Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of appropriately detecting that expendable items have been supplemented while power supply is stopping.SOLUTION: A post-processing device stores the presence / absence of expendable items detected by an expendable item sensor in an external memory supplied with electric power at paths different from those of a post-processing section before the supply of electric power from a power supply circuit is stopped, and determines whether or not expendable items have been supplemented while the supply of electric power from the power supply circuit is stopping (S704), on the basis of the presence / absence of expendable items stored in the expendable memory and presence / absence of the expendable items detected by the expendable item sensor (S701 and S702) after the supply of electric power from the electric power has been started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, post-processing devices are known that perform post-processing on sheets of paper on which images have been formed by an image forming apparatus. Examples of post-processing performed by post-processing devices include stapling, which binds multiple sheets of paper together, and punching, which punches holes in the paper and attaches protective stickers around the punched holes. Furthermore, the above-mentioned post-processing requires consumables (such as staples and protective stickers) that are consumed each time the post-processing is performed.

[0003] Some such post-processing devices are equipped with a process that compares the remaining amount of consumables stored in advance in non-volatile memory with the remaining amount of consumables detected by a sensor in order to detect that consumables have been replenished when the power is turned off (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the non-volatile memory that comes standard with post-processing devices is already in use to achieve basic functions, and is not necessarily usable for managing consumables. Thus, the technology of Patent Document 1 has the problem of having to rely on the non-volatile memory that comes standard with post-processing devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a post-processing device that can properly detect that consumables have been replenished while the power supply is stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a post-processing device including a post-processing unit that performs post-processing using consumables on media on which an image has been formed by an image forming device, a consumable sensor that detects the remaining amount of the consumables loaded in the post-processing unit, a controller that controls the operation of the post-processing unit, and a power supply circuit that supplies power output from an external power source to the post-processing unit, the consumable sensor, and the controller, wherein the controller detects the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumable sensor before the supply of power from the power supply circuit is stopped, and the controller continues to supply power regardless of the presence or absence of power to the post-processing device. external and storing the information in a memory, and after the power supply circuit starts supplying power, external Based on the presence or absence of the consumables stored in memory and the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumable sensor, it is determined whether the consumables have been replenished while the supply of power from the power supply circuit has been stopped, and the operating speed of the post-processing unit is increased as the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the consumable sensor decreases. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a post-processing device that can appropriately detect that consumables have been replenished while the supply of power is stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a post-processing device. [Figure 4] An example of external memory connected to a post-processing device via an I / F. [Figure 5] An example of external memory connected to a post-processing device via a communication I / F. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a staple process. [Figure 7]6 is a flowchart showing a process when the post-processing device is powered on. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a punching process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a punching process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0011] 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of post-processing device 3. Post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on sheets on which images have been formed by image forming device 2. The post-processing according to the first embodiment is a stapling process in which a stack of multiple sheets on which images have been formed (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet stack") is stapled together using staples. Post-processing device 3 mainly includes, for example, pairs of conveying rollers 51-55, an internal tray 61, discharge trays 71 and 72, a branching claw 81, and binding processing units 91 and 92.

[0012] The conveying roller pairs 51 to 55 convey the sheets supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. The internal tray 61 temporarily supports the stack of sheets to be post-processed. The discharge tray 71 supports the sheets that will not be post-processed. The discharge tray 72 supports the stack of sheets after post-processing has been performed. The branching claw 81 switches between guiding the sheets conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 51 to 52 to either the internal tray 61 or the discharge tray 71. More specifically, the branching claw 81 guides the sheets to be post-processed to the internal tray 61 and the sheets that will not be post-processed to the discharge tray 71.

[0013] The sheet stack supported by the internal tray 61 is aligned in the conveying direction by the end fence 66, and aligned in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by the side fences 68. Then, the binding processing units 91, 92 bind the sheet stack aligned by the end fence 66 and the side fences 68.

[0014] The binding processing units 91 and 92 are arranged spaced apart in the width direction of the paper stack. The binding processing units 91 and 92 may be configured to move along the outer edge of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 61 or to change their angle. In other words, the post-processing device 3 can bind the paper stack supported by the internal tray 61 at one or more positions.

[0015] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 may be capable of performing so-called "saddle stitching" to stitch the center of a stack of sheets. In this case, the post-processing device 3 further includes conveyance roller pairs 56 to 59, a discharge tray 73, a saddle stitching unit 83, a paper folding blade 84, a stopper 85, and a paper folding plate 86.

[0016] The plurality of sheets of paper conveyed by the pairs of conveying rollers 56 to 58 are stapled at the center by the saddle stitching processing unit 83. The stack of sheets with the stapled center is further conveyed by the pairs of conveying rollers 56 to 58 until the leading edge thereof abuts against a stopper 85. The stack of sheets abutting against the stopper 85 is folded in half by a paper folding blade 84 and a paper folding plate 86, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 73 by the pair of conveying rollers 59.

[0017] The saddle stitching processing unit 83 and the binding processing units 91 and 92 are provided with cartridges in which a plurality of staples are loaded. The saddle stitching processing unit 83 and the binding processing units 91 and 92 staple a stack of paper sheets using the staples (consumables) loaded in the cartridges. That is, the number of staples loaded in the cartridges gradually decreases (wears out) each time a staple process is performed.

[0018] Therefore, the post-processing device 3 is provided with a consumables sensor 98 (see FIG. 3). The consumables sensor 98 detects the presence or absence of staples loaded in the cartridges of the saddle stitching processing unit 83 and the binding processing units 91 and 92, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result to the controller 100 (see FIG. 3). The specific configuration of the consumables sensor 98 is not particularly limited, but can be realized by, for example, a well-known optical sensor or proximity sensor.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 3, post-processing device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a communication I / F (Communication Interface) 104, and an I / F 105, which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0020] The CPU 101 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows high-speed reading and writing of information, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as control programs, application programs, and firmware.

[0021] The post-processing device 3 processes various programs stored in the ROM 103 using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, and ROM 103 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0022] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 51 to 59, the saddle stitching processing unit 83, the paper folding blade 84, the binding processing units 91 and 92, the consumables sensor 98, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 controls the conveying roller pairs 51 to 59, the saddle stitching processing unit 83, the paper folding blade 84, and the binding processing units 91 and 92 via the I / F 105, thereby stapling the stack of sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. The controller 100 also determines whether or not staples are loaded in the saddle stitching processing unit 83 and the binding processing units 91 and 92, based on a detection signal output from the consumables sensor 98.

[0023] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Note that the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0024] The post-processing device 3 also includes a power supply circuit 120. The power supply circuit 120 supplies power output from the external power supply 4 to each component of the post-processing device 3 (for example, the conveying roller pairs 51 to 59, the saddle stitching unit 83, the paper folding blade 84, the stitching units 91 and 92, the consumable sensor 98, the controller 100, and the operation panel 110). The circuit configuration of the power supply circuit 120 is well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] When an operator turns on the power switch of the post-processing device 3, the power supply circuit 120 starts supplying power to each part of the post-processing device 3. Furthermore, while the power switch is on, the power supply circuit 120 continues supplying power to each part of the post-processing device 3. Furthermore, when an operator turns off the power switch, the power supply circuit 120 stops supplying power to each part of the post-processing device 3.

[0026] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 is connected to an external memory 130 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As an example, the external memory 130 is a non-volatile memory. As another example, the external memory 130 is a memory in which data is backed up in the non-volatile memory before the power supply is stopped. The controller 100 can store data in the external memory 130 and can read data from the external memory 130.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows an example of the external memory 130 connected to the post-processing device 3 via the I / F 105. Fig. 5 shows an example of the external memory 130 connected to the post-processing device 3 via the communication I / F 104. Note that the post-processing device 99 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 refers to components for performing post-processing (for example, the conveying roller pairs 51 to 59, the saddle stitching device 83, the paper folding blade 84, and the binding devices 91 and 92).

[0028] The external memory 130 shown in Fig. 4(A) operates by receiving power from the external power source 4 without passing through the power supply circuit 120. The external memory 130 shown in Fig. 4(B) operates by receiving power from a storage battery 121 included in the post-processing device 3. The storage battery 121 stores power supplied from the external power source 4 via the power supply circuit 120 and supplies the stored power to the external memory 130. The storage battery 121 can supply power regardless of the state (ON / OFF) of the power switch of the post-processing device 3. On the other hand, in Fig. 4(B), the post-processing unit 99 and the controller 100 operate by receiving power from the power supply circuit 120 without passing through the storage battery 121.

[0029] 4, power is supplied to the post-processing unit 99 and the controller 100, and to the external memory 130 via different paths. That is, the external memory 130 can retain data not only while the power switch of the post-processing device 3 is ON, but also after the power switch of the post-processing device 3 is turned OFF. The external memory 130 shown in FIG. 4 is, for example, an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a memory card.

[0030] The external memory 130 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to a communication network 5. The communication network 5 refers to, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system, a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The controller 100 transmits and receives consumable information to and from the external memory 130 via the communication I / F 104 in accordance with a predetermined protocol (for example, HTTP). The external memory 130 shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, a server device or a cloud service. That is, the external memory 130 shown in FIG. 5 operates using power supplied from a power source different from the external power source 4.

[0031] The external memory 130 according to the first embodiment stores at least consumables information. The consumables information indicates whether or not staples are loaded in the cartridge. More specifically, the consumables information is [Yes], which indicates that staples remain in the cartridge (i.e., "consumables present"), or [No], which indicates that no staples remain in the cartridge (i.e., "no consumables present"). Below, the presence or absence of staples loaded in the cartridge common to the binding processing units 91 and 92 will be described, but the same applies to the saddle stitching processing unit 83.

[0032] 6 is a flowchart of the stapling process. The controller 100 starts the stapling process shown in FIG. 6, for example, when it receives an instruction to execute the stapling process (hereinafter referred to as a "stapling instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The stapling instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets that make up the paper stack (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined number of sheets"). It is assumed that, at the start of the stapling process, staples are loaded in the cartridge and consumable information [Yes] is stored in the external memory 130.

[0033] First, the controller 100 stores the sheets of paper on which images have been formed and which are supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 in the internal tray 61 (S601). Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets of paper stored in the internal tray 61 has reached the predetermined number included in the staple instruction (S602). Then, if the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets of paper stored in the internal tray 61 is less than the predetermined number (S602: No), it executes the process of step S601 again.

[0034] On the other hand, when the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets stored in the internal tray 61 has reached the predetermined number (S602: Yes), the controller 100 causes the binding processing units 91 and 92 to staple the stack of sheets stored in the internal tray 61 using staples (S603). Furthermore, the controller 100 causes the pair of conveying rollers 55 (discharge unit) to discharge the stapled stack of sheets onto the discharge tray 72 (S604).

[0035] Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not staples are loaded in the cartridge based on the detection signal output from the consumable sensor 98 (S605). That is, the controller 100 executes the process of step S605 every time it staples a stack of sheets (performs post-processing). In other words, the controller 100 executes the process of step S605 every time a stack of sheets after staple processing is discharged to the discharge tray 72. In other words, the controller 100 executes the process of step S605 at a predetermined timing before the supply of power from the power supply circuit 120 is stopped.

[0036] Then, when it is determined that there are no staples in the cartridge (S605: No), the controller 100 notifies the user that there are no staples left through the notifying unit (S606). The method of notifying is not particularly limited, but for example, a message may be displayed on the display, an LED lamp may be turned on or flashed, or a guide voice may be output from a speaker.

[0037] Furthermore, the controller 100 stores the consumable supply information [absent] in the external memory 130 (S607). More specifically, the controller 100 overwrites the consumable supply information [present] stored in the external memory 130 with the consumable supply information [absent] detected by the consumable supply sensor 98. On the other hand, if the controller 100 determines that staples are present in the cartridge (S605: Yes), it ends the stapling process without executing the processes of steps S606-S607.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing when the power supply of the post-processing device 3 is turned on. The controller 100 executes the processing shown in Fig. 7 after the power switch of the post-processing device 3 is switched from OFF to ON (in other words, after the supply of power from the power supply circuit 120 starts).

[0039] First, the controller 100 determines whether or not there is a consumable item indicated by the consumable item information stored in the external memory 130 (S701). Then, when the controller 100 determines that the consumable item information [absent] is stored in the external memory 130 (S701: No), the controller 100 determines whether or not there is a staple loaded in the cartridge based on the detection signal output from the consumable item sensor 98 (S702).

[0040] Then, when the absence of consumables is stored in the external memory 130 and the presence of consumables is detected by the consumables sensor 98 (S701: No & S702: Yes), the controller 100 determines that staples have been replenished while the supply of power from the power supply circuit 120 is stopped (i.e., while the power switch of the post-processing device 3 is OFF).

[0041] Then, the controller 100 stores the consumable supply information [Yes] in the external memory 130 (S703). More specifically, the controller 100 overwrites the consumable supply information [No] stored in the external memory 130 with the consumable supply information [Yes] detected by the consumable supply sensor 98. The controller 100 also notifies the user through the notification unit that staples have been replenished while the power switch of the post-processing device 3 was off (S704).

[0042] On the other hand, when it is determined that consumable supply information [Present] is stored in the external memory 130 (S701: Yes), or when the consumable supply sensor 98 detects that there are no consumable supplies (S702: No), the controller 100 determines that staples have not been replenished while the power switch of the post-processing device 3 was OFF. In this case, the controller 100 does not execute the processes of steps S703-S704, and ends the process when the power is ON.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, for example, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine whether consumables have been replenished while power supply to the post-processing device 3 has been stopped. Furthermore, by storing the consumable information in the external memory 130, the above-described processing can be realized without relying on the non-volatile memory that is installed as standard in the post-processing device 3.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the consumable item information stored in the external memory 130 is updated each time post-processing is performed. This allows the consumable item information to be kept up to date with a minimum number of write operations. However, the consumable item information may be updated at any time while power is being supplied from the power supply circuit 120.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the presence or absence of consumables stored in the external memory 130 differs from the presence or absence of consumables detected by the consumables sensor 98 (S605: No / S702: Yes), the notification unit is activated. This allows the user to recognize the state of the consumables loaded in the post-processing device 3.

[0047] [Second embodiment] Next, a post-processing device 3 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the punching process according to the second embodiment. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0048] The post-processing device 3 according to the second embodiment executes a punching process, which is another example of post-processing. The punching process is a process of punching holes in a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 2, and attaching protective stickers (consumables) around the punched holes. More specifically, the post-processing device 99 drives a motor to cause the punch pin to penetrate the sheet of paper, and also presses the protective sticker loaded in the cartridge onto the top surface of the sheet of paper. Furthermore, the consumables sensor 98 according to the second embodiment detects not only the presence or absence of a protective sticker, but also the remaining amount of protective sticker loaded in the cartridge.

[0049] The controller 100 according to the second embodiment determines the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 (S801 to S807). Then, the controller 100 changes the value of the current supplied to the motor for attaching the protective sticker according to the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 (S808 to S815). More specifically, the controller 100 decreases the current value as the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 decreases, and increases the current value as the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 increases.

[0050] If the remaining amount of protective stickers loaded in the cartridge is small, the weight of the protective stickers is light, so a small force is required to move the motor. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of protective stickers loaded in the cartridge is large, the weight of the protective stickers is heavy, so a large force is required to move the motor. In this way, by changing the current value supplied to the motor depending on the remaining amount of consumables, it is possible to achieve energy savings while properly performing post-processing. Note that the relationship between the remaining amount of consumables and the current value is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8.

[0051] [Third embodiment] Next, a post-processing device 3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the punching process according to the third embodiment. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the second embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0052] The controller 100 according to the third embodiment determines the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 (S901 to S907). Then, the controller 100 changes the operating speed of the post-processing unit 99 that applies the protective sticker according to the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 (S908 to S915). More specifically, the controller 100 increases the operating speed as the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 decreases, and decreases the operating speed as the remaining amount of protective sticker detected by the consumable supply sensor 98 increases.

[0053] If the remaining amount of protective stickers loaded in the cartridge is small, the weight of the protective stickers is light, so it is desirable to increase the operating speed of the post-processing unit 99 to firmly press the protective stickers onto the paper. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of protective stickers loaded in the cartridge is large, the weight of the protective stickers is heavy, so the protective stickers can be properly pressed onto the paper even if the operating speed of the post-processing unit 99 is slowed. In this way, by changing the operating speed of the post-processing unit 99 depending on the remaining amount of consumables, the productivity of the post-processing device 3 is improved. Note that the relationship between the remaining amount of consumables and the operating speed is not limited to the example of Figure 9.

[0054] Furthermore, the control method described above may be realized, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by causing an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit to cooperate with each other based on the program. Also, the program may be written to a storage unit or a storage medium and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line, etc.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 4: External power supply 5: Communication network 51 to 59: Pair of conveying rollers 61: Internal tray 66: End fence 68: Side fence 71, 72, 73: Output tray 81: Branch claw 83: Saddle stitching processing unit 84: Paper folding blade 85: Stopper 86: Paper folding plate 91, 92: Binding processing section 98: Consumables sensor 99: Post-processing section 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103:ROM 104: Communication I / F 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel 120: Power supply circuit 121: Storage battery 130: External memory [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0057] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-117341

Claims

1. a post-processing unit that uses consumables to perform post-processing on a medium on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus; a consumables sensor that detects the remaining amount of the consumables loaded in the post-processing unit; a controller for controlling the operation of the post-processing unit; a power supply circuit that supplies power output from an external power supply to the post-processing unit, the consumable sensor, and the controller, The controller before the supply of power from the power supply circuit is stopped, the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor is stored in an external memory to which power continues to be supplied regardless of the presence or absence of power supply to the post-processing device; after the supply of power from the power supply circuit has started, determining whether the consumables have been replenished while the supply of power from the power supply circuit has been stopped based on the presence or absence of the consumables stored in the external memory and the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor; The post-processing device, characterized in that the operating speed of the post-processing section is increased as the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor decreases.

2. a post-processing unit that uses consumables to perform post-processing on a medium on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus; a consumables sensor that detects the remaining amount of the consumables loaded in the post-processing unit; a controller for controlling the operation of the post-processing unit; a power supply circuit that supplies power output from an external power supply to the post-processing unit, the consumable sensor, and the controller, The controller before the supply of power from the power supply circuit is stopped, the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor is stored in an external memory to which power continues to be supplied regardless of the presence or absence of power supply to the post-processing device; after the supply of power from the power supply circuit has started, determining whether the consumables have been replenished while the supply of power from the power supply circuit has been stopped based on the presence or absence of the consumables stored in the external memory and the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor; The post-processing device, characterized in that the current value supplied to the motor of the post-processing unit is reduced as the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor decreases.

3. a communication interface for communicating with the external memory through a communication network; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controller transmits and receives information about the presence or absence of the consumables to and from the external memory through the communication interface in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

4. 4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controller stores the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumable sensor in the external memory each time the post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit.

5. a tray for supporting the media; a discharge unit that discharges the post-processed medium to the tray, The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the controller stores the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor in the external memory each time the post-processed medium is discharged to the tray by the discharge section.

6. a notification unit that notifies information; The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the controller notifies the status of the consumables through the notification unit when the presence or absence of the consumables stored in the external memory differs from the presence or absence of the consumables detected by the consumables sensor.

7. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the controller stores in the external memory the presence of the consumable when the absence of the consumable is stored in the external memory and the presence of the consumable is detected by the consumable sensor.

8. an image forming device that forms an image on a medium; An image forming system comprising: a post-processing device according to claim 1 , which performs the post-processing on a medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming device.

Images