JP2014077856A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of continuing image forming operation on the basis of user's intention, even when expiration of the life of a replacement component is detected.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has a replacement component having the duration of life, and includes: a display unit that displays alarm display of the life to a user when an operation amount or consumption that is an integrated value of the usage of the replacement component reaches a first threshold at which image quality is guaranteed; a setting unit that receives determination as to whether or not to still continue image formation from the user even when the operation amount or the consumption of the replacement component reaches the first threshold; and a control unit that continues, when receiving determination to continue the image formation, the image formation until the operation amount or the consumption of the replacement component reaches a second threshold at which operation of the apparatus is guaranteed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a replacement part having a lifetime.

  In an image forming apparatus having a replacement part such as a process cartridge or a toner cartridge that contains toner as a developer that reaches the end of its life by being continuously used, in order to appropriately replace or replenish these replacement parts, For example, Patent Document 1 includes a usage amount detection unit that detects a usage amount of a process cartridge and a remaining capacity detection unit that detects a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, and the usage amount of the process cartridge is set to a predetermined amount. A technique is disclosed in which when both the detection of the toner capacity and the remaining toner capacity reaching the predetermined remaining capacity are detected, only the detected content of the process cartridge usage is notified and the replacement of the replacement part is urged. ing.

  In recent image forming apparatuses, an apparatus having a plurality of replacement parts such as a process cartridge and a toner cartridge is generally used. Some of such image forming apparatuses include a detection mechanism for detecting the amount of replacement parts used and the remaining capacity. When the detection mechanism detects the life of one replacement part, this is notified to the user, and the replacement of the replacement part that has reached the end of life is prompted.

JP 2007-17724 A

  However, in the conventional technology, when the detection mechanism detects the life of one replacement part, the driving of all the members related to image formation is stopped, and if the replacement of the replacement part is not completed, the image formation can be resumed. There was a problem that I couldn't. Although such a mechanism is beneficial from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration, for example, when the process cartridge reaches the end of its life even though the toner cartridge has sufficient toner, it means that the toner is used up. Even if the user desires to continue the image formation, the apparatus itself stops completely, so that the user may feel dissatisfied.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to continuously perform an image forming operation based on a user's intention even when the life of a replacement part is detected. It is an object to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a replacement part having a lifetime, and an operation amount or a consumption amount that is an integrated value of the amount using the replacement part is an image. When the first threshold value that guarantees the quality is reached, a display unit that displays a warning display for the life to the user, and even if the operating amount or the consumption amount of the replacement part reaches the first threshold value A setting unit that accepts a determination as to whether or not to continue image formation from a user; and a second unit that guarantees the operation of the apparatus by the amount of operation or consumption of the replacement part when the determination of whether or not to continue image formation is accepted. And a control unit that continues image formation until the threshold value is reached.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of continuously performing an image forming operation based on a user's intention even when the life of a replacement part is detected.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the whole environment of the general operation | use form regarding the printing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer, and is a diagram for explaining a physical positional relationship among components. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining each component related to the printing process executed by the printer. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a function of a printer. FIG. It is a time chart explaining the flow of a series of operation | movement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a printer control procedure. It is a flowchart explaining the control which defined step S631 of FIG. 6 as a routine. It is a flowchart explaining the control which defined step S609 of FIG. 6 as a routine. It is a flowchart explaining the control which defined step S609 of FIG. 6 as a routine. It is a flowchart explaining the work routine for a display. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a function of a printer. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen for “print quality (PQ) priority”. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an ON / OFF control procedure of “print quality (PQ) priority”.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

[First Embodiment]
In the description of the first embodiment, a shared printer 200 as an image forming apparatus is connected to a network I / F 151 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), USB (Universal Serial Bus) / IEEE1284 (also referred to as a Centronics Interface) / A printing system configured to be connected to a plurality of higher-level devices 100 such as a PC, a client PC, and a server via a Local Port I / F 152 represented by RS232C will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the entire environment of a general operation mode related to the printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printer 200, and is a diagram illustrating a physical positional relationship among the components.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 200 includes a process cartridge 453 having a photosensitive drum 452 as a replacement part, and a toner cartridge 455 that accommodates toner 451 as a developer. Is located. Further, on the upstream side of the sheet traveling direction in the sheet traveling path, a standard Manual (Feeder) and a tray 101 are additionally mounted as a sheet feeding device, and a tray 102 and a tray 103 are additionally mounted as optional sheet feeding devices. A discharge device 121 is provided on the downstream side in the paper running direction to stack papers after image formation.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining each component related to the printing process executed by the printer 200.

  An LED (Light Emitting Diode) head 462 is hardware that represents input image data as a bitmap data pattern with a specific width, and includes a light emitting element composed of LED elements and a lens array. The LED head 462 is arranged so that the irradiation light output from the LED element forms an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 452 based on the image data on the bitmap.

  The photosensitive drum 452 is composed of a conductive support and a photoconductive layer, and is an organic photoreceptor having a structure in which a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer as a photoconductive layer are sequentially laminated on an aluminum metal pipe as a conductive support. It is. The photosensitive drum 452 replaces the image data (electrostatic latent image) on the bitmap represented by the LED head 462 with the toner 451.

  The toner 451 is ink that draws an image on a sheet. In the present invention, powdery toner means toner, but liquid or solid toner is also present depending on the shape of the printer 200 and the characteristics of process control.

  The toner cartridge 455 is a container for storing the toner 451. Depending on the operation mode, the toner cartridge 455 may be integrated with the photosensitive drum 452 to form a process cartridge 453 as shown in FIG. Sometimes it becomes. In the present invention, since the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption amount of the toner 451 are managed separately, the configuration of the toner cartridge 455 is not limited.

  The developing roller 460 develops the electrostatic latent image by adding toner 451 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 452 expressed as a phase having a different charging state, thereby forming a toner image. It is a member.

  The transfer roller 463 is a roller member for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 452 to a sheet.

  The charging roller 464 is a roller member for uniformly and uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 452.

  The fixing roller 465 applies heat transmitted from the temperature-adjusted (halogen) heater 456 to the toner 451 based on the control of the engine unit 400, which will be described later, to the toner 451 to thermally fix the toner image. This is a roller member.

  The sheet feeding cassette 125 is a sheet feeding device that stores sheets stacked inside.

  The paper presence sensor 201 detects a paper feed cassette 125 or paper supplied manually.

  An entrance sensor (INSNS) 202 is a paper travel monitoring sensor that monitors the travel of the paper that first enters the printer 200 after the paper feed operation is started. The inlet sensor 202 detects the end of the paper feeding operation (hopping operation) in the paper feeding cassette 125. Further, the entrance sensor 202 checks the paper length and paper width of the paper.

  A writing sensor (WRSEN) 203 is a paper travel monitoring sensor that monitors paper travel next to the entrance sensor 201, and measures the timing of transfer control for transferring the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 452 to the paper.

  A discharge sensor (EXITSEN) 204 monitors a sheet discharged to the outside after the printing process inside the printer 200 is completed. In general, the trailing edge of the paper passes this sensor, completing a series of printing processes and guaranteeing that printing on the paper is complete.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the printer 200.

  The host device 100 is an information terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer). The host apparatus 100 includes software such as a printer driver and a utility (not shown), and performs management using bidirectional communication for sending print job data to the printer 200, changing settings, and reading the apparatus status of the printer 200. Means for performing.

  The communication unit 210 controls all communication including bidirectional and unidirectional from the upper apparatus 100 to the printer 200. As a connection method, various communication means such as a network I / F 151, a network via the Local Port I / F 152, IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, wireless LAN, and IrDa can be used. The communication unit 210 receives print job data, a pause command, and the like using this communication unit. The communication unit 210 is a connection unit that transmits a response to the higher-level device 100 as necessary, and performs management using bidirectional communication.

  The control unit 205 is a central unit that controls the entire printer 200. The control unit 205 communicates with the host device 100 and the engine unit 400 to control the entire printing system. Further, the control unit 205 manages the management of all the interfaces inside and outside the printer 200.

  The display unit 221 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a liquid crystal panel, displays the device state of the printer 200 and the content of instructions, and notifies and transmits to the user. In addition, as a notification and transmission means for the user, for example, using an LED lamp, controlling on / off / flashing and its cycle type, or using a plurality of LED lamps can be used instead of a display device. is there.

  The SW (switch) 223 is one of user interface means, and includes input means such as a button type or a touch panel.

  The operation / display control unit 220 outputs a hardware signal input via the SW 223 to the control unit 205 and controls the display unit 221 in response to an instruction from the control unit 205, so that the apparatus of the printer 200 The state and instruction content are displayed on the display unit 221.

  The setting unit 230 defines the operation of the printer 200. Specifically, the setting unit 230 receives the operation content selected by the user using a plurality of parameter items such as function ON / OFF and menu displayed on the display unit 221. The defined operation contents are stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a Flash memory, an SD card, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), which are nonvolatile memories, via the storage control unit 245 and the memory unit 240. .

  The storage control unit 245 determines the layout of the memory unit 240 and manages information in the standard memory 242 and the option memory 243 in order to manage stored information such as registered data, setting values, counter values, state transitions, and log information. Read, reference, and write management. Note that the consumable 450 also has information such as operation information, operation amount, and consumption, and the storage control unit 245 accesses the consumable 450 and performs read, reference, and write management of the information. .

  The memory unit 240 provides a working memory area used for controlling the printer 200. The memory unit 240 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a working memory area during operation, as well as an HDD and a flash memory that are non-volatile memories capable of holding information regardless of whether the printer 200 is turned on or off. SD card and EEPROM. The standard memory 242 is a standard memory of the memory unit 240, and the option memory 243 is a storage medium that can be expanded and removed.

  The editing unit 250 generates and manages a bitmap data pattern of data output to the engine unit 400. In the print job data, this pattern becomes an image formation image, and also includes information such as the paper size and print density, so the usage amount of the consumable 450 is also affected by this.

  The engine unit 400 controls the entire print engine including the process cartridge 453 and the like. The engine unit 400 controls print processing such as print job data and setting data requested and instructed by the control unit 205. In addition, the engine unit 400 performs a series of state monitoring after the printing process, and notifies the control unit 205 of each status and attention of step change. The print control unit 401 monitors information about the paper feeding device and the stored paper, out of paper, change during paper replenishment, jam, error status, and the like, and notifies the control unit 205 of the monitoring information. The print control unit 401 controls a series of printing operations based on an instruction from the control unit 205. The consumable monitoring unit 402 manages the operation of a consumable 450 that is a replacement part with a long life. The consumable monitoring unit 402 also monitors the life of the consumables 450 after operation and the mounting status of new consumables 450. The life detection unit 403 determines the remaining operating capacity and life of the consumable 450 from the threshold value described later supplied from the consumable monitoring unit 402 and the updated value of the counter value of the consumable 450 supplied from the counter monitoring unit 404. Is detected. Note that the remaining operating capacity in the present embodiment refers to the remaining capacity that can be operated or consumed before the consumable 450 reaches the end of its life. The counter monitoring unit 404 includes a counting unit that counts the operation amount or consumption amount of the consumable item 450 (not shown), and controls the updating and resetting of the counter value of the consumable item 450 during a series of printing operations.

  Examples of consumables 450 that can be replaced include a photosensitive drum 452, toner 451, a transfer roller 463, a transfer belt, a fixing device, a fixing roller 465, and a duplex unit that reverses the front and back sides of the paper.

  Here, the relevance of each component shown in FIG. 4 is demonstrated.

  The host device 100 and the printer 200 are connected via a communication unit 210, and bidirectional communication is performed based on the management of the control unit 205. As the connection method, a wide variety of communication means such as a network I / F 151, a network via a Local Port I / F 152, IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, wireless LAN, IrDa, and the like can be used.

  When a print job is generated, the editing unit 250 analyzes the print job data stored in the memory unit 240 as received data by the communication unit 210 and the control unit 205, and uses the result as page memory common information in the printer 200. Is stored in the memory unit 240 again.

  The device status of the printer 200 is output and displayed as notification information via the display unit 221 serving as a user interface. In addition, menu settings and operation operations by the user are input via the SW 223. The input / output information is managed by the operation / display control unit 220.

  Next, the control unit 205 uses a print job data analysis result that is page common information stored in the memory 240 and information determined by the state of the engine unit 400 to control the engine unit 240. Create command group data and output it to the engine.

  The engine unit 400 executes a printing operation in accordance with an instruction request including command group data output from the control unit 205.

  At this time, the print control unit 401 controls a series of printing operations. Here, the print control unit 401 monitors information on the paper feeding device and the stored paper, out of paper, change during paper replenishment, jam, error status, and the like, and when these statuses change. Notifies the control unit 205 to that effect and asks for the determination result of the control unit 205. In addition, the counter monitoring unit 404 controls the updating and resetting of the counter value of the consumable 450 associated with a series of printing operations.

  As described above, the consumable item monitoring unit 402 manages the operation of the consumable item 450 having a lifetime. The life detecting unit 403 then determines the consumable item from the threshold value of each counter value supplied from the consumable item monitoring unit 402 until the lifetime and the updated value of the counter value of the consumable item 450 supplied from the counter monitoring unit 404. The remaining working capacity and life of 450 are detected. The status monitoring information regarding the remaining operating capacity and life of the consumable 450 serves as a base for judgments such as notification / display, continuation of printing operation, pause, user judgment, resumption by continuation, and stop. The status monitoring information is notified to the control unit 405 through the engine unit 400, and allows the user to make a determination regarding the operation of the printer 200 thereafter.

  Next, an operation according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining a flow of a series of operations according to the present embodiment.

  In the time chart shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the time course after the printing operation in the right direction in the drawing, and the vertical axis represents the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the toner of the consumable 450 that is a replacement part having a lifetime. A state in which the relationship between the transition of the consumption amount of 451 and each threshold value until the lifetime is shifted downward is shown. Further, in the time chart shown in FIG. 5, the relationship between the “printing operation” state and the “display / notification” message at the threshold values of the photosensitive drum 452 and the toner 451 is also shown. In addition, together with the present invention, the prior art to which the present invention is not applied is illustrated as a comparative example together so that the respective situations can be compared. By the way, in the figure, in explaining the transition of these states, the points are expressed as phases F-1, F-2, F-3,... F-11 as phases. The location is defined. These points will be used in the following description of the operation.

  First, a transition in the consumption amount of the toner 451 will be described. In this embodiment, the threshold of toner consumption starts by defining the amount of toner 451 contained in the toner cartridge 455 at the time of replacement of a new product as a 100% remaining operating capacity, toner low as a first threshold, and , And toner empty (lifetime value), which is 0% remaining operating capacity. The total consumption [Ttotal] is calculated by setting the remaining operating capacity when the toner cartridge 455 is replaced with a new one as the lifetime value [Tmax] and counting up from the start of page 0 to the lifetime value [Tmax]. The definition of the page here uses a value obtained by converting the toner consumption counter value (also referred to as a dot counter value) with a constant consumption definition amount [A4 single-sided printing, fixed value based on ISO / IEC 19752]. . Therefore, the toner consumption amount in a series of printing operations is managed and accumulated by the number of pages defined by the above defined amount.

  By the way, although the photosensitive drum 452 and the toner cartridge 455 are an integral type and a separated type, and the degrees of freedom differ depending on the operation, the transition of the toner consumption shown in FIG. 5 is the drum life of the photosensitive drum 452 according to the present invention. In the neighboring phase F-11, it is assumed that the first threshold “toner low” has not been reached.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum> total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner will be described. Until the operating amount [Dtotal] reaches the initial threshold value (drum) near life, replacement and replenishment are possible several times during the phase F-10. As the DUty of the print image (the amount of toner used during image printing) increases, the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 increases rapidly, while as the duty becomes lower, the total consumption amount of the toner 451 [ Ttotal] does not increase that much. In this description, in order to clarify the part of the invention, it is assumed that the duty of the print image is low after the detection of the life (drum) near life of the photosensitive drum 452, but the duty of the print image is low. If it is high, it is necessary to correct the remaining operating capacity, which will be described later, based on the life value [Tmax; operation upper limit value] of the toner 451 rather than the total operating amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452. Will be described using a separate flowchart.

  Phase F-11 represents a point where there is unconsumed toner 451 when “drum life” (corresponding to phase F-4) of the photosensitive drum 452 is detected. This will be described in the transition of the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 described later.

  Next, the transition of the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 will be described. In this embodiment, the threshold of the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 is counted up toward the lifetime value, and the time of new replacement is defined as 0 (zero) page and started, and the first threshold is set. There are three values that change in the order of (drum) near life, drum life warning, and drum life. In the present embodiment, the respective threshold values are defined as Df-2, Df-3, and Df-4 (page). The definition of the total operation amount [Dtotal] is managed by the value and the number of pages when the rotation number counter value (also referred to as drum counter value) of the photosensitive drum 451 is converted into the A4 sheet length. The total drum counter value in a series of printing operations is updated and stored after conversion with the A4 paper length.

  In the present invention, an operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] as a second threshold value is added as a new threshold value that is an extension of the threshold value. In the prior art shown in the comparative example, in the phase F-4 at the time of drum life, the printing operation is completely stopped, and the printing operation cannot be continued even if the toner 451 remains. . In many cases, the user feels that the user wants to use up the toner in a state where the toner remains without displaying the toner low or the toner empty. The phase F-11 described in the transition of the consumption amount of the toner 451 corresponds to this. Here, as shown as an example, when the toner consumption after (drum) near life is small, a considerable amount of unconsumed toner may remain.

  Then, the display unit 221 and a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100 display “Jumbo Worth Ein Sashi Masuka?” To confirm the continuous printing operation to the user, If continuation is selected, printing continues. At this time, the printer 200 displays “Chukachu Dust *** Page”. At the stage where this “no-stick *** page” is displayed, it is a situation in which printing is continued while checking the contents of the print image at the user's discretion. As described above, as the next threshold value, printing is newly continued in a state where the photosensitive drum 452 has exceeded its life, and the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] of the printer 200 is defined as the second threshold value. Is operable within the upper limit range.

  That is, if the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] is not provided, there is a risk that the toner 451 around the photosensitive drum 452 may be leaked from the housing due to wear near the toner carrying port. Further, the toner 451 remains in the apparatus at the time of exposure (charging) to the photosensitive drum 452 by the charging roller 464 provided at the position shown in FIG. 3 and the LED head 462 and at the time of transfer onto the paper by the transfer roller 463. Therefore, there is a risk of damaging the printer 200 itself. Even if the photosensitive drum 452 is replaced with a new one after development, it is difficult to clean the toner 451 remaining in the apparatus. Also, there is a risk that the toner 451 may adhere to the paper while the paper is running. Therefore, the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] is an indispensable threshold value for protecting the printer 200.

  When the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 reaches the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax], the printing operation is completely stopped. Then, the printer 200 displays “Drums are not changed” via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100. This is the situation of phase F6.

  As described above, during the continuous printing operation, the printer 200 displays the status as “Chukachu-no-kori *** Page”. The value of “*** Page” displayed at this time represents the remaining capacity, and the number of remaining pages that can be printed is converted into the duty of the print image and the drum rotation speed in a series of operations according to the user operation. Is done. The specific conversion is performed using [A4 single-sided printing, fixed value based on ISO / IEC 19752].

  This definition makes it possible to clarify the number of remaining printable pages as the operable range up to the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax]. Unlike the page counter, paper discharge is not updated on a page-by-page basis, but by conversion between the print image DUty [fixed value in accordance with ISO / IEC 19752] and the drum rotation speed [A4 paper length] in a series of operations. Therefore, depending on the print contents, the N count may change at one time, or on the contrary, it may not be 1 count. In this case, one count is accumulated during subsequent continuous printing.

  Next, the control procedure of the printer 200 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  The control unit 205 waits until a print request is generated. When print job data is transmitted from the host apparatus 100 and received via the communication unit 210 (Yes in step S603), the control unit 205 performs a print start display via the display unit 221 (step S604).

  Then, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 has reached the drum life by comparing the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 and the threshold value Df-4. . The determination here is also performed using the number of pages obtained by converting the drum rotation number [Dn] by the A4 paper length [Da4].

  Here, when the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is less than the threshold value Df-4 (No in step S605), the control unit 205 performs operations during phases F-1 to F-3 in FIG. A normal printing operation is started (step S630). The control unit 205 calculates the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption amount of the toner 451 by the print image formation using the result of the printing operation, and calculates the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 and the total consumption of the toner 451. The amount [Ttotal] is updated (step S631). The control here is defined as a routine shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  Then, the control unit 205 confirms whether all the printing operations related to the print job data are completed. When the printing operation related to the print job data is completed (Yes in step S611), the control unit 205 ends the series of printing operations, and when the printing operation is not yet completed and the printing operation for the next page continues (step S611 No), the process from step S605 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Df−4 (step S605 Yes), the control by the control unit 205 proceeds to step S606. The operation here corresponds to the operation operation in the case of phase F-4 or higher in FIG.

  In step S606, the control unit 205 determines whether the continuous printing operation has already been started based on a user determination. The operation here corresponds to a scene that reaches phase F-4 after passing through phase F-3 in FIG.

  If the continuous printing operation has not been started by the user judgment (No at Step S606), the control by the control unit 205 proceeds to Step S620. In step S620, the control unit 205 causes the user to determine whether to perform a continuous printing operation. The operation here corresponds to a scene of continuous confirmation in phase F-4 in FIG. If the determination by the user is not desired to execute the continuous printing operation (No in step S620), the control unit 205 stops the printing operation, and “displays the drum via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100. The message “cannot be used without replacement” is displayed (step S640), and the control is terminated (step S641).

  If it is determined by the user that execution of the continuous printing operation is desired (step S620 Yes), the control unit 205 starts initialization of the continuous printing operation. In step S621, the control unit 205 sets an operation guarantee limit value [Dmax]. First, the control unit 205 defines the threshold value [Dmax] of the photosensitive drum 452 and the threshold value [Tmax] of the toner cartridge 455 as the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax]. These threshold values are values stored in the memory 240 by the consumables monitoring unit 402 via the storage control unit 245 when a new photosensitive drum 452 or toner cartridge 455 is attached to the apparatus. It is. In addition, since the data stored in the memory unit 240 is referred to as a threshold value as the upper limit of the operating range, the control unit 205 can change and correct the value as necessary. Further, the control unit 205 sets the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 and the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the toner 451 associated with a series of printing operations via the counter monitoring unit 404.

  Next, in step S622, the control unit 205 subtracts the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 from the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax], thereby obtaining the remaining page as the remaining operation capacity until the service life is stopped. calculate.

  Then, the control unit 205 uses the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the higher-level device 100 to calculate the remaining page number calculated in step S622 as the “*** page” It is displayed at a location corresponding to the portion "" (step S623).

  Then, the control unit 205 executes a printing operation during drum life (phases F-4 to F-5 in FIG. 5).

  In step S <b> 609, the control unit 205 calculates the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption amount of the toner 451 by the print image formation using the result of the printing operation, and calculates the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452. The total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 is updated (step S609).

  Then, the control unit 205 determines whether any of the updated total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 or the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 has reached the limit threshold (step S610). The photosensitive drum 452 is updated by comparing the total operation amount [Dtotal] and the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax], and the toner 451 is updated by comparing the total consumption amount [Ttotal] and the lifetime value [Tmax]. It is determined whether either the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the drum 452 or the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 has reached the limit threshold. The control here is defined as a routine shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Here, when either the photosensitive drum 452 or the toner 451 has reached the limit threshold (Yes in step S610), the control unit 205 stops the printing operation, and the display unit 221 or the host device 100 is stopped. Is displayed through a display device (not shown) included in the message ("S drums cannot be used unless they are replaced") (step S640), and the control is terminated (step S641).

  On the other hand, when either the photosensitive drum 452 or the toner 451 has not reached the limit threshold (No in step S610), the control unit 205 checks whether all the printing operations related to the print job data are completed. When the printing operation related to the print job data is completed (Yes in step S611), the control unit 205 ends the series of printing operations, and when the printing operation is not yet completed and the printing operation for the next page continues (step S611 No), the process from step S605 is repeated.

  Next, control in which step S631 in FIG. 6 is defined as a routine will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the control calculates the operating amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption rate of the toner 451 by the print image formation for the result of the printing operation in the immediately preceding step S630, and calculates the total operating amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452. This is a part for updating the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451.

  First, in step S701, the control unit 205 calculates the operating amount of the photosensitive drum 452. Specifically, the control unit 205 updates the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 by executing the following processing. (1) In a series of operations from feeding the current printing paper to discharging it, the drum rotation number [Dn] updated by the counter monitoring unit 404 of the engine unit 400 is converted into the A4 paper length [Da4]. Conversion of the previous page and the processing result during that time are determined by the photosensitive drum operating amount ([Dnew] = Dn ÷ Da4). The number of pages corresponding to this conversion unit is converted (Note that the remainder of the division at this time is stored in the remainder [Damari], and the continuation counter value is set as (3) in the next printing operation. It is defined as the initial value and inherits the count up, thereby eliminating the error due to conversion). (2) This result is newly added, and the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is updated (total operation amount (update) [Dtotal] = total operation amount (current) [Dtotal] + operation amount [ Dnew]).

  In step S <b> 702, the control unit 205 calculates the consumption amount of the toner 451. Finally, the control unit 205 updates the total consumption [Ttotal] of the toner 451 by executing the following processing. (1) The dot duty value [Tn] updated by the counter monitoring unit 404 of the engine unit 400 is converted into [Tiso] conforming to ISO / IEC 19752 (toner consumption [Tnew] = Tn ÷ Tiso). The number of pages corresponding to this conversion unit is converted. Similar to the above, the remainder of the division at this time is stored in the remainder [Tamari], defined as the initial value for the next printing operation in (3) as the continuation counter value, and the count-up is succeeded. . (2) This result is newly added, and the total consumption [Ttotal] of the toner 451 so far is updated (total consumption (update) [Ttotal] = total consumption (current) [Ttotal] + consumption [Tnew]. ]).

  Finally, the control unit 205 resets the dot counter value [Tn] in preparation for the next toner consumption calculation operation.

  Next, control in which step S609 of FIG. 6 is defined as a routine will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Here, the control calculates the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption rate of the toner 451 by the print image formation for the result of the printing operation according to the immediately preceding step S608, and calculates the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452. This is a part for updating the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451. Further, it is a part for determining whether any of the updated total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 or the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 has reached the limit threshold value.

  The part for updating the total operating amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 and the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 (step S801 and step S805) can be performed in the same manner as the control described in FIG. The description here is omitted.

  In step S802, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 updated in step S801 has reached the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax]. Here, when the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 has reached the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] (Yes in step S802), the control unit 205 sets the operation stop information as reaching the limit value life. (Step S814). On the other hand, when the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 has not reached the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] (No in step S802), the control unit 205 still has the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 within the operation guarantee. And the calculation of the consumption amount of the toner 451 is continued.

  In step S806, the control unit 205 determines whether or not the total consumption [Ttotal] of the toner 451 updated in step S805 has reached the lifetime value [Tmax]. Here, when the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 has reached the lifetime value [Tmax] (Yes in step S806), the control unit 205 determines that the limit lifetime has been reached and sets operation stop information ( Step S814). On the other hand, when the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 has not reached the lifetime value [Tmax] (No in step S806), the control unit 205 determines that the consumption amount of the toner 451 is still within the operation guarantee. The photosensitive drum 452 and the toner 451 confirm which of the remaining operating capacities is closer to the limit value (step S810).

  This is indicated by the control unit 205 at a location corresponding to the “*** page” portion of “Chukachu-no-kori *** page” via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100. This control is performed in order to make the value to be performed with information closer to the lifetime value. Specifically, the control unit 205 compares the remaining operating capacity (Dmax−Dtotal) of the photosensitive drum 452 with the remaining operating capacity (Tmax−Ttotal) of the toner 451 to compare the two.

  Then, the control unit 205 displays a value to be displayed at a location corresponding to the “*** page” portion of “Chukachu-no-kori ** page” via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100. As described above, the smaller remaining capacity value is selected (step S811 or step S812).

  In step S813, the control unit 205 clears the operation stop information because the photosensitive drum 452 and the toner 451 have not yet reached the limit lifetime, and the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption amount of the toner 451 in the next printing operation. In preparation for the calculation, the drum rotation number [Dn] and the dot counter value [Tn] are reset (step S815).

  Next, a display work routine displayed by the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This is because the series of operations described in FIG. 6 place emphasis on the control procedure, while the work routine described in FIG. 9 operates independently, but starts at a certain timing for display only. As a result, the latest state is updated, and the control procedure described in FIG. 6 is synchronized. Note that display information set by the control unit 205 in the display work routine described here is a message displayed via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) provided in the host device 100.

  First, after confirming that the printing operation is being performed (Yes in step S901), the control unit 205 determines the current operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 (step S902), and sets each threshold as a boundary. The processing branches to 5 events shown below (step S903).

  When the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is less than the threshold defined by (drum) near life, the control unit 205 sets display information of “in-situ” as normal operation (normal) (step S910). ).

  When the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is less than the threshold value defined by the drum warning, the control unit 205 sets display information of “Drum exchange rate” as the near life state (step S911).

  When the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is less than the threshold defined by the drum life, the control unit 205 sets display information of “Drum Dummy” as the drum life warning state (step S912).

  When the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 reaches the threshold defined by the drum life, the control unit 205 sets display information in step S913 as a drum life alarm state. At this time, the value to be displayed in the portion corresponding to the “*** page” portion of “Chukachu-no-kori ** page” via the display unit 221 or a display device (not shown) provided in the host device 100 is as follows. As described with reference to FIG. 8, information on the remaining operating capacity closer to the limit value is used for the photosensitive drum 452 and the toner 451.

  When the numerical value other than the threshold value defined by the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 is set, the control unit 205 sets display information of “photosensitive drum operation amount abnormality detection” as an illegal case (step S914). This is because, for example, the threshold value defined by the numerical value of the total operation amount [Dtotal] due to damage to the memory unit 240 that stores the operation amount (total operation amount [Dtotal]) of the photosensitive drum 452 or other factors other than normal control. Applicable when out of range.

  In any of step S910 to step S914, based on the display information set by the control unit 205, the display unit 221 and a display device (not shown) included in the host device 100 display a corresponding message (step S904).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the process cartridge (photosensitive drum) has reached the end of its service life, the continuation of the subsequent printing operation can be performed until the device operation is guaranteed based on the user judgment. Further, the operation amount up to the threshold value is converted by the duty of the print image and the photosensitive drum rotation speed in a series of printing operations, and the total operation amount is updated as needed. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to extend the continuous operation by user judgment, and even if the total operation amount of the photosensitive drum reaches a threshold value that is a limit value of image quality assurance, the remaining toner is removed. Can be consumed.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the numerical value of the “*** page” portion of the “Chukachu-no-kori *** page” displayed during the continuous printing operation executed by the user's judgment after the drum life has been described. The remaining operation capacity from the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 or the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 to the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] or the life value [Tmax] is converted into the number of pages. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, the operation guarantee limit value [Dmax] or lifetime value [ The number of pages converted toward [Tmax] may be counted up.

  Further, as described above, in the image quality assurance according to the present embodiment, the range before the threshold drum life is the range of the conformity, and the continuous printing is performed by the user judgment up to the operation guarantee limit value thereafter. Therefore, the subsequent printing continuation may be performed within the range of the “image forming apparatus operation guarantee limit” area. Based on the ease of control, even if the numerical value is updated only with the page counter that is the actual number of discharged pages of the printing paper, instead of the correction based on the operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 and the consumption amount of the toner 451 in a series of operations. It doesn't matter. With this method, there is a possibility that the accuracy may be slightly reduced in terms of using up the remaining toner after the drum life, but the number of paper pages of the actual printing paper and the number of remaining pages displayed by the image forming apparatus May be easier to understand depending on the operation.

  Further, after the drum life, the continuation of the printing operation until the end of life at the “image forming apparatus operation guarantee limit” is divided into several stages instead of a single user judgment, and includes a plurality of steps to confirm to the user each time. It is good also as control. In this case, the control is approaching the limit value by changing the step value display of multiple steps, the message content, and the continuous printing range in addition to the display of the remaining number of pages. You can also grasp that. In addition, the closer to the limit the continuous printing period for image formation that exceeds the drum life, the shorter the period of stop, so the timing for confirming the continuous operation also increases, and the accuracy of maintaining the image quality can be improved. Further, the control step at this time may be added so that the administrator of the image forming apparatus can be set to open / not open depending on the operation mode.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the printer 200 ′ and the host device 100 ′ according to the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the printer 200 ′ described in the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the printer 200 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the overlapping part is abbreviate | omitted in the following description.

  The host device 100 ′ is an information terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer), for example. The host apparatus 100 ′ includes software such as a printer driver 180 and a utility, and performs management using bidirectional communication for transmitting print job data to the printer 200, changing settings, and reading the apparatus status of the printer 200. Means.

  A CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 131 is a display device that displays the state of the printing system as an image.

  The keyboard 132 is one of user interface means, and for example, input means such as a button type, a key touch type, and a pen type can be used.

  The mouse 133 is one of user interface means and is a button click type input means.

  The operation / display unit 120 outputs a hardware signal input from the keyboard 132, the mouse 133, and the like to the control unit 105, and displays the state of the printing system as an image on the CRT 131 in response to an instruction from the control unit 105. Let

  The control unit 105 is a central unit that controls the entire host device 100 ′. The control unit 105 communicates with the printer 200 ′, the printer driver 180, etc., and controls the entire printing system. In addition, the control unit 105 manages the management of all the interfaces inside and outside the host device 100 ′.

  The setting unit 130 defines the operation of the higher-level device 100 ′. Specifically, the setting unit 130 receives the operation content selected by the user using a plurality of parameter items such as function ON / OFF and menu displayed via the CRT 131. The defined operation contents are stored in the HDD, Flash memory, SD card, and EEPROM, which are nonvolatile memories, via the memory unit 140.

  The memory unit 140 provides a working memory area used for controlling the host device 100 ′. The memory unit 140 includes an HDD, a flash memory, and an SD card, which are non-volatile memories capable of holding information regardless of the power on / off of the host device 100 ′, in addition to the RAM functioning as a working memory area during operation. EEPROM is provided. The standard memory 142 is a standard memory of the memory unit 140, and the option memory 143 is a storage medium that can be expanded and removed.

  The communication unit 110 controls all communication including bidirectional and unidirectional from the host device 100 ′ to the printer 200 ′. As a connection method, various communication means such as a network, IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, wireless LAN, and IrDa can be used. The communication unit 110 transmits print job data, a pause command, and the like using this communication unit.

  The printer driver 180 creates print job data to be transmitted to the printer 200 ′, monitors the status of the printer 200 ′, and manages bidirectional communication. The printer driver 180 according to the present embodiment includes a command / editing unit 170. The command / editing unit 170 has a function of editing print job data by adding parameters of a print quality (PQ) priority command which is a new user interface of the printer driver 180. The setting result of ON (default setting) / OFF of “print quality (PQ) importance” in the printer driver 180 described later in FIG. 11 is added to the print job data as a command designation.

  The printer 200 ′ requests to execute or cancel the printing operation after the drum life in accordance with the “print quality (PQ) priority” ON (related) / OFF (not related) instruction transmitted from the host apparatus 100 ′. Accept. The printer 200 ′ has a mechanism for switching control based on the received request.

  The control unit 205 in the printer 200 ′ executes the continuation of the printing operation after the drum life in accordance with the “print quality (PQ) priority” ON (restricted) / OFF (unrestricted) instruction transmitted from the host apparatus 100 ′. Manages the mechanism for switching the cancellation control.

  Here, the relevance of each component shown in FIG. 10 is demonstrated.

  The setting in the printer driver 180 is performed using the keyboard 132 and the mouse 133 while the user looks at the setting screen on the CRT 131, and these input results are output to the control unit 105 and managed and confirmed by the setting unit 130. Is done.

  The command / editing unit 170 creates print job data using the areas of the standard memory 142 and option memory 143 of the memory unit 140. Here, the parameters specified in the printer driver 180 are each incorporated as command data in the header portion or footer portion of the print job. The command data is created for each print job data unit according to the setting of the printer driver 180 at that time. In the present embodiment, the ON / OFF setting result of “print quality (PQ) priority” in the printer driver 180 shown in FIG. 11 is added as a command designation in units of print job data.

  The created print job data is transmitted to the printer 200 ′ via the communication unit 110 of the upper level apparatus 100 ′. The transmitted print job data is received via the communication unit 210 of the printer 200 ′ and becomes received data.

  Data communication between the host apparatus 100 ′ and the printer 200 ′ is bidirectional communication based on management of the control unit 205. As the connection method, various communication means such as a network, IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, wireless LAN, and IrDa can be used.

  When a print job is generated, the editing unit 250 analyzes the print job data stored in the memory unit 240 as received data by the communication unit 210 and the control unit 205, and uses the result as a common page memory in the printer 200 ′. The information is again stored in the memory unit 240 as information.

  The device status of the printer 200 ′ is output and displayed as notification information via the display unit 221 serving as a user interface. In addition, menu settings and operation operations by the user are input via the SW 223. The input / output information is managed by the operation / display control unit 220.

  Next, the control unit 205 uses a print job data analysis result that is page common information stored in the memory 240 and information determined by the state of the engine unit 400 to control the engine unit 240. Create command group data and output it to the engine.

  The engine unit 400 executes a printing operation in accordance with an instruction request including command group data output from the control unit 205. Furthermore, when a drum life occurs during the printing operation, the engine unit 400 performs the operation according to the parameter information for the setting command designation of the “print quality (PQ) priority” ON / OFF received from the host apparatus 100 ′. Switch.

  Next, a setting screen for “emphasis on print quality (PQ)” of the printer driver 180 installed in the upper apparatus 100 ′ will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the “print quality (PQ) priority” function is added to the item “print quality” in the detailed property settings, and the fault is ON (related). This is because the printing at this time does not need to be related to the quality of the printed image, that is, the quality of the printed image can be read, and if it is a test print for confirming the whole image, a photograph or picture Is selected when there is no need to be concerned with the quality of printing accurately. Therefore, if it is sufficient to print as much as possible using the remaining toner in the drum life state, this setting is turned OFF and the continuous printing operation is executed. This setting is added as a command designation for each print job data. Then, the printer 200 ′ determines the operation after the drum life according to this instruction.

  Next, an ON / OFF control procedure of “print quality (PQ) priority” will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 12, although described continuously, the operation up to step S1206 is the operation of the host device 100 ′, and the operation after step SS1210 is the operation of the printer 200 ′.

  First, in step S1201, the user selects a setting for the printer driver 180. At that time, the above-mentioned “print quality (PQ) priority” function is selected in the item “print quality” of the detailed setting shown in FIG.

  When “print quality (PQ) emphasis” is set to ON (default; related) (step S1202 Yes), the setting result is added as command designation for each print job data (step S1203). On the other hand, when “emphasis on print quality (PQ)” is set to OFF (no matter) (No in step S1202), the setting result is added as command designation for each print job data (step S1204). Then, the print job data is transmitted to the printer 200 ′, and printing is executed (step S1205).

  If the printer 200 ′ recognizes that there is a print request (step S1211), the printer 200 ′ executes a printing operation (step S1212).

  The control unit 205 advances a series of printing operations while determining whether or not the total operation amount [Dtotal] of the photosensitive drum 452 has reached the drum life. If the drum life has not occurred (No in step S1213), the control unit 205 continues the normal printing operation (step S1217). Then, the control unit 205 confirms whether all the printing operations related to the print job data are completed. When the printing operation related to the print job data is completed (step S1216 Yes), the control unit 205 ends the series of printing operations, and when the printing operation is not yet completed and the printing operation for the next page continues (step S1216). S1216 No), the process from step S1212 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the drum life has occurred (step S1213 Yes), the control unit 205 determines the command designation of “emphasis on print quality (PQ)” (step S1215).

  Here, when “emphasis on printing quality (PQ)” is set to ON (step S1215 Yes), the control unit 205 completely stops the printing operation, and via the display unit 221 or the CRT 131 of the host device 100 ′. “Drums are not changed” is displayed and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when “emphasis on print quality (PQ)” is set to OFF (No in step S1215), the control unit 205 determines that the print quality does not need to be emphasized during the continuous printing operation, and the drum life is in progress. Control of the continuous printing operation is performed while displaying the “Chochu Choco *** Page” via the display unit 221 and the CRT 131 of the host apparatus 100 ′ (step S1219), while the total operation amount of the photosensitive drum 452 [ Dtotal] or the total consumption amount [Ttotal] of the toner 451 is monitored and continues to the limit value.

  Note that, for example, in an environment in which printing is executed without using the printer driver 180 of the present invention, command designation from the host apparatus 100 ′ is invalidated, and the same control as that of the first embodiment is performed in step S1220. In other words, the control unit 205 confirms the continuation of the printing operation with respect to the user by displaying “Jumbo Worth Evaluating Mask?” Via the display unit 221 or the CRT 131 of the host device 100 ′. When the user selects continuation, the control unit 205 starts continuous printing. At this time, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 221 and the CRT 131 of the higher-level device 100 ′ to display “Chukachu Dust *** Page”. On the other hand, when cancellation is selected by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 221 and the CRT 131 of the higher-level device 100 ′ to display “Drums are changed”, and the process ends.

  In the continuous printing in step S1219 and the continuous printing after the user determination in step S1220, the control unit 205 checks whether all the printing operations related to the print job data are completed unless printing is interrupted. When the printing operation related to the print job data is completed (step S1216 Yes), the control unit 205 ends the series of printing operations, and when the printing operation is not yet completed and the printing operation for the next page continues (step S1216). S1216 No), the process from step S1212 is repeated.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the user judgment of whether to perform the printing operation until the device guarantee after the drum life or to stop until it is replaced with a new photosensitive drum is “print quality (PQ By defining a selection command for the “important” function, it is possible to automatically determine when a print job is generated. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, since the operation determination can be defined in advance, the operation time can be further extended during the continuous operation, and the total operation amount of the photosensitive drum reaches a threshold value that is a limit value for image quality assurance. Even so, the remaining toner can be consumed.

  In the description of the present embodiment, an example in which the printer driver 180 is installed in the host apparatus 100 ′ has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is dedicated to generating a print job (data). The system and the independent utility that can set the selection command of the “print quality (PQ) priority” function in advance may be configured separately.

  Furthermore, a dedicated switching menu function may be installed in the printer 200 as to whether or not to inquire whether or not to continue the printing operation to the user. Also, by setting an operation procedure for prompting the user to confirm the continuation of the printing operation simultaneously with the generation of the print job (data) or in advance, the determination process in the printer 200 ′ may be omitted after the drum life has occurred. Is possible.

  The printer has been described as an example of a suitable image forming apparatus for explaining the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but an issuer such as an MFP, a facsimile, a scanner, or a certificate, check, money order, traveler's check, etc. The present invention can be applied to a plurality of paper feeding apparatuses such as the above, and a general apparatus having a plurality of discharging apparatuses.

100, 100 'Host device 101, 102, 103 Tray
105, 205 Control unit 110, 210 Communication unit 120 Operation / display unit 121 Discharge device 125 Paper feed cassette 130, 230 Setting unit 131 CRT
132 Keyboard 133 Mouse 140, 240 Memory unit 142, 242 Standard memory 143, 243 Option memory 151 Network I / F
152 Local Port I / F
170 Command / editing unit 180 Printer driver 200, 200 'Printer 201 Paper sensor 202 Entrance sensor 203 Writing sensor 204 Ejection sensor 220 Operation / display control unit 221 Display unit 223 SW
250 Editing unit 400 Engine unit 401 Print control unit 402 Consumables monitoring unit 403 Life detection unit 404 Counter monitoring unit 450 Consumables 451 Toner 452 Photosensitive drum 453 Process cartridge 455 Toner cartridge 456 Heater 460 Development roller 462 LED head 463 Transfer roller 464 Charging Roller 465 Fixing roller

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus having a replacement part having a lifetime,
A display unit that displays a life warning display to the user when the operation amount or consumption amount, which is an integrated value of the amount of use of the replacement parts, reaches a first threshold value that guarantees image quality;
A setting unit that receives from the user a determination as to whether or not to continue image formation even when the amount of operation or consumption of the replacement part reaches the first threshold;
A control unit that continues image formation until the operation amount or the consumption amount of the replacement part reaches a second threshold value that guarantees the operation of the apparatus when the determination of continuation of image formation is received. Image forming apparatus. A counter monitoring unit for accumulating the amount of use of the replacement part to obtain an operating amount or a consumption amount;
The control unit calculates a remaining operating capacity of the replacement part until the second threshold value is reached from the operating amount or the consumption amount acquired by the counter monitoring unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a remaining operating capacity of the replacement part calculated by the control unit to a user.   The operating amount or the consumption amount monitored by the counter monitoring unit is the usage amount or developer of the image forming unit, the transfer unit, the fixing unit, the duplex unit, or the consumption amount or remaining capacity of the waste developer box, which are the replacement parts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: Comprising a plurality of the replacement parts,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the smallest value among the remaining operating capacities of the replacement parts as the remaining operating capacity of the apparatus. A communication unit that receives a continuous printing instruction for continuing image formation even when the operating amount or the consumption amount of the replacement part reaches the first threshold;
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continues image formation until the second threshold value is reached when the continuous printing instruction is received via the communication unit. 6. Image forming apparatus.