Image forming apparatus, image forming system, refurbishment diagnostic method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a refurbishment diagnostic method, and a program that can improve environmental efficiency, while efficiently performing appropriate part replacement according to a use form after refurbishment.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a body, a unit part, and a diagnostic section (control section 11). The unit part is accommodated in the body to be involved in image formation, and is replaceable. The diagnostic section compares information on the use form of the body after refurbishment with information on the state of the unit part, and diagnoses whether the unit part is usable along the use form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a reproduction diagnosis method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper is known. There are products that collect used devices (machines), refurbish them, and sell them again. When an operator refurbishes an image forming apparatus, the operator selects and diagnoses whether each collected machine can be refurbished. Specifically, the operator selects a machine to be refurbished from data such as the number of printed sheets. For example, if the number of printed sheets is approaching the machine life, it will be discarded or parts will be removed without refurbishment. In addition, the operator checks the appearance, output image, and various functions of the collected machine to diagnose whether it can be refurbished. For example, if the level of image quality is poor, it will be discarded or parts will be removed without refurbishment.

[0003] The usage form of the refurbished machine varies depending on the contract with the user. For example, resale is assumed for a long period (3 years or more), lease is for a medium to long term (2 - 3 years), and rental is for a short term (1 year). Currently, when an operator refurbishes a machine, it is necessary to replace unit parts and perform maintenance for the period during which product warranty is required. For example, when the operator needs a leased machine, the operator replaces parts and performs maintenance for the period during which product warranty is required for the lease (for example, 3 years).

[0004] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that outputs a checklist for replacement parts from the counter information of parts during reproduction production. According to the configuration described in Patent Document 1, by creating a checklist, the reproduction work can be efficiently carried out. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for selecting a recycling method based on data such as the number of printed sheets and the manufacturing date. The recycling methods include, for example, reconditioning, factory recycling, component reuse, shredders, and the like. According to the configuration described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to sequentially diagnose whether the recycling method stored in advance conforms to the state of the machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, since it takes time for the operator to examine the life information of each unit, there are cases where it is dealt with by replacing with a new one. In this case, since the unit that could be used if recycled is discarded without being used until the end of its life, the response is insufficient from the environmental point of view. In addition, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 does not create a list of replacement parts considering the sales form and period after regeneration. Therefore, it was not possible to efficiently perform appropriate part replacement according to the sales form after regeneration. Further, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 does not diagnose and notify replacement parts according to the recycling method. Therefore, it was not possible to appropriately perform part replacement according to the sales form desired by the user.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a regeneration diagnosis method, and a program capable of efficiently performing appropriate part replacement according to the usage form after regeneration while improving environmental efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The invention according to claim 1 is made to achieve the above object, in an image forming apparatus, a main body, a unit component that is housed in the main body and involved in image formation and is replaceable, a diagnosis unit that compares information on the usage form after the main body is recycled and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnoses whether the unit component can be used according to the usage form, characterized by comprising.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the state of the unit component includes information on the manufacturing date, installation period, number of printed sheets, color printing / monochrome printing ratio, energization time, component life, and unit life of the own apparatus.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage form after the recycling is a sales form including resale, lease, and rental.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage form after the recycling is the assumed number of years of use.

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising an output control unit that causes the image forming unit to output the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit onto a sheet.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The output control unit is characterized by outputting the diagnosis result before the reproduction operation and the diagnosis result after the reproduction operation together.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is In an image forming system, a main body of an image forming apparatus, a replaceable unit component accommodated in the main body and involved in image formation, a diagnosis unit that compares information on the usage form after reproduction of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnoses whether the unit component can be used according to the usage form, characterized by comprising.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is A reproduction diagnosis method for an image forming apparatus including a main body and a replaceable unit component accommodated in the main body and involved in image formation, including a diagnosis step of comparing information on the usage form after reproduction of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnosing whether the unit component can be used according to the usage form.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is A program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus including a main body and a replaceable unit component accommodated in the main body and involved in image formation to function as a diagnosis unit that compares information on the usage form after reproduction of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnoses whether the unit component can be used according to the usage form.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently perform appropriate component replacement according to the usage form after reproduction and improve environmental efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 11, an image reading unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a storage unit 14, an operation panel 15, a communication unit 16, and a power supply unit 17. In the present invention, the main body is a configuration that forms the basis of the image forming apparatus 1, and basically refers to the non-replaceable part excluding the unit components. In the present invention, the unit components are various units and components constituting the various units that are housed in the main body and involved in image formation and are replaceable. The various units are, for example, the power supply unit 17, the intermediate transfer unit 132, the fixing unit 134, and the high voltage unit 135.

[0022] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc. First, the CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM according to an instruction signal and expands them in the RAM. The instruction signal is an operation signal input from the operation unit 152 or received by the communication unit 16. Next, the CPU comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in cooperation with the various programs expanded in the RAM.

[0023] The image reading unit 12 reads an image of a document placed on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF) (not shown) to obtain an image signal. Specifically, the image reading unit 12 scans and exposes the image of the document with the optical system of the scanning exposure device, reads the reflected light with a line image sensor, and obtains an image signal. The image signal is input to the control unit 11 as image data after being subjected to processes such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression. Note that the image data input to the control unit 11 is not limited to that read by the image reading unit 12. For example, it may be image data received from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 16.

[0024] The image forming unit 13 forms an image consisting of four colors, C, M, Y, and K, on a sheet according to the pixel values of the four colors of each pixel of the image-processed original image. The image forming unit 13 includes four writing units 131, an intermediate transfer unit 132, a secondary transfer roller 133, a fixing unit 134, and a high voltage unit 135.

[0025] The four writing units 131 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 132a to form images of each color of C, M, Y, and K. Each writing unit 131 has the same configuration except for the different colors of the images to be formed. Each writing unit 131 includes a light scanning unit 131a, a photoreceptor 131b, a developing unit 131c, a charging unit 131d, and a cleaning unit 131e, respectively.

[0026] The intermediate transfer unit 132 includes an intermediate transfer belt 132a, a driving roller 132b, a driven roller 132c, a primary transfer roller 132d, and a cleaning unit (not shown). Four primary transfer rollers 132d are provided corresponding to each color of YMCK.

[0027] The fixing unit 134 includes a heat roller 134a and a pressure roller 134b. The heat roller 134a and the pressure roller 134b are configured to rotate with a sheet interposed therebetween. The heat roller 134a is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by the control unit 11 based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown). The heat roller 134a, together with the pressure roller 134b, thermally presses the toner onto the sheet. Thereby, it has a function of melting, mixing, and welding the multicolor toner image transferred onto the sheet and thermally fixing it to the sheet.

[0028] During image formation, in each writing unit 131, first, the charging unit 131d charges the photoreceptor 131b. Next, the photoreceptor 131b is scanned with a light beam emitted from the light scanning unit 131a based on the original image to form an electrostatic latent image. When a color material such as toner is supplied and developed by the developing unit 131c, an image (toner image) is formed on the photoreceptor 131b. The images respectively formed on the photoreceptors 131b of the four writing units 131 are sequentially superimposed and transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 132a by the corresponding primary transfer rollers 132d. As a result, an image composed of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 132a. The intermediate transfer belt 132a is an image carrier that is wound around and rotated by a plurality of rollers (driving roller 132b, driven roller 132c). After the primary transfer, the cleaning unit 131e removes the toner remaining on the photoreceptor 131b.

[0029] In the image forming unit 13, the paper is fed in accordance with the timing when the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 132a reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 133. In the image forming unit 13, the paper is fed from the manual feed tray T1 or the paper feed tray T2. The secondary transfer roller 133 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 132a. The driving roller 132b that pairs with the secondary transfer roller 133 constitutes one of the plurality of rollers that wind around the intermediate transfer belt 132a. Next, by the pressing contact of the secondary transfer roller 133, the image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 132a onto the paper. Next, the paper is conveyed to the fixing unit 134 for fixing processing and then discharged to the discharge tray T3. The fixing process is a process of heating and pressing the paper by the heat roller 134a and the pressure roller 134b to fix the image on the paper. When forming images on both sides of the paper, the paper is conveyed to the reverse path R1 to reverse the paper surface, and then the paper is fed again to the position of the secondary transfer roller 133.

[0030] The high voltage unit 135 controls the high voltage parts in the image forming unit 13. In the high voltage unit 135, the charging high voltage, the developing high voltage, the transfer high voltage, etc. are controlled.

[0031] The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile storage means composed of an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 14 can read and write various programs, various setting data, etc. from the control unit 11. For example, the storage unit 14 stores information regarding the state of unit components. The information regarding the state of unit components includes information such as the manufacturing date, installation period, number of printed sheets, color printing / monochrome printing ratio, power-on time, component life, and unit life of the own device.

[0032] The operation panel 15 includes a display unit 151 that displays various information to the user, and an operation unit 152 that receives operation inputs from the user. The display unit 151 is composed of a color liquid crystal display or the like, and displays an operation screen or the like according to a display control signal input from the control unit 11. The operation screen is, for example, various setting screens, various buttons, the operation status of each function, etc. The operation unit 152 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 151 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 151. When a button displayed on the screen is pressed with a finger, a touch pen, or the like, the operation unit 152 first detects the XY coordinates of the pressed force point as voltage values. Next, the operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal associated with the detected position to the control unit 11. Note that the touch panel is not limited to a pressure-sensitive type, and may be, for example, an electrostatic type or an optical type. Also, when a hard key is pressed, the operation unit 152 outputs an operation signal associated with the pressed key to the control unit 11. The user can operate the operation unit 152 to perform settings related to image formation, paper conveyance instructions, and stop operations of the device. Settings related to image formation are, for example, image quality settings, magnification settings, application settings, output settings, and paper settings.

[0033] The communication unit 16 has a communication IC, a communication connector, etc., and is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatus 1 to a communication network. The communication unit 16 performs transmission and reception of various information with an external device connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 11. Also, the communication unit 16 can input and output various information via USB.

[0034] The power supply unit 17 rectifies and transforms the power supply current to generate a control current and a low-voltage current, which are then output to each mechanism. The power supply current is, for example, an AC 200V current. The low-voltage current is, for example, a DC 24V current, and drives the motors and the like that drive each of the above-mentioned mechanisms.

[0035] Next, the control of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. The control of Fig. 3 is started when the regeneration diagnosis mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0036] First, the control unit 11 acquires information about the state of the unit parts (step S101). The information about the state of the unit parts includes information about the manufacturing date of the device itself, the installation period, the number of printed pages, the color printing / monochrome printing ratio, the power-on time, the part life, and the unit life.

[0037] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the lifespan of the unit parts (step S102). The lifespan of the unit parts can be calculated from information such as the installation period, part lifespan, and unit lifespan.

[0038] Next, the control unit 11 performs a unit part diagnosis process (step S103). The unit part diagnosis process is a process of comparing information on the usage pattern after refurbishment of the main body with information on the state of the unit parts, and diagnosing whether the unit parts are usable according to the usage pattern. That is, the control unit 11 functions as a diagnosis unit of the present invention. The usage pattern after refurbishment is, for example, a sales pattern including resale, lease, and rental.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows an example of how the regenerated product can be used. In the example shown in FIG. 4, resale, lease, and rental are listed as usage forms. Resale assumes long-term use. Resale is suitable for a period of "3 years or more" of use and an assumed number of printed sheets of "A sheets". Lease assumes medium-term use. Lease is suitable for a period of "1 to 3 years" of use and an assumed number of printed sheets of "B sheets". Rental assumes short-term use. Rental is suitable for a period of "less than 1 year" of use and an assumed number of printed sheets of "C sheets". Note that the period suitable for use in each usage form is an example, and it is not particularly limited as long as the length of the period is resale > lease > rental. Also, in FIG. 4, A sheets > B sheets > C sheets.

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the unit component diagnosis process will be described. First, the control unit 11 determines whether it is resalable (step S201). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the life of the unit component is equal to or longer than the period suitable for resale use (for example, 4 years). When the control unit 11 determines that it is resalable (step S201: YES), it notifies the user that it is resalable (step S202). Examples of the method of notifying the user include the method of displaying on the display unit 151. Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that it is not resalable (step S201: NO), it proceeds to step S203.

[0041] In step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether it is resalable if the unit component is replaced. The unit component is various units that are housed in the main body and involved in image formation and the components that make up the various units and are replaceable. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether, by replacing the unit components whose life is less than the period suitable for resale use, the life of all the components constituting the image forming apparatus 1 becomes equal to or longer than the period suitable for resale use. If the control unit 11 determines that the unit parts can be resold after replacement (step S203: YES), it notifies the user that the unit parts cannot be resold at present and the unit parts to be replaced (step S204). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the unit parts cannot be resold even after replacement (step S203: NO), it proceeds to step S205.

[0042] In step S205, the control unit 11 determines whether it can be leased. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the lifespan of the unit parts is equal to or longer than a period suitable for lease use (for example, three years). If the control unit 11 determines that it can be leased (step S205: YES), it notifies the user that it can be leased (step S206). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that it cannot be leased (step S205: NO), it proceeds to step S207.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows an example of a state in which a screen notifying the user that it can be leased is displayed on the display unit 151. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a statement "This main body can be reused by lease (for three years)" indicating that it can be leased is displayed.

[0044] In step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether it can be leased after replacing the unit parts. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether, by replacing the unit parts whose lifespan is less than the period suitable for lease use among the unit parts, the lifespan of all components constituting the image forming apparatus 1 becomes equal to or longer than the period suitable for lease use. If the control unit 11 determines that it can be leased after replacing the unit parts (step S207: YES), it notifies the user that it cannot be leased at present and the unit parts to be replaced (step S208). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that it is not possible to lease even after replacing the unit parts (step S207: NO), the process proceeds to step S209.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows an example of a state in which a screen for notifying the user of the unit parts to be replaced in order to make it leaseable is displayed on the display unit 151. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the statement "Operation guarantee for lease (3 years) is NG." indicating that it is currently not leaseable is displayed. Also, the statement "Please replace the following parts and units." prompting the replacement of the unit parts is displayed. Further, in the replacement unit part display area E1, the unit parts to be replaced are listed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the fixing unit 134 and the intermediate transfer unit (intermediate transfer unit 132) are displayed as the unit parts to be replaced.

[0046] In step S209, the control unit 11 determines whether it is rentable. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the life of the unit part is equal to or longer than a period suitable for rental use (for example, 1 year). When the control unit 11 determines that it is rentable (step S209: YES), it notifies the user that it is rentable (step S210). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that it is not rentable (step S209: NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0047] In step S211, the control unit 11 determines whether it is rentable if the unit parts are replaced. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether, by replacing the unit parts whose life is less than the period suitable for rental use, the life of all the components constituting the image forming apparatus 1 becomes equal to or longer than the period suitable for rental use. When the control unit 11 determines that it is rentable if the unit parts are replaced (step S211: YES), it notifies the user that it is currently not rentable and the unit parts to be replaced (step S212). Then, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the unit parts cannot be rented even after replacement (step S211: NO), it determines that playback is impossible and proceeds to step S213.

[0048] In step S213, the control unit 11 determines whether there are reusable unit parts. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any unit parts whose lifespan is longer than the period suitable for rental use among the unit parts. When the control unit 11 determines that there are reusable unit parts (step S213: YES), it notifies the user that the main body cannot be played back and that there are reusable unit parts (step S214). After that, the control unit 11 ends the process. On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that there are no reusable unit parts (step S213: NO), it notifies the user that the main body cannot be played back (step S215). After that, the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows an example of a state in which a screen notifying the user that the main body cannot be played back and that there are reusable unit parts is displayed on the display unit 151. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the statement "This main body cannot be reused." indicating that the main body cannot be played back is displayed. Also, the statement "The following parts and units can be reused." indicating that there are reusable unit parts is displayed. Further, in the reusable unit part display area E2, the reusable unit parts are listed. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the fixing unit 134 and the intermediate transfer unit (intermediate transfer unit 132) are displayed as reusable unit parts.

[0050] As described above, in steps S202, S204, S206, S208, S210, S212, and S214, the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 151. That is, the control unit 11 functions as the display control unit of the present invention that causes the diagnosis result to be displayed on the display unit 151.

[0051] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body, unit components, and a diagnosis unit (control unit 11). The unit components are housed in the main body, are involved in image formation, and are replaceable. The diagnosis unit compares information regarding the usage form after the main body is recycled with information regarding the state of the unit components, and diagnoses whether the unit components can be used in accordance with the usage form. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to diagnose whether recycling is possible according to the usage form after recycling. As a result, it is possible to notify an operator of appropriate replacement parts / units at the time of recycling. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform appropriate part replacement according to the usage form after recycling. In addition, it is possible to suppress wasteful disposal with an excessive lifespan of the main body, various units, and parts, and improve environmental efficiency.

[0052] In addition, the information regarding the state of the unit components includes information on the manufacturing date, installation period, number of printed sheets, color printing / monochrome printing ratio, energization time, part lifespan, and unit lifespan of the own apparatus. Therefore, by using the information regarding the state of the unit components, it is possible to calculate the remaining lifespan of the unit components. Therefore, it is possible to accurately perform recycling diagnosis.

[0053] In addition, the usage form after recycling is a sales form including resale, lease, and rental. Therefore, it is possible to diagnose whether the unit components can be used in consideration of the sales form after recycling and the remaining lifespan of the unit components. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform appropriate part replacement according to the sales form after recycling.

[0054] In addition, it includes a display control unit (control unit 11) that causes the display unit 151 to display the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform appropriate part replacement.

[0055] Although specifically described above based on the embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed without departing from the gist thereof.

[0056] (Modification Example 1) For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 alone is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Among the present invention, it is also possible to implement the present invention by a system in which the function of the diagnosis unit is provided in an external device such as a PC and the image forming apparatus 1 and the PC cooperate with each other.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming system 100 according to Modification Example 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a PC 2. Each device constituting the image forming system 100 is connected to a communication network N. Specifically, the communication network N is the Internet, a telephone line network such as a telecommunications carrier, a mobile phone communication network, or the like.

[0058] The PC 2 is a terminal device such as a desktop PC or a notebook PC used by a user who has introduced the image forming system 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the PC 2 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0059] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the operations of each part of the PC 2 in cooperation with the program data developed in the working area of the RAM and the CPU. The program data is stored in the ROM or the storage unit 24.

[0060] The operation unit 22 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 22 receives an operation input from the user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 21.

[0061] The display unit 23 includes, for example, a display such as an LCD, and displays an image based on the display control signal output from the control unit 21 on the display screen. The display unit 23 displays, for example, a screen for notifying (recommending) a component with an estimated abnormality.

[0062] The storage unit 24 is composed of, for example, an HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 24 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a readable and writable manner from the control unit 21.

[0063] The communication unit 25 is a communication interface having a communication IC, a communication connector, etc. The communication unit 25 performs data communication via the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 21.

[0064] The control of the image forming system 100 according to Modification 1 is the same as that of the embodiment except that the main body is the control unit 21, and thus the description is omitted. Note that the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 23 of the PC2.

[0065] (Other modifications) In addition, in the above embodiment, as the usage form after reproduction, a sales form including resale, lease, rental, etc. is exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the assumed usage years such as 1 year, 2 years, 3 years may be used. As described above, by assuming the usage form after reproduction as the assumed usage years, it is possible to diagnose whether the unit parts can be used by considering the sales form after reproduction and the remaining life of the unit parts. Therefore, appropriate part replacement according to the sales form after reproduction can be efficiently performed.

[0066] In addition, in the above embodiment, the diagnosis result is displayed on the display unit 151, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the diagnosis result may be output to a sheet by the image forming unit 13. In this case, the control unit 11 functions as the output control unit of the present invention that causes the image forming unit 13 to output the diagnosis result to a sheet. As described above, by outputting the diagnosis result to a sheet, the user can easily grasp the diagnosis result. Therefore, appropriate part replacement can be efficiently performed.

[0067] Also, the diagnosis result before the reproduction operation and the diagnosis result after the reproduction operation may be combined and output. Fig. 10 shows an example of a state where the diagnosis result before the reproduction operation and the diagnosis result after the reproduction operation are combined and output to the sheet P. The diagnosis result before reproduction is output to the area EL in the left half of the figure on the sheet P, and the diagnosis result after reproduction is output to the area ER in the right half of the figure. Instead of outputting the diagnosis result to the sheet P, it may be displayed on the display unit 151. As described above, by outputting the diagnosis result before the reproduction operation and the diagnosis result after the reproduction operation together, the user can easily grasp the result of the reproduction operation. Therefore, the reproduction operation can be performed efficiently.

[0068] In addition, as various units included in the unit components, the power supply unit 17, the intermediate transfer unit 132, the fixing unit 134, the high voltage unit 135, etc. are exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a paper feeding unit, a drum unit, a developing unit, an exposure unit, etc. may be included.

[0069] In addition, regarding the detailed configuration of each device constituting the image forming apparatus and the detailed operation of each device, it can be appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Control unit (diagnosis unit, display control unit, output control unit) 12 Image reading unit 13 Image forming unit 131 Writing unit 131a Optical scanning unit 131b Photoconductor 131c Developing unit 131d Charging unit 131e Cleaning unit 132 Intermediate transfer unit 132a Intermediate transfer belt 132b Driving roller 132c Driven roller 132d Primary transfer roller 133 Secondary transfer roller 134 Fixing Unit 134a Heat Roller 134b Pressure Roller 135 High-Pressure Unit 14 Memory Unit 15 Operation Panel 16 Communication Unit 17 Power Supply Unit 2 PC 21 Control Unit 22 Operation Unit 23 Display Unit 24 Memory Unit 25 Communication Unit 100 Image Forming System T1 Manual Feeding Tray T2 Paper Feeding Tray T3 Paper Discharge Tray N Communication Network

Claims

1. A main body, a unit component that is housed in the main body, involved in image formation, and replaceable, a diagnosis unit that compares information on the usage form after regeneration of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnoses whether the unit component can be used in accordance with the usage form, An image forming apparatus comprising the same.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the state of the unit component includes information on the manufacturing date, installation period, number of printed sheets, color printing / monochrome printing ratio, energization time, component life, and unit life of the apparatus itself.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage form after regeneration is a sales form including resale, lease, and rental.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage form after regeneration is the assumed number of years of use.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output control unit that causes the image forming unit to output the diagnosis result by the diagnosis unit onto a sheet.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output control unit outputs the diagnosis result before the regeneration operation and the diagnosis result after the regeneration operation together.

8. A main body of an image forming apparatus, a unit component that is housed in the main body, involved in image formation, and replaceable, a diagnosis unit that compares information on the usage form after regeneration of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnoses whether the unit component can be used in accordance with the usage form, An image forming system comprising the same.

9. A regeneration diagnosis method for an image forming apparatus comprising a main body and a unit component that is housed in the main body, involved in image formation, and replaceable, the method comprising: a diagnosis step of comparing information on the usage form after regeneration of the main body and information on the state of the unit component, and diagnosing whether the unit component can be used in accordance with the usage form.

10. A computer of an image forming apparatus comprising a main body and a unit component that is housed in the main body, involved in image formation, and replaceable, A diagnostic unit that compares information regarding the usage form after playback of the main body and information regarding the state of the unit components, and diagnoses whether the unit components can be used in accordance with the usage form. A program for causing it to function as such.

Images