JP2009271114A - Management method for consumable articles, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively use consumable articles compared to a conventional accompanying control and to suppress costs of the consumable articles from being raised. <P>SOLUTION: The management method for a plurality of consumable articles attached so as to be replaceable includes: presetting a near life expiration and a life expiration for each of the consumable articles, the near-life expiration being a state in which the expiration of the life is near and the life expiration being the state in which the life has expired (#11); outputting, when detecting the life expiration of any of the consumable articles (#13), a replacement request for this consumable article (#14); simultaneously outputting a replacement request if near life expiration detected in any of the other consumable article at the time is shorter in a period from the near life expiration to the life expiration than the one whose life expiration has been detected (#15, 17 and 18), whereas outputting no replacement request for the consumable article whose life expiration in the period from the near life expiration to the life expiration is longer than the consumable article whose life expiration has been detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management method for a plurality of consumables attached in an image forming apparatus or the like in a replaceable manner, and an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, multifunction peripherals or multi-function machines called MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) include photosensitive members, exposure devices, charging devices, developing devices, Various members and devices for an electrophotographic process such as a transfer device, a fixing device, and a cleaning device are provided. Since the performance of these members and devices deteriorates with use, many of them are treated as consumables, and are replaced with new ones when they reach the end of their lives. That is, when these consumables are used for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time, a “replacement request” indicating that replacement is necessary is displayed on the operation panel or the like (Patent Document 1). The user or service person views the displayed “replacement request” and replaces the member or device.

  Conventionally, so-called “government control” has been performed as a consumable management method. “Guide control” means that when a consumable item enters the life state, which is the end of its life, a “replacement request” for that consumable item is output (displayed), and at that time the life is near This is a control method for outputting a “replacement request” at the same time for other consumables in which a near-life state is detected.

Also, based on the operation results of consumables and the end-of-life index value, it is determined whether or not the consumables need to be replaced. An image forming apparatus that transmits signals to the outside has also been proposed (Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-89625 A JP2007-155752A

  In the conventional companion control, the image forming apparatus is usually implemented by a combination of an imaging unit (IU), a fixing unit, and a transfer unit. In other words, when these IU, fixing unit, and transfer unit are in a set, and one of the sets is in the life state, if there are those that are in the near life state in the remaining two, include that At the same time, an “exchange request” is output.

  However, in the case of these combinations, the period from the near life state to the life state is longer for the fixing unit and the transfer unit than for the IU. In other words, when the IU enters the life state, even if the fixing unit or the transfer unit is in the near life state, the fixing unit or the transfer unit in the near life state is often still in a sufficiently usable state. However, in the past, without taking this point into account, simple companion control was performed uniformly depending on whether it was in a near-life state, so that even a usable one could be replaced uniformly, and therefore it was consumed. There was a possibility of leading to cost increase of goods.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a consumable management method that can make more efficient use of consumables than conventional companion control and can suppress the cost increase of consumables. The purpose is to do.

  A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing a plurality of consumables that are attached in a replaceable manner, and each of the plurality of consumables is in a near-life state and a state in which a life is near. Each life state is set in advance, and when the life state is detected for one of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output, and another consumable for which the near life state is detected at that time For products that have a shorter period from the near life state to the life state than the consumables for which the life state is detected, a replacement request is output at the same time, and the life state is detected from the near life state to the life state. No replacement request is output for items that are longer than consumables.

  As a result, a replacement request is output only for consumables that really need replacement, and the consumables can be used for as long as possible.

  For the consumables other than the consumables that output the replacement request, the remaining life period until reaching the life state is calculated based on the operation results, and the remaining life period is less than the preset threshold value. In such a case, a replacement request is also output for the consumable item.

  In addition, when there is a consumable item for which an abnormality has been detected for a consumable item other than the consumable item that has output the replacement request, the replacement request is also output for the consumable item.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively use consumables as compared with the conventional companion control, and it is possible to suppress the cost increase of consumables.

  1 is a cross-sectional front view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging unit IU, and FIG. 3 is a configuration of a control system 3 of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information for life management and operation performance management, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of the consumable management control method in the life management mode MD1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of the consumables management control method in the life management mode MD1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the consumables management control method in the life management mode MD1 of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 is a digital multi-function peripheral or printer using an electrophotographic system, and has a built-in tandem print engine.

  That is, the image output apparatus 1 includes Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) imaging units IUY, IUM, IUC, and IUK arranged in a row in a tandem format. Yes.

  Referring also to FIG. 2, each of the imaging units IUY, IUM, IUC, and IUK includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging charger 12 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and an electrostatic latent image for each color toner. The developing unit 13 for developing a toner image by developing the toner, the cleaner 15 for scraping and cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the scraped toner as waste toner is discharged to the outside of the imaging unit IU. A toner conveying screw (toner collecting screw) 31 and the like.

  The photosensitive drum 11 is exposed by a laser beam modulated according to image data of each color by an exposure unit 14 provided outside the imaging unit IU, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof. The toner image formed by the development is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the operation of the transfer roller 16 provided at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11.

  In the present specification and drawings, the symbols corresponding to the colors Y, M, C, and K may be suffixed with the symbols Y, M, C, and K, respectively.

  The document image is read by the scanner 21 and necessary processing is performed on the obtained image data, and the laser light of the exposure unit 14 is modulated by the image data. Thus, after each color toner image is formed in each imaging unit IU, the toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is stretched between two rollers on both sides so as to be along the upper portions of the photosensitive drums 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, and travels by the rotation of the rollers.

  The toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 is secondarily transferred onto the recording paper fed from the paper feed cassette 22 by the secondary transfer roller 19. Thereafter, the recording paper is fixed by the fixing unit 23 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 24.

  In addition, in the vicinity of one roller that rotatably supports the intermediate transfer belt 18, a belt cleaner (not shown) that scrapes off toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 18, and toner scraped off by the belt cleaner to the outside as waste toner. A toner conveying screw 33 for discharging is provided.

  As can be seen from the above description, the imaging units IU for each color are unitized, and the apparatus main body 10 can be easily mounted and removed from each mounting location for each color, so that replacement and maintenance are easy. is there. That is, in the image forming apparatus 1, the imaging unit IU is a consumable member (consumable), and is replaced with a new one when its life is shortened by use.

  Each imaging unit IU is provided with a motor for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 11, the developing unit 13, the toner conveying screw 31, and the like, and the operation of each imaging unit IU is performed independently. It is possible.

  The intermediate transfer belt 18 is unitized as a transfer unit TU together with a roller for rotating the belt, a belt cleaner, a toner conveying screw 33, and the like. Therefore, the transfer unit TU can be easily attached to and removed from the apparatus main body 10, and replacement and maintenance are easy. That is, the transfer unit TU is also a consumable member, and is replaced with a new one when its life is shortened by use. The transfer unit TU is provided with a motor for rotationally driving the roller, the toner conveying screw 33, and the like, and can operate independently of other members.

  The fixing unit 23 is also unitized with a fixing roller, a contact / separation mechanism and the like constituting the fixing unit 23 as a fixing unit EU. Therefore, the fixing unit EU can be easily attached to and removed from the apparatus main body 10 and can be easily replaced and maintained. That is, the fixing unit EU is also a consumable member, and is replaced with a new one when its life is shortened by use.

  Other control units SU other than the imaging unit IU, the transfer unit TU, and the fixing unit EU may be provided. Such a control unit SU is also treated as one of the consumable members, and is new if the life is shortened by use. To be exchanged.

  In FIG. 3, the control system 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine control unit 101 that controls image forming means such as an imaging unit IU, and a controller control unit 102 that controls the engine control unit 101. An operation panel 104 is connected to the controller control unit 102.

  The control system 3 includes a CPU, a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and other peripheral elements. The memory stores a computer program for consumable replacement determination processing and other controls. The program is executed by the CPU. Such a computer program or the like can be installed from a CD-ROM, DVS-ROM, semiconductor memory, or other portable recording media 5a, 5b in which the program is recorded. It is also possible to download the program from an appropriate server via the network.

  The engine control unit 101 and the controller control unit 102 are connected by communication interfaces 103a and 103b, and exchange various information or signals necessary for overall control or display of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the consumable item replacement information S1 is sent from the engine control unit 101 to the controller control unit 102 via the communication interface 103a, and the consumable item replacement notification S2 and the setting information S3 are transmitted from the controller control unit 102 to the engine control unit 101 via the communication interface 103b. Will be sent.

  In the control system 3, in particular, for each of a plurality of consumables, a near life state in which the life is near and a life state in which the life has come are set in advance. When a life state is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output. At the same time, for other consumables for which the near-life state is detected at that time, if the period from the near-life state to the life state is shorter than that of the consumable for which the life state is detected, a replacement request is output at the same time. If the period from the state to the life state is longer than that of the consumable with the life state detected, no replacement request is output.

  In addition, about the same thing as the consumable in which the life state was detected from the near life state to the life state, you may control to output a replacement | exchange request | requirement or you may control not to output.

  The units may be grouped in advance according to the period from the near life state to the life state of each unit. That is, units having the same or similar period from the near life state to the life state are set as one group, and ranks are given according to the period from the near life state to the life state between the groups. In this way, it is possible to quickly determine whether or not to output a replacement request for a unit in the near life state.

  In addition, for a consumable item other than the consumable item that has output the replacement request, if the period from the near life state to the life state is equal to or less than a preset threshold value, the replacement request is also output for the consumable item.

For consumables other than consumables for which a replacement request has been output, the remaining life time until reaching the life state is calculated based on the operation results, and the remaining life time is below a preset threshold value Output a replacement request for the consumables.
In addition, when there is a consumable item for which an abnormality has been detected for a consumable item other than the consumable item that has output the replacement request, the replacement request is also output for the consumable item.

  In this way, when a certain consumable item enters the life state, a replacement request is output for that consumable item. However, by setting the optional mode, the consumable item that has entered the life state can be used. Simultaneously with the product replacement request, the replacement request is output according to the state of the life counter or the presence or absence of an abnormality. In that case, the user can selectively set in advance whether or not to output an exchange request, that is, whether to enable or disable such an optional mode. Then, in the enabled mode, if the value is below the threshold value or an abnormality is detected, a replacement request is also output for each consumable item.

Apart from that, the first mode or the second mode can be selectively set,
When the first mode is set, other consumables for which the near-life state has been detected at that time are those for which the period from the near-life state to the life state is shorter than the consumables for which the life state has been detected. When the second mode is set without outputting a replacement request for a consumable that has a life period from the near life state to the life state that is longer than the consumable in which the life state is detected, the near life state is output. A replacement request is also output for all other consumables for which the is detected.

  That is, since the user is always present in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1, the user can frequently exchange the consumables. Assuming this state, in the first mode, it can be said that a replacement request is output only for consumables that really need replacement, and the consumables are used for as long as possible.

  On the other hand, since the service person only comes as necessary for the maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1, the consumables cannot be frequently exchanged. Assuming this state, in the second mode, at the opportunity when a serviceman arrives and maintenance is performed, a replacement request is output for all consumables that are in a near life state, and they are exchanged. be able to.

  This will be described in detail below.

  The engine control unit 101 manages life information (life information) of the imaging unit IU, transfer unit TU, fixing unit EU, and control unit SU, and performs consumable replacement replacement determination including accompanying control. When it is determined that the units need to be replaced by the consumable replacement determination, the consumable replacement information S1 is sent to the controller control unit 102.

  The engine control unit 101 is connected to and controlled by various motors that are driving sources in the image forming apparatus 1. Examples of the motor include a motor of the imaging unit IU, a motor of the transfer unit TU (transfer belt motor), and other motors.

  The controller control unit 102 displays a consumable item replacement notification sign on the display unit 104a of the operation panel 104 provided on the surface of the apparatus main body 10, for example, the upper surface of the scanner 21, and prompts the user to replace the consumable item.

  Further, when the user operates the operation unit 104b of the operation panel 104, it is possible to switch the mode in the consumable item replacement determination process, and the mode setting information S3 is sent to the engine control unit 101. The modes in the consumable item replacement determination process include a life management mode (a companion control mode) MD1, an operation performance management mode MD2, and other modes, and there are modes that combine these modes. Apart from this, the first mode and the second mode described above can be set.

  That is, the engine control unit 101 includes an IU life management unit 111, an IU operation result management unit 112, a TU life management unit 113, a TU operation result management unit 114, an EU life management unit 115, an EU operation result management unit 116, and an SU operation. A performance management unit 117 and a replacement determination unit 118 are provided.

  The controller control unit 102 is provided with a consumable replacement notification control unit 131 and a setting processing unit 132.

  The IU life management unit 111 holds the life management information JHL of the imaging unit IU. The IU operation result management unit 112 holds operation result management information JHK of the imaging unit IU. The TU life management unit 113 holds the life management information JHL of the transfer unit TU. The TU operation result management unit 114 holds operation result management information JHK of the transfer unit TU. The EU life management unit 115 holds the life management information JHL of the fixing unit EU. The EU operation result management unit 116 holds operation result management information JHK of the fixing unit EU. The SU operation result management unit 117 holds operation result management information JHK of the control unit SU.

  The replacement determination unit 118 performs a consumables replacement determination process based on the life management information JHL and the operation performance management information JHK. That is, the life state and the near life state of each unit are determined, and the life determination is performed based on these. Further, the remaining life period is determined based on the operation results, and the operation life determination is performed. Based on the life determination and the operational life determination, it is determined whether or not to request replacement of these consumables.

  Also, the engine control unit 101 monitors the presence or absence of an abnormality in each unit, and if there is a unit in which an abnormality is detected, a consumable replacement request is also output for such a unit.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the life management information JHL includes a life count value C1, a life threshold value TH1, and a threshold value TH3. The life threshold value TH1 includes a life threshold value TH1a for the life state and a life threshold value TH1b for the near life state.

  The operation result management information JHK includes a remaining count value C3, a remaining period Y1, a remaining threshold value TH2, a print result C2, and an operation result TD.

  The life count value C1 is a count value of the life counter. The life count value C1 is a value based on a number counter that counts the number of printed sheets, and is managed for each unit. Therefore, the life counter is provided for each of the plurality of units.

  Therefore, for example, when the count value CM of the number counter provided for counting the actual number of printed sheets is increased by 1, the lifetime count value C1 is 1 for monochrome printing, 4 for color printing, Each increases. Further, it is multiplied by an appropriate multiple according to the size of the recording paper.

  The life threshold value TH1 is a value used in the life determination of the consumable item replacement determination process, and is managed for each unit. As the life threshold TH1, a life threshold TH1a indicating a life state and a near life threshold TH1b indicating a near life state are set. By comparing these life threshold values TH1 with the life count value C1, it is determined that the life state or the near life state has been reached.

  The remaining count value C3 is a value obtained by subtracting the current lifetime count value C1 from the maximum value of the lifetime count value C1 (that is, the value of the life state). That is, the remaining count value C3 is the remaining count value until the life state of the current life count value C1 is reached.

  The remaining period Y1 is a remaining period until the life state is reached, and is a value obtained by dividing the remaining count value C3 by the operation result TD. That is, Y1 = (C3 / TD). The remaining period Y1 is indicated by, for example, the remaining days, the remaining time, or the remaining number of times.

  The remaining threshold value TH2 is a threshold value for determining the operating life in the operation result management.

  The print record C2 is a record value of the number of prints printed within a specific period. As the specific period, for example, one week or one month is used.

  The operation result TD is a value obtained by dividing the print result C2 by the count value T1 indicating the time when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is on. That is, TD = (C2 / T1).

  The life management information JHL and the operation result management information JHK shown in FIG. 4A are held for each unit, and the operation result management information JHK shown in FIG. Are held one by one.

  The life management information JHL and the operation performance management information JHK are stored in, for example, a nonvolatile memory provided in the engine control unit 101, such as an EEPROM.

  Next, the life management mode MD1 will be described.

  In FIG. 5A, the scale of the life count value C1 of each unit is shown on the left side, and on the right side, the life threshold values of the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, and the imaging unit IU in the life state and near life state, respectively. The value TH1 is shown.

  As can be seen from FIG. 5A, the fixing unit EU and the transfer unit TU have a long period from the near life state to the life state, and the imaging unit IU is shorter than them. And the lifetime count value C1 of each unit at the present time is shown by arrows F1 to F3 in the figure. The positions of the arrows F1 to F3, that is, the life count value C1 move upward in the drawing as the image forming apparatus 1 is used. The same applies to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  That is, in the case shown in FIG. 5, the imaging unit IU is in the life state, the fixing unit EU is in the near life state, and the transfer unit TU is in the normal state that has not yet reached the near life state.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, for the imaging unit IU, the engine control unit 101 outputs a replacement request, and in response to this, the consumables replacement notification control unit 131 of the controller control unit 102 operates. Exchange notification is performed on the display unit 104a of the panel 104.

  However, since the period from the near life state to the life state of the fixing unit EU and the transfer unit TU is longer than that of the imaging unit IU, an exchange request is issued even though the fixing unit EU is in the near life state. Do not output. Since the transfer unit TU is in a normal state, there is no need to output a replacement request anyway.

  On the other hand, according to the conventional method, since the fixing unit EU is in the near life state, the replacement request is output by the conventional companion control.

  In FIG. 6A, the transfer unit TU is in a life state, the fixing unit EU is in a near life state, and the imaging unit IU is in a normal state that has not yet reached the near life state.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, an exchange request is output to the transfer unit TU. Further, since the fixing unit EU is in the near life state and the period from the near life state to the life state is the same as that of the transfer unit TU, an exchange request is output. However, since the imaging unit IU is in the normal state, no replacement request is output.

  In this case, the result is the same as the conventional method.

  In FIG. 7A, the transfer unit TU is in the life state, and the fixing unit EU and the imaging unit IU are in the near life state.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, an exchange request is output to the transfer unit TU. The fixing unit EU and the imaging unit IU are also in the near life state, and since the period from the near life state to the life state is the same as or shorter than that of the transfer unit TU, an exchange request is output.

  In this case, the result is the same as the conventional method.

  Note that a message such as “Please replace the imaging unit” is displayed at the time of replacement notification on the display unit 104a.

  Next, the operation result management mode MD2 will be described.

  In the operation result management mode MD2, as described above, the remaining count value C3 is obtained from the maximum value of the life count value C1 and the current life count value C1, and the operation result TD is obtained from the print result C2 and the count value T1. Ask. Then, the remaining period Y1 is obtained from the remaining count value C3 and the operation result TD. The obtained remaining period Y1 is compared with the remaining threshold value TH2. When the remaining period Y1 is smaller than the remaining threshold value TH2, that is, when Y1 <TH2 is satisfied, an exchange request is output, and exchange notification is performed on the display unit 104a.

  The life management mode MD1, the operation result management mode MD2, the first mode, the second mode, and the like can be set by the user through the operation unit 104b of the operation panel 104. In this case, it is possible to alternatively set the life management mode MD1 and the operation result management mode MD2, and it is also possible to set these modes to coexist. In that case, the life management mode MD1 and the operation result management mode MD2 are performed simultaneously. Moreover, it is possible to set a 1st mode or a 2nd mode with respect to lifetime management mode MD1 and operation performance management mode MD2.

  In any case, the user can set the life management mode MD1, the operation result management mode MD2, the first mode, and the second mode individually or in various combinations. .

  Further, the above-described life threshold value TH1, remaining threshold value TH2, and the like can be set by the user through the operation unit 104b of the operation panel 104.

  When the user operates the operation panel 104, the setting processing unit 132 of the controller control unit 102 performs processing for the setting, and sends the setting information S3 to the engine control unit 101 as necessary.

  Next, the consumable item replacement determination process will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a life determination procedure of the consumable item replacement determination process in the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another procedure of the consumable item replacement determination process in the image forming apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 8, the near life state and the life state are preset for each unit, for example, as a life threshold value TH1 (# 11). The units are grouped according to the period from the near life state to the life state of each unit (# 12). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the transfer unit TU and the fixing unit EU are in one group, and the imaging unit IU is in another group.

  When a life state is detected for any unit (Yes in # 13), a replacement request for that unit is output (# 14). At that time, if a near life state is detected for another unit (Yes in # 15), if it is in the first mode (Yes in # 16), the period from the near life state to the life state of the unit is the life state. Only when the unit is shorter than the detected unit (Yes in # 17), a replacement request is also output for the near-life unit (# 18). When the mode is not the first mode, that is, when the mode is the second mode (No in # 16), a replacement request is always output for the near-life unit (# 18).

  In FIG. 9, it is assumed that the life threshold value TH1 (life state and near life state) is set for the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, and the imaging unit IU as shown in FIG. Accordingly, it is assumed that the fixing unit EU and the transfer unit TU belong to the group A, and the imaging unit IU belongs to the group B. That is, the period from the near life state to the life state is longer for units belonging to group A than for units belonging to group B.

  In FIG. 9, during the printing operation (# 21), the life state is detected in any of the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, or the imaging unit IU (# 22). When the life state is detected, replacement notification of the unit is performed (# 23).

  Then, the near life state is detected by any of the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, and the imaging unit IU (# 24). When the unit in which the near life state is detected is the imaging unit IU, that is, when either the fixing unit EU or the transfer unit TU is in the life state and the imaging unit IU is in the near life state (Yes in # 25), Exchange notification of the imaging unit IU in the near life state is performed (# 26).

  On the contrary, when the imaging unit IU of the group B is in the life state and the fixing unit EU or the transfer unit TU belonging to the group A is in the near life state (No in # 25), from the near life state to the life state Is longer than the imaging unit IU in the life state, so replacement notification is not performed for the unit in the near life state.

  Next, for all the units that have not been notified of replacement until step # 26 above, the following determination is made from the life count value C1 and threshold value TH3 held for each unit, and replacement notification of the corresponding unit is performed. .

  That is, the lifetime count value C1 of the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, and the imaging unit IU is confirmed (# 27). When the life count value C1 exceeds the threshold value TH3 (Yes in # 28), the replacement notification of the unit is performed (# 29). When the life count value C1 is smaller than the threshold value TH3 (No in # 28), the replacement notification here is not performed for the unit. By performing such processing, an exchange request can be made with a setting different from the near life state.

  For all units that have not been notified of replacement until step # 29 above, the number of remaining days until the end of the life (for example, life state) is calculated from the respective operation results (# 30). The following determination is performed using the remaining threshold value TH2 set according to the use environment of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, when the remaining days are smaller than the remaining threshold value TH2 (Yes in # 31), replacement notification is performed for the unit (# 32). If the remaining number of days is larger than the remaining threshold value TH2 (No in # 31), the replacement notification for the unit is not performed. By performing such processing, an exchange request can be made according to the status of operation results.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a unit having a warning abnormality (# 33). If there is a unit having a warning abnormality (Yes in # 34), replacement notification is performed for the unit (# 35). By performing such processing, it is possible to make an earn / exchange request for a consumable item having an abnormality.

  It should be noted that the exchange request at step # 29, the exchange request at step # 32, and the exchange request at step # 35 described above are all optional processing, and whether or not to perform such an exchange request. The user can select and set in advance.

  According to the embodiment described above, for the consumables in which the near life state is detected, the replacement period is not requested for a consumable in which the period from the near life state to the life state is longer than that of the consumable in which the life state is detected. Only consumables that really need replacement can be replaced, and the consumables can be used for as long as possible. Therefore, the consumables can be used more effectively than the conventional companion control, and the cost of the consumables can be suppressed.

  In addition to the conventional companion control, the consumables can be managed based on the threshold value TH3, whereby fine management can be performed.

  In addition, since the lifetime of the consumables can be managed from another viewpoint based on the operation results, it is possible to more reliably manage whether or not the consumables need to be replaced.

  Further, since the first mode and the second mode can be switched, it is possible to manage consumables in detail according to the environment in which the image forming apparatus 1 is used.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the replacement of consumables at the appropriate timing at an appropriate timing, and effectively use the consumables that are still available for use with the conventional companion control. This makes it possible to increase economic efficiency.

  In the above-described embodiment, the fixing unit EU, the transfer unit TU, the imaging unit IU, the control unit SU, the engine control unit 101, the controller control unit 102, the control system 3, or the configuration of the whole or each part of the image forming apparatus 1. The structure, shape, dimensions, number, material, type and format of various information, and the like can be changed as appropriate within the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of an imaging unit. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information for lifetime management and operation performance management. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the consumables management control method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the consumables management control method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the consumables management control method in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a consumables exchange determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the other procedure of a consumables exchange determination process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 Control system 101 Engine control part 102 Controller control part 104 Operation panel 104a Display part 104b Operation part (means to set)
111 IU life management unit 112 IU operation result management unit 113 TU life management unit 114 TU operation result management unit 115 EU life management unit 116 EU operation result management unit 117 SU operation result management unit 118 Replacement determination unit (detection means, replacement request Output means)
131 Consumables replacement notification control unit 132 Setting processing unit (setting means)
EU fixing unit (consumables)
TU transfer unit (consumables)
IU imaging unit (consumables)
SU control unit (consumables)
C1 Life count value TH1a, TH1b Life threshold TH3 Threshold Y1 Remaining period TH2 Remaining threshold TD Operation result

Claims (12)

A method for managing a plurality of consumables attached in an exchangeable manner,
For each of the plurality of consumables, a near life state that is near the end of life and a life state that is near the end of life are set in advance,
When the life status is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output,
At the same time, for other consumables for which the near-life state has been detected, if the period from the near-life state to the life state is shorter than the consumables for which the life state has been detected, a replacement request is output at the same time. Do not output a replacement request for items that have a longer period until the life state than the consumables for which the life state has been detected,
A method for managing consumables. For consumables other than consumables that have output a replacement request, if the period from the near life state to the life state is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a replacement request is also output for the consumable item.
The consumable management method according to claim 1. For the consumables other than the consumables that output the replacement request, the remaining life period until reaching the life state is calculated based on the operation results, and the remaining life period is below a preset threshold value. , Output a replacement request for the consumables.
The consumable management method according to claim 1 or 2. For consumables other than the consumable that has output a replacement request, if there is a consumable for which an abnormality has been detected, a replacement request is also output for that consumable.
The consumable management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A mode for determining whether the period from the near life state to the life state is less than or equal to a preset threshold for consumables other than the consumable that has output the replacement request;
For consumables other than the consumables that output the replacement request, calculate the remaining life period until reaching the life state based on the operation results, and determine whether the remaining life period is below a preset threshold value. Mode to judge,
For the consumables other than the consumables that output the replacement request, the user can select whether to enable or disable the mode for determining whether there is a consumable for which an abnormality has been detected.
Outputs a replacement request for each consumable when it is below the threshold in the enabled mode or when an abnormality is detected.
The consumable management method according to claim 1. A method for managing a plurality of consumables attached in an exchangeable manner,
For each of the plurality of consumables, a near life state that is near the end of life and a life state that is near the end of life are set in advance,
The first mode or the second mode can be selectively set,
When the life status is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output,
When the first mode is set,
At the same time, for other consumables for which the near-life state has been detected, if the period from the near-life state to the life state is shorter than the consumables for which the life state has been detected, a replacement request is output at the same time. Without outputting a replacement request for a product with a long period of time compared to the consumable item in which the life state is detected,
When the second mode is set,
Output replacement requests for all other consumables for which a near-life condition has been detected.
A method for managing consumables. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a plurality of consumables are attached in a replaceable manner,
For each of the plurality of consumables, means for presetting a near-life state that is near the end of life and a life state that is the end of life, respectively,
For the plurality of consumables, means for detecting a near life state and a life state;
When the life state is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output, and for other consumables for which the near life state is detected at that time, the period from the near life state to the life state A replacement request output means for simultaneously outputting a replacement request only for consumables whose life state has been detected;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The exchange request output means includes
For consumables other than consumables that have output a replacement request, if the period from the near life state to the life state is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a replacement request is also output for the consumable item.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The exchange request output means includes
For the consumables other than the consumables that output the replacement request, the remaining life period until reaching the life state is calculated based on the operation results, and the remaining life period is below a preset threshold value. , Output a replacement request for the consumables.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The exchange request output means includes
For consumables other than the consumable that has output a replacement request, if there is a consumable for which an abnormality has been detected, a replacement request is also output for that consumable.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a plurality of consumables are attached in a replaceable manner,
For each of the plurality of consumables, means for presetting a near-life state that is near the end of life and a life state that is the end of life, respectively,
For the plurality of consumables, means for detecting a near life state and a life state;
Means for setting the first mode or the second mode;
When the life state is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output, and the first mode is set for the other consumables for which the near life state is detected at that time. Sometimes the replacement request is output at the same time only for the consumable with a short period from the near life state to the life state compared to the consumable in which the life state is detected, and when the second mode is set, Replacement request output means for outputting replacement requests for all consumables;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A computer program for the management of a plurality of consumables attached in a replaceable manner,
For each of a plurality of consumables, a process for presetting a near life state that is near the end of life and a life state that is near the end of the life, respectively,
For the plurality of consumables, processing for detecting a near life state and a life state;
When the life state is detected for any of the consumables, a replacement request for the consumable is output, and for other consumables for which the near life state is detected at that time, the period from the near life state to the life state Outputs a replacement request only for a consumable that is shorter than the consumable in which the life state is detected,
A computer program that causes a computer to execute.

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