JP2005181628A - Open / close detection mechanism for open / close member of image forming apparatus and replaceable unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit capable of preventing damage to an image forming apparatus main body without increasing the cost, and an image forming apparatus using this mechanism.
A replaceable unit (1) has a photoreceptor (2) and an opening / closing member (3), and the opening / closing member (3) has an ID chip (4) mounted thereon. The opening / closing member 3 is provided for protecting the photoreceptor 2. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 that is an interface with the ID chip 4. In the replaceable unit 1, the other part of the opening / closing member 3 is covered with a case. When the replaceable unit 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10 from the closed state of the opening / closing member 3, the opening / closing member 3 is opened, the photosensitive member 2 is exposed, and the inside of the photosensitive member 2 and the main body of the image forming device 10. Can come into contact. When the opening / closing member 3 is in the open state, the ID chip 4 is electrically connected to the main body-side ID chip I / F unit 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 so that the open state of the opening / closing member 3 can be detected.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a PPC, a FAX, a printer, and a multifunction machine thereof, and an open / close detection mechanism of an open / close member of a replaceable unit used in the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an ID chip is mounted on a unit so that the unit itself has information associated with a replaceable unit used in an image forming apparatus. On the other hand, in order to protect the unit from scratches etc. that occur when carrying the unit such as a photosensitive member, a shutter that is an opening / closing member is provided in the unit, and when the unit is not attached to the main body and is a single unit, The opening / closing member is closed and opened when it is attached to the main body.

  Conventionally, this open / close member does not have an open / close detection mechanism. Therefore, when the open / close member is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operation may be incomplete and the open / close cannot be performed and may be damaged. In addition, if an open / close detection mechanism is newly provided, the layout is restricted, and the cost is naturally increased.

  Conventionally, a photoconductor unit of an image forming apparatus is a part that is replaced before the end of its mechanical life, and its performance deteriorates if it is damaged or becomes dirty during replacement. Such a unit is often provided with an opening / closing member that is closed when not attached to the apparatus main body and opened when attached to the apparatus main body. This opening / closing member protects the unit from being inadvertently damaged or soiled.

  On the other hand, information such as the lot number of the replaced unit is stored, the usage state after being attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus is stored, its life is predicted, and information used when recycling is stored Therefore, an ID chip is often mounted for the unit.

  However, if this opening / closing member does not work well, for example, if the opening / closing member cannot be opened for some reason even if it is mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the replacement unit or the image forming apparatus body may be defective. May be invited.

There exists patent document 1 as a prior art.
JP 2002-244420 A

  Patent Document 1 discloses a toner replenishing device and an image forming apparatus. Here, a toner replenishing device having a configuration that can reliably prevent damage to the IC chip due to electrostatic discharge and abnormal operation in the image forming apparatus is provided. However, the open / close detection mechanism of the replaceable unit is described. Not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image forming apparatus using an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit that can prevent damage to the image forming apparatus main body without increasing the cost. And it aims at providing this opening-and-closing detection mechanism.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a replaceable unit having an opening / closing member that is detachable and that opens and closes at the time of attachment / detachment, and an ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit. The ID chip is mounted on the opening / closing member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image forming apparatus has a main body side ID chip I / F unit that can access the ID chip of the replaceable unit, and the replaceable unit is the image forming apparatus. When the opening / closing member is opened, the body-side ID chip I / F portion is disposed at a position facing the ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the open / close state of the open / close member is detected by the ID chip and the body side ID chip I / F portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the ID chip is an ID chip that performs communication in contact with the main body ID chip I / F unit. To do.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs non-contact communication with the main body ID chip I / F unit. And

  The invention described in claim 6 is the invention described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the replaceable unit is a photoconductor unit.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the replaceable unit is a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle.

  The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus having a replaceable unit having an opening / closing member that is detachable and that opens and closes at the time of attachment / detachment, and the ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit. The main body side ID chip I / F unit can be opened and closed when the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the opening / closing member is opened. It is arranged at a position facing the ID chip mounted on the member.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the opening / closing member is made of a material that does not allow radio waves or electromagnetic waves such as metal to pass through.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the invention, the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs non-contact communication with the main body ID chip I / F unit.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the replaceable unit is a photosensitive member unit.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the eighth aspect of the invention, the replaceable unit is a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an opening / closing detection mechanism for an opening / closing member of a replaceable unit detachable from the image forming apparatus, wherein the replaceable unit has an ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member. The main body side ID chip I / F part is disposed at a position facing the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened, and when the opening / closing member is opened. The body side ID chip I / F unit detects the ID chip.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the thirteenth aspect, the ID chip communicates with the main body side ID chip I / F unit by contact or non-contact.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the replaceable unit is a photosensitive unit or a process cartridge including a photosensitive member, a developing device, and a toner bottle.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an opening / closing detection mechanism for an opening / closing member of a replaceable unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus, wherein the replaceable unit includes an ID chip, and the image forming apparatus can access the ID chip. The main body side ID chip I / F section is arranged at a position facing the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened, and the main body side ID chip I / F section is opened when the opening / closing member is opened. The ID chip I / F unit detects the ID chip.

  The invention described in claim 17 is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 16, the opening and closing member is made of a material which does not allow radio waves or electromagnetic waves such as metal to pass through.

  According to an eighteenth aspect, in the invention according to the sixteenth aspect, the ID chip communicates with the main body side ID chip I / F unit in a non-contact manner.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixteenth aspect, the replaceable unit is a photoconductor unit or a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a replaceable unit having an opening / closing member that is detachable from an image forming apparatus and that opens and closes when attached / detached, the ID chip is mounted on the opening / closing member, and the main body side that accesses the ID chip from the image forming apparatus body By laying out the ID chip I / F unit at a position facing the ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member when the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the opening / closing member is in the open state, high accuracy can be achieved. An open / close detection mechanism can be obtained. Further, the RFID chip that performs communication without contact with the ID chip is more advantageous in terms of layout and can improve connectivity with the main body.

  The replaceable unit has a photoconductor and an opening / closing member, and the opening / closing member has an ID chip mounted thereon. The opening / closing member is provided to protect the photoconductor. The image forming apparatus also includes a main body side ID chip I / F unit that is an interface with the ID chip. In the replaceable unit, the other part of the opening / closing member is covered with a case. When the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus from the closed state of the opening / closing member, the opening / closing member is opened, so that the photoconductor is exposed and the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus can be contacted. Become. When the opening / closing member is in the open state, the ID chip is electrically connected to the main body side ID chip I / F unit provided in the image forming apparatus, and the open state of the opening / closing member 3 can be detected.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a photoconductor unit is shown as an example of a replaceable unit, but the replaceable unit is not limited to the photoconductor unit as long as it is a replaceable unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the replaceable unit (photoreceptor unit) 1 includes a photoreceptor 2 and an opening / closing member (photoreceptor shutter) 3, and the opening / closing member 3 has an ID chip 4 mounted thereon. The opening / closing member 3 is provided for protecting the photoreceptor 2. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 that is an interface with the ID chip 4. In the replaceable unit 1, the other part of the opening / closing member 3 is covered with a case.

  In FIG. 1, the dotted line indicates a state where the opening / closing member 3 is closed, and the solid line indicates a state where the opening / closing member 3 is open. The opening / closing member 3 is closed before the photosensitive unit 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10.

  When the photosensitive member unit 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 from the closed state of the opening / closing member 3, the opening / closing member 3 is in an open state indicated by a solid line, the photosensitive member 2 is exposed, and the photosensitive member 2 and the image forming device 10 are connected. The inside of the main body can come into contact.

  Here, many mechanisms have been proposed as the mechanism for opening the opening / closing member 3 when the replaceable unit 1 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, and any of these mechanisms may be used.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the ID chip 4 is mounted not on the main body of the photoreceptor unit 1 but on the opening / closing member 3. Accordingly, the position of the ID chip 4 differs between the closed state of the opening / closing member 3 and the open state. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the difference in position of the ID chip 4 is used.

  That is, if the ID chip 4 is in the open position when the opening / closing member 3 is in the open state, the ID chip 4 is electrically connected to the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Can be activated. However, when the opening / closing member 3 becomes inoperable and remains closed, the ID chip 4 and the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 cannot be electrically connected, and the ID chip 4 cannot be operated.

  As described above, by mounting the ID chip 4 on the opening / closing member 3, the difference between whether or not the ID chip 4 can access the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 is different. Thus, it is possible to detect the open / closed state of the open / close member 3. That is, it is possible to detect whether or not the replaceable unit 1 is in a usable state. As a result, the open / close detection mechanism of the open / close member 3 of the replaceable unit 1 is made possible by the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the components of the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as the components of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, as long as the ID chip 4 and the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 can be in contact with each other, the positional relationship between these two may be any, but it is caused by the operating mechanism of the opening / closing member 3. In addition, there may be a case where contact failure occurs due to a variation in position due to opening and closing, a variation in mounting position due to a detaching mechanism of the main body of the photosensitive unit 1 and the image forming apparatus 10, and the like. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, both the ID chip 4 when the opening / closing member 3 is in the open state and the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 are positioned so as to face each other. Layout.

  As described above, by disposing the ID chip 4 and the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15, the front / rear / right / left position variations caused by the operating mechanism and mounting position of the opening / closing member 3 are absorbed. It becomes possible to prevent contact failure.

  Next, the opening / closing detection method of the opening / closing member 3 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. As described in the first and second embodiments, by mounting the ID chip 4 on the opening / closing member 3, the position of the ID chip 4 differs between the open state and the closed state of the opening / closing member 3. Since the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 is fixed to the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10, the ID chip 4 can be accessed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 when the opening / closing member 3 is opened. However, when the opening / closing member 3 remains closed or not fully opened, the ID chip 4 cannot be accessed from the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. This characteristic is utilized in the open / close detection method of the open / close member 3.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system in the opening / closing detection method of the opening / closing member 3 in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body control unit 16, and the ID chip 4 includes a storage unit 5.

  The main body control unit 16 accesses the ID chip 4 when the replaceable unit 1 is mounted. At this time, if the access can be normally performed, it is possible to determine that the opening / closing member 3 is completely opened, and the subsequent normal processing is performed.

  On the other hand, when the access to the ID chip 4 cannot be made, it is determined that the opening / closing member 3 cannot be opened completely, and the subsequent processing is not performed as an error. By operating in this way, the image forming apparatus 10 or the replaceable unit 1 can be prevented from being damaged in advance, and the ID chip 4 mounted on the replaceable unit 1 is used. There is no new cost increase.

  Here, as a method for determining whether or not access to the ID chip 4 is possible, the main body control unit 16 passes through the main body-side ID chip I / F unit 15 to determine a predetermined address of the storage unit 5 of the ID chip 4. Then, the main body control unit 16 reads the data at the address from the storage unit 5 of the ID chip 4 via the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15. If the read data is the same as the stored data, it is determined that access is possible. If the read data is different from the stored data, it may be determined that access is impossible. This is only an example, and if it is possible to determine whether or not access to the ID chip is possible, another determination method may be used.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. As the ID chip 4, there are a case where a contact type is used for connection with the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 and a case where a non-contact type such as an RFID chip is used. When the contact type is used, the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 each have a contact, and electrical connection is possible only when the contacts are in contact with each other.

  When the contact type is used, if the replaceable unit 1 is frequently attached and detached, the contact wears heavily, and the position of the replaceable unit 1 when it is attached to the image forming apparatus 10 varies, and the variation is absorbed. It becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, since the RFID chip is non-contact, it does not wear out due to wear, and electrical connection is possible even if the positional relationship is slightly shifted, further increasing reliability during connection. It is possible to improve. In addition, the layout is advantageous because physical restrictions are reduced.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that a non-contact type RFID chip is used as the ID chip 4. Other components are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

  An RFID chip is an IC device. In the case of an RFID chip, the main body of the image forming apparatus 10 accesses the ID chip 4 using radio waves. By using the non-contact type ID chip 4, as described above, wear due to wear does not occur, and electrical connection is possible even if the positional relationship is slightly shifted. It is possible to further improve the reliability. In addition, the layout is advantageous because physical restrictions are reduced.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In many cases, an image forming apparatus has a configuration in which a photoconductor, a developing device, a toner bottle, and the like are integrated to improve maintainability.

  In the fourth embodiment, as the replaceable unit 1, the toner bottle 6 and the developing device 7 are integrated with the replaceable unit 1 in the third embodiment to form a process cartridge. Even in this case, the photosensitive member 2 needs the opening / closing member 3 for protection. By using the technique in the embodiment described above, the maintenance can be further facilitated and the reliability can be improved. It becomes possible.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the ID chip 4 is mounted on the replaceable unit 1 but not on the opening / closing member 3 unlike the previously described embodiment. Before the replaceable unit 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 10, the opening / closing member 3 is in a closed state so as to cover the ID chip 4. Further, the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 is disposed at a position accessible from the main body control unit 16 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the position at which the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 is arranged is also different from the above-described embodiment.

  When the replaceable unit 1 having this configuration is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, the opening / closing member 3 operates to be in an open state and moves to a position retracted from the surface of the photoreceptor 2, so that the ID chip 4 is also exposed. become. When this state is reached, the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 and the ID chip 4 are in an electrically connectable state for the first time, via the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 from the main body control unit 16. The ID chip 4 can be accessed.

  That is, by adopting the configuration of the fifth embodiment, the replaceable unit 1 is a single unit, and the opening / closing member 3 covers the ID chip 4. When the replaceable unit 1 is mounted, the body side ID chip I / F unit 15 can access the ID chip 4.

  Therefore, if the opening / closing member 3 has malfunctioned for some reason, the ID chip 4 cannot be accessed due to the configuration. For this reason, it is not necessary to have an opening / closing detection mechanism separately, and it is possible to grasp the opening / closing state of the opening / closing member 3 without increasing the cost.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the replaceable unit 1 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, the ID chip 4 is not mounted on the opening / closing member 3 as in the fifth embodiment. When the replaceable unit 1 is not attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, the ID chip 4 is covered with the opening / closing member 3.

  At this time, the opening / closing member 3 is made of a material that does not transmit radio waves or electromagnetic waves. In general, metals, conductive plastics, and the like are conceivable, but any material that does not transmit radio waves or electromagnetic waves can be used.

  Since the ID chip 4 is a semiconductor, it is vulnerable to noise such as static electricity and electromagnetic waves. Further, in order to connect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, it is often provided on the outer peripheral portion of the replaceable unit 1, and is expected to touch the human body, and is more susceptible to noise.

  Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the opening / closing member 3 is closed when the replaceable unit 1 is not attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, and the ID chip 4 is covered and further radio waves and electromagnetic waves are used. By using a material that does not pass through, the ID chip 4 can be protected from the noise as described above, and the reliability can be improved.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 are contact types, but in the seventh embodiment, these are non-contact types.

  As described above, the ID chip 4 includes a contact type and a non-contact type such as an RFID chip. The contact type is naturally less susceptible to wear than the non-contact type, and a position system at the time of contact is also required. In contrast, the non-contact type RFID chip does not require a contact portion, and therefore is advantageous in terms of wear resistance and layout flexibility. Further, as in the configuration of the seventh embodiment, the ID chip 4 and the main body When there is the opening / closing member 3 between the side ID chip I / F portions 15, it is clear that it is better to leave a gap for the opening / closing member 3 to open and close. An interval can be provided between the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing an open / close state of the open / close member 3 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the ID chip 4 and the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 are non-contact type, and those of RFID specification are used. 9, (a) shows the closed state of the opening / closing member 3, and (b) shows the opened state of the opening / closing member 3. In FIG.

  When an RFID chip is used as the ID chip 4, the ID chip 4 communicates with radio waves or electromagnetic waves. Therefore, due to its characteristics, radio waves and electromagnetic waves are passed between the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15. If there is no substance, it becomes inaccessible.

  In the case of the seventh embodiment, when the replaceable unit 1 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 9B, the opening / closing member 3 is opened, and the ID chip 4 and the main body side ID chip I The / F unit 15 is in a communicable state.

  However, as shown in FIG. 9A, the opening / closing member 3 malfunctions due to some cause, and the opening / closing member 3 is mounted even though the replaceable unit 1 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 10. When the opening / closing member 3 remains in the closed state or when the opening / closing member 3 is not opened, that is, when the opening / closing member 3 exists between the ID chip 4 and the main body ID chip I / F unit 15, The ID chip 4 and the main body side ID chip I / F unit 15 cannot communicate with each other because the material of the main body does not transmit radio waves or electromagnetic waves. Therefore, the main body control unit 16 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the main body side ID chip I / F unit. The ID chip 4 becomes inaccessible via 15.

  As described above, it is possible to distinguish whether the state of the opening / closing member 3 is the open state or the closed state, and it is not necessary to have another mechanism, and the opening / closing member 3 is not greatly increased in cost. It is possible to provide an open / close detection mechanism.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with an open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment, as shown in the fourth embodiment, a process cartridge in which a photosensitive member, a developing device, a toner bottle, and the like are integrated is used as the replaceable unit 1. Further, in the eighth embodiment, as shown in the seventh embodiment, the ID chip 4 is mounted on the replaceable unit 1 but is not mounted on the opening / closing member 3. Before the replaceable unit 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus 10, the opening / closing member 3 is in a closed state so as to cover the ID chip 4. Further, the main body ID chip I / F unit 15 is disposed at a position accessible from the main body control unit 16 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 10. Further, as the ID chip 4, an RFID chip is used.

  In many cases, the image forming apparatus 10 has a configuration with improved maintainability. Also in the eighth embodiment, the photosensitive member 2 and the like require the opening / closing member 3 for protection, and the use of the process cartridge makes it easier to maintain and improve the reliability.

  As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, in an exchangeable unit having an opening / closing member that is detachable from the image forming apparatus and that opens and closes at the time of attachment / detachment, the ID chip is mounted on the opening / closing member. An open / close detection mechanism that can detect the open / close state of the replaceable unit can be obtained depending on whether the ID chip can be accessed from the main body.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the main body ID chip I / F portion of the image forming apparatus is mounted on the opening / closing member when the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the opening / closing member is opened. By laying out the ID chips at opposite positions, a more accurate open / close detection mechanism can be obtained.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by using the ID chip mounted on the replaceable unit and the main body side ID chip I / F unit mounted on the image forming apparatus, the opening / closing member can be installed without increasing the cost. Open / close detection can be performed.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs non-contact communication, it is more advantageous in terms of layout, and connectivity with the main body can be improved.

  In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the replaceable unit having an opening / closing member is a process cartridge having a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle, so that the replaceability of the replaceable unit and the reliability of information transmission are improved. Can be improved.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, in an exchangeable unit having an opening / closing member that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus and that opens and closes at the time of attachment / detachment, an ID chip is mounted on the exchangeable unit. By mounting the I / F unit at a position opposite to the opening / closing member that opens and closes, it is possible to obtain an opening / closing detection mechanism that can detect the opening / closing state depending on whether the ID chip can be accessed.

  Further, according to the embodiment in which the ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the ID chip can be accessed by configuring the opening / closing member with a material that does not transmit radio waves or electromagnetic waves such as metal. At the same time, the ID chip can be protected when the opening / closing member is closed.

  Further, according to the embodiment in which the ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit of the present invention, the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs contactless communication, which is advantageous in terms of layout and is connected to the main body. It can improve the sex. In addition, using the ID chip, it is possible to detect opening / closing of the opening / closing member without increasing the cost.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail as described above, the above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited thereto. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope.

It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control system in the opening / closing detection system of the opening / closing member in embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the exchangeable unit in 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the open / close state of the opening / closing member 3 in 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus carrying the opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit in 8th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Replaceable unit 2 Photoconductor 3 Opening / closing member 4 ID chip 5 Memory | storage part 6 Toner bottle 7 Developing device 10 Image forming apparatus 15 Main body side ID chip I / F part 16 Main body control part

Claims (19)

An image forming apparatus having a replaceable unit including an opening / closing member that is detachable and opens and closes when attached / detached, and an ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the ID chip is mounted on the opening / closing member. The image forming apparatus has a main body side ID chip I / F unit accessible to the ID chip of the replaceable unit,
When the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the opening / closing member is opened, the main body-side ID chip I / F unit is disposed at a position facing the ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the open / close state of the open / close member is detected by the ID chip and the main body side ID chip I / F unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ID chip is an ID chip that communicates with the main body side ID chip I / F unit in contact. 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs non-contact communication with the main body side ID chip I / F unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable unit is a photosensitive unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable unit is a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle. An image forming apparatus having a replaceable unit including an opening / closing member that is detachable and opens and closes when attached / detached, and an ID chip is mounted on the replaceable unit,
The image forming apparatus has a main body side ID chip I / F unit accessible to the ID chip of the replaceable unit,
When the replaceable unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the opening / closing member is opened, the main body-side ID chip I / F unit is disposed at a position facing the ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member. An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the opening / closing member is made of a material that does not allow radio waves or electromagnetic waves such as metal to pass therethrough.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the ID chip is an RFID chip that performs non-contact communication with the main body side ID chip I / F unit.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the replaceable unit is a photosensitive unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the replaceable unit is a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle. An open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The replaceable unit has an ID chip mounted on the opening / closing member,
The image forming apparatus includes a main body side ID chip I / F unit accessible to the ID chip,
The main body side ID chip I / F part is disposed at a position facing the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened,
An opening / closing detection mechanism for an opening / closing member of a replaceable unit, wherein the main body side ID chip I / F unit detects the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened.   The open / close detection mechanism of the open / close member of the replaceable unit according to claim 13, wherein the ID chip communicates with the main body side ID chip I / F unit by contact or non-contact.   14. The open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to claim 13, wherein the replaceable unit is a photoconductor unit or a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle. An open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The replaceable unit is equipped with an ID chip,
The image forming apparatus includes a main body side ID chip I / F unit accessible to the ID chip,
The main body side ID chip I / F part is disposed at a position facing the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened,
An opening / closing detection mechanism for an opening / closing member of a replaceable unit, wherein the main body side ID chip I / F unit detects the ID chip when the opening / closing member is opened.   The opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit according to claim 16, wherein the opening / closing member is made of a material that does not allow radio waves or electromagnetic waves such as metal to pass through.   The opening / closing detection mechanism of the opening / closing member of the replaceable unit according to claim 16, wherein the ID chip communicates with the main body side ID chip I / F unit in a non-contact manner.   17. The open / close detection mechanism for an open / close member of a replaceable unit according to claim 16, wherein the replaceable unit is a photoconductor unit or a process cartridge including a photoconductor, a developing device, and a toner bottle.

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