Patent ID: 9335697
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a rotatable image bearing member having an organic photosensitive layer on a surface; a charging member configured to contact and charge the surface of the image bearing member; an exposure unit configured to form a latent image by exposing the surface of the charged image bearing member to light; a development device including a developer bearing member configured to cause a developer bearing member bearing developer to contact the surface of the image bearing member, and convey the developer to develop the latent image; a cleaning member configured to contact the surface of the image bearing member and clean the surface of the image bearing member; a storage unit configured to store a first threshold of a first wear amount of a first area of the organic photosensitive layer and a second threshold of a second wear amount of a second area of the organic photosensitive layer; and an image bearing member life estimation unit configured to estimate the first and second wear amounts, compare the first and second wear amounts and the first and second thresholds, and send out a message informing that the image bearing member has reached the end of its life if any of the first and second wear amounts reaches a respective threshold, wherein the organic photosensitive layer includes a first area and a second area which is different from the first area, wherein the first and second wear amounts are determined based on a measured length of time of contact between the image bearing member and the developer bearing member and a measured length of time of separation between the image bearing member and the developing bearing member.