JP2005202295A - Image forming apparatus, consumables recycling system, and consumables recycling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a consumables recycling system, and a consumables recycling method, by which the time to order consumables, a remaining quantity threshold, and a use substance are altered according to an area where an image forming apparatus is installed, thereby ordering the consumables, taking a delivery period or law into consideration, and properly managing the consumables. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 1, a processing cartridge 20 is provided with a cartridge memory 26 in which an area code indicating the installation area of the image forming apparatus 1 is recorded. When a residual quantity of consumables, detected by a toner residual quantity detection part 45, reaches an order threshold or below, the area code is read from the cartridge memory 26 by a code reading/writing part 44. Then, the time to order, which corresponds to the area code, is also read from an order place table 53, and orders a processing cartridge 20 after a time measurement part 51 measures a start time to order. Thus, consumables are ordered at a time suitable for the distribution system of the installation area of the image forming apparatus 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a consumables recycling system, and a consumables recycling method. More specifically, the order of consumables, the remaining threshold value, and the substance used are changed according to the area where the image forming apparatus is installed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an expendable supplies recycling system, and an expendable supplies recycling method that place an order in consideration of a delivery period and a law and appropriately manage the expendable supplies.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines require consumables, and it is necessary to replace the consumables appropriately.

  Conventionally, for example, when storing on a sheet using an image forming apparatus, a developer such as toner is used as a consumable to form an image on the sheet. The remaining amount of toner in the cartridge containing the developer is detected, and a warning is lit on the display panel or the like. Then, the user of the image forming apparatus orders a consumable manually by watching a warning on the display panel or the like. Therefore, users of devices that require consumables have a desire to easily purchase consumables.

  Therefore, conventionally, the image forming apparatus is connected to a management apparatus installed in a service center using a communication means such as a public line, and the remaining amount of consumables is constantly monitored to reduce the remaining amount of consumables. In this case, a technique for automatically ordering consumables from a service center management apparatus via a network has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and the like).

  Therefore, according to this prior art, the order of consumables is automatically performed according to the remaining amount of consumables without human intervention, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

JP 2003-223581 A JP 2003-63104 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-32659

  However, in the prior art, when the remaining amount of consumables falls below a preset remaining amount, an order is automatically placed. There was a need.

  In other words, it takes time for an expendable to be delivered after placing an order, and the time to delivery depends on the physical distribution system in which the image forming apparatus is installed. If it takes time from ordering to delivery and there are no consumables in the meantime, the image forming apparatus cannot be operated properly, and improvement is required. In addition, it is necessary to provide consumables that use materials suitable for the laws of each region because the substances that are prohibited from use differ depending on the region where the image forming apparatus is installed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the ordering time, the remaining site, and the substances used are changed in accordance with the installation area of the image forming apparatus, thereby placing an order in consideration of the delivery period and the law and appropriately managing the consumables. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a consumables recycling system, and a consumables recycling method with good usability.

  Specifically, according to the first aspect of the present invention, various consumables are housed in replaceable cases, images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected by a remaining amount detecting unit. When a consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold, an area code indicating at least the installation area of the image forming apparatus is provided in each consumable case. When the remaining amount of consumables detected by the remaining amount detecting means is less than the ordering threshold, the area code is read from the storage means of the consumables by the code reading means, and the read area code is provided. Is read from the order information storage means that stores the order start time of consumables for each region code, and when the time measuring means times the order start time read out, When the remaining amount of consumables is reduced, the ordering machine is changed according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the logistics system in the area where the image forming apparatus is installed, and there is a shortage of consumables and wasteful inventory. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with good usability while appropriately managing consumables.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, various consumables are stored in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected by the remaining amount detecting means. When a consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold value, a storage unit that records at least a region code indicating an installation area of the image forming apparatus in each case of the consumable item And reading the area code of each consumable from the storage means by the code reading means, and the ordering threshold corresponding to the read area code from the ordering information storage means for storing the ordering threshold of the consumable for each area code When the remaining amount of each consumable detected by the reading and remaining amount detecting means is compared with the order threshold of the consumable, and the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detecting means is less than or equal to the order threshold of the consumable The concerned When the remaining amount of consumables is reduced by placing an order for consumables, the threshold for ordering the remaining amount of consumables is changed according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the logistics system in the area where the image forming device is installed. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with good usability while preventing consumables from being insufficient and wasteful inventory from being generated, appropriately managing consumables.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ordering destination storage means for storing an ordering destination of consumables corresponding to the area code, and based on the area code of the consumables read by the code reading means, the consumption from the ordering destination storage means. By acquiring the supplier of the product and placing an order for the consumables from the supplier, the customer automatically places an order to the supplier that is appropriate for the area where the image processing device is installed, and performs optimal order management of the consumables. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus with good usability.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, at least a plurality of consumable cartridges for storing various consumables used for image formation are stored in a replaceable case, and indicates at least an installation area of the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridges. A storage means for storing the rewritable code is provided, and when the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated, and then the regenerated consumable cartridge is removed. When the consumable cartridge is collected when it is sent to the image forming apparatus to be used, the area code is read from the storage means of the consumable cartridge by the code reading / writing means, and the area code is determined based on the read area code. Prohibited substances and use of consumable cartridges that are prohibited from being used in consumable cartridges If the region code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge is set by the operation unit with reference to the substance information storage means for storing the consumable cartridge, the region of the next use region is set. Refers to the substance information storage means based on the code, acquires the prohibited substances in the area, and if the collected substances used in the consumable cartridge contain prohibited substances in the next area of use, A consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance is recycled using the substitute substance of the prohibited substance, and the area code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge is read into the storage means of the recycled consumable cartridge. A consumables car that is collected and regenerated by writing with the writing means and sending the regenerated consumables cartridge to the next image forming apparatus to be used. The purpose is to provide a consumables recycling system that does not contain banned substances at the shipping destination in the ridge, recycles them into consumable cartridges suitable for the region of use and ships them, and manages the consumables appropriately. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least a plurality of consumable cartridges for storing various consumables used for image formation in a replaceable case each indicates an installation area of an image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridges. A storage means for storing the rewritable code is provided, and when the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated, and then the regenerated consumable cartridge is removed. When the consumable cartridge is collected when it is sent to the image forming apparatus to be used, the area code is read from the storage means of the consumable cartridge by the code reading / writing means, and the area code is determined based on the read area code. Use prohibited substances and use of consumable cartridges that are prohibited from being used in the consumable cartridges. The substance information storage means for storing the substance is referred to, the used substance of the consumable cartridge is acquired, and when the region code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is set by the operation means, the next use area Refer to the substance information storage means based on the area code, acquire the prohibited substances in the area, and if the collected substances used in the consumable cartridge contain prohibited substances in the next area of use, Recycle a consumable cartridge that does not contain a prohibited substance using an alternative substance to the prohibited substance, and read the area code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge in the storage means of the recycled consumable cartridge. / Consumables to be collected and regenerated by writing with the writing means and sending the regenerated consumable cartridge to the next image forming apparatus to be used The purpose is to provide a consumables recycling method that prevents the use of prohibited substances in the shipping destination in the cartridge, recycles them into consumable cartridges that are suitable for the region where they are used, and manages them properly. .

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, at least a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and developing means for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member and developing the consumable cartridge are accommodated in the cartridge. Images that properly order process cartridges and ink cartridges as consumable cartridges, and manage prohibited substances during recycling by using process cartridges or ink cartridges that store ink to be supplied to inkjet heads It is an object to provide a forming apparatus, a consumable recycling system, and a consumable recycling method.

  The invention according to claim 7 is an image forming apparatus that appropriately performs automatic ordering of consumable cartridges suitable for each country and management of prohibited substances during recycling by using a country code as a country code. The object is to provide a consumables recycling system and a consumables recycling method.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, various consumables are housed in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected by the remaining amount detecting means. In the image forming apparatus that automatically orders the consumable when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below a predetermined ordering threshold value, at least the installation area of the image forming apparatus is indicated in each case of the consumable Storage means for storing the area code is provided, code reading means for reading the area code of the storage means, order information storage means for storing the order start time of the consumable for each area code, and the order start time Timing means for timing the consumables when the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the remaining amount detecting means falls below the ordering threshold, the code reading means from the storage means of the consumables to the area code. By reading the order start time corresponding to the read area code from the order information storage means, and when the time measuring means times the read order start time, the consumables are ordered by the above, The goal has been achieved.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, various consumables are housed in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected by the remaining amount detecting means. In an image forming apparatus that automatically orders the consumable when the remaining amount of the consumable falls below a predetermined ordering threshold value, an area that indicates at least the installation area of the image forming apparatus in each case of the consumable The code reading unit includes a code reading unit provided with a storage unit in which a code is recorded, and an order information storage unit that stores an ordering threshold for consumables for each region code. Means for reading out the region code of each consumable from the storage unit, and reading out the ordering threshold value corresponding to the read out region code from the ordering information storage unit, The remaining amount of each consumable to be detected is compared with the ordering threshold of the consumable, and when the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detecting means becomes equal to or less than the ordering threshold of the consumable The above-mentioned purpose is achieved by ordering goods.

  In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 3, the image forming apparatus includes an order destination storage unit that stores an order destination of consumables corresponding to the region code, and the code reading unit reads Based on the region code of the consumables, the consumables ordering party may be acquired from the ordering party storage unit, and the consumables may be ordered from the ordering party.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumables recycling system for an image forming apparatus that uses at least the consumable cartridges in a plurality of consumable cartridges that are housed in exchangeable cases. A storage unit is provided in which an area code indicating the installation area is stored so that it can be rewritten, and when the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated and then regenerated. A consumables recycling system for sending a consumable cartridge to an image forming apparatus that uses the consumable cartridge, and a code reading / writing unit for reading the area code of the storage unit, and a use for the consumable cartridge for each area code. Substance information storage means for storing prohibited substances prohibited and substances used in consumable cartridges Operating means for setting an area code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge, and when the consumable cartridge is collected, the code reading / writing means stores the consumable cartridge from the storage means of the consumable cartridge. The area code is read, the substance information storage means is referred to based on the read area code, the substance used in the consumable cartridge is acquired, and the area code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is determined by the operation means. When set, the substance information storage means is referred to based on the area code of the next use area to obtain the use prohibited substance in the area, and the collected use substance of the consumable cartridge is used for the next use. Consumable cartridges that do not contain prohibited substances by using substitute substances for prohibited substances if they contain prohibited substances in the area At the same time as the reproduction, the storage means of the regenerated consumable cartridge is written by the code reading / writing means in the area code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge, and the regenerated consumable cartridge is used next. The above object is achieved by sending the image to the image forming apparatus.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumables recycling method of an image forming apparatus that uses at least the consumable cartridges in a plurality of consumable cartridges that are stored in a replaceable case. A storage unit is provided in which an area code indicating the installation area is stored so that it can be rewritten, and when the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated and then regenerated. A consumables recycling method for sending a consumable cartridge to the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridge, and when the consumable cartridge is collected, the area code of the storage means of the consumable cartridge is read by the code reading / writing means. Based on the read area code, use of the consumable cartridge for each area code is prohibited. The substances used for the consumable cartridge are obtained by referring to the substance information storage means for storing the prohibited use substances and the consumable cartridge used substances, and the region code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge is set. Then, referring to the substance information storage means based on the area code of the next use area, obtain the prohibited substances in the area, and use the collected consumable cartridge substances in the next use area. If a prohibited substance is contained, a consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance is regenerated using a substitute substance of the prohibited substance, and the consumable cartridge is stored in the storage means of the recycled consumable cartridge. An image format in which the area code of the next use area is written by the code reading / writing means, and the regenerated consumable cartridge is used next. By sending the device it has achieved the above objects.

  In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 6, the consumable cartridge is developed by supplying toner to at least the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. The developing means to be processed may be a process cartridge stored in the cartridge or an ink cartridge storing ink to be supplied to the inkjet head.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 7, the region code may be a country code indicating a country.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, various consumables are housed in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected. When the consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold, the region code indicating at least the installation area of the image forming apparatus in each consumable case When the remaining amount of consumables detected by the remaining amount detecting means falls below the ordering threshold, the code reading means reads the area code from the consumable storing means, and the read area The order start time corresponding to the code is read from the order information storage means for storing the order start time of consumables for each region code, and when the time measuring means measures the read order start time, When the remaining amount of consumables decreases, the time of ordering can be changed according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the logistics system in the area where the image forming apparatus is installed. It is possible to prevent wasteful inventory from occurring, perform appropriate management of consumables, and improve usability.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, various consumables are housed in exchangeable cases, and images are formed using the consumables, and the remaining amount of the consumables is detected. When a consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold, a region code indicating at least the image forming apparatus installation area is provided in each consumable case. A storage means that is recorded is provided, the area code of each consumable is read from the storage means by the code reading means, the ordering threshold corresponding to the read area code is stored, and the ordering threshold of the consumable is stored for each area code The remaining amount of each consumable detected by the remaining amount detecting means is compared with the order threshold of the consumable, and the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detecting means is determined as the consumable. Order threshold In the following cases, the consumables are ordered, so when the remaining amount of consumables decreases, the remaining amount of consumables can be reduced according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the logistics system in the area where the image forming apparatus is installed. The ordering threshold value can be changed, and it is possible to prevent the shortage of consumables and useless inventory, to appropriately manage the consumables, and to improve the usability.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the ordering destination storage means for storing the ordering destination of the consumables corresponding to the area code is provided, and the ordering is performed based on the area code of the consumables read by the code reading means. Since the consumables supplier is acquired from the destination storage means and the consumables are ordered from the supplier, it is possible to automatically place an order to a supplier suitable for the area where the image processing apparatus is installed, It is possible to perform optimal order management of consumables and improve usability.

  According to the consumables recycling system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, image formation using at least the consumable cartridges in a plurality of consumable cartridges respectively housed in exchangeable cases for various consumables used for image formation. A storage unit is provided in which an area code indicating the area where the apparatus is installed is rewritable. When the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is reproduced, and then When the reclaimed consumable cartridge is sent out to the image forming apparatus using the regenerated consumable cartridge, when the consumable cartridge is collected, the code reading / writing means reads the region code from the storage means of the consumable cartridge, and the read region Based on codes, use prohibited for consumable cartridges by region code The substance information storage means for storing the quality and the substance used in the consumable cartridge is referred to, the substance used in the consumable cartridge is acquired, and the region code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is set by the operating means. Based on the region code of the next use region, refer to the substance information storage means to obtain the prohibited material in that region, and the collected material used in the consumable cartridge is the prohibited material in the next use region Is contained, the consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance is recycled using the substitute substance of the prohibited substance and the next use of the consumable cartridge is stored in the storage means of the recycled consumable cartridge. The area code of the area is written by the code reading / writing means, and the regenerated consumable cartridge is sent to the next image forming apparatus. The consumable cartridges to be stored and reclaimed should not contain prohibited substances at the shipping destination, and can be recycled and shipped to the appropriate consumable cartridges in the area of use, and the consumables should be managed appropriately Can do.

  According to the consumables recycling method of the fifth aspect of the present invention, image formation using at least the consumable cartridges in a plurality of consumable cartridges respectively housed in a replaceable case for various consumables used for image formation. A storage unit is provided in which an area code indicating the area where the apparatus is installed is rewritable. When the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is reproduced, and then When the reclaimed consumable cartridge is sent out to the image forming apparatus using the regenerated consumable cartridge, when the consumable cartridge is collected, the code reading / writing means reads the region code from the storage means of the consumable cartridge, and the read region Based on the code, use prohibited for use on the consumable cartridge for each area code The substance information storage means for storing the quality and the substance used in the consumable cartridge is referred to, the substance used in the consumable cartridge is acquired, and the region code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is set by the operating means. Based on the region code of the next use region, refer to the substance information storage means to obtain the prohibited material in that region, and the collected material used in the consumable cartridge is the prohibited material in the next use region Is contained, the consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance is recycled using the substitute substance of the prohibited substance and the next use of the consumable cartridge is stored in the storage means of the recycled consumable cartridge. The area code of the area is written by the code reading / writing means, and the regenerated consumable cartridge is sent to the next image forming apparatus. The consumable cartridges to be stored and reclaimed should not contain prohibited substances at the shipping destination, and can be recycled and shipped to the appropriate consumable cartridges in the area of use, and the consumables should be managed appropriately Can do.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the consumables recycling system, and the consumables recycling method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the consumable cartridge includes at least a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. Since the developing means for supplying the toner to the developing unit is a process cartridge stored in the cartridge or an ink cartridge for storing the ink supplied to the inkjet head, the process cartridge as a consumable cartridge or the automatic ink cartridge Proper management of prohibited substances during ordering and recycling.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the consumables recycling system, and the consumables recycling method according to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the region code is a country code indicating the country, automatic ordering and recycling of consumable cartridges suitable for each country It is possible to properly manage substances that are prohibited during use.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a sheet conveyance path 3 formed in a main body housing 2, and a conveyance roller 4, a registration roller 5, and a transfer along the sheet conveyance path 3. A roller 6 and a guide plate 7 are disposed. In the image forming apparatus 1, a fixing unit 8 is disposed in the main body housing 2 on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance path 3, and the fixing unit 8 is rotationally driven while being heated to a predetermined fixing temperature. A fixing roller 9 and a pressure roller 10 that contacts the fixing roller 9 and rotates together with the fixing roller 9 are housed. In the image forming apparatus 1, a discharge roller 11 is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing unit 8 in the main body housing 2, and a paper discharge unit 12 is formed on the upper portion of the main body housing 2.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, a paper feed cassette 13 is slidably housed in the lower part of the main body housing 2, and a plurality of recording papers P are housed in the paper feed cassette 13. A paper feed roller 14 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 13, and the paper feed roller 14 separates the recording paper P in the paper feed cassette 13 one by one and feeds it to the transport roller 4.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, a writing optical system 15 including a polygon motor, a polygon mirror, an Fθ lens, a laser diode, a mirror, and the like is disposed in the main body housing 2.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, a process cartridge 20 is detachably mounted on the paper transport path 3 in the main body housing 2 in a state where the upper side of the paper transport path 3 is formed. 21, a charging roller 22, a cleaning / waste toner collection unit 23, a development / toner storage unit (developing unit) 24, and the like are stored in a cartridge case 25. The process cartridge 20 is housed and mounted in the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the photoconductor 21 faces and contacts the transfer roller 6, and the process cartridge 20 is disposed between the photoconductor 21 and the fixing roller 6. In addition, the recording paper P separated from the paper feed cassette 13 by the paper feed roller 14 and sent to the registration roller 5 by the transport roller 4 is transported after the timing adjustment by the registration roller 5. Come.

  The photosensitive member 21 of the process cartridge 20 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. 1 by a drive mechanism (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, and at that time, the surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 22. The photosensitive member 21 is irradiated with laser light from the writing optical system 15 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 21, and passes through the developing / toner storage portion 24. The toner is supplied from, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image. The toner image on the photosensitive member 21 is recorded on the recording paper P conveyed between the fixing roller 6 and the photosensitive member 21 by the fixing roller 6 when the photosensitive member 21 further rotates and faces the transfer roller 6. The image forming apparatus 1 conveys the recording paper P onto which the toner image is transferred to the fixing unit 8. The fixing unit 8 conveys the conveyed recording paper P while being heated by the fixing roller 9 heated to the fixing temperature and the pressure roller 10 to fix the toner image on the recording paper P to the recording paper, The image forming apparatus 1 discharges the recording paper P, which has been fixed, onto the paper discharge unit 12 by the transport roller 11. The photosensitive member 21 on which the fixing of the process cartridge 20 has been completed is further rotated so that the remaining toner is removed by the cleaning / waste toner collecting unit 23 and is again used for image formation.

  As shown in the perspective view of the process cartridge 20 in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 20 has a substrate 27 (connector portion) on which a cartridge memory 26 (see FIG. 3) as a storage means is mounted in the cartridge case 25. As the cartridge memory 26, for example, a non-volatile memory that retains the stored contents even when power is not supplied is used.

  When the process cartridge 20 is mounted in the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, the connector of the substrate 27 comes into contact with the connector of the image forming apparatus 1, and the cartridge memory 26 is connected to the CPU 31. The process cartridge 20 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and connected to the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1, so that the CPU 31 causes the process number information such as the number of recycling, the number of copies, the remaining amount of toner, and the current date to be processed. Data processing such as writing, reading, and erasing can be performed. In other words, information stored in the cartridge memory 26 includes information stored when manufacturing the process cartridge 20 (manufacturing information) and information stored after being mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 (utilizing information). The manufacturing time information stored when the process cartridge 20 is manufactured includes, for example, the manufacturing date and factory of the process cartridge 20, the manufacturing number, the toner capacity information, the toner color information, the process characteristic information, the cartridge ID, and the like. There is information such as country codes. Further, as usage information stored after being mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, for example, remaining toner information, process operation time information, number of copies information, information on the image forming apparatus 1, current date, usage There are information such as start date and end date of use. The in-use information stored after being mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 includes a lot of information that can be used to understand the usage status and usage history of the user in consideration of the maintainability and serviceability of the process cartridge 20.

  In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 communicates with the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 via the connector of the substrate 27 of the cartridge memory 26. Communication may be performed wirelessly. Further, although the nonvolatile memory is used as the cartridge memory 26, a printed board on which an IC chip is mounted or a printed board on which a non-contact IC chip is mounted may be used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a circuit block as shown in FIG. 3, and includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a recording unit 43, a code reading unit 44, a toner remaining amount detection unit 45, a communication unit 46, and the like. These parts are connected by a bus 47.

  The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown), a clock unit (timer) 51, a threshold setting unit 52, and the like. The CPU controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1 using the RAM as a work memory based on a program in the ROM to execute basic processing as the image forming apparatus 1 and also performs consumable management processing described later. To do. The threshold setting unit 52 sets a threshold for determining the remaining amount of consumables, in particular, a threshold for determining the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 20, and the clock unit 51 includes a transmitter, a frequency divider, and the like. In addition, the current time is measured, and a predetermined period set in advance, for example, a consumable item replacement period (order start time) is measured, and the time measurement result is notified to the control unit 41.

  The storage unit 42 stores various types of information used in the image forming apparatus 1, particularly image data and the like, and includes an order destination table (order information storage means, order destination storage means) 53. In the table, the period until the start of ordering for each country code set in advance and the order contact information for each country code of consumables are recorded as a table.

  The recording unit 43 includes the process cartridge 20 and a fixing unit, and performs image formation under the control of the control unit 41.

  The code reading / writing unit (code reading means) 44 reads various information recorded in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge (consumables, consumable cartridges) 20, particularly a country code as a region code, Information is written to the cartridge memory 26 under the control of the control unit 41.

  The toner remaining amount detection unit (remaining amount detection means) 45 detects the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 20 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 41.

  The communication unit 46 is connected to a predetermined communication line, for example, a telephone line, the Internet, and the like. When there is an instruction for ordering consumables from the control unit 41, the communication unit 46 communicates with the ordering party under the control of the control unit 14, Place an order for consumables that have been instructed.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment performs consumables order management by setting a period (order start time) until the start of ordering according to the country code of the consumables. In the following description, the case where the process cartridge 20 is managed as a consumable item will be described. However, it is needless to say that the consumable item is not limited to the process cartridge 20.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts consumables order management, first, the toner remaining amount detecting unit 45 detects the toner remaining amount of the process cartridge 20 (step S101). Then, the detected toner remaining amount is compared with a preset threshold value (step S102), and it is checked whether the detected toner remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S103).

  If the detected toner remaining amount exceeds the threshold value in step S103, the control unit 41 determines that it is not necessary to place an order for the process cartridge 20 as a consumable, and ends the consumables order management process. If the detected remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than the threshold value in step S103, the code reading / writing unit 44 reads information, particularly the country code, from the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 (step S104).

  When the code reading / writing unit 44 reads the country code from the cartridge memory 26, the control unit 41 starts the ordering for each country code preset in the ordering destination table of the storage unit 42 for the country code. A period is set in the clock unit 51 (step S105), and the clock unit 51 measures the period until the set order start to check whether the order start period has elapsed (step S106).

  If the order start period has not elapsed in step S106, the control unit 41 determines that it is not the order start time for the process cartridge 20 that is a consumable, and ends the consumable order management process.

  When the order start period elapses in step S106, the control unit 41 selects an order destination corresponding to the country code of the process cartridge 20 that is a consumable item from the order destination table in the storage unit 42 (step S107), and the communication unit 46. The communication unit 46 places an order for the process cartridge 20 in accordance with the ordering instruction, and ends the process (step S108). ).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores various consumables in replaceable cases, forms an image using the consumables, and detects the remaining amount of the consumables. For example, when the consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold value as detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 45, at least the image in each case of the consumable item When the cartridge memory 26 in which the area code indicating the installation area of the forming apparatus 1 is provided and the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 45 is equal to or less than the ordering threshold value, the code reading / writing unit 44 An order-destination table that reads the region code from the cartridge memory 26 of the consumables, stores the order start time corresponding to the read region code, and the order start time of the consumables for each region code. Reading from 53 and to time the orders start timing clock unit 51 has read the, doing ordering of the consumables.

  Therefore, when the remaining amount of consumables is reduced, the ordering machine can be changed according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the distribution system in the area where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. Occurrence can be prevented, appropriate management of consumables can be performed, and usability can be improved.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores the consumable ordering destination corresponding to the region code (country code) in the ordering destination table 53 of the storage unit 42 and the consumption read by the code reading / writing unit 44. Based on the region code (country code) of the product, the supplier of the consumable is acquired from the supplier table 53, and the consumable is ordered from the supplier.

  Therefore, it is possible to automatically place an order to an ordering party suitable for the area where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, to perform optimal order management of consumables, and to improve usability.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment develops the consumable cartridge by developing toner by supplying toner to at least the photosensitive member 21 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 21. The toner storage unit 24 is the process cartridge 20 stored in the cartridge case 25.

  Therefore, automatic ordering of the process cartridge 20 as a consumable cartridge and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the region code is a country code indicating the country.

  Accordingly, automatic ordering of consumables such as the consumable cartridge 20 suitable for each country and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing consumables order management processing by the image forming apparatus to which the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  The present embodiment is applied to an image forming apparatus similar to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be described as necessary. The description will be made using the used symbols as they are.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment sets a remaining amount detection threshold for ordering consumables according to a country code (region code), and the detected remaining amount of consumables When the remaining amount is below the threshold, the consumable is ordered.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, a remaining amount detection threshold (order threshold) for each country code is registered in the order destination table 53 of the storage unit 42.

  In the following description, the case where the process cartridge 20 is managed as a consumable item will be described. However, it is needless to say that the consumable item is not limited to the process cartridge 20.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts consumables order management, first, information from the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 to the code reading / writing unit 44, particularly the country The code is read (step S201), and the remaining amount detection threshold for each country code preset in the ordering party table of the storage unit 42 is set as a reference threshold for the read country code (step S202).

  Next, the control unit 41 causes the remaining toner amount detection unit 45 to detect the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 20 (step S203), and compares the detected remaining toner amount with the set reference threshold (step S204). Then, it is checked whether the detected toner remaining amount is equal to or less than the reference threshold (step S205).

  If the detected remaining toner amount exceeds the reference threshold value in step S205, the control unit 41 determines that it is not necessary to place an order for the process cartridge 20 as a consumable item, and ends the consumable item order management process. .

  In step S205, if the detected remaining toner amount is equal to or less than the reference threshold value, the control unit 41 selects an order destination corresponding to the country code of the process cartridge 20 that is a consumable item from the order destination table in the storage unit 42 ( In step S206), the communication unit 46 is instructed to place an order for the process cartridge 20 to the selected ordering party, and the communication unit 46 orders the process cartridge 20 to the instructed ordering party in response to the ordering instruction. The process ends (step S207).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores various consumables in replaceable cases, forms an image using the consumables, and detects the remaining amount of the consumables. For example, when the consumable item is automatically ordered when the remaining amount of the consumable item falls below a predetermined ordering threshold value detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 45, at least an image is formed in each case of the consumable item. A cartridge memory 26 in which a region code indicating the installation region of the apparatus 1 is recorded is provided, and the region code of each consumable is read from the cartridge memory 26 by the code reading / writing unit 44 and corresponds to the read region code. The ordering threshold value is read from the ordering party table 53 that stores the ordering threshold value of consumables for each region code, and the remaining amount of each consumable item detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 45 is determined. Compared with the threshold, the remaining amount of the detected consumables of the toner remaining amount detecting section 45 becomes equal to or less than the order threshold of the consumables, it is performed orders of the consumables.

  Therefore, when the remaining amount of consumables decreases, the ordering threshold for the remaining amount of consumables can be changed according to the difference in the procurement period due to the difference in the distribution system in the area where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed. It is possible to prevent the shortage and wasteful inventory from occurring, to appropriately manage the consumables, and to improve the usability.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores the consumable ordering destination corresponding to the region code (country code) in the ordering destination table 53 of the storage unit 42 and the consumption read by the code reading / writing unit 44. Based on the region code (country code) of the product, the supplier of the consumable is acquired from the supplier table 53, and the consumable is ordered from the supplier.

  Therefore, it is possible to automatically place an order to an ordering party suitable for the area where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed, to perform optimal order management of consumables, and to improve usability.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment develops the consumable cartridge by developing toner by supplying toner to at least the photosensitive member 21 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 21. The toner storage unit 24 is the process cartridge 20 stored in the cartridge case 25.

  Therefore, automatic ordering of the process cartridge 20 as a consumable cartridge and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the region code is a country code indicating the country.

  Accordingly, automatic ordering of consumables such as the consumable cartridge 20 suitable for each country and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  6 and 7 are diagrams showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the consumables recycling system, and the consumables recycling method of the present invention.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as they are, as necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a main part of a consumables recycling system 100 to which a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, consumables recycling system and consumables recycling method of the present invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing consumables recycling processing by the product recycling system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the consumables recycling system 100 according to the present embodiment reads and writes various information recorded in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 that is a consumable of the image forming apparatus 1. A prohibited substance detection unit 102 is connected to the unit 101, and a database 103 and an operation unit 104 are connected to the prohibited substance detection unit 101. The consumables recycling system 100 is installed at a shipping source of consumables, for example, the process cartridge 20.

  A code reading / writing unit (code reading / writing unit) 101 reads information stored in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 to be shipped and the collected process cartridge 20 (in particular, a country code). And is connected to the prohibited substance detection unit 102.

  The database (substance information storage means) 103 stores used substances used in the process cartridges 20 by country code and prohibited substances by country code (region code).

  The operation unit (operation unit) 104 is used for an input operation of a country code of a shipping destination of consumables such as the process cartridge 20 and an instruction to start a detection operation of a prohibited substance.

  The prohibited substance detection unit 102 searches the database 103 based on the country code of the consumable cartridge memory 26 read by the code reading / writing unit 101, for example, the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20, and schedule shipping destination The prohibited substances are extracted, and it is detected whether the substances used in the collected products contain prohibited substances at the shipping destination.

  When the collected process cartridge 20 contains a prohibited substance at the shipping destination, the consumables recycling system 100 replaces and regenerates the substitute substance without the prohibited substance at the shipping destination, reads the code / The writing unit 101 is made to write the country code of the shipping destination in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the consumables recycling system 100 performs recycling processing when a consumable, for example, the process cartridge 20 is collected, the code reading / writing unit 101 causes the cartridge memory of the process cartridge 20 to be collected. 26, in particular, the country code (region code) is read (step S301), and the country code to be shipped after the reproduction of the process cartridge 20 is input from the operation unit 104, the input country code is displayed. Obtained by the prohibited substance detection unit 102 (step S302).

  Next, the consumables recycling system 100 returns the country code of the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 that is the collected product read by the code reading / writing unit 101 and the post-reproduction shipment of the collected product input from the operation unit 104. Based on the country code of the planned country, the substances used in the process cartridge 20 of the collected product and the prohibited substances in the country scheduled to be shipped after recycling are extracted from the database 103 (step S303). It is checked whether or not use-prohibited substances in the shipping planned country after recycling are included (step S304).

  In step S304, the consumables recycling system 100 plans to ship the recovered process cartridge 20 after recycling if the substances used in the process cartridge 20 of the recovered product contain prohibited substances in the country scheduled to ship after recycling. Reproduction is performed using an alternative substance that does not include a prohibited substance in the country (step S305), and the country code of the country after the reproduction is stored in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 of the reclaimed collected product by the code reading / writing unit 101. Writing is completed and the recycling process is terminated (step S306).

  In step S304, when the substance used in the process cartridge 20 of the collected product does not include the prohibited substance in the country scheduled for shipment after recycling, the consumables recycling system 100 uses the process cartridge 20 of the collected product as the collected product. Reproduction is performed using the same parts as the parts being used (step S307), and the country code of the country after reproduction is written in the cartridge memory 26 of the process cartridge 20 of the collected recovered goods by the code reading / writing unit 101. Then, the recycling process is terminated (step S306).

  As described above, the consumables recycling system 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes at least the process cartridge 20 which is a plurality of consumable cartridges each storing various consumables used for image formation in a replaceable case. When the process cartridge 20 is collected from the image forming apparatus 1, a cartridge memory 26 in which an area code (country code) indicating the installation area of the image forming apparatus 1 that uses the image forming apparatus 1 is provided is provided. When the process cartridge 20 is collected when the reproduced process cartridge 20 is next sent to the image forming apparatus 1 that uses the reproduced process cartridge 20, the code reading / writing unit 101 stores the process cartridge 20. The region code (from the cartridge memory 26) Code), and based on the read area code (country code), the use prohibited substance prohibited to be used for the process cartridge 20 and the use substance of the process cartridge 20 are stored for each area code (country code). When the use substance of the process cartridge 20 is acquired with reference to the database 103 and the region code (country code) of the next use region of the process cartridge 20 is set by the operation unit 104, the region of the next use region Based on the code (country code), refer to the database 103 to obtain the prohibited substances in the area, and if the collected substances used in the process cartridge 20 contain prohibited substances in the next area of use, A process cartridge 20 that does not contain a prohibited substance using an alternative substance of the prohibited substance In addition, the code reading / writing unit 101 writes the area code of the next use area of the process cartridge 20 in the cartridge memory 26 of the reproduced process cartridge 20, and the reproduced process cartridge 20 is used next. The image is sent to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Accordingly, the process cartridge 20 which is a consumable cartridge to be collected and reclaimed does not contain a prohibited substance at the shipping destination, and can be regenerated and shipped to a consumable cartridge suitable for the region of use. Can be managed appropriately.

  Further, the consumables recycling system 100 of the present embodiment develops the consumable cartridge by developing toner by supplying toner to at least the photosensitive member 21 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 21. / The toner storage unit 24 is the process cartridge 20 stored in the cartridge case 25.

  Therefore, automatic ordering of the process cartridge 20 as a consumable cartridge and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the region code is a country code indicating the country.

  Therefore, automatic ordering of consumable cartridges 20 suitable for each country and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  In the description of each of the above embodiments, the country code is adopted as the area code, but the area code may be an area code that specifies an area concept according to the logistics system of consumables. For example, the same country may be divided into a plurality of regions, or a plurality of countries may be set as one region.

  In this way, automatic ordering of consumable cartridges suitable for each region and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be performed appropriately.

  Further, the consumable item and the consumable item cartridge are not limited to the process cartridge 20, and may be, for example, an ink cartridge that stores ink to be supplied to the inkjet head.

  In this way, automatic ordering of ink cartridges as consumable cartridges and management of prohibited substances during recycling can be appropriately performed.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  Facsimile devices, copiers, etc. that need to manage consumables appropriately by placing orders in consideration of the delivery period and laws by changing the ordering time and parts used according to the region where consumables are ordered. The present invention can be applied to image forming apparatuses such as composite devices and printers, consumable recycling systems, and consumable recycling methods.

1 is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus, a consumables recycling system, and a consumables recycling method of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part block of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing consumables order management processing by the image forming apparatus of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing consumables order management processing by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus, the consumables recycling system, and the consumables recycling method of the present invention. The block diagram of the main part of the consumables recycling system of the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus, consumables recycling system, and consumables recycling method of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the consumables recycling process by the consumables recycling system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body housing | casing 3 Paper conveyance path 4 Conveyance roller 5 Registration roller 6 Transfer roller 7 Guide plate 8 Fixing part 9 Fixing roller 10 Pressure roller 11 Discharge roller 12 Paper discharge part 13 Paper feed cassette 14 Paper feed roller 15 Writing optical system 20 Process cartridge 21 Photoconductor 22 Charging roller 23 Cleaning / waste toner collection unit 24 Development / toner storage unit 25 Cartridge case 26 Cartridge memory 41 Control unit 42 Storage unit 43 Recording unit 44 Code reading unit 45 Toner remaining amount detection Unit 46 Communication unit 47 Bus 51 Clock unit 52 Threshold setting unit 53 Order destination table 100 Consumables recycling system 101 Code reading / writing unit 102 Prohibited substance detection unit 103 Database 104 Operation unit

Claims (7)

  Various consumables are stored in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables. The remaining amount of the consumables is detected by the remaining amount detecting means, and the remaining amount of the consumables is predetermined. In the image forming apparatus that automatically orders the consumable when the ordering threshold is not exceeded, each case of the consumable is provided with a storage means in which an area code indicating at least an installation area of the image forming apparatus is recorded. A code reading means for reading the area code of the storage means, an order information storage means for storing the order start time of consumables for each area code, and a timing means for timing the order start time. When the remaining amount of the consumables detected by the quantity detection means falls below the ordering threshold value, the code reading means reads the area code from the storage means of the consumables, and reads the read area code. Reading the order start timing corresponding to de from the order information storage means, when said time counting means for counting the order start time read the image forming apparatus which is characterized in that an order of the consumable.   Various consumables are stored in replaceable cases, and images are formed using the consumables. The remaining amount of the consumables is detected by the remaining amount detecting means, and the remaining amount of the consumables is predetermined. In the image forming apparatus that automatically orders the consumables when the ordering threshold is not exceeded, each case of the consumables is provided with storage means in which an area code indicating at least an installation area of the image forming apparatus is recorded, A code reading means for reading an area code of the storage means, and an order information storage means for storing an ordering threshold value of the consumable for each area code, and the area of each consumable from the storage means by the code reading means. A code is read, the order threshold corresponding to the read area code is read from the order information storage means, and the remaining amount of each consumable detected by the remaining amount detection means is erased. An image forming method comprising: placing an order for the consumable when the remaining amount of the consumable detected by the remaining amount detecting means is equal to or less than the ordering threshold for the consumable compared with the order threshold for the consumable. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus includes an order-destination storage unit that stores an order-destination of consumables corresponding to the region code, and based on the region code of the consumables read by the code reading unit, from the order-destination storage unit 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ordering party for the consumable item is acquired, and the consumable part is ordered from the ordering party.   A plurality of consumable cartridges for storing various consumables used for image formation are stored in a replaceable case, and at least a region code indicating the installation area of the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridges is stored in a rewritable manner. When the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated and then sent to the image forming apparatus using the regenerated consumable cartridge. A consumables recycling system comprising: a code reading / writing unit that reads the area code of the storage unit; a prohibited substance that is prohibited from being used for the consumable cartridge for each area code; and a consumable cartridge A substance information storage means for storing the substance used, and a region code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge; And when the consumable cartridge is collected, the code reading / writing means reads the area code from the storage means of the consumable cartridge, and based on the read area code. The substance information storage means is referred to obtain the substance used in the consumable cartridge, and when the region code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is set by the operation means, the area of the next use area Based on the code, refer to the substance information storage means to obtain a prohibited substance in the area, and the collected substance used in the consumable cartridge contains a prohibited substance in the next use area, Recycle the consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance using the substitute substance of the prohibited substance, and recycle the consumable cartridge. An area code of the next use area of the consumable cartridge is written in the storage means by the code reading / writing means, and the regenerated consumable cartridge is sent to an image forming apparatus to be used next. Consumables recycling system.   A plurality of consumable cartridges for storing various consumables used for image formation are stored in a replaceable case, and at least a region code indicating the installation area of the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridges is stored in a rewritable manner. When the consumable cartridge is collected from the image forming apparatus, the consumable cartridge is regenerated and then sent to the image forming apparatus using the regenerated consumable cartridge. In the consumables recycling method, when the consumable cartridge is collected, the area code of the storage means of the consumable cartridge is read by the code reading / writing means, and the area code is read based on the read area code. Prohibited substances and consumable cartridges that are prohibited from being used in the consumable cartridge When the substance information storage means for storing the used substance is referred to obtain the used substance of the consumable cartridge, and the region code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge is set, the region code of the next use region is set. Refer to the substance information storage means based on the above, acquire prohibited substances in the area, and if the collected substances used in the consumable cartridge contain prohibited substances in the next area of use, The consumable cartridge that does not contain the prohibited substance is regenerated using the substitute substance of the substance, and the area code of the next use region of the consumable cartridge is stored in the storage unit of the regenerated consumable cartridge. The consumables recycling is characterized in that the consumable cartridge is written by the reading / writing means and sent to the next image forming apparatus to be used. Le way.   The consumable cartridge is a process cartridge in which at least a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and a developing unit that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member and develops the toner cartridge are contained in the cartridge, or The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the consumables recycling system according to claim 4, or the consumables recycling system according to claim 5, wherein the ink cartridge stores ink to be supplied to the inkjet head. Consumables recycling method. The image forming apparatus, the consumables recycling system, or the consumables recycling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the region code is a country code indicating a country.

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