Image forming apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily determining whether a replaced transport roller is proper or not. [Solution] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a replaceable transport roller for transporting paper, a drive unit for driving the transport roller, a detection unit for detecting the drive status of the transport roller, and a discrimination unit for determining whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection results of the detection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that is applied to a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming device is made up of units that perform various functions, such as an imaging unit that forms a toner image and a fixing unit that thermally fixes the toner image to a recording sheet. Some units may need to be replaced before the end of their product life. These units are managed for their lifespan, and when the time for replacement approaches, the user may be notified via an operation panel or other means.

[0003] In this regard, various methods have been proposed for detecting the current value and load when the drive unit is driven to predict the replacement time or to determine whether the toner is appropriate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-012661 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-031836 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-005064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, the paper feed unit in an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or printer is configured to separate and transport paper one sheet at a time from a stack of paper stored in a paper feed cassette. It includes a paper feed roller connected to a drive source and a separation roller located opposite it and limited by a torque limiter. Maintenance of the paper feed unit is performed by service personnel, who perform periodic replacement work. During maintenance, the separation roller may be replaced with a non-genuine product with softer rubber, potentially causing problems.

[0006] The present disclosure solves the above-mentioned problem and provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and an image forming system that can easily determine whether a replaced transport roller is appropriate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes a replaceable transport roller for transporting paper, a drive unit for driving the transport roller, a detection unit for detecting the drive status of the transport roller, and a discrimination unit for determining whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection results of the detection unit.

[0008] Preferably, the detection unit detects a drive current with which the drive unit drives the transport roller. Preferably, the detection unit detects a torque value of the transport roller based on a drive current with which the drive unit drives the transport roller.

[0009] Preferably, the device further includes a notification unit that notifies the result of the determination made by the determination unit. Preferably, the apparatus further includes an estimation unit that estimates the estimated time when a paper jam will occur based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0010] Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on detection data of the first driving operation of the replaced transport roller.

[0011] Preferably, the determining unit determines whether or not the rubber hardness of the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection result of the detecting unit.

[0012] Preferably, the determination unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on detection data obtained multiple times by the detection unit when the transport speeds of the transport rollers are the same.

[0013] Preferably, the discrimination unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper based on a detection result from the detection unit in at least one of a state in which the transport roller transports paper and a state in which the transport roller does not transport paper.

[0014] Preferably, the discrimination unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on a first threshold value and the detection result of the detection unit when the transport roller is transporting paper, and determines whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on a second threshold value and the detection result of the detection unit when the transport roller is not transporting paper.

[0015] Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a replacement state detection unit for detecting the replacement state of the transport roller.

[0016] Preferably, the replacement state detection unit detects the replacement state of the transport roller based on a change in a drive current with which the drive unit drives the transport roller.

[0017] Preferably, the replacement state detection unit detects the replacement state of the transport roller based on an operator's input via a panel.

[0018] The image forming method disclosed herein includes a step of driving a replaceable transport roller that transports paper, a step of detecting the driving status of the transport roller, and a step of determining whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection results.

[0019] The image forming program of the present disclosure is an image forming program executed by a computer, and executes processing including the steps of driving a replaceable transport roller that transports paper, detecting the driving status of the transport roller, and determining whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection results.

[0020] The image forming system of the present disclosure includes a replaceable transport roller for transporting paper, a drive unit for driving the transport roller, a detection unit for detecting the drive status of the transport roller, and a discrimination unit for determining whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection results of the detection unit.

[0021] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper feed unit 6 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper feed motor of a paper feed unit 6 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating torque values ​​when using genuine and non-genuine separating rollers 54 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating current detection timing of the detector 113 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting the replacement state of the separating roller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another method for detecting the replacement state of the separating roller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a determination processing flow of a CPU 110 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating the determination processing flow of CPU 110 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a paper feed motor of a paper feed unit 6 according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an automatic document feeder 2, a scanner 4, a sheet post-processing device 3, and a printer unit 7. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an operation panel 27, from which a user inputs various processing settings and operations. The automatic document feeder 2 transports documents (sheets) set in a document tray to a reading position of the scanner 4. The scanner 4 reads images from sheet-like documents transported from the automatic document feeder 2 or from various documents set on a platen glass, and generates image data.

[0025] The printer unit 7 forms color or monochrome images on one or both sides of paper (recording sheets) for print jobs such as copying, network printing (PC printing), facsimile reception, and box printing. For example, in a copy job, the printer unit 7 forms an image based on image data generated by the scanner 4. The printer unit 7 includes a paper feed unit 6, which has multiple paper feed cassettes 21. The paper feed unit 6 selects a sheet from one of the paper feed cassettes 21 and supplies it to an image forming unit 23 above via a transport path 22. The image forming unit 23 forms four-color toner images in parallel using imaging units Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The four-color toner images are sequentially primarily transferred onto a rotating intermediate transfer belt 24, and then, when the four-color toner images face a secondary transfer roller 26, are secondarily transferred onto the sheet transported from the paper feed unit 6 via timing rollers 25. The paper on which the secondary transfer has been performed passes through a fixing unit where the toner image is fixed to the paper by heat and pressure, and the paper is then sent to the sheet post-processing device 3.

[0026] The sheet post-processing device 3 includes a punch hole processing device 9 and a binding processing device 10. The sheet post-processing device 3 receives the fixed sheets, punches holes in the trailing edge of the sheets transported to the punch hole processing device 9, and transports them to a processing tray. A specified number of sheets are stacked on the processing tray, and the sheets are bound by a binding device using metal staples in the binding processing device 10. The bound stack of sheets is then discharged to a paper output tray.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper feed unit 6 according to the first embodiment. In this example, a portion of the configuration of the paper feed cassette 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Specifically, the paper feed unit 6 includes a pick roller 52, a paper feed roller 50, and a separation roller 54, which are provided corresponding to the paper feed cassette 21. The pick roller 52 rotates while being pressed against the top surface of the stack of paper sheets 60 set in the paper feed cassette 21. The topmost paper sheet is transported one sheet at a time toward the paper feed roller 50. At this time, the transported paper sheets may be fed together, such as two or three sheets at a time. Here, the paper sheets are transported by separating them one by one between the paper feed roller 50, driven by a paper feed motor, and the opposing separation roller 54, limited by a torque limiter.

[0028] The separation roller 54 may become contaminated with paper powder, dirt, or other contaminants on its surface, or the roller surface may become worn, which may cause jams in the paper feed unit 6. Therefore, a service technician periodically cleans and replaces the separation roller 54.

[0029] When replacing the rollers, it is desirable to change to genuine rollers made of a hard rubber material in order to reduce the number of times they need to be replaced, but in some cases they are replaced with non-genuine rollers made of a softer rubber material.

[0030] 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a paper feed motor of paper feed unit 6 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the paper feed motor, which is a stepping motor that serves as the drive source for paper feed unit 6, is controlled by a control board 100 in image forming apparatus 1. Control board 100 includes a CPU 110, a driver IC 120 for motor control for each motor, a current detection resistor 122 for detecting a current flowing through the driver IC, an AMP 124 for amplifying a voltage obtained from current detection resistor 122, and an LPF (low-pass filter) 126 for removing chopping noise from the AMP output voltage. CPU 110 includes a D / A conversion unit 111, an A / D conversion unit 112, a detection unit 113, a discrimination unit 114, a notification unit 115, a replacement state detection unit 116, and an estimation unit 117.

[0031] The D / A conversion unit 111 converts the digital value into an analog signal and outputs the current setting data DA to the driver IC 120. The A / D conversion unit 112 converts the analog voltage from the LPF 126 into a digital value.

[0032] The detector 113 detects the driving state of the paper feed roller, which is a transport roller. Based on the detection result of the detection unit 113, the discrimination unit 114 discriminates whether the replaced transport roller, that is, the paper feed roller, is proper or not.

[0033] The notification unit 115 notifies the result of the determination made by the determination unit 114 . The replacement state detection unit 116 detects the replacement state of the paper feed roller, which is a transport roller.

[0034] The estimation unit 117 estimates the estimated time when a paper jam will occur based on the discrimination result obtained by the discrimination unit 114.

[0035] The driver IC 120 controls the current value that drives the paper feed motor based on the current setting data DA. This drives the paper feed motor, which is a stepping motor for the mechanical mechanism. The driver current I that flows through the power line that supplies the driver IC 120 VM changes depending on the magnitude of the load torque of the mechanical mechanism. VM Since this is a minute change, it is amplified by the AMP 124. The LPF 126 removes chopping noise from the AMP output voltage and transmits the resulting analog voltage value to the CPU 110.

[0036] The A / D conversion unit 112 A / D converts the analog voltage transmitted from the LPF 126 and outputs the converted voltage to the detection unit 113 .

[0037] The detection unit 113 calculates the torque value of the paper feed roller, which is a transport roller, in accordance with a predetermined torque conversion formula based on the current value of the A / D converted drive current.

[0038] The discrimination unit 114 discriminates whether the replaced feed roller is a genuine product based on the detection data of the initial drive operation of the replaced feed roller, i.e., the transport roller. Specifically, the discrimination unit 114 discriminates whether the rubber hardness of the replaced feed roller is appropriate.

[0039] Replacement state detection unit 116 detects the replacement state of the paper feed roller, which is a transport roller, based on the detection result of detection unit 113. Replacement state detection unit 116 detects the replacement state of the transport roller based on a change in the drive current that drives the transport roller.

[0040] The estimation unit 117 estimates the estimated time when a paper jam will occur based on the detection result of the detection unit 113.

[0041] In this example, we will explain the paper feed motor of the paper feed unit 6, but this is not limited to paper feed motors; transport rollers are also provided in the automatic document feeder 2, sheet post-processing device 3, etc., and the same can be applied to stepping motors for operating these mechanisms and transport rollers that control the stepping motors.

[0042] 4 is a diagram illustrating torque values ​​when using genuine and non-genuine separating rollers 54 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the average value of multiple torque values ​​(for example, N=10) is calculated. When the separating roller 54 is genuine (brand new), the average value of the multiple torque values ​​is 74. On the other hand, when the separating roller 54 is non-genuine (brand new), the average value of the multiple torque values ​​is 35, a decrease of approximately 53%.

[0043] Therefore, by setting a threshold value Th between the torque value that is the load torque information of the genuine handling roller and the torque value that is the load torque information of the non-genuine handling roller, it is possible to determine whether the replaced handling roller 54 is genuine or non-genuine. For example, the notification unit 115 may notify the determination result on a panel display or to a service center, thereby informing a service technician of the determination result.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the current detection timing of the detection unit 113 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the detection unit 113 detects a torque value, which is load torque information, in a stable section where the conveying speed of the stepping motor is stable at the same conveying speed. Note that the same conveying speed does not necessarily mean that the conveying speed is exactly the same, but rather has some degree of variation. By using the stable section, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the torque value, which is load torque information, calculated from the current flowing in the power line supplied to the driver IC 120. In this example, the torque value, which is load torque information, is calculated based on current detection at 10 points in the stable section.

[0045] 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting the replacement state of the separation roller according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the torque value of the separation roller 54 is periodically obtained. In this example, the average value of multiple torque values ​​when the separation roller 54 is in a paper passing state is obtained. The torque value of the separation roller 54 decreases with time.

[0046] When the separating roller 54 is new, the frictional force of the roller is strong, so the torque value, which is load torque information, is large, but as paper powder and dust adhere to the roller surface during paper transport and the roller surface wears down, the torque value, which is load torque information, gradually decreases.If a sudden increase in the torque value of the separating roller 54 is detected, it can be determined that the separating roller 54 has been replaced.

[0047] The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separating rollers 54 is used to determine whether the separating rollers 54 need to be replaced. In this example, a roller replacement threshold is set, and the presence or absence of the rollers 54 needs to be determined based on a comparison of the torque value with the roller replacement threshold. In this example, a roller replacement threshold Th1 that changes over time is set as an example. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separating rollers 54 is compared with the roller replacement threshold Th1, and if the torque value is equal to or greater than the roller replacement threshold Th1, it is determined that the rollers have been replaced. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separating rollers 54 is compared with the roller replacement threshold Th1, and if the torque value is less than the roller replacement threshold Th1, it is determined that the rollers have not been replaced.

[0048] In addition, the torque value detected during the initial drive operation of the separating roller 54 is compared with a threshold value Th, and the separating roller 54 determines whether the product is genuine or non-genuine. The torque value detected during the initial drive operation of the separating roller 54 is compared with the threshold value Th, and if it is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, the separating roller 54 is determined to be genuine. The torque value detected during the initial drive operation of the separating roller 54 is compared with the threshold value Th, and if it is less than the threshold value Th, the separating roller 54 is determined to be non-genuine.

[0049] In this example, a paper jam threshold Th2 is set, which indicates the possibility of a paper jam occurring. The number of sheets that can be passed and the replacement time vary depending on the paper used by the user. The estimation unit 117 can determine whether a paper jam is likely to occur and whether it is time to replace the paper by comparing the detected torque value with the paper jam threshold Th2. The estimation unit 117 may also predict when the paper jam threshold Th2 will be reached based on the degree of change in the torque value, which changes over time. The notification unit 115 may also notify the estimation result of the estimation unit 117.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating another method for detecting the replacement state of the separation roller according to embodiment 1. Referring to Fig. 7, the torque value may be detected not during the paper passing operation but at a stable timing during initial operation when there is no paper to be conveyed, such as when the power of the device is turned on.

[0051] Since this is not a paper passing operation, the torque value is lower than when a paper is passing operation, but the change in torque characteristics over time is the same as in Figure 6.

[0052] In this example, a threshold value Th3 for distinguishing between genuine and non-genuine products when there is no paper to be conveyed, a roller replacement threshold value Th4 when there is no paper to be conveyed, and a paper jam threshold value Th5 are set.

[0053] The average value of multiple load torque values ​​when the separation roller 54 is in a non-paper passing state is periodically obtained. The load torque value of the separation roller 54 decreases over time. If a sudden increase in the torque value of the separation roller 54 is detected, it can be determined that the separation roller 54 has been replaced.

[0054] The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation rollers 54 when no paper is passing through is used to determine whether the separation rollers 54 need to be replaced. In this example, a roller replacement threshold is set, and the presence or absence of replacement is determined based on a comparison of the torque value with the roller replacement threshold. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation rollers 54 when no paper is passing through is compared with roller replacement threshold Th4, and if the torque value is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold Th4, it is determined that the rollers have been replaced. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation rollers 54 when no paper is passing through is compared with roller replacement threshold Th4, and if the torque value is less than roller replacement threshold Th4, it is determined that the rollers have not been replaced.

[0055] In addition, the torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation roller 54 in the non-paper passing state is compared with threshold value Th3 to determine whether the separation roller 54 is genuine or non-genuine. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation roller 54 in the non-paper passing state is compared with threshold value Th3, and if the torque value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th3, the separation roller 54 is determined to be genuine. The torque value detected during the first drive operation of the separation roller 54 in the non-paper passing state is compared with threshold value Th3, and if the torque value is less than threshold value Th3, the separation roller 54 is determined to be non-genuine.

[0056] In this example, a method for determining whether or not a roller has been replaced by comparing it with a threshold value has been described as an example, but this is not limiting, and for example, the roller replacement person may input whether or not the roller replacement work has been performed using operation panel 27. Replacement status detection unit 116 may determine that the roller has been replaced according to this panel input.

[0057] In this example, a paper jam threshold Th5 is set, which indicates the possibility of a paper jam occurring. The number of sheets that can be passed and the replacement time vary depending on the paper used by the user. The estimation unit 117 can determine whether a paper jam is likely to occur and whether it is time to replace the paper jam by comparing the detected torque value with the paper jam threshold Th5. The estimation unit 117 may also predict when the paper jam threshold Th5 will be reached based on the degree of change in the torque value that changes over time. The notification unit 115 may also notify the estimation result of the estimation unit 117.

[0058] 8 is a diagram illustrating a determination process flow of CPU 110 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 110 rotates the drive motor (step S2). Specifically, D / A conversion unit 111 of CPU 110 transmits current setting data DA to driver IC 120. Driver IC 120 controls the current value for driving the paper feed motor based on the current setting data DA.

[0059] Next, the CPU 110 acquires the driver current (step S4). The detection unit 113 detects the driver current I VM Get.

[0060] Next, CPU 110 determines whether a prescribed number of data items have been acquired (step S6). Detection unit 113 determines whether a prescribed number of data items have been acquired from A / D conversion unit 112.

[0061] In step S6, if CPU 110 determines that the specified number of data has not been acquired (NO in step S6), it returns to step S4 and repeats the process until the specified number of data is acquired. If detection unit 113 determines that the specified number of data (10 points, for example) has been acquired from A / D conversion unit 112, it proceeds to the next process.

[0062] On the other hand, if CPU 110 determines in step S6 that the specified number of data items have been acquired (YES in step S6), it calculates the average value of the specified number of data items (step S8). If detecting unit 113 determines that the specified number of data items have been acquired, it calculates the average value of the drive current based on the data items.

[0063] Next, CPU 110 calculates the torque value (step S10). Detection unit 113 calculates the torque value based on the average current value in accordance with a predetermined torque conversion formula.

[0064] Next, CPU 110 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th1 (step S12). Replacement state detection unit 116 determines whether the torque value calculated by detection unit 113 is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th1.

[0065] In step S12, if CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th1 (YES in step S12), it determines that replacement is required (step S14). Replacement status detection unit 116 determines that replacement is required if the torque value calculated by detection unit 113 is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th1.

[0066] Next, the CPU 110 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (step S16). The determination unit 114 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th.

[0067] If the CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (YES in step S16), it determines that the product is genuine (step S18). If the discrimination unit 114 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, it determines that the product has been replaced with a genuine product. Then, the process ends (END).

[0068] On the other hand, if the CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value Th (NO in step S16), it determines that the product is an unauthorized product (step S20). If the discrimination unit 114 determines that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, it determines that the product has been replaced with an unauthorized product. Then, the process ends (END).

[0069] On the other hand, if CPU 110 determines in step S12 that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th1 (NO in step S12), the process ends (END) since replacement is not required.

[0070] By the above process, it is possible to easily determine whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not.

[0071] Although the above describes the determination process during paper passing operation, it can also be applied to the case where the torque value is detected at a stable timing during initial operation when there is no paper being conveyed, such as when the device is turned on.

[0072] Fig. 9 is another diagram illustrating the determination process flow of CPU 110 according to the first embodiment. With reference to Fig. 9, the determination process when there is no paper to be conveyed will now be described. Compared to the flow diagram of Fig. 8, the process from step S10 onwards is different. As the rest of the process is the same, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0073] Next, CPU 110 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th4 (step S22). Replacement state detection unit 116 determines whether the torque value calculated by detection unit 113 is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th4.

[0074] In step S22, if CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th4 (YES in step S22), it determines that replacement is required (step S24). Replacement status detection unit 116 determines that replacement is required if the torque value calculated by detection unit 113 is equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th4.

[0075] Next, CPU 110 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th3 (step S26). Discrimination unit 114 determines whether the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than threshold value Th3.

[0076] If the CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th3 (YES in step S26), it determines that the product is genuine (step S28). If the discrimination unit 114 determines that the calculated torque value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th3, it determines that the product has been replaced with a genuine product. Then, the process ends (END).

[0077] On the other hand, if CPU 110 determines that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than threshold value Th3 (NO in step S26), it determines that the product is an unauthorized product (step S30). If discrimination unit 114 determines that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than threshold value Th3, it determines that the product has been replaced with an unauthorized product. Then, the process ends (END).

[0078] On the other hand, if CPU 110 determines in step S22 that the calculated torque value is not equal to or greater than roller replacement threshold value Th4 (NO in step S22), the process does not require replacement and ends (END).

[0079] By using the above process, it is possible to easily determine whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate when there is no paper being transported. Specifically, this can be easily determined by switching the threshold value between when paper is being passed and when there is no paper being passed.

[0080] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a paper feed motor of paper feed unit 6 according to embodiment 2. Referring to Fig. 10, the configuration of Fig. 3 differs from that of Fig. 3 in that control board 100 is replaced with control board 100A and server 200 is newly provided. In the configuration of Fig. 3, a method of executing various processes by CPU 110 has been described, but this is not limiting, and information may be sent to external server 200 connected via a network, and the determination process may be executed by server 200.

[0081] The CPU 110 has a storage unit that stores program data and the like according to the embodiment. However, the storage location of the program data is not limited to the storage unit, and may be stored in a ROM, RAM, an external device (e.g., a server), etc. The program may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. The control process according to the embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include some of these modules does not deviate from the spirit of the program according to the embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the program may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the program may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes part of the program processing. In other words, an image forming system that realizes the control process of the present disclosure in cooperation with a server may be configured.

[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 image forming device, 2 automatic document feeder, 3 sheet post-processing device, 4 scanner, 6 paper feed unit, 7 printer unit, 9 punch hole processing unit, 10 binding processing unit, 21 paper feed cassette, 22 transport path, 23 image forming unit, 24 intermediate transfer belt, 25 timing roller, 26 secondary transfer roller, 27 operation panel, 50 paper feed roller, 52 pick roller, 54 separation roller, 60 transport paper stack, 100, 100A control board, 111 D / A conversion unit, 112 A / D conversion unit, 113 detection unit, 114 discrimination unit, 115 notification unit, 116 replacement status detection unit, 117 estimation unit, 122 current detection resistor, 200 server.

Claims

1. A replaceable transport roller for transporting paper; a drive unit that drives the transport roller; a detection unit that detects a driving state of the transport roller; and a determination unit that determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on the detection result of the detection unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects a drive current with which the drive unit drives the transport roller.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the detection unit detects a torque value of the transport roller based on a drive current with which the drive unit drives the transport roller.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies a result of the determination made by the determination unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an estimation unit that estimates an estimated time when a paper jam will occur based on the detection result of said detection unit.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on detection data of a first drive operation of the replaced transport roller.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether the rubber hardness of the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection result of the detecting unit.

8. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on detection data obtained multiple times by the detecting unit when the transport speed of the transport roller is the same.

9. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discrimination unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is appropriate based on the detection result of the detection unit in at least one of a state in which the transport roller is transporting paper and a state in which the transport roller is not transporting paper.

10. The determination unit determining whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on a detection result of the detection unit when the transport roller is transporting paper and a first threshold value; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the detection unit determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper based on a second threshold value and a detection result from the detection unit when the transport roller is not transporting paper.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a replacement state detection unit for detecting a replacement state of the transport roller.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the replacement state detection unit detects the replacement state of the transport roller based on a change in a drive current that the drive unit uses to drive the transport roller.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the replacement state detection unit detects the replacement state of the transport roller based on an operator's input via a panel.

14. driving replaceable transport rollers that transport the paper; detecting a driving state of the transport roller; and determining whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on the detection result.

15. An image forming program to be executed by a computer, driving replaceable transport rollers that transport the paper; detecting a driving state of the transport roller; and determining whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on the detection result.

16. A replaceable transport roller for transporting paper; a drive unit that drives the transport roller; a detection unit that detects a driving state of the transport roller; and a determination unit that determines whether the replaced transport roller is proper or not based on the detection result of the detection unit.

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