| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device in which improved maintenance is assured by properly determining the lives of a plurality of units composing the device. <P>SOLUTION: Based upon the result of life detection means such as life counters, the color image forming apparatus 1 determines the lives of replaceable units such as image forming units 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, and so on which compose the apparatus 1. In this case, when the life detection means determines that at least one of the replaceable units has reached the end of its life, at least one of the other replaceable units is regarded as the one that has also reached the end of its life even in the case that a life detection means for the corresponding unit determines that the unit has not reached the end of its life yet. This eliminates the time and effort needed to consecutively replace the units and reduces time for which an operation is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO |
