion is set, wherein a pre-determined value is set that indicates a time difference smaller than the threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time. The determination unit makes a determination regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling unit based on the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time and the pre-determined value. The aforementioned <1> from the above <5> A post-processing device as described in any one of the following. <7> The system further includes an output unit that outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit, The aforementioned <1> from the above <6> A post-processing device as described in any one of the following. <8> The result of the determination output by the output unit includes information regarding the timing of replacement of the components constituting the drilling section, and information regarding the deterioration of the components. The aforementioned <7> Post-processing apparatus as described above. <9> The aforementioned <1> from the above <4> A post-processing device equipped with any one of the following: Image forming apparatus. <10> Image forming apparatus and A post-processing device that performs post-processing on the sheet, A processing device connected to the aforementioned image forming apparatus via a network, An image forming system comprising, The aforementioned post-processing device is A perforating unit that includes a motor for driving a perforating means and performs perforations in the sheet by the perforating means, A measuring unit that measures the actual punching time, which is the time required to punch holes in the sheet, based on the rotation speed of the motor, A sheet processing information unit that includes the processing details performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, and an acquisition unit that acquires the measured perforation time, An estimation unit that estimates the estimated drilling time by inputting the sheet processing information into a machine learning model that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the measured drilling time as training data. A determination unit that determines the deterioration of the components constituting the drilled portion based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time, An image forming system equipped with [a specific feature]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1. Post-processing device 2 Perforation part 3. Measurement Unit 4 Acquisition part 5 Estimation part 6 Judgment section 7 Output section 8. Motor control unit 9. Learning Models 20 Control Unit 30 Drilling mechanism 33 Punching pins 55 Encoder Sensor 65 Motor 100 Image forming apparatus 144 Operation display section 200 Image Forming Systems 300 Processing Units P Sheet [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0129] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-162469

Claims

1. A post-processing device that performs post-processing on a sheet, A perforating unit that includes a motor for driving a perforating means and performs perforations in the sheet by the perforating means, A measuring unit that measures the actual punching time, which is the time required to punch holes in the sheet, based on the rotation speed of the motor, A sheet processing information unit that includes the processing details performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, and an acquisition unit that acquires the measured perforation time, An estimation unit that estimates the estimated drilling time by inputting the sheet processing information into a machine learning model that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the measured drilling time as training data, A determination unit determines the deterioration of the components constituting the drilled area based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time. A post-processing device equipped with a post-processing device.

2. The acquisition unit further acquires information regarding the type and thickness of the sheet as sheet processing information. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of the following information as sheet processing information: the number of holes in the sheet, printing conditions, and image area ratio. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. If the print data includes an image, the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the position of the image in the print data from the image forming apparatus. The estimation unit, when the image is not included in the region corresponding to the perforation position of the print data, inputs the image area ratio of the sheet processing information as 0 to the learning model. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a motor control unit that extracts past print jobs corresponding to the conditions of the sheet processing information of the received print job, and controls the rotation speed of the motor based on the time difference between the measured punching time and the estimated punching time in the past print jobs that have been stored in advance. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. A value for providing notification regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling portion is set, wherein a pre-determined value is set that indicates a time difference smaller than the threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time. The determination unit makes a determination regarding the replacement of the components constituting the drilling unit based on the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time and the pre-determined value. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The system further includes an output unit that outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The result of the determination output by the output unit includes information regarding the timing of replacement of the components constituting the drilling section, and information regarding the deterioration of the components. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Image forming apparatus.

10. Image forming apparatus and A post-processing device that performs post-processing on the transported sheet, A processing device connected to the aforementioned image forming apparatus via a network, An image forming system comprising, The aforementioned post-processing device is A perforating unit that includes a motor for driving a perforating means and performs perforations in the sheet by the perforating means, A measuring unit that measures the actual punching time, which is the time required to punch holes in the sheet, based on the rotation speed of the motor, A sheet processing information unit that includes the processing details performed on the sheet and information about the sheet until the sheet is discharged, and an acquisition unit that acquires the measured perforation time, An estimation unit that estimates the estimated drilling time by inputting the sheet processing information into a machine learning model that has been trained using the sheet processing information and the measured drilling time as training data, A determination unit that determines the deterioration of the components constituting the drilled portion based on a threshold value relating to the time difference between the measured drilling time and the estimated drilling time, An image forming system equipped with [a specific feature].

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