Lifetime management device and image forming system
US7676164B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
2References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1823
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an image forming system, a lifetime management device calculates remaining lifetime of process units, a transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a belt cleaning unit and a fixing unit mounted on an image forming apparatus based on an operation amount thereof and a predetermined lifetime index. Based on the remaining lifetime and a predetermined replacement index, the lifetime management device determines whether any unit needs to be replaced, and, if any, transmits a replacement request signal to an external information processor together with a signal indicating remaining lifetime of other units via a communication line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.