A system for reusing consumable cartridges, a method for reusing consumable cartridges, and a printing apparatus.

Abstract

The decision on whether or not to reuse the consumable cartridge is made by considering the deterioration of the terminals. [Solution] The reuse system includes a printing device equipped with a first-class terminal, a consumable cartridge configured to be detachable from the printing device, the consumable cartridge comprising a storage unit for storing information, and a second-class terminal electrically connected to the storage unit and connected to the first-class terminal when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing device, and a determination device for determining whether a used consumable cartridge can be reused. The printing device records the number of times the consumable cartridge has been mounted on the printing device as mounting information in the storage unit of the mounted consumable cartridge. The determination device determines whether the consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge removed from the printing device and a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recycling system for a consumable cartridge, a method for recycling a consumable cartridge, and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, recycling of consumable cartridges used in printing apparatuses has been performed. In the technique of Patent Document 1, a toner cartridge is equipped with a memory and a memory interface for recording reproduction information of the components of the toner cartridge. The memory stores reproduction information indicating the number of times of reproduction of the components of the toner cartridge. In the reproduction process of the toner cartridge, the number of times of reproduction of the components is read from the memory of the toner cartridge. The predetermined number of reproducible times for the component and the read number of times of reproduction are compared. If the number of times of reproduction does not exceed the reproducible number of times, the component is reused as a reproduced component together with the memory and the memory interface, and a new cartridge is assembled. The value of the number of times of reproduction of the component in the memory is increased by 1.

[0003] On the other hand, if the number of times of reproduction exceeds the reproducible number of times, the component is not used, a new component is used, and a new cartridge is assembled. The value of the number of times of reproduction of the component in the memory is cleared. In order to manage the number of times of reproduction of the component, the memory and the memory interface are continuously reused in the assembly of a new cartridge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A cartridge, which is detachably configured for a printing device and includes memory, has terminals that constitute part of the circuit including the memory and are electrically connected to terminals on the printing device side. Each time the cartridge is attached or detached, the terminals repeatedly make contact with and disconnect from the terminals on the printing device side. In the technology of Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the memory and memory interface are not replaced, and the deterioration of such terminals due to contact and disconnection is not considered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve at least some of the problems described above and can be implemented in the following forms.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for reusing consumable cartridges is provided. This system for reusing consumable cartridges includes a printing apparatus equipped with a first type terminal, a consumable cartridge configured to be detachable from the printing apparatus, the consumable cartridge comprising a storage unit for storing information, and a second type terminal electrically connected to the storage unit and connected to the first type terminal when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, and a determination device for determining whether a used consumable cartridge can be reused. The printing apparatus is configured to record the number of times the consumable cartridge has been mounted on the printing apparatus as mounting information in the storage unit of the consumable cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus. The determination device determines whether the consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge removed from the printing apparatus and a threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the hardware configuration of printing system 1000. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the printing system 1000. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the circuit board 120. [Figure 5] This diagram shows how the liquid container 100 is attached to the carriage 30. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing a magnified view of the vicinity of the connection mechanism 400. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the functional components of the printing device 20 together with a liquid container 100. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the processing in the printing device 20. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the functional components of the determination device 10 together with a liquid container 100. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the processing in the determination device 10. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the additional processing in the determination device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A. First Embodiment: A1. Hardware configuration of the printing system: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the hardware configuration of the printing system 1000. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing system 1000. The printing system 1000, including the liquid container 100, together with the determination device 10 constitutes the liquid container 100 reuse system 1. For ease of understanding the technology, the determination device 10 is not shown in Figures 1 and 2. The determination device 10 will be described later.

[0010] Figure 1 shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The arrows on the X, Y, and Z axes point in the positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are designated as the +X, +Y, and +Z directions, respectively. The negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are designated as the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively. Directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of their positive or negative sign, are also referred to as the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The X, Y, and Z axes depicted in other figures correspond to the X, Y, and Z axes in Figure 1. In Figure 1, in the normal operating orientation of the printing system 1000, the front direction of the printing system 1000 is designated as the +Y direction. The +Z direction is designated as the direction of gravity.

[0011] The printing system 1000 comprises a printing device 20 and a plurality of liquid containers 100. Specifically, the printing device 20 is an inkjet printer. Specifically, the liquid containers 100 are ink cartridges (see upper right section of Figure 1). The printing device 20 comprises a head drive mechanism, a main scanning feed mechanism, and a sub-scanning feed mechanism. Printing is performed using the plurality of liquid containers 100 mounted on the printing device 20 by the head drive mechanism, the main scanning feed mechanism, and the sub-scanning feed mechanism.

[0012] The head drive mechanism includes a carriage 30 (see upper right of Figure 1). The carriage 30 includes a housing 4 and a print head 5. The liquid container 100 is configured to be detachable from the printing device 20. The housing 4 is configured to detachably accommodate four liquid containers 100. In this disclosure, "the liquid container 100 is attached to the printing device 20" means that the liquid container 100 is physically attached to the printing device 20 and the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal group 490 of the printing device 20. The terminal group 290 and the device-side terminal group 490 will be described later. Each of the four liquid containers 100 is housed in a predetermined position in the housing 4. In this disclosure, the four liquid containers 100 contain liquids of different colors. The liquid is specifically ink, and will be referred to as ink hereafter. When distinguishing between the four liquid containers 100, they are labeled as liquid containers 100A to 100D (see upper right section of Figure 1).

[0013] The print head 5 is located on the +Z-direction surface of the carriage 30 (see the middle right section of Figure 1). Multiple nozzles for ejecting ink droplets are provided on the +Z-direction surface of the print head 5. Each nozzle is connected to one of the liquid containers 100A to 100D mounted on the storage unit 4 via a flow path within the carriage 30.

[0014] The storage section 4 is provided with a liquid introduction section 6 and a connection mechanism 400. The liquid introduction section 6 is configured to be detachably connected to the liquid supply port 104op of the liquid storage container 100. The liquid introduction section 6 receives ink from the liquid storage container 100 and introduces the ink to the print head 5 via a flow path in the carriage 30. The connection mechanism 400 has a plurality of device-side terminal groups 490. The liquid introduction section 6 and the device-side terminal groups 490 will be described later.

[0015] The main scanning feed mechanism includes a drive belt 36, a carriage motor 32, a sliding shaft 34, and a pulley 38. The drive belt 36 is an endless belt and is stretched between the carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38 (see the middle left part of FIG. 1). The carriage 30 is fixed to the drive belt 36. The sliding shaft 34 is provided in parallel with the shaft of the paper feed roller 26 of the sub-scanning feed mechanism and holds the carriage 30 slidably (see the upper middle part of FIG. 2). When the carriage motor 32 rotates, the carriage 30 fixed to the drive belt 36 moves in the +X direction and the -X direction along the sliding shaft 34.

[0016] The sub-scanning feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a paper feed roller 26 (see the middle part of FIG. 2). When the paper feed motor 22 rotates, the paper feed roller 26 conveys the printing medium PA in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

[0017] The printing device 20 further includes a main control unit 40 (see the middle left part of FIG. 2). The main control unit 4 is connected to the carriage 30 by a cable 31 (see the middle central part of FIG. 1). A bus 46 is formed in the cable 31, and the main control unit 40 is electrically connected to a sub-control board 500 provided on the carriage 30 via the bus 46 (see the middle right part of FIG. 2).

[0018] The main control unit 40 controls each of the above mechanisms to realize the printing process. For example, the main control unit 40 receives a user's print job from a computer PC via the connector 80 and executes printing based on the content of the received print job (see the lower part of Figure 2). The printing medium PA is transported in the +Y direction by the paper feed roller 26, and the print head 5 provided on the carriage 30 moves in the +X and -X directions by the drive belt 36, so that the ink ejected from the print head 5 in the +Z direction can land at any location on the printing medium PA (see Figure 1). Numerous ink droplets that land on the printing medium PA form numerous ink dots on the printing medium PA. These numerous ink dots form an image. In this disclosure, "image" includes characters and symbols. In this disclosure, the +X and -X directions in which the carriage 30 moves are collectively referred to as the "main scanning direction". The -Y and +Y directions in which the printing medium PA is fed are collectively referred to as the "sub-scanning direction".

[0019] The printing device 20 is further equipped with an operation unit 60 (see the lower left of Figure 2). The user uses the operation unit 60 to make various settings of the printing device 20 and to check the status of the printing device 20.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100. The orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes of the liquid container 100 is based on the state in which the printing device 20 is positioned on a horizontal plane parallel to the X and Y directions, and the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20, as in Figure 1.

[0021] The liquid container 100 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The liquid container 100 comprises a liquid container 101 capable of containing ink as a liquid, a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120.

[0022] The liquid container 101 forms the outer shell of the liquid container 100. The liquid container 101 has a first wall 101wf, a second wall 101wr, a third wall 101wb, a fourth wall 101wu, a fifth wall 101wsa, and a sixth wall 101wsb. These six walls 101wf, 101wr, 101wb, 101wu, 101wsa, and 101wsb partition the ink chamber for containing the ink inside the liquid container 101. The first wall 101wf is the wall on the +Y direction side and constitutes the front wall. The front wall faces the front side of the printing system 1000. The second wall 101wr is opposite the first wall 101wf. The second wall 101wr is the wall on the -Y direction side and constitutes the rear wall. The rear wall faces the rear side of the printing system 1000. The third wall 101wb is the wall on the +Z side and constitutes the bottom wall. The fourth wall 101wu is opposite the third wall 101wb. The fourth wall 101wu is the wall on the -Z side and constitutes the top wall. The fifth wall 101wsa is the wall on the -X side and constitutes the right side wall. The sixth wall 101wsb is opposite the fifth wall 101wsa. The sixth wall 101wsb is the wall on the +X side and constitutes the left side wall.

[0023] The liquid supply unit 104 is a cylindrical member protruding from the third wall 101wb (see the lower center of Figure 3). The liquid supply port 104op is located at the tip of the liquid supply unit 104. The liquid supply port 104op communicates with the ink chamber of the liquid container 101 and supplies ink to the liquid introduction port 6 of the carriage 30 when the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20. The liquid supply port 104op is sealed by a film 104f. The liquid supply port 104op is configured to be detachable from the liquid introduction port 6 of the container 4. When the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30, the film 104f is broken by the liquid introduction port 6. The ink contained in the ink chamber is supplied to the print head 5 of the printing device 20 via the liquid introduction port 6. As the ink in the ink chamber is consumed, air is introduced into the ink chamber from an atmospheric vent (not shown).

[0024] The mounting direction MD is the direction in which the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20 (see the lower right part of Figure 3). The mounting direction MD is also the direction in which the substrate 120 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the +Z direction. Two mutually orthogonal directions are designated as the first direction FD and the second direction SD (see the lower center part of Figure 3). The first direction FD is the direction that includes the component of the mounting direction MD. In this embodiment, the first direction FD is the Z direction, and the second direction SD is the X direction. The first direction FD is the direction substantially aligned with the front surface 120fa of the substrate 120.

[0025] The substrate 120 is mounted on the liquid container 100 (see the lower left of Figure 3). In this embodiment, the substrate 120 is provided on the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. Details of the substrate 120 will be described later.

[0026] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the substrate 120. The substrate 120 comprises a base material 120bd, a terminal group 290, a device 130, and wiring (not shown). The base material 120bd has a front surface 120fa and a back surface 120fb. In this disclosure, the "front surface" is the surface of the base material 120bd that faces the terminal group 490 on the device side when the liquid container 100 and the substrate 120 are mounted on the printing device 20. In this embodiment, the "front surface" is the front surface 120fa.

[0027] The terminal group 290 is electrically connected to the storage unit 138 within the device 130 (see the middle right section of Figure 4). The terminal group 290 is connected to the device-side terminals 410-450 when the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20. The terminal group 290 is made of a conductive material such as gold foil. The terminal group 290 includes a data terminal 210, a clock terminal 220, a power terminal 230, a reset terminal 240, and a ground terminal 250 (see the middle right section of Figure 4 and the lower left section of Figure 3).

[0028] The data terminal 210 is used to send and receive data signals between the device 130 and the printing apparatus 20. Signals sent and received via the data terminal 210 include, for example, signals indicating various data stored in the storage unit 138 provided on the substrate 120, signals controlled by the processing unit 136 provided on the substrate 120 but not stored in the storage unit 138, and signals controlled by the main control unit 40 and sub-control unit 50 of the printing apparatus 20 but not stored in the storage unit 138. The data terminal 210 is used to detect whether or not the liquid container 100 is attached to the printing apparatus 20.

[0029] The clock terminal 220 is used to transmit a clock signal from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The power terminal 230 is used to supply the power supply voltage VDD from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The reset terminal 240 is used to transmit a reset signal from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The ground terminal 250 is grounded via the device-side terminal 450 of the printing device 20.

[0030] Each of the terminals 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 contacts the corresponding device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 of the group of device-side terminals 490 of the connection mechanism 400 of the printing device 20, respectively, when the liquid container 100 is mounted in the storage section 4.

[0031] Device 130 is provided on the substrate 120bd (see the middle left of Figure 4). Device 130 is molded with resin 139. Device 130 includes a processing unit 136 and a storage unit 138.

[0032] The processing unit 136 is composed of, for example, a circuit (see the middle left of Figure 4). The processing unit 136 is connected to terminals 210 to 250 and controls the signals and voltages input and output to terminals 210 to 250. The processing unit 136 may also be a circuit with advanced arithmetic processing capabilities, such as a CPU.

[0033] The storage unit 138 is composed of non-volatile memory such as flash memory (see the middle left of Figure 4). The storage unit 138 stores information about the liquid container 100. This information includes, for example, the amount of ink consumed, the color of the ink, the manufacturing date of the liquid container 100, the identification information ID of the liquid container 100, and the mounting information Ini. The amount of ink consumed is recorded as the number of times ink droplets using the ink in the liquid container 100 are dispensed. The identification information ID of the liquid container 100 is determined for each liquid container 100. In this embodiment, liquid containers 100A to 100D are assigned the identification information IDs "1" to "4" respectively. The mounting information Ini represents the number of times the liquid container 100 has been mounted on the printing device 20.

[0034] Figure 5 shows how the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30. Figure 6 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the vicinity of the connection mechanism 400. The carriage 30 comprises a housing section 4 and a print head 5 (right side of Figure 1).

[0035] The print head 5 includes multiple nozzles and multiple piezoelectric elements (see the lower center of Figure 5). The print head 5 ejects ink droplets from each nozzle in accordance with the voltage applied to each piezoelectric element, forming dots on the printing medium PA.

[0036] The storage unit 4 is positioned above the print head 5 and is configured to allow for the attachment and detachment of multiple liquid storage containers 100 (see the middle and lower sections of Figure 5). Inside the storage unit 4, mounting chambers 65 are formed in which the liquid storage containers 100 are installed (see the lower center section of Figure 5). In this embodiment, four mounting chambers 65 are provided, corresponding to the number of liquid storage containers 100A to 100D. The storage unit 4 is also equipped with a liquid introduction unit 6, a sub-control board 500, and a connection mechanism 400.

[0037] The liquid introduction unit 6 is positioned above the print head 5 in the normal operating position of the printing system 1000 and introduces ink to the print head 5 from the liquid supply port 104op of the liquid container 100 (see the lower center of Figure 5). There are four liquid introduction units 6, corresponding to the number of liquid containers 100A to 100D.

[0038] The sub-control board 500 is equipped with multiple sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550, and a sub-control unit 50 (see the middle left of Figure 6). When multiple sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550 are used without distinction, the sub-control board terminal group is designated as 590. A sub-control board terminal group 590 is provided for each mounting chamber 65. The sub-control board terminal group 590 is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50 via the wiring of the sub-control board 500. The sub-control unit 50 is configured, for example, as a carriage circuit and works in cooperation with the main control unit 40 to perform control related to the liquid container 100 (see the middle left of Figure 2).

[0039] The connection mechanism 400 comprises a terminal holding portion 405 and a plurality of contact-forming members 403 held by the terminal holding portion 405 (see the lower left of Figure 5 and the center of Figure 6). A connection mechanism 400 is provided for each liquid container 100A to 100D, i.e., for each mounting chamber 65. The contact-forming members 403 are conductive and elastic. In this embodiment, five contact-forming members 403 are provided for each connection mechanism 400, the same number as the terminal group 290. When distinguishing between the five contact-forming members 403, the reference numerals "403A", "403B", "403C", "404D", and "404E" are used (see the upper left of Figure 6).

[0040] The contact-forming member 403 is a member that electrically connects the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 and the sub-control board terminal group 590 of the sub-control board 500 (see the center of Figure 6). Of the contact-forming member 403, the portion facing the mounting chamber 65 forms the device-side terminal group 490 (see the upper right of Figure 6). The device-side terminal group 490 contacts the terminal group 290 (see the lower left of Figure 3). In this embodiment, of the contact-forming member 403, the portion facing the mounting chamber 65, that is, the portion that protrudes the most towards the mounting chamber 65, contacts the terminal group 290. Of the contact-forming member 403, the portion that protrudes towards the sub-control board 500 contacts the sub-control board terminal group 590 (see the middle left of Figure 6).

[0041] When distinguishing between the device-side terminal group 490, the designations "410", "420", "430", "440", and "450" ​​are used (see the upper right section of Figure 6). When distinguishing between the relay terminals 439, the designations "431", "432", "433", "434", and "435" are used (see the middle left section of Figure 6). The device-side terminal 410 and relay terminal 431 are formed on the contact-forming member 403A. The device-side terminal 420 and relay terminal 432 are formed on the contact-forming member 403B. The device-side terminal 430 and relay terminal 433 are formed on the contact-forming member 403C. The device-side terminal 440 and relay terminal 434 are formed on the contact-forming member 403D. The device-side terminal 450 and relay terminal 435 are formed on the contact-forming member 403E.

[0042] The liquid container 100 is inserted along the mounting direction MD and mounted in the storage section 4 of the printing device 20 (see the middle section of Figure 5). The liquid container 100 is removed from the storage section 4 by being pulled out in the opposite direction to the mounting direction MD. In this way, the liquid container 100 is detachably mounted on the printing device 20.

[0043] When the liquid container 100 is attached to the printing device 20, the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 is pressed down against the contact forming member 403 of the printing device 20, causing it to elastically deform. When the liquid container 100 is removed from the printing device 20, the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 is pressed against the elastically deformed contact forming member 403 and pulled up against it. As a result, each time the liquid container 100 is attached to and removed from the printing device 20, the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 is subjected to frictional force with the contact forming member 403. If wear progresses beyond a certain point, or if the plating layer on the surface of the terminal group 290 peels off due to wear, poor contact may occur between the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 and the contact forming member 403 of the printing device 20.

[0044] When the liquid container 100 is installed in the storage section 4, the device 130 is electrically connected to the main control unit 40 via the terminal group 290, the connection mechanism 400, the sub-control board 500, and the bus 46 shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the terminals 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 of the board 120 are electrically connected by contact with the device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 when the liquid container 100 is installed in the storage section 4 (see the lower right and upper right sections of Figure 6). The device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 of the connection mechanism 400 are electrically connected by contact with the sub-control board terminal group 590 on the sub-control board 500 (see the middle left section of Figure 6). The sub-control board terminal group 590 of the sub-control board 500 is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50 of the printing device 20 by wiring. As a result, each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50.

[0045] A2. Electrical configuration of the printing device and liquid container: Figure 7 shows the functional components of the printing device 20 together with a liquid container 100. The printing device 20 includes a display panel 495, a power supply 441, a main control unit 40, and a sub-control unit 50.

[0046] The display panel 495 is used to notify the user of the operating status of the printing device 20, errors in the liquid containers 100A to 100D, the amount of ink consumed, the ink color, and the manufacturing date stored in the device 130 (see the middle left of Figure 7). When the liquid container 100 is installed, the display panel 495 displays, for example, an indication to the user that the liquid container 100 has been installed, an indication that the printing system 1000 is ready to print, and an indication of the remaining amount of ink in the liquid container 100. The display panel 495 is a liquid crystal display. The display panel 495 is provided, for example, on the operation unit 60 (see the lower left of Figure 2).

[0047] Power supply 441 is a standard power supply used in logic circuits and has a rating of 3.3V (see the lower left of Figure 7). The voltage from power supply 441 is supplied to the sub-control unit 50 and to other circuits as needed.

[0048] The main control unit 40 includes a CPU 415 and a device-side first storage unit 416 (see the middle left of Figure 7). The CPU 415 controls the operation of the printing device 20 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first storage unit 416. For example, the main control unit 40 controls the operation of the display panel 495 and the operation of the sub-control unit 50. The CPU 415 functions as a determination unit 411 and a recording unit 413 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first storage unit 416. The determination unit 411 includes a mounting determination unit 412. The mounting determination unit 412 determines whether or not the liquid container 100 is mounted (see the middle left of Figure 7). The recording unit 413 records information in the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100.

[0049] The sub-control unit 50 includes a switching unit 511 (see the center of Figure 7). The switching unit 511 switches between a state in which the CPU 415 of the main control unit 40 and the circuit board 120 are connected, and a state in which the CPU 415 and the circuit board 120 are not connected. The sub-control unit 50 transmits a request signal RS to each device 130 of the liquid containers 100A to 100D via the connection bus 45 (see the lower center of Figure 7). The request signal RS includes a command for each device 130 that identifies the liquid containers 100A to 100D to which the request signal RS should be responded to. The determination unit 411 uses the voltage output from each data terminal 210 of the liquid containers 100A to 100D in response to the request signal RS to determine the connection status of the liquid containers 100A to 100D.

[0050] The processing unit 136 of device 130 communicates with the printing device 20 via the data line LSDA (see upper center of Figure 7). The processing unit 136 is electrically connected to terminals 210-250 and the storage unit 138.

[0051] A3. Processing in the printing device: Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing in the printing device 20. In step S110, four liquid containers 100 are mounted in the printing device 20 (see upper right section of Figure 1).

[0052] In step S120, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 recognizes that the liquid containers 100 have been attached to the printing device 20. Specifically, the attachment determination unit 412 of the main control unit 40 determines that each liquid container 100 has been physically attached to the printing device 20 and that the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 has been electrically connected to the device-side terminal group 490 of the printing device 20 (see the middle left of Figure 7). In addition, the identification information ID of each liquid container 100 is read from the storage unit 138 of each liquid container 100.

[0053] In step S130, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 records the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printing device 20 as attachment information Ini in the storage unit 138 (see the lower right part of Figure 7). Specifically, the recording unit 413 of the main control unit 40 reads the attachment information Ini from the storage unit 138 via the data line LSDA and the processing unit 136. The recording unit 413 increments the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printing device 20, which is represented by the attachment information Ini, by one. Subsequently, the recording unit 413 of the main control unit 40 records the attachment information Ini representing the increased number of attachments in the storage unit 138 via the data line LSDA and the processing unit 136.

[0054] Based on the identification information ID read from the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100 attached to the printing device 20, the recording unit 413 updates the mounting information Ini for each of the four liquid containers 100 and records the mounting information Ini.

[0055] By performing this process, the mounting information Ini stored in the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100 can be used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused, taking into account the deterioration of the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100, which is subjected to physical contact and pressing force with the terminals of the printing device 20 each time it is mounted on the printing device 20. The process for determining whether the liquid container 100 can be reused will be described later.

[0056] In step S140, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 executes printing in response to instructions from the user via a computer PC. More specifically, in step S142, ink droplets are ejected from the print head 5 using the ink in the liquid container 100, and an image is formed on the printing medium PA (see upper part of Figure 2). In parallel with this process, the number of times ink droplets are ejected using the ink in the liquid container 100 is counted. In step S144, the amount of ink consumed, as the number of times ink droplets are ejected using the ink in the liquid container 100, is added by the recording unit 413 of the main control unit 40 by the number of counted times. Based on the identification information ID read from the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100 installed in the printing device 20, the recording unit 413 updates the amount of ink consumed for each of the four liquid containers 100 and records the amount of ink consumed. The process of updating ink consumption includes reading from the storage unit 138, calculations, and writing to the storage unit 138, similar to the process of updating the installation information Ini.

[0057] In step S150, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 determines whether the ink consumption of each liquid container 100 is greater than a predetermined threshold. For liquid containers 100 whose ink consumption is greater than the predetermined threshold, the process in step S160 is executed. For liquid containers 100 whose ink consumption is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the process in step S170 is executed.

[0058] In step S160, a message is output prompting the replacement of the liquid container 100 if the ink consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 displays the message on the computer PC's display via the computer PC. Subsequently, the process in step S170 is executed.

[0059] In step S170, the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20 determines whether the termination condition has been met. Specifically, the main control unit 40 determines whether an instruction to terminate the printing process has been input via the input device of the computer PC. If the termination condition has not been met, the process returns to step S140. If the termination condition has been met, the process terminates.

[0060] A4. Configuration and processing of the judgment device: Figure 9 shows the functional components of the determination device 10 together with a liquid container 100. The determination device 10, together with the printing device 20 and the liquid container 100, constitutes the liquid container 100 reuse system 1. The determination device 10 determines whether the used liquid container 100 can be reused (see the left side of Figure 9). The configuration of the determination device 10 is the same as that of the printing device 20, except that it does not have a configuration for performing printing. In Figure 9, configurations that perform the same functions as the configuration of the printing device 20 are indicated by symbols according to the following rules (see Figure 7). If the corresponding configuration of the printing device 20 has a symbol with "4" in the first digit, the corresponding configuration of the determination device 10 is indicated by a symbol with "7" instead of "4" in the first digit, and is given the same name. For example, the main control unit is indicated by the symbol 70. If the configuration of the corresponding printing device 20 has a code with "5" in the first digit, the configuration of the corresponding determination device 10 is assigned a code with "9" instead of "5" in the first digit, and is given the same name. However, in the determination device 10, the determination unit 711 includes a reuse determination unit 714 instead of the recording unit 413. The reuse determination unit 714 determines whether the used liquid container 100 can be reused (see the middle left of Figure 9).

[0061] The determination device 10 comprises a display panel 795, a power supply 741, a main control unit 70, and a sub-control unit 90. The configuration and function of the display panel 795 are the same as those of the display panel 495 (see the middle left of Figure 9). The configuration and function of the power supply 741 are the same as those of the power supply 441 (see the lower left of Figure 9).

[0062] The main control unit 70 comprises a CPU 715 and a device-side first storage unit 716. The configuration and function of the device-side first storage unit 716 are the same as those of the device-side first storage unit 416 (see the lower left of Figure 9). The CPU 715 functions as a determination unit 711 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first storage unit 716 (see the middle left of Figure 9). The determination unit 411 includes an installation determination unit 712 and a reuse determination unit 714. The function of the installation determination unit 712 is the same as that of the installation determination unit 412. The function of the reuse determination unit 714 will be described later.

[0063] The sub-control board 900 is equipped with multiple sub-control board terminals 910, 920, 930, 940, and 950, and a sub-control unit 90 (see the center of Figure 9). The configuration and function of the sub-control board terminals 910, 920, 930, 940, and 950 are the same as those of the sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550. The sub-control unit 90 includes a switching unit 911. The configuration and function of the sub-control unit 90 and the switching unit 911 are the same as those of the sub-control unit 50 and the switching unit 511.

[0064] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the processing in the determination device 10. The processing in Figure 10 determines whether the used liquid container 100 can be reused. Liquid container 100 that is determined to be reusable is reused. Liquid container 100 that is determined to be unreusable is discarded.

[0065] In step S210, the liquid container 100 is attached to the determination device 10.

[0066] In step S220, the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 recognizes that the liquid containers 100 have been attached to the determination device 10. Specifically, the attachment determination unit 712 of the main control unit 70 determines that each liquid container 100 has been physically attached to the determination device 10 and that the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 has been electrically connected to the device-side terminal group 490 of the determination device 10 (see the middle left of Figure 9). In addition, the identification information of each liquid container 100 is read from the storage unit 138 (see the lower right of Figure 9).

[0067] In step S230, the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 reads the mounting information Ini from the storage unit 138 (see the lower left of Figure 9). The reuse determination unit 714 of the main control unit 70 reads the mounting information Ini from the storage unit 138 via the data line LSDA and the processing unit 136. The mounting information Ini represents the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printing device 20.

[0068] In step S240, the reuse determination unit 714 of the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 determines whether the used liquid container 100 can be reused. More specifically, in step S242, the parameter Pd used for the determination is determined. The parameter Pd is obtained using the mounting information Ini read from the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100 removed from the printing device 20. In this embodiment, the parameter Pd is the number of times the liquid container 100 represented by the mounting information Ini has been attached to the printing device 20.

[0069] In step S244, it is determined whether the liquid container 100 can be reused based on a comparison between the parameter Pd and the first threshold Thp1. The first threshold Thp1 is predetermined and stored in the device-side first storage unit 716 of the determination device 10. If the parameter Pd is greater than the first threshold Thp1, the process proceeds to step S250. If the process proceeds to step S250, it corresponds to a case where it is determined that the liquid container 100 cannot be reused. If the parameter Pd is less than or equal to the first threshold Thp1, the process proceeds to step S260. If the process proceeds to step S260, it corresponds to a case where it is determined that the liquid container 100 can be reused.

[0070] In step S250, the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 displays an output indicating that the liquid container 100 cannot be reused on the display panel 795 of the determination device 10 (see the middle left of Figure 9). After step S250, the process ends. If the process shown in Figure 10 is completed after the process in step S260, the liquid container 100 is discarded.

[0071] In step S260, the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 displays an output indicating that the liquid container 100 is reusable on the display panel 795 of the determination device 10 (see the middle left of Figure 9). After step S260, the process ends. If the process shown in Figure 10 is completed after the process in step S260, the liquid container 100 is reused.

[0072] By performing this process, it is possible to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused, taking into account the deterioration of the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100, which is subjected to physical contact and pressing force with the terminals of the printing device 20 each time it is attached to the printing device 20. As a result, it is possible to prevent contact failures from occurring between the terminal group 290 of the liquid container 100 and the terminal group 490 on the printing device 20 in the reused liquid container 100.

[0073] In this embodiment, the head drive mechanism, main scanning feed mechanism, and sub-scanning feed mechanism of the printing apparatus 20 are also referred to as the "printing section." The liquid container 100 is also referred to as the "consumable cartridge." The device-side terminal group 490 is also referred to as the "Type 1 terminal." The terminal group 290 is also referred to as the "Type 2 terminal."

[0074] B. Second Embodiment: In the second embodiment, the processing in the determination device 10 shown in Figure 10 includes additional processing. Other than the liquid container recycling system of the second embodiment, it is the same as the liquid container recycling system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0075] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the additional processing steps in the determination device 10. In the second embodiment, the processing in step S270 is performed after step S260.

[0076] In step S270, the reuse determination unit 714 of the main control unit 70 determines the use of the liquid container 100 for reuse based on the parameter Pd. More specifically, the use of the liquid container 100 is determined based on a comparison between the parameter Pd and the second threshold Thp2. The second threshold Thp2 is predetermined and stored in the device-side first storage unit 716 of the determination device 10. The second threshold Thp2 is smaller than the first threshold Thp1. If the parameter Pd is greater than the second threshold Thp2, the process proceeds to step S280. If the parameter Pd is less than or equal to the second threshold Thp2, the process ends.

[0077] In step S280, the main control unit 70 of the determination device 10 displays an output on the display panel 795 of the determination device 10 indicating that the use of the liquid container 100 is restricted (see the middle left of Figure 9). After step S280, the process ends. If the process shown in Figure 11 is completed after the process in step S280, the use of the reused liquid container 100 is restricted. Restricted uses include, for example, use in areas where a low load on the liquid container 100 is expected, specifically in limited destinations where the temperature and humidity of the environment are within a predetermined range, or use in a printing device 20 where the liquid container 100 is not removed frequently or cannot be removed.

[0078] By performing such processing, the possibility of malfunctions occurring in the reused liquid container 100 can be reduced. Specifically, for liquid containers 100 that are reused many times, the destination can be set to a region where an environment with low stress on the liquid container 100 is expected, or the printable device 20 that can be attached can be limited to a printable device 20 in which the liquid container 100 is removed infrequently or in which the liquid container 100 cannot be removed. As a result, the possibility of malfunctions occurring in the reused liquid container 100 can be reduced.

[0079] C. Other embodiments: C1. Other Embodiments 1: (1) In the above embodiment, after the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20 in step S110, printing is performed in step S140 (see Figure 8). However, there are cases where the liquid container 100 is removed from the printing device 20 after being mounted on the printing device 20 without printing being performed. In such cases as well, in step S130, the number of times the liquid container 100 has been mounted, including the mounting in the preceding step S110, is recorded as mounting information Ini in the storage unit 138 by the main control unit 40 of the printing device 20.

[0080] The liquid container 100 is not removed from the printer 20 only when a message prompting replacement of the liquid container 100 is displayed in step S160 (see Figure 8). For example, a user may replace all liquid containers 100 with unused ones before a large-scale color print, regardless of the remaining ink level in each container. Similarly, a user may replace the liquid container 100 containing black ink with an unused one before a large-scale monochrome print, regardless of the remaining ink level. In such cases, the printable liquid container 100 removed from the printer 20 is later reattached to the printer 20 and used for printing when a small amount of printing is performed. Therefore, the mounting information Ini, which represents the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printer 20, reflects terminal deterioration and, consequently, the feasibility of reusing the liquid container 100, more appropriately than the number of times the liquid container 100 has been reused.

[0081] (2) In the above embodiment, the parameter Pd is the number of times the liquid container 100 represented by the mounting information Ini has been mounted on the printing device 20 (see S242 in Figure 10). In step S244, if the parameter Pd is greater than the first threshold Thp1, it is determined that the liquid container 100 cannot be reused (see S250 in Figure 10). However, the parameter Pd used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused may be any other value.

[0082] For example, the parameter Pd used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused may be a weighted sum of the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printing device 20 and the number of times the liquid container 100 has been reused. Alternatively, the parameter Pd used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused may be a parameter representing printability, determined by referring to a table based on the number of times the liquid container 100 has been attached to the printing device 20 and the number of times the liquid container 100 has been reused. The number of times the liquid container 100 has been reused can be incremented each time the liquid container 100 is reused by the determination device 10 using a function similar to that of the recording unit 413 of the printing device 20, and recorded in the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100.

[0083] Furthermore, the parameter Pd used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused may be a parameter that, when increased, leads to a determination that it cannot be reused, or a parameter that, when decreased, leads to a determination that it cannot be reused. However, it is preferable that the parameter Pd used to determine whether the liquid container 100 can be reused is obtained using information read from the storage unit of a consumable cartridge removed from the printing device.

[0084] (3) In the second embodiment described above, the use of the liquid container 100 is determined based on a comparison of the parameter Pd and the second threshold Thp2 (see S270 in Figure 11). However, the determination of the use of the liquid container 100 may be based on a parameter different from the parameter Pd used to determine whether or not it can be reused, for example, the number of times the liquid container 100 has been reused up to that point. However, it is preferable that the parameter used to determine the use of the liquid container 100 is a parameter obtained using the mounting information Ini read from the storage unit 138 of the liquid container 100.

[0085] (4) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether the liquid container 100, which is a consumable cartridge, can be reused (see upper right of Figure 1). However, the consumable cartridge for which the reuse feasibility is determined may be a toner cartridge that supplies toner to a laser printer, or another consumable cartridge such as a tape cartridge that supplies tape as a printing medium to a label printer. However, it is preferable that the consumable cartridge for which the reuse feasibility is determined has terminals that come into contact with and separate from each other when attached and detached.

[0086] C2. Other Embodiments 2: In the above embodiment, the storage section 4 of the printing device 20 is configured to detachably accommodate four liquid storage containers 100 (see upper right section of Figure 1). The recording section 413 updates the mounting information Ini for each of the four liquid storage containers 100 based on the identification information ID read from the storage section 138 of each liquid storage container 100, and records the mounting information Ini (see middle left section of Figure 7). However, the printing device may be configured to accommodate other numbers of consumable cartridges, such as two, six, or eight, and the mounting information Ini may be updated and recorded for each of the liquid storage containers 100. Furthermore, if the printing device is configured to accommodate one consumable cartridge, the mounting information Ini may be updated and recorded for each liquid storage container 100 without relying on the identification information.

[0087] C3. Other Embodiments 3: In the second embodiment described above, the use of the liquid container 100 is determined based on a comparison between the parameter Pd and the second threshold Thp2 (see S270 in Figure 11). However, as shown in the first embodiment, it is also possible to not determine the use of a liquid container 100 that has been determined to be reusable (see Figure 10).

[0088] D. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0089] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for reusing consumable cartridges is provided. This system for reusing consumable cartridges includes a printing apparatus having a first type terminal, a consumable cartridge configured to be detachable from the printing apparatus, the consumable cartridge having a storage unit for storing information, and a second type terminal electrically connected to the storage unit and connected to the first type terminal when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing apparatus, and a determination device for determining whether a used consumable cartridge can be reused. The printing apparatus is configured to record the number of times the consumable cartridge has been mounted on the printing apparatus as mounting information in the storage unit of the consumable cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus. The determination device determines whether the consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between a parameter obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge removed from the printing apparatus and a threshold. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a consumable cartridge can be reused, taking into account the deterioration of the terminals, which are subjected to physical contact and pressing force each time the cartridge is installed in the printing device.

[0090] (2) In the above-described form of reuse system, the consumable cartridge stores identification information determined for each consumable cartridge in the storage unit, the printing device is configured to be able to accommodate a plurality of the consumable cartridges, and the printing device records the mounting information for each of the one or more consumable cartridges based on the identification information read from the storage unit of one or more of the consumable cartridges mounted in the printing device. By adopting this configuration, the printing device can perform processing according to the identification information.

[0091] (3) In the above-described form of the reuse system, the determination device may be configured to determine the use of the consumable cartridge based on parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit, when the consumable cartridge is reusable. By adopting this approach, the possibility of malfunctions occurring in reused consumable cartridges can be reduced through measures such as the following: For consumable cartridges that are reused frequently, the destination can be set to regions where the environment is expected to be less stressful on the consumable cartridges, or the number of printers that can install them can be limited to printers where the consumable cartridges are removed infrequently or where the consumable cartridges cannot be removed.

[0092] (4) Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for reusing a consumable cartridge. This method for reusing a consumable cartridge includes the steps of: recording the number of times the consumable cartridge has been attached to the printing device as attachment information in a storage unit of the consumable cartridge which is configured to be attached to and detached from the printing device; and determining whether the consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between a parameter obtained using the attachment information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge which has been removed from the printing device, and a threshold.

[0093] (5) In the above-described reuse method, if the consumable cartridge is reusable, the method may include a step of determining the use of the consumable cartridge based on parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit.

[0094] (6) According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus comprises a printing unit which performs printing using a consumable cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus, the consumable cartridge being configured to be detachable from the printing apparatus and having a storage unit for storing information, and a recording unit which records in the storage unit of the consumable cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus the number of times the consumable cartridge has been mounted on the printing apparatus as mounting information.

[0095] (7) In the above-described printing apparatus, each consumable cartridge stores identification information determined for each consumable cartridge in the storage unit, the printing apparatus is configured to accommodate multiple consumable cartridges, and the recording unit records the mounting information for each of the one or more consumable cartridges based on the identification information read from the storage unit of one or more consumable cartridges mounted in the printing apparatus.

[0096] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than a consumable cartridge reuse system, a consumable cartridge reuse method, and a printing apparatus. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a consumable cartridge management method or a consumable cartridge management system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1…Reuse system, 4…Storage section, 5…Print head, 6…Liquid introduction section, 10…Determination device, 20…Printing device, 22…Motor, 26…Roller, 30…Carriage, 31…Cable, 32…Carriage motor, 34…Sliding shaft, 36…Drive belt, 38…Pulley, 40…Main control unit, 45…Connecting bus, 46…Bus, 50…Sub-control unit, 60…Operation unit, 65…Installation chamber, 70…Main control unit, 80…Connector, 90…Sub-control unit, 100…Liquid container, 100A…Liquid container, 100B…Liquid container, 100C…Liquid container, 100D…Liquid container, 101 …Liquid container, 101wb…Third wall, 101wf…First wall, 101wr…Second wall, 101wsa…Fifth wall, 101wsb…Sixth wall, 101wu…Fourth wall, 104…Liquid supply unit, 104f…Film, 104op…Liquid supply port, 120…Substrate, 120bd…Base material, 120fa…Front, 120fb…Back, 130…Device, 136…Processing unit, 138…Storage unit, 139…Resin, 210…Data terminal, 220…Clock terminal, 230…Power terminal, 240…Reset terminal, 250…Grounding terminal, 290…Terminal group, 400…Connection mechanism, 403…Contact forming member, 403 A...Contact forming member, 403B...Contact forming member, 403C...Contact forming member, 403D...Contact forming member, 403E...Contact forming member, 405...Terminal holding part, 410...Device side terminal, 411...Determination unit, 412...Installation determination unit, 413...Recording unit, 415...CPU, 416...Device side first storage unit, 420...Device side terminal, 430...Device side terminal, 431...Relay terminal, 432...Relay terminal, 433...Relay terminal, 434...Relay terminal, 435...Relay terminal, 439...Relay terminal, 440...Device side terminal, 441...Power supply, 450...Device side terminal, 490...Device side terminal group, 495...Display panel 500...Sub-control board, 510...Sub-control board terminal, 511...Switching unit, 520...Sub-control board terminal, 530...Sub-control board terminal, 540...Sub-control board terminal, 550...Sub-control board terminal, 590...Sub-control board terminal group, 711...Determination unit, 712...Installation determination unit, 714...Reuse determination unit, 715...CPU, 716...Device-side first memory unit, 741...Power supply, 795...Display panel, 900...Sub-control board, 910...Sub-control board terminal, 911...Switching unit, 920...Sub-control board terminal, 930...Sub-control board terminal, 940...Sub-control board terminal, 950...Sub-control board terminal, 1000...Printing system,FD…First direction, ID…Identification information, Ini…Mounting information, LSDA…Data line, MD…Mounting direction, PA…Printing medium, PC…Computer, Pd…Parameter, RS…Request signal, SD…Second direction, Thp1…First threshold, Thp2…Second threshold, VDD…Power supply voltage.

Claims

1. A system for reusing consumable cartridges, A printing device equipped with a Type 1 terminal, A consumable cartridge configured to be detachable from the printing device, comprising: a storage unit for storing information; and a second terminal electrically connected to the storage unit and connected to the first terminal when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing device; Includes a determination device for determining whether the used consumable cartridge can be reused, The printing apparatus is configured such that the storage unit of the consumable cartridge installed in the printing apparatus can record the number of times the consumable cartridge has been installed in the printing apparatus as installation information. The determination device is a reuse system that determines whether or not a consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between parameters obtained using the installation information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge removed from the printing device and a threshold value.

2. A reuse system according to claim 1, The aforementioned consumable cartridge stores identification information, which is determined for each consumable cartridge, in the storage unit. The printing apparatus is configured to accommodate multiple consumable cartridges, The printing apparatus is a reuse system that records the mounting information for each of the one or more consumable cartridges based on the identification information read from the storage unit of one or more of the consumable cartridges mounted in the printing apparatus.

3. A reuse system according to claim 1 or 2, The determination device is A reuse system that determines the use of a consumable cartridge based on parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit, when the consumable cartridge is reusable.

4. A method for reusing consumable cartridges, A step of recording the number of times the consumable cartridge has been attached to the printing device as attachment information in a storage unit of the consumable cartridge, which is configured to be detachable from the printing device; A method for reusing a consumable cartridge, comprising the step of determining whether the consumable cartridge can be reused based on a comparison between parameters obtained using the installation information read from the storage unit of the consumable cartridge removed from the printing device and a threshold.

5. A reuse method according to claim 4, A method for reusing a consumable cartridge, comprising the step of determining the use of the consumable cartridge based on parameters obtained using the mounting information read from the storage unit, when the consumable cartridge is reusable.

6. A printing device, A consumable cartridge configured to be detachable from a printing device, comprising a storage unit for storing information, and a printing unit that performs printing using the consumable cartridge installed in the printing device, A printing apparatus comprising: a storage unit in the consumable cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus, which records the number of times the consumable cartridge has been mounted on the printing apparatus as mounting information.

7. A printing apparatus according to claim 6, The aforementioned consumable cartridge stores identification information, which is determined for each consumable cartridge, in the storage unit. The printing apparatus is configured to accommodate multiple consumable cartridges, A printing device wherein the recording unit records the mounting information for each of the one or more consumable cartridges based on the identification information read from the storage unit of one or more of the consumable cartridges mounted in the printing device.

Images