US 11,809,128 B2
Image forming apparatus capable of controlling extension of use of drum cartridge
Tadao Kyotani, Nagoya (JP); and Chieko Mimura, Nagoya (JP)
Assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed by BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed on Feb. 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/667,736.
Application 17/667,736 is a continuation of application No. 17/159,804, filed on Jan. 27, 2021, granted, now 11,256,211.
Claims priority of application No. 2020-012876 (JP), filed on Jan. 29, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0155725 A1, May 19, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G03G 21/18 (2006.01); G06F 3/12 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 21/1882 (2013.01) [G03G 21/1896 (2013.01); G06F 3/121 (2013.01); G06F 3/1219 (2013.01); G06F 3/1229 (2013.01); G06F 3/1235 (2013.01); G06F 3/1239 (2013.01); G06F 3/1285 (2013.01); G03G 2221/1663 (2013.01); G03G 2221/1892 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image forming apparatus comprising:
an apparatus body;
a replaceable part detachably attachable to the apparatus body;
a controller, whose operating mode is set to one of a first mode and a second mode, the controller being configured to perform processes in accordance with the set operating mode; and
an apparatus body memory configured to store life information indicating a remaining life of the replaceable part attached to the apparatus body,
wherein the controller is configured to switch a control between: a control for allowing an extended use of the replaceable part; and a control for restricting the extended use of the replaceable part, according to the set operating mode, the extended use being defined as use of the replaceable part even after the replaceable part exceeds the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the apparatus body memory.