Patent ID: 6512896
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:a process cartridge detachably mounted thereto, including a main cartridge accommodating a photosensitive body and a toner cartridge for replenishing toner; recording sheets counting means for counting a number of recording sheets having undergone a recording operation during a service period of the main cartridge; total operation time measuring means for measuring an operation time of the photosensitive body during the service period of the main cartridge as a total operation time; toner cartridge related operation time measuring means for measuring an operation time of the photosensitive body during a service period of the toner cartridge as a toner cartridge related operation time; toner replenishing time measuring means for measuring a time of replenishing toner from the toner cartridge as a toner replenishing time; and judging means for judging, based on the number of recording sheets counted by the recording sheets counting means, the total operation time measured by the total operation time measuring means, toner cartridge related operation time measured by the toner cartridge related operation time measuring means, and toner replenishing time measured by the toner replenishing time measuring means, at least one of (1) whether the main cartridge needs replacement, (2) whether the toner cartridge needs replacement, and (3) whether a recording operation is allowed or inhibited.