JP2014038355A - Developer container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer container that is configured as one form of a replacement unit, and used for an image forming apparatus that reliably communicates with two data carriers with a communication antenna with low output.SOLUTION: A developer container includes: a second fitting unit 66 that fits with a first fitting unit 56 provided to a developing unit 20 having a first storage unit D1 used for an image forming apparatus 1; and a second storage unit D2 from which information is read via a communication antenna 83 for wireless communication provided to the image forming apparatus 1. When the first fitting unit 56 is fitted with the second fitting unit 66, the second storage unit D2 is arranged opposite to the communication antenna 83 together with the first storage unit D1.

Description

The present invention relates to a developer container used in an image forming apparatus that is configured as an embodiment of an exchange unit and is an embodiment of an information processing apparatus that wirelessly communicates with a data carrier mounted on the exchange unit.

Among information processing apparatuses, there is an apparatus in which various exchange units can be mounted. Among them, a data carrier is mounted on the replacement unit, management information about the replacement unit is acquired from the data carrier mounted on the replacement unit (hereinafter referred to as “management information of the replacement unit”), and management of the replacement unit is performed. There is an information processing apparatus that executes a predetermined calculation (for example, determination as to whether or not the replacement unit can be used) based on information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Some of such information processing apparatuses are configured as an image forming apparatus, for example.

JP 2007-199457 A

  By the way, in the conventional information processing apparatus, when a plurality of communication antennas are provided in the apparatus main body for each of a plurality of data carriers mounted on each exchange unit, the number of parts of the communication system increases. , Manufacturing labor increases. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of communication antennas compared to conventional information processing apparatuses, it has been studied to adopt a configuration in which one communication antenna communicates with a plurality (for example, two) of data carriers.

  However, in order to reduce the number of communication antennas, the information processing apparatus covers a communication area of a plurality of data carriers with one communication antenna when configured to communicate with a plurality of data carriers with one communication antenna. In addition, it is necessary to increase the output of the communication antenna or increase the size (area) of the communication antenna.

  With respect to this problem, the inventor of the present invention reduces the output of the communication antenna so that the communication antenna receives only the electromagnetic wave output from the specific data carrier, and instead, it can perform reliable communication even with a weak electromagnetic wave. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration that reliably communicates with a plurality of (for example, two) data carriers with a small-output communication antenna, so that this problem can be improved.

The present invention has been made to improve the problems described above, it is configured as a form of exchange unit, a communication antenna of a small output, a form of an information processing apparatus for communicating securely with two data carriers A main object is to provide a developer container used in an image forming apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a developer container, a second fitting that fits into a first fitting part provided in a developing unit having a first storage part used in an image forming apparatus. And a second storage unit from which information is read via a communication antenna for wireless communication provided in the image forming apparatus, and when the second fitting unit is fitted to the first fitting unit The second storage unit is configured to face the communication antenna together with the first storage unit .

In the developer container, when the second fitting portion is fitted to the first fitting portion, the second storage portion faces the communication antenna together with the first storage portion. Thus, the image forming apparatus using the developer cartridge is a communication antenna of a small output can communicate reliably and two data carriers. In addition, the image forming apparatus using the developer container can reduce the number of parts of the communication system and can simplify the configuration of the communication system, thereby suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost. As a result, it can be provided at low cost.

Note that the image forming apparatus preferably has a configuration in which the two data carriers are arranged so that the antennas of the two data carriers and the communication antenna are substantially parallel and close to each other.

The image forming apparatus having this configuration can obtain the following effects.
That is, in general, when the output of a communication antenna is increased or the size of the communication antenna is increased, the image forming apparatus causes each communication antenna to be a data carrier that should not originally cover the communication area (hereinafter referred to as “outside communication group”). The electromagnetic wave output from the "data carrier" is received. Therefore, in this case, the image forming apparatus increases information noise such as reading information from a data carrier outside the communication group.

Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is configured to communicate with a plurality of data carriers with one communication antenna in order to reduce the number of communication antennas, it is necessary to take measures against information noise. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus increases, power consumption increases, and the structure becomes complicated.

However, in the image forming apparatus , the two data carriers are arranged so that the antennas and the communication antennas of the two data carriers are substantially parallel and close to each other by using the above-described configuration. Thus, the image forming apparatus, a communication antenna of a small output can communicate reliably and two data carriers. In addition, the image forming apparatus can reduce the number of parts of the communication system and can simplify the configuration of the communication system, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed and, as a result, provided at low cost. it can be.

According to the present invention, a communication antenna of a small output, it is possible to provide a developer container for use in an image forming apparatus for communicating securely with two data carriers.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus as an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an exchange unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view (1) which shows the structure of the exchange unit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view (2) which shows the structure of the exchange unit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view (3) which shows the structure of the exchange unit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the replacement unit according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the exposure unit used for Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data carrier used for Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the data carrier used for Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and a data carrier mounted on an exchange unit. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a size relationship between a communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and a data carrier mounted on an exchange unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an exchange unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of an exchange unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a size relationship between a communication antenna of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment and a data carrier mounted on an exchange unit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically shown so that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the common component and the same component, and those overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus as One Form of Information Processing Apparatus>
Hereinafter, a configuration of an image forming apparatus as an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus as an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Among information processing apparatuses, there is an apparatus in which various exchange units can be mounted. Among them, there is an information processing apparatus that acquires management information related to a replacement unit from the replacement unit (hereinafter referred to as “replacement unit management information”) and executes a predetermined calculation based on the management information of the replacement unit. .

  This type of information processing apparatus is configured as various types of apparatuses. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, this type of information processing apparatus may be configured as an image forming apparatus 1 such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine. Here, the case where the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a tandem type direct transfer type color electrophotographic printer will be described. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as “printer 1”. Hereinafter, the “image forming” operation may be referred to as a “printing” operation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a paper feed cassette 2 at the lower portion inside, and a paper feed mechanism 3 at the front end of the paper feed cassette 2. The paper feed cassette 2 is a medium storage unit that stores paper as a recording medium. The paper feed mechanism 3 is a medium supply unit that separates sheets one by one and feeds them to the subsequent mechanism.

  The paper feed mechanism 3 transports the paper to transport roller units 4 a and 4 b provided above the paper feed mechanism 3. The transport roller units 4 a and 4 b are transport members that transport the paper to the transport belt 5. The conveyance belt 5 is a conveyance member that conveys a sheet to a fixing device 40 described later. The conveyance belt 5 conveys the sheet while sandwiching the sheet with the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20.

  The developing unit 20 is a developing device that forms a developer image (toner image) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 provided therein. The developing unit 20 is configured as an exchange unit that can be attached to and detached from the printer 1. Details of the developing unit 20 will be described in the section “Configuration of Replacement Unit”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is provided with four developing units 20 corresponding to the respective colors of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Yes. The four developing units 20 have the same configuration except that the color of the developer (toner) used is different. Hereinafter, when distinguishing components corresponding to each color of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), an alphabetic character is added at the end of the code given to each component. The description will be given with “K”, “Y”, “M”, and “C”.

  The printer 1 includes an exposure unit 10 and a transfer roller 31 of a transfer unit 30 around the photosensitive drum 21 of the developing unit 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exposure unit 10 is provided above the photosensitive drum 21. On the other hand, the transfer roller 31 is provided below the photosensitive drum 21.

  The exposure unit 10 is a unit that partially exposes the photosensitive drum 21 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 based on a print command transmitted from a host device (not shown). Here, the case where the exposure unit 10 is configured as an LED (Light Emitting Device) head will be described. Hereinafter, the exposure unit 10 is referred to as “LED head 10”. In the first embodiment, the LED head 10 is attached to the upper cover 7 via a holder unit 11, and the holder unit 11 serves as a reading unit for wireless communication with data carriers D1 and D2 described later as storage units. Communication antenna 83.

  When the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21, the developing unit 20 supplies the developer to the photosensitive drum 21 to develop (visualize) the electrostatic latent image as a developer image. . As a result, a developer image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Hereinafter, the developer is referred to as “toner”, and the developer image is referred to as “toner image”.

  The transfer unit 30 is a unit that transfers a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a sheet. The transfer unit 30 includes a transfer roller 31 and a conveyance belt 5. The transfer roller 31 is a transfer member that draws the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 21 to a sheet. The transfer roller 31 is provided on the inner periphery of the transport belt 5 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The transport belt 5 is a transport member that transports the paper along the photosensitive drums 21K, 21Y, 21M, and 21C of the four developing units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C.

  A voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 31. As a result, the transfer roller 31 draws the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. At that time, the conveyance belt 5 conveys the sheet. As a result, the transfer unit 30 transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 21 to the sheet.

  When forming a color image, the printer 1 forms toner images of colors corresponding to the four developing units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C with the four developing units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C. The toner image is transferred onto the paper. As a result, the printer 1 forms a color toner image on the surface of the paper.

  When the toner image is transferred to the paper, the printer 1 conveys the paper to the fixing device 40. The fixing device 40 is a unit that melts the toner by heating and pressurizing the paper to fix the toner image on the recording medium. When the toner image is fixed on the sheet, the printer 1 conveys the sheet by the conveyance roller 4c and the discharge conveyance roller 6, and discharges the sheet to the outside. As a result, the sheets are collected in a stacker 8 provided on the upper cover 7.

<Configuration of replacement unit>
In this configuration, the developing unit 20 is configured as an exchange unit that can be freely detached and attached to the printer 1 as described above. Further, the developing unit 20 includes a toner cartridge 61 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, as an exchange unit that can be removed and attached. That is, the developing unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61 are both detachable from the printer 1 as the main body device. The developing unit 20 is a first exchange unit. Hereinafter, the developing unit 20 may be referred to as a “first unit”. The toner cartridge 61 is a second exchange unit. Hereinafter, the toner cartridge 61 may be referred to as a “second unit”. The printer 1 has a configuration in which the upper cover 7 can be opened and closed in order to replace the developing unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the replacement unit according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the replacement unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional configuration of the developing unit 20 as the first replacement unit and the toner cartridge 61 as the second replacement unit. 3 to 5 are perspective views illustrating the configuration of the replacement unit according to the first embodiment, respectively. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the developing unit 20 with the toner cartridge 61 mounted. FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the developing unit 20 with the toner cartridge 61 removed. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the toner cartridge 61.

  As described above, the printer 1 is provided with the four developer units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C. However, the four developer units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C have different toner colors. The configuration is the same except for the difference. The four toner cartridges 61K, 61Y, 61M, and 61C used in the four developer units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C have the same configuration except that the colors of the toners stored therein are different.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a developing roller 23, a toner supply roller 24, a developing blade 25, a cleaning blade 26, a toner storage chamber 27, and a stirring bar 28. doing.

The photosensitive drum 21 is an image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image and a toner image.
The charging roller 22 is a charging member that uniformly and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The charging roller 22 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

  The developing roller 23 is a developer carrier that carries toner to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 21. The developing roller 23 is provided so as to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 21. The developing roller 23 carries toner and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 21 as the toner rotates. As a result, the developing roller 23 causes toner to adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and develops (visualizes) the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 as a toner image.

The toner supply roller 24 is a developer supply member that supplies toner to the developing roller 23. The toner supply roller 24 is provided in contact with the developing roller 23.
The developing blade 25 is a developer layer thickness regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer supplied to the developing roller 23. The developing blade 25 is provided so that the tip is in contact with the developing roller 23.

The cleaning blade 26 is a developer removing member that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after the transfer process from the photosensitive drum 21.
The toner storage chamber 27 is a developer storage chamber that temporarily stores toner to be supplied to the developing roller 23.
The stirring bar 28 is a stirring member that stirs the toner inside the toner storage chamber 27.

  Further, the developing unit 20 includes a toner cartridge 61 as an exchange unit that can be freely detached and attached. The toner cartridge 61 is a developer container that stores toner used for development.

  The toner cartridge 61 is provided with a toner supply port 62 at the bottom. The toner supply port 62 is a developer supply port provided for supplying toner stored in the toner cartridge 61 to the toner storage chamber 27. The toner supply port 62 is opened and closed by a shutter 63 as an opening / closing member.

  The toner cartridge 61 is fixed to the developing unit 20 by a lock mechanism (not shown). The lock mechanism is engaged with the shutter 63 and is in one of an unlocked state and a locked state depending on the position of the shutter 63.

  For example, when the toner in the toner cartridge 61 is consumed and emptied, the user replaces the old toner cartridge 61a (not shown) with a new toner cartridge 61b (not shown). At this time, the user rotates the shutter 63 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. Thereby, the lock mechanism is unlocked. 3 shows the configuration of the toner cartridge 61 and the developing unit 20 as viewed from the rear so that the configuration of the toner cartridge 61 and the developing unit 20 can be easily understood.

  When the lock mechanism is unlocked, the user removes the old toner cartridge 61a from the developing unit 20 and installs a new toner cartridge 61b in the developing unit 20 instead. At this time, the user attaches a new toner cartridge 61b to the developing unit 20 along the direction of arrow C shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the user rotates the shutter 63 in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. Thereby, the lock mechanism is locked. At this time, the toner inside the toner cartridge 61 b falls from the toner cartridge 61 b to the toner storage chamber 27 via the toner supply port 62 and is stored in the toner storage chamber 27. In this way, the user replaces the old toner cartridge 61a with a new toner cartridge 61b.

  The LED head 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided between the charging roller 22 and the developing roller 23 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. Further, the transfer roller 31 of the transfer unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 is provided between the developing roller 23 and the cleaning blade 26 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21 through the transport belt 5.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the housing of the developing unit 20 includes side plates 51 </ b> R and 51 </ b> L, an upper frame 52, and a base frame 53. The side plates 51R and 51L cover the side surface of the developing unit 20 and include the main components of the developing unit 20 (specifically, the photosensitive drum 21, the charging roller 22, the developing roller 23, the toner supply roller 24, and the like). , Both ends of the developing blade 25) are supported. Further, the upper frame 52 and the base frame 53 cover the front and rear and upper and lower surfaces of the developing unit 20. The toner cartridge 61 is mounted on the upper frame 52.

A first fitting portion 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is provided on the inner surface of the side plate 51L. The first fitting portion 56 is a portion that fits with a second fitting portion 66 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) provided in the toner cartridge 61. Hereinafter, the first fitting portion 56 may be referred to as a “first unit fitting portion”. Further, the second fitting portion 66 may be referred to as a “second unit fitting portion”.

  The first fitting portion 56 is provided so as to protrude from the inner surface of the side plate 51 </ b> L so as to be inserted into the toner cartridge 61. The first fitting portion 56 includes a convex portion 201 protruding from the side plate 51L, a tag accommodating portion 57 formed on the convex portion 201, a first RFID tag D1 disposed in the tag accommodating portion 57, and a tag accommodating portion. A first lid 58 covering 57. Here, the “RFID tag” is a storage device that includes an antenna coil and performs wireless communication with an external information processing apparatus (here, a printer as an image forming apparatus) to write and read information. Here, the “RFID tag” is used as a data carrier mounted on the exchange unit. In the following description, when distinguishing the tag accommodating portion 57 from a tag accommodating portion 67 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) described later, the tag accommodating portion 57 will be referred to as a “first tag accommodating portion 57” and will be described later. 67 is referred to as a “second tag accommodating portion 67”.

  As for the 1st fitting part 56, the tag accommodating part 57 is provided in the inside. The tag accommodating portion 57 is a space provided for accommodating the first RFID tag D1 which is a storage portion capable of identifying information stored wirelessly. The first RFID tag D1 is a first data carrier that stores management information related to the developing unit 20, and corresponds to a “first storage unit” recited in the claims.

  The first RFID tag D1 is accommodated one by one in the four first fitting portions 56K, 56Y, 56M, and 56C provided in each of the four developer units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C. The four first RFID tags D1K, D1Y, D1M, and D1C housed in each first fitting portion 56 have the same configuration except that stored information is different.

  The first fitting portion 56 includes a first lid 58 that seals the tag accommodating portion 57 so that the first RFID tag D1 does not fall off when the first RFID tag D1 is accommodated in the tag accommodating portion 57. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the housing of the toner cartridge 61 includes an outer frame 64 as a first housing portion and a side frame 65 as a second housing portion. The outer frame 64 covers the front and rear and upper and lower surfaces of the toner cartridge 61. The outer frame 64 is provided with a toner supply port 62 (see FIG. 2) on the bottom surface, and abuts the upper frame 52 (see FIG. 4) on the bottom surface. Further, the outer frame 64 houses the shutter 63 so that only a portion of the shutter 63 that is gripped by the user is exposed to the outside. The side frame 65 covers the side surface of the toner cartridge 61.

  A second fitting portion 66 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) is provided on the outer surface of the side frame 65. The second fitting portion 66 is a portion that fits with a first fitting portion 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) provided in the developing unit 20. The second fitting portion 66 is disposed in the concave portion 202 formed in the side frame 65, the second tag housing portion 67 formed in the wall portion 203 that forms the concave portion 202, and the second tag housing portion 67. It consists of a second RFID tag D2 and a second lid 68 that covers the second tag housing portion 67. The second fitting portion 66 is provided with a recess 202 (see FIG. 5) that is a space for fitting the first fitting portion 56 in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20.

As for the 2nd fitting part 66, the tag accommodating part 67 is provided in the inside. The tag accommodating portion 67 is a space provided for accommodating a second RFID tag D2 that is a storage portion capable of identifying information stored wirelessly. The 2RFID tag D2 corresponds to Ri Ah in the second data carrier stores management information about the toner cartridge 61 was described in the claims, "second storage portion".

  The second RFID tags D2 are accommodated one by one in the four second fitting portions 66K, 66Y, 66M, 66C provided in the four toner cartridges 61K, 61Y, 61M, 61C, respectively. The four second RFID tags D2K, D2Y, D2M, and D2C accommodated in each second fitting portion 66 have the same configuration except that stored information is different.

  The second fitting portion 66 includes a second lid 68 that seals the tag housing portion 67 so that the second RFID tag D2 does not fall off when the second RFID tag D2 is housed in the tag housing portion 67. .

(Position relationship of fitting part)
In the first embodiment, the printer 1 includes four first RFID tags D1 and four second RFID tags D2, and reads information from these using four communication antennas 83. At this time, since the four communication antennas 83 use electromagnetic waves having phases close to each other, there is a possibility of interfering with the communication of the other communication antennas 83. Therefore, the four first RFID tags D1, the four second RFID tags D2, and the four communication antennas 83 need to be accurately aligned. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 is configured to align the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 with respect to the communication antenna 83 by the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66.

  Hereinafter, the positional relationship between the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66 when the toner cartridge 61 is attached to the developing unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the replacement unit according to the first embodiment. 6 shows the first fitting portion 56 of the developing unit 20 as the first replacement unit and the second of the toner cartridge 61 as the second replacement unit, as viewed from the direction of the arrow F on the surface E shown in FIGS. The state just before fitting part 66 is shown is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, a slope 58 a is provided at the tip of the first lid 58 attached to the first fitting portion 56 of the developing unit 20. A slope 68 a is provided at the tip of the second lid 68 attached to the second fitting portion 66 of the toner cartridge 61. The slope 58a and the slope 68a function to draw the first fitting part 56 and the second fitting part 66 into a predetermined position. Accordingly, the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66 improve the mounting property between the toner cartridge 61 and the developing unit 20. Hereinafter, the slope 58a and the slope 68a may be referred to as “inclined portions”.

  In this configuration, the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66 are formed on the first lid 58 when the toner cartridge 61 is mounted on the developing unit 20 along the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. When the first positioning portion 58b and the second positioning portion 202b formed in the concave portion 202 abut each other, the first positioning portion 58b is positioned at a predetermined position. Note that the “predetermined position” means that an antenna coil 73a as a first antenna portion described later of the first RFID tag D1 and an antenna coil 73b as a second antenna portion described later of the second RFID tag D2 partially overlap each other ( In addition to the communication antenna 83 (see FIG. 13B), the communication antenna 83 (strictly speaking, the antenna coil 93 as the third antenna portion of the communication antenna 83 (see FIGS. 11 and 13B). )) (See FIG. 12).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover 7 is disposed in the printer 1 as the main device, is supported by the fulcrum portion O, and opens and closes in the direction of the arrow P. The holder unit 11 attached to the cover 7 and the LED head 10 as an exposure unit are structured to move away from and in contact with the developing unit 20 as the cover 7 rotates.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing the configuration of the main part of the exposure unit used in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the LED head 10 as an exposure unit when viewed from the transfer unit 30 side shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the LED head 10 includes a lens unit 10a, an LED element (not shown) arranged to face the lens unit 10a, and a holder unit 10b that holds the lens unit 10a and the LED element. In addition, fourth positioning portions M1 and M2 are formed in the holder portion 10b.

  When the cover 7 is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 1, the third positioning portions 20A and 20B shown in FIG. 3 formed in the developing unit 20 and the fourth shown in FIG. When the positioning parts M1 and M2 are engaged, the communication antenna 83 arranged in the holder part 11 via the LED head 10 faces the fitting positions of the first fitting part 56 and the second fitting part 66. So that it is positioned. As a result, the communication antenna 83, the first RFID tag D1, and the second RFID tag D2 are positioned in the overlapping direction X.

  The communication antenna 83 is a planar antenna provided for the printer 1 to wirelessly communicate with the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2. In the first embodiment, the printer 1 is configured to communicate with the two first RFID tags D1 and the second RFID tag D2 with one communication antenna 83 in order to reduce the number of communication antennas 83.

  Therefore, the communication antenna 83 forms a unit communication group with two data carriers (here, the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2) arranged close to each other. The printer 1 is configured to have a plurality of communication groups. Each communication antenna 83 is configured to output weak electromagnetic waves that are incapable of communicating with data carriers of other communication groups.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the communication antenna 83 is disposed at a position that is substantially parallel and close to the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2. In the first embodiment, the communication antenna 83 is accommodated in a holder portion 11 (see FIG. 1) provided for attaching the LED head 10 to the upper cover 7, and thereby, the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag. In the following description, it is assumed that they are disposed substantially parallel to D2 and close to each other.

  However, the printer 1 needs to increase the output of the communication antenna 83 or increase the size (area) of the communication antenna 83 in order to reliably communicate with the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2. is there. Therefore, the printer 1 positions the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66 at the “predetermined position” described above, and places the communication antenna 83, the first RFID tag D1, and the second RFID tag D2 in a suitable position. To place. As a result, the printer 1 performs reliable communication even with weak electromagnetic waves, and avoids such an event (an event in which the output of the communication antenna 83 is increased or the size of the communication antenna 83 is increased). That is, it is possible to reduce the area of the antenna coil 93 as a reading unit and as a receiving unit of the communication antenna 83 as a communication unit. Hereinafter, details of the communication antenna 83, the first RFID tag D1, and the second RFID tag D2 will be described.

(Data carrier structure)
First, the configuration of the first RFID tag D1 as the first data carrier and the second RFID tag D2 as the second data carrier will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a data carrier used in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 has a configuration in which an IC chip 72 and an antenna coil 73 are provided on a substrate 71 formed in a rectangular shape.

  The IC chip 72 is a functional unit that performs communication and performs various calculations using the high-frequency power received by the antenna coil 73 as power supply power. The IC chip 72 is disposed substantially at the center of the substrate 71. The IC chip 72 includes a memory element (not shown) and also functions as a memory member. The IC chip 72 stores information about the developing unit 20 or information about the toner cartridge 61 in a storage element (not shown). The IC chip 72 reads information stored in the storage element and outputs it to the printer 1 or writes information to the storage element in response to a command output from the printer 1.

The antenna coil 73 is a planar antenna for receiving high-frequency power from the communication antenna 83 and performing communication. The antenna coil 73 is formed in the same plane as a spiral conductive pattern antenna so as to spread outward around the IC chip 72. Hereinafter, the antenna coil 73 may be referred to as a “data carrier antenna”.

(Example of information stored in data carrier)
Next, an example of information stored in the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the data carrier used in the first embodiment. FIG. 9A shows an example of information stored in the first RFID tag D1, and FIG. 9B shows an example of information stored in the second RFID tag D2.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the first RFID tag D1 stores corresponding model information d1a, printable sheet number information d1b, and development unit usage information d1c as management information of the development unit 20. In the printer 1, the RF read / write controller 81 reads out these pieces of information from the first RFID tag D <b> 1 and outputs them to the color printer controller 82. When these pieces of information are input, the color printer control unit 82 executes a predetermined calculation.

  The corresponding model information d1a represents the model of the printer 1 that can use the developing unit 20. The color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 compares the corresponding model information d1a stored in the first RFID tag D1 with the model information (not shown) of the printer 1 stored in advance in the storage unit (not shown) of the printer 1. If the two do not match, it is determined that the wrong developing unit 20 is attached to the printer 1. In this case, the color printer control unit 82 generates an alarm sound from a sound output unit (not shown) or displays warning information on a display unit (not shown), and the wrong developing unit 20 is attached to the printer 1. Notify the user that this has been done.

  The printable sheet number information d1b represents the number of sheets that can be printed by the developing unit 20. The color printer controller 82 of the printer 1 specifies the number of printable sheets based on the printable sheet number information d1b stored in the first RFID tag D1, and subtracts the number of printable sheets each time printing is performed. To do. Then, the color printer control unit 82 causes the first RFID tag D1 to store, via the RF read / write control unit 81, the number of printable sheets after subtraction as new printable number information d1b after update. In this way, the color printer control unit 82 manages the remaining number of sheets that can be printed by the developing unit 20. The printable sheet number information d1b represents the number of printable sheets when the printer 1 prints on A4 size sheets at a print density of 5%. Therefore, when printing on paper other than A4 size, the color printer control unit 82 converts the size to A4 size and manages the remaining number of printable sheets.

  The development unit usage amount information d1c represents the number of sheets already printed by the development unit 20 converted in A4 size. The color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 identifies the number of sheets already printed by the developing unit 20 based on the developing unit usage information d1c, and adds the number of printed sheets every time printing is executed. Then, the color printer control unit 82 causes the first RFID tag D1 to store the added number of printed sheets via the RF read / write control unit 81 as updated development unit usage information d1c after update. In this way, the color printer control unit 82 manages the usage amount of the developing unit 20.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 9B, the second RFID tag D2 uses the corresponding developing unit information d2a, the printable sheet number information d2b, the toner usage information d2c, and the toner empty information d2d as the management information of the toner cartridge 61. Is remembered. In the printer 1, as in the case of reading information from the first RFID tag D 1, the RF read / write control unit 81 reads out the information from the second RFID tag D 2 and outputs it to the color printer control unit 82. When these pieces of information are input, the color printer control unit 82 executes a predetermined calculation.

  The corresponding developing unit information d2a represents the model of the developing unit 20 that can use the toner cartridge 61. The color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 compares the corresponding unit information d2a stored in the second RFID tag D2 with the unit information (not shown) of the developing unit 20 stored in advance in the storage unit (not shown) of the printer 1. If they do not match, it is determined that the wrong toner cartridge 61 is attached to the developing unit 20. In this case, the color printer control unit 82 generates an alarm sound from a sound output unit (not shown) or displays warning information on a display unit (not shown), and the wrong toner cartridge 61 is placed in the developing unit 20. Notify the user that it has been installed.

  The printable sheet number information d2b represents the number of sheets that can be printed with the amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 61. The color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 specifies the number of printable sheets based on the printable sheet number information d2b, and subtracts the number of printable sheets each time printing is performed. Then, the color printer control unit 82 causes the second RFID tag D2 to store the updated printable sheet number d2b as the updated new printable sheet number information d2b via the RF read / write control unit 81. In this way, the color printer control unit 82 manages the remaining number of sheets that can be printed with the amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 61. The printable sheet number information d2b represents the number of printable sheets when the printer 1 prints on an A4 size sheet at a print density of 5%. Therefore, when printing on paper other than A4 size, the color printer control unit 82 converts the size to A4 size and manages the remaining number of printable sheets.

  The toner usage amount information d2c represents the amount of toner already used in the toner cartridge 61 (hereinafter referred to as “used toner amount”). The color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 specifies the amount of toner used based on the toner usage amount information d2c, and adds the amount of toner used each time printing is performed. Then, the color printer control unit 82 stores the used toner amount after addition through the RF read / write control unit 81 in the second RFID tag D2 as new updated toner usage information d2c. In addition, the color printer control unit 82 subtracts the used toner amount from the toner storage amount set in the toner cartridge 61 to specify the remaining amount of toner inside the toner cartridge 61. In this way, the color printer control unit 82 manages the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge 61, and generates a warning sound from a sound output unit (not shown) when the remaining amount of toner becomes less than a predetermined amount. Or warning information is displayed on a display unit (not shown) to notify the user that toner supply is necessary.

  The toner empty information d2d represents that the toner in the toner cartridge 61 has been consumed and the toner has become empty, and the cumulative number of times the toner cartridge 61 has become empty. For example, when the toner cartridge 61 becomes empty, the color printer control unit 82 of the printer 1 confirms how many times the toner cartridge 61 is recycled and used based on the toner empty information d2d. It is determined whether the cartridge 61 can be further recycled and used. Further, the color printer control unit 82 adds the cumulative number of times that the toner cartridge 61 has been emptied through the RF read / write control unit 81 and increments the RF read / write control unit 81. Then, the new total number of times after the addition is stored in the second RFID tag D2 as toner empty information d2d. In this way, the color printer control unit 82 manages the usage history of the toner cartridge 61 based on the toner empty information d2d.

(Configuration of communication system of image forming apparatus)
Next, the configuration of the communication system of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the printer 1 has an RF read / write control unit 81 and a color printer control unit 82.

  The RF read / write controller 81 is a functional unit that supplies high-frequency power to both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 via the communication antenna 83 and performs wireless communication with both. The RF read / write controller 81 is connected to the communication antennas 83K, 83Y, 83M, and 83C and the color printer controller 82 via signal lines. The communication antennas 83K, 83Y, 83M, 83C are holder units 11K, 11Y, 11M, which fix the LED heads 10K, 10Y, 10M, 10C corresponding to the four developing units 20K, 20Y, 20M, 20C, respectively. 11C (see FIG. 1). The RF read / write controller 81 receives a control signal from the color printer controller 82 via the signal line, and is supplied with power. Accordingly, the RF read / write control unit 81 performs communication control such as reading or writing of information between the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 via the communication antenna 83, or the color printer control unit 82. Send and receive information between them.

The color printer control unit 82 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the printer 1. The color printer control unit 82 functions as a processing unit that executes a predetermined calculation by communicating with both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 via the RF read / write control unit 81. Hereinafter, the color printer control unit 82 may be referred to as an “information processing unit”.

(Configuration of communication antenna of image forming apparatus)
Next, the configuration of the communication antenna 83 of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the communication antenna 83 has a configuration in which an I / F connector 92 and an antenna coil 93 are provided on a substrate 91 formed in a rectangular shape.

  The I / F connector 92 is a connector to which a coaxial cable from the RF read / write controller 81 is connected. The I / F connector 92 is disposed substantially at the center of the substrate 91 and is connected to the antenna coil 93.

  The antenna coil 93 is an antenna for supplying high-frequency power to both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 and wirelessly communicating with both. The antenna coil 73 is formed as a spiral conductive pattern antenna so as to spread outward around the I / F connector 92.

(Relationship between communication antenna and data carrier of image forming device)
Next, an arrangement relationship among the communication antenna 83, the first RFID tag D1, and the second RFID tag D2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and the data carrier mounted on the exchange unit. FIG. 12 shows the shape of a cross section when the cross section of the surface E shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the F direction. FIG. 12 shows a state where the first fitting portion 56 of the developing unit 20 and the second fitting portion 66 of the toner cartridge 61 are fitted, as viewed from the direction of the arrow F.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first fitting portion 56 of the developing unit 20 and the second fitting portion 66 of the toner cartridge 61 are fitted so as to face the communication antenna 83 at a position near the communication antenna 83. To do. At this time, the antenna coils 73 (see FIG. 8) of both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 are respectively connected to the antenna coil 93 (see FIG. 11) of the communication antenna 83 within the communicable range of the communication antenna 83. It arrange | positions so that it may become substantially parallel with respect to it. Note that “substantially parallel” means parallel within a predetermined allowable angle. Specifically, the allowable angle is preferably within ± 10 degrees.

(Communication antenna size of image forming device for data carrier)
Next, the size (area) of the communication antenna 83 with respect to the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a size relationship between the communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and the data carrier mounted on the exchange unit. FIG. 13 shows a state when the first RFID tag D1, the second RFID tag D2, and the communication antenna 83 are viewed from the G direction shown in FIG.

  One antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 83 needs to be formed in a size (area) that covers the antenna coil 73a of the first RFID tag D1 and the antenna coil 73b of the second RFID tag D2. However, when the antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 83 is arranged so that the antenna coil 73a and the antenna coil 73b do not overlap when viewed from the communication antenna 83 side, as shown in FIG. turn into. The antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 83 is preferably formed as small as possible in order to reduce the mounting density of the communication antenna 83.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 83 is composed of the antenna coil 73a as the first antenna unit and the antenna coil 73b as the second antenna unit as shown in FIG. Arranged so as to overlap when viewed from the side. That is, the first RFID tag D1 as the first storage unit and the second RFID tag D2 as the second storage unit are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the communication antenna 83 as the communication unit.

  However, in the communication antenna 83, when the antenna coil 73a and the antenna coil 73b are completely overlapped, a communication failure occurs. Therefore, the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 are arranged with their positions shifted in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right directions (including the oblique direction) so that the antenna coil 73a and the antenna coil 73b do not completely overlap. That is, in the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2, the antenna coil 73a and the antenna coil 73b partially overlap each other and are substantially parallel to the antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 83 within the communicable range of the communication antenna 83. Placed in.

  The overlap amount W between the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 is preferably 85% or less of the area of the antenna coil 73a formed in the first RFID tag D1. This is because if it is further stacked, communication failure between the first RFID tag D1 and the communication antenna 83 and communication failure between the second RFID tag D2 and the communication antenna 83 may occur.

  In the first embodiment, the antenna coil 73a as the first antenna part forming the first RFID tag D1 is arranged so that adjacent coils in the vertical and horizontal directions of the IC chip 72 have substantially the same pitch. The antenna coil 73a has a substantially uniform area density with respect to the first RFID tag D1 except for the central portion where the IC chip 72 is disposed.

  The first RFID tag D1 is configured as described above with the IC chip 72 disposed at the center, when the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 are overlapped under the above conditions, the antenna around the IC chip 72 is arranged. By configuring the area where the coil 73a, 73b has a non-uniform area density in an area where the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 overlap, the overlap amount W is increased and the mounting area is reduced. This is to avoid the occurrence of communication failure. Furthermore, this configuration is for sharing the parts of the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2.

  In the first embodiment, the width L in the overlapping direction X of the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 is 15 mm, and the overlapping amount W of the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 in the overlapping direction X is 10 mm. And the non-overlap amount d was 5 mm.

  Thus, in the first embodiment, in the communication system of the apparatus, the first fitting portion 56 as the first unit fitting portion and the second fitting portion 66 as the second unit fitting portion are fitted. By disposing the communication antenna 83 as a reading unit so as to face the position, information of the RFID tags (D1, D2) as a plurality of storage units can be read by one communication antenna 83.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, such a communication antenna 83 may be formed so as to surround the antenna coil 73a and the projection portion of the antenna coil 73b that are arranged so as to partially overlap each other. (Area) can be greatly reduced in size. Moreover, even if the communication antenna 83 is reduced in size, one communication antenna 83 can reliably communicate with both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2. Further, since the number of communication antennas 83 is reduced in the printer 1, the number of communication system parts can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, in order to position the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 in the overlapping direction X, the first positioning portion 58b, the second positioning portion 202b, the third positioning portions 20A, 20B, and the fourth The first RFID tag D1, the second RFID tag D2, and the communication antenna 83 are positioned in the X direction by the positioning portions M1 and M2.

  As a result, a structure in which communication failure does not occur while the area of the third antenna portion of the communication antenna 83 is reduced is realized. Further, by positioning the first RFID tag D1, the second RFID tag D2, and the communication antenna 83 in the Y direction substantially perpendicular to the X direction, the Y of the antenna coil 93 as the third antenna portion of the communication antenna 83 is obtained. By defining the area in the direction with higher accuracy, the area in the Y direction of the third antenna portion can be reduced.

  Further, when the toner cartridge 61 is mounted on the developing unit 20, the developing unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61 are configured such that the inclined surface 58 a of the first lid 58 and the inclined surface 68 a of the second lid 68 are the first fitting portions of the developing unit 20. 56 and the second fitting portion 66 of the toner cartridge 61 are guided. As a result, the developing unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61 are positioned at predetermined positions close to each other. Therefore, the first RFID tag D1 accommodated in the first fitting portion 56 and the second RFID tag D2 accommodated in the second fitting portion 66 have improved mutual positional accuracy and positional accuracy with respect to the communication antenna 83, thereby , Reliable communication can be performed even with weak electromagnetic waves. As a result, the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 can suppress the occurrence of a communication error with the communication antenna 83.

  In such a printer 1, the first fitting portion 56 of the developing unit 20 accommodates the first RFID tag D1, the second fitting portion 66 of the toner cartridge 61 accommodates the second RFID tag D2, and the first fitting portion. 56 and the second fitting portion 66 are fitted in the vicinity of the communication antenna 83. Thus, the printer 1 can mount both the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 with high density, and even if the communication antenna 83 is downsized, the first RFID tag D1 and the first RFID tag D1 and It is possible to communicate with both of the second RFID tags D2.

  Further, the printer 1 positions the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2 at predetermined positions by the first fitting portion 56 and the second fitting portion 66. Therefore, the printer 1 improves the positional accuracy of the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2, the positional accuracy of the first RFID tag D1 with respect to the communication antenna 83, and the positional accuracy of the second RFID tag D2 with respect to the communication antenna 83. , Reliable communication can be performed even with weak electromagnetic waves. As a result, the printer 1 can suppress the occurrence of a communication error even if the output of the communication antenna 83 is suppressed.

  Further, the printer 1 can reduce the number of parts of the communication system and can simplify the configuration of the communication system, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and as a result, it can be provided at a low cost. Can do.

  As described above, according to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the two data carriers (here, the development unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61) mounted on the two replacement units (here, the development antenna 20 and the toner cartridge 61) with the small-output communication antenna 83. Then, it is possible to reliably communicate with the first RFID tag D1 and the second RFID tag D2).

[Embodiment 2]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the configuration of toner cartridges 61 </ b> Aa and 61 </ b> Ab as replacement units according to the second embodiment, and the configuration of a printer 1 </ b> A as an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. I will explain. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an exchange unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of an exchange unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a first insertion provided in the printer 1A, as viewed from obliquely above, the third fitting portion 66Aa provided in the toner cartridge 61Aa and the fourth fitting portion 66Ab provided in the toner cartridge 61Ab, respectively. A state immediately before being inserted into the opening 103a and the second insertion opening 103b is shown. Toner cartridge 61Aa is the third exchange unit, corresponds to the "first unit". The toner cartridge 61Ab is fourth exchange unit, corresponds to the "second unit". The third fitting portion 66Aa and the fourth fitting portion 66Ab correspond to a “ first unit fitting portion” and a “second unit fitting portion”, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, two toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab are used as a set. That is, in the second embodiment, one of the two adjacent toner cartridges used in the printer 1A is configured as a toner cartridge 61Aa, and the other is configured as a toner cartridge 61Ab. Here, a toner cartridge corresponding to black (K) and magenta (M) is configured as a toner cartridge 61Aa, and a toner cartridge corresponding to yellow (Y) and cyan (C) is configured as a toner cartridge 61Ab. A case will be described. The arrangement positions of the four toner cartridges are the same as those of the printer 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, when the four toner cartridges are distinguished, each is referred to as “toner cartridges 61AaK, 61AbY, 61AaM, 61AbC”.

  The side surface of the toner cartridge 61Aa is covered by the side frame 65Aa. A protruding third fitting portion 66Aa is provided on the outer surface of the side frame 65Aa. The third fitting portion 66Aa is a part that is inserted into the first insertion port 103a (see FIG. 15) provided in the housing 101 of the printer 1A. The third fitting portion 66Aa protrudes straight from the outer surface of the side frame 65Aa in the lateral direction (extending direction) of the toner cartridge 61Aa.

  As for 3rd fitting part 66Aa, tag accommodating part 67Aa is provided in the inside. The tag accommodating portion 67Aa is a space provided for accommodating a third RFID tag D3 that is a storage portion capable of identifying information stored wirelessly. The third RFID tag D3 is a third data carrier that stores management information related to the toner cartridge 61Aa. The third RFID tag D3 has the same configuration as the second RFID tag D2 according to the first embodiment. The third RFID tag D3 corresponds to a “first storage unit” recited in the claims.

  The third fitting portion 66Aa includes a third lid 68Aa that seals the tag housing portion 67Aa so that the third RFID tag D3 does not fall off when the third RFID tag D3 is housed in the tag housing portion 67Aa. .

  On the other hand, the side surface of the toner cartridge 61Ab is covered by the side frame 65Ab. A projecting fourth fitting portion 66Ab is provided on the outer surface of the side frame 65Ab. The fourth fitting portion 66Ab is a part that is inserted into the second insertion port 103b (see FIG. 15) provided in the housing 101 of the printer 1A. The fourth fitting portion 66Ab protrudes straight from the outer surface of the side frame 65Ab in the lateral direction (extending direction) of the toner cartridge 61Ab.

  As for 4th fitting part 66Ab, tag accommodating part 67Ab is provided in the inside. The tag accommodating portion 67Ab is a space provided for accommodating a fourth RFID tag D4 that is a storage portion capable of identifying information stored wirelessly. The fourth RFID tag D4 is a fourth data carrier that stores management information related to the toner cartridge 61Ab. The fourth RFID tag D4 has the same configuration as the second RFID tag D2 according to the first embodiment together with the third RFID tag D3. The fourth RFID tag D4 corresponds to a “second storage unit” recited in the claims.

  The fourth fitting portion 66Ab has a fourth lid 68Ab that seals the tag housing portion 67Ab so that the fourth RFID tag D4 does not fall off when the fourth RFID tag D4 is housed in the tag housing portion 67Ab. .

  In the developing unit to which the toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab are mounted, the side plate 51L has a shape symmetrical to the side plate 51R with respect to the developing unit 20 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the printer 1 </ b> A includes two main body fitting portions at positions where they contact the ends of the four toner cartridges 61 </ b> AaK, 61 </ b> AbY, 61 </ b> AaM, 61 </ b> AbC of the housing 101. 102 is provided. However, FIG. 15 shows only one of the two main body fitting portions 102. The main body fitting portion 102 is a portion that fits with a third fitting portion 66Aa provided in the toner cartridge 61Aa and a fourth fitting portion 66Ab provided in the toner cartridge 61Ab. The printer 1A is the same as the printer 1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) except that the main body fitting unit 102 is included.

  Each of the two main body fitting portions 102 is provided with a first insertion port 103a, a second insertion port 103b, and a communication antenna 104. The first insertion port 103a is an opening into which the third fitting portion 66Aa provided in the toner cartridge 61Aa is inserted. The second insertion port 103b is an opening into which the fourth fitting portion 66Ab provided in the toner cartridge 61Ab is inserted. The communication antenna 104 is a planar antenna provided for the printer 1A to wirelessly communicate with the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the printer 1A communicates with the two third RFID tags D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4 with one communication antenna 104 in order to reduce the number of communication antennas 104. It is the composition to do.

  Therefore, as with the communication antenna 83 according to the first embodiment, the communication antenna 104 includes two data carriers (here, the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4) arranged in close proximity as a unit of communication group. Is configured. The printer 1A is configured to have a plurality of communication groups. Similar to the communication antenna 83 according to the first embodiment, each communication antenna 104 is configured to output a weak electromagnetic wave that cannot communicate with data carriers of other communication groups.

  Therefore, the communication antenna 104 (see FIG. 14) needs to be disposed at a position that is substantially parallel to and close to the third RFID tag D3 (see FIG. 14) and the fourth RFID tag D4 (see FIG. 14). In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, in the printer 1A, the communication antenna 104 is provided substantially parallel to the first insertion port 103a and the second insertion port 103b, and a third RFID tag D3 is accommodated. The fitting portion 66Aa is inserted into the first insertion port 103a, and the fourth fitting portion 66Ab that accommodates the fourth RFID tag D4 is inserted into the second insertion port 103b. Accordingly, the communication antenna 104 is disposed at a position that is substantially parallel to and close to the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4.

  When replacing the toner cartridge 61Aa, the user inserts the third fitting portion 66Aa of the toner cartridge 61Aa into the first insertion port 103a. Further, when replacing the toner cartridge 61Ab, the user inserts the fourth fitting portion 66Ab of the toner cartridge 61Ab into the second insertion port 103b.

  At this time, the communication antenna 104, the third RFID tag D3, and the fourth RFID tag D4 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other within the communicable range of the communication antenna 104.

  Here, the size of the communication antenna 104 for the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a size relationship between the communication antenna of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment and the data carrier mounted on the exchange unit.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 104 overlaps the antenna coil 73c of the third RFID tag D3 and the antenna coil 73d of the fourth RFID tag D4 when viewed from the communication antenna 104 side. Be placed.

  However, communication failure occurs in the communication antenna 104 when the antenna coil 73c and the antenna coil 73d completely overlap. Therefore, the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4 are arranged with their positions shifted in any one of the upper, lower, left, and right directions (including the oblique direction) so that the antenna coil 73c and the antenna coil 73d do not completely overlap. . That is, in the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4, the antenna coil 73c and the antenna coil 73d partially overlap, and the antenna coil 93 of the communication antenna 104 is substantially within the communicable range of the communication antenna 104. Arranged in parallel.

  Thus, in Embodiment 1, the communication system of the apparatus is located between the third fitting portion 66Aa as the first unit fitting portion and the fourth fitting portion 66Ab as the second unit fitting portion. In addition, by arranging the communication antenna 104 as a reading unit, information of RFID tags (D3 and D4) as a plurality of storage units can be read by one communication antenna 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, such a communication antenna 104 surrounds the projected portions of the antenna coil 73 c and the antenna coil 73 d that are arranged so as to partially overlap, similarly to the communication antenna 83 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the size (area) can be greatly reduced. Moreover, even if the communication antenna 104 is reduced in size, one communication antenna 104 can reliably communicate with both the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4. In addition, since the number of communication antennas 104 in the printer 1A is reduced, the number of communication parts can be reduced.

  In the toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab, the third fitting portion 66Aa is inserted into the first insertion port 103a of the printer 1A, and the fourth fitting portion 66Ab is inserted into the second insertion port 103b of the printer 1A. Thus, the toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab are positioned at predetermined positions close to each other. Therefore, the third RFID tag D3 accommodated in the third fitting portion 66Aa and the fourth RFID tag D4 accommodated in the fourth fitting portion 66Ab have improved mutual positional accuracy and positional accuracy with respect to the communication antenna 104. , Reliable communication can be performed even with weak electromagnetic waves. As a result, the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4 can suppress the occurrence of a communication error with the communication antenna 104.

  Similar to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the printer 1A can mount both the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4 with high density, and even if the communication antenna 104 is downsized, One communication antenna 104 can communicate with both the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4.

  Further, similarly to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the printer 1A has the positional accuracy of the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4, the positional accuracy of the third RFID tag D3 with respect to the communication antenna 104, and the fourth RFID with respect to the communication antenna 104. The positional accuracy of the tag D4 is improved, so that reliable communication can be performed even with weak electromagnetic waves. As a result, the printer 1A can suppress the occurrence of a communication error even if the output of the communication antenna 104 is suppressed.

  In addition, the printer 1A can reduce the number of parts of the communication system and can simplify the configuration of the communication system, so that an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and as a result, the printer 1A can be provided at low cost. Can do.

  As described above, according to the printer 1A according to the second embodiment, similarly to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the small output communication antenna 104 is mounted on the two replacement units (here, the toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab). The two data carriers (herein, the third RFID tag D3 and the fourth RFID tag D4) can be reliably communicated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the first embodiment has been described assuming that the present invention is applied to the developing unit 20 and the toner cartridge 61. In the second embodiment, the present invention is described assuming toner cartridges 61Aa and 61Ab. However, the present invention can be applied to combinations other than these. For example, the present invention is close to each other such as a combination of the developing unit 20 and the transfer unit 30, a combination of the transfer unit 30 and the fixing device 40, and a combination of the first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray. It can be applied to a combination of components mounted at a position. Therefore, the present invention not only manages the toner cartridges 61, 61Aa, 61Ab, but also replaces other replacement units in preparation for recycling of other replacement units (for example, the developing unit 20, the transfer unit 30, and a power supply unit (not shown)). The present invention can also be applied to a case where a data carrier is attached to a unit to manage history information, life information, etc. of other exchange units.

  Further, for example, the present invention can be used not only in a printer but also in an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine, a copying machine, and an MFP. Note that “MFP” is an abbreviation for Multi Function Printer, and is an apparatus in which a facsimile function, a scanner function, a copy function, and the like are added to a printer.

The present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, and can be used for an information processing apparatus including a mechanism that wirelessly communicates with two data carriers via a communication antenna.
Furthermore, the content of the information stored in the data carrier can be changed as appropriate according to the operation mode.

<Appendix>
(1) An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that wirelessly communicates with a data carrier mounted on an exchange unit, and is a communication that wirelessly communicates with the two data carriers mounted on the two exchange units. An information processing unit that executes a predetermined calculation by communicating with the two data carriers via the antenna and the communication antenna, and the two data carriers are two data carriers. The antenna and the communication antenna may be arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other and close to each other.

(2) Supplementary Note first information processing apparatus according to paragraph constitutes a communication group of a unit between the communication antenna and two of the data carriers arranged in contact with the near has its communication group multiple unit The communication antenna may output a weak electromagnetic wave that cannot communicate with data carriers of other communication groups.

  (3) In the information processing apparatus according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, the antenna of the two data carriers and the communication antenna have a planar shape, and the two data carriers are one of the antennas of each other. The communication antennas may be arranged so that only the portions overlap, and the communication antenna may be formed so as to surround the projected portions of the antennas of the two data carriers in the arrangement state.

  (4) In the information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, when one of the two data carriers is a first data carrier and the other is a second data carrier, A first fitting portion for supporting the first data carrier; and a second fitting portion for supporting the second data carrier, wherein the first fitting portion is detachable from the information processing apparatus. The second replacement unit is provided in a second replacement unit configured to be detachable from the first replacement unit, and is provided in the configured first replacement unit. The second fitting portion may be configured such that the tips of each other are inclined so as to guide each other to a predetermined position.

  (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendix 1 to the appendix 3 is further arranged within the communicable range of the communication antenna and arranged substantially parallel to the communication antenna. Supporting the third data carrier when one of the two data carriers is a third data carrier and the other is a fourth data carrier with a housing provided with one insertion slot and a second insertion slot A third fitting portion; and a fourth fitting portion that supports the fourth data carrier, wherein the third fitting portion is attached to the first unit configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus. And is inserted into the first insertion port of the housing, and the fourth fitting portion is provided in a second unit configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus, and Inserted into the second insertion slot of the housing. It may be in the configuration.

  (6) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that has a function of wirelessly communicating with a data carrier mounted on an exchange unit and forms an image on a medium, and is mounted on the two exchange units. A communication antenna that wirelessly communicates with the two data carriers, and an information processing unit that performs a predetermined calculation by communicating with the two data carriers via the communication antenna. The data carrier may be arranged so that the antennas of the two data carriers and the communication antenna are substantially parallel and close to each other.

  (7) In the image forming apparatus according to appendix 6, the two data carriers arranged close to each other and the communication antenna constitute one unit communication group, and the communication group has a plurality of units. The communication antenna may output a weak electromagnetic wave that cannot communicate with data carriers of other communication groups.

  (8) In the image forming apparatus according to appendix 6 or appendix 7, the antenna of the two data carriers and the communication antenna have a planar shape, and the two data carriers are one of the antennas of each other. The communication antennas may be arranged so that only the portions overlap, and the communication antenna may be formed so as to surround the projected portions of the antennas of the two data carriers in the arrangement state.

  (9) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of appendix 6 to appendix 8, when one of the two data carriers is a first data carrier and the other is a second data carrier, A first fitting portion for supporting the first data carrier; and a second fitting portion for supporting the second data carrier, wherein the first fitting portion is detachable from the information processing apparatus. The second replacement unit is provided in a second replacement unit configured to be detachable from the first replacement unit, and is provided in the configured first replacement unit. The second fitting portion may be configured such that the tips of each other are inclined so as to guide each other to a predetermined position.

  (10) In the image forming apparatus according to appendix 9, the first replacement unit is configured as a developing unit including an image carrier therein, and the second replacement unit contains a developer therein. The developer may be configured as a developer container that supplies the developer to the developing unit.

  (11) The image forming apparatus according to any one of appendix 6 to appendix 8 is further arranged within a communicable range of the communication antenna and arranged substantially parallel to the communication antenna. Supporting the third data carrier when one of the two data carriers is a third data carrier and the other is a fourth data carrier with a housing provided with one insertion slot and a second insertion slot A third fitting portion; and a fourth fitting portion that supports the fourth data carrier, wherein the third fitting portion is attached to the first unit configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus. And is inserted into the first insertion port of the housing, and the fourth fitting portion is provided in a second unit configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus, and Inserted into the second insertion slot of the housing. It may be in the configuration that.

(12) In the image forming apparatus according to appendix 11, the first unit and the second unit are both configured as a developer container that houses a developer therein and supplies the developer to the development unit. An image forming apparatus.

  (13) In the image forming apparatus according to appendix 12, the first unit and the second unit are provided two by two, and the two first units and the two second units are It is preferable that the developer of different colors is accommodated therein and the first unit and the second unit are alternately arranged.

1,1A Image forming device (printer)
2 Paper cassette (medium container)
3 Paper feed mechanism (medium supply unit)
4 (4a, 4b, 4c) Conveying roller 5 Conveying belt (conveying member)
6 Discharge transport roller 7 Upper cover 8 Stacker 10 Exposure unit (LED head)
11 Holder portion 20, 20A Development unit (first replacement unit, first unit)
21 Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
22 Charging roller (charging member)
23 Development roller (developer carrier)
24 Toner supply roller (developer supply member)
25 Development blade (developer layer thickness regulating member)
26 Cleaning blade (developer removal member)
27 Toner storage room (developer storage room)
28 Stirring bar (stirring member)
30 Transfer unit 31 Transfer roller (transfer member)
40 Fixing device (fixing device)
51R, 51L Side plate 52 Upper frame 53 Base frame 56 First fitting portion (first unit fitting portion)
57, 67, 67Aa, 67Ab Tag housing part (carrier housing part)
58 First lid 58a, 68a Slope 61 Toner cartridge (second replacement unit, second unit)
61Aa toner cartridge (third replacement unit, first unit)
61Ab toner cartridge (fourth replacement unit, second unit)
62 Toner supply port (Developer supply port)
63 Shutter (opening / closing member)
64 Outer frame 65 Side frame 65Aa First side frame 65Ab Second side frame 66 Second fitting portion (second unit fitting portion)
66Aa third fitting portion (first unit fitting portion)
66Ab fourth fitting part (second unit fitting part)
68 Second lid 68Aa Third lid 68Ab Fourth lid 71, 91 Substrate 72 IC chip (memory member)
73, 93 Antenna coil 81 RF read / write control unit 82 Color printer control unit (information processing unit)
83, 104 Communication antenna 92 I / F connector 101 Housing 102 Main body fitting portion 103a, 103b First insertion port, second insertion port 201 Convex portion 202 Concavity 203 Wall portion D1 First RFID tag (first data carrier, first Storage unit)
D2 Second RFID tag (second data carrier, second storage unit)
D3 Third RFID tag (third data carrier, first storage unit)
D4 Fourth RFID tag (fourth data carrier, second storage unit)
d1a compatible model information d1b, d2b printable sheet number information d1c development unit usage information d2a compatible development unit information d2c toner usage information d2d toner empty information

Claims (5)

A second fitting portion fitted to a first fitting portion provided in a developing unit having a first storage portion used in the image forming apparatus;
A second storage unit from which information is read via a communication antenna for wireless communication provided in the image forming apparatus,
When the second fitting portion is fitted to the first fitting portion, the second storage portion faces the communication antenna together with the first storage portion.
A developer container. The developer container according to claim 1.
The second fitting portion is configured as a convex portion that protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the developer container in which the first fitting portion contains the first storage portion, whereas the first fitting portion And the second storage part is arranged around the second fitting part.
A developer container. The developer container according to claim 2,
In the second fitting portion, an inclined portion that is inclined outward is provided in an opening portion of the concave portion.
A developer container. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second storage unit is disposed at a position shifted from the first storage unit when the second fitting unit is fitted to the first fitting unit.
A developer container. The developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The second storage unit stores model information of the image forming apparatus that can be handled by the developing unit, while the first storage unit stores information on the developing unit that can be handled by a developer container. Remember
A developer container.

Images