JP2013171073A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily determine a replacement time of each replacement part involved a job executed by the user by notifying the user of a timing of arrival of a recommended replacement time of each replacement part.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit which performs image forming in response to execution of a job and a control unit which manages the job and controls the image forming unit. The control unit manages replacement parts of the image forming apparatus, identifies replacement parts involved in the job, predicts a wear-out amount of the replacement parts over the course of the execution of the job, determines whether a recommended replacement time of any of the replacement parts is to arrive when the job is completed on the basis of the prediction, and if a recommended replacement time is to arrive, notifies a user of the timing when the recommended replacement time arrives, thereby making clear at which timing a recommended replacement time of a replacement part is to arrive and making determination of time of part replacement easy.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on a job, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that enables parts to be replaced.

  Image forming devices such as copiers, facsimiles, printers, and multifunction devices having these combined functions are equipped with many replacement parts with a long life, and smooth operation is possible by replacing parts with a life time when necessary. Can be obtained. In general, the service life of a replacement part is regularly replaced by a service person. However, downtime occurs during maintenance work because the image forming apparatus cannot be used. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses have been provided in which parts replacement work is released to users for the purpose of reducing downtime. In addition, by enabling replacement work by the user, it is possible to reduce the time for the service person to arrange parts.

  An image forming apparatus in which a part can be replaced by the user has been proposed in which the user can replace the part at an appropriate timing without paying attention to the part replacement timing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). In the image forming apparatus proposed in Patent Document 1, it is predicted whether the service life will be reached within the operation time during the maintenance time period, and if the service life is reached, the replacement part is notified first by reaching the service life. .

  In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, guidance is displayed according to the status of a reserved job, and guidance is given as to which job is to be stopped on the schedule screen so that the job is not stopped due to a paper discharge tray full or the like. Can be notified, or the job order can be changed.

JP 2010-217437 A JP 2011-48158 A

  However, in the image forming apparatuses proposed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, it is not clear at what timing replacement parts reach the recommended replacement timing, making it difficult to determine the replacement timing, and grasping changes in print quality There is a problem that it is difficult.

  The present invention is made in the background of the above circumstances, and notifies the user of the replacement time by notifying the user of the job to be executed of the arrival timing of the recommended replacement time for each replacement part. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which the user can easily grasp when the image quality is no longer guaranteed by grasping the arrival timing of the recommended replacement time.

That is, among the image forming apparatuses of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image in response to execution of a job, a control unit that manages the job and controls the image forming unit, With
The control unit manages a replacement part of the image forming apparatus, identifies an associated replacement part for the job, predicts a consumption amount of the replacement part when the job is being executed, and Based on the above, it is determined whether the replacement part has reached the recommended replacement time when the job is completed, and when the replacement recommended time is reached, the timing for reaching the recommended replacement time is notified.

According to the present invention, by executing a job, it is possible to grasp in advance whether the relevant replacement part has reached the recommended replacement time, and the replacement of the part can be performed by notifying the timing of reaching the recommended replacement time. This makes it easier to select the timing and grasp changes in print quality.
It should be noted that the parts referred to in the present invention include not only single parts but also those having a unit configuration.

  The image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit starts the job when a replacement part related to the execution of the job has already passed the recommended replacement time. It is characterized by notifying that the recommended replacement time has been reached.

  According to the present invention, when the relevant replacement part has passed the recommended replacement time before the job execution, this is notified so that it becomes easy to select the replacement time of the part, and the part before the job execution. Exchange is also possible.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control unit determines that the replacement part related to the completion of the job does not reach the recommended replacement time in the determination. It is characterized by notifying that the recommended replacement time has not been reached.

  According to the present invention, when the relevant replacement part does not reach the recommended replacement time due to the completion of the job, this is notified, so that it becomes easy to select the replacement time of the part, etc., and due to unnecessary replacement work. You can avoid downtime.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the display unit controlled by the control unit according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention, and the control unit sends the notification to the display unit. It is characterized by being displayed.

  According to the present invention, a notification regarding the arrival of the recommended replacement time can be easily confirmed by display on the display unit.

  In the image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control unit can display a job execution information screen on the display unit, and display the notification on the job execution information screen. It is characterized by being performed.

  According to the present invention, the arrival of recommended component replacement time can be displayed on the job execution information screen for easy confirmation.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit enables the display unit to display a job execution schedule screen as a job execution information screen, and displays the notification. The job execution schedule screen is associated with the number axis or the time axis.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm by displaying the replacement recommended time arrival corresponding to the number axis or time axis of the job execution schedule screen.

  An image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the control unit makes the determination when a job is submitted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the arrival timing of the recommended replacement time for job execution immediately after the job is input, and it is possible to set the part replacement time determination at an early stage.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention stores, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, a recommended replacement time for each replacement part, an actual consumption amount, and a unit consumption amount associated with job execution. A storage unit is provided.

According to the present invention, by referring to the information in the storage unit by the control unit, it is possible to calculate the consumption amount prediction of the replacement part and the timing for reaching the recommended replacement time in the control unit. The actual consumption amount is rewritten by the control unit according to the operation of the apparatus.
The unit consumption amount means a consumption amount that appears in a specific unit as the job is executed. Examples of the specific unit include time, the number of sheets, the number of times, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, the control unit determines that a replacement part related in the determination reaches a replacement recommended time before completion of the job. Further, it is possible to make reservations for parts replacement timing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reserve a part replacement timing in advance before reaching the part replacement recommended time, and to perform the part replacement at an appropriate time or a desired time.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the control unit shifts to a part replacement procedure at a reserved part replacement timing.

  According to the present invention, the part replacement procedure is executed according to the reserved timing without the user being aware of the part replacement timing.

  In the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention has an operation unit that receives an operation input from an operator, and the control unit exchanges the component by the operator through the operation unit. It is characterized in that the timing can be set.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reserve a part replacement timing according to an arbitrary timing or a timing prepared in advance by an operator.

  In an image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the component replacement timing is any one of immediate, job start timing, and no replacement. And

  According to the present invention, parts replacement can be reserved so that parts are replaced at an appropriate time in consideration of productivity, workability of parts replacement, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit determines that if there is a job being executed or an unexecuted job at the time of the component replacement, Is saved from the job execution schedule, and the job execution schedule is determined again after completion of the part replacement.

  According to the present invention, a reserved job can be executed reliably and promptly after parts replacement regardless of parts replacement work.

  The image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the control unit performs the replacement when the job is completed in a state where the recommended replacement time has been reached at the time of execution. A job history including timing information that has reached the recommended time is stored.

  According to the present invention, by including the arrival of the recommended component replacement time in the job history, the job history can be used for grasping the change in print quality and quality control.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the control unit can change the execution order of the plurality of jobs. When there is a change, the determination is performed again according to the changed job.

  According to the present invention, even when the job execution order is changed, it is possible to know in advance whether or not the relevant replacement part reaches the recommended replacement time by executing the job. Examples of changing the job execution order include interruption, job execution order change, and job deletion.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein in the determination, the control unit has a job that reaches a replacement recommended replacement time during job execution. If the replacement part is scheduled to be replaced after that, the job execution order can be changed so that the job is executed after another job that does not reach the recommended replacement part replacement period during job execution. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the job can be efficiently executed by executing the job that requires replacement parts replacement later.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes clear at which timing the replacement part reaches the recommended replacement time, and it becomes easy to determine the replacement time. In addition, since the recommended replacement time is clarified, there is an effect that the print quality can be easily managed.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color copying machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the color copying machine 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows a normal job schedule screen. It is a figure which shows the job schedule screen of one Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the example of parts replacement recommendation time arrival on a job schedule screen. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the screen which performs parts replacement reservation at the time of parts replacement recommendation time arrival. Similarly, it is a diagram illustrating job replacement on the job schedule screen. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the example of the component replacement timing in a job schedule screen. Similarly, it is a figure which shows a job list. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a timing for reaching a recommended component replacement time on the job schedule screen. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for searching for replacement parts. Similarly, it is a figure which shows a replacement part search table. Similarly, it is a diagram showing a job replacement parts list. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the counter limit table of replacement parts. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for checking a part exceeding a limit. Similarly, it is a figure which shows a limit exceeded list. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the parts replacement execution table before job execution. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for executing reserved parts replacement. Similarly, it is a figure which shows a job replacement list.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A color copying machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and is an apparatus capable of continuously forming a color image composed of at least two colors.
The color copying machine 100 includes an image forming unit 60 and a fixing device 17 that constitute an example of a function realizing unit, and these have a function of forming and outputting a color image in the copying machine main body 101 (hereinafter also referred to as the apparatus main body side). to share the load. The image forming unit 60 is unitized for each image forming color. For example, there are four units corresponding to yellow (Y) color, magenta (M) color, cyan (C) color, and black (BK) color. The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are included. The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are mounted on the copying machine main body 101 and formed in a structure that can be exchanged to realize an image forming output function.

  The color copying machine 100 includes a copying machine main body 101 and an image reading device 102. The image reading apparatus 102 is installed on the upper part of the copying machine main body 101 and includes an automatic document feeder 201 and a document image scanning exposure apparatus 202. For example, a colored document 30 placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder 201 is conveyed by a conveyance unit (not shown).

  The original 30 is scanned and exposed on one or both sides by the optical system of the original image scanning exposure apparatus 202, and incident light reflecting the color original image is read by the line image sensor CCD. The analog image signal for color photoelectrically converted by the line image sensor CCD is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like in the image reading device 102, and is converted into digital color image data D12. (See FIG. 2).

  The copying machine main body 101 constitutes a tandem type color image forming apparatus, and includes an endless intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7A, image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, a fixing device 17, and a paper transport unit. 20 is provided. The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K constitute an image forming unit 60 (printer).

  The image forming unit 10Y that forms a Y-color toner image is unitized and includes components such as a Y-color photosensitive drum 1Y, a charger 2Y, an image writing unit 3Y, a developing unit 4Y, and a cleaning unit 8Y. Has been. In this example, a cleaning unit 8Y, a charger 2Y, an image writing unit 3Y, and a developing unit 4Y are arranged counterclockwise around the photosensitive drum 1Y with the intermediate transfer belt 6 as a reference.

  The photosensitive drum 1Y is rotatably disposed in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 6. An electrostatic latent image based on the image data Dy for Y-color image creation is written on the photosensitive drum 1Y. An organic photoconductor (OPC) drum is used as the photoconductor drum 1Y. A charger 2Y is disposed at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 1Y. The charger 2Y charges the photosensitive drum 1Y with a predetermined potential.

  In this example, an image writing unit 3Y is disposed at a position having a beam optical path between the charging unit 2Y and the developing unit 4Y and facing the photosensitive drum 1Y. The image writing unit 3Y exposes the photosensitive drum 1Y based on the image data Dy for Y color image formation.

  The image writing unit 3Y includes a device buffer (Buffer) BF and a writing device (Writing Device). D is configured. The device buffer BF temporarily stores image data Dy supplied from the control unit 15 to the image writing unit 3Y. A RAM or the like is used for the device buffer BF.

  In the device buffer BF, the writing device W.P. D is connected to the writing device W.D. D generates laser beam light based on the image data Dy to expose the photosensitive drum 1Y. Writing device W. For D, a polygon mirror scanning laser beam writing unit that scans laser beam light with a polygonal mirror, or an LPH (LD Printer Head) writing unit that arranges laser diode elements in a line and performs batch exposure is used. Device buffer (Buffer) BF and writing device (Writing Device) D is similarly provided in the image writing units 3M, 3C, and 3K.

  A developing unit 4Y is disposed between the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the image writing unit 3Y at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 1Y. In order to perform reversal development, the developing device 4Y is applied with a developing bias in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage having the same polarity (negative polarity in this embodiment) as the polarity of the toner to be used. The developing device 4Y is supplied with a developing bias and develops the electrostatic latent image written on the photosensitive drum 1Y with a Y-color toner member.

  The developed Y toner image is sequentially transferred from the photosensitive drum 1Y to the rotating intermediate transfer belt 6 by the primary transfer roller 7Y (primary transfer). The Y color toner image is superimposed on the other color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 6 to form a color toner image. A cleaning unit 8Y is provided between the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the charger 2Y at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 1Y. The cleaning unit 8Y cleans the toner member remaining on the photosensitive drum 1Y after the primary transfer.

  Image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K are arranged along the intermediate transfer belt 6 below the photosensitive drum 1Y. The image forming unit 10M that forms an M-color toner image includes an M-color photosensitive drum 1M, a charger 2M, an image writing unit 3M, a developing unit 4M, and a cleaning unit 8M. An image forming unit 10C for forming a C toner image includes a C photosensitive drum 1C, a charger 2C, an image writing unit 3C, a developing unit 4C, and a cleaning unit 8C.

  The image forming unit 10K for forming a BK color toner image includes a BK color photosensitive drum 1K, a charger 2K, an image writing unit 3K, a developing unit 4K, and a cleaning unit 8K. Note that the internal configurations and functions of the image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K should be referred to by replacing Y with M, C, and K in the above-described image forming unit 10Y. Other configurations are also the same.

  The intermediate transfer belt 6 disposed so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is wound around a plurality of rollers and is rotatably supported. The Y, M, C, and BK toner images formed by the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6 (primary transfer). A secondary transfer roller 7 </ b> A is provided at a position below the intermediate transfer belt 6. The secondary transfer roller 7A transfers the color toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6 onto a predetermined sheet P (secondary transfer).

  A fixing device 17 is disposed adjacent to the secondary transfer roller 7A. The fixing device 17 is unitized and fixes the color image secondarily transferred onto the paper P. The fixing device 17 includes components such as a fixing roller, a pressure roller, a heating (IH) heater, and a fixing cleaning unit (not shown). In the fixing process, the transfer paper P is heated and pressed by passing the transfer paper P between a fixing roller heated by a heater and a pressure roller. The transfer paper P on which the color image is fixed is sandwiched between the paper discharge rollers 24 and discharged onto a paper discharge tray 25 outside the apparatus.

  In this example, a cleaning unit 8A is provided on the upper left side of the intermediate transfer belt 6 and operates to clean the toner agent remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 6 after transfer. The cleaning unit 8 </ b> A has a neutralization unit (not shown) that neutralizes the charge of the intermediate transfer belt 6 and a pad that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 6. The intermediate transfer belt 6 after the belt surface is cleaned by the cleaning unit 8A and discharged by the discharging unit enters the next image forming cycle.

  A paper transport unit 20 is provided below the image forming unit 60 (image forming system) described above, and feeds (transports) paper P to the image forming unit 60. The paper transport unit 20 includes, for example, three paper feed trays 20A, 20B, and 20C. In this example, the paper P fed out from the paper transport unit 20 is transported below the image forming unit 10K and below the intermediate transfer belt 6 (secondary transfer position). A paper feed path 21, a feed roller 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, a loop roller 22D, a registration roller 28, and the like are provided in a paper feed path 20D extending from the paper feed unit 20 to the lower side of the image forming unit 10K.

  Next, a configuration example of the control system of the color copying machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A color copying machine 100 shown in FIG. 2 includes a control unit 15, a communication unit 19, a paper transport unit 20, an operation display unit 48, and an image reading device 102 on the apparatus main body side, and image forming units 10Y and 10M on the unit side. 10C and 10K, and a fixing device 17. The control unit 15 includes a work memory (Random Access Memory: hereinafter referred to as RAM 53), a memory unit 54, and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU 55) capable of writing and reading information as needed.

  A RAM 53 for work memory is connected to the CPU 55. The RAM 53 is connected to a memory unit 54 that constitutes an example of a storage unit on the apparatus main body side. The memory unit 54 has a memory area and stores unit information Du of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The unit information Du includes usage count information for each part. For example, the number-of-uses information includes information on the number of times components such as the Y-color photosensitive drum 1Y, the charger 2Y, the image writing unit 3Y, the developing unit 4Y, and the cleaning unit 8Y constituting the image forming unit 10Y are used. included.

  In this example, a plurality of memory areas for unit management are provided in the memory area of the memory unit 54 for each image forming unit that realizes an image forming function for each color. For example, the image forming unit 10Y that realizes a Y-color image forming function is provided with three memory areas for unit management (hereinafter referred to as main body memory areas #A, #B, and #C). Other image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K that realize the image forming functions of M, C, and BK colors are provided in the same manner.

  The memory unit 54 stores a system program for controlling the entire copying machine, a program for determining whether writing is possible, a program for selecting a main body memory area, and control information for controlling writing of the image writing unit 3Y. Is done. The memory unit 54 includes a read only memory (ROM), a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM and a hard disk device (HDD). For example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 55 that has detected the power-on information reads the system program from the ROM of the memory unit 54 and develops it in the RAM 53, starts the system, and controls the entire copier. Made.

  An operation display unit 48 is connected to the control unit 15 in a controllable manner. The operation display unit 48 constitutes an example of a setting unit, and is operated to set a plurality of unit memory areas #A, #B, #C, etc. for unit management in the memory area of the memory unit 54. The operation display unit 48 includes an operation unit and a display unit (not shown). The operation display unit 48 includes a touch panel and a liquid crystal display panel. The operation display unit 48 uses GUI (Graphic User Interface) type input means.

  The operation display unit 48 is operated when selecting image forming conditions and the paper feed trays 20A to 20C. For example, when selecting the type (paper type) or paper size of the paper P or selecting the paper feed trays 20A to 20C in which the paper P is stored, the operation display unit 48 is operated to form an image. A condition is set. The image forming conditions, paper feed tray selection information, and the like set in the operation display unit 48 are output to the control unit 15 as operation data D14. The image forming conditions and the like are displayed on the operation display unit 48 based on the display data D18. The display data D18 is output from the control unit 15 to the operation display unit 48.

  The operation display unit 48 can be configured by a touch panel or the like in which the operation unit and the display unit are integrated, and may be configured such that the operation unit and the display unit are independent. In this case, the operation unit can be configured by a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, or the like, and the display unit can be configured by a liquid crystal panel, a CRT display, or the like. The operation display unit 48 corresponds to a display unit and an operation unit of the present invention.

  The control unit 15 uses the plurality of main body memory areas #A, #B, #C of the memory unit 54 set by the operation display unit 48, for example, Y color that can be exchanged for the copier main body 101. Unit information Du related to the image forming unit 10Y for processing is processed.

  The image forming unit 10Y includes a unit control unit 125 and a communication unit 29 on the unit side. The unit control unit 125 includes a RAM 63, a memory unit 64, and a CPU 65. The memory unit 64 stores identification information ID for identifying the image forming unit 10Y and usage count information including the usage count Nx of the components constituting the image forming unit 10Y.

  A unit memory area is set in the memory unit 64. In this unit memory area, the Y-color photosensitive drum 1Y, the charger 2Y, the image writing unit 3Y, the developing unit 4Y, and the cleaning that constitute the image forming unit 10Y. The number-of-uses information including the number of times of use Nx of the part 8Y or the like is described. The CPU 65 and the work memory RAM 63 constitute first information writing means, and operate so as to write the unit information Du from the unit side memory unit 64 to the apparatus main unit side memory unit 54 at a predetermined timing.

  In this example, the RAM 63 and the CPU 65 constituting the first information writing means write the unit information Du into the memory section 54 on the apparatus body side when power is supplied to the apparatus body side or when the unit is mounted. It is. This is because the number of times of use and the like is recognized for each component when supplying power to the image forming unit 10Y or the like or mounting the unit on the apparatus main body side.

  When the image forming unit 10Y is configured in this way, the unit-side Du can be written from the unit-side memory unit 64 to the apparatus main unit-side memory unit 54 by the unit-side RAM 63 and CPU 65 when power is supplied or when the unit is mounted. .

  In addition, the CPU 65 has reset the use frequency information for each component such as the Y-color photosensitive drum 1Y, the charger 2Y, the image writing unit 3Y, the developing unit 4Y, or the cleaning unit 8Y constituting the image forming unit 10Y. It is determined whether or not, and information writing control of the RAM 63 is executed based on the determination result. When the usage count information is reset, the CPU 65 controls the writing of the RAM 63 so that the usage count information for each part is written in the memory section 54 on the apparatus main body side.

  When the RAM 63 is controlled to write in this way, even if the unit information Du cannot be written for some reason, the Y-color photosensitive drum 1Y, the charger 2Y, the image writing unit 3Y, and the developing unit 4Y. Alternatively, the usage count information for each cleaning unit 8Y and the like can be written in the memory unit 54 on the apparatus main body side.

  A communication unit 29 is connected to the unit control unit 125 described above. The communication unit 29 is connected to the communication unit 19 on the apparatus main body side, and performs communication processing under the control of the CPU 65 when writing unit information Du into the memory unit 54 on the apparatus main body side. The unit information Du is similarly processed for the other M, C, and BK color image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K.

  On the other hand, the CPU 55 on the apparatus body side constitutes an example of a second information writing unit, and operates to write the unit information Du from the memory section 54 on the apparatus body side to the memory section 64 on the unit side at a predetermined timing. For example, the timing at which the CPU 55 writes the unit information Du to the unit-side memory unit 64 is when the power supply to the apparatus main body is shut off, when a predetermined number of prints are made, when the unit replacement operation starts, or when the component life is reached. . This is because, on the image forming unit 10Y side, the number of times of use etc. is recognized for each part when the power is shut off on the apparatus main body side, when a predetermined number of prints are performed, when the unit replacement operation starts, or when the part life is reached. is there.

  As described above, since the CPU 55 constituting the second information writing means is provided on the apparatus main body side, when the power supply to the apparatus main body side is cut off, at the time of printing a predetermined number of sheets, at the start of the unit replacement operation, or at the part life The unit information Du can be written from the memory section 54 on the apparatus main body side to the memory section 54 on the unit side at the time of arrival. In addition, even when information is not normally written from the memory unit 54 on the apparatus main body side to the memory unit 64 on the unit side, the Y-color photoconductor constituting the image forming unit 10Y when the information is restored. The lifetimes of the drum 1Y, the charger 2Y, the image writing unit 3Y, the developing unit 4Y, the cleaning unit 8Y, and the like can be reliably managed.

  The control unit 15 includes a determination unit realized by software. The determination unit is configured by the RAM 53 and the CPU 55 based on the identification information ID and the number-of-uses information, from the unit-side memory unit 64 to the apparatus body-side memory unit 54. It is determined whether or not the unit information Du can be written. In this example, the apparatus main body corresponds to the determination result obtained by the determination function embodied by the RAM 53 and the CPU 55 when the power is supplied or the unit is mounted, and from the unit-side memory unit 64 based on the identification information ID. The unit information Du can be written in the memory section 54 on the side.

  Further, the control unit 15 has a memory selection means realized by software. The memory selection means includes a RAM 53 and a CPU 55, and selects a plurality of main body memory areas #A, #B, #C, etc. set in the memory unit 54 in association with the identification information ID of the replaceable image forming unit 10Y. . With the selection function of the main body memory areas #A, #B, #C, etc., unit information Du is transferred from the memory section 64 on the unit side to the memory area selected by the memory section 54 on the apparatus main body side when power is supplied or the unit is mounted. The main body memory area selected by the memory section 54 on the apparatus main body side when the power is turned off to the apparatus main body side, when a predetermined number of prints are made, when the unit replacement operation starts, or when the component life is reached The unit information Du can be written to the memory unit 64 on the unit side from #A or the like.

  In this example, the unit information Du stored in the memory unit 54 includes unit information Du of the replacement date of the image forming unit 10Y and the like. On the premise of this, the CPU 55 determines whether or not all of the plurality of main body memory areas #A, #B, #C, etc. set in the memory unit 54 are used, and the main body memory areas #A, ## It is determined whether or not the identification information ID of the image forming unit 10Y that does not exist in all of B and #C has been read, and the unit information Du of the image forming unit 10Y with the oldest replacement date is stored based on the determination result. Execute memory selection control to select the selected memory area.

  When the identification information ID of a new image forming unit 10Y that does not exist in all of the main body memory areas #A, #B, and #C is read by this memory selection control, the unit of the image forming unit 10Y with the oldest replacement date is read. Since the main memory area where the information Du is stored, for example, #A is controlled to be selected, the main memory areas #A, #B, and #C limited by the memory unit 54 on the apparatus main body side are effectively used. become able to.

  A communication unit 19 is connected to the control unit 15 described above. The communication unit 19 is connected to the unit-side communication unit 29, and performs communication processing under the control of the CPU 55 when writing unit information Du into the unit-side memory unit 64. The unit information Du is similarly processed for the other M, C, and BK color image forming units 10M, 10C, and 10K.

  As described above, the control unit 15 stores the number-of-uses information for each component of the image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K in the memory unit 54, and manages these components. In the above description, the parts management of the image forming units 10 </ b> Y, 10 </ b> M, 10 </ b> C, and 10 </ b> K has been described. However, the control unit 15 also provides the number of times of use and usage time information for other parts included in the color copying machine 100. Stored and managed. Some parts whose usage information is managed are replaceable, and the parts correspond to the replacement parts of the present invention. The image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K are replacement parts. For the replacement part, recommended replacement time information is stored in the memory unit 54, and it can be determined whether the replacement time has been reached based on the use frequency information, the use time information, and the recommended replacement time information. Therefore, the memory unit 54 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention.

  Further, the control unit 15 stores and manages jobs executed by the color copying machine 100, and can store, execute, and delete jobs and manage schedules. The control unit 15 can estimate the consumption amount of parts managed based on job information. In the control unit 15, the amount of consumption of a part is stored in advance as data according to the number of times of use and the time of use, and the amount of parts consumed in the job can be calculated based on the number of times of use and the time of use by executing the job. The timing for reaching the replacement time can be determined by comparison with the recommended replacement time information.

  Further, the image reading apparatus 102 is connected to the control unit 15. The image reading device 102 outputs color digital image data D12 (R, G, and B color component data) obtained by reading an image from the original 30 shown in FIG. The control unit 15 converts the image data D12 input from the image reading device 102 into Y-color image data Dy, M-color image data Dm, C-color image data Dc, and BK-color image data. Color conversion processing is performed on the data Dk. Image data Dy, Dm, Dc, and Dk for Y, M, C, and BK color image formation after color conversion processing are stored in the memory unit 54 or the device buffer BF for Y color image formation shown in FIG. The other M, C, and BK color image forming device buffers BF are stored.

  A paper transport unit 20 is connected to the control unit 15. The paper transport unit 20 performs motor rotation control based on the paper transport signal S20, and operates to transport the paper P fed from the paper feed tray 20A, 20B, or 20C to the image forming unit 60. The paper transport signal S20 is supplied from the control unit 15 to the paper transport unit 20.

  A fixing device 17 is connected to the control unit 15 described above. The fixing device 17 performs a fixing process on the color image secondarily transferred onto the paper P based on a fixing control signal output from the control unit 15. Thus, the color copying machine 100 is configured.

  The control unit 15 can manage job schedules, and an operation display unit 48 is connected to the control unit 15 in a controllable manner. Thus, the control unit 15 can display a job schedule screen through the operation display unit 48.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the schedule screen 200 displayed on the operation display unit 48, which is the same as the conventional one.
In the schedule screen 200, the vertical axis indicates the information on each tray, and the horizontal axis indicates the time axis, and it is possible to visually confirm from which tray a plurality of reserved jobs are output in which time zone. It is possible. However, on the conventional job schedule screen, it is difficult to determine at which timing the user should perform the replacement when the user replaces the part. In addition, there is a situation where the image forming apparatus continues to be used without noticing the life of the replacement part and smooth operation cannot be obtained. Furthermore, it is not known which job is associated with a replacement part that has reached the end of its life.

In the present invention, unlike the conventional schedule screen, it is possible to easily grasp the recommended replacement time for parts on the schedule screen.
FIG. 4 shows a schedule screen 210 on the operation display unit 48 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the schedule screen 210, the vertical axis indicates information on each tray, and the horizontal axis indicates the time axis, as in the conventional schedule screen. Furthermore, in the present invention, the consumption amount of the replacement part when the job is executed in the control unit is predicted, the timing for reaching the recommended replacement time is calculated, and this timing time is displayed on the schedule screen 210. In other words, by displaying the recommended replacement time for each replacement part for the job executed by the user, it is easy for the user to determine the replacement time and to display which job is related. Can do.
The consumption amount of each replacement part for each usage time, the number of times of use, the number of output sheets, etc., and the recommended replacement period for each part are stored in advance in the memory unit 54 and the like according to the contents of the job. The consumption amount is calculated, and the timing at which the recommended replacement time is reached can be determined by comparison with the recommended replacement time.

On the job schedule screen 210, JOB1 to JOB5 are scheduled to be executed sequentially, and replacement parts are managed.
In JOB1, it is determined that the job is finished before the replacement parts A and B reach the recommended replacement time, and on the job schedule screen 210, the job output display is performed in a normal display.

JOB2 to be executed next is a job related to the replacement part A, and it is determined that the part A reaches the recommended replacement time during the execution of the job. In response to this, the control unit 15 performs display control so that the marker 211 is displayed at the position of the horizontal axis in accordance with the timing of reaching the recommended replacement time.
The user can easily grasp the time to reach the recommended replacement time according to the position of the marker 211 by visual recognition. On the schedule screen 210, the identification name of the part that reaches the recommended replacement time and the timing that reaches the recommended replacement time can be displayed together with numerical values. In the job output display after the recommended replacement period has been reached, the range of output items using replacement parts that have passed the recommended replacement period can be easily grasped by changing the color and display method (shading, etc.). . In FIG. 4, after the timing when the replacement part A reaches the recommended replacement time, the output display of JOB2 is shaded, and thereafter, the replacement part A that has reached the recommended replacement time is used and JOB2 is executed. It has been shown that.

  After that, the job 3 to be executed is a job related to the replacement part A, and the replacement part A has already reached the recommended replacement time before the job is executed. The output display is shaded from the initial state so that the operator can easily grasp this state.

  Further, the job 4 executed thereafter is a job related to the replacement part B and does not use the replacement part A. In JOB4, the replacement part B has not reached the recommended replacement time before the job execution, but it is determined that the replacement recommended time for the replacement part B has been reached during the job execution. In accordance with this determination, on the schedule screen 210, the marker 212 is displayed at the horizontal axis position in accordance with the timing when the replacement part B reaches the recommended replacement time.

  The time to reach the recommended replacement time can be grasped by the position of the marker 212. In addition, the schedule screen 210 can display the identification name of the replacement part B that reaches the recommended replacement time and the timing that reaches the recommended replacement time using numerical values. Further, after the timing when the replacement part B reaches the recommended replacement time, the output display of the JOB 4 is displayed in a dark shaded manner so that it can be distinguished from the display related to the replacement part B.

  Further, the JOB 5 to be executed thereafter is a job that is not related to the replacement parts A and B, and the job schedule screen 210 is displayed in a normal display so that it can be seen that the replacement part that has reached the recommended replacement time is not used. The output is displayed.

In addition, when the recommended replacement time is reached before the job execution is completed, a part replacement reservation may be made.
5A and 5B show an example in which the recommended replacement time is reached in any job, and a job schedule screen 220 in which JOB 1, 2, and 3 are sequentially executed is displayed on the operation display unit 48. FIG. ing.
FIG. 5A shows an example in which it is determined that the recommended replacement time for replacement parts is reached in JOB1, and FIG. 5B is an example in which it is determined that the recommended replacement time for replacement parts is reached in JOB2. Show.

In each example, markers 221 and 222 are displayed in accordance with the time axis on the horizontal axis at the recommended replacement timing. Each marker 221 and 222 can be operated by a push button, and a part replacement time can be reserved by the push button operation, and is displayed as a component replacement icon. In other words, it is possible to reserve parts replacement by manipulating the display related to the timing for reaching the recommended replacement timing.
In these examples, select "Immediate", "Before starting job" to reach the recommended replacement time, "Before starting the next job", or "Do not replace" after the job that has reached the recommended replacement time is completed Is possible.
In the example of FIG. 5A, the recommended replacement time is reached in the first job, JOB1, and it is possible to select immediately before starting JOB2, before starting JOB3, and not replacing. In the example of FIG. 5B, since there is an execution time of JOB1, there is no immediate selection, and it is possible to select not to replace before starting JOB2, before starting JOB3.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation screen 400 displayed on the operation display unit 48 when a part replacement reservation is made. The operation screen 400 includes, for example, an “immediate” button 401, a “before job start” button 402 based on a job that reaches the recommended replacement time, and a job that reaches the recommended replacement time, depending on the selectable time. A “Before starting next job” button 403 and a “Do not replace” button 404 are displayed so that they can be pressed. On the operation screen 400, an “OK” button 410 and a “Cancel” button 411 are displayed so that they can be pushed. When one of the “Immediate” button 401, the “Before job start” button 402, the “Before next job start” button 403, or the “Do not replace” button 404 is pressed and the “OK” button 410 is pressed, a part replacement reservation is made. Determine. When the “Cancel” button 411 is pressed, the reservation time selected by the push button is canceled.

In addition, when reserving parts replacement, the order of jobs may be changed.
In the example of FIG. 7A, a job schedule screen 230 in which JOB1, 2, and 3 are sequentially executed is displayed on the operation display unit 48, and it is determined that the replacement recommended time for replacement parts has been reached in JOB2. ing. Based on the determination, a marker 231 corresponding to a component replacement icon is displayed on the job schedule screen 230 at a horizontal axis position that matches the recommended replacement timing. The marker 231 can be pushed by an operator's operation.
In this example, a replacement part that reaches the recommended replacement time in JOB2 is not used in JOB3, which is the next job. Therefore, in JOB3, there is no replacement part that reaches the recommended replacement time. Therefore, in this example, the job execution efficiency can be improved by using JOB 3 first. When the marker 231 is pushed on the schedule screen 230, job replacement may be selected along with parts replacement reservation, or job replacement may be selectable regardless of parts replacement reservation.

  FIG. 7B shows a job schedule screen 230 in which jobs are replaced. The schedule is changed so that JOB2 for which the replacement recommended time has arrived is postponed and JOB3 is executed first. As a result, the job can be executed as soon as possible. The marker 231 is displayed so that it can be pushed with respect to the JOB 2 that has been replaced. By pushing the marker 231, it is possible to make a reservation for parts replacement as described above.

  In FIG. 8, a job schedule screen 240 in which JOB1, 2, and 3 are sequentially executed is displayed on the operation display unit 48. In JOB2, the replacement recommended time for the replacement part A is reached before the job is completed, and in JOB3, the replacement part is reached. For B, it is determined that the recommended replacement time is reached before the job is completed. For JOB3, the replacement part A is not used. That is, JOBs 2 and 3 have different replacement parts that reach the recommended replacement time. When the job 3 is also related to the replacement part A, the job schedule screen is the same as that shown in FIG.

  On the job schedule screen 240, markers 241 and 242 that are component replacement icons are displayed so as to be pushable. When the marker 241 that is a component replacement A icon is operated by pressing a button, “Before starting JOB 2”, “Exchange” “No” can be selected. When the part replacement B icon marker 242 is pressed, it is possible to select “Before starting JOB3” or “Do not replace” as a part replacement reservation. If one replacement part is selected to be replaced, the user may be able to select whether or not to replace another replacement part at the same time. That is, it is possible to make a reservation to replace the replacement part B when replacing the replacement part A, and it is possible to make a reservation to replace the replacement part A when replacing the replacement part B.

FIG. 9 shows a job list 300, which corresponds to a job history. The contents of the job list 300 can be stored in the memory unit 54 or the like and referred to in a timely manner. In the job list 300, the contents of each job are displayed in units of lines. Each column includes a file name, a user name, an output result prediction, the number of pages, the number of copies, and a scheduled completion time concerning the job. Further, a parts replacement limit column is provided, and each column of the column is used. The type of replacement part, the number of pages that have reached the recommended replacement time, the number of copies, and the arrival time are provided. In other words, for past jobs (jobs that have already been executed), the time when the recommended replacement time has passed is displayed, and for which past jobs, when the image quality is no longer guaranteed, the user is notified and displayed. can do.
If the recommended replacement period for replacement parts is reached during job execution, the job will continue without replacement, or if the replacement part replacement recommendation period has already passed before the job started, the target job will be identified It is desirable to display on the job list screen which part has reached the limit after which timing for the job. On the job list screen 300, it is possible to easily grasp the timing of the target job identification and recommended replacement time. An example of reaching the recommended replacement time for replacement parts on the job list screen 300 will be described below.

Example Case where the limit is reached in the middle of execution In JOB1, the limit of part A (replacement recommended time reached) occurs in a job that prints 100 pages and 3 copies of total 300 pages. Since the timing at which the limit of the part A is generated is 90 pages / third copy, it indicates that the limit is generated at the 290th page timing. That is, the remaining 10 pages are printed after the limit.

Example When the limit has already been reached at the time of execution When the part A has already reached the limit in a job that prints 100 pages per page and 3 copies total of 300 pages, the number of pages for the component replacement limit is 1 and 1 is displayed. To do. That is, 300 Pages are printed after the limit.

Next, a procedure for determining whether or not the component replacement recommendation time is reached will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The following procedure is executed by the control unit 15.
This flow checks related replacement parts when submitting a job, and if at least one is related to a replacement part, add the number of sheets to be passed in the job settings using the count (integrated value) of the corresponding replacement part as a predicted value To do. The added count (integrated value) is compared with the limit value, and when the limit is reached, the limit timing (recommended replacement time reached) is displayed. This will be described below.

  Along with job submission, search for replacement parts related to the job. That is, it is determined whether the input job is related to each replacement part (step s1; routine 1-1). If the input job is not related to the replacement part, the process is terminated. When the input job is related to a replacement part, the count of replacement parts used by job execution is integrated as a predicted value (step s2; routine 1-2). Then, it is determined whether the predicted count reaches the limit of the target replacement part (step s3; routine 1-3). If it is determined in step s3 that the predicted count does not reach the limit, the process ends. If it is determined in step s3 that the predicted count reaches the limit, the timing at which the target replacement part reaches the limit is displayed on the job schedule screen or the like (step s4), and the process is terminated.

Next, the procedure of the routine 1-1 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
In this procedure, when a job is submitted, corresponding replacement parts are extracted from the part replacement table and job setting contents for all replacement parts, and registered in the job unit list. This will be specifically described below.
First, at the time of job submission, a check is performed on all replacement parts (step s10), and it is determined whether a mode related to the target replacement part is set for the job (step s11).

  FIG. 12 shows a replacement part search table 310 showing the relationship between replacement parts and modes. Parts are displayed for each row, and the count value for each number corresponding to each mode is shown in the column direction. For example, in the mode in which the tray 1 is used, the replacement part A is used and consumed, and the count number is 1 for one sheet. In the double-sided mode, the component B is used up and consumed, and the count number is 2 when one sheet is passed. In the punching mode, the part D is used and consumed, and the count number is 1. In the folding processing mode, the part E is used and consumed, and the count number is 2. For example, in the case of a copy job for double-sided printing by feeding from the tray 1, the parts A and B are consumed.

  As a result of referring to the replacement part search table 310 in step s11, if a mode related to the relevant part is set in the job, the relevant part is registered in the list (step s12), and all parts have been checked. Is determined (step s13). If the mode related to the relevant part is not set in the job in step s11, it is determined whether the check of all parts is completed as it is (step s13). If it is determined in step s13 that all products have been checked, the process ends. If it is not determined in step s13 that all products have been checked, the process returns to step s10 to check the next replacement part. And check all parts.

According to the above procedure, all parts (for example, part A to part E) in the replacement part search table are checked, and a job unit list is generated. The list is stored in the memory unit 54 or the like and is read out as necessary. If a new job is submitted, it is added to the list.
FIG. 13 shows a job replacement part list 320 that lists related replacement parts for each job. In the job replacement part list 320, job numbers are displayed in units of rows, and replacement parts related to the job are displayed in each column. For example, it can be seen that parts A and B are related in JOB1, parts C and D are related in JOB2, and part A is related in JOB3.

Next, a routine 1-2 for predicting and counting the number of replacement parts by inputting a job will be described.
In this routine, how many are counted when a job is input is calculated from the replacement part search table 310 and the number of sheets according to the job setting contents. The calculated result is added to the predicted value of the counter / limit table 330 of the replacement part shown in FIG. The contents of the counter / limit table 330 are stored in the memory unit 54 or the like.

  The replacement part counter / limit table 330 is organized by part in each row, and is provided with a counter column, a limit column, and a prediction column. The numerical value of the limit row is preset for each part and indicates the life of the part. The counter column indicates a value that is actually counted, and the prediction column indicates an integrated value of the predicted values during job execution or each reserved job. For example, in the part A, the current counter value is 38900, the limit value is 45000, and the predicted value of the counter when the job is completed is 40000, and the recommended part replacement time is not reached by the completion of the job. The same applies to the parts D and F. On the other hand, for the component B, the current counter value is 89000, the limit value is 90000, and the predicted value of the counter when the job is completed is 92000, and the component replacement recommended time is reached during job execution. The same applies to the part C. The part E is not a part related to this job, and the predicted value does not change even when the job is executed.

  Next, a procedure for determining whether or not the replacement part reaches the limit (recommended replacement time) when the job is executed using the counter / limit table 330 of the replacement part will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To do. In this procedure, the limit value in the counter / limit table 330 for the replacement part is compared with the predicted value for the part registered in the job replacement part list 320. When the limit is exceeded, the exceeded count is registered in the list for each job, and is executed by the control unit 15. This will be specifically described below.

A check is started on the parts registered in the job replacement parts list 320, and the limit values in the counter / limit table 330 of the replacement parts are compared with the predicted values (step s20). It is determined whether or not the limit value is exceeded for the part to be checked (step s21). If the limit value is exceeded, the exceeded counter value is registered in the limit exceeded list (step s22) and registered in the job replacement part list 320. It is determined whether or not all the checked products have been checked (step s23). Even when it is determined in step s21 that the limit value is not exceeded, it is determined whether all the products registered in the list are checked as they are (step s23).
If all the products have been checked in step s23, the processing procedure ends. If it is determined in step s23 that all the products have not been checked, the process returns to step s20, and the above-described check is continued for other parts registered in the list.

FIG. 16 shows the limit exceeded list 340 registered in step s22. The contents of the limit exceeded list 340 are stored in the memory unit 54 or the like. The limit exceeded list is collected for each job in the row direction, and has a part column indicating parts exceeding the limit for the corresponding job. The numbers in the list are counter values that exceed the limit.
In the example of FIG. 16, when JOB1 is executed, it is shown that the counter exceeds the limit of 900 due to the completion of the job for part A, and the counter exceeds 100 for the part B. This list is necessary for determining and displaying at which timing of the job the limit (recommended replacement time) is reached on the schedule screen. That is, from this list, it can be seen that the limit is reached 900 parts before completion of JOB1 for part A, and the limit is reached 100 parts before completion of JOB1 for part B.

In addition, when a part replacement reservation is made through the operation screen 400 or the like, it is possible to register in the part pre-job execution part replacement execution table 350 shown in FIG. The contents of the pre-job execution component replacement execution table 350 are stored in the memory unit 54 or the like.
The pre-job-execution component replacement execution table 350 is grouped for each job in units of rows, and is provided with a limit column indicating the presence / absence of a limit and a replacement timing column indicating the presence / absence of replacement timing (replacement flag). The presence / absence of replacement timing is recorded by turning on / off the component replacement flag.

A procedure for parts replacement using the pre-job execution part replacement execution table 350 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
It is checked whether or not to perform component replacement at the time of job execution (step s30). Specifically, the on / off status of the part replacement flag is confirmed with reference to the part replacement execution table 350 before job execution. For example, in JOB2, there is no part reaching the limit, and the replacement flag is also turned off. In JOB3, there is a part that reaches the limit, but the replacement flag is off and no part replacement is reserved. In JOB4, there is a part that reaches the limit, and the replacement flag is turned on.

  If the part replacement flag is not on for the job to be executed in step s30, the part is not replaced, so the job is executed (step s34), and the process ends. If the part replacement flag is turned on in step s30, all the reserved jobs reserved thereafter are saved to the hard disk or the like in preparation for parts replacement (step s31). Next, the process shifts to a part replacement process (step s32). The part replacement is performed by the user or the like, and the process ends when the replacement is completed. The completion of the exchange is notified, for example, by the user performing an operation indicating completion on the operation display unit 48. It is also possible to notify the completion of replacement by detecting the replacement of parts or the closing of the apparatus door. After completing the replacement of the parts, the saved job data is restored from the hard disk or the like and incorporated into the job schedule (step s33). Next, the job is executed according to the job schedule (step s34). As a result, a reservation job or the like is reliably and promptly executed even when parts replacement is performed.

Next, an example of changing the job execution order will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19A shows an example in which the execution order is changed by interruption. In the job schedule table 360, the job execution order is determined in the order of JOB 1, 2, and 3, as shown in the “Previous” column. JOB1 is being executed, and JOB2 and 3 are reserved jobs. If there is a JOBA interrupt in this state, JOB1 is stopped and JOBA is being executed, and JOB1 becomes a reserved job as shown in the “after interrupt” column. In this case, the limit checks for JOB1 to JOB3 are recalculated. That is, the job input / job execution procedure is executed again. In JOBA, a limit check is performed in a job submission / job execution procedure. In the recalculation, the already calculated predicted value is subtracted from the set contents of the job, and the generated list is initialized.

  FIG. 19B shows an example in which jobs are replaced. In the job schedule table 370, as shown in the “Previous” column, the job execution order is determined in the order of JOB1, 2, and 3. Job1 is being executed and JOB2 and 3 are reserved jobs. When JOB2 and JOB3 are exchanged in this state, the execution of JOB1 is continued, and then JOB3 and JOB2 are changed in this order. In this case, the limit checks for JOBs 2 and 3 are recalculated. In the recalculation described above, the job set contents are subtracted from the already calculated predicted values of JOB2 and JOB3, and the generated list is initialized.

  FIG. 19C shows an example in which a job is deleted. In the job schedule table 380, as shown in the “Previous” column, the job execution order is determined in the order of JOB1, 2, and 3. Job1 is being executed and JOB2 and 3 are reserved jobs. If JOB1 is deleted in this state, JOB1 is in a deleted state, JOB2 is being executed, and JOB3 remains a reserved job. In this case, the limit checks for JOBs 2 and 3 are recalculated. That is, the job input / job execution procedure is executed again. In the recalculation, the predicted value already calculated is subtracted from the remaining number of JOB1, and the limit checks of JOB2 and 3 are recalculated.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to the content of the said embodiment, As long as it does not deviate from the scope of the present invention, an appropriate change is possible.

1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K Photosensitive drum 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K Charger 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K Image writing unit 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K Developer 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K Image forming unit 15 Control Part 48 operation display part 54 memory part 55 CPU
60 Image forming unit 100 Color copier

Claims (16)

An image forming unit that performs image formation in accordance with job execution;
A control unit that manages the job and controls the image forming unit,
The control unit manages a replacement part of the image forming apparatus, specifies a related replacement part for the job, predicts a consumption amount of the replacement part during the job execution, and based on the prediction, An image forming apparatus, wherein when the job is completed, it is determined whether the replacement part has reached a recommended replacement time, and when the replacement recommended time is reached, the timing for reaching the recommended replacement time is notified.   The control unit may notify that the recommended replacement time has been reached from the start of the job when a related replacement part has already passed the recommended replacement time before execution of the job. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The said control part notifies that the said replacement recommendation time is not reached, when the replacement part relevant at the time of completion of the said job does not reach the replacement recommendation time in the said judgment. Image forming apparatus. A display unit controlled by the control unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the notification by display on the display unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit enables the display unit to display a job execution information screen and displays the notification on the job execution information screen.   The control unit enables the display unit to display a job execution schedule screen as a job execution information screen, and displays the notification in association with the number axis or the time axis of the job execution schedule screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the determination when a job is input.   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores a recommended replacement time of each replacement part, an actual consumption amount, and a unit consumption amount associated with execution of a job. .   9. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the replacement part related in the determination reaches a replacement recommended time before completion of the job, the part replacement timing can be reserved. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit shifts to a part replacement procedure at a reserved part replacement timing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an operation unit that receives an operation input from an operator, wherein the control unit is capable of setting a timing of replacement of the component by the operator through the operation unit. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the component replacement timing is one of immediate, job start timing, and no replacement.   The controller, if there is a job being executed or an unexecuted job at the time of the component replacement, saves the job without including it in the execution schedule, and incorporates the job into the job execution schedule after completing the component replacement. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12.   The said control part preserve | saves the job history containing the timing information which reached the said replacement recommendation time, when the said job is completed in the state which reached the said replacement recommendation time at the time of execution. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The control unit can change the execution order of the plurality of jobs, and when the execution order of the job is changed, the control unit performs the determination again according to the changed job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 14.   In the determination, if there is a job that reaches the recommended replacement time for replacement parts during job execution and the replacement part is scheduled to be replaced after that, the control unit determines that the job The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job execution order can be changed so that the job is executed after another job that does not reach the recommended replacement time.

Images