Image forming apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To appropriately detect the life of a transfer member and appropriately notify a user of the time to replace the transfer member on the basis of image information of an image that is actually printed by the user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: image carriers that carry toner images formed according to image information; transfer members for transferring the toner images carried on the image carriers; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to one of the transfer members; and a control unit that acquires information on the amount of toner in the toner images from the image information, corrects the voltage applied to one of the transfer members on the basis of the information on the amount of toner to acquire a correction value, and acquires data on prediction of the life of one of the transfer members on the basis of the correction value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine or a printer, that utilizes an electrophotographic or electrostatic recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses include image forming apparatuses that directly transfer a toner image from a photoconductor to a transfer material, and image forming apparatuses that use an intermediate transfer method in which a toner image is primarily transferred from a photoconductor to an intermediate transfer belt, and then secondarily transferred to a transfer material to output an image.

[0003] In such an image forming apparatus, since a transfer bias is constantly applied to the transfer member during image formation, the resistance value of the transfer member increases irreversibly with the use time of the apparatus. If the resistance value of the transfer member changes to a predetermined value or more, the voltage required for transfer cannot be applied, resulting in poor transfer and failure to form a good image. For this reason, there is a method for setting the lifespan in advance based on, for example, the number of prints or the total rotation time. There is also a method for measuring the resistance value of the transfer member over a long period of use, and predicting the time when the measured resistance value deviates from a predetermined allowable range as the lifespan. There is also a method for predicting the lifespan based on the increase in the transfer voltage required to obtain good transferability over a long period of use.

[0004] Furthermore, when measuring the resistance value of a transfer member to predict its lifespan, the resistance measurement of the transfer member etc. is affected by the environment such as temperature and humidity at the time of resistance measurement. Therefore, in order to accurately detect the resistance value, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of accurately measuring the resistance value and judging the lifespan of the transfer member based on the resistance value of the transfer member detected by a resistance detection means and the environment detected by the environment detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-195700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventionally, the transfer settings are set so that image quality can be always maintained when a user prints various images. For example, the transfer settings are set so that optimal transferability can be obtained for various conditions such as the temperature and humidity environment in which the device is installed and the media to be used.

[0007] As for transfer settings, for example, when a monochrome image is transferred and when a secondary color image is transferred, a larger transfer current is required when a secondary color image is transferred.

[0008] Therefore, for example, a configuration is conceivable in which the transfer settings during image formation are changed based on image information. However, in actuality, in the case of continuous jobs or when multiple jobs are accepted simultaneously, there is a risk that correct image information cannot always be obtained at the appropriate timing for each image to be printed due to limitations in the processing capacity of image development. Therefore, in order to always obtain good transferability even if correct image information cannot always be obtained, transfer conditions are set regardless of whether the image actually printed by the user is a single color or a secondary color. For example, a so-called secondary color image formed by overlapping colors requires a large transfer current, so the transfer conditions are set so that the secondary color image can always be transferred.

[0009] However, because a voltage higher than necessary is applied to the transfer member, when predicting the life of the transfer member from the increase in voltage, the life of the transfer member is predicted to be shorter than necessary for users who frequently use monochromatic images. Thus, there is room for improvement in terms of appropriately predicting the life of the transfer member according to the usage status of the device for each user.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to appropriately predict the life of a transfer member based on image information printed by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising an image carrier that carries a toner image formed in accordance with image information, a transfer member for transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier, a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the transfer member, and a control unit that obtains information regarding the toner amount of the toner image from the image information, corrects the voltage applied to the transfer member based on the information regarding the toner amount to obtain a correction value, and obtains data regarding a predicted life of the transfer member based on the correction value. . Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the life of the transfer member can be appropriately predicted based on the image information of the image printed by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the conventional relationship between life and the number of prints. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between transfer voltage and transfer efficiency for each amount of toner. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the toner amount and the required transfer voltage according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating voltage correction and lifespan according to the amount of toner of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating resistance correction and lifespan according to the amount of toner of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network connection according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram for explaining the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following examples do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the examples describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar components, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0015] <First embodiment> 1. Overall configuration of image forming device 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment is a tandem type image forming apparatus (laser printer) that employs an intermediate transfer method for forming a full-color image using an electrophotographic method.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 has a plurality of image forming units, namely, first, second, third and fourth image forming units PY, PM, PC and PK. The first, second, third and fourth image forming units PY, PM, PC and PK form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), respectively.

[0017] In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of each image forming unit PY, PM, PC, and PK are substantially the same except for the different colors of toner used. Therefore, unless a distinction is particularly required, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K indicating that the element is for one of the colors will be omitted and only the element will be described.

[0018] The image forming section P has a drum-type electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) as an image carrier, that is, a photosensitive drum 1. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of an arrow R1 in the figure by a driving means (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 1, along the rotation direction, a primary charging roller 2 as a primary charging means constituted by a roller-type charging member, an exposure device (laser scanner unit) 3 as an exposure means (image writing means), and a developing device 4 as a developing means are arranged. Next, a primary transfer roller 5 as a first transfer member constituted by a roller-type charging member, and a drum cleaner 6 as a photosensitive member cleaning means are arranged.

[0019] The developing device 4 has a developing roller 41 as a developer carrier, and a toner container 42 that contains toner as a developer. The drum cleaner 6 has a drum cleaning blade 61 as a cleaning means, and a waste toner container 62.

[0020] An intermediate transfer belt 8 serving as an intermediate transfer body is stretched between a drive roller 9 and a tension roller 10, and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow R2 in the figure by a driving force being transmitted to the drive roller 9.

[0021] The primary transfer roller 5 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 via the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the photosensitive drum 1 come into contact with each other to form a primary transfer portion (primary transfer nip) N1. On the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 8, a secondary transfer roller 11 serving as a second transfer member constituted by a roller-type charging member is disposed at a position facing the drive roller 9.

[0022] The secondary transfer roller 11 is pressed against the drive roller 9 via the intermediate transfer belt 8, and the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer roller 11 come into contact with each other to form a secondary transfer portion (secondary transfer nip) N2. In addition, on the outer circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 8, a belt cleaner 52 is disposed at a position facing the tension roller 10 as an intermediate transfer belt cleaning means.

[0023] The belt cleaner 52 includes a belt cleaning blade 21 as a contact member and a waste toner container 22 .

[0024] The primary transfer roller 5, the intermediate transfer belt 8, the drive roller 9, the tension roller 10, the belt cleaner 52, and the like constitute an intermediate transfer belt unit 50.

[0025] In this embodiment, in each image forming portion P, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2 as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 1, the developing device 4, and the drum cleaner 6 are integrally configured as a process cartridge 7. Each of the process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0026] In this embodiment, the configuration of each process cartridge 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K is substantially the same, except that the toner contained in each toner container 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K is yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) color toner.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 is also provided with a control board 25 on which an electric circuit for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 is mounted. The control board 25 is mounted with a CPU 26 as a control means. The CPU 26 has built-in algorithms for controlling the operation of the apparatus based on signals from various sensors (not shown) in the apparatus, such as a drive source (not shown) for conveying the transfer material S, a drive source (not shown) for the intermediate transfer belt 8 and each image forming section P, a high voltage control means applied during image formation, a current detection means (current detection section), and a temperature and humidity sensor (environmental sensor) for detecting temperature and humidity, and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 related to the entire image formation in a centralized manner.

[0028] 2. Transcription Configuration Next, the configuration relating to the primary transfer and secondary transfer in this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0029] In this embodiment, an intermediate transfer belt 8 is used as the intermediate transfer body.

[0030] The intermediate transfer belt 8 is an endless belt made of a resin material to which a conductive agent has been added to give it electrical conductivity.

[0031] The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched around two axes, a drive roller 9 and a tension roller 10, and a total tension of 100 N is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 8 by the tension roller 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the intermediate transfer belt 8 was an endless belt having a thickness of 70 μm and made of polyimide resin in which the volume resistivity was adjusted to 1×10E10 Ω·cm by mixing carbon as a conductive agent.

[0033] From the viewpoint of transferability, the volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is preferably in the range of 1×10E9 to 10E11 Ω·cm. If the volume resistivity is lower than 1×10E9 Ω·cm, transfer failure may occur due to the escape of transfer current in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. On the other hand, if the volume resistivity is higher than 1×10E11 Ω·cm, transfer failure may occur due to abnormal discharge in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment.

[0034] Here, the volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is obtained by the following measurement method: using Hiresta-UP (MCP-HT450) manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, using a UR measurement probe, the measurement is performed under the conditions of an indoor temperature of 23°C, an indoor humidity of 50%, an applied voltage of 250V, and a measurement time of 10 seconds.

[0035] In this embodiment, polyimide resin is used as the material of the intermediate transfer belt 8, but the material of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is not limited to this. For example, other thermoplastic resins such as the following may be used. For example, polyester, polycarbonate, polyarylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and mixed resins thereof are used. In addition, an electronic conductive intermediate transfer belt using carbon as a conductive agent is used here, but an ionic conductive agent may be used as the conductive agent. Examples of ionic conductive agents include polyvalent metal salts and quaternary ammonium salts. In the quaternary ammonium salt, tetraethylammonium ions, tetrapropylammonium ions, and tetraisopropylammonium ions are used as the cationic portion. In addition, tetrabutylammonium ions, tetrapentylammonium ions, and tetrahexylammonium ions are also used. Examples of the anion portion include halogen ions, fluoroalkyl sulfate ions, fluoroalkyl sulfite ions, and fluoroalkyl borate ions in which the carbon number of the fluoroalkyl group is 1 to 10. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a polyether ester amide resin is mainly used and potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate or the like is added in combination therewith.

[0036] In this embodiment, the primary transfer roller 5 is made of a nickel-plated steel rod with an outer diameter of 6 mm as a core metal. An elastic roller with an outer diameter of 12 mm is used, which is covered with a foamed sponge body with a thickness of 3 mm, mainly composed of NBR and epichlorohydrin rubber, the volume resistivity of which is adjusted to about 1×10E5 to 1×10E7 Ω·cm as an elastic layer. The primary transfer roller 5 is abutted against the photosensitive drum 1 via the intermediate transfer belt 8 with a pressure of 9.8 N, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 8. In addition, when the toner on the photosensitive drum 1 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8, a DC voltage (primary transfer bias) of about 1500 to 2000 V is applied to the primary transfer roller 5.

[0037] A nickel-plated steel rod with an outer diameter of 8 mm was used as the core metal for the secondary transfer roller 11. An elastic roller with an outer diameter of 18 mm was used, covered with a 5 mm thick foam sponge body with the main components of NBR and epichlorohydrin rubber, the volume resistivity of which was adjusted to 1×10E7 to 8 Ω·cm, as the elastic layer.

[0038] The secondary transfer roller 11 is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 8 with a pressure of 50 N, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 8. In this embodiment, a high-voltage power supply with a high-voltage output upper limit of 6500 V is used as the high-voltage power supply (voltage application unit) used for the secondary transfer, and when the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is being secondarily transferred to a transfer material S such as paper, a DC voltage (secondary transfer bias) of about 2500 to 6500 V is applied to the secondary transfer roller 11.

[0039] These values ​​should be optimally set depending on the belt material, roller material, device configuration, etc., and are not limited to these configurations and values.

[0040] 3. Image formation process of image forming equipment The image forming process of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

[0041] During image formation, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 1 is charged to a predetermined potential of a predetermined polarity (negative in this embodiment) by a primary charging roller 2 to which a primary charging bias of a predetermined polarity (negative in this embodiment) is applied. Thereafter, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is exposed to light by a laser unit 3 based on an image signal. As a result, an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0042] This electrostatic latent image is developed (visualized) as a toner image by the developing device 4 using toner as a developer. At this time, a developing bias of a predetermined polarity (negative polarity in this embodiment) is applied to the developing roller 41. In this embodiment, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by image exposure and reversal development. That is, a toner image is formed by attaching toner charged with the same polarity as the charging polarity of the photosensitive drum 1 to an exposed portion on the photosensitive drum 1 where the absolute value of the potential has been reduced by exposure after being uniformly charged. Note that in this embodiment, the toner used for development is negatively charged. That is, the charging polarity (normal charging polarity) of the toner during development is negative.

[0043] The toner image formed on the rotating photosensitive drum 1 as described above is transferred (primary transfer) at the primary transfer portion N1 onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 which is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates at approximately the same speed as the photosensitive drum 1. At this time, a primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner during development (positive polarity in this embodiment) is applied to the primary transfer roller 5 from a primary transfer bias power supply (high voltage power supply, voltage application unit) 51 as a primary transfer bias application means.

[0044] A target current value for this primary transfer bias is preset to obtain optimal image formation, and the transfer voltage is controlled by a high voltage control means (voltage control section) so that the current becomes a predetermined current (target current) before the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 reaches the primary transfer section N1. In the series of image formation processes, the period from when the photosensitive drum starts to rotate until just before the toner image on the photosensitive drum reaches the transfer section and starts to be transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt is defined as the pre-rotation in the primary transfer. The transfer voltage control carried out at this time is called ATVC (Auto Transfer Voltage Control).

[0045] In addition, ATVC is a constant current control of the transfer section with a preset value for the non-image area on the photoconductor during pre-rotation at the start-up of the day of use and pre-rotation before image formation, and detects the resistance fluctuation of the transfer means from the fluctuation of the generated voltage value at this time. Then, during image formation, constant voltage control is performed based on the result of arithmetic processing of the previously generated voltage value. By doing so, for example, during primary transfer, overcurrent flowing from the primary transfer section to the photoconductor is prevented, eliminating the memory of the photoconductor. Furthermore, during image formation, an appropriate bias can be applied, enabling stable and good transfer image output.

[0046] When a full-color image is formed, the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K of the first, second, third, and fourth image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK are transferred in a sequentially overlapping manner onto the intermediate transfer belt 8. Then, the four color toner images in a overlapping state are transported to the secondary transfer unit N2 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0047] Meanwhile, a transfer material S such as a recording paper sheet sent out from the supply / conveyance device 12 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion N2 by a pair of registration rollers 16. The supply / conveyance device 12 has a paper supply / conveyance roller 14 that sends out the transfer material S from a cassette 13 that stores the transfer material S, and a pair of conveyance rollers 15 that convey the sent-out transfer material S. Then, the transfer material S conveyed from the supply / conveyance device 12 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion N2 by the pair of registration rollers 16 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0048] The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred (secondary transfer) at the secondary transfer portion N2 onto the transfer material S that is sandwiched and transported between the intermediate transfer belt 8 and a secondary transfer roller 11. At this time, a secondary transfer bias of a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner during development (positive polarity in this embodiment) is applied to the secondary transfer roller 11 from a secondary transfer bias power supply (high voltage power supply, voltage application unit) 53 as a secondary transfer bias application means.

[0049] As with the primary transfer bias control, the secondary transfer bias has a target current value set in advance to obtain optimal image formation. In addition, the period from when the photosensitive drum starts rotating in a series of image formation operation processes until the toner image reaches the secondary transfer portion N2 and immediately before the transfer of the toner image onto the transfer material is defined as the pre-rotation in secondary transfer. By implementing transfer voltage control (ATVC) at the secondary transfer portion during the pre-rotation in secondary transfer, the transfer voltage is controlled by the high voltage control means so that the target current is obtained during image formation.

[0050] The transfer material S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to a fixing device 17 as a fixing means. The transfer material S is then heated and pressurized while being sandwiched and transported between a fixing film 18 and a pressure roller 19 of the fixing device 17, and the toner image is fixed onto the surface of the transfer material S.

[0051] The transfer material S with the fixed toner image is discharged to the outside of the device by a pair of discharge rollers 20. Note that the toner (primary transfer residual toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is cleaned by a drum cleaner 6. That is, the primary transfer residual toner is scraped off from the rotating photosensitive drum 1 by a drum cleaning blade 61 arranged in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and is collected in a waste toner container 62.

[0052] 4. Means of detecting lifespan Next, a description will be given of the life detection means used in this embodiment, in which the secondary transfer roller is described.

[0053] Here, the life of the secondary transfer roller is judged by detecting the fluctuation due to durability of the transfer voltage calculated by the transfer voltage control (ATVC) during the secondary transfer image formation described above. Here, the life of the secondary transfer roller is judged when a toner image with multiple toner colors superimposed is transferred from an intermediate transfer belt using a secondary transfer roller, but the same applies to other forms. For example, when a toner image with multiple toner colors superimposed is transferred from a photoconductor drum instead of an intermediate transfer belt.

[0054] Specifically, the transfer voltage control (ATVC) is performed, and the transfer voltage calculated by the ATVC is stored in the data storage means (memory) on the control board 25 in the image forming apparatus. At the same time, the print information of the image acquired during image development when an image job is sent is also stored. In this embodiment, the maximum toner amount information in the image to be printed is acquired as the print information of the image. Here, a solid image of a single color of each color toner of Y, M, C, and K is defined as 100%, and a solid image of a secondary color such as R, which is a mixture of Y and M, G, which is a mixture of Y and C, and B, which is a mixture of M and C, is defined as 200% as a mixture of multiple colors. If it is an intermediate color between a single color and a secondary color, it is in the range of 100 to 200%, and the toner amount of the part with the largest amount of toner in the image to be printed is defined as the maximum toner amount, and this maximum toner amount information is acquired as image information together with the ATVC result acquired for each job and stored in the memory.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the transfer voltage calculated from the rise in the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) calculated by the transfer voltage control (ATVC) in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment and the number of prints. The secondary transfer roller exhibits a behavior in which the resistance value rises with use. In other words, the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) calculated by the transfer voltage control (ATVC) exhibits a behavior in which the ATVC detection result rises with durability. The required transfer voltage increases with an increase in the number of prints, and when the required transfer voltage exceeds the upper limit of the high voltage output of the image forming apparatus, the transfer voltage required for transfer cannot be applied. This reaching of the upper limit of the high voltage output is defined as one of the conditions for determining the end of life of the secondary transfer roller. The life is predicted from the rise in the transfer voltage during the transfer voltage control (ATVC), and is determined using the detection result of the high voltage output reaching the upper limit, and a warning of the end of life and a notification to encourage the replacement of the secondary transfer roller are made to the user. Specifically, the end of life notification is performed by comparing the upper limit of the high voltage output with the current ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and calculating the life in percentage. The remaining life of a new secondary transfer roller is defined as 100%, and the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) detected when the secondary transfer roller is new is defined as the initial transfer voltage. When the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) reaches the upper limit of the high voltage output, the remaining life is defined as 0% (reach of life), and the remaining life is reported as a percentage each time the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is obtained.

[0056] In this embodiment, the remaining life is notified as a percentage. However, the remaining life may be information other than the percentage, such as the timing of a request to replace the secondary transfer roller or the timing of notification of the end of life.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the transfer voltage and the transfer efficiency for each amount of toner in the printed image.

[0058] Images were formed by varying the toner amount in 25% increments within the range of 100% to 200% of the maximum toner amount, and the relationship between the transfer voltage and the transfer efficiency was plotted for each case.

[0059] Here, transfer efficiency is an index for evaluating transferability by determining the change in toner weight per specified area before and after secondary transfer and calculating the ratio thereof; it is calculated from the ratio of the weight of the toner formed on the intermediate transfer belt after primary transfer and before secondary transfer (before transfer) to the weight of the toner on the transfer material after secondary transfer and before fixing (before transfer).

[0060] Specifically, the transfer efficiency [%] is calculated by the following formula 1.

[0061] Weight of toner after transfer / weight of toner before transfer x 100 [%]... (Formula 1) From this result, it can be seen that the minimum required voltage for achieving 100% transfer efficiency differs for each maximum toner amount. That is, as the maximum toner amount increases, the minimum required voltage increases.

[0062] Also, the results shown in Figure 3 are an example when a brand new transfer roller is used, and here, when the toner amount is 100%, the transfer voltage at which the transfer efficiency is 100% is approximately 3100 V. When the maximum toner amount is 200%, the transfer voltage at which the transfer efficiency is 100% is approximately 3800 V. Thus, it can be seen that the minimum transfer voltage at which the transfer efficiency is 100% differs depending on the maximum toner amount.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a table showing the relationship between the transfer voltage required for each maximum toner amount shown in FIG. 3 and the correction coefficient for each maximum toner amount.

[0064] Here, the transfer voltage required to transfer a 200% image, which is the maximum amount of toner in a solid image of the secondary colors R, G, and B, that is, the conventional ATVC detection result (transfer voltage), is set as a correction coefficient of 1, which does not involve correction based on the amount of toner.Then, the ratio between the required transfer voltage for each amount of toner and the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is calculated and used as the correction coefficient.

[0065] Although correction may be performed using a correction coefficient for each image from the table of correction coefficients shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a correction formula calculated from the relationship between the toner amount and the correction coefficient in FIG. 4 is obtained, and correction is performed using the correction formula (Formula 2).

[0066] Y = 0.0019X + 0.6211… (Equation 2) Here, X is the toner amount information [%], and Y is the correction coefficient α.

[0067] 5 is a diagram explaining the conventional ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and the result of correcting the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) using a correction coefficient according to the toner amount for each image during image formation from the correction formula (Formula 2). The result of correcting the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is estimated data used to detect the transfer life.

[0068] The solid line in Figure 5 shows the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) before conventional correction, as in Figure 2, and the dotted line shows the result of correcting the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) to the required voltage based on the toner amount information for each image to be printed, and this data is estimated data.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, when an image with 200% toner amount equivalent to a secondary color is transferred, there is no correction and the correction coefficient is 1. For an image with 100% equivalent to a single color, the correction coefficient is 0.81. Depending on the image, the coefficient takes a value in the range of 0.81 to 1, and the transfer voltage is corrected by the corresponding correction coefficient. Here, the example in Fig. 5 shows the voltage estimate value when an image with an average of 100% to 125% is used for the image during actual durability testing.

[0070] Also, here, the correction of the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and the predicted lifespan are roughly explained, but in reality, in this embodiment, the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and toner amount information are acquired for each print, and the required voltage is estimated from the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) based on the acquired data, and a regression equation is found by performing regression analysis on the relationship between the acquired required voltage value and the number of prints, and the actual lifespan is acquired. Details will be described later in the explanation of data exchange between the engine and the server.

[0071] In addition, although the regression equation is obtained by regression analysis and the actual lifespan is obtained here, the lifespan may be obtained using other statistical methods. For example, the required voltage value may be averaged at a predetermined timing, for example, every 1000 sheets, and the lifespan may be obtained from the ratio of the high voltage upper limit to the average voltage, or the lifespan may be obtained using a so-called moving average for a certain predetermined interval.

[0072] As can be seen here, even when the conventional ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) reaches the upper limit of high voltage performance and reaches the end of life, with the remaining life being 0%, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, when viewed from the practically required voltage value based on image information as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5 as in this embodiment, it can be seen that the device is able to sufficiently apply the voltage required for transfer even at the time considered to be the conventional end of life. In this embodiment, when the practically required voltage value based on image information reaches the upper limit of high voltage performance, the end of life is set to 0%. By detecting the end of life in this way, the timing of life notification, which is the timing at which the transfer voltage reaches the high voltage output upper limit according to the amount estimated by correcting it, is delayed. In other words, it is possible to appropriately detect the life of the transfer member based on the image information of the image that the user actually prints, and to appropriately notify the user of the time to replace the transfer member.

[0073] In reality, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, when the conventional ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) reaches the upper limit of the high voltage performance, the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) will stick to the high voltage upper limit value thereafter. Therefore, after the ATVC detection result reaches the high voltage upper limit, the actual required voltage corrected and calculated from the toner amount information will also show a sticking behavior. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) reaches the high voltage upper limit (when the number of prints in FIG. 5 reaches the number of prints shown as the conventional end of life), the update of the remaining life prediction formula obtained by regression or the like up to that point is stopped. Then, the final life prediction formula is obtained using the necessary voltage value obtained up to that point, and the life is predicted as shown by the thick solid line in FIG. 5. In the subsequent life prediction, the timing when the corrected required voltage value reaches the high voltage upper limit is predicted as the end of life and the remaining life is 0% using the final life prediction formula.

[0074] Also, up to this point, we have explained a method in which the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is corrected using image information, and the lifespan is calculated and acquired from the transition of the transfer voltage after the correction. However, it is also possible to detect a resistance value from the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and the detection current flowing at that time, correct the detected resistance value using image information, and calculate and acquire the lifespan of the transfer member from the transition of the increase in the resistance value after the correction (hereinafter defined as the actual resistance value).

[0075] In this case, an upper limit resistance value is set in advance as the upper limit of the resistance value based on the voltage and detected current when the high voltage output reaches its upper limit, and the lifespan can be calculated from the ratio of the resistance value at the time of detection to this upper limit resistance value, allowing the lifespan to be calculated in the same way as the above-mentioned configuration using the transfer voltage.

[0076] Specifically, the remaining life of a brand new secondary transfer roller is set to 100%, and the resistance value calculated when the secondary transfer roller is brand new is set to the initial resistance value. In addition, the remaining life is defined as 0% (end of life) when the detected resistance value reaches the upper limit resistance value, and the remaining life is notified in percentage each time resistance is detected.

[0077] As for the progression of the increase in the resistance value, after reaching the upper limit resistance value, the high voltage output reaches and sticks at the upper limit value, current gradually becomes unable to flow and decreases, so the calculated resistance value continues to rise as shown by the solid line.

[0078] Therefore, in this case, correction based on image information is continued even after the pre-correction resistance value reaches the upper limit resistance value, and it is determined that the life has been reached when the corrected actual resistance value reaches the upper limit resistance value.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the number of prints, resistance value, and remaining life. The solid line shows the change in resistance value and remaining life before correction, and the dotted line shows the change in actual resistance value and remaining life after correction.

[0080] In this embodiment, similar to the case where the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is corrected by image information to estimate the required voltage, the resistance detection result before correction and toner amount information are obtained, and the resistance detection result is corrected based on the obtained data, and the actual life is obtained from the detection result of the actual resistance value after correction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the device obtains the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage), the detection current, and the toner amount information for each print, and the resistance value is calculated and corrected / estimated based on the obtained data, and the regression equation is found by performing regression analysis on the relationship between the detection result of the actual resistance value after correction and the number of prints, and the actual life is obtained.

[0081] Alternatively, similar to the case where the life span is predicted by correcting the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) and estimating the required voltage value as described using FIG. 5, when the resistance detection result before correction reaches the upper limit resistance value, updating of the life span prediction formula that has been obtained by regression or the like from the detection result of the corrected actual resistance value up to that point may be stopped, and a final life span prediction formula may be obtained using the actual resistance value obtained up to that point, and in subsequent life span predictions, the timing at which the corrected actual resistance value reaches the upper limit resistance value using that final life span prediction formula may be determined as the end of life, and the remaining life may be set to 0%.

[0082] According to this method, in the case where the detection current gradually decreases after the high voltage output reaches the upper limit, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the detection current when calculating the resistance value.

[0083] In the following description, a detailed explanation will be given based on a method in which the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is corrected by image information, and the life span is calculated and acquired from the transition of the necessary voltage value after the correction.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an example of a network configuration of an image forming apparatus.

[0085] The image forming apparatus 100 is installed in a user environment E1 where a user exists, and is connected to a local network NW1, which may be, for example, a local area network (LAN). The server 201 is installed in a remote environment E2. The remote environment E2 is connected to the local network NW1 via an external network NW2. The external network NW2 may be, for example, the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN). Each of the local network NW1 and the external network NW2 may include any number of network devices of any type, such as, for example, routers, switches, gateways, wireless access points, and base stations.

[0086] In the user environment E1, a user uses the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 prints an arbitrary image through an image formation process. In this image forming apparatus, the above-mentioned ATVC is performed before the image formation process, and the transfer voltage to be applied during image formation is calculated.

[0087] At the same time, in this embodiment, toner amount information is also obtained by the image forming apparatus 100 as printing rate information of the printed image, and is sent to the server 201 together with the ATVC result.

[0088] The data output from the image forming apparatus 100 is acquired by an acquisition unit of the server 201. This data is based on a correction value obtained by correcting the voltage applied to the transfer member based on the ATVC result, and is data related to the life prediction of the transfer member. The server 201 calculates a required voltage value from the data. Specifically, the required voltage value that can be obtained by multiplying the acquired transfer voltage and the toner amount information by the above-mentioned correction coefficient is calculated and stored.

[0089] Here, the transfer voltage obtained by the ATVC is converted into a required voltage value, which is the actual transfer voltage, using the voltage correction formula (Formula 2) described above, which is calculated from the relationship between the toner amount information and voltage obtained in advance through experiments.

[0090] The necessary voltage value obtained in this manner is stored on the server, and the actual life span is calculated on the server 201 from the increase in the necessary voltage value obtained by carrying out statistical processing such as moving average or regression calculation.

[0091] The life prediction result calculated by the server 201, for example, a percentage display of the remaining life and a warning of the end of life, are transmitted from the server 201 to the image forming apparatus via the network. In this manner, data relating to the life prediction of the transfer member is transmitted from a transmitting unit of the server 201 to the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the life prediction result is displayed on an operation panel (notification unit) installed in the image forming apparatus 100, thereby notifying the user of the life. Also, the life may be notified on a monitoring tool described next.

[0092] Furthermore, the above-mentioned server (management server) 201 used here may be implemented as an application server, a database server, or a cloud server, for example, using a high-performance general-purpose computer.

[0093] When analyzing data using external storage and calculation means connected via a network, more data can be used without being restricted by the performance and capacity of the CPU built into the image forming device. Since analysis using statistical processing such as complex regression calculations becomes possible, detection accuracy is improved.

[0094] The functions of the management server 201 may be provided by a single device, or may be provided by a plurality of physically separate devices working in cooperation with each other.

[0095] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of this embodiment. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is made up of an image forming apparatus 100, a server, and a monitoring tool, as shown in Fig. 8. These are connected to each other via a LAN or the Internet.

[0096] The image forming apparatus 100 has a video controller, an operation display unit (display unit), and a printer engine. Here, the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation panel and operation buttons, not shown. This operation display unit (notification unit) notifies the user of information regarding the life of the transfer member. The notification may be made by voice from a speaker as well as by display. The video controller transmits print data (image data) and print instructions transmitted from a host computer, not shown, to the printer engine. The printer engine is composed of an engine control unit including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, a system bus, and an IO port. The CPU loads programs and various data into the ROM and executes the programs by using the RAM as a working area. The above-mentioned components can access the IO port via a bidirectionally accessible system bus. A drive motor, a paper feed motor, a high-voltage power supply, etc. are connected to each IO port. The CPU controls these devices via the IO port. Note that the devices connected are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0097] The server has a server control unit including a calculation device and a storage device, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 100 and the monitoring tool via a network that allows bidirectional access. The calculation device executes programs stored in the storage device and reads and writes various data. The calculation device may be directly assigned a CPU or GPU, and the storage device may be directly assigned a RAM, HDD, SSD, etc., or a virtual environment such as a virtual machine may be assigned. The server control unit can exchange information with the engine control unit via a video controller.

[0098] The monitoring tool has a monitoring tool control unit for receiving information from the server control unit, and an operation display unit for displaying the received information. Here, the operation display unit of the monitoring tool includes a display, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. (not shown). Note that the form of the monitoring tool is an information processing device, and is not limited to a personal computer or a server, and may be a virtual environment such as a virtual machine or a tablet terminal.

[0099] They are connected via a network, and the image forming apparatus and the monitoring tool may communicate with each other without going through a server.

[0100] The operations of the engine control unit, the server control unit, and the monitoring tool in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0101] The flowchart in FIG. 9 starts when the printer engine receives a print instruction. When the print instruction is received, the engine control unit starts an image forming operation (S101). The high voltage control unit starts ATVC (S102), performs ATVC for a target current according to the print conditions, and obtains the applied voltage result, which is the obtained ATVC result (S103). Next, the image information acquisition means (acquisition unit, CPU 26) acquires toner amount information (S104). The acquired ATVC result and the toner amount information acquisition result are stored in RAM (S105). The acquired and stored data is notified to the server control unit (S106). Next, it is determined whether the applied voltage result, which is the ATVC result acquired in S103, has reached the high voltage output upper limit (S107). If the high voltage output upper limit has not been reached, the control unit (CPU 26, output unit, transmission unit) of the image forming apparatus notifies the server. The image forming device acquires a required voltage value, which is an actual transfer voltage for calculating an actual lifespan based on the stored calculation result of the required voltage value or resistance value and the toner amount information acquisition result (S108). The required voltage value acquired here is sent to the server, and a calculation device provided in a server control unit of the server performs a regression calculation based on this required voltage value (S109). The calculation device calculates the actual lifespan from the ratio to the high voltage output upper limit value, and the server notifies the monitoring tool of the calculation result of the lifespan (S110). Here, the timing of the notification is changed depending on the calculation result of the actual lifespan. The server may transmit the calculation result to the image forming device, a receiving unit of the image forming device may receive the result, and an output unit of the image forming device may output the result to an operation panel provided in the image forming device.

[0102] If the applied voltage, which is the ATVC result, has reached the high voltage output upper limit in S107, the image forming apparatus does not obtain the required voltage value, and the server does not calculate the regression equation. Instead, the server determines the regression equation obtained just before the high voltage output upper limit is reached as the final predicted regression equation (S111), and uses this for subsequent actual life predictions.

[0103] As in this embodiment, since it is possible to perform calculations, regressions, and other analyses from large amounts of data on an external server, it is possible to notify the user of the actual lifespan with high accuracy under conditions suited to the user's usage state.

[0104] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the actual lifespan is predicted within the image forming apparatus, not via an external server.

[0105] The advantage of this configuration is that it makes it possible to calculate the effective lifespan even in a main unit that is not connected to a server.

[0106] As in the first embodiment, during the secondary transfer image formation described above, the ATVC detection result (transfer voltage) is corrected according to the transfer voltage calculated by the transfer voltage control (ATVC) and the toner amount for each image, and the life of the secondary transfer roller is determined by detecting the fluctuation in the life of the correction value.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the results can be calculated and analyzed on an external server, so life prediction is possible without imposing any particular restrictions on the data. In this embodiment, life calculation is performed in the data storage means (memory) and CPU in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in order to reduce the processing load, useful data is extracted from a large amount of data before life calculation is performed.

[0108] Specifically, the detection results of the transfer voltage control (ATVC) performed at each timing that meets a predetermined condition are stored in a data storage means (memory) in the image forming apparatus, and the life is predicted from the change over time in the transfer voltage relative to the number of prints. Here, the timing that meets the predetermined condition is when the operation is stopped for 8 hours or more after the end of a job (when a predetermined time has elapsed), which is the timing when the transfer roller is in a cold state where it has cooled down. It is known that the resistance value of the transfer roller varies depending on the temperature rise of the members caused by the passage of electricity. The transfer roller used in this embodiment exhibits a characteristic that is highest in a so-called cold state where the influence of the temperature rise caused by the passage of electricity is small, so the detection results of the transfer voltage control (ATVC) performed in the cold state are used for life prediction. By extracting the detection results of the transfer voltage control (ATVC) performed at a predetermined timing in this way, it is possible to perform a relatively stable life prediction in the image forming apparatus, even if it is not possible to calculate a regression equation from a large amount of data in a server and predict the life as in the first embodiment. In addition, in the configuration used in this embodiment, the time it takes for the transfer roller to cool down was set to at least 8 hours after the job is completed, but since the time required for this cooling varies depending on the configuration, material, dimensions, etc. of the components used in the device, the optimal setting should be made for each configuration.

[0109] The image forming operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0110] When the printer engine receives a print command, the engine control unit (CPU 26, calculation unit) starts the image formation operation (S201). The high voltage control unit performs ATVC for a target current according to the print conditions (S202). Next, it is determined whether the applied voltage result, which is the ATVC result obtained in S202, has reached the high voltage output upper limit (S203). If it is determined in S203 that the applied voltage result has not reached the high voltage output upper limit, it is next determined whether the state of the device during image formation is a cold state (S204).

[0111] Specifically, when image formation starts, the timer built into the main unit measures and monitors the time that has passed since the last print, and judges whether the device is in a cold state or not based on whether or not 8 hours or more have passed. If it is not judged to be in a cold state, the process ends.

[0112] If it is determined that the state is cold, the applied voltage result, which is the obtained ATVC result, is obtained (S205). The resistance value of the transfer member may be used instead of the ATVC result. Next, toner amount information is obtained by the image information obtaining means (S206). The obtained ATVC result and toner amount information obtaining result are stored in the RAM, which is the data storage means (memory) in the image forming apparatus (S207). Based on the ATVC result and toner amount information obtaining result data obtained and stored here, the engine CPU (output unit, calculation unit) obtains the ATVC correction result, which is the actual transfer voltage for calculating the actual lifespan (S208). Based on the ATVC correction result calculated here, a prediction formula for the lifespan is obtained (S209). Here, the prediction formula is calculated by regression calculation based on the ATVC correction result, as in the first embodiment.

[0113] Next, the actual life is calculated from the ratio of the result calculated from the obtained regression equation to the high voltage output upper limit, and is output to an operation panel installed on the engine for notification (S210). If it is determined in S203 that the applied voltage result has reached the high voltage output upper limit, the life prediction formula obtained immediately before is determined to be the final life prediction formula, regardless of whether the engine is in a cold state or not, and the life is predicted based on the final life prediction formula, and the life is notified.

[0114] As described above, in this embodiment, when obtaining the detection results of the transfer voltage control (ATVC) during image formation, data that satisfies certain conditions is extracted, thereby suppressing variation in the detection results of the transfer voltage control (ATVC), and the lifespan is calculated from the data stored in the data storage means (memory) and CPU within the image forming apparatus, making it possible to accurately calculate the actual lifespan even in a main unit that is not connected to a server.

[0115] In addition, in both the first and second embodiments, the case where the conductive member is a secondary transfer roller has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of a transfer roller that directly transfers toner from a photoconductor, or to predicting the substantial lifespan of a conductive member having a function of transferring toner, such as a primary transfer roller or an intermediate transfer belt. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Photosensitive drum 5 Primary transfer roller (transfer member) 8 Intermediate transfer belt 11 Secondary transfer roller (transfer member) 21 Belt cleaning blade 26 CPU (acquisition, output, transmission) 51 Primary transfer bias power supply 53 Secondary transfer bias power supply (high voltage power supply, voltage application unit)

Claims

1. an image carrier that carries a toner image formed in accordance with image information; a transfer member for transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier; A voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the transfer member; a control unit that acquires information regarding a toner amount of the toner image from image information, corrects a voltage applied to the transfer member based on the information regarding the toner amount to acquire a correction value, and acquires data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the transfer member; a voltage control unit that controls a voltage applied to the transfer member so that a predetermined current flows through the transfer member; Further comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The image forming apparatus forms an image using toner of a plurality of colors, The information regarding the toner amount is information regarding the maximum toner amount when the toner amount in the portion having the largest toner amount in the toner image obtained by superposing a plurality of toner colors is defined as the maximum toner amount.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

4. a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the life of the transfer member based on the data regarding the life prediction, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The information regarding the life span is information regarding the remaining life span of the transfer member.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising a timer for measuring the elapsed time from when the image is formed, When a predetermined time has elapsed, the current detection unit detects the current; the voltage control unit controls a voltage applied to the transfer member based on the current; a correction value is obtained by correcting the voltage applied to the transfer member based on the voltage applied to the transfer member when the predetermined elapsed time has elapsed and information regarding the toner amount, and the control unit obtains data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,

7. an image carrier that carries a toner image formed in accordance with image information; a transfer member for transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier; A voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the transfer member; a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the transfer member; a control unit that obtains information regarding the toner amount of the toner image from image information, obtains a resistance value of the transfer member based on the voltage and the current applied to the transfer member, corrects the resistance value based on the information regarding the toner amount to obtain a correction value, and obtains data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value; An image forming apparatus comprising:

8. a voltage control unit that controls a voltage applied to the transfer member so that a predetermined current flows through the transfer member; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The image forming apparatus forms an image using toner of a plurality of colors, The information regarding the toner amount is information regarding the maximum toner amount when the toner amount in the portion having the largest toner amount among the toner images of the plurality of toner colors is defined as the maximum toner amount.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

10. a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the life of the transfer member based on the data regarding the life prediction, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

11. The information regarding the life span is information regarding the remaining life span of the transfer member.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. Further comprising a timer for measuring the elapsed time from when the image is formed, When a predetermined time has elapsed, the current detection unit detects the current; the voltage control unit controls a voltage applied to the transfer member based on the current; a correction value is obtained by correcting the voltage applied to the transfer member based on the voltage applied to the transfer member when the predetermined elapsed time has elapsed and information regarding the toner amount, and the control unit obtains data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

13. 1. An image forming system, comprising: an image carrier that carries a toner image formed in accordance with image information; a transfer member for transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier; A voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the transfer member; an output unit that outputs a correction value obtained by correcting a voltage applied to the transfer member based on information regarding the toner amount of the toner image obtained from image information; an image forming apparatus having connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, an acquisition unit that acquires data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value output from the image forming apparatus; A transmission unit that transmits data related to the life prediction; A server having A network is connected to the server, a receiving unit that receives data related to the life prediction transmitted from the server; a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the life of the transfer member based on the data regarding the life prediction; An information processing device having An image forming system comprising:

14. The image forming apparatus includes a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the transfer member; a voltage control unit that controls a voltage applied to the transfer member so that a predetermined current flows through the transfer member; Further comprising:

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

15. The image forming apparatus forms an image using toner of a plurality of colors, The information regarding the toner amount is information regarding the maximum toner amount when the toner amount in the portion having the largest toner amount in the toner image obtained by superposing a plurality of toner colors is defined as the maximum toner amount.

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

16. The information regarding the life span is information regarding the remaining life span of the transfer member.

14. The image forming system according to claim 13.

17. 1. An image forming system, comprising: an image carrier that carries a toner image formed in accordance with image information; a transfer member for transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier; A voltage application unit that applies a voltage to the transfer member; a current detection unit that detects a current flowing through the transfer member; an output unit that outputs a correction value obtained by correcting the resistance value of the transfer member based on information regarding the toner amount of the toner image obtained from image information; an image forming apparatus having connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, an acquisition unit that acquires data regarding a life prediction of the transfer member based on the correction value output from the image forming apparatus; A transmission unit that transmits data related to the life prediction; A server having A network is connected to the server, a receiving unit that receives data related to the life prediction transmitted from the server; a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the life of the transfer member based on the data regarding the life prediction; An information processing device having An image forming system comprising:

18. a voltage control unit that controls a voltage applied to the transfer member so that a predetermined current flows through the transfer member; 20. The image forming system according to claim 17,

19. The image forming apparatus forms an image using toner of a plurality of colors, The information regarding the toner amount is information regarding the maximum toner amount when the toner amount in the portion having the largest toner amount in the toner image obtained by superposing a plurality of toner colors is defined as the maximum toner amount.

20. The image forming system according to claim 17,

20. The information regarding the life span is information regarding the remaining life span of the transfer member.

20. The image forming system according to claim 17,

Images