JP2006227421A - Cartridge, development apparatus, and image forming apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a cartridge or the like easily loaded on an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: In a communication unit having an antenna supported on base material and an element for communicating through the antenna, the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in a loading direction in the case of loading the cartridge on an image forming apparatus main body, and the communication unit is supported on the housing of the cartridge. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

As a cartridge mounted on a laser beam printer or the like as an image forming apparatus, for example, a developing device containing a developer is known. The developing device is provided with a memory unit for storing, for example, a toner consumption amount and a toner remaining amount. This memory unit has an antenna for communicating with the printer main body in a non-contact state and an IC memory at a position facing the antenna provided on the main body side when the developing device is attached to the printer main body. (See Patent Document 1). In order to ensure a good communication state between the memory unit and the communication unit, the memory unit is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cartridge so as to be close to the communication unit.
International Publication No. 03/087952 Pamphlet

  By the way, the developing device is attached to the inside of the printer through the printer frame or the like from the outside. Since the frame of the printer needs to ensure rigidity and prevent light from entering the periphery of the photosensitive drum, the opening for mounting the developing device is formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the process cartridge. For this reason, when the developing device is mounted on the printer while being held by a user or the like, the developing device is in an unstable state until a part of the developing device is supported by the printer. There is a possibility that the IC memory of the provided memory unit is accidentally applied to the frame of the printer and damaged. For this reason, the user etc. had the subject that a developing device had to be carefully inserted in a printer.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to realize a cartridge, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system that can be easily attached to an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the main present invention includes (a) a base material, an antenna supported by the base material, and an element supported by the base material for communicating via the antenna. A communication unit; and (b) a housing for supporting the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in a mounting direction when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. It is a cartridge.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

(A) a communication unit having a base material, an antenna supported by the base material, and an element supported by the base material for communicating via the antenna; (b) mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. In the mounting direction, the cartridge has a housing (c) for supporting the communication unit, the element being located on the upstream side of the base material.
The upstream side in the mounting direction when the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus is the wearer side and the opposite side of the main body of the image forming apparatus. That is, when the cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the element is positioned at the forefront of the cartridge because at least the base material of the communication unit exists downstream from the element (image forming apparatus main body side). There is nothing. For this reason, when the cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, there is little possibility that the wearer will accidentally hit the frame or the like and damage it. That is, it is possible for the user or the like to mount the cartridge without paying special attention. Therefore, it is possible to realize a cartridge that can be easily mounted.

In such a cartridge, it is preferable that the communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus main body via an apparatus-side antenna provided in the image forming apparatus main body.
Since the communication unit communicates via the device-side antenna provided in the image forming apparatus main body, the communication unit and the device-side antenna are provided in close proximity. For this reason, the space around the communication unit when the cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body is small. However, the position where the element passes after the cartridge is inserted has already passed through the front end side of the cartridge, and a part of the cartridge is supported by the image forming apparatus main body. There is little drowning.

In this cartridge, it is preferable that a positioning portion with the image forming apparatus main body is provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction, and the communication unit is disposed on the downstream side in the mounting direction.
In order to ensure a good communication state by the communication unit, it is necessary to appropriately position the communication unit and the apparatus-side antenna. In the cartridge having the positioning portion on the downstream side in the mounting direction, it is easier to accurately position the relative position with respect to the apparatus-side antenna if the communication unit is provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction. However, since the most downstream side of the cartridge is close to the image forming apparatus main body in an unstable state when mounted, the cartridge is likely to hit the image forming apparatus main body. For this reason, the communication unit is arranged downstream in the mounting direction, and in the communication unit, the element is arranged upstream in the mounting direction, thereby ensuring a good communication state and an easy-to-install cartridge. Is possible.

In such a cartridge, the base material is fixed to the housing, and the antenna and the element are supported by the base material on the side opposite to the housing with respect to the base material and covered with a film. It is desirable.
According to such a cartridge, since the base material is fixed to the housing side, the element is arranged on the surface side of the cartridge. At this time, if the element is arranged on the upstream side of the base material, it is less likely to be damaged when the cartridge is mounted. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a rigid cover, a thick cover, etc. Is possible. That is, since only the film is provided on the element surface side, it is not necessary to increase the distance from the device-side antenna for a cover or the like, and a good communication state can be ensured.

In the cartridge, the image forming apparatus main body includes an opening into which the cartridge is inserted, and a guide portion that guides the cartridge to a mounting position, and enters from the opening to engage with the guide portion. After being done, it is preferable that the element is mounted through the opening.
According to such a cartridge, the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body from the opening. When an element provided in the cartridge passes through the opening, the cartridge is engaged with the guide portion. That is, when the element passes through the opening, the cartridge is in a stable state with the site downstream of the element in the mounting direction being guided by the guide portion. For this reason, since the element inserted from the opening moves in the image forming apparatus main body in a stable state, it is possible to prevent the element from being damaged when the cartridge is mounted.

Such a cartridge is a developing device in which a developer is accommodated in the housing.
According to such a cartridge, it is possible to realize a developing device that is less likely to damage the element during mounting and is easy to mount.

Such a cartridge is an image carrier unit provided with an image carrier that carries a latent image.
According to such a cartridge, it is possible to realize an image carrier unit that is less likely to damage the element during mounting and is easy to mount.

(A) a communication unit having a base material, an antenna supported by the base material, and an element supported by the base material for communicating via the antenna; and (b) an image forming apparatus main body. (C) a housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base in the mounting direction when mounted; (d) the communication unit includes the image forming apparatus; Communicates with the image forming apparatus main body via an apparatus-side antenna provided on the main body, and (e) has a positioning portion with the image forming apparatus main body on the downstream side in the mounting direction, and the communication unit includes the mounting (F) the base material is fixed to the housing, and the antenna and the element are on the base material on the opposite side of the housing with respect to the base material. Supported (G) the image forming apparatus main body has an opening into which the cartridge is inserted, and a guide portion that guides the cartridge to a mounting position, and enters the guide through the opening. And (h) the developer is accommodated in the housing after the element is mounted through the opening.
According to such a developing device, all of the above-described effects can be obtained, so that the object of the present invention can be achieved most effectively.

  Further, an image carrier that carries a latent image, and a developing device having the following (a) and (b), (a) a base material, an antenna supported by the base material, and a base material, A communication unit having an element for communicating via the antenna; and (b) the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the substrate in the mounting direction when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. It is also possible to realize an image forming apparatus having a housing on which is supported.

  A computer, an image forming apparatus having the following (A) and (B), (A) an image carrier that carries a latent image, and (B) the following (a), A developing unit having (b) (a) a communication unit having a base material, an antenna supported by the base material, and an element supported by the base material for communicating via the antenna; (b) It is also possible to realize an image forming system including a housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in the mounting direction when mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

=== Overview of Image Forming Apparatus ===
The outline of a laser beam printer (hereinafter also referred to as “printer”) 10 as an example of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a printer main body 10a to which the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be attached and detached. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing main components constituting the printer 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control unit 100 of the printer 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developing device holding unit 50. FIG. 5 is a view showing the developing device holding unit 50 in a state where the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the detachable portion 50d. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positions of the mounted developing device and the developing device holding unit. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the mounting direction of the developing device in FIG. 1 and 2 indicate the vertical direction with arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10. ing.

<Removable configuration>
A printer main body 10a, which is an example of an image forming apparatus main body, is configured as a cartridge, and includes developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54, which are examples of a developing device, and a photosensitive unit 75, which is an example of an image carrier unit, Is detachable. The developing device 51, 52, 53, 54 and the photosensitive unit 75 are mounted on the printer main body 10a, whereby the printer 10 is configured.

  The printer main body 10a includes a first openable / closable cover 10b, a second openable / closable cover 10c provided inside the first openable / closable cover 10b, a photoconductor unit attaching / detaching opening 10d for attaching / detaching the photoconductor unit 75, and The developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e is provided as an opening for attaching / detaching the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54.

  Here, when the user opens the first opening / closing cover 10b, the photosensitive unit 75 configured as a cartridge can be attached to and detached from the printer main body 10a through the photosensitive unit attaching / detaching opening 10d. Further, when the user opens the second opening / closing cover 10c, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 configured as a cartridge can be attached to and detached from the printer main body 10a through the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e.

<Configuration of Printer 10>
A configuration of the printer 10 in a state where the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 and the photosensitive unit 75 are mounted on the printer main body 10a will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, and a developer holding unit along the rotation direction of a photoconductor 20 as an example of an image carrier that carries a latent image. A unit 50, a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate transfer body 70, a cleaning blade 76, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95 including a liquid crystal panel that serves as a notification means to the user, and these units. A control unit 100 that controls the operation of the printer and the like, and a power supply unit 98.

  The photoreceptor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable around a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoreceptor 20 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. Rotate clockwise. The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20. In the present embodiment, the photoconductor 20, the cleaning blade 76, and the charging unit 30 are configured as one photoconductor unit 75 including a waste toner storage unit.

  The exposure unit 40 is an apparatus for forming a latent image on the photosensitive member 20 charged by irradiating the photosensitive member 20 with a laser. The exposure unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and charges the modulated laser based on an image signal input from a host computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. The irradiated photoconductor 20 is irradiated.

  The developing device holding unit 50 stores the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20 in the toner T as an example of the developer stored in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54, that is, in the black developing device 51. Black (K) toner, magenta (M) toner contained in the magenta developing unit 52, cyan (C) toner contained in the cyan developing unit 53, and yellow (Y) toner contained in the yellow developing unit 54 are used. It is an apparatus for developing.

  The developing device holding unit 50 includes a rotating shaft 50e, and four attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d to which the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 can be attached / detached are arranged at 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction around the rotating shaft. It is equipped with. The attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d move as the developing device holding unit 50 rotates about the rotation shaft 50e.

  The detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are adjacent to each other among the four wall portions 50f formed at intervals of 90 ° in four radial directions from the rotation shaft 50e provided at the center of the developing device holding unit 50. The two walls 50f are provided in the same space. That is, the developing device holding unit 50 has a detachable portion 50a to which the black developing device 51 can be attached and detached, and a detachable portion 50b to which the magenta developer device 52 can be attached and detached at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction around the rotation shaft 50e. An attaching / detaching portion 50c to which the cyan developing device 53 can be attached and detached and an attaching / detaching portion 50d to which the yellow developing device 54 can be attached and detached are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be moved by moving the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d. That is, the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are rotatable around the rotation shaft 50e while maintaining their relative positions. When the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are attached to the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d and moved to the developing position along with the movement of the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, The latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 is developed with the toner accommodated in each of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. Details of each developing device will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are respectively connected to a connecting hole 59 that can be fitted to a connecting convex portion provided on a connecting member 590 (described later) of each developing device, and a developing device. A guide portion 56 that engages with a guided portion 549 provided in the developing device inserted from the detachable opening 10e and guides the developing device to the mounting position, and each developing device is connected to the outer periphery of the developing device holding unit 50. A spring 576 for biasing in the direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the connecting hole 59 provided in the attaching / detaching portion 50d is fitted with connecting pins 595a and 595b (described later) which are examples of connecting convex portions provided in the connecting member 590 of the yellow developing device 54. Match. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide portions 56 are provided on each of the two wall portions 50f constituting the detachable portion, and are projected to the same space defined by the two adjacent wall portions 50f. Each of the two wall portions 50f has a vertical surface and is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the yellow developing unit 54. That is, as for the guide part 56 provided in the adjacent wall part 50f so that it may go to the same space side, those surfaces are all turned to the rotating shaft 50e side, and the angle which those surfaces make becomes about 90 degrees. It is formed as follows. In the yellow developing device 54, the guided portion 549 of the yellow developing device 54 is arranged on the rotation shaft 50 e side of the two vertical surfaces of the guide portion 56, so that the guided portion 549 follows the guide portion 56. It is inserted and installed.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, springs 576 are provided in the detachable portions 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, and 50 d. For example, the spring 576 provided in the attaching / detaching portion 50 d urges the yellow developing device 54 toward the outer peripheral direction of the developing device holding unit 50. As a result, when the yellow developing device 54 is inserted from the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e so that the guided portion 549 is inserted along the rotation shaft 50e side of the vertical surface of the guide portion 56, the yellow developing device 54 has the spring 576. Is biased in the outer circumferential direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d includes a positioning hole 58 that can be fitted with a positioning pin 588 (described later) provided in each developing device. That is, when the positioning pin 588 provided in the yellow developing device 54 is fitted into the positioning hole 58 provided in the attaching / detaching portion 50d, the yellow developing device 54 is positioned and attached at a predetermined position.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring a single color toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70. When four color toners are sequentially transferred in a superimposed manner, the full color toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70. An image is formed. The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt, and is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive member 20.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring a single color toner image or a full color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a recording medium such as paper, film, or cloth. The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single color toner image or a full color toner image transferred onto a recording medium onto a recording medium such as paper to form a permanent image.

The cleaning blade 76 is made of rubber and is in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 20. The cleaning blade 76 scrapes and removes the toner remaining on the photoconductor 20 after the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60.
The photoconductor unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the exposure unit 40, and stores the photoconductor 20, the charging unit 30, the cleaning blade 76, and the toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 (not shown). A waste toner container is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. An image signal is input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 responds to a command based on the image signal. The unit is controlled to form an image.

<Operation of Printer 10>
Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to other components.

  First, when an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive device is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The developing roller 510 and the intermediate transfer member 70 provided on the body 20, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches an exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and a latent image corresponding to image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, is formed in the area by the exposure unit 40. . Further, the developing device holding unit 50 positions the yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.
The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the development position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

By repeating the above processing for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, the four color toner images corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 70 in an overlapping manner. . As a result, a full color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.
The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The recording medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.
The full color toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the recording medium. On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has elapsed, the toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 to prepare for charging for forming the next latent image. The toner scraped off is collected in a waste toner container.

=== Overview of Control Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 100 has a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102.
The main controller 101 includes a CPU 111, an interface 112 for connecting to a computer (not shown), an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the computer, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 114a, a RAM 114b, and various controls. And a main controller side memory 114 composed of a program ROM or the like having a program for the above.

  The CPU 111 of the main controller 101 controls the reading and reading of the image data input through the interface to the image memory 113 and synchronizes with the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 based on the control signal input from the computer. I am in charge of control.

  The unit controller 102 includes a CPU 120, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 116a, RAM, a unit controller side memory 116 including a program ROM having various control programs, and each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit) of the apparatus main body. 40, a developing device holding unit 50, a primary transfer unit 60, a photosensitive unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, and a display unit 95).

  The CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each drive control circuit, and controls each drive control circuit based on a control signal from the CPU 111 of the main controller 101. That is, each unit is controlled based on a signal input from the main controller 101 while detecting a state of each unit by receiving a signal from a sensor or the like included in each unit.

  The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is connected to a non-volatile storage element (hereinafter, also referred to as “main body side memory”) 122 such as a serial EEPROM via a serial interface (I / F) 121. The main body side memory 122 stores data necessary for device control.

  In addition, the CPU 120 communicates with the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 53a provided in the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 via the serial interface 121, the communication control module 123, and the antenna unit 124 as an apparatus-side antenna. 54a can be communicated wirelessly. By communication between the antenna unit 124 and the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, the control unit 100 writes information to the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a provided in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54a. Also, it is possible to read information from the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a provided in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54. The communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a will be described later.

=== Overview of Developer ===
Next, the configuration and operation of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the yellow developing device 54. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the yellow developing device 54. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developing roller 510 provided with a roller 574. FIG. 10 is a front view of the connecting member 590. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the connecting member 590. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 8 represents a cross section of the yellow developing unit 54 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows as in FIG. 1. For example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is lower than the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 8, the yellow developing device 54 is shown in a state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at a developing position facing the photoreceptor 20.

  The developing device holding unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and yellow. (Y) Although the yellow developing unit 54 containing toner can be mounted, the configuration and operation of each developing unit are the same, so the yellow developing unit 54 will be described below.

<Internal Configuration of Yellow Developer 54>
First, the configuration of the yellow developing device 54 will be described. The yellow developing device 54 is an example of a developer carrying member, a developing roller 510, a toner storage unit 530, a housing 540 that stores toner T, a toner supply roller 550, a regulation blade 560, a seal member 520, and an example of a positioning unit. A positioning shaft (also called a positioning pin in this embodiment) 588 and a connecting member 590 are provided.

  The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and transports it to the developing position facing the photoconductor 20, and develops the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 by the toner T transported to the developing position. The developing roller 510 is made of metal and is made of an aluminum alloy such as 5056 aluminum alloy or 6063 aluminum alloy, or an iron alloy such as STKM, and is subjected to nickel plating, chrome plating, or the like as necessary. Yes. As shown in FIG. 9, the developing roller 510 has a large diameter portion 510a and a shaft portion 510b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the developing roller 510 is supported by the housing 540 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, that is, the shaft portion 510b, and is rotatable about the central axis. As shown in FIG. 8, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 8). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photosensitive member 20 in a state where the yellow developing device 54 faces the photosensitive member 20. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.

  As shown in FIG. 9, rollers 574 as an example of a spacing member are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 510. When the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are located at the development position, the roller 574 abuts on the photoconductor 20 to maintain a constant distance between the photoconductor 20 and the developing roller 510. It has the function of. The roller 574 is rotatably inserted into the shaft portion 510b. The outer diameter of the roller 574 is larger than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 510a. Therefore, the roller 574 can keep a constant distance between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20 by rotating while being in contact with the photoconductor 20.

  The seal member 520 prevents the toner T in the yellow developing device 54 from leaking out of the device, and collects the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed through the developing position into the developing device without being scraped off. The seal member 520 is a seal made of a polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is supported by a seal support sheet metal 522 and is attached to the housing 540 via the seal support sheet metal 522. Further, a seal urging member 524 made of malt plain or the like is provided on the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side. The seal member 520 is developed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. 510 is pressed. Note that the contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

  The housing 540 is manufactured by welding a plurality of integrally molded housing parts, that is, the upper housing part 542 and the lower housing part 544, and the inside thereof is inward from the inner wall (see FIG. 8). A partition wall 545 for partitioning the inside of the projecting housing (in the vertical direction) is divided into two toner accommodating portions 530, that is, a first toner accommodating portion 530a and a second toner accommodating portion 530b. The housing 540 has a housing opening 572 in the lower portion, and the developing roller 510 is disposed in the housing opening 572 with a part thereof exposed. The communication unit 54 a is attached to the housing 540. The configuration of the communication unit 54a and the mounting position with respect to the housing 540 will be described later.

  Mounting convex portions 581a and 581b (see FIG. 10) are provided on the second side wall 547 disposed on the front side of the printer main body 10a in the longitudinal direction of the housing 540. The mounting convex portion 581a can be fitted with a mounting hole 593a of the connecting member 590 described later, and the mounting convex portion 581b can be fitted with a mounting hole 593b of the connecting member 590. Further, the mounting convex portions 581a and 581b have a circular cross section.

  Further, an agitating member for agitating the toner T may be provided in the toner accommodating portion 530. In the present embodiment, each developing device (the black developing device 51, the magenta developing device) is rotated with the rotation of the developing device holding unit 50. The toner 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54) rotate, whereby the toner T in each developing device is agitated. Therefore, the toner accommodating portion 530 is not provided with an agitating member.

  The toner supply roller 550 is provided in the first toner storage portion 530a described above, supplies the toner T stored in the first toner storage portion 530a to the development roller 510, and remains on the development roller 510 after development. The toner T is peeled off from the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and is in contact with the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 is supplied to the developing roller 510 by the toner supply roller 550 below the toner storage unit 530. The The toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 8) opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 8). The central axis is below the rotational central axis of the developing roller 510.

  The regulating blade 560 applies a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 and regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The regulation blade 560 has a rubber part 560a and a rubber support part 560b. The rubber part 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like, and the rubber support part 560b is a thin plate having spring properties such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel. The rubber portion 560a is supported by the rubber support portion 560b, and the rubber support portion 560b is attached to the housing 540 via the blade support metal plate 562 with one end thereof supported by the blade support metal plate 562. . Further, a blade back member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side of the regulating blade 560.

  Here, the rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force caused by the bending of the rubber support portion 560 b. Further, the blade back member 570 prevents the toner T from entering between the rubber support portion 560b and the housing 540, stabilizes the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber support portion 560b, and provides rubber from the back of the rubber portion 560a. The rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by urging the portion 560 a toward the developing roller 510. Therefore, the blade back member 570 improves the uniform contact property of the rubber portion 560a to the developing roller 510.

  The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade support metal plate 562, that is, the tip is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and a portion away from the tip by a predetermined distance is the developing roller. 510 is in contact with a width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact with the belly. The regulating blade 560 is disposed so that the tip thereof faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in a so-called counter contact. The contact position where the regulating blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.

<Configuration of positioning part>
Next, the configuration of the positioning pin 588 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the positioning pin 588 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the yellow developing device main body which is an example of the developing device main body, that is, on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the developing device.

  The positioning pin 588 is engaged with the attaching / detaching portion 50d when the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50d, and more specifically, provided in the attaching / detaching portion 50d as shown in FIG. The yellow developing device main body is positioned with respect to the attaching / detaching portion 50d by being fitted into the positioning hole 58.

  The positioning pin 588 is made of metal and is provided so that its axial direction is along the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body. The base end of the positioning pin 588 is fixed to the first side wall 546 of the housing 540 on the downstream side in the mounting direction. The tip end of the positioning pin 588 is tapered so as to be easily fitted into the positioning hole 58 of the attaching / detaching portion 50d.

<Configuration of connecting member>
Next, the configuration of the connecting member 590 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting member 590 is attached to the upstream side in the mounting direction of the yellow developing device main body.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the connecting member 590 includes connecting pins 595a and 595b as an example of connecting convex portions that can be fitted into the connecting holes 59 of the attaching / detaching portion 50d. When the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50d, the connecting pins 595a, 595b are fitted into the connecting holes 59 provided in the attaching / detaching portion 50d. As a result, when the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50d, the connecting member 590 is connected to the attaching / detaching portion 50d. In the state where the connecting member 590 is connected to the attaching / detaching portion 50d, the movement of the connecting member 590 is restricted with respect to the attaching / detaching portion 50d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 590 can be fitted to a mounting convex portion 581a provided on the second side wall 547 on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the housing 540, that is, on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the developing device. A mounting hole 593a and a mounting hole 593b that can be fitted to the mounting convex portion 581b are provided. With respect to the screw holes provided in the mounting convex portion 581a and the mounting convex portion 581b in a state where the mounting convex portion 581a is fitted in the mounting hole 593a and the mounting convex portion 581b is fitted in the mounting hole 593b, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the screw 598 is stopped via the connecting member 590, whereby the connecting member 590 is attached to the side wall of the housing 540, that is, the upstream side in the mounting direction of the developing device.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the attachment hole 593a and the attachment hole 593b have a substantially elliptical cross section. The mounting holes 593a and the mounting holes 593b are provided so that the major axes of the respective substantially elliptical cross sections are in the same direction. Further, as described above, the mounting convex portion 581a has a circular cross section. Accordingly, the mounting hole 593a allows the movement of the mounting convex portion 581a fitted in the mounting hole 593a in the mounting hole 593a. Similarly, the mounting hole 593b allows the movement of the mounting convex portion 581b fitted in the mounting hole 593b in the mounting hole 593b.

  That is, the mounting hole 593a allows the mounting convex portion 581a to move in the direction of the major axis of the substantially elliptical cross section within the mounting hole 593a, and the mounting hole 593b corresponds to the mounting convex portion 581b. In the mounting hole 593b, the movement of the elliptical cross section in the long axis direction is allowed. The movement of the mounting convex portion 581a in the mounting hole 593a and the movement of the mounting convex portion 581b in the mounting hole 593b are performed at the same timing. Thus, the connecting member 590 is attached so that the relative position with the developing device main body can be changed.

<Operation of Yellow Developer 54>
Next, the operation of the yellow developing device 54 will be described. In the yellow developing device 54 configured as described above, the toner supply roller 550 rotates to supply the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510.
The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 as the developing roller 510 rotates, and the layer thickness is regulated and electric charge is applied when passing through the contact position. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 to which the layer thickness is regulated and the electric charge is applied reaches the developing position facing the photosensitive member 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and the photosensitive member is subjected to an alternating electric field at the developing position. The latent image formed on 20 is subjected to development.
The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position by further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the upper seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the upper seal member 520. Further, the toner T still remaining on the developing roller 510 can be peeled off by the toner supply roller 550.

=== Developing position, communication position, and attaching / detaching position of the developing device ===
As described above, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 move with the movement of the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d. At this time, the attachment / detachment unit moves so that each developing device is positioned at a predetermined position. As the predetermined position, there are a development position as a first position, a communication position as a second position, and an attachment / detachment position. Since the developing position, the communication position, and the attachment / detachment position of each developing device are the same, the development position, the communication position, and the attachment / detachment position of the yellow developing device 54 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D. To do. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the communication position. FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the attachment / detachment position. FIG. 12D is a diagram illustrating a state where the developing device holding unit 50 is located at the home position.

  In the state shown in FIG. 12A, the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position where the developing roller 510 faces the photoconductor 20. In this state, the developing roller 510 can develop the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20. In the state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position, as described above, the spring 576 provided on the attaching / detaching portion 50d biases the yellow developing device main body toward the outer peripheral side. The roller 574 is in contact with the photoconductor 20 by the biasing force of the spring 576. When the photosensitive member 20 is bent and attached to the printer main body 10a, the yellow developing device main body moves relative to the connecting member 590 when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position, that is, yellow developing. The mounting convex portion 581a of the developing device main body moves in the long axis direction in the mounting hole 593a of the connecting member, and the mounting convex portion 581b of the yellow developing device main body moves in the long axis direction in the mounting hole 593b of the connecting member 590. As a result, the roller 574 provided in the yellow developing device main body appropriately contacts the photoconductor 20. In such a case, the relative position of the connecting member 590 with respect to the developing device main body changes according to the biasing amount that the spring 576 biases. In the state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position, the magenta developing device 52 is located at the communication position.

  In addition, when the developing device holding unit 50 rotates a predetermined angle in the Z direction shown in FIG. 12A around the rotation shaft 50e from the state shown in FIG. 12A, the state shown in FIG. 12B is obtained. In the state shown in FIG. 12B, the yellow developing device 54 is located at the communication position. In this state, the communication unit 54a provided in the yellow developing device 54 faces the antenna unit 124 in a non-contact state. The communication unit 54a can communicate with the antenna unit 124. Further, when the yellow developing unit 54 is located at the communication position, the roller 574 of the yellow developing unit 54 is not in contact with the member on the printer main body 10a side. In the state where the yellow developing device 54 is located at the communication position, the black developing device 51 is located at the developing position. Therefore, communication of the communication unit with the antenna unit 124 can be performed when the black developing device 51 develops the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20.

  Further, when the developing device holding unit 50 rotates about the rotation shaft 50e by a predetermined angle in the Z direction shown in FIG. 12B from the state shown in FIG. 12B, the state shown in FIG. 12C is obtained. In the state shown in FIG. 12C, the yellow developing device 54 is located at the attachment / detachment position. In this state, the yellow developing device 54 can be attached / detached via the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e, that is, can be attached to or detached from the attaching / detaching portion 50d.

  The developer holding unit 50 is located at the home position shown in FIG. 12D after the printer main body 10a is turned on and the initialization operation is performed or before the printer 10 forms an image.

=== Configuration of communication unit ===
Next, the configuration of the communication unit provided in the developing device, including the data transmission / reception configuration, will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the configuration of the communication unit. FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the communication unit and the transmission / reception unit. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining information stored in the memory cell 54h of the communication unit 54a.

  A communication unit is attached to each of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. The configuration of the communication unit attached to each developing device, the attachment position of the communication unit with respect to the developing device main body, etc. Since there is the same, the communication unit 54a attached to the yellow developing device 54 will be described below as an example.

  The communication unit 54a can communicate in a non-contact state with the antenna unit 124 on the printer main body 10a side in a state where the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the detachable portion 50d. As described above, the yellow developing device 54 moves when the attaching / detaching portion 50d moves. The communication unit 54a communicates with the antenna unit 124 provided in the printer main body 10a in a non-contact state when the yellow developing device 54 moves to a communication position different from the development position. The communication unit 54 a is provided on the inner side of the antenna unit 124 in the diameter direction around the rotation shaft 50 e of the developing device holding unit 50.

  The communication unit 54a includes a thin plate base material 54i as a base material made of a thin plastic plate having a rectangular shape, an antenna 54d in which copper foil is wired in a rectangular planar coil shape, and antenna terminals provided at both ends of the antenna. 54j, a non-contact IC chip 54b as an element for having a memory and communicating with an external antenna, two aluminum connecting portions 54k for connecting the chip terminal of the non-contact IC chip 54b and the antenna terminal 54j, and It has a film-like protective sheet 54m that covers these and is sandwiched between 54i.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the antenna has an antenna terminal 54j disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular thin plate base material 54i, and is routed in a coil shape along the outer shape of the thin plate base material 54i. Another antenna terminal 54j is provided inside the antenna 54d. The outer antenna terminal 54j and the inner antenna terminal 54j are provided on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the thin plate base material 54i. On the thin plate base material 54i, ten copper foil patterns of the antenna 54d are arranged along the vertical and horizontal sides of the rectangle, and one side of the end portion side where the antenna terminal 54j is provided in the thin plate base material 54i. The non-contact IC chip 54b is arranged between them at the corners. And the two connection parts 54k which connect the chip terminal (not shown) provided in the non-contact IC chip 54b and the antenna terminal 54j are provided so as to be bridged over five copper foil patterns. That is, a non-contact IC chip 54b, two antenna terminals 54j, and two connecting portions 54k are provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction on the thin plate base material 54i, and the other areas except the center. Then, a copper foil pattern as the antenna 54d is drawn.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the communication unit 54 a is located downstream of the positioning pin 588 and the connecting member 590 in the longitudinal direction of the yellow developing device main body, that is, in the mounting direction of the yellow developing device 54. On the side. At this time, the communication unit 54a is arranged so that the end portion side where the non-contact IC chip 54b is provided is positioned on the upstream side in the mounting direction of the communication unit 54a.

  The communication unit 54a is attached to an outer surface 543 provided along the longitudinal direction of the housing 540. Here, the outer surface 543 indicates a portion of the housing 540 corresponding to the alternate long and short dash line, as shown in FIG. The outer surface 543 includes an arc surface 543a having a circular arc cross section that intersects with an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing 540. The arc surface 543a is provided so that the arc follows the rotation direction of the developing device holding unit 50 when the yellow developing device 54 is attached to the detachable portion 50d. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication unit 54a is attached to the arc surface 543a at a position farthest from the developing roller 510.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the antenna unit 124. FIG. 17 is a view for explaining a state in which the antenna unit is attached to the holder. The antenna unit 124 provided on the printer main body 10a side includes a base material 124a formed of a resin plate and a copper foil drawn in a coil shape along the outer shape of the base material 124a in substantially the same manner as the communication unit 54a. , An antenna terminal 124c provided at an end of the antenna 124b, and a protective sheet 124d made of resin. The two antenna terminals 124c are connected to the conductor 124e, respectively, and are connected to the control unit 100 via the communication control module 123. Here, the antenna unit 124 of the present embodiment is configured to include the protective sheet 124d, but the protective sheet 124d may not necessarily be provided.

Then, when the mounted yellow developing device 54 is disposed at the communication position, the antenna 54d of the communication unit 54a and the antenna 124b of the antenna unit 124 are provided at positions facing each other. The antenna unit 124 is fixed to the printer main body 10a through a resin holder 125. The holder 125 is formed in a box shape that covers the periphery of the antenna unit 124 and the base material 124a side and is open on one side, and the antenna 124b is arranged facing the outside from the opened side. At the edge of the holder 125 on the opened side, a flexible claw 125b is provided on the opposite side wall 125a so as to project inward. The antenna unit 124 is accommodated in a box-shaped holder 125 and supported by claws 125b.
That is, since the antenna unit 124 is held only by the resin holder 125, a metal member such as a screw is not used when the antenna unit 124 is fixed.

  If the communication unit 54a and the antenna unit 124 have a predetermined positional relationship, for example, a mutual distance within 10 mm, information can be transmitted and received in a non-contact state. The communication unit 54a is extremely small and thin as a whole, and can be attached to an object as a seal with adhesiveness on one side. It is called a memory tag or the like and is commercially available.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the non-contact IC chip 54b includes a resonance capacitor 54c, a rectifier 54e, a signal analysis unit RF (Radio Frequency) 54f, a control unit 54g, and a memory cell 54h. The memory cell 54h is an electrically readable / writable non-volatile memory such as a NAND flash ROM, and can store written information and read the stored information from the outside. .

  The antenna 54d of the communication unit 54a and the antenna unit 124 communicate with each other wirelessly, and read information stored in the memory cell 54h and write information into the memory cell 54h. Further, a high frequency signal generated by the communication control module 123 of the printer main body 10a is induced as a high frequency magnetic field via the antenna unit 124. This high-frequency magnetic field is absorbed through the antenna 54d of the communication unit 54a, rectified by the rectifier 54e, and becomes a DC power source that drives each circuit in the non-contact IC chip 54b.

  Various types of information are stored in the memory cell 54h of the communication unit 54a as shown in FIG. The address 00H stores ID information unique to each communication unit, such as the serial number of the communication unit, and the address 01H stores the date of manufacture of the yellow developing device 54. The address 02H Stores information for specifying the destination of the yellow developing unit 54, and information for specifying the production line on which the yellow developing unit 54 is manufactured is stored at the address 03H. 04H stores information for specifying a model that can be supported by the yellow developing unit 54, and the address 05H stores the remaining toner as information for indicating the amount of toner contained in the yellow developing unit 54. Quantity information is stored, and information is also stored as appropriate in the area after address 06H.

  The ID information stored in the memory cell 54h of the communication unit 54a may be written at the time of factory manufacture of the storage communication unit. By reading this ID information with the printer main body 10a, the individual communication units 54a, 51a, 52a and 53a can be identified.

  The antenna unit 124 may wirelessly communicate with the communication unit 54a not only when the developing device holding unit 50 is stationary but also when the developing device holding unit 50 is moving. That is, the antenna unit 124 may be capable of wireless communication with the moving communication unit 54a.

=== Installing operation of developing device ===
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of the positional relationship between the developing device and the printer main body when the developing device is mounted on the printer main body 10a as viewed from A in FIG. Here, the case where the yellow developing unit 54 is mounted will be described, but the mounting operation of other developing units is the same.

When the yellow developing device 54 is mounted on the printer main body 10a, the user or the like operates the printer main body 10a to which power is turned on, and inputs a command for mounting the yellow developing device 54. By this operation, the developing device holding unit 50 rotates so that the attaching / detaching portion 50d to which the yellow developing device 54 is to be attached is located at the attaching / detaching position. After the developing device holding unit 50 is stopped, the user or the like opens the first opening / closing cover 10b and the second opening / closing cover 10c of the printer body 10a.
Next, the yellow developing device 54 is caused to enter the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e of the printer main body 10a from the positioning pin 588 side with the connecting member 590 side facing forward. Then, the guided portion 549 on the front end side of the yellow developing device 54 is slowly inserted to a position where it engages with the guide portion 56 on the printer main body 10a side. At this time, a part of the communication unit 54a passes through the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e, but the non-contact IC chip 54b has not yet reached the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e.
Thereafter, the yellow developing device 54 is moved downstream in the conveying direction while the guided portion 549 is moved along the guide portion 56, and the positioning pin 588 is fitted into the positioning hole 58, and the connecting pins 595a and 595b are fitted into the connecting holes 59, respectively. Combine. Finally, when the second opening / closing cover 10c is closed and the first opening / closing cover 10b is closed, the developing device holding unit 50 rotates and stops at the home position.

  That is, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the present embodiment are configured so that the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b in the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are rectangular thin plate substrates 51i, 52i, 53i, 54i is disposed on one end side, and the end portion on which the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b are disposed is upstream in the mounting direction of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54. Since it is positioned, the antennas 51d, 52d, 53d, and 54d of the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are disposed downstream from the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b to the tip of the developing device in the mounting direction. The distance to be provided is secured. That is, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are attached to the printer main body 10a, the thin plate bases of the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are at least downstream of the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b. The materials 51i, 52i, 53i, 54i are positioned, and the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b are not positioned at the forefront of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54. For this reason, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are mounted on the printer main body 10a, the user accidentally applies the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b to the developing device attaching / detaching opening 10e and damages them. There is little drowning. Therefore, the user or the like can attach the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 without paying special attention. Therefore, it is possible to realize the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 that are easy to attach.

  In particular, since the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a communicate via the antenna unit 124 provided in the printer main body 10a, the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a and the antenna unit 124 are in close proximity. Therefore, the space around the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are attached to the printer main body 10a is small. However, the positions where the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are inserted and the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b pass are already passed through the leading ends of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54, Since the guide portion 549 is guided by the guide portion 56, the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, and 54b are less likely to be damaged even when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are being inserted.

  Further, since the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b are less likely to be damaged when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are mounted, a thick protective cover or the like is provided on the surface of the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. Without providing, it is possible to make a film-like protective sheet 54m. For this reason, since a communication distance with the antenna unit 124 which opposes at the time of communication can be shortened, it is possible to ensure a favorable communication state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the above embodiment are configured such that the communication units 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, and 54 a are one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 51, 52, 53, and 54 body. That is, it is provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. Further, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are mounted on the printer main body 10a, positioning pins 588 for positioning the relative position between the printer main body 10a and the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are also included in the developing devices 51, 52. , 53, 54 are provided downstream in the mounting direction. That is, the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are positioned on the positioning pin 588 side. As described above, the positioning pin 588 positions the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 with respect to the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, so that the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are downstream in the mounting direction. On the side, the distance between the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 main body and the printer main body 10a hardly changes. Further, even if the relative position of the connecting member 590 provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction with respect to the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 changes, the influence is small on the downstream side in the mounting direction. For this reason, when the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction of the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54, that is, on the positioning pin 588 side as in the above embodiment. The distance between the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a attached to the developing units 51, 52, 53, 54 main body and the printer main body 10a is difficult to change. Accordingly, the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a can appropriately communicate with the printer main body 10a.

  In the above embodiment, the cartridge has been described as the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54. However, the cartridge is detachable from the printer main body 10a, and is inserted and attached from one side of the printer main body 10a. In the case of a cartridge having 52a, 53a, 54a, the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are provided on the downstream side in the mounting direction, and the non-contact IC chips 51b, 52b, 53b are provided in the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. , 54b on the thin plate base materials 51i, 52i, 53i, 54i on the upstream side in the mounting direction, a cartridge that is easy to mount can be realized. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the same effect can be obtained by applying the communication unit 75a to the photoconductor unit 75 having the photoconductor 20.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The image forming apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment. However, the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating understanding of the present invention and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

  In the above embodiment, the intermediate transfer type full color laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type, but a full color laser beam printer, a monochrome laser beam printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses.

  In the above embodiment, the photoconductor as the image carrier has been described as a configuration in which the photosensitive layer is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical conductive base material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called photosensitive belt configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-like conductive substrate may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d are movable, and the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are attached to the attaching / detaching portion. Thus, the latent image carried on the photoreceptor 20 (image carrier) provided in the printer main body 10a is developed when the attachment / detachment portion moves to the development position. The communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a communicate with the printer main body 10a in a non-contact state when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 move to a communication position different from the development position. . However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the developing device may not move.
However, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 move with the movement of the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, the developing device is positioned at the communication position as compared with the case where the developing device does not move. Since the relative position of the connecting member 590 with the developing device main body is likely to change during the operation, the distance between the printer main body 10a and the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a may change more. For this reason, when the developing device moves with the movement of the attaching / detaching portion, the effect of providing the communication unit on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body, that is, the developing device capable of appropriately communicating with the printer main body 10a The effect that can be realized is more effectively achieved. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d include a spring 576 that biases the developing device main body along the longitudinal direction thereof. did. In addition, the relative position of the connecting member 590 with the developing device main body changes according to the biasing amount that the spring 576 biases. However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the detachable portion may not include a spring that biases the developing device main body along the longitudinal direction thereof.
However, when the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d include the spring 576 that urges the developing device main body along its longitudinal direction, the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are in the communication position. When the spring 576 is expanded and contracted, the developing device vibrates. When the developing device vibrates, the distance between the printer main body 10a and the communication unit does not change, and the communication unit may not be able to properly communicate with the printer main body 10a. Therefore, when the attaching / detaching portion includes the spring 576, the effect of providing the communication unit on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body, that is, the developing device capable of appropriately communicating with the printer main body 10a is realized. The effect that can be achieved is more effective. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the developing device main body carries toner T (developer), and a developing roller 510 for developing the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 by the toner T. (Developer carrier) and rollers 574 (interval holding member) provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 510 and in contact with the photosensitive member 20 to hold the interval between the photosensitive member 20 and the developing roller 510 And we decided to have. Further, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 are moved to the developing position, the rollers 574 are brought into contact with the photosensitive member 20 so as to maintain the interval. However, it is not limited to the above.
In order to appropriately develop the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20, it is necessary to appropriately maintain the distance between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. In order to maintain the spacing, rollers 574 that contact the photoreceptor 20 may be provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 510. In such a case, if the relative position of the connecting member 590 with the developing device main body including the developing roller 510 can be changed, the developing roller 510 is sensitive even if the photosensitive member 20 is attached to the printer main body 10a with an inclination. Since the roller 574 can be brought into contact with the photoconductor 20 so as to follow the body 20, the distance between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20 can be appropriately maintained. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the positioning portion has the first side wall 546 on the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body so that the axial direction thereof is along the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body. The positioning pin 588 (positioning shaft) is fixed to the head. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the positioning pin 588 is inserted into the positioning hole 58 provided in the attaching / detaching portion when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are attached to the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. The developing device main body is positioned with respect to the detachable portion by fitting. However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the positioning unit may position the developing device main body with respect to the attaching / detaching unit with a configuration other than the positioning pin 588 fitting into the positioning hole 58.
However, when positioning the developing device main body with respect to the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d by fitting the positioning pins 588 into the positioning holes 58, the developing device main body with respect to the attaching / detaching portion can be easily configured. Positioning can be performed. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

Furthermore, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the attaching / detaching parts 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d were provided with the connection hole 59. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the connecting member 590 includes connecting pins 595a and 595b (connecting convex portions) that can be fitted into the connecting holes 59, and the second side wall on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body. 547 is attached. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are attached to the detachable portions 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d, the connecting pins 595 a, 595 b are fitted into the connecting holes 59. The connecting member 590 is connected to the detachable part. However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the connecting member 590 may be connected to the detachable portion with a configuration other than the connecting pin 595a fitting into the connecting hole 59.
However, when the connecting member 590 is connected to the attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d by fitting the connecting pins 595a, 595b into the connecting hole 59, the connecting member 590 is attached / detached with a simple configuration. It becomes possible to make it connect with a part. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the developing device main body is provided with mounting convex portions 581a and 581b having a circular cross section. Further, the connecting member 590 has an elliptical cross section and includes mounting holes (593a that can be fitted to the mounting convex portions 581a and 593b that can be fitted to the mounting convex portions 581b) that can be fitted to the mounting convex portions. It was decided that Further, the mounting holes 593a and 593b allow the movement of the mounting convex portion fitted in the mounting hole in the mounting hole. However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the mounting holes 593a and 593b may have a cross-sectional shape other than an elliptical shape.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the developing device main body is supported by the housing 540 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and carries the toner T and is carried on the photoconductor 20 by the toner T. And a developing roller 510 for developing the latent image formed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer surface 543 of the housing 540 includes an arc surface 543 a having a circular arc cross section that intersects with an orthogonal surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing 540. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are attached to the arc surface 543a at a position farthest from the developing roller 510. However, it is not limited to the above. For example, the communication unit may be attached to the arc surface 543a at a position close to the developing roller 510.
However, when the communication units 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are attached to the arc surface 543a at a position farthest from the developing roller 510, the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 is scattered and the toner T is scattered. Since it can suppress adhering to a communication unit, a communication unit can communicate with the printer main body 10a side more appropriately. Therefore, the above embodiment is more desirable.

=== Configuration of Image Forming System etc. ===
Next, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system. The image forming system 700 includes a computer 702, a display device 704, a printer 10, an input device 708, and a reading device 710.
In this embodiment, the computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited thereto. The display device 704 is generally a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, but is not limited thereto. As the printer 10, the printer described above is used. In this embodiment, the input device 708 uses a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the reading device 710 uses a flexible disk drive device 710A and a CD-ROM drive device 710B. However, the reading device 710 is not limited to this. Disk) etc. may be used.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. An internal memory 802 such as a RAM and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit 804 are further provided in a housing in which the computer 702 is housed.

  In the above description, an example in which the printer 10 is connected to the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710 to configure the image forming system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the image forming system may include the computer 702 and the printer 10, and the image forming system may not include any of the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710.

  For example, the printer 10 may have a part of each function or mechanism of the computer 702, the display device 704, the input device 708, and the reading device 710. As an example, the printer 10 includes an image processing unit that performs image processing, a display unit that performs various displays, a recording medium attachment / detachment unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium that records image data captured by a digital camera or the like. It is good also as a structure to have.

  The image forming system realized in this way is a system superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a printer main body to which a developing device and the like can be attached and detached. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting a printer. It is a block diagram which shows the control unit of a printer. It is a perspective view of a developing device holding unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a developing device holding unit in a state where a yellow developing device is attached to the detachable portion. It is a figure which shows the position of the mounted developing device and the developing device holding unit. It is a perspective view of a yellow developing device. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the yellow developing device. It is a perspective view of the developing roller provided with a roller. It is a front view of a connection member. It is the perspective view which showed the back surface of the connection member. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the developing position. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the communication position. FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating the developing device holding unit 50 and the like when the yellow developing device 54 is located at the attachment / detachment position. FIG. 12D is a diagram illustrating a state where the developing device holding unit 50 is located at the home position. It is a top view which shows the structure of a communication unit. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the internal structure of a communication unit and a transmission / reception part. It is a figure for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the memory cell of the communication unit. It is a figure for demonstrating an antenna unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the state which attached the antenna unit to the holder. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the positional relationship between the developing device and the printer main body when the developing device is mounted on the printer main body as viewed from A in FIG. 1. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming system. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 19.

Explanation of symbols

10 Printer, 10a Printer body, 10b First opening / closing cover,
10c Second opening / closing cover, 10d Photoreceptor unit attaching / detaching opening, 10e Developing device attaching / detaching opening,
20 photoconductor, 30 charging unit, 40 exposure unit,
50 Developer holding unit,
50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Detachable part, 50e Rotating shaft, 50f Wall part,
51 Black developer,
52 magenta developer, 53 cyan developer, 54 yellow developer,
51a, 52a, 53a, 54a communication unit, 54b non-contact IC chip,
54c resonance capacitor, 54d antenna, 54e rectifier,
54f signal analysis unit RF, 54g control unit, 54h memory cell, 54i thin plate base material,
54j antenna terminal, 54k connecting part, 54m protective sheet, 56 guide part,
58 positioning hole, 59 connecting hole, 60 primary transfer unit, 70 intermediate transfer member,
75 photoconductor unit, 75a communication unit, 76 cleaning blade,
80 secondary transfer unit, 90 fixing unit, 92 paper feed tray,
94 paper feed roller, 95 display unit, 96 registration roller, 98 power supply unit,
100 control unit, 101 main controller, 102 unit controller,
111 CPU, 112 interface, 113 image memory,
114 Main controller side memory, 114a EEPROM, 114b RAM,
116 Unit controller side memory, 116a EEPROM, 120 CPU,
121 serial interface, 122 body side memory,
123 communication control module, 124 antenna unit, 124a base material,
124b antenna, 124c terminal, 124d protective sheet, 124e lead wire,
125 holder, 125a side wall, 125b nail,
510 developing roller, 510a large diameter portion, 510b shaft portion, 520 seal member,
522 seal support sheet metal, 524 seal urging member, 530 toner accommodating portion,
530a first toner container, 530b second toner container, 540 housing,
542 Upper housing part, 543 outer surface, 543a arcuate surface, 544 lower housing part,
545 partition wall, 546 first side wall, 547 second side wall, 549 guided portion,
550 toner supply roller,
560 regulating blade, 560a rubber part, 560b rubber support part,
562 Blade support sheet metal, 570 Blade back member, 572 Housing opening,
574 roller, 576 spring, 581a, 581b mounting projection,
588 positioning pin, 590 connecting member, 593a, 593b mounting hole,
595a, 595b connecting pin, 598 screw,
700 image forming system, 702 computer, 704 display device,
708 input device, 708A keyboard, 708B mouse, 710 reader,
710A flexible disk drive device,
710B CD-ROM drive device,
802 Internal memory, 804 hard disk drive unit, T toner

Claims (10)

(A) a substrate;
An antenna supported by a substrate;
An element supported by a base material for communicating via the antenna;
Having a communication unit,
(B) a housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in the mounting direction when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body;
A cartridge comprising (c). The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein
The cartridge, wherein the communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus main body via an apparatus-side antenna provided in the image forming apparatus main body. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2,
A positioning portion for positioning the image forming apparatus main body on the downstream side in the mounting direction;
The cartridge, wherein the communication unit is arranged on the downstream side in the mounting direction. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The substrate is fixed to the housing;
The cartridge, wherein the antenna and the element are supported by a base material on a side opposite to the housing with respect to the base material and covered with a film. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image forming apparatus main body includes an opening into which the cartridge is inserted,
A guide portion for guiding the cartridge to a mounting position;
The cartridge is mounted through the opening after entering from the opening and being engaged with the guide portion. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A cartridge which is a developing device in which a developer is accommodated in the housing. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A cartridge comprising an image carrier unit provided with an image carrier for carrying a latent image. (A) a substrate;
An antenna supported by a substrate;
An element supported by a base material for communicating via the antenna;
Having a communication unit,
(B) a housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in the mounting direction when mounted on the image forming apparatus;
(C)
(D) The communication unit communicates with the image forming apparatus main body via a device-side antenna provided in the image forming apparatus main body.
(E) having a positioning portion with the image forming apparatus main body on the downstream side in the mounting direction;
The communication unit is disposed on the downstream side in the mounting direction,
(F) The base material is fixed to the housing;
The antenna and the element are supported by a base material on the side opposite to the housing with respect to the base material and covered with a film,
(G) the image forming apparatus main body includes an opening into which the cartridge is inserted;
A guide portion for guiding the cartridge to a mounting position;
(H) The developing device in which the developer is accommodated in the housing after the element is inserted through the opening and engaged with the guide portion. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image carrier that carries a latent image; and a developing device having the following (a) and (b):
(A) a substrate;
An antenna supported by a substrate;
An element supported by a base material for communicating via the antenna;
Having a communication unit,
(B) A housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in the mounting direction when mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. An image forming system having a computer and an image forming apparatus connected to the computer and having the following (A) and (B):
(A) an image carrier that carries a latent image, and
(B) A developing device having the following (a) and (b): (a) a substrate;
An antenna supported by a substrate;
An element supported by a base material for communicating via the antenna;
Having a communication unit,
(B) A housing that supports the communication unit in which the element is positioned on the upstream side of the base material in the mounting direction when mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images