JP2001343868A - System for managing image forming device and method for informing of life of photoreceptor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for managing an image forming device and a method for informing of the life of a photoreceptor by which information concerning the life of the photoreceptor drum is obtained before the occurence of a serviceman error. SOLUTION: A drum cartridge memory 301 for recording the total number of the rotating times of the photoreceptor drum is provided in the drum cartridge 303 of the photoreceptor of a copying machine, and the CPU of a printer part judges whether the total number of the rotating times of the photoreceptor drum recorded in the memory 301 exceeds the previously decided life warning value of the photoreceptor drum. In the case of judging that it exceeds the life warning value, a warning on the life of the photoreceptor drum is displayed on the display part of the host computer of a copying machine managing device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to management of the life of a photosensitive member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a copier management device connected to a copier, when a request is received from a host computer of the copier management device, the stored total information is transferred to a telephone line or the like in accordance with a set protocol. Was sent over the public line. Further, when an abnormality such as a frequent jam or a serviceman error occurs in a copying machine to which the copying machine management device is connected, the information is sent from the copying machine management device side to the copying machine management device host computer.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional system, the information on the photosensitive drum is only stored when a serviceman error has occurred due to the life of the photosensitive drum. Had been sent to

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus management system and a photoconductor life notification method capable of obtaining information on the life of a photoconductor drum before a serviceman error occurs. It is intended to provide.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus management system is configured as described in the following (1) to (8), and a method for reporting the life of a photoreceptor is described below. The configuration is as described in 9).

(1) A photosensitive drum, recording means for recording the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and whether the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum recorded by the recording means exceeds a predetermined photosensitive drum life warning value. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: a determination unit for determining; and a display unit for displaying a lifetime warning of the photosensitive drum when the determination unit determines that the lifetime warning value is exceeded.

(2) In the image forming apparatus management system according to (1), the life warning value is a plurality of values,
When the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum exceeds any of the plurality of values, the image forming apparatus management system displays a life warning to that effect.

(3) In the image forming apparatus management system according to (1), the recording means and the determination means are provided in the image forming apparatus, and the display device is connected to the image forming apparatus via a circuit network. An image forming apparatus management system provided in an image forming apparatus management apparatus host computer.

(4) Storage means arranged in the photosensitive drum for storing the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and increasing the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means according to the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum. Means for causing, and a first comparing means for comparing the value of the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means with a preset photosensitive drum life warning value,
Means for setting a photosensitive drum life warning when the first comparison means determines that the drum total rotation number is greater than the photosensitive drum life warning value; and a total of photosensitive drums stored in the storage means. Second comparing means for comparing the value of the number of rotations with a preset photosensitive drum life stop value larger than the photosensitive drum life warning value, which is stored in the storage means by the second comparing means; Means for setting the photosensitive drum life stop when the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum is determined to be larger than the photosensitive drum life stop value, and setting the photosensitive drum life warning or the photosensitive drum life stop. Display means for giving a warning in the case;
Means for stopping a printing operation when the photosensitive drum life stop is set.

(5) The image forming apparatus management system according to the above (4), further comprising a discriminating means for discriminating whether an image signal to be formed is a full-color or a single-color signal, wherein the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum is increased. According to the result of the discrimination by the discriminating means, the total number of rotations is increased by four in the case of four-color full-color, and is increased by one in the case of single-color.
Image forming apparatus management system.

(6) The image forming apparatus management system according to (4), wherein the photosensitive drum life warning value is a photosensitive drum life warning value of two or more different values.

(7) In the image forming apparatus management system according to (4) or (6), the photosensitive drum life warning value can be set to an arbitrary value on an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. Equipment management system.

(8) In the image forming apparatus management system according to (4) or (6), the display means is provided in a host computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a circuit network. An image forming apparatus management system having means for issuing a command to set a photosensitive drum life warning value different from a set value to a copying machine body.

(9) A method of reporting the life of a photosensitive drum for an image forming apparatus having a photosensitive drum, the method comprising the steps of recording the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum recorded in this step Determining whether or not exceeds a predetermined lifetime warning value of the photosensitive drum, and displaying a lifetime warning of the photosensitive drum when it is determined that the lifetime warning value is exceeded in this step. Life reporting method.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to embodiments of a copier management system.

[0016]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a "copier management system" of Embodiment 1. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a copier main body reader unit which is communicably connected to a printer unit 31 which is an image output device, reads image information from a document image, and transmits it to the printer unit 31. Reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU, which comprehensively controls the entire copying machine including the copying machine main body reader unit 1 and the printer unit 31 based on a program stored in the ROM 103. 102 is a RAM, C
This is a work area of PUlOl. An operation display unit 104 includes various display units such as an LCD and an LED and a plurality of setting keys, and can perform various displays, operations, and settings of the copying machine.

The copier reader unit 1 can transmit print information transmitted from a personal computer or a work station 5 via a predetermined communication medium to the printer unit 31 and cause the printer unit 31 to print.

In the printer unit 31, 3100 is DC
The controller controls an image forming unit (not shown). D
The C controller 3100 includes a CPU 3101 and a RAM 3
102, a ROM 3103, and the CPU 3101
The entire printer unit is totally controlled based on a predetermined version of the DC controller control program stored in the OM 3103. The RAM 3102 is a work area of the CPU 3101.

Reference numeral 31a denotes a sorter which is connected to the printer unit 31 and performs post-processing such as sorting on a recording medium discharged from the printer unit 31. The sorter 31 has a CPU 3197,
A CPU 319 having a RAM 3198 and a ROM 3199;
7 controls the sorter based on a predetermined version of the control program stored in the ROM 3199. RAM3
Reference numeral 198 denotes a work area of the CPU 3197.

Further, the printer unit 31 can mount various accessories other than the sorter 31a. In this embodiment, a case where the sorter is mounted will be described.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a copier management device, which is communicably connected to the copier body reader unit 1 via a predetermined communication medium.
The copier reader unit 1 is managed. Reference numeral 1201 denotes a management unit which includes a CPU 1203, a RAM 1204, and a ROM 1205.
The CPU 1203 controls the copier management device 2 based on a program stored in the ROM 1205. Note that the RAM 1204 is a work area of the CPU 1203. A modem 1202 communicates with the copier management apparatus host computer 14 via a predetermined public line and a computer network.

Copier management device host computer 14
Are CPU 1401, RAM 1402, ROM 140
3, a display unit 1404 such as a CRT, an LCD, etc., for displaying various information transferred from the copier management device 12.
Can be displayed.

The CPU 1401 controls the copier management device host computer 14 based on a program stored in the ROM 1403, and can display information received from the copier management device 12 on the display unit 1404. RAM
Reference numeral 1402 denotes a work area of the CPU 1401.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the printer unit 31. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a scanner. The scanner 201 receives an image signal sent from a printer controller 3100, converts the image signal into a laser beam, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 202 with the image signal.
02, an image is formed. The photosensitive drum 202 reaches the color developing device 203 and the black developing device 204 while rotating counterclockwise. At this time, the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum is stored in a memory in the photosensitive drum unit. Developing units 203, 20
Reference numeral 4 functions to load (develop) the toner on the photosensitive drum 202 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photosensitive drum 202. When the image is black and white, only the black developing device 204 is used, and when the image is color, both the color developing device 203 and the black developing device 204 are used.

Next, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 205 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer body 205 rotates once in the case of black and white,
In the case of a color image, image formation is completed on the intermediate transfer member by rotating four times.

On the other hand, the recording paper fed from the upper cassette 208 or the lower cassette 209 by the pickup roller 211 or 212 is transported by the feed roller 213 or 214, and further transported by the transport roller 215 to the position before the registration. .

The recording paper is controlled at such a timing that the intermediate transfer member 205 and the transfer belt 206 are interrogated at the timing when the image formation on the intermediate transfer member 205 is completed. When the recording paper reaches between the intermediate transfer body 205 and the transfer belt 206, the transfer belt 206 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body 205, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The toner image transferred to the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper by a fixing roller 207 by heat and pressure.

The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is transferred to the face-up discharge port 217 or the face-down discharge port 218 specified in advance by the printer controller 3100.
And is discharged.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the photosensitive drum cartridge memory. R is stored in the drum cartridge memory 301.
There are an OM area and a RAM area, and an identification code unique to the drum cartridge is stored in the ROM area.

When the power switch is turned on or the cover is closed, the printer controller board 302 reads from the ROM area of the drum cartridge memory 301 to check whether the correct cartridge is inserted. The RAM area is readable and writable, and the printer controller board 302 reads and writes to the drum cartridge memory 301 at a predetermined timing, and checks the presence / absence and life of the drum cartridge 303.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the printer unit 31 receives an image signal from a printer controller such as a reader unit (see S401, the same applies hereinafter), a writing process to the drum cartridge memory 301 is started. It is determined whether the formed image is a full-color image or a single-color image (S4).
02), if the image is a full color image, the total number of rotations is 4
The number of rotations is increased by one (S403), and if the color is a single color, the total number of rotations is increased by one (S404). After completion of the image forming operation, the total number of rotations is stored in the drum cartridge memory 301.
Is written to (S405).

At this time, if the total number of revolutions exceeds a preset photosensitive drum life warning value (S4).
06), a notification is sent to the copier management device 12 (S40).
7).

As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, when the notice of the photosensitive drum life warning is received (S501), the copying machine management device 12 starts connection to the host computer 14 (S502), and the copying machine management device 12 The connection to the host computer 14 is made (S503). If the connection is established, the transmission of the notification of the photosensitive drum life warning to the host computer 14 is started (S504), and the transmission of the notification of the photosensitive drum life warning is completed (S504). In step S505, the connection with the host computer 14 is disconnected (506).

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, in the copier management device host computer 14, when communication with the copier management device 12 is completed (S601).
A warning is displayed on the display unit 1404 indicating that the photosensitive drum life of the copying machine is approaching (S602).

In the copying machine, the photosensitive drum life warning value can be set to an arbitrary value from the operation display section, and the copying machine management device host computer is set via the copying machine management device. The warning value can be set in the copying machine body.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
By transmitting and displaying a photosensitive drum life warning issued before the photosensitive drum life stops to the copier management device host computer via the copier management device, information for a user or the like to manage the state of the photosensitive drum can be obtained. be able to.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Since the configuration of the hardware is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is referred to for the hardware configuration, and the description is omitted here.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the printer unit 31 receives an image signal from the printer controller (S701), the writing process to the drum cartridge memory 301 is started. It is determined whether the formed image is a full-color image or a single-color image (S702).
If the image is a full-color image, the total number of rotations is increased by four (S704). If the image is a single-color image, the total number of rotations is increased by one (S703). After completion of the image forming operation, the total number of rotations is written in the drum cartridge memory 301 (S705).

If the total number of rotations is equal to or greater than a plurality of photosensitive drum life warning values n (n is a positive integer) smaller than a preset number of photosensitive drum life stops (S706).
〜S709), and notifies the copier management device 12 that the photosensitive drum life is equal to or longer than the warning value n (S707).

As described above, according to this embodiment,
When the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum exceeds one of the plurality of life warning values, a warning is transmitted to the copier management device host computer via the copier management device and displayed. More information for managing the status can be obtained, and the serviceability is improved.

(Embodiment 3) In Embodiments 1 and 2, when the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum exceeds a predetermined photosensitive drum life warning value, this is displayed to warn the user or the like. In this embodiment, in addition to this, when the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum exceeds a predetermined photosensitive drum life stop value,
This is displayed and the printing operation by the copying machine is stopped.

Since the hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is referred to and the description is omitted here.

That is, the present embodiment further comprises a routine for comparing the value of the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum with a preset photosensitive drum life stop value which is larger than a preset photosensitive drum life warning value. When it is determined by comparison that the total number of rotations of the drum is larger than the photosensitive drum life stop value, the photosensitive drum life stop is set, and a warning display to that effect is displayed on the display unit of the copier management device host computer. indicate. Then, when the photosensitive drum life stop is set, the printing operation by the printer is stopped.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
More detailed information about the life of the photosensitive drum can be obtained, thereby improving serviceability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a drum cartridge memory.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in a printer unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the copier management device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the copier management device host computer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a printer unit according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CPU 301 Drum cartridge memory 1404 Display unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A photosensitive drum, recording means for recording the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and determining whether the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum recorded by the recording means exceeds a predetermined photosensitive drum life warning value. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: a determination unit that performs a lifetime warning of the photosensitive drum when the determination unit determines that the lifetime warning value is exceeded. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the life warning value is a plurality of values, and when the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum exceeds any of the plurality of values, the effect is notified. An image forming apparatus management system for displaying a lifespan warning of an image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit and the determining unit are provided in the image forming apparatus, and the display device is connected to the image forming apparatus via a circuit network. An image forming apparatus management system provided in an apparatus management apparatus host computer. 4. A storage means disposed in the photosensitive drum for storing the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and increasing the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means according to the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum. Means, first comparing means for comparing the value of the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means with a preset photosensitive drum life warning value, and the first comparing means Means for setting a photosensitive drum life warning when the number of rotations is determined to be larger than the photosensitive drum life warning value; and setting a value of the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means in advance. Yes,
A second comparing means for comparing a photosensitive drum life stop value which is larger than the photosensitive drum life warning value, and a total rotation number of the photosensitive drum stored in the storage means by the second comparing means. Means for setting a photosensitive drum life stop when it is determined to be larger than the photosensitive drum life stop value; display means for issuing a warning when the photosensitive drum life warning or a photosensitive drum life stop is set; Means for stopping a printing operation when a drum life stop is set. 5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether an image signal for forming an image is a full color image or a single color image, wherein the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum is increased. An image forming apparatus management system characterized in that the total number of rotations is increased by four in the case of four-color full color, and the total number of rotations is increased by one in the case of single color, according to the result of the determination by the determination means. 6. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein said photosensitive drum life warning value is two or more different photosensitive drum life warning values. . 7. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein the photosensitive drum life warning value can be set to an arbitrary value on an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus management system. 8. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein said display means is provided in a host computer connected to said image forming apparatus via a circuit network, and said host computer is configured to be set. An image forming apparatus management system comprising means for issuing a command for setting a photosensitive drum life warning value different from the set value to the copying machine body. 9. A method for reporting the life of a photosensitive drum for an image forming apparatus having a photosensitive drum, comprising: a step of recording a total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum; and a step of recording the total number of rotations of the photosensitive drum recorded in this step. A step of determining whether or not a predetermined lifetime warning value of the photosensitive drum has been exceeded, and a step of displaying a lifetime warning of the photosensitive drum when determining that the lifetime warning value has been exceeded in this step. To report the life of the photosensitive drum.