JP2005014354A - Image forming apparatus and its management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To replace a component at an appropriate timing by judging the replacing time of the component in an image forming apparatus, e.g. a copy machine or a printer, accurately and regulating the lifetime of the component to an appropriate value suitable for actual situation in the market. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is arranged to count the use count each of a plurality of components, to compare the use count with a component lifetime count becoming the reference of the replacing time of the component and to judge the replacing time of the component based on the comparison results. The component lifetime count is altered based on the degree of consumption of a replaced component and the use count of the component. The degree of consumption of the component is inputted from the operating section of the image forming apparatus when the component is replaced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for accurately determining the replacement timing of parts in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, each component of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer has a component counter, and each component has a lifetime counter limit value (a value expected to reach the lifetime). When each component counter value exceeds or approaches the life counter limit value for each component, the component can be replaced by a user or service person to prevent problems with the image forming apparatus. Is possible. Further, the life counter limit value can be changed to correspond to each model of the device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-087211
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the life counter limit value is determined by “virtual endurance test” or the like, and often does not become the same as the life of parts in the actual market. There is a problem that it ends up. Furthermore, even if the limit value can be changed for each model of the device, there is a problem that the limit value to be changed varies depending on individual differences such as the experience of the user, service person, etc., and appropriate measures cannot be taken.
[0005]
When the limit value is changed based on the experience of a user or service person, the replacement of parts is unnecessarily promoted, or parts are unnecessarily replaced. By doing so, extra time is spent on users, service personnel, and the like, and extra costs are required.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores the usage of at least one component, a reference value that serves as a reference for the replacement time of the component, the reference value, and the storage unit. A determination means for determining the replacement timing of the part based on the comparison result, and an input means for inputting the wear level of the part, and the input means The reference value is changed based on the input consumption level of the component and the usage level of the component stored in the storage means.
[0007]
In addition, a display unit is provided, and the degree of wear of the component is selected from a plurality of levels of wear displayed on the display unit.
[0008]
In addition, when the reference value is changed, the usage of the component stored in the storage unit is reset.
[0009]
According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus management system having at least one image forming apparatus and a management server inputs storage means for storing the usage of at least one part of the image forming apparatus, and the degree of wear of the part. An input unit, a transmission unit that transmits information on the usage of the component stored in the storage unit, and information on a consumption level of the component input by the input unit, to the management server; and Receiving means for receiving the transmitted information, wherein the management server is responsive to the information on the usage of the part and the information on the consumption of the part transmitted by the transmitting means and received by the receiving means. Thus, a lifetime value for determining the lifetime of the component is obtained.
[0010]
Further, the image forming apparatus includes a display unit, and the degree of wear of the component is selected from a plurality of levels of wear level displayed on the display unit.
[0011]
The management server may obtain the lifetime value based on component information received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0012]
The image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the management server according to the present invention is stored in a storage unit that stores the usage of at least one component, an input unit that inputs a consumption level of the component, and the storage unit. The information processing apparatus includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit the information on the usage level of the component and the information on the consumption level of the component input by the input unit to the management server.
[0013]
Furthermore, it has a display means, and the degree of wear of the component is selected from a plurality of wear degree levels displayed on the display means.
[0014]
The management server capable of communicating with at least one image forming apparatus according to the present invention receives the first information related to the usage of at least one component of the image forming apparatus and the second information related to the degree of wear of the component. Receiving means, and processing means for obtaining a life value for judging the life of the component based on the first information and the second information received by the receiving means.
[0015]
In addition, the processing unit obtains the lifetime value based on the first information and the second information received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
[First Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a reader unit 101, a printer unit 102, and an automatic document feeder (DF) 103. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as having an electrophotographic recording method.
[0018]
The printer unit 102 includes an image forming unit (four stations a, b, c, and d arranged in parallel, all of which have the same configuration), a sheet feeding unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a transport unit, a fixing unit, It is comprised from an operation part and a control unit (not shown).
[0019]
Next, each unit will be described in detail. The image forming unit is configured as described below. Photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d as image carriers are pivotally supported at their centers and are rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow. Roller chargers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, scanner (laser exposure units) 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d facing the outer peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d in the rotational direction. Is arranged. The roller chargers 12a to 12d apply a uniform charge amount to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d.
[0020]
Next, the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d are exposed to light beams such as laser beams modulated by the scanners 13a to 13d according to the recording image signal, thereby forming electrostatic latent images thereon.
[0021]
Further, the electrostatic latent images are visualized by developing units 14a to 14d that respectively store four color developers (toners) such as yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. The visualized visible image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 30. By the process described above, image formation with each toner is sequentially performed.
[0022]
The paper feed unit includes a portion for storing the recording material P, a roller for conveying the recording material P, a sensor for detecting the passage of the recording material P, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the recording material P, and the recording material It is comprised from the guide (not shown) for conveying P along a conveyance path. 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are cassettes, 27 is a manual feed tray, and 28 is a deck.
[0023]
Reference numerals 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d denote pickup rollers for feeding the recording material P from the cassettes 21a to 21d one by one. In the pickup rollers 22a to 22d, a plurality of recording materials P may be sent out, but only one sheet is reliably separated by the separation rollers 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d. The recording material P separated by only one sheet by the separation rollers 23 a to 23 d is further conveyed by the drawing rollers 24 a to 24 d and the pre-registration roller 26, and is conveyed to the registration roller 25. Further, the recording material P stored in the manual feed tray 27 is separated by the separation roller 29 and conveyed to the registration roller 25 by the pre-registration roller 26.
[0024]
Similarly, a plurality of recording materials P stored in the deck 28 are conveyed to the paper feeding roller 61 by the pickup roller 60, and only one sheet is reliably separated by the paper feeding roller 61 and conveyed to the drawing roller 62. Further, the recording material P is conveyed to the registration roller 25 by the pre-registration roller 26.
[0025]
The intermediate transfer unit will be described in detail. An intermediate transfer belt 30 is made of, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PVdF (polyvinylidene fluoride).
[0026]
A drive roller 32 transmits driving force to the intermediate transfer belt 30, and includes a tension roller 33 that applies an appropriate tension to the intermediate transfer belt 30 by urging a spring (not shown), and a secondary transfer region across the intermediate transfer belt. It is supported by the driven roller 34 to be formed. The drive roller 32 is coated with rubber (urethane or chloroprene) having a thickness of several millimeters on the surface of the metal roller to prevent slippage with the belt. The drive roller 32 is rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown).
[0027]
Primary transfer rollers 35 a to 35 d, on which the high pressure for transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 30 is applied on the back of the intermediate transfer belt 30 at the position where each of the photosensitive drums 11 a to 11 d faces the intermediate transfer belt 30. Is arranged. A secondary transfer roller 36 is disposed so as to face the driven roller 34, and a secondary transfer region is formed by a nip with the intermediate transfer belt 30. The secondary transfer roller 36 is pressed with an appropriate pressure against the intermediate transfer member. Further, a cleaning device 50 for cleaning the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer region. The cleaning device 50 uses a cleaner blade 51 (a material such as polyurethane rubber is used). ) And a waste toner box 52 for storing waste toner.
[0028]
The fixing unit 40 includes a fixing roller 41a provided with a heat source such as a halogen heater and a pressure roller 41b (also provided with a heat source in some cases) pressed against the roller. It comprises a paper discharge roller 44 that conveys the discharged recording material P.
[0029]
The recording material P conveyed to the registration rollers stops and temporarily stops the rotation of the rollers upstream of the registration rollers, and the rotation of the upstream rollers including the registration rollers 25 is synchronized with the image formation timing of the image forming unit. Resumed. The recording material P is sent out to a secondary transfer area described later. Then, the recording material P on which the image is transferred in the secondary transfer region and the image is fixed in the fixing unit 40 passes through the paper discharge roller 44, and then the conveyance destination is switched by the switching flapper 73.
[0030]
When the switching flapper 73 is on the upper side (face-up discharge side), the recording material P is discharged to the discharge tray 2 as it is (face-up) by the discharge roller 45. On the other hand, when the switching flapper 73 is on the lower side (face-down paper discharge side), the recording material P is conveyed in the direction of the reversing rollers 72a, 72b, 72c, and the paper discharge tray 3 is turned upside down (face-down). Is discharged.
[0031]
A plurality of sensors are arranged in the conveyance path of the recording material P to detect the passage of the recording material P. The paper feeding retry sensors 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, the deck paper feeding sensor 65, and the deck pulling sensor 66 are provided. , A registration sensor 67, paper discharge sensors 68 and 69, a double-sided pre-registration sensor 70, a double-sided refeed sensor 71, and the like. The cassettes 21a to 21d that store the recording material P are provided with cassette paper presence / absence sensors 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d that detect the presence or absence of the recording material P, and the manual feed tray 27 records on the manual feed tray 27. A manual tray paper presence / absence sensor 74 for detecting the presence or absence of the material P is disposed, and a deck paper presence / absence sensor 75 for detecting the presence or absence of the recording material P in the deck 28 is disposed on the deck 28.
[0032]
The control unit includes a control board (not shown) for controlling the operation of the mechanism in each unit, a motor drive board (not shown), and the like.
[0033]
The operation unit 4 is disposed on the upper surface of the printer unit 102, selects a paper feed unit (paper feed cassettes 21 a to 21 d, a manual feed tray 27, a deck 28) in which the recording material P is stored, and the paper discharge trays 2, 3. Selection, designation of a tab sheet bundle, and the like.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. As an example, a case where the recording material P is transported from the cassette 21a will be described.
[0035]
After a predetermined time has elapsed since the image forming operation start signal was issued, the transfer material P is first sent out from the cassette 21a one by one by the pickup roller 22a. Then, the transfer material P is separated by the separation roller 23 and conveyed to the registration roller 25 via the drawing roller 24 a and the pre-registration roller 26. At that time, the registration roller 25 is stopped, and the skew of the recording material P is corrected by abutting the leading end of the paper against the nip portion. Thereafter, the registration roller 25 starts rotating in accordance with the timing at which the image forming unit starts image formation. The timing at which the registration roller 25 rotates is set so that the transfer material P and the toner image primarily transferred from the image forming unit onto the intermediate transfer belt exactly coincide with each other in the secondary transfer region.
[0036]
In the image forming unit, when an image forming operation start signal is issued, a high voltage is applied to the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11d that is the most upstream in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30 by the process described above. The image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 in the primary transfer region by the transfer roller 35d. The primarily transferred toner image is conveyed to the next primary transfer area. In this case, image formation is performed with a delay of the time during which the toner image is conveyed between the image forming units, and the next toner image is transferred with the leading edge of the image aligned on the previous image. The same process is repeated thereafter, and finally the four color toner images are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 31.
[0037]
Thereafter, when the recording material P enters the secondary transfer region and contacts the intermediate transfer belt 31, a high voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 36 in accordance with the passing timing of the recording material P. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt by the process described above are transferred onto the surface of the recording material P. The transferred recording material P is guided to the fixing roller nip portion, and the toner image is fixed on the surface of the recording material P by the heat of the roller pairs 41a and 41b and the pressure of the nip.
[0038]
Thereafter, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 2, the paper discharge tray 3, or the reverse paper discharge tray 82 in accordance with the switching direction of the switching flappers 73 and 81.
[0039]
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram including a control unit in the image forming apparatus 100. A CPU 171 performs basic control of the image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 171 is connected to a ROM 174 in which a control program is written, a RAM 175 for processing, an input / output port 173, and the like by an address bus and a data bus.
[0040]
The input / output port 173 is connected to various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch for controlling the image forming apparatus, and an input (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of the recording material. The CPU 171 executes image forming operations by sequentially controlling input / output via the input / output port 173 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 174.
[0041]
The CPU 171 is connected to the operation unit 172 and controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 172. The operator selects the key input means to instruct the CPU 171 to switch the display between the image forming operation mode, the reading mode, and the print output mode. The CPU 171 also displays the state of the image forming apparatus and the operation mode setting by key input.
[0042]
The CPU 171 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor unit 208 and an image memory unit 105 that stores the processed image.
[0043]
In addition, the CPU 171 includes a total counter (counter memory) 176 that counts the total number of prints of the image forming apparatus 100, a component counter 177 that counts the number of times used for each component, and information on the degree of wear of the component selected by the operation unit. Is connected to a memory 178 that stores a life count value (reference value) that serves as a reference for determining the life (replacement time) of the component.
[0044]
The total counter 176 stores a value counted up each time image formation is performed in the image forming apparatus 100. The component counter stores a value counted up every time the corresponding component is used.
[0045]
The CPU 171 compares the counter value of the component counter 177 and the lifetime count value of the memory 179, and determines the lifetime (replacement time) of the component based on the comparison result. Then, predetermined display is performed on the display unit based on the determination result.
[0046]
Next, details of the image memory unit 105 will be described with reference to FIG. The image memory unit 105 writes an image from the external I / F processing unit 104 and the image processing unit 170 via the memory controller unit 302 to the page memory unit 301 configured by a memory such as a DRAM, and external I / F processing. The image reading to the unit 104 and the printer unit 102 and the image input / output access to the hard disk (HD) 304 which is a large-capacity storage device are performed.
[0047]
The memory controller unit 302 generates a DRAM refresh signal for the page memory 301, and arbitrates access to the page memory 301 from the external I / F processing unit 104, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 304. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 171, the write address to the page memory unit 301, the read address from the page memory unit 301, and the read direction are controlled. As a result, the CPU 171 arranges a plurality of document images in the page memory unit 301 to perform layout, and controls the function of outputting to the printer unit, the function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image, and the image rotation function.
[0048]
Next, the configuration of the external I / F processing unit 104 will be described with reference to FIG. The external I / F processing unit 104 takes in the image data of the reader unit 101 (reading unit) via the image memory unit 3 into the external I / F processing unit 104 and transmits it to the PC (computer) 11, or the image memory The image data from the PC 11 can be output to the printer unit 102 via the unit 3.
[0049]
The external I / F processing unit 104 includes a core unit 406, a facsimile unit 401, a hard disk (HD) 402 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit, an interface unit 403 connected to an external device such as the PC 11 or the communication device 410, and a formatter. Part 404.
[0050]
The facsimile unit 401 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. The facsimile unit 401 implements a facsimile function that stores a fax image in the hard disk 402 and performs processing such as sending a fax at a designated time or sending image data in response to a designated password inquiry from the other party. Making it possible.
[0051]
Once the image is transferred from the reader unit 101 to the facsimile unit 401 and the facsimile hard disk 402 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 101 and the image memory unit 105 are not used for the facsimile function. You can send.
[0052]
The interface unit 403 is a communication unit for performing data communication with an external device such as the PC 11 or the communication device 410, and is used for data input of a local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN), serial I / F, SCSII / F, and printer. Centro I / F may be used. The error state and operation state of the copying machine are transmitted to the communication device 410 and the PC 11 via the interface unit 403. The exchange with the communication device 410 will be described later.
[0053]
It notifies the PC 11 of the status of the printer unit and the reader unit, transfers an image read by the reader unit 101 to an instruction from the PC 11, and receives print image data from the PC 11.
[0054]
Since the print data notified from the PC 11 via the interface unit 403 is described in a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 404 uses the printer code to form an image in the printer unit 102 via the image memory unit 3. Convert to raster image data. The formatter unit 404 performs raster image data development in the image memory unit 405.
[0055]
The image memory unit is used not only by the formatter unit 404 as a memory for developing raster image data, but also from the image memory unit 3 when the image of the reader unit is sent to the PC 11 via the interface unit 403 (image scanner function). This is also used when image data to be sent is once expanded in the image memory unit 405, converted into a data format to be sent to the PC 11, and sent from the interface unit 403.
[0056]
The core unit 406 controls and manages data transfer of the facsimile unit 401, the interface unit 403, the formatter unit 404, the image memory unit 405, and the image memory unit 105. Even if there are a plurality of image output units in the external I / F processing unit 104 or only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 105, under the control of the core unit 406, exclusive control, priority Control is executed and image output is performed.
[0057]
Next, communication between the image forming apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 410 via the interface unit 403 and communication between the communication apparatus 410 and the host computer (management server) 411 will be described. In the communication device 410, a total counter that counts the total number of prints of the image forming apparatus, a component counter that counts the number of prints (number of times the component is used) for each component, and a history of the time and place when a jam occurs in the main body And a memory for storing the time of error and the type of error when an error occurs.
[0058]
The total counter and the component counter of the copying machine are held on the image forming apparatus main body side. These pieces of information are sent to the communication apparatus 410 for each job from the time the image forming apparatus main body is turned on. Information is stored in memory. In addition, when a jam or error occurs in the main body of the apparatus, the image forming apparatus main body immediately notifies the communication device of information such as the jam position and the type of error. Save history of types.
[0059]
The communication device 410 is always in communication with the host computer 411. When the host computer 411 needs information, there is an information notification request from the host computer 411 and notifies the host computer 411 of data stored in accordance with the request. . For example, when an error occurs, the host computer 411 is notified immediately from the communication device 410. The communication device 410 is always on, and even when the image forming apparatus main body is off, the communication with the host computer 411 is always performed due to a notification request from the host computer 411 or the like. It has become.
[0060]
FIG. 6 is a basic screen of the service mode in the operation unit. A screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed by performing a predetermined operation for entering the service mode from an operation unit (not shown) having a display unit. Reference numeral 501 denotes a reader / DF service button. When this button is pressed, the screen advances to a screen for operating, for example, adjustment of the optical system of the reader unit or adjustment of paper feed of an automatic document feeder (DF) (not shown) ( Not shown). Reference numeral 502 denotes a service button for the printer unit. When this button is pressed, the screen advances to a screen for operating adjustment of the printer unit such as registration adjustment (not shown). Reference numeral 503 denotes a counter service button. When this button is pressed, a transition is made to the screen shown in FIG.
[0061]
FIG. 7 is a screen that displays counter values for consumable parts in the image forming apparatus for each part. The screen in FIG. 7 is displayed when the counter service button 503 shown in the screen in FIG. 6 is pressed. 7 displays consumable part names 601 to 608, counter values 601a to 608a of the respective parts, and life counter values 601b to 608b of the respective parts. Here, a description will be given by taking a conveyance roller as an example.
[0062]
The counter values 601a to 608a are counted up every time the corresponding consumable part is used, and cleared when the part is replaced. The life counter values 601b to 608b are reference numbers that are assumed to be replaced for each part. Here, when the component count value exceeds the life count value, the portion of the corresponding component is displayed in bold or underlined state as shown by 603 to 603a (FIG. 7A). And it makes it easy for a user, a serviceman, etc. to recognize that there are parts to be replaced.
[0063]
FIG. 7B is a screen displayed when an item of a part to be replaced is selected. The item of the selected part is displayed like black and white reversal so that it is easy to understand that the item is selected. Here, an example in which the component 603 is selected is shown.
[0064]
A previous screen button 609 is used when returning to the previous screen in the list. In FIG. 7, since there is no previous list, it is displayed lightly and there is no reaction even if it is pressed. Reference numeral 610 denotes a next screen button which is pressed when it is desired to display a list of parts from 601 to 608 and thereafter. Reference numeral 611 denotes a clear button. When this button is pressed, a count clear process, which will be described later, is executed for the counter of the selected item that is displayed in black and white inversion. Reference numeral 612 denotes an OK button. When this button is pressed, the parts counter screen is closed and the screen returns to the service mode basic screen of FIG.
[0065]
Next, processing when the clear button 611 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed will be described. FIG. 9 is a screen displayed when the clear button 611 is pressed. In FIG. 9, when the clear button 611 is pressed, the state of the replacement target part in the selected part is selected and input. The state input may be made by selecting a key in the operation unit or by touching the display screen.
[0066]
Reference numerals 701 to 705 denote setting buttons for setting the level of wear of the parts. When the buttons are pressed, only the pressed button is displayed in black and white reversed to indicate that it has been selected. In FIG. 9, 702 B is selected. The user or serviceman measures how many millimeters the pickup roller is shaved, and accordingly, A is 1 mm or less, B is 1-2 mm, C is 2-3 mm, C is 3 mm or more. If so, select D. This number varies depending on the part. Here, in general, switching to the range of C is a good balance between functional and cost. E is selected at the time of replacement at the time of an individual failure. This is selected, for example, when a motor component is damaged for some reason.
[0067]
Reference numeral 706 denotes an OK button. When 706 is pressed, the counter value is cleared (zero). Then, the counter clear process ends. The screen at this time is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the counter of the big-up roller 3 selected in FIG. 7 is cleared. Reference numeral 707 denotes a cancel button. When this button is pressed, nothing is processed and the screen returns to the service mode basic screen of FIG.
[0068]
Next, the processing when the OK key 706 is pressed in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for changing the lifetime value of the component according to the first embodiment. This process is executed by controlling the CPU based on a predetermined program.
[0069]
First, when the OK key 706 is pressed, the processing of this flowchart is started (S801). At this time, a plurality of candidates indicating the stage of component consumption status are displayed on the display unit. At that time, the user or the service person is allowed to select one from a plurality of candidates. Then, it is determined which of the buttons A to E (701 to 705 in FIG. 9) is selected (S802).
[0070]
If it is determined in step S802 that the selected symbol is E, it is determined that the current replacement is due to an individual failure not related to the life, and the life count value is not changed, and the process proceeds to step S808. move on. Then, the count is cleared and the process ends.
[0071]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that A to D have been selected, the process proceeds to steps S803 to S806, respectively. Then, the value a used in the calculation of the replacement life value (a count value indicating the replacement time of the part) is determined. For A, a = 1.5 (S803), for B, a = 1.2 (S804), for C, a = 1 (S805), and for D, a = 0.8 (S806). The process proceeds to step S807.
[0072]
In step S807, a new lifetime value is determined and set using the value a determined in steps S803 to S806. The new lifetime value is calculated based on the lifetime value set before the replacement of the component, a obtained in any one of S803 to S806, and the count value when the component is replaced. The calculation formula is shown in S807 of FIG. For example, when the pickup roller 3 in FIG. 7 is selected, OK is pressed, and B in FIG. 9 is further selected, the new life value is newly set as 44740 by calculating (40000 + 1.2 * 41234) / 2. Is done. By doing so, the life count value is suitable for the usage and environment specific to the model depending on the state of the parts in the machine at the time of replacement. When step S807 ends, the process proceeds to step S808, where the counter is cleared and the process ends.
[0073]
FIG. 11 is a screen of the operation part of the software component counter after the processing of FIG. 10 is finished. It can be seen that the count value of the pickup roller 3 is changed to 0, and the life count value is changed to the value calculated above.
[0074]
In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 10, a new lifetime value is calculated from the lifetime value before component replacement, the count value at the time of component replacement, and the degree of wear at the time of component replacement. May be calculated from the life value before replacement of parts and the degree of wear. Furthermore, the new lifetime value may be calculated using a memory table or the like from the wear level at the time of component replacement and the count value at the time of component replacement. In this embodiment, the degree of wear at the time of parts replacement is selected and input from the wear stage candidates A, B, C, D, and E as shown in FIG. It is also possible to perform the determination.
[0075]
[Second Embodiment]
The image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In order to simplify the description, only portions different from the first embodiment will be described in detail. The image forming apparatus management system is a system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers and a host computer (management server) are connected via a communication line (telephone line, LAN, Internet, etc.).
[0076]
In the first embodiment, a new life count value is obtained from the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In the second embodiment, a new life count value is obtained from the management server. The second embodiment will be described below.
[0077]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting the wear level of a component from the image forming apparatus 100 to the management server according to the second embodiment. This process is executed by controlling the CPU based on a predetermined program.
[0078]
First, when the part to be replaced is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 and the OK button 706 is pressed, the screen of FIG. 9 is displayed. Then, the user or service person is made to select the degree of wear of the part to be replaced. The CPU 171 of the image forming apparatus determines which of component consumption levels A to E is selected on the screen of FIG. 9 (S901). If the item E is selected in step S901, this indicates that the part has been replaced regardless of the life of the part, and the host computer (management server) is not notified of the part information. Then, the process proceeds to step S903, the value of the component counter of the corresponding component is cleared, and the process is terminated.
[0079]
On the other hand, if the items A to D are selected in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902. In step 902, the wear level information of parts (the wear level information corresponding to any of A to D) is transmitted to the communication device 410 via the interface unit 403, and finally transmitted to the host computer. At the time of the transmission, the product unique ID for identifying the image forming apparatus, the component type, and the current counter value (component counter value and total counter value) are also transmitted together with the component consumption level information. When step S902 ends, the process proceeds to step S903, and the counter clear process ends.
[0080]
The counter clear processing may be started when the OK button 706 in FIG. 9 is pressed, or automatically when the transmission of the component wear degree information from the image forming apparatus to the host computer is completed. It may be cleared.
[0081]
Next, the host computer side will be described in detail. The parts wear level information, product-specific ID, part type, and counter value transmitted by the image forming apparatus are received by the receiving means of the host computer, and are collectively stored and managed in the storage means in the apparatus.
[0082]
FIG. 12 is a display screen of the host computer on which information on the part A in a plurality of image forming apparatuses is displayed. The screen of FIG. 13 displays a list of information on parts A collected from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0083]
First, reference numerals 1001 to 1008 denote main body IDs (product-specific IDs), which are numbers for identifying the respective image forming apparatuses. Reference numerals 1001a to 1008a denote component count values, which are count values corresponding to the image forming apparatuses 1001 to 1008. Reference numerals 1001b to 1008b denote wear levels of the parts, which are wear levels of the parts corresponding to the image forming apparatuses 1001 to 1008. The main body ID, the component count value, and the wear level of the component are based on the data sent from the image forming apparatus in step S902 in FIG.
[0084]
Reference numerals 1001c to 1008c are calculated lifetime values, which are numerical values obtained by calculating values that are assumed to be the lifetime of the components. This life calculation value is a value calculated from the counter value of the part and the information on the degree of wear of the part. More specifically, for the values of 1001c to 1008c, the calculated life value is calculated by multiplying the counter values 1001a to 1008a by a coefficient corresponding to the degree of wear 1001b to 1008b. Here, the coefficient corresponding to the degree of wear is 2 for the wear degree A, 1.4 for the wear degree B, 1 for the wear degree C, and 0.6 for the wear degree D. It is.
[0085]
As for the calculated lifetime of parts obtained as described above, an average value is obtained among the parts of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The average value is used as an appropriate lifetime value for the part. Usually, the same parts are provided at the same location in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. If most of the replaced parts have a consumption level A, the current replacement time is considered too early. Therefore, if the average value obtained from the calculated life value is used as a threshold value for determining the life by the image forming apparatus, the replacement time can be further delayed, and inadvertent replacement of parts can be prevented. Here, the replacement time is about twice as long.
[0086]
On the other hand, if most of the replaced parts have the wear degree D, it is considered that the current replacement time is late. Therefore, if the average value obtained from the calculated life value is used as a threshold value for determining the life of the image forming apparatus, the replacement time can be advanced, and the user can be prevented from being dissatisfied with the malfunction of the apparatus. .
[0087]
Next, data processing on the host computer side will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing data processing on the host computer side. The processing in FIG. 14 may be periodically automatically processed by the host computer, or the administrator may start the processing at a desired time.
[0088]
Here, on the first day of every month, it is assumed that the processing in FIG. 14 is automatically performed periodically by the host computer for each part. Data processing is started at a predetermined timing (S1101). In step S1102, it is determined whether the number of samples exceeds 100. The number of samples indicates the number of pieces of information on the part A.
[0089]
If the number of samples has not reached 100 in S1102, it is determined that the number of samples is not yet sufficient, and the process is terminated. In step S1103, if the number of samples exceeds 100, the average value of the calculated life values of the parts is calculated. In step S1104, the calculated average value is transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and is set as a new life count value (threshold value) for determining the life of the component. After the new life count value is transmitted to the image forming apparatus side, a series of data processing of the host computer is completed.
[0090]
FIG. 14 is a counter value display screen displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus when the new lifetime value of the component transmitted from the host computer in S1104 of FIG. 12 is set in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 15 is a screen illustrating an example when the life count value of the pickup roller 3 is changed. It can be seen that the life count value has changed (increased) when compared with the screen of FIG. 6 showing the part before replacement (before the counter clear process).
[0091]
In the second embodiment, the component life count value is obtained on the basis of the average value of components of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, but may be obtained for each image forming apparatus.
[0092]
As described above, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the component is described as the conveyance roller. However, the component is not limited to the conveyance roller, and other components constituting the image forming apparatus are used. You may apply.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the storage means for storing the usage of at least one part, the reference value as a reference for the replacement time of the part, the reference value, and the part stored in the storage means And a determination unit that determines the replacement timing of the component based on the comparison result, and an input unit that inputs the consumption level of the component, and the component input by the input unit The reference value is changed on the basis of the degree of wear of the part and the use degree of the part stored in the storage means, so that the life of the part is adjusted to an appropriate value suitable for the actual situation in the market, and the part replacement is appropriately performed. It is possible to execute at appropriate timing.
[0094]
According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system having at least one image forming apparatus and a management server, the storage means for storing the usage of at least one part of the image forming apparatus, and the degree of wear of the part Input means for inputting, information on the usage of the parts stored in the storage means and information on the degree of wear of the parts input by the input means to the management server, and Receiving means for receiving information transmitted by the transmitting means, wherein the management server is transmitted by the transmitting means and received by the receiving means, and information on the usage of the parts and information on the degree of wear of the parts As a result, the life value for determining the life of the part is obtained, so the management server can grasp the replacement time of the part, and it can respond to the actual life state of the part in the market. , It is possible to perform the part replacement at the right time.
[0095]
According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus capable of communicating with the management server, the storage unit that stores the usage of at least one component, the input unit that inputs the consumption level of the component,
Since it has transmission means for transmitting the information on the usage of the parts stored in the storage means and the information on the consumption of the parts inputted by the input means to the management server, It is possible for the management server side to grasp the replacement timing of the parts that have been released, and to replace the parts that are actually performed in the market based on the information.
[0096]
According to the invention, in the management server capable of communicating with at least one image forming apparatus, the first information regarding the usage of at least one part of the image forming apparatus and the second regarding the degree of wear of the part. Information, receiving means for receiving, and processing means for obtaining a life value for judging the life of the component based on the first information and the second information received by the receiving means. It is possible for the management server side to grasp the parts replacement timing performed in the above, and based on this information, it is possible to cause the parts replacement actually performed in the market to be performed at an appropriate timing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit 102 of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram including a control unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image memory unit 105.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the external I / F processing unit 104.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a basic screen of a service mode in the operation unit
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen that displays the counter values of components in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen after counter processing
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen for selecting the degree of wear of parts.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing part life value change processing according to the first embodiment;
11 is a diagram showing a display screen that is displayed after the processing of FIG. 10 is completed.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a transmission process for transmitting the wear level of a component according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a host computer that displays information on a part A according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating data processing of the host computer according to the second embodiment.
15 is a diagram showing a display screen of the image forming apparatus that has received and set the information processed in FIG. 14;
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image forming apparatus
101 Reader part
102 Printer section
103 DF
104 External I / F processor
105 Image memory
170 Image processing unit
171 CPU
176 total counter
177 Parts counter
178 Parts wear level memory
179 Life count memory
410 Communication device
411 Host computer

Claims (10)

Storage means for storing the usage of at least one component;
A reference value serving as a reference for the replacement time of the parts;
A determination unit that compares the reference value and the usage of the component stored in the storage unit, and determines the replacement time of the component based on the comparison result;
Input means for inputting the degree of wear of the parts,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference value is changed based on a consumption level of the component input by the input unit and a usage level of the component stored in the storage unit. Furthermore, it has a display means,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wear level of the component is selected from a plurality of wear level levels displayed on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the reference value is changed, the usage of the component stored in the storage unit is reset. In an image forming apparatus management system having at least one image forming apparatus and a management server,
Storage means for storing the usage of at least one component of the image forming apparatus;
An input means for inputting a degree of wear in the component;
Transmitting means for transmitting, to the management server, information on the degree of use of the part stored in the storage means and information on the degree of wear of the part input by the input means;
Receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmitting means,
The management server obtains a lifetime value for determining the lifetime of the component according to the usage information of the component and the consumption level information of the component transmitted by the transmission unit and received by the receiving unit. A characteristic image forming apparatus management system. Further, the image forming apparatus has a display unit,
5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein the wear level of the component is selected from a plurality of wear level levels displayed on the display means. 5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein the management server obtains the lifetime value based on component information received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses. In an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a management server,
Storage means for storing the usage of at least one component;
An input means for inputting a degree of wear in the component;
An image forming system comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the management server, information on a usage level of the component stored in the storage unit and information on a consumption level of the component input by the input unit. apparatus. Furthermore, it has a display means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the wear level of the component is selected from a plurality of wear level levels displayed on the display unit. In a management server capable of communicating with at least one image forming apparatus,
Receiving means for receiving first information on the usage of at least one component of the image forming apparatus, second information on the consumption of the component, and
A management server comprising processing means for obtaining a life value for judging the life of the component based on the first information and the second information received by the receiving means. The management server according to claim 9, wherein the processing unit obtains the lifetime value based on the first information and the second information received from a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

Images