Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and method for controlling image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a control method of the image forming apparatus. Maintenance control corresponding to a sheet type can be performed without inputting the sheet type in advance. An image forming apparatus (1) includes: an image forming section that forms an image on a sheet (P); a conveyance path (30) that conveys the sheet to the image forming section; a sheet detection unit (31) that is provided in the conveyance path (30) and detects the type of the sheet (P) conveyed in the conveyance path (30); and a control unit (10) that performs control relating to maintenance of the conveyance path (30) on the basis of the type of sheet detected by the sheet detection unit (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a computer program product, and a control method of the image forming apparatus that implement maintenance control of a conveying system. Background Art

[0002] In an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet (paper), a structure is used in which the sheet is conveyed by a conveying roller. If powder (paper dust) adheres to the conveying roller, the conveying force is reduced. If the conveying force is reduced, poor sheet conveying occurs. However, there are various types of sheets used in image forming devices. For example, when a sheet with a lot of powder is used, the conveying force may be reduced earlier than expected. Therefore, it is necessary to perform maintenance such as inspection, cleaning, and replacement of the conveying roller, etc.

[0003] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposed, which includes a plurality of sheet trays, a supply roller provided with a roller cleaning unit, and an information input unit for recording sheets (recording paper) placed on the sheet trays. In this apparatus, when a specific type of recording sheet is selected, the cleaning condition of the roller cleaning unit is changed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-359449 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In conventional image forming apparatuses, a user of the image forming apparatus or the like is required to input information about recording sheets placed on a sheet tray. Therefore, when changing the sheet type, the user must input information about the sheet type each time. This is time-consuming.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve such a problem and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a computer program product, and a control method of an image forming apparatus that can perform maintenance control according to sheet types without inputting sheet types in advance.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is an image forming device, comprising: an image forming unit, which forms an image on a sheet; a conveying path, which conveys the sheet to the image forming unit; a sheet detection unit, which is arranged on the conveying path, and detects the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path; and a control unit, which performs control related to the maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

[0012] In addition, the present invention is an image forming system. In the image forming system including an image forming device, the image forming device includes: an image forming unit, which forms an image on a sheet; a conveying path, which conveys the sheet to the image forming unit; a sheet detection unit, which is arranged on the conveying path, which detects the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path; and a control unit, which performs control related to the maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is a computer program product, comprising a program, which is executed by a control unit of an image forming device, wherein the image forming device comprises: an image forming unit, which forms an image on a sheet; and a conveying path, which conveys the sheet to the image forming unit, and the program causes the control unit to execute the following steps: detecting the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path by a sheet detection unit arranged in the conveying path, acquiring the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit; and performing control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is a control method for an image forming device, which includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; and a conveying path that conveys the sheet to the image forming unit, and the control method performs the following steps: detecting the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path by a sheet detection unit arranged in the conveying path, acquiring the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit; and performing control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

[0015] In the present invention, by providing a sheet detection unit in the conveying path, the sheet type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path can be detected. Therefore, in the present invention, maintenance control corresponding to the sheet type can be performed without the user of the image forming device etc. inputting the sheet type in advance. In addition, even if the sheet type is changed, maintenance control corresponding to the sheet type can be performed. Therefore, stable sheet conveying can be achieved regardless of the sheet type used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main structure of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4It is a diagram showing a configuration of an example of an image forming system according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 1…image forming device, 2…device body, 3…image reading unit, 10…control unit, 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K)…imaging unit, 12…photosensitive drum, 13…laser scanning optical unit, 14…developing unit, 15…intermediate transfer belt, 16…driving roller, 17…driven roller, 18…motor, 19…primary transfer roller, 20…supply roller, 21…supply roller, 22…register roller, 23…secondary transfer Printing roller, 24a...supply box, 24b...manual tray, 25...discharge section, 26...secondary transfer clamping section, 27...fixing unit, 28...discharge roller, 29...sheet guide, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d...conveying path, 31...sheet detection section, 32...storage section, 33...operation section, 33a...display section, 33b...input section, 34...communication section, 35...motor, 36...cleaning section, P...sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a computer program product, and a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] <Configuration Examples of the Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming System, and Computer Program Product of the Embodiment>

[0025] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall structure of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of main parts of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image by electrophotography and includes, for example, an apparatus main body 2 and an image reading unit 3 .

[0027] The image reading unit 3 is well known, and optically reads the original document and converts it into an electrical signal. The image forming device 1 forms a color image, for example. In this case, the image reading unit 3 decomposes the image of the original document optically read into three primary colors of RGB and converts it into an electrical signal. The image reading unit 3 forwards the electrical signal to the control unit 10.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K). Each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K includes a photosensitive drum 12, a laser scanning optical unit 13, and a developing unit 14. In addition, each of the image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K includes a charger (not shown) and a cleaner for residual toner or residual charge.

[0029] The control unit 10 forwards image data corresponding to each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) to the laser scanning optical unit 13. The laser scanning optical unit 13 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum 12. The developing unit 14 develops the latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 to form a toner image of each color. Such an image forming process is well known, and its detailed description is omitted.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt 15 is endlessly mounted on a driving roller 16 and a driven roller 17. The driving roller 16 is driven to rotate by a motor 18. Thus, the intermediate transfer belt 15 rotates in the direction of arrow A. The photosensitive drums 12 of the imaging units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K face the primary transfer rollers 19 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 includes supply rollers 20 and 21 , a registration roller 22 , and a secondary transfer roller 23 . The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a supply cassette 24 a , a manual feed tray 24 b , and a discharge unit 25 .

[0032] The supply box 24a is provided at the lower stage of the apparatus main body 2. The supply box 24a stores a plurality of sheets (paper) P in a stacked manner. The supply roller 20 supplies the sheet P from the supply box 24a. The supply roller 21 supplies the sheet P from the manual tray 24b. The secondary transfer roller 23 faces the drive roller 16 across the intermediate transfer belt 15. The secondary transfer nip 26 is formed at a position where the secondary transfer roller 23 faces the intermediate transfer belt 15. The registration roller 22 conveys the sheet P supplied by the supply roller 20 or the supply roller 21 to the secondary transfer nip 26.

[0033] The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 12 are sequentially primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 by the electric field applied from the primary transfer roller 19 and synthesized. The synthesized image is secondary-transferred to the sheet P by the electric field applied from the secondary transfer roller 23 in the secondary transfer nip 26. Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed to the fixing unit 27, where the toner is heated and fixed, and is discharged from the discharge roller 28 to the discharge section 25 of the apparatus main body 2. In this way, the image forming apparatus 1 is constituted of an image forming section, such as the secondary transfer roller 23 that transfers the toner image to the sheet P, and the intermediate transfer belt 15 that faces the secondary transfer roller 23.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet guide 29. The sheet guide 29 is provided facing the surface (paper surface) of the sheet P. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a conveying path 30. The conveying path 30 is composed of rollers such as the supply roller 20, the supply roller 21, and the registration roller 22, and the sheet guide 29.

[0035] The conveying path 30 includes a conveying path 30a connected to the supply box 24a and a conveying path 30b connected to the manual tray 24b. In addition, the conveying path 30 includes a conveying path 30c between the position P1 where the conveying paths 30a and 30b merge and the registration roller 22. Furthermore, the conveying path 30 includes a conveying path 30d between the registration roller 22 and the discharge roller 28.

[0036] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet detection unit 31. The sheet detection unit 31 detects the type of the sheet P by, for example, reflection of light or transmission of light. Therefore, the sheet detection unit 31 is composed of, for example, an optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The optical sensor of the sheet detection unit 31 is opposed to the sheet guide 29. The sheet detection unit 31 is provided in the conveying path 30c between the position P1 where the conveying path 30a and the conveying path 30b merge and the registration roller 22.

[0037] The conveying path 30c passes both the sheets P supplied from the supply cassette 24a and the sheets P supplied from the manual feed tray 24b. Therefore, the sheet detection unit 31 is provided in the conveying path 30c. The sheet detection unit 31 detects the type of the sheet P and counts the number of sheets passing (the number of sheets fed) for each sheet type. Thus, the sheet detection unit 31 can count the total number of sheets passing of the sheets P supplied from the supply cassette 24a and the sheets P supplied from the manual feed tray 24b.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an optical sensor in the conveyance path 30 in order to control the conveyance speed of the sheet P. Therefore, the sheet detection unit 31 may use such an existing sensor.

[0039] Figure 3 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 , a storage unit 32 , an operation unit 33 , and a communication unit 34 .

[0040] The control unit 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 32 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The operation unit 33 is composed of a display unit 33a such as a liquid crystal display that displays information, a touch panel provided on the display unit 33a, and an input unit 33b such as buttons independent of the touch panel. The communication unit 34 is composed of a communication interface that can be connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0041] The storage unit 32 stores a program for executing a predetermined control related to maintenance according to the type of sheets and the number of sheets that have passed. The predetermined control related to maintenance is also referred to as maintenance control.

[0042] The control unit 10 performs maintenance control according to the sheet type and the number of sheets passing through according to the prescribed procedure. That is, the control unit 10 obtains the sheet type of the sheet P passing through the conveying path 30 from the sheet detection unit 31 according to the prescribed procedure. In addition, the control unit 10 counts the number of sheets passing through the conveying path 30 according to the sheet type according to the prescribed procedure. Furthermore, the control unit 10 performs maintenance control according to the sheet type and the number of sheets passing through according to the prescribed procedure.

[0043] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a motor 35. The motor 35 drives the supply roller 20, the supply roller 21, the registration roller 22, etc. to convey the sheet P. The motor 35 may drive a plurality of rollers by one motor. In addition, the motor 35 may include a plurality of motors corresponding to each roller. The control unit 10 controls the motors 18 and 35 to convey the sheet P.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 1 may also include a cleaning unit 36. The cleaning unit 36 ​​is operated by a cleaning member (not shown) under the control of the control unit 10 to clean the conveying path 30. The cleaning unit 36 ​​cleans the rollers constituting the conveying path 30, such as the supply roller 20, the supply roller 21, and the registration roller 22. The cleaning unit 36 ​​may be a structure that cleans a part of the plurality of rollers constituting the conveying path 30, or a structure that cleans all the rollers. In addition, the cleaning unit 36 ​​may be a structure that selects any one or all of the plurality of rollers constituting the conveying path 30 for cleaning under the control of the control unit 10. In addition, the cleaning unit 36 ​​cleans the sheet guide 29 constituting the conveying path 30. Thus, the cleaning unit 36 ​​removes powder (paper dust) and the like attached to the surface of each roller and the like.

[0045] The program for implementing maintenance control is stored in the storage unit 32, but is not limited to this. For example, a storage medium storing the program is prepared. Moreover, the program stored in the storage medium can also be stored in the storage unit 32. The storage medium storing the program is, for example, an external storage medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In addition, the program can also be stored in a server connected to the image forming device 1 via a wired or wireless network via the communication unit 34. The program is sent from the server to the image forming device 1 via the network and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0046] The control unit 10 reads the program from the storage unit 32 and executes it. Thus, maintenance control is implemented. However, maintenance control can also be implemented by processing by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) instead of the processing by the control unit 10. Maintenance control can be implemented partially or entirely by processing by the DSP. In addition, maintenance control can also be implemented by processing by the DSP together with the processing by the control unit 10. In addition, similarly, maintenance control can also be implemented by processing by a dedicated hardware circuit instead of software processing or together with software processing.

[0047] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system 100 includes the above-mentioned image forming apparatus 1 and a supply device 101 .

[0048] The supply device 101 includes a supply cassette 102 and a supply roller 103 . The supply cassette 102 stores a larger number of sheets P than the supply cassette 24 a . The supply device 101 includes at least one supply cassette 102 . The supply roller 103 supplies the sheets P from the supply cassette 102 in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0049] In addition, the image forming system 100 may also include a post-processing device, which includes at least a mechanism for binding the sheets P with a stapler, a mechanism for opening holes in the sheets P, a mechanism for sorting the sheets P, etc. The image forming system 100 may include both the supply device 101 and the post-processing device (not shown) with respect to the image forming apparatus 1, or may include only one of them.

[0050] The image forming system 100 may include a cleaning unit in the supply device 101 and a post-processing device (not shown). The cleaning unit of the supply device 101 cleans the supply roller 103 and the like constituting the conveying path. The cleaning unit of the post-processing device cleans the rollers and the like constituting the conveying path.

[0051] <Operation Examples of the Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming System, and Program of the Present Embodiment>

[0052] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, as a method for controlling an image forming apparatus, a processing example of maintenance control performed by the image forming apparatus and the image forming system will be described.

[0053] The control unit 10 controls the motor 35 and the like according to the program, and in step SA1, the sheet P is conveyed. For example, when the sheet P is supplied from the supply cassette 24a, the supply roller 20 is rotated to supply the sheet P from the supply cassette 24a to the conveying path 30. Furthermore, when the sheet P is supplied from the manual feed tray 24b, the supply roller 21 is rotated to supply the sheet P from the manual feed tray 24b to the conveying path 30.

[0054] The sheet P supplied from the feed cassette 24a or the manual feed tray 24b reaches the registration roller 22 through the conveyance path 30c. The conveyance path 30c is provided with a sheet detection unit 31. The sheet detection unit 31 detects the sheet type of the sheet P in step SA2.

[0055] The control section 10 acquires the sheet type of the sheet P detected by the sheet detection section 31. In step SA3, the control section 10 determines whether the sheet type detected by the sheet detection section 31 satisfies a specific condition.

[0056] In step SA3, the control unit 10 determines that the sheet type detected by the sheet detection unit 31 does not meet the specific condition. In this case, in step SA4, the control unit 10 performs a normal image forming process. In step SA3, the control unit 10 determines that the sheet type detected by the sheet detection unit 31 meets the specific condition. In this case, in step SA5, the control unit 10 counts the number of sheets of the sheet P that have passed.

[0057] In step SA6, the control unit 10 determines whether the number of sheets P whose sheet type meets the specific conditions has reached a specified number of sheets. If the control unit 10 determines that the number of sheets P whose sheet type meets the specific conditions has not reached the specified number of sheets, the control unit 10 performs a normal image forming process in step SA4. If the control unit 10 determines that the number of sheets P whose sheet type meets the specific conditions has reached the specified number of sheets, the control unit 10 performs a specified maintenance control in step SA7.

[0058] As maintenance control, the control unit 10 may control the cleaning unit 36 ​​to clean the conveying path 30. For example, in the case of a sheet material that easily generates powder, the sheet type meets a specific condition. When the number of sheets of such a sheet material P passing through increases, the amount of powder attached to each roller constituting the conveying path 30 may increase.

[0059] Therefore, the cleaning unit 36 ​​cleans the rollers constituting the conveying path 30, such as the supply roller 20, the supply roller 21, and the registration roller 22. Thus, the cleaning unit 36 ​​can remove powders and the like attached to the surfaces of the rollers and the like at a predetermined timing based on the control of the control unit 10. The cleaning unit 36 ​​can also clean the sheet guide 29 constituting the conveying path 30.

[0060] In addition, as maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also display a message on the display unit 33a urging the cleaning, replacement, etc. of each roller constituting the conveying path 30. Furthermore, as maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also send information (mail) urging the above-mentioned prescribed maintenance to a pre-registered prescribed destination through the communication unit 34.

[0061] Thus, a notification urging the user or maintenance person of the image forming apparatus 1 to inspect, clean, or replace each roller can be output at a predetermined timing. In addition, the control unit 10 can also change the frequency of implementing maintenance control based on the sheet type and the number of sheets passing through the sheet P. For example, in the case of a sheet P whose sheet type meets a specific condition such as being prone to generate powder, the frequency of implementing maintenance control can be increased compared to a sheet P that is not such a sheet.

[0062] In a configuration where a plurality of feed cassettes 24a are provided, the number of sheets passing through each feed cassette 24a is stored in advance, and maintenance control may be performed based on the number of sheets passing through each feed cassette.

[0063] In the case of the image forming system 100, as maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also control the cleaning unit of the supply device 101 to clean the supply roller 103 constituting the conveying path. In addition, the control unit 10 may also display a message urging the cleaning, replacement, or other prescribed maintenance of the supply roller 103 constituting the conveying path of the supply device 101 on the display unit 33a. Furthermore, as maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also send information (email) urging the above prescribed maintenance to a prescribed destination registered in advance through the communication unit 34. In addition, it may also be provided with a sheet detection unit in the conveying path of the supply device 101, which can detect the sheet type of the sheet P supplied from the supply device 101.

[0064] In addition, as a maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also control the cleaning unit of the post-processing device (not shown) to clean the rollers constituting the conveying path. Furthermore, the control unit 10 may also display a message urging the cleaning, replacement, and other prescribed maintenance of the rollers constituting the conveying path of the post-processing device on the display unit 33a. Furthermore, as a maintenance control, the control unit 10 may also send information (email) urging the above-mentioned prescribed maintenance to a pre-registered prescribed destination through the communication unit 34. In addition, it may also be provided with a sheet detection unit in the conveying path of the post-processing device, which is capable of detecting the sheet type of the sheet P conveyed in the post-processing device.

Claims

1. An image forming device comprising: An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a conveying path for conveying a sheet toward the image forming section; a sheet material detecting unit provided in the conveying path and detecting a type of a sheet material conveyed in the conveying path; and The control unit performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit counts the number of sheets passing through the conveying path, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheets and the number of sheets passing through detected by the sheet detection unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A cleaning unit is provided, and the cleaning unit operates under the control of the control unit to clean the conveying path. The control unit cleans the conveyance path by the cleaning unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A display unit for displaying information is provided, The control unit displays a message urging maintenance of the conveyance path on the display unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A communication unit for performing communication is provided, The control unit transmits information urging maintenance of the conveyance path through the communication unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit changes a frequency of performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

7. An image forming system comprising an image forming device, The image forming device comprises: An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a conveying path for conveying a sheet toward the image forming section; a sheet material detecting unit provided in the conveying path and detecting a type of a sheet material conveyed in the conveying path; and The control unit performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit counts the number of sheets passing through the conveying path, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheets and the number of sheets passing through detected by the sheet detection unit.

9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: A cleaning unit is provided, which operates under the control of the control unit to clean the conveying path. The control unit cleans the conveyance path by the cleaning unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

10. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: A display unit for displaying information is provided, The control unit displays a message urging maintenance of the conveyance path on the display unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

11. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: A communication unit for performing communication is provided, The control unit transmits information urging maintenance of the conveyance path through the communication unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performs control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

12. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit changes a frequency of performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

13. A computer program product, comprising a program, wherein the program is executed by a control unit of an image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet; and a conveying path for conveying the sheet to the image forming unit. The computer program causes the control unit to execute the following steps: detecting the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path by a sheet detecting section provided in the conveying path, and acquiring the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detecting section; and Based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, control related to maintenance of the conveyance path is performed.

14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein: The program causes the control unit to execute the steps of counting the number of sheets passing through the conveying path and performing control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheet and the number of sheets passing through detected by the sheet detection unit.

15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes: a cleaning unit that operates under the control of the control unit to clean the conveying path; The program causes the control unit to execute a step of cleaning the conveyance path by the cleaning unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, thereby performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a display unit for displaying information. The program causes the control unit to execute the steps of displaying a message urging maintenance of the conveyance path on the display unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a communication unit for performing communication. The program causes the control unit to execute a step of transmitting information urging maintenance of the conveyance path through the communication unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, thereby performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein: The program causes the control unit to execute a step of changing a frequency of performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on a type of a sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

19. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet; and a conveying path for conveying the sheet to the image forming unit, The control method performs the following steps: detecting the type of the sheet conveyed in the conveying path by a sheet detecting section provided in the conveying path, and acquiring the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detecting section; and Based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, control related to maintenance of the conveyance path is performed.

20. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The control method includes counting the number of sheets passing through the conveying path and performing control related to maintenance of the conveying path based on the type of the sheets and the number of sheets passing through detected by the sheet detection unit.

21. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a cleaning unit for cleaning the conveying path. The control method includes performing a step of cleaning the conveyance path by the cleaning unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

22. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a display unit for displaying information. The control method includes performing the steps of displaying a message urging maintenance of the conveyance path on the display unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

23. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a communication unit for performing communication. The control method includes performing a step of transmitting information urging maintenance of the conveyance path through the communication unit based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit, and performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path.

24. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: The control method executes the step of changing a frequency of performing control related to maintenance of the conveyance path based on the type of the sheet detected by the sheet detection unit.

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