JP2009169003A - Image forming apparatus and image formation management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To replace components by criteria according to a request of a user. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with: an RFID control part 210 which acquires use history information corresponding to use history of a replaceable substitute component or a unit including the substitute component; a nonvolatile memory 150 which stores a plurality of thresholds of the use history information for judging whether or not the substitute component or the unit including the substitute component is at a state to be an object for replacement; an LCD 61 which selects the threshold; an LCD 61 which performs notification; and a control part 110 which judges whether or not the substitute component or the unit including the substitute component is at a state to be the object for replacement based on the acquired use history information and the threshold selected by the LCD 61, and makes the LCD 61 notify the substitute component to be the object for replacement or the unit including the substitute component when it is judged that there is the substitute component to be the object for replacement or the unit including the substitute component. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming management system.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses (including copiers, facsimiles, printers, scanners and their multifunctional multifunction devices) have electrical components (band electrodes, intermediate transfer belts, photosensitive drums, fixing belts, cleaning blades, etc.), and their use. Accordingly, it is configured to include replacement parts such as a developer that gradually wears along with the above. When the image forming apparatus is used, the image forming apparatus grasps the usage status of these parts, predicts and notifies the replacement time, and the user or the like appropriately replenishes and replaces the parts.

  For example, at the time of parts replacement, if the predicted number ≥ life set value is reached or the number of uses ≥ (life set value- 1000), an image forming apparatus that warns the user of a life alarm is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a maintenance system that prepares a plurality of types of contract services having different accuracy in judging the occurrence frequency of jam, image registration, and the like is also disclosed (see Patent Document 2). A criterion for determining the accuracy of trouble occurrence corresponding to each service is set in advance in each image forming apparatus or a maintenance server connected thereto when each customer purchases an image forming apparatus or starts a lease. Then, by comparing the state value in each image forming apparatus and the above-mentioned determination criteria, the time for parts replacement is grasped and maintenance is performed.
JP-A-7-104616 JP 2007-133307 A

  However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the predicted value can be changed, but it is only for the purpose of adjusting the preliminary preparation period for parts replacement. For example, the specifications required for the machine requested by the user, such as image quality performance. The corresponding parts could not be replaced. Also, the predicted value could not be changed by the user. In the invention of Patent Document 2, the criterion for component replacement is based on the accuracy of trouble occurrence and is a fixed value, and thus cannot be changed. This is because, for example, for users who demand high image quality, the parts replacement time is late at the manufacturer's standard timing, and each user could not arbitrarily decide the part replacement time, so it responds to each user's request The parts could not be replaced at the timing.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of exchanging replacement parts according to a criterion according to a user's request.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit that acquires use history information corresponding to a use history of a replaceable replacement part or a unit including the replacement part, and the replacement part or a unit including the replacement part are to be replaced. A storage unit that stores a plurality of threshold values of usage history information that determines whether or not the state is a state, an operation unit that receives an operation input of a threshold value selected from the stored plurality, and a notification unit that performs notification And whether or not the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced based on the acquired use history information and the threshold value selected by the operation unit. A control unit for notifying the notification unit of a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part when it is determined that there is a target replacement part or a unit including the replacement part; Obtaining, the image forming apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, the acquisition unit Based on the acquired usage history information, the threshold value selected by the operation unit and a value within a certain value, it is determined whether there is a replacement part or a unit including a replacement part that is close to replacement, and replacement is near When it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit including the replacement part, the notification unit is notified of the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part that is close to the replacement.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage unit identifies a user level, a user ID, the replacement part permitted to be replaced, or a unit including the replacement part. Information is stored in association with each other, the operation unit receives an operation input of a user ID, and the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, The authentication is performed based on the user ID input by the operation unit, the stored user level corresponding to the authenticated user ID is read, and the stored exchange corresponding to the user level is permitted. The identification information of the part or the unit including the replacement part is read, and the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part to be replaced is determined. , Thereby informing the unit including the replacement part or the replacement part corresponding to the identification information read to the notification portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the threshold is set from at least one of image quality, durability, and cost.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming management system in which at least one image forming apparatus and an external apparatus are connected in communication, a use history corresponding to a use history of a replaceable replacement part or a unit including the replacement part. An acquisition unit for acquiring information, a storage unit for storing a plurality of threshold values of use history information for determining whether or not the replacement part or a unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced, and the stored plurality Based on the operation unit that accepts an operation input of a threshold selected from among the above, a notification unit that performs notification, the acquired use history information, and the threshold selected by the operation unit. It is determined whether or not the unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced, and if it is determined that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, And a control unit for notifying the unit including a replacement part or the replacement part becomes elephants to the notification unit, the image forming management system.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming management system in which at least one of the image forming apparatuses according to the fifth aspect and an external apparatus are connected by communication, the control unit is configured to replace the replacement part to be replaced or the replacement part. When it is determined that there is a unit including a part, a replacement part or replacement that is close to replacement based on the usage history information acquired by the acquisition unit, the threshold selected by the operation unit, and a value within a certain value When it is determined whether there is a unit including a part and it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit including the replacement part, the notification unit Let them know.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming management system in which at least one of the image forming apparatuses according to the fifth aspect and an external device are connected in communication, the storage unit exchanges a user level, a user ID, and a user ID. Is stored in association with the identification information of the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part, the operation unit accepts an operation input of a user ID, and the control unit is a replacement part to be replaced Alternatively, when it is determined that there is a unit including the replacement part, authentication is performed based on a user ID input from the operation unit, and the stored user level corresponding to the authenticated user ID is read. The identification information of the stored replacement part permitted to be replaced corresponding to the user level or the unit including the replacement part is read and the determination is made. Of the units including the replacement part or the replacement part be exchanged, thereby notifying the unit including the replacement part or the replacement part corresponding to the identification information read to the notification portion.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image formation management system according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the threshold value is set from at least one of image quality, durability, and cost.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image formation management system according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the notification unit is installed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the external apparatus.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced according to a determination criterion according to a user's request.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to replace parts based on the determination criteria according to the user's request. Further, replacement parts close to maintenance or a unit including the replacement parts can be replaced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced based on a determination criterion according to a user's request. In addition, it is possible to prompt replacement of replacement parts that are permitted to be replaced for each user level.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced based on a criterion according to a user's request. In addition, the user can arbitrarily set a maintenance criterion from the viewpoint of image quality, durability, and cost.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced according to the determination criteria according to the user's request.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced based on a determination criterion according to a user request. Further, replacement parts close to maintenance or a unit including the replacement parts can be replaced.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced according to a criterion according to a user request. In addition, it is possible to prompt replacement of replacement parts that are permitted to be replaced for each user level.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced according to a determination criterion according to a user's request. In addition, the user can arbitrarily set a maintenance criterion from the viewpoint of image quality, durability, and cost.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, replacement parts can be replaced based on a criterion according to a user request.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Further, the present embodiment represents the most preferable embodiment of the invention, and the use and terms of the invention are not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the color copying machine 1 is used as an image forming apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus having at least a color or monochrome image forming function such as a printer may be used.

  First, the configuration of the color copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration of the color copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the color copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the color copying machine 1 includes an image forming unit 10, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 22, a scanner unit 27, a transfer unit 20, a fixing device 30, and a paper feeding / conveying unit 40. .

  The image forming unit 10 includes a plurality of sets of image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The image forming unit 10Y that forms a yellow (Y) image includes an exposure unit 1Y, a photosensitive drum 2Y as an image forming member, a developing device 3Y, an image forming member cleaning unit 4Y, a band electrode 5Y, and the like. The exposure unit 1Y scans a light beam (laser beam) on the photosensitive drum 2Y charged by the band electrode 5Y. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y by the laser light projected from the exposure unit 1Y. The developing device 3Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2Y with Y-color toner. The image forming body cleaning unit 4Y cleans the transfer residual toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y.

  An image forming unit 10M that forms a magenta (M) color image includes an exposure unit 1M, a photosensitive drum 2M, a developing device 3M, an image forming member cleaning unit 4M, a band electrode 5M, and the like. The image forming unit 10C that forms a cyan (C) color image includes an exposure unit 1C, a photosensitive drum 2C, a developing device 3C, an image forming member cleaning unit 4C, a band electrode 5C, and the like. The image forming unit 10K that forms a black (K) image includes an exposure unit 1K, a photosensitive drum 2K, a developing device 3K, an image forming unit cleaning unit 4K, a band electrode 5K, and the like. The image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K also perform image formation in the same process as the image forming unit 10Y.

  The scanner unit 27 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) 23. The ADF 22 conveys the document g placed on the document table. The scanner unit 27 reads the original g conveyed by the ADF 22 and photoelectrically converts it by the CCD 23 to obtain image data. The image data read by the scanner unit 27 is subjected to various types of image processing and then output to the image forming unit 10 as image forming data.

  The transfer unit 20 includes an intermediate transfer belt 20B, primary transfer rollers 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K, a secondary transfer roller 20S, and the like. When the intermediate transfer belt 20B rotates, the images formed by the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are sequentially transferred onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 20B by the primary transfer rollers 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. (Primary transfer) is performed to form a color image (color toner image) in which the respective colors are combined. When the recording paper P is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 20S, the transfer unit 20 causes the secondary transfer roller 20S to transfer the color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20B to one side (on the recording paper P) ( Transfer (secondary transfer) all at once on the surface.

  The fixing device 30 includes a fixing belt 30A and the like. The fixing device 30 performs a heat fixing process on the recording paper P on which the color toner image is transferred, and fixes the color toner image on the recording paper P.

  The paper feeding / conveying unit 40 includes a circulation paper passing path 40A, a reverse conveying path 40B, and a re-feeding conveying part 40C. When the back side image is formed, the recording paper P discharged from the fixing device 30 passes through the circulation paper path 40A and reaches the reverse conveyance path 40B, and the rotation direction of the rotation roller of the reverse conveyance path 40B is reversed, and the recording paper P is conveyed to the re-feed conveyance unit 40C. When the recording paper P passes through the refeed conveyance section 40C, the fixed surface (front surface) is on the upper side. The recording paper P that has passed through the refeed conveyance section 40C is reversed by the paper feed roller 50 and is conveyed again to the secondary transfer roller 20S, and a color image is formed on the other surface (back surface) of the recording paper P. It will be batch transferred.

  In this embodiment, the electrophotographic image is formed. However, the image forming method is not limited to this, and an ink jet method, a thermal transfer method, a dot impact method, or the like may be used.

  Next, a circuit configuration including a control configuration of the color copying machine 1 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main configuration of the color copying machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the color copying machine 1 includes a scanner unit 27, an ADF 22, an operation display unit 60, a printer unit 70, an RFID control unit 210, a post-processing unit 90, a print controller unit 80, and a main body control unit 100. ing.

  The scanner unit 27 includes a CCD 23 and an image reading control unit 24. In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, the ADF control unit 21 drives the ADF 22, and the image reading control unit 24 controls the scanner unit 27 so that the ADF 22 performs optical scanning of the document surface, and reads the read analog image signal. The data is output to the reading processing unit 160 of the main body control unit 100.

  The operation display unit 60 includes a touch panel integrated with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 61 serving as a notification unit, various function keys (not shown), and an operation unit control unit 62. The operation unit control unit 62 outputs an operation signal input through various function keys or a touch panel to the control unit 110. Further, the operation unit control unit 62 causes the LCD 61 to display various operation screens, various processing results, and the like in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110.

  The printer unit 70 includes an image forming unit 10, a printer control unit 71, and various parts (not shown) necessary for image formation. The printer control unit 71 controls the image forming unit 10 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, and forms an image in the image forming unit 10 based on the image data input from the writing processing unit 200 during image formation. Let it be done.

  Further, the image forming unit 10 is provided with tags 11 to 16 as acquisition units attached to each replacement part. Tags 11 to 16 are wireless IC tags, each having an identification symbol for identifying each replacement part, an IC chip for storing the number of times the replacement part is used (= number of prints), and a coil for performing wireless communication. The data stored in the IC chip is transmitted to and received from the RFID antenna units 311 to 316. Note that the number of prints stored in the IC chip of the tag is updated (incremented) according to the print operation of the image forming unit 10.

  In the present embodiment, the tags 11 to 16 include the belt electrode 5Y, the intermediate transfer belt 20B, the photosensitive drum 2Y, the fixing belt 30A, the developer in the developing device 3Y (not shown), and the image forming body. It is assumed that the cleaning blades in the cleaning unit 4Y are installed corresponding to the cleaning blades in order, and the illustration and the operation will be described. Actually, similarly, the belt electrodes 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, the developer in the developing devices 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, and the image forming body cleaning units 4Y, 4M, and 4C. It is assumed that tags are also installed on the 4K cleaning blade, and an RFID antenna unit and an antenna drive circuit are provided corresponding to these tags. However, for the same operation, illustration and description of the operation are omitted.

  Note that the developer in the developing devices 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K to be replaced is a developer in the two-component electrostatic recording method, and is different from the toner.

  The RFID control unit 210 includes a sub control unit 217 and antenna drive circuits 211 to 216. The sub-control unit 217 controls the antenna drive circuits 211 to 216 according to instructions from the control unit 110 and transmits / receives data to / from the tags 11 to 16 via the RFID antenna units 311 to 316.

  The post-processing unit 90 includes various post-processing units (not shown) and a post-processing device control unit 91. The post-processing device control unit 91 controls various post-processing units so as to perform various post-processings on the image-formed recording paper P output from the printer unit 70 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110.

  The print controller unit 80 is connected to the DRAM control IC 180 of the main body control unit 100 via a PCI bus, and an external device 85 such as a PC (Personal Computer) as a user terminal on a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). A function of distributing output data such as image data input from the computer to the main body control unit 100 as a job is realized.

  The main body control unit 100 includes a control unit 110, a program memory 130, a system memory (RAM) 140, a nonvolatile memory 150 as a storage unit, a reading processing unit 160, a compression / decompression IC 170, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 180, a compression An image memory (DRAM) 190 including a memory 191 and a page memory 192 and a writing processing unit 200 are provided.

  The control unit 110 is constituted by a CPU and centrally controls each unit of the color copying machine 1. A program designated from the system program and various application programs stored in the program memory 130 is read out and appropriately expanded in the system memory 140, and various processes are executed in cooperation with the expanded program. Accordingly, the image reading control unit 24, the ADF control unit 21, the operation unit control unit 62, the printer control unit 71, the sub control unit 217, and the post-processing device control unit 91 connected to the control unit 110 are centrally controlled. It is like that.

  The program memory 130 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores various processing programs to be executed in the color copying machine 1. The program memory 130 stores an exchange timing table storage program in an exchange timing table storage process, which will be described later, and a part replacement confirmation program in a part replacement confirmation process.

  The system memory 140 is a memory that temporarily stores information read from the program memory 130, data related to these programs, job data, parameters, etc., and serves as a work area for developing various programs and data. Function.

  As the nonvolatile memory 150, a flash memory or the like is used.

  The reading processing unit 160 performs various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the CCD 23 of the scanner unit 27 to generate digital image data. The generated digital image data is output to the compression / decompression IC 170 via the DRAM control IC 180.

  The compression / decompression IC 170 performs compression processing on the digital image data input from the reading processing unit 160 or the print controller unit 80 under the control of the DRAM control IC 180. Further, decompression processing is performed on the input compressed image data.

  The DRAM control IC 180 controls digital image data compression processing and compression image data decompression processing by the compression / decompression IC 170 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 190. For example, when the control unit 110 instructs to store digital image data read by the scanner unit 27 and A / D converted by the reading processing unit 160, the DRAM control IC compresses / decompresses 180 digital image data compression processing. The compressed image data is stored in the compression memory 191 of the image memory 190 by being executed by the IC 170. When the control unit 110 instructs to print out the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 191, the DRAM control IC 180 reads the compressed image data from the compression memory 191, performs decompression processing by the compression / decompression IC 170, and outputs the page. It is stored in the memory 192. Further, when the control unit 110 instructs to print out the uncompressed image data stored in the page memory 192, the DRAM control IC 180 reads out the uncompressed image data from the page memory 192 and outputs it to the write processing unit 200. .

  The image memory 190 includes a compression memory 191 such as a DRAM and a page memory 192. The compression memory 191 is a memory for storing compressed image data. The page memory 192 is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed before printing.

  The write processing unit 200 generates print data for image formation based on the non-compressed image data input from the DRAM control IC 180 and outputs the print data to the printer unit 70 (image forming unit 10).

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. As a premise of the operation description, a program for realizing each process described in the following flowchart is stored in the program memory 130 in the form of a computer readable program code, and the control unit 110 stores the program code. The operation according to is executed sequentially. In addition, the control unit 110 can sequentially execute operations unique to the present embodiment by using a program and data supplied from the outside via a transmission medium.

(Exchange timing table storage process)
First, the replacement timing table storage process will be described. As a premise of the description, a mode selection screen 53 is shown in FIG. On the mode selection screen 53 displayed on the LCD 61, an operation input for selecting each mode is performed by the user. Note that the high image quality maintenance mode, the standard mode, and the long life mode shown in the mode selection screen 53 correspond to the user settings 1, 2, 3, and the replacement timing tables 1, 2, 3, respectively in FIG. . In the high image quality maintenance mode, the timing of the replacement part is set short, and the image quality deterioration criterion can be increased to maintain the high image quality. In the long life mode, the timing of replacement parts is set to be long, and it is possible to lengthen the part replacement cycle by lowering the image quality degradation criterion. In the standard mode, the replacement part timing is set to the manufacturer standard value.

  Here, FIG. 5 shows a component replacement timing table 51, which is an example of data storage of component replacement timing corresponding to the replacement timing table. The replacement timing tables 1, 2, and 3 in FIG. 3 correspond to the replacement timing tables 1, 2, and 3 in the component replacement timing table 51, respectively. The component replacement timing table 51 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 150. Here, the developer, the belt electrode, the intermediate transfer belt, the photoconductor, the fixing belt, and the cleaning blade, which are parts to be replaced, include the developer in the developing device 3Y (not shown) in FIG. The electrodes 5Y, the intermediate transfer belt 20B, the photosensitive drum 2Y, the fixing belt 30A, and the cleaning blade in the image forming body cleaning unit 4Y (not shown) are respectively corresponded in order, and the tags 11 to 16 in FIG. Also, it is assumed that the parts to be replaced are installed in order.

  Details of the replacement timing of each component in the component replacement timing table 51 will be described. For example, if the manufacturer standard value for the developer replacement timing is x sheets, when the replacement timing table 1 (high image quality maintenance mode) is selected (0.7 × x) sheets, the replacement timing table 2 ( When the standard mode) is selected, the developer replacement timing is when x sheets are printed, and when the replacement timing table 3 (long life mode) is selected (1.1 × x) sheets are printed. . The reference value x is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 150.

  Hereinafter, the replacement timing table storage process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The replacement timing table storage process is performed by the control unit 110 and the replacement timing table storage program read from the program memory 130 and appropriately expanded in the system memory 140, triggered by the selection operation of each mode by the user. Performed by collaboration.

  First, each mode is set based on information input by touching the mode selection screen 53 displayed on the LCD 61 of the operation display unit 60 by the user (step S300). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not user setting 1 (high image quality maintenance mode) is selected in the mode selection input in step S300 (step S301). If it is selected (step S301; YES), the replacement timing table 1 is selected and then stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 (step S302), and the replacement timing table storage process ends. If it is not selected (step S301; NO), it is determined whether or not the user setting 2 (standard mode) is selected (step S303). When the user setting 2 is selected (step S303; YES), the replacement timing table 2 is selected and then stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 (step S304), and the replacement timing table storage process is terminated. If not selected (step S303; NO), the user setting 3 is confirmed (step S305), the replacement timing table 3 is selected and stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 (step S306), and the replacement timing table storage process is performed. finish.

(Parts replacement confirmation process)
Next, the component replacement confirmation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The component replacement confirmation process is a collaboration between the control unit 110 and the component replacement confirmation program that is read from the program memory 130 and appropriately developed in the system memory 140, triggered by printing performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like. Is executed. The component replacement confirmation program may always be executed periodically.

  First, when printing is performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like, the current use count (number of prints) of each replacement part stored in the tag installed in each replacement part in the part replacement timing table 51 is acquired. Next, based on the component replacement timing table 51 and x, which is a manufacturer standard value of the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 150, the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component. The threshold value is calculated. Thereafter, the number of times of use of each replacement part (number of printed sheets) is compared with the threshold value of the number of times of use indicating the replacement timing of each part to determine whether there is a part that has reached the replacement timing (step S601). If there is no replacement timing reaching part (step S601; NO), the part replacement confirmation process is terminated. If there is a part that has reached the replacement timing (step S601; YES), a message prompting replacement is displayed on the LCD 61 (step S602), and the part replacement confirmation process ends. If there is a replacement timing reaching part, the user replaces the replacement timing reaching part displayed on the LCD 61 in step S602.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the replacement timing table storage process and the part replacement confirmation process, the replacement timing table corresponding to the mode selected in advance by the user is stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 and is printed each time printing is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a replacement timing reaching part with respect to the stored replacement timing table. If there is a replacement timing reaching part, a message prompting replacement is displayed on the LCD 61. For this reason, maintenance according to the timing requested by each user can be realized, and parts can be replaced according to the determination criteria according to the user's request.

(First modification)
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. As a modification, the latest replacement part search process will be described. As a premise for explanation, the latest replacement part search function described in FIG. 7 is a function for searching whether there is a part that has not yet reached the replacement timing but has a close replacement timing (nearest replacement part). Further, the most recent range in FIG. 7 is a value indicating how long the replacement part will reach the replacement timing, and is determined by the remaining number of prints until the replacement timing is reached. The specification of whether or not to enable the latest replacement parts search function and the specification of the parameters in the latest range are performed in advance when a setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 61 and the user inputs an operation. To do. The apparatus configuration will be described with the color copying machine 1 as in the above embodiment. However, it is assumed that the latest replacement part search program is stored in the program memory 130 instead of the part replacement confirmation program.

  Hereinafter, the latest replacement part search process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The latest replacement part search process is performed by the control part 110 and the latest replacement part search program read from the program memory 130 and appropriately developed in the system memory 140, triggered by printing performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like. Performed by collaboration. The latest replacement part search program may be executed periodically at all times. In this modification, the replacement timing table storage process is first performed as in the above embodiment, but the description is omitted for the same operation.

  Now, when printing is performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like, the current use count (number of prints) of each replacement part stored in a tag installed in each replacement part in the part replacement timing table 51 is acquired. Next, based on the component replacement timing table 51 and x, which is a manufacturer standard value of the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 150, the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component. The threshold value is calculated. Thereafter, the number of times of use of each replacement part (number of printed sheets) is compared with the threshold value of the number of times of use indicating the replacement timing of each part to determine whether there is a part that has reached the replacement timing (step S701). If there is no replacement timing reaching part (step S701; NO), the latest replacement part search process ends. If there is a replacement timing reaching part (step S701; YES), it is determined whether or not the latest replacement part search function is valid (step S702).

  If the latest replacement part search function is valid (step S702; YES), the latest replacement part is searched according to the latest range specification (step S703), and then the replacement target part is determined (step S704). In step S703, if there is a latest replacement part, the replacement part determined in step S704 includes the latest replacement part. Even when the latest replacement part search function is invalid (step S702; NO), the process proceeds to step S704. In this case, even if there is a recent replacement part, the latest replacement part search function is invalid, and therefore the replacement target part determined in step S704 does not include the latest replacement part. Thereafter, the replacement target part determined in step S705 is displayed on the LCD 61 (step S705), and the latest replacement part search process ends. If there is a replacement target part, the user replaces the replacement target part displayed on the LCD 61 in step S705.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the replacement timing table corresponding to the mode selected in advance by the user is stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 by the replacement timing table storage process, and is stored every time printing is performed. It is determined whether there is a replacement timing reaching part for the table. If there is a replacement timing arrival part, it is determined whether the latest replacement part search function is valid. If it is set to be effective and there is an immediate replacement part, the replacement part reaching the replacement timing arrival part is included. A message prompting replacement is also displayed on the LCD 61. For this reason, as in the above-described embodiment, parts can be exchanged according to the determination criteria according to the user's request, and the exchange timing reaching part and the nearest exchange part can be exchanged together.

(Second modification)
Next, a second modification will be described. As a modification, a component replacement confirmation process according to the user level will be described. As a premise for explanation, FIG. 10 shows an authentication data storage table 54 representing the relationship between the user ID and the user level. First, a user's touch input to the LCD 61 in the operation display unit 60 is used to input a parameter for associating a user ID with a user level. Thereafter, an authentication data storage table 54 in which the user ID and the user level are associated is generated and stored in the nonvolatile memory 150. FIG. 9 shows a part replacement permission table 52 representing the relationship between the user level and the parts to be replaced. The parts replacement permission table 52 includes identification information of parts permitted to be replaced for each user level, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 150. The apparatus configuration will be described with the color copying machine 1 as in the above embodiment. However, it is assumed that a part replacement confirmation program corresponding to the user level is stored in the program memory 130 instead of the part replacement confirmation program.

  Hereinafter, the component replacement confirmation process according to the user level will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The component replacement confirmation process according to the user level is triggered by the fact that printing has been performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like, and the component replacement according to the user level read from the program memory 130 and appropriately developed in the system memory 140 It is executed in cooperation with the confirmation program and the control unit 110. The parts replacement confirmation program corresponding to the user level may be executed periodically at all times. In this modification, the replacement timing table storage process is first performed as in the above embodiment, but the description is omitted for the same operation.

  Now, when printing is performed by the image forming unit 10 or the like, the current use count (number of prints) of each replacement part stored in a tag installed in each replacement part in the part replacement timing table 51 is acquired. Next, based on the component replacement timing table 51 and x, which is a manufacturer standard value of the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 150, the number of uses indicating the replacement timing of each component. The threshold value is calculated. Thereafter, the number of times of use of each replacement part (number of printed sheets) is compared with the threshold value of the number of times of use indicating the replacement timing of each part, and it is confirmed whether there is a part that has reached the replacement timing (step S801). If there is no replacement timing reaching part (step S801; NO), the part replacement confirmation process according to the user level is completed. If there is a replacement timing reaching part (step S801; YES), an authentication screen is displayed on the LCD 61 (not shown), and a user ID and password are input by the user via the various keys of the operation display unit 60 or the LCD. Authentication is performed based on the user ID and password (step S802).

  Thereafter, in the authentication data storage table 54, the user level corresponding to the user ID authenticated in step S802 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the user level 1 is selected (step S803). If it has been selected (step S803; YES), the parts replacement permission table 52 is referred to and the LCD 61 is replaced with the replacement timing arrival part identified in step S801 corresponding to the user level 1 replacement target part. A prompt message is displayed (step S804), and the part replacement confirmation process according to the user level is completed.

  When the user level 1 is not selected (step S803; NO), it is determined whether the user level 2 is selected (step S805). If it is selected (step S805; YES), the parts replacement permission table 52 is referred to and the LCD 61 is exchanged for the parts that have reached the replacement timing identified in step S801 corresponding to the parts to be replaced at the user level 2. A prompt message is displayed (step S806), and the part replacement confirmation process corresponding to the user level is completed. If not selected (step S805; NO), the user level 3 is determined (step S807), the parts replacement permission table 52 is referred to, and is identified in step S801 corresponding to the replacement target part of the user level 3. A message prompting replacement is displayed on the LCD 61 for the replacement timing reaching part (step S808), and the part replacement confirmation process corresponding to the user level is completed. The user replaces the parts to be replaced that are permitted according to the user level displayed on the LCD 61 in step S804, step S806, or step S808.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the replacement timing table corresponding to the mode selected in advance by the user is stored in the nonvolatile memory 150 by the replacement timing table storage process, and stored every time printing is performed. On the other hand, it is determined whether there is a replacement timing reaching part. If there is a replacement timing reaching component, user authentication is performed, and a message prompting replacement is displayed on the LCD 61 for the replacement timing reaching component corresponding to the replacement target component corresponding to the authenticated user level. For this reason, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to replace parts according to the determination criteria according to the user's request, and it is possible to prompt replacement of parts to be replaced that are permitted to be replaced for each user level. .

  Note that this embodiment is a preferred example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present embodiment, the tags 11 to 16 are installed for each replacement part, but it is also possible to install a tag for each unit including a developer, a band electrode, a photoconductor, a cleaning blade, and the like. Here, the unit is a structural unit including at least one replacement part, and all replacement parts included in the unit are replaced together. In the present embodiment, each mode is set from the viewpoint of image quality and durability. However, for example, it is possible to set from the viewpoint of the cost required for maintenance of a replacement part or a unit made of the replacement part. . For example, even if the same part is used, if the threshold value for the number of times of use is increased, it will continue to be used for a long time, thus reducing the cost.

  In addition, the tags 11 to 16 are used to acquire the number of times that the replacement part is used. However, any tag having a function of acquiring replacement part usage history information may be used, and the installation location of the replacement part is associated with use of the image forming apparatus. There is no particular limitation as long as it is a part that needs to be replaced. In the present embodiment, the use history information is the number of times the replacement part is used. However, the use history information is not limited to the use count, and for example, the remaining capacity such as toner may be considered as the use history information.

  In addition, a message to the user can be displayed on an external device such as the external device 85 during parts replacement or various settings, and is not limited to the LCD 61 of the color copying machine 1. In this embodiment, when a message is transmitted to the user, characters displayed on the LCD 61 are used. However, the present invention is not limited to only characters as long as it has a function capable of transmitting a message, such as voice. . As shown in the conceptual diagram of the connection between the color copying machine 1 and the external device 85 shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to connect the color copying machine 1 to the external device and inform the service person that the parts need to be replaced. It is also possible to store part replacement timing data shown in the part replacement timing table 51 in an external device or to change data on the external device side.

  Further, the operation input by the user such as mode selection, user authentication, and user level selection operation is not limited to the LCD 61 but can be input from the external device 85, for example.

  Further, in the conceptual diagram of the connection between the color copying machine 1 and the external device 85 shown in FIG. 11, the color copying machine 1 and the external device 85 are connected one by one, but the connection between the external device 85 and the color copying machine 1 is connected. The number to be formed is not particularly limited, and a system can be formed by connecting a plurality of devices. In this embodiment, the color copying machine 1 is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus is not particularly limited as long as it has a monochrome printing function.

  Further, the configuration of the above-described embodiment or modification may be applied to replacement parts such as a bookbinding apparatus.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color copying machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a color copying machine. It is a flowchart which shows an exchange timing table storage process. It is a figure which shows a mode selection screen. It is a figure which shows a components replacement | exchange timing table. It is a flowchart which shows a component replacement confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows the latest replacement parts search process. It is a flowchart which shows the components replacement | exchange confirmation process according to a user level. It is a figure which shows a components replacement | exchange permission table. It is a figure which shows an authentication data storage table. It is a conceptual diagram of a color copying machine and external device connection.

Explanation of symbols

1 Color copier 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Exposure unit 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Photosensitive drum 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K Developing device 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K Image forming body cleaning unit 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K band electrode 10, 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming unit 11-16 Tag 20 Transfer unit 20B Intermediate transfer belt 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Primary transfer roller 20S Secondary transfer roller 21 ADF control unit 22 ADF
23 CCD
24 Image reading control unit 27 Scanner unit 30 Fixing device 30A Fixing belt 40 Paper feed conveyance unit 40A Circulating paper path 40B Reverse conveyance path 40C Refeed conveyance unit 50 Paper feed roller 60 Operation display unit 61 LCD
62 Operation unit control unit 70 Printer unit 71 Printer control unit 80 Print controller unit 85 External device 90 Post-processing unit 91 Post-processing device control unit 100 Main body control unit 110 Control unit 130 Program memory 140 System memory 150 Non-volatile memory 160 Reading processing unit 170 Compression / decompression IC
180 DRAM control IC
190 Image memory 191 Compression memory 192 Page memory 200 Write processing unit 210 RFID control units 211 to 216 Antenna drive circuit 217 Sub control units 311 to 316 RFID antenna unit P Recording paper g Original

Claims (9)

An acquisition unit that acquires use history information corresponding to a use history of a replaceable replacement part or a unit including the replacement part;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of threshold values of use history information for determining whether or not the replacement part or a unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced;
An operation unit for accepting an operation input of a threshold value selected from the plurality of stored data;
An informing unit for informing;
Based on the acquired usage history information and the threshold value selected by the operation unit, it is determined whether the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced, and When it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit including the replacement part, a control unit that notifies the notification unit of a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part;
An image forming apparatus.   When the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, the use history information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the threshold selected by the operation unit and within a certain value If there is a replacement part or a unit including a replacement part that is near replacement, and if it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit that includes the replacement part, the replacement The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is notified of a nearby replacement part or a unit including the replacement part. The storage unit stores a user level, a user ID, and identification information of the replacement part permitted to be replaced or the unit including the replacement part in association with each other,
The operation unit accepts an operation input of a user ID,
When the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, the control unit performs authentication based on a user ID input from the operation unit, and determines the authenticated user ID. The corresponding stored user level is read, the stored replacement part permitted to be replaced corresponding to the user level or the identification information of the unit including the replacement part is read, and the determined replacement target The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is notified of the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part corresponding to the read identification information among the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is set from at least one of image quality, durability, and cost. In an image formation management system in which at least one image forming apparatus and an external apparatus are connected by communication,
An acquisition unit that acquires use history information corresponding to a use history of a replaceable replacement part or a unit including the replacement part;
A storage unit for storing a plurality of threshold values of use history information for determining whether or not the replacement part or a unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced;
An operation unit for accepting an operation input of a threshold value selected from the plurality of stored data;
An informing unit for informing;
Based on the acquired usage history information and the threshold value selected by the operation unit, it is determined whether the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part is in a state to be replaced, and When it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit including the replacement part, a control unit that notifies the notification unit of a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part;
An image formation management system comprising:   When the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, the use history information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the threshold selected by the operation unit and within a certain value If there is a replacement part or a unit including a replacement part that is near replacement, and if it is determined that there is a replacement part or a unit that includes the replacement part, the replacement The image forming management system according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit is notified of a nearby replacement part or a unit including the replacement part. The storage unit stores a user level, a user ID, and identification information of the replacement part permitted to be replaced or the unit including the replacement part in association with each other,
The operation unit accepts an operation input of a user ID,
When the control unit determines that there is a replacement part to be replaced or a unit including the replacement part, the control unit performs authentication based on a user ID input from the operation unit, and determines the authenticated user ID. The corresponding stored user level is read, the stored replacement part permitted to be replaced corresponding to the user level or the identification information of the unit including the replacement part is read, and the determined replacement target The image forming management system according to claim 5, wherein, of the replacement part or the unit including the replacement part, the notification unit is notified of the replacement part corresponding to the read identification information or the unit including the replacement part.   The image forming management system according to claim 5, wherein the threshold is set from at least one of image quality, durability, and cost.   The image forming management system according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit is installed in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the external apparatus.

Images