JP2013000976A - Image forming device, consumable article management display system including the image forming device, and consumable article management display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device, a consumable article management display system including the image forming device and a consumable article management display method, which can replace a consumable article in accordance with date and time intended by a user when the consumable article of the image forming device is replaced.SOLUTION: A jam detection part 210b senses jam, and gives notice to a control part 10. The control part 10 identifies a carrying roller in which the jam has occurred. On the basis of a guarantee threshold value table, a determination part 240 determines a degree of repair of the carrying roller, and notifies the control part 10 of the determination result. If jam occurs in the carrying roller within a warranty period by a manufacturer, notification that replacement/repair cost and maintenance cost caused by an error are reduced and exempted in a step-by-step manner is transmitted/received and is displayed on a display operation part 2102.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of exchanging consumables at a date and time desired by a user, a consumable management display system, and a consumable management display method.

  Conventionally, there is a need to replace consumables as the image forming apparatus is used. For this reason, an image forming apparatus capable of recording the usage history of each member and efficiently exchanging consumables is provided.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when a reuse consumable is used, an instruction to change the setting is transmitted to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the reuse consumable of each member stored in advance. A technique for performing appropriate settings according to reuse consumables is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses that when the order contents such as necessary consumables are input from operation display units of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a management apparatus installed in a service center via a public line, the consumables If the consumption amount exceeds the preset threshold value or a warning prompting the replacement of the consumables occurs, an instruction command for replacing the corresponding consumables is transmitted to the management device, and the consumables automatic A technique for placing an order is disclosed.

JP 2010-266757 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-330695

  However, in these patent documents, it is necessary to request a repair person with specialized technology for replacement of consumables for reuse, and the date and time desired by the user and the date and time when the repair person can repair are not necessarily the same. However, this is not always the case, and there is a problem that convenience is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an image forming apparatus capable of replacing a consumable according to a date and time desired by a user when the consumable of the image forming apparatus is replaced. An object of the present invention is to provide a consumable item management display system and a consumable item management display method including the same.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, each configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is as follows.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that manages consumables including at least a conveyance roller, and includes a detection unit that detects a defect of the consumable, a history of the defect of the consumable, Storage means for storing a plurality of threshold values for the consumption rate, determination means for determining the degree of repair based on the threshold value for the consumption rate and the history of the defect, information on the consumables, and the degree of repair Display operation means for inputting a desired replacement date, communication means for receiving and transmitting the consumable information and the replacement date information, and control means for controlling the display operation means and the communication means. And the control means displays the information on the consumable that has failed, the history of the trouble of the consumable, and the information on the replacement date according to the degree of repair. To display It is characterized in that controls to transmit the signal means.

  Further, the control unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention guarantees the use of the consumable item in which the defect detected by the detection unit is detected based on a history of the defect of the consumable item and a threshold in the consumption rate of the consumable item. Control is performed so as to be within a period.

  Further, the control unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention controls the display operation unit to display a ratio of the repair cost of the consumable item according to the degree of repair, and transmits the ratio by the communication unit. It is characterized by.

  Further, the communication unit of the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the consumable that has failed, a past history of the consumable, a repair date and time of the consumable, a scheduled repair date and time from a repairer, The consumables repair cost is received, and the display operation means displays the information received by the communication means.

  The consumables management display system according to the present invention further includes a second display operation unit that is connected to the image forming apparatus via the network and displays the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus. A consumable management display system comprising: a terminal comprising: information on consumables including at least a conveyance roller; repair costs of the consumables; and the repair date and time via the network. It is displayed on the display operation means.

  Further, the display operation means of the consumable item management display system of the present invention is characterized in that the repair cost of the consumable item is displayed step by step based on the replacement history of the consumable item.

  Further, the control means of the consumable item management display system according to the present invention controls the display operation means to display a plurality of repair dates according to the degree of repair.

The consumable item management display method of the present invention is a consumable item management display method for managing consumable items including at least a conveyance roller, the detecting step for detecting a defect of the consumable item, and a history of the defect of the consumable item. A storage step for storing a plurality of threshold values for the consumption rate of the consumables, a determination step for determining the degree of repair based on the threshold value for the consumption rate and the history of the defects,
A display operation step for displaying information on the consumables and the degree of repair and inputting a desired replacement date; a communication step for receiving and transmitting the information on the consumables and the information on the replacement date; and the display A control step for controlling an operation step and the communication step, wherein the control step includes information on the consumable that has failed, a history of the failure of the consumable, and the degree of repair. And the information of the exchange date and time are displayed and controlled to communicate.

  According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that manages consumables including at least a conveyance roller, the detection unit detecting a defect of the consumables, a history of the troubles of the consumables, Storage means for storing a plurality of threshold values for the consumption rate of the consumables, determination means for determining the degree of repair based on the threshold values for the consumption rate and the history of the defects, information on the consumables, and the repair information Controls the display operation means for displaying the degree and inputting the desired replacement date, the communication means for receiving and transmitting the consumable information and the replacement date information, the display operation means and the communication means. Control means for performing, according to the degree of repair, information on the consumable that has failed, history of the trouble of the consumable, and information on the date and time of replacement. Displayed on the display operation means By controlling to transmit by the communication means, it is possible to receive a notification from the repairer that the repair will be promptly performed free of charge when a predetermined number of failures occur within the warranty period. Can be reduced, and an excellent effect can be achieved in that quick repair or maintenance can be performed.

  According to the present invention, the control unit of the image forming apparatus uses the consumable item in which the defect detected by the detection unit is generated based on a history of the defect of the consumable item and a threshold in the consumption rate of the consumable item. By controlling so that it falls within the warranty period, repair costs or maintenance costs are charged in stages, so it is possible to prevent users from being charged for huge repair costs or maintenance costs. An excellent effect can be achieved.

  According to the present invention, the control unit of the image forming apparatus controls the display operation unit to display a ratio of the repair cost of the consumable item according to the degree of repair, and transmits the ratio by the communication unit. As a result, since the malfunction of each consumable can be dealt with in a mild state, an excellent effect of reducing the repair cost on the repairer side can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, the communication unit of the image forming apparatus includes the consumable that has failed, a past history of the consumable, a desired repair date and time of the consumable, and a scheduled repair date and time from a repairer. The display operation means displays the information received by the communication means, so that maintenance and repair are performed based on the desired maintenance date and time desired by the user. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service that is excellent in that it is possible to recover a decrease in reliability associated with a malfunction of each consumable and promote the use of a permanent image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the consumable management display system is connected to the image forming apparatus via the network and the second display operation means for displaying the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus. A consumables management display system comprising: a terminal comprising: information on consumables including at least a conveyance roller; repair costs of the consumables; and the repair date and time via the network. By displaying on the display operation means of the device, if a consumable has a defect within the manufacturer's warranty period, it will receive a notification with contents that are gradually reduced or exempted from replacement, repair costs or maintenance costs. Since maintenance and repairs are performed based on the desired maintenance date and time desired by the user, it is possible to provide a user with a generous service. It can be, to recover the reduced reliability due to a problem with each consumable, an excellent effect of being able to promote the use of permanent image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the display operation means of the consumable item management display system displays the repair cost of the consumable item in a stepwise manner based on the replacement history of the consumable item, so that a predetermined period of time can be obtained within the warranty period. In the case of more than the number of malfunctions, it is possible to receive a notice from the repairer that the repair will be performed promptly and free of charge. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the user's dissatisfaction and to achieve an excellent effect of being able to perform quick repair or maintenance. .

  According to the present invention, the control means of the consumables management display system controls the display operation means so as to display a plurality of repair dates and times according to the degree of repair. The date and time can be matched, and an excellent effect that convenience for the user can be enhanced can be achieved.

According to the present invention, the consumable item management display method is a consumable item management display method for managing consumable items including at least a conveyance roller, the detection step for detecting a defect of the consumable item, and a defect of the consumable item. A storage step for storing a history and a plurality of threshold values for the consumption rate of the consumables; a determination step for determining the degree of repair based on the threshold value for the consumption rate and the history of defects;
A display operation step for displaying information on the consumables and the degree of repair and inputting a desired replacement date; a communication step for receiving and transmitting the information on the consumables and the information on the replacement date; and the display A control step for controlling an operation step and the communication step, wherein the control step includes information on the consumable that has failed, a history of the failure of the consumable, and the degree of repair. By providing a step of displaying and exchanging information on the date and time of replacement, if there is a problem with the consumables within the manufacturer's warranty period, replacement, repair costs or maintenance costs will be gradually reduced or exempted. Can be received and displayed on the display operation means, and maintenance and repair are performed based on the desired maintenance date and time desired by the user. It can provide thicker services, to recover the reduced reliability due to a problem with each consumable, an excellent effect of being able to promote the use of permanent image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyance roller of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is an example of a threshold value table including guaranteed threshold values in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the first half of processing of a consumables management display method by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a half of processing of a consumable item management display method by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a half of processing of a consumable item management display method by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the second half of processing of a consumable item management display method by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is an example of a jam (paper jam) occurrence notification screen displayed on a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. 6 is an example of a jam (paper jam) history notification screen displayed on a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. 4 is an example of a setting screen for a desired maintenance date and time displayed on the display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a screen for confirming a maintenance call displayed on a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a screen for completing a maintenance call displayed on a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. It is an example of the screen which notifies reception of the reply from the repairer displayed on the display operation part of this image forming apparatus. 6 is an example of a screen for notifying a maintenance date and time from a repairman displayed on the display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. 10 is another example of a screen for notifying a maintenance date and time from a repairman displayed on the display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a consumable management display system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment forms multicolor and single color images on a predetermined sheet (recording paper) in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside. The apparatus main body 110 and an image reading apparatus 150 (automatic document processing apparatus) are included. The apparatus main body 110 includes an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 1220, a paper feed cassette 81, a paper discharge tray 91, and the like. It is configured.

  Above the apparatus main body 110 is an image reading apparatus 150 to which the present invention is applied. A document placing table 92 made of transparent glass on which the document is placed is provided and attached to the upper side of the document placing table 92. The image reading device 150 automatically conveys a document on the document placing table 92.

  Further, the image reading device 150 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be placed manually by opening the document table 92.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Accordingly, four developing devices 2, photosensitive drums 3, charging devices 5, and cleaner units 4 are provided to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and are respectively provided in black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. These are set to form four image stations.

  The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to the charger type as shown in FIG. 1, the contact type roller type or brush type charger 5 is used. May be used.

  The exposure unit 1 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting portion, a reflection mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 1 includes a polygon mirror that scans a laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser beam reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3. Moreover, as the exposure unit 1, for example, a technique using an electroluminescence (LED) in which other light emitting elements are arranged in an array or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) writing head can be employed.

  The exposure unit 1 has a function of forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface thereof by exposing the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toners of four colors (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K). The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. I have. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color for YMCK.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate while the intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 provides a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided so as to be in contact with each photoconductor drum 3, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drum 3 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 61 and transferred. Further, it has a function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using, for example, a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can also be used.

  As described above, the electrostatic images visualized on the respective photosensitive drums 3 according to the respective hues are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. Thus, the laminated image information is transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 19 disposed at the contact position between the sheet and the intermediate transfer belt 61 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 19 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner onto the sheet is applied to the transfer roller 19 (the polarity opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)). (+) High voltage). Further, in order to obtain the nip constantly, the transfer roller 19 uses either the transfer roller 19 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 as a hard material (metal or the like), and the other as a soft material (elasticity such as an elastic roller). A rubber roller, a foaming resin roller, or the like) is used.

  Further, as described above, the toner attached to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contacting the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 19 Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is configured to remove and collect the toner. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 includes a cleaning blade as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 that comes into contact with the cleaning blade is supported by an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. ing.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing sheets (recording paper) used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 110. A sheet used for image formation can also be placed in the manual paper feed cassette 82. A paper discharge tray 91 provided above the apparatus main body 110 is a tray for collecting printed sheets face down.

  Further, the apparatus main body 110 is provided with a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for sending the sheets of the sheet feeding cassette 81 and the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 19 and the fixing unit 1220. It has been. In the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11 a and 11 b, a plurality of transport rollers 12 (12 a to 12 d), a registration roller 13, and a transfer roller 19. A fixing unit 1220 and the like are arranged.

  The conveyance rollers 12 (12 a to 12 d) are small rollers for promoting and assisting the conveyance of the sheet, and a plurality of the conveyance rollers 12 (12 a to 12 d) are provided along the sheet conveyance path S. The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, picks up sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette 81, and supplies them to the paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11 b is provided near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, picks up one sheet at a time from the manual paper feed cassette 82, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.

  Here, the conveyance roller 12 (12a to 12d) is composed of two rollers, and holds and conveys the paper by being sandwiched. The conveyance roller 12 will be described in detail as an example of the consumable item. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conveying roller 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance roller 12 is provided with a sheet contact member 114 on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 113 of the conveyance roller 12, and a rib 115 is formed on the surface thereof to prevent slipping when the sheet is conveyed. Function. Also, oblique light prevention members 116 for preventing the skew of the paper are disposed at the left and right positions of the paper contact member 114.

  Here, the paper contact member 114 includes NBR (nitrile rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), EPT (ethylene propylene rubber), Si (silicone rubber), IIR (butyl rubber), SBR (styrene / butadiene rubber), U (urethane). Rubber), CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene), FKM (fluororubber), etc., and is made of any elastic material, for example, having a length of 50 mm and a diameter of 14 mm.

  Paper jams can cause paper loss due to wear of the paper contact member 114, sticking of paper dust (paper fibers, filler talc, carion, calcium carbonate, etc.), and curing due to prolonged use. Will occur.

  In the present embodiment, the conveyance roller 12 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a roller such as a charging roller, a developing roller, a developing stirring roller toner, a driving roller, a driven roller, or a fixing roller of an intermediate transfer belt. May be.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner unit 2000 that reads a document, a printer unit 1000 that forms an image on a recording sheet, and a peripheral device 3000 such as a sorter. The peripheral device 3000 is operated by the control unit 10, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the scanner unit 2000, a signal read from a document by a reading unit 2100 configured by a CCD or the like is input to an image processing unit 1300. Then, the image processing unit 1300 performs image processing and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 1200.

  The image forming unit 1200 forms the image on the recording paper and outputs the formed image data in the fixing unit 1220. Note that the control unit 10 controls the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the control unit 10 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 10 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 250, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Process Unit). In addition, when necessary calculations are performed in various processes, the calculation unit 1400 performs the calculation process.

  Here, the image forming unit 1200 includes temperature / humidity detection means (not shown). The temperature / humidity detection unit measures the temperature and humidity in the image forming unit 1200 and outputs the temperature and humidity to the control unit 10. As temperature / humidity detection means, for example, a known temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or the like may be combined, or a temperature / humidity sensor or the like may be used.

  The storage unit 250 is a functional unit that stores various programs necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and various data. The storage unit 250 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an optical disk including a CD-ROM, a Blu-ray Disc, and the like, an IC card including a memory card, and the like.

  The storage unit 250 stores a heating table (not shown). The heating table stores the heating time in association with the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity detection means. The control unit 10 and the calculation unit 1400 determine the heating time of the IH heater (not shown) by referring to the contents of the heating table.

  The external interface 1600 is a functional unit that exchanges data and signals with other devices. For example, the external interface 1600 includes a network interface connected to a LAN and interfaces with external devices such as USB and various memory cards. . A consumable item management display system to be described later is configured via the external interface 1600.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display operation unit 2102 has a display function for receiving input from a user (user) or informing the user of an operation, and adopts a touch panel type and is directly configured and integrated. By touching the screen, instructions for each operation can be input and selected.

  The display operation unit 2102 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 211, a numeric keypad 212, a clear key 213, a power key 214, a start key 215, a reset key 216, an interrupt key 217, a fax key 218, a printer key 219, a copy key 220, and a scan key 221. ing.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 211 has a touch panel on the surface of the liquid crystal display, displays various function keys, the number of copies, a message indicating the operation state, replacement consumables and members related to the image forming apparatus 100, and is in a remote place. Information (for example, a desired repair date, etc.) for placing an order via a communication means (communication network) can be input to the repair person. As will be described later, the liquid crystal touch panel 211 displays a jam occurrence location, a consumable to be replaced, and the like based on an instruction from the control unit 10.

  A numeric keypad 212 is a key for inputting the number of copies (number of copies) and a numerical value of printing magnification. The clear key 213 is a key for erasing the input print fraction and print magnification and canceling the set operation. The power key 214 is a key for turning on / off the power of the apparatus main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 100. The start key 215 is a key for starting each set operation. The interrupt key 217 is a key for interrupting another operation during the current operation. A fax key 218 is a key for performing fax operation settings by a fax unit (not shown). The printer key 219 is a setting key for printing an image from a plurality of computers (not shown) via a communication medium such as a LAN cable. A copy key 220 is a setting key for manually installing a recording medium (paper) in the image reading unit and performing copying. The scan key 221 is a setting key for performing an operation of reading an image printed on a printed material and storing it in the storage unit 250.

  The display operation unit 2102 employs a touch panel type liquid crystal display, but is not limited thereto, an organic LE display, a plasma display, a plasma tube array display, an electronic paper display utilizing the principle of electrophoresis, a self-luminous type An electronic discharge display or the like can be used.

Paper jam detection units (hereinafter referred to as jam detection units) 210a and 210b detect paper jam (jam) in the recording medium (paper P) in the image forming unit 1200 and the peripheral device 3000, respectively.
A signal indicating a jam occurrence (jam detection signal) is notified to the control unit 10. Note that the jam detection unit is not limited to the image forming unit 1200 and the peripheral device 3000, and may be provided in another part of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The control unit 10 identifies a jammed portion or member based on a period until a jam detection signal indicating a jam is generated and received. In addition, the control unit 10 activates an operation program to be displayed on the display operation unit 2102 and a program for generating an icon and causes the display operation unit 2102 to display the operation program.

  The storage unit 250 stores a warranty period for each consumable in advance. For example, the guarantee threshold value of the transport roller 12a is stored as a guarantee period in which 50 jams per 10,000 sheets are permitted within a predetermined period. The storage unit 250 also stores a history of jam occurrence location, member type (model number) specified by the control unit 10, status, cause, date and time when a jam occurs in each consumable (hereinafter referred to as a jam history). ) Is memorized.

  As a specific example of storing a security threshold value for each consumable, the storage unit 250 stores a guarantee threshold value table (guaranteed threshold value table) of the transport roller 12a in advance as shown in FIG. The guarantee threshold is classified into a plurality of levels. For example, when 50 jams per 10,000 sheets are set as an allowable guarantee threshold (guarantee period) within one year from the initial use date, the first threshold T1 is 3 to 10 times in the guarantee threshold. More than 10 times and less than 50 times is set as the second threshold value T2, and 50 times is set as the maximum threshold value (third threshold value T3).

  The storage unit 250 stores in advance an operation program to be displayed on the display operation unit 2102 and a program for generating an icon, and the program is started based on an instruction from the control unit 10.

  The control unit 10 transmits an instruction signal to the display operation unit 2102 so that display information related to maintenance or replacement of consumables is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 211 of the display operation unit 2102 corresponding to each level.

  The determination unit 240 determines the guarantee threshold (consumption rate threshold) in the guarantee threshold table for each consumable, the history of the malfunction (for example, jam) of the consumable, and the warranty period stored in the storage unit 250. Based on this, the degree of repair of the consumables is determined, and the determination result is notified to the control unit 10.

  Based on an instruction from the control unit 10, the history count unit 260 accumulates and resets a counter value related to the number of times that a consumable defect has occurred. In other words, the history count unit 260 counts the number of jam occurrences with respect to the jam occurrence location or member specified by the control unit 10.

  Next, processing of the consumable item management display method by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing processing of the consumable item management display method.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 100 is first installed and the main body is turned on or a full overhaul is performed, the control unit 10 counts the history of each consumable before starting the image forming operation. The count of the unit 260 is reset to zero (step 1). A document is read from the image reading device 150, and a printing operation (print JOB) is executed (step 10).

  When the jam detection unit 210b detects a defect (for example, jam), it transmits a defect detection signal (jam detection signal) to the control unit 10 (step 20).

  Based on the arrival time of the jam detection signal and the level of the signal voltage level, the control unit 10 identifies the location where the jam has occurred and the consumable item (for example, the transport roller 12a) (step 30). Further, the history count unit 260 accumulates the count of the number of jam occurrences (the number of jam occurrences) in the transport roller 12a based on the instruction of the control unit 10 (step 40).

  The determination unit 240 refers to a threshold information table stored in advance in the storage unit 250 (step 50). More specifically, the determination unit 240 refers to the history (including the number of times and the date / time) of the occurrence of a jam in the transport roller 12a (consumables), the guarantee threshold (threshold of consumption rate) and the guarantee period of the transport roller 12a, The degree of repair of the transport roller 12a is determined.

  For example, when a jam occurs on the transport roller 12a, the determination unit 240 refers to the past jam occurrence history of the transport roller 12a and determines whether or not the number of jam occurrences corresponds to a preset guarantee threshold and guarantee period. And the degree of repair of the transport roller 12a is determined.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is identified in the guarantee threshold value table that it is within the guarantee period (step 55, Y), the threshold value (first threshold value T <b> 1) of the number of jam occurrences of the transport roller 12 a is set. It is determined whether it is the third time (step 60). On the other hand, if it is not identified in the guarantee threshold table as being within the guarantee period (step 55, N), the process proceeds to FIG. 7 via jump J6. When the number of jam occurrences is not less than 3 (step 60, N), the determination unit 240 determines whether the number of jam occurrences is in the range of 3 to 10 (second threshold T2) (second threshold T2). Step 70).

  When the number of jam occurrences is in the range of 3 times or more and 10 times or less (second threshold value T2) (step 70, Y), the control unit 10 sends a message to perform dry wiping cleaning of the location that causes the jam. And a display instruction is transmitted to the display operation unit 2102 (step 80).

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 generates an icon for displaying a jam history, and gives a display instruction to the display operation unit 2102 (step 90). The user can refer to the past history of consumables defects by touching the jam history display icon displayed on the display operation unit 2102.

  Further, the control unit 10 generates an icon of desired maintenance date and time and displays it on the display operation unit 2102 (step 100). The user can set the desired date and time for performing maintenance or repair by touching the icon of the desired maintenance date and time displayed on the display operation unit 2102.

  When the number of jam occurrences is not in the range of not less than 3 times and not more than 10 (second threshold T2) (step 70, N), the range of the number of jam occurrences exceeding 10 and less than 50 via jump J2 ( It is determined whether it is the third threshold value T3) (step 110).

  On the other hand, if the number of jam occurrences is less than 3 in step 70 (step 60, Y), the process proceeds to step 190 via jump J1.

  When the number of jam occurrences is in the range of more than 10 and less than 50 (third threshold T3) (step 110, Y), the control unit 10 generates a message so as to perform alcohol wiping cleaning, and the display operation unit A display instruction is transmitted to 2102 (step 120). Subsequently, the control unit 10 generates an icon for the desired maintenance date and time and displays it on the display operation unit 2102 (step 130). Further, the control unit 10 generates a jam history display icon and issues a display instruction to the display operation unit 2102 (step 180).

  On the other hand, if the number of jam occurrences is not in the range of more than 10 and less than 50 (third threshold T3) (step 110, N), the determination unit 240 determines that the conveyance roller 12a that generated the jam is a guaranteed threshold (maximum threshold). ) Is determined (step 140).

  If the number of jam occurrences of the conveyance roller 12a that has caused the jam exceeds the maximum threshold value and is within the warranty period (step 140, Y), a repair cost free message and a maintenance call recommendation message are generated and displayed. A display instruction is given to the unit 2102 (step 150). If consumables are frequently warranted but are frequently jammed, repair costs will be free of charge, and prompt notification to the user will reduce potential malfunctions and costs associated with repairs. User dissatisfaction can be alleviated.

  Similarly, the control unit 10 generates an icon for the desired maintenance date and time and displays it on the display operation unit 2102 (step 170). Further, the control unit 10 generates a jam history display icon, and issues a display instruction to the display operation unit 2102 (step 180).

  It is determined whether the user has touched the jam history display icon displayed on the display operation unit 2102 and has selected a past history of consumables defects (step 190).

  On the other hand, if the transport roller 12a that has jammed is not within the guarantee threshold (step 140, N), a message that the transport roller 12a (consumable) is out of the warranty period is generated, and a display instruction is given to the display operation unit 2102. Perform (step 170).

  When the user selects the jam history display icon displayed on the display operation unit 2102 (step 190, Y), the process proceeds to step 200 via jump J3. The control unit 10 transmits a display instruction to the display operation unit 2102 so as to display the past jam history (step 200).

  If the user touches the jam history display icon displayed on the display operation unit 2102 and the past history of consumables is not selected (step 190, N), the process proceeds to step 210 via jump J4.

  In step 210, it is determined whether a desired maintenance date has been selected (step 210). When the desired maintenance date / time is selected (step 210, Y), it is determined whether or not the desired maintenance call date / time has been input by the user (step 220). In order to improve convenience, a plurality of desired maintenance call dates and times can be set based on the priority of the user (first desired date, second desired date, third desired date, etc.).

  When the desired maintenance call date and time is input (step 220, Y), the control unit 10 instructs the display operation unit 2102 to display the input maintenance call desired date and time (step 230).

  Next, the control unit 10 generates an icon (maintenance confirmation icon) used to notify the repairer of the input maintenance call desired date and time, and causes the display / operation unit 2102 to display the icon (step 240).

  The determination unit 240 determines whether or not a maintenance confirmation icon has been selected by the user (step 250). When the maintenance confirmation icon is selected (step 250, Y), based on the priority of the user, the past jam history (or past repair history) of the transport roller 12a (consumables), desired maintenance date and time, the transport roller 12a The display operation unit 2102 rearranges the names and model numbers of the items (step 260).

  On the other hand, if the desired maintenance date / time is not selected in step 210 (step 210, N), the screen returns to the initial screen display (step 280). Similarly, when the desired maintenance call date / time is not input in step 220 (step 220, N), the screen returns to the initial screen display (step 280). If the maintenance confirmation icon is not selected in step 250 (step 250, N), the screen returns to the initial screen display (step 280).

  After the rearrangement of the desired maintenance date and time is completed in step 260, the control unit 10 generates a maintenance call notification icon, displays it on the display operation unit 2102, and reads a communication program stored in advance in the storage unit 250. ,to start. (Step 240). The communication program is a communication program for automatically selecting a preset repairer's network address and an available communication medium (communication network NT) to perform reliable communication.

  When the maintenance call notification icon is selected by the user (step 290, Y), the past jam history (or past repair history) of the transport roller 12a (consumable), the desired maintenance date and time, the name and model number of the transport roller 12a Is notified to the repairer via the external interface 1600 (step 300).

  In addition, the storage unit 250 stores the request contents such as the past jam history (or past repair history) of the conveyance roller 12a (consumables) notified to the repair person, the desired maintenance date and time, the name and model number of the conveyance roller 12a ( Step 310).

  Next, the control unit 10 resets the count of the history count unit 260 to zero (step 320) and returns to the initial setting screen (step 330).

  When an answer from the repair person is received (step 340, Y), the display operation unit 2102 displays that the answer is received from the repair person (step 350). Subsequently, the content of the answer from the repairer is displayed on the display / operation unit 2102 and the content of the answer is stored in the storage unit 250 (step 360). After the user confirms the content of the answer, the screen returns to the initial setting screen (step 370).

  In this way, the user is charged with repair costs or maintenance costs that are gradually reduced based on the warranty threshold and the warranty period of each consumable, and thus the user is charged with a huge amount of repair costs or maintenance costs. Can be prevented. In addition, if a malfunction occurs more than a specified number of times within the warranty period, a notification that repairs will be promptly performed free of charge can be received from the repair person, so that the user's dissatisfaction can be reduced and prompt repair or maintenance can be performed. it can.

  Next, the display displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 211 of the display operation unit 2102 when the consumable management display method by the image forming apparatus 100 is performed will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 17.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 211 displays a plurality of icons. More specifically, as a plurality of icons, a copy icon 2110 for setting a copy operation, a fax icon 2111 for setting fax transmission, a document filing icon 2112 for setting filing, a jam history display icon 2113 for displaying a jam history, An initial setting screen icon 2114 for displaying an initial screen, a finish display icon 2115 for displaying a print finish, a setting confirmation icon 2116 for confirming the setting of each operation, a density change icon 2117 for adjusting the density of the print image, Enlarge / reduce icon 2118 for enlarging / reducing characters, etc., operation execution icon 2119 for executing the currently selected operation, scroll icons 2120, 212 for scrolling the displayed screen page. , A page number icon 2122 for displaying the number of pages on the screen, a maintenance desired date and time icon 2123 for displaying a screen for inputting a desired maintenance desired date and time, a maintenance call confirmation icon 2125 for confirming the inputted maintenance desired date and time, A maintenance call notification icon 2126 and the like for notifying the confirmed desired maintenance date and time are displayed.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a jam (paper jam) occurrence notification screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 211 of the display operation unit 2102 when the jam detection unit 210b detects a malfunction (for example, jam). A jam notification and a jam history display icon as shown in FIG. 10 are displayed. In addition, the display operation unit 2102 displays a jam occurrence location and a cleaning location (not shown). Based on this display, it is possible to notify the repair person and perform dry wiping cleaning or alcohol wiping cleaning of the recording paper transport roller. Alternatively, the user may perform cleaning himself.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a jam (paper jam) history notification screen displayed on the display operation unit 2102. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the jam of the transport roller 12a before the transfer has occurred 20 times in the past, and that a repair request (first time) has been made four times before recently.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a setting screen for desired maintenance date and time displayed on the display operation unit 2102. When the user selects the desired maintenance date / time icon 2123 shown in FIG. 11, a desired maintenance date / time setting screen displayed on the display operation unit 2102 is displayed as shown in FIG. When the user inputs the desired maintenance date and time with the numeric keypad 212, the input result is displayed based on the input value. The date and time are each a touch panel type, and a value is selected by selecting a place to be input. Although it is possible to input up to the third request, only the first request or two of the first request and the second request may be used, but it is preferable to input up to the third request because it is easy to match the repair convenience of the repair person.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a maintenance call confirmation screen displayed on the display operation unit 2102. When the user selects the maintenance call confirmation icon 2125, the desired maintenance date and time as shown in FIG. Displays the second history. If this content is acceptable, when the user selects the maintenance call notification icon 2126, the user is notified to the repairer's wired terminal (including the server) and displayed on a display unit (not shown) that can be viewed by the repairer. As shown in FIG. 18, it is good also as a structure notified to the wire terminal R1a or radio | wireless terminal R1b of repair person R1 via the communication network NT.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a screen for notifying completion of the maintenance call displayed on the display operation unit 2102. FIG. 14 shows a screen when the maintenance call is normally completed. After this screen is displayed, the screen may automatically return to the initial screen, or the user may move to the desired operation screen of the image forming apparatus 100.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a screen for notifying the maintenance date and time from the repair person displayed on the display operation unit 2102. Display / non-display of the received content is performed by directly touching the “Yes” or “No” icon on the liquid crystal touch panel 211.

  FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displaying an answer from a repairer after receiving a user maintenance call. Since consumables are replaced for the second time within the warranty period, repair costs are exempted by half. As a result, user dissatisfaction and cost burden due to repeated errors of the same consumable item (conveying roller) can be eliminated, and the reliability of the image forming apparatus 100 can be recovered.

  FIG. 17 is another example of a screen for notifying the maintenance date and time from the repair person displayed on the display operation unit 2102. This is a case where the same consumable item is forced to be replaced a third time within the replacement guarantee period of the consumable item (conveying roller 12a), and the repair cost is free of charge. The same applies to the fourth and subsequent times. In the present embodiment, the repair is free of charge by the third replacement, but it is preferable that the repair cost from the second time be free of charge when performing a more thorough service.

  Next, a consumable item management display system by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, each of the plurality of users U1, U2, U3 includes an image forming apparatus 100, and the repairer R1 is wired from the external interfaces U1b, U2b, U3b via the communication network NT and the satellite communication means ST. The terminal is connected to the terminal R1a (including the server) and the wireless terminal R1b. The user's image forming apparatus 100 is connected to wireless terminals (or wired terminals) U1a, U2a, and U3a via a local area network (LAN). Each user can see the contents displayed on the display operation unit 2102 of the image forming apparatus 100 on the display screens of the display units (not shown) of the respective wireless terminals U1a, U2a, U3a. In addition, each user is configured to be able to request maintenance or repair of the image forming apparatus 100 from the repair person R1 using the respective wireless terminals U1a, U2a, U3a. Thereby, even if the repair person R1 has gone to another repair destination, the notification of the repair request can be easily known.

  The communication network NT can use, for example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, etc. It is. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used.

  In addition, the server of the repairer R1 may be managed by a manufacturer, a sales destination, a lease destination, or the like. For example, an image forming apparatus manufacturer, a consumables manufacturer, a cloud provider R2 side that provides a cloud computing service It may be managed by the terminal R2a. Furthermore, the server of the repairer R1 may be connected to a backup server that backs up the function of a management server (not shown) on the cloud provider R2 side. Thereby, even if the server is down, the consumables management display system of this embodiment can be smoothly operated.

  As described above, when a consumable (conveyance roller) malfunctions within the manufacturer's warranty period (error), a notification is received with the contents of the replacement, repair costs, or maintenance costs associated with the error being gradually reduced or exempted. Since it can be displayed on the display operation unit 2102 and maintenance and repair are performed based on the desired maintenance date and time desired by the user, it is possible to provide a rich service to the user and decrease the reliability due to the malfunction of each consumable And the use of a permanent image forming apparatus can be promoted.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus including a display operation unit has been described. However, any apparatus including a display unit capable of displaying a message or the like is limited to the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration. Inkjet recording devices, copiers, or other devices such as home appliances, consumer devices (electronic devices or devices related to video, audio, communication, etc., or terminals used by general consumers Products that are intended for use at home, or products / standards developed / designed on the premise of such products) and products developed on the assumption that they are used for purposes other than general homes. Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exposure unit 2 Developing device 3 Photoconductor drum 4 Cleaner unit 5 Charger 6 Intermediate transfer belt unit 10 Control unit 12 (12a to 12d) Conveying roller 81 Paper feed cassette 91 Paper discharge tray 100 Image forming device 110 Device main body 210a, 210b Jam detection unit 240 determination unit 250 storage unit 260 history count unit 2102 display operation unit

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that manages consumables including at least a conveyance roller,
Detecting means for detecting a defect of the consumables;
Storage means for storing a history of malfunctions of the consumables and a plurality of threshold values in the consumption rate of the consumables;
Determination means for determining the degree of repair based on the threshold of the consumption rate and the history of the malfunction;
Display operation means for displaying the information of the consumables and the degree of repair, and inputting a desired replacement date;
Communication means for receiving and transmitting the information of the consumables and the information of the replacement date;
Control means for controlling the display operation means and the communication means;
With
The control means causes the display / operating means to display information on the consumable that has failed, a history of the trouble of the consumable, and information on the replacement date according to the degree of repair, An image forming apparatus controlled to transmit by a communication unit. The control means performs control so that the consumable that has caused the defect detected by the detection means falls within a use guarantee period based on a history of the defect of the consumable and a threshold in the consumption rate of the consumable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display operation unit to display a ratio of the repair cost of the consumable item according to the degree of repair, and transmits the display unit by the communication unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The communication means receives the defective consumable, the past history of the consumable, the desired repair date / time of the consumable, the scheduled repair date / time from the repair person, and the repair cost of the consumable. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display operation unit displays information received by the communication unit. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A terminal that is connected to the image forming apparatus via a network and includes a second display operation unit that displays the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
A consumable management display system comprising:
Information on consumables including at least a conveyance roller, repair costs of the consumables, and the repair date and time are displayed on the display operation unit of the image forming apparatus via the network. Management display system.   6. The consumable item management display system according to claim 5, wherein the display operation unit displays the repair cost of the consumable item in a stepwise manner based on a replacement history of the consumable item.   7. The consumables management display system according to claim 5, wherein the control means controls the display operation means to display a plurality of repair dates according to the degree of repair. A consumable management display method for managing consumables including at least a conveyance roller,
A detection step for detecting a defect of the consumable;
A storage step of storing a history of defects of the consumables and a plurality of threshold values in the consumption rate of the consumables;
A determination step of determining a degree of repair based on the threshold of the consumption rate and the history of the defect;
A display operation step of displaying information of the consumables and the degree of repair, and inputting a desired replacement date;
A communication step of receiving and transmitting the information of the consumables and the information of the replacement date;
A control step for controlling the display operation step and the communication step;
With
The control step controls to display and communicate the information on the consumable that has failed, the history of the defect of the consumable, and the information on the replacement date according to the degree of repair. A consumable management display method comprising steps.

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