Image forming device, consumables, and position adjustment method

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming device, consumables and a position adjustment method, which can perform normal communication between the storage unit of the consumables and the communication unit of the image forming device. The image forming device (1) comprises: a storage unit (13) that stores the consumables (ink container 100); a communication unit (11a) that communicates with the storage unit (IC tag 120) of the consumables; a determination unit (control unit 20) that determines whether communication between the storage unit and the communication unit (11a) can be performed; and a position relationship adjustment unit (convex-concave portion 13a-1, drive unit 40) that is used to adjust the position relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit (11a) to a position other than an invalid point of communication based on the determination result of the determination unit on whether communication can be performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, consumables installed in the image forming apparatus, and a position adjustment method for adjusting the positional relationship between a storage unit of the consumables and a communication unit of the image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a consumables information communication system of a printing device has been proposed, which uses two communication parts, the communication part of the IC tag of the ink cartridge inserted (set) in the replenishing part and the communication part of the main body side R / W part of the replenishing part, to sequentially change the frequency of the alternating current flowing to the communication part of the main body side R / W part to frequencies A to E within the bandwidth of the resonance frequency (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this consumables information communication system, the main body side R / W part is moved by an actuator to change the distance between the two communication parts and determine whether communication using multiple resonance frequencies can be performed at each distance.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-190403 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In addition, it is desirable that the positional relationship between the IC tag and the reader / writer module (hereinafter referred to as R / W) be fixed with high precision. On the other hand, regarding the IC tag, the resonant frequency and characteristic impedance may deviate from the designed value (the same applies to the R / W side) due to defective components or deviations in the capacitance of the IC chip or inductance of the antenna pattern.

[0008] When the deviation is large, even if the IC tags are located in an area where they should be able to communicate with each other, an area where they cannot communicate with each other normally will appear (hereinafter referred to as a null point). The null point appears in a band shape with the R / W as the center, for example. When the IC tag and the R / W are in close contact or at a close distance of several mm, the null point is generated due to the capacitance of the IC chip and the inductance of the antenna pattern.

[0009] Generally speaking, if the IC tag and R / W are too far apart, power cannot be supplied. Therefore, in most cases, the IC tag and R / W are brought close to each other, and the generation of invalid points (especially near-point invalidity) becomes a problem. In addition, if the inspection criteria of IC tags and R / W are tightened or better quality materials and components are selected to prevent the generation of invalid points, the unit price will increase. In particular, since RF tags are mass-produced, even a slight increase in unit price will result in a significant increase in cost.

[0010] In the above-mentioned consumables information communication system, based on the communication results when the resonant frequency of R / W transmission and the mutual communication distance are changed, it is possible to distinguish between a matching product that matches the printing device in terms of print quality maintenance and performance maintenance and an unmatched product that does not match the printing device. However, since the situation where an invalid point occurs is not assumed, there is a possibility of erroneous judgment.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, consumables, and a position adjustment method that enable normal communication between a storage unit of consumables and a communication unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] In one embodiment, an image forming device comprises: a storage unit that stores consumables; a communication unit that communicates with a storage unit of the consumables; a determination unit that determines whether communication between the storage unit and the communication unit can be performed; and a positional relationship adjustment unit that is used to adjust the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than an invalid point of communication based on a determination result of the determination unit as to whether the communication can be performed.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the above aspect, normal communication can be performed between the storage unit of the consumables and the communication unit of the image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a control structure of the image forming apparatus and the ink tank in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2A 1 is a right side view showing the ink tank in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2B 1 is a bottom view showing the ink tank in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder part in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an area in which the R / W unit and the IC tag can communicate with each other.

[0021] Figure 5A This is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5B This is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining the adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5C This is a flowchart (part 3) for explaining the adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 7A It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7B It is a right side view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 8A It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8B It is a right side view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 10A It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 10BIt is a right side view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder section for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section and the IC tag in the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of the result of mutual communication between the R / W unit and the IC tag.

[0034] Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit and the IC tag in the second embodiment.

[0035] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the positions of the R / W unit and the IC tag and the result of determining whether or not communication is possible in the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an operation panel section for explaining an example of notification to the user in the second embodiment.

[0037] Fig.16 It is a bottom view for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit and the IC tag in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus, consumables, and a position adjustment method according to first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] <First Embodiment>

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a control structure of the image forming apparatus 1 and the ink tank in the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2A and Figure 2B 1 and 2 are right side views and bottom views showing the ink tank 100 .

[0042] Figure 3 It is a bottom view showing the internal structure of the container holder portion 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0043] also, Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , described later Figure 6 to Figure 11 as well as Fig.16The front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions shown in the figure are merely examples in which the insertion direction IN of the ink container 100 into the image forming device 1 (storage portion 13) is set to the rear, but for example, the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction are horizontal directions orthogonal to each other, and the up-to-down direction is a vertical direction.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 1 includes a container holder portion 10, a control portion 20, an image forming portion 30, a drive portion 40, and an operation panel portion 60. Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a support plate 51 , a ball screw 52 , and stoppers 53 , 54 .

[0045] The ink tank 100 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 includes a tank body 110 (see Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and an IC tag 120. In the image forming apparatus 1, for example, four ink tanks 100 are installed.

[0046] In addition, the ink container 100 is an example of a consumable material installed in the image forming apparatus 1. As the consumable material, a toner container for storing toner, a stencil base paper used in stencil printing, a photosensitive unit, etc. can also be used. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 and the ink container 100 (consumable material) can be regarded as a consumable material communication system. That is, the consumable material communication system includes the image forming apparatus 1 and one or more ink containers 100 (consumable materials).

[0047] The container holder 10 includes an R / W portion 11, a container position detection sensor 12, and a storage portion 13 (see Figure 3 ).

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the R / W unit 11 includes: a communication unit 11a having an antenna built therein for communicating with the IC tag 120; and an R / W control unit 11b, which is a processor such as an IC chip that controls the communication unit 11a. The R / W unit 11 establishes wireless communication with the IC tag 120 to read and write information in the memory 123 of the IC tag 120, and supplies the read information to the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the R / W unit 11 is an example of a communication unit that communicates with the IC tag 120 (storage unit) possessed by the ink container 100 (consumables).

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the R / W portion 11 is arranged around (eg, below) an ink suction portion 13 b provided at the innermost portion (rear end) of the housing portion 13 that houses the ink container 100 .

[0050] The container position detection sensor 12 detects the position of the ink container 100 fixed by the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the claw insertion hole 13a described later in the storage portion 13 in the insertion direction IN (rearward). For example, the container position detection sensor 12 is composed of three sensors, which can detect the position of the ink container 100 in the insertion direction IN (rearward). Figure 2B The position of the ink container 100 is determined by the number of sensors of the ink container 100 (the concave-convex portion 112a) shown. The container position detection sensor 12 is an example of a consumables position detection sensor.

[0051] The storage portion 13 stores the ink tank 100. As an example, the ink tank 100 has a cylindrical shape, and thus the storage portion 13 has a cylindrical space.

[0052] A claw insertion hole 13a is provided in a downwardly concave manner at the bottom of the accommodating portion 13, into which the fixing claw 112 of the container body 110 of the ink container 100 is inserted. The claw insertion hole 13a is provided so that the width of the inner portion in the left-right direction is wider than that of the portion at the entrance of the accommodating portion 13 to allow a slight rotation of the ink container 100 in the accommodating portion 13.

[0053] The claw insertion hole 13a is provided with a concavoconvex portion 13a-1 that is concavoconvex in the left-right direction, so as to fix the ink container 100 at a plurality of positions in the insertion direction IN in which the ink container 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 13. The concavoconvex portion 13a-1 is provided, for example, at three positions in the insertion direction IN (for example, the actual use position of the ink container 100, the position separated forward by a distance D1 from the use position, and the position separated forward by a distance D2 from the use position) and is aligned with the ink container 100. Figure 2B The concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112 provided on the container body 110 of the ink container 100 is fitted. In addition, the concave-convex portion 13a-1 is an example of a fixing portion provided in the storage portion 13 for fixing the ink container 100 (consumable material) at multiple positions in the insertion direction IN. The fixing portion is one of the positional relationship adjustment portions for adjusting the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication portion 11a of the R / W portion 11.

[0054] An ink suction portion 13b is provided at the innermost portion (rear end) of the housing portion 13. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The ink tank 100 shown in the figure has an ink discharge portion 111 that sucks ink. The ink sucked out in this way is sent to the image forming portion 30 and is used for image formation.

[0055] Figure 1The control unit 20 shown has, for example, a processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing device, and memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor controls the overall operation of the image forming device 1. The ROM is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a specified control program is pre-recorded. The RAM is a semiconductor memory that can be written and read at any time and is used as a job storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0056] The control unit 20 controls the driving unit 40 that moves the R / W unit 11 (communication unit). In addition, the control unit 20 also functions as an example of a determination unit that determines whether communication between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) and the R / W unit 11 is possible. The determination unit may also adopt other structures such as the above-mentioned R / W control unit 11b.

[0057] The image forming unit 30 forms an image using the ink stored in the ink container 100. The image forming unit 30 may use any printing method such as an inkjet printing method or a stencil printing method.

[0058] The driving unit 40 is an actuator such as a motor that changes the relative position between the IC tag 120 and the R / W unit 11 by moving the R / W unit 11 in, for example, the front-rear direction.

[0059] As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the driving unit 40 moves the support plate 51 in the front-to-back direction by rotating the ball screw 52. In addition, the ball screw 52 is connected to the driving shaft of the driving unit 40 and rotates, and penetrates the support plate 51 in the internal threaded portion not shown, and the support plate 51 is a thin plate extending up, down, left and right. The support plate 51 is fixed to the rear end of the R / W part 11, so the R / W part 11 is moved in the front-to-back direction by rotating the ball screw 52 by the driving unit 40. The movable range L of the support plate 51 is the range between the stoppers 53 and 54 arranged opposite to the ball screw 52 in the front-to-back direction. In addition, similar to the concave-convex portion 13a-1, the driving unit 40 is an example of a positional relationship adjustment unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) and the communication unit 11a of the R / W unit 11.

[0060] As described later Fig.15As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation panel unit 60 includes a display 61 and operation keys 62. The display 61 is an example of a display unit that displays various information, and the operation keys 62 are an example of an input unit that accepts various operations of the user. In addition, when the display 61 has a touch panel, the display 61 also functions as an example of an input unit. In addition, the display 61 (operation panel unit 60) functions as an example of a notification unit that notifies the user by displaying information.

[0061] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The container body 110 of the illustrated ink container 100 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and contains, for example, ink of any one color of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow).

[0062] The container body 110 has an ink discharge portion 111 disposed at the rear end thereof for discharging ink contained in the container body 110. An IC tag 120 is attached around (below) the ink discharge portion 111 at the rear end thereof.

[0063] like Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , a fixing claw 112 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 110 is provided at the bottom of the container body 110. The fixing claw 112 is in a U-shape facing backward. In addition, a concave-convex portion 112a having a concave-convex shape in the left-right direction is provided at the left portion of the rear end side of the fixing claw 112. The concave-convex portion 112a is an example of a fixed portion fixed by the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the receiving portion 13 at multiple positions in the insertion direction IN of the ink container 100. In addition, the fixing between the ink container 100 and the image forming device 1 (receiving portion 13) can be performed by any method such as fitting, hooking, magnetic force, etc.

[0064] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG. 1 , a container position display unit 113 is provided at the upper portion of the container body 110. The container position display unit 113 is an example of a consumable position display unit that indicates the fixed position (first position to third position P1 to P3 described later) of the ink container 100 (consumable). The container position display unit 113 is provided so that when the ink container 100 is at the innermost first position P1 described later (see FIG. Fig. 7A ) is fixed in the receiving portion 13, and "1" is exposed to the outside of the receiving portion 13 (refer to Figure 7B ), the ink container 100 is at the second position P2 (refer to Fig. 8A ) is fixed in the receiving portion 13, and "2" is exposed to the outside of the receiving portion 13 (refer to Figure 8B ), when the ink container 100 is at the third position P3 (refer to Fig. 10A ) is fixed in the receiving portion 13, and “3” is exposed to the outside of the receiving portion 13 (refer to Fig. 10B).

[0065] The IC tag 120 is an example of a storage unit of the ink container 100. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a communication unit 121, an IC tag control unit 122, and a memory 123.

[0066] The communication unit 121 includes an antenna for communicating with the R / W unit 11. In addition, the IC tag 120 does not have an independent power supply, and the communication unit 11a of the R / W unit 11 and the communication unit 121 of the IC tag 120 each have a built-in antenna whose resonance frequency is set to the same. Therefore, for example, when an alternating current of a resonance frequency flows in the built-in antenna of the communication unit 11a of the R / W unit 11, an alternating current of a resonance frequency is generated in the built-in antenna of the communication unit 121 of the IC tag 120 due to a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling, and power sufficient for communicating with the R / W unit 11 is supplied to the IC tag 120. The IC tag 120 uses this power to read and write ink information to the memory 123, or to send and receive data with the R / W unit 11 using a well-known method called a so-called passive method.

[0067] The IC tag control unit 122 is a processor such as an IC chip that controls the communication unit 121 .

[0068] The memory 123 preferably stores an ID for uniquely identifying the ink container 100 , attribute data such as the color of the ink contained in the container body 110 , a password for authentication, and the like.

[0069] In the above-mentioned image forming apparatus 1 and ink container 100, as Figure 4 As shown, with the front end center of the R / W unit 11 on the IC tag 120 side as a reference, the position where the IC tag 120 can communicate (the position shown in black when the front is set as the X-axis direction and the left and right directions are set as the Y-axis direction) is approximately within a range of more than 10 mm, but there is an invalid point near the R / W unit 11 where communication is not possible. This invalid point is often generated near the R / W unit 11 (near point invalidity).

[0070] Therefore, in the first embodiment, an example is described in which the positional relationship between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is adjusted to a position other than a communication invalid point based on the determination result of whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible.

[0071] Figure 5A to Figure 5C This is a flowchart for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 .

[0072] Figure 6 to Figure 11It is a bottom view or a right side view for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W section 11 and the IC tag 120 and showing the internal structure of the container holder section 10 .

[0073] The control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts the operation when, for example, the used ink container 100 is taken out of the storage unit 13. Figure 5A Processing shown.

[0074] First, the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to Figure 6 The ink container 100 newly mounted to the container holder portion 10 is fixed to the Fig. 7A The first position P1 is shown (step S1). The first position P1 is a position where the ink container 100 is inserted to the innermost side of the storage portion 13 and the ink container 100 is slightly rotated so that the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112 is engaged with the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13. In addition, the notification to the user is preferably performed by displaying on the display 61 of the operation panel portion 60, outputting sound from a sound output portion (not shown), or the like.

[0075] When the ink container 100 is in the first position P1 like this, Figure 7B As shown, the IC tag 120 faces the R / W unit 11. In addition, the ink discharge unit 111 of the ink container 100 is inserted into the ink suction unit 13b of the storage unit 13.

[0076] The user can see that the “1” ( Figure 7B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the first position P1 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0077] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 7A As shown, the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112 of the ink container 100 reflects the detection light of the three sensors of the container position detection sensor 12 so that the detection results of the three sensors are all detected (ON), to determine whether the position of the ink container 100 is the first position P1 (step S2).

[0078] When the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink container 100 is at the first position P1 (step S2: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-fix (step S3), and returns to the process of step S1. The detection result of the detection sensor 12 is the detection result when a predetermined time has passed since the instruction to fix is ​​given to the user.

[0079] When the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink container 100 is at the first position P1 (step S2: "Yes"), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S4). In addition, the control unit 20 may also obtain the determination result of whether communication is possible determined by the R / W control unit 11b.

[0080] If the communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S4: "Yes"), since the first position P1 of the ink container 100 is the use position of the ink container 100, the setting (installation) of the ink container 100 is directly completed, and the processing of the control unit 20 ends. In addition, when the setting of the ink container 100 is completed, it is preferred that the R / W unit 11 reads and obtains various information from the IC tag 120, and performs authentication of the IC tag 120 (ink container 100), setting changes of the image forming unit 30, etc. based on the obtained information.

[0081] If the communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 cannot be performed (step S4: No), then Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 in the Fig. 8A The ink container 100 fixed at the first position P1 is slightly rotated in the opposite direction to release the engagement between the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13 and the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112, and then the ink container 100 is slightly pulled forward and slightly rotated to engage the concave-convex portions 13a-1 and 112a.

[0082] The user can see that the “2” ( Figure 8B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the second position P2 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0083] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 8A As shown, the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixed claw 112 of the ink container 100 reflects the detection light of the two sensors on the front side of the three sensors of the container position detection sensor 12 so that only the detection results of these two sensors are detected (ON), to determine whether the position of the ink container 100 is the second position P2 (step S6).

[0084] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the second position P2 (step S6: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S7), and returns to the process of step S5.

[0085] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink tank 100 is at the second position P2 (step S6 : Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S8 ).

[0086] If the communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S8: Yes), the IC tag 120 (ink container 100) is moved from the first position P1 as the use position to the second position P2 by a distance D1 (see Figure 2B and Figure 3 ), therefore, first, the control unit 20 is as follows Fig. 9 The driving unit 40 is controlled to rotate the ball screw 52 as shown, so that the R / W unit 11 moves a distance D1 in a direction (backward) away from the IC tag 120 (step S9). In addition, the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 at the first position P1, so that the ink container 100 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 as the use position of the ink container 100 (step S10).

[0087] As described above, the user can expose the “1” ( Figure 7B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the first position P1 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0088] Furthermore, the second position P2 and the third position P3 can also be set as the use position of the ink container 100 according to the size and shape of the ink discharge portion 111 of the ink container 100 and the ink suction portion 13b of the storage portion 13. In this case, the ink container 100 does not need to be returned to the first position P1, so there is no need to move the R / W portion 11.

[0089] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 7A As shown, the detection results of the three sensors of the tank position detection sensor 12 are all detected (ON), so that the position of the ink tank 100 is the first position P1 (step S11).

[0090] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the first position P1 (step S11: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S12), and returns to the process of step S10.

[0091] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink tank 100 is at the first position P1 (step S11 : Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S13 ).

[0092] If communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S13: Yes), since the first position P1 of the ink container 100 is the use position of the ink container 100, the setting (installation) of the ink container 100 is directly completed and the processing of the control unit 20 ends.

[0093] If communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 cannot be performed (step S13 : No), the control unit 20 determines that the ink tank 100 cannot be used, for example, notifies the user, and ends the processing of the control unit 20 .

[0094] In the above step S8, if the communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 cannot be performed when the ink container 100 is at the second position P2 (step S8: No), then Figure 5C As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 in the Fig. 10A The third position P3 is a position where the ink container 100 fixed at the second position P2 is slightly rotated in the opposite direction to release the engagement between the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13 and the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112, and then the ink container 100 is slightly pulled forward and slightly rotated to engage the concave-convex portions 13a-1 and 112a.

[0095] The user can see that the “3” ( Fig. 10B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the third position P3 by using the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0096] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 10A As shown, the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixed claw 112 of the ink container 100 reflects the detection light of a sensor on the front side of the three sensors of the container position detection sensor 12 so that only the detection result of this sensor is detected (ON), to determine whether the position of the ink container 100 is the third position P3 (step S15).

[0097] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the third position P3 (step S15: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S16), and returns to the process of step S14.

[0098] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink tank 100 is at the third position P3 (step S15 : Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S17 ).

[0099] If the communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S17: Yes), the IC tag 120 (ink container 100) is moved from the first position P1 as the use position to the third position P3 by a distance D2 (see Figure 2B and Figure 3 ), therefore, first, the control unit 20 is as follows Fig.11 The driving unit 40 is controlled to rotate the ball screw 52 as shown, so that the R / W unit 11 moves a distance D2 in a direction (backward) away from the IC tag 120 (step S18). In addition, the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 at the first position P1, so that the ink container 100 moves from the third position P3 to the first position P1 as the use position of the ink container 100 (step S19).

[0100] As described above, the user can expose the “1” ( Figure 7B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the first position P1 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0101] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 7A As shown, the detection results of the three sensors of the tank position detection sensor 12 are all detected (ON), so that the position of the ink tank 100 is the first position P1 (step S20).

[0102] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the first position P1 (step S20: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S21), and returns to the process of step S19.

[0103] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink tank 100 is at the first position P1 (step S20 : ​​Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S22 ).

[0104] If communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible (step S22: "Yes"), since the first position P1 of the ink container 100 is the use position of the ink container 100, the setting (installation) of the ink container 100 is directly completed and the processing of the control unit 20 ends.

[0105] If communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 cannot be performed (step S22 : No), the control unit 20 determines that the ink tank 100 cannot be used, for example, notifies the user, and ends the processing of the control unit 20 .

[0106] In the first embodiment described above, the image forming device 1 includes: a storage portion 13, which stores an ink container 100 (an example of a consumable); a communication portion 11a, which communicates with an IC tag 120 (an example of a storage portion) possessed by the ink container 100; a control portion 20 (an example of a determination portion), which determines whether communication between the IC tag 120 and the communication portion 11a can be performed; and a concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the claw insertion hole 13a and a drive portion 40 (an example of a position relationship adjustment portion) for adjusting the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication portion 11a to a position other than an invalid point of communication based on the determination result of the control portion 20 as to whether communication can be performed.

[0107] In addition, the position adjustment method of the first embodiment is a position adjustment method for adjusting the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 of the ink container 100 mounted on the image forming device 1 and the communication unit 11a of the image forming device 1 that communicates with the IC tag 120, wherein the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a is adjusted to a position other than a communication invalid point based on a determination result of whether the communication between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a can be performed. Here, the positional relationship can also be adjusted by changing the relative orientation of the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a. In addition, the positional relationship can also be adjusted by a positional relationship adjustment unit other than the above-mentioned concave-convex portions 112a and 13a-1.

[0108] Thus, the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a can be made to avoid the invalid point, which is an area where normal communication is impossible. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, normal communication can be performed between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) of the ink container 100 and the communication unit 11a of the image forming device 1.

[0109] In addition, in the first embodiment, a positional relationship adjustment portion for adjusting the positional relationship between the memory 123 and the communication portion 11a to a position other than an invalid point of communication has a concave-convex portion 13a-1 (an example of a fixing portion) provided on the housing portion 13, and the concave-convex portion 13a-1 is used to fix the ink container 100 at multiple positions on the insertion direction IN of inserting the housing portion 13 into the ink container 100.

[0110] Therefore, the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11 a can be easily adjusted to a position other than the null point by using a simple structure using the concave-convex portion 13 a - 1 provided in the housing portion 13 .

[0111] In addition, in the first embodiment, the positional relationship adjustment unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the memory 123 and the communication unit 11a to a position other than the invalid point of communication further includes a drive unit 40 for moving the communication unit 11a, and the image forming apparatus 1 includes: a container position detection sensor 12 (an example of a consumable position detection sensor) that detects the position of the ink container 100 fixed by the concave-convex portion 13a-1 (fixing portion) in the insertion direction IN; and a control unit 20 that controls the drive unit 40. The control unit 20 controls the drive unit 40 based on the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 and the determination result of whether communication can be performed, so that the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a in a state where the ink container 100 is stored in the storage unit 13 at the use position (for example, the first position P1) is a position other than the invalid point of communication.

[0112] Thus, when the fixed position of the ink container 100 (IC tag 120) is changed to the second position P2 or the third position P3 and the result of the determination of whether communication is possible is that communication is possible, the distance D1 or D2 that the ink container 100 is moved away from the communication unit 11a from the use position (first position P1) to the second position P2 or the third position P3 can be determined as a position that avoids the invalid point of communication between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a. Thereafter, the driving unit 40 is moved away from the IC tag 120 by the distance D1 or D2, and the ink container 100 is returned to the first position P1 as the use position, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a, and fixing the ink container 100 at the use position. Therefore, compared with the case where the positional relationship that avoids the invalid point of communication is determined while the communication unit 11a is moved by the driving unit 40, adjustment can be performed by simple control.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the ink container 100 is an example of consumables mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and includes an IC tag 120 (an example of a storage unit) for communicating with the communication unit 11a of the image forming apparatus 1, and a positional relationship adjustment unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a to a position other than a communication invalid point. The positional relationship adjustment unit of the ink container 100 includes a concave-convex portion 112a (an example of a fixed portion) that can be fixed relative to the concave-convex portion 13a-1 (fixing portion) provided in the image forming apparatus 1 at a plurality of positions in the insertion direction IN of the ink container 100 inserted into the storage unit 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 storing the ink container 100, and a container position display unit 113 (an example of a consumables position display unit) that indicates the fixed position (first position P1 to third position P3) of the ink container 100.

[0114] Thus, the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a can be made to avoid the invalid point, which is an area where normal communication is impossible. Therefore, normal communication can be performed between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) of the ink container 100 and the communication unit 11a of the image forming device 1. In addition, the positional relationship between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a can be easily adjusted to a position other than the invalid point by using a simple structure of the concave-convex portion 13a-1 provided in the storage unit 13. In addition, the user can check the position of the ink container 100 (IC tag 120) while looking at the container position display unit 113, so that the adjustment can be made reliably.

[0115] <Second Embodiment>

[0116] In the second embodiment, since the components of the image forming apparatus 1 and the ink tank 100 can be made the same as those of the first embodiment described above, the description will focus on matters different from the first embodiment.

[0117] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing an example of the result of mutual communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 .

[0118] In the above-mentioned image forming device 1 and ink container 100, with the front end center of the R / W portion 11 on the IC tag 120 side as a reference, the position where the IC tag 120 can communicate (the position indicated by black when the front is set as the X-axis direction and the left and right directions are set as the Y-axis direction) is in the same range as long as the IC tag 120 (ink container 100) is a matching product that matches the image forming device 1.

[0119] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a correspondence is generated between the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 and the determination result of whether communication is possible for the ink container 100 matching the image forming device 1, the control unit 20, based on the information of the correspondence, notifies the user that there is a possibility that image formation may not be performed correctly when the ink container 100 that does not satisfy the correspondence is accommodated in the accommodation unit 13.

[0120] Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining adjustment of the positional relationship between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 .

[0121] The control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 starts the operation when, for example, the used ink container 100 is taken out of the storage unit 13. Fig.13 Processing shown.

[0122] First, the control section 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink tank 100 newly mounted to the tank holder section 10 in the Fig. 10A The third position P3 is a position where the ink container 100 is inserted halfway into the storage portion 13 and slightly rotated to fit the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112 into the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13 as described above.

[0123] As described above, the user can expose the “3” ( Fig. 10B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the third position P3 by using the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0124] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 10A As shown, the detection result of only one sensor on the front side among the three sensors of the tank position detection sensor 12 is detected (ON), so that the position of the ink tank 100 is the third position P3 (step S32).

[0125] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the third position P3 (step S32: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S33), and returns to the process of step S31.

[0126] When the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink container 100 is in the third position P3 (step S32: "Yes"), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible. If communication is possible (OK), it is judged as P3=1; if communication is not possible (NG), it is judged as P3=0 (step S34).

[0127] Next, the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 fixed at the third position P3. Fig. 8A The ink container 100 at the third position P3 is slightly rotated in the reverse direction to release the engagement between the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13 and the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112, and then the ink container 100 is slightly pushed inward and slightly rotated to engage the concave-convex portions 13a-1 and 112a.

[0128] As described above, the user can expose the "2" ( Figure 8B The ink tank 100 is fixed at the second position P2 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0129] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 8A As shown, only the detection results of the two sensors on the front side among the three sensors of the tank position detection sensor 12 are detected (ON), so that the position of the ink tank 100 is the second position P2 (step S36).

[0130] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the second position P2 (step S36: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S37), and returns to the process of step S35.

[0131] When the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink container 100 is in the second position P2 (step S36: "Yes"), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible. If communication is possible (OK), it is judged as P2=1; if communication is not possible (NG), it is judged as P2=0 (step S38).

[0132] Next, the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to fix the ink container 100 fixed at the second position P2. Fig. 7A The ink container 100 at the second position P2 is slightly rotated in the opposite direction to release the engagement between the concave-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage portion 13 and the concave-convex portion 112a of the fixing claw 112, and then the ink container 100 is slightly pushed inward and slightly rotated to engage the concave-convex portions 13a-1 and 112a.

[0133] As described above, the user can expose the “1” ( Figure 7BThe ink tank 100 is fixed at the first position P1 by referring to the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0134] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether Fig. 7A As shown, the detection results of the three sensors of the tank position detection sensor 12 are all detected (ON), so that the position of the ink tank 100 is the first position P1 (step S40).

[0135] When the detection result of the tank position detection sensor 12 does not indicate that the ink tank 100 is at the first position P1 (step S40: No), the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to re-secure (step S41), and returns to the process of step S39.

[0136] When the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 indicates that the ink container 100 is in the first position P1 (step S40: "Yes"), the control unit 20 determines whether communication between the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 is possible. If communication is possible (OK), it is judged as P1=1; if communication is not possible (NG), it is judged as P1=0 (step S42).

[0137] Next, the control unit 20 refers to the pre-stored information on the correspondence between the position of the R / W unit 11 and the IC tag 120 (corresponding to the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12) of each product (ink container 100) and the determination result of whether communication is possible (refer to Fig.14 ), to determine whether the ink container 100 inserted into the storage portion 13 is a matching product that matches the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the IC tag 120 of the matching product of the ink container 100 is as follows: Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 4 , communication is possible only at the second position P2 among the first position P1, the second position P2 and the third position P3, so the control unit 20 determines whether the values ​​of the above-mentioned P1, P2 and P3 are 1 indicating that communication is possible and P1 and P3 are 0 indicating that communication is not possible (step S43). In addition, the information of the above-mentioned correspondence relationship can be stored in the memory of the control unit 20, or can be obtained from the memory 123 of the IC tag 120.

[0138] When only P2 is 1 indicating that communication is possible and P1 and P3 are 0 indicating that communication is not possible (step S43: Yes), it can be said that Fig.14 The IC tag 120 (ink container 100) has the same communication characteristics as the matching product, as shown in the product C. In addition, the distance between the first position P1, which is the use position of the IC tag 120 (ink container 100), and the second position P2, which is capable of communication, is the distance D1 as described above. Therefore, the control unit 20 Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the driving unit 40 is controlled to rotate the ball screw 52, ​​thereby moving the R / W unit 11 in a direction (backward) away from the IC tag 120 by a distance D1, and the operation ends. Fig.13 In addition, since the ink tank 100 has been fixed in the first position P1 as the use position, it can be used directly.

[0139] After installing Fig.14 In the case of an ink container 100 (IC tag 120) that does not satisfy the judgment criteria that only P2 is 1 indicating that communication is possible and P1 and P3 are 0 indicating that communication is not possible, such as product A (communication is possible at the first position P1 to the third position P3, so P1 to P3 are all 1) and product B (communication is possible only at the first position P1 and the second position P2, so P1, P2=1 and P3=0) that do not match the image forming device 1 (step S43: "No"), it is possible that the ink container 100 cannot be used in the image forming device 1, so the control unit 20 regards the ink container 100 as mismatched, notifies the user that image formation may not be performed correctly, and ends. Fig.13 If the ink tank 100 mounted in the storage unit 13 satisfies the same correspondence relationship as the product A or the product B, the control unit 20 may change the settings of the image forming unit 30 in correspondence with the product A and the product B.

[0140] like Fig.15 As shown, notification to the user is preferably performed by displaying a warning message such as “If this ink tank is used, printing may not be performed correctly.” on the display 61 of the operation panel unit 60 , outputting a sound, or the like.

[0141] In the second embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, namely, normal communication can be performed between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) of the ink tank 100 and the communication unit 11 a of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0142] In addition, in the second embodiment, when a correspondence is generated between the detection result of the container position detection sensor 12 and the determination result of whether communication is possible for the ink container 100 matching the image forming device 1, the control unit 20, based on the information of the correspondence, notifies the user that there is a possibility that image formation may not be performed correctly when the ink container 100 that does not satisfy the correspondence is accommodated in the accommodation unit 13.

[0143] Thus, by notifying the user that the ink tank 100 may not be compatible with the image forming apparatus 1 , it is possible to prevent in advance a situation in which image formation cannot be performed normally or a problem occurs in the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0144] <Third Embodiment>

[0145] In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the R / W unit 11 reads information of a predetermined communication distance stored in the IC tag 120 and moves the R / W unit 11 based on the communication distance.

[0146] If the communication between the IC tag 120 and the R / W unit 11 is possible when the ink container 100 is fixed at the first position P1 as the use position as described above, the control unit 20 obtains the communication distance X [mm] stored in the memory 123 of the IC tag 120. In order to ensure the communication distance, Fig.16 The drive unit 40 is controlled as shown to move the R / W unit 11. In this case, the concavo-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage unit 13 and the concavo-convex portion 112a of the ink container 100, which are examples of the positional relationship adjustment unit, may be omitted. In addition, in the case where the use position of the ink container 100 can be adjusted in the storage unit 13 (for example, the ink can be discharged from the ink discharge unit 111 to the ink suction unit 13b not only at the first position P1 but also at the second position P2), the control unit 20 may notify the user of the communication distance and urge the user to adjust the position by the amount of the above-mentioned communication distance using the concavo-convex portion 13a-1 of the storage unit 13 and the concavo-convex portion 112a of the ink container 100.

[0147] When the communication distance is not stored in the memory 123 of the IC tag 120 , the control unit 20 may start image formation by the image forming unit 30 without moving the R / W unit 11 .

[0148] Furthermore, as in the first and second embodiments described above, when the ink tank 100 is in the first position P1 as the use position, there may be a case where communication between the IC tag 120 and the R / W unit 11 cannot be performed (for example, Figure 5A In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 20, for example, notifies the user to move the ink tank 100 to the second position P2 ( Figure 5B The user may control the driving unit 40 to move the R / W unit 11 away from the IC tag 120, thereby enabling communication between the IC tag 120 and the R / W unit 11, and attempt to obtain the communication distance. Figure 5BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 20 instructs (notifies) the user to move again (steps S6 and S7). Even if the user still does not move the ink container 100 to the second position P2, the setting is not completed, and therefore, image formation is not performed. If the control unit 20 can obtain the communication distance X [mm], it notifies the user to control the drive unit 40 to move the R / W unit 11 and return the ink container 100 to the use position (first position P1). In addition, if the control unit 20 does not store the communication distance, the processing of the first embodiment described above can be performed.

[0149] In the third embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, namely, normal communication can be performed between the IC tag 120 (storage unit) of the ink tank 100 and the communication unit 11 a of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0150] In addition, in the third embodiment, a positional relationship adjustment unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the memory 123 and the communication unit 11a to a position other than an invalid point of communication has a driving unit 40 that moves the communication unit 11a, and the image forming device 1 has a control unit 20 that controls the driving unit 40. The control unit 20 controls the driving unit 40 based on a communication distance X [mm] between the IC tag 120 and the communication unit 11a other than the invalid point of communication, which is stored in the IC tag 120 (storage unit).

[0151] This can omit the user's work of moving the ink tank 100 from the use position (first position P1) to the second position P2 or the third position P3 and fixing the ink tank 100, and normal communication can be performed at the optimal communication distance X [mm].

[0152] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the original state of the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized by deforming the constituent elements in the implementation stage without departing from its main purpose. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment can also be appropriately combined. Of course, various deformations and applications can be performed in this way without departing from the scope of the purpose of the invention. Below, the invention recorded in the claims of the original application of this application is attached.

[0153] [Note 1]

[0154] An image forming device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0155] a storage department, which stores consumables;

[0156] A communication unit that communicates with a storage unit of the consumables;

[0157] a determination unit that determines whether communication between the storage unit and the communication unit is possible; and

[0158] A positional relationship adjusting unit is configured to adjust the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than a communication invalid point based on a determination result of the determination unit as to whether the communication is possible.

[0159] [Note 2]

[0160] The image forming apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that:

[0161] The positional relationship adjusting portion includes a fixing portion provided on the housing portion, the fixing portion being used to fix the consumable material at a plurality of positions in an insertion direction of the consumable material into the housing portion.

[0162] [Note 3]

[0163] The image forming apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2 is characterized in that:

[0164] The positional relationship adjustment unit further includes a driving unit for moving the communication unit.

[0165] The image forming apparatus further comprises:

[0166] a consumables position detection sensor that detects a position of the consumables fixed by the fixing portion in the insertion direction; and

[0167] a control unit that controls the driving unit,

[0168] Among them, the control unit controls the driving unit based on the detection result of the consumable position detection sensor and the judgment result of whether the communication can be performed, so that the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit when the consumable is accommodated in the accommodation unit at the use position becomes a position other than the invalid point of the communication.

[0169] [Note 4]

[0170] The image forming apparatus according to Supplementary Note 3 is characterized in that:

[0171] When a correspondence is generated between the detection result of the consumable position detection sensor and the determination result of whether the communication can be performed for the consumables matching the image forming device, the control unit notifies the user of the possibility that image formation may not be performed correctly based on the information of the correspondence and when the consumables that do not satisfy the correspondence are stored in the storage unit.

[0172] [Note 5]

[0173] The image forming apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, characterized in that:

[0174] The positional relationship adjusting unit includes a driving unit for moving the communication unit.

[0175] The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that controls the driving unit.

[0176] The control unit controls the driving unit based on the communication distance between the storage unit and the communication unit, excluding a point at which the communication is invalid, which is stored in the storage unit.

[0177] [Note 6]

[0178] A consumable material is installed in an image forming device, wherein the consumable material is characterized in that:

[0179] a storage unit for communicating with a communication unit included in the image forming apparatus; and

[0180] a positional relationship adjusting unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than a communication invalid point,

[0181] Among them, the position relationship adjustment part comprises: a fixed part, which can be fixed relative to a fixing part arranged in the image forming device at multiple positions in the insertion direction of the consumables into the storage part of the image forming device that stores the consumables; and a consumable position display part, which indicates the fixed position of the consumables.

[0182] [Note 7]

[0183] A position adjustment method for adjusting the positional relationship between a storage unit of a consumable material installed in an image forming device and a communication unit of the image forming device that communicates with the storage unit, wherein the position adjustment method is characterized in that:

[0184] Based on the result of determination as to whether or not communication between the storage unit and the communication unit is possible, the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit is adjusted to a position other than a communication invalid point.

[0185] Description of Reference Numerals

[0186] 1: image forming device; 10: container holder; 11: R / W unit; 11a: communication unit; 11b: R / W control unit; 12: container position detection sensor (consumables position detection sensor); 13: storage unit; 13a: claw insertion hole; 13a-1: concave-convex portion (fixing unit, position relationship adjustment unit); 13b: ink suction unit; 20: control unit (determination unit); 30: image forming unit; 40: drive unit (position relationship adjustment unit); 51: support plate; 52: ball screw; 53, 54: stopper ; 60: operation panel part; 61: display; 62: operation key; 100: ink container (consumable); 110: container body; 111: ink discharge part; 112: fixing claw; 112a: concave-convex part (fixed part, position relationship adjustment part); 113: container position display part (consumable position display part); 120: IC tag (storage part); 121: communication part; 122: IC tag control part; 123: memory; IN: insertion direction; P1: first position; P2: second position; P3: third position.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: a storage department, which stores consumables; A communication unit that communicates with a storage unit of the consumables; a determination unit configured to determine whether communication between the storage unit and the communication unit can be performed; as well as a positional relationship adjusting unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than a communication invalid point based on a determination result of the determination unit that the communication cannot be performed, The positional relationship adjusting portion includes a fixing portion provided on the housing portion, the fixing portion being used to fix the consumable material at a plurality of positions in an insertion direction of the consumable material into the housing portion.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The positional relationship adjustment unit further includes a driving unit for moving the communication unit. The image forming apparatus further comprises: a consumables position detection sensor that detects a position of the consumables fixed by the fixing portion in the insertion direction; and a control unit that controls the driving unit, Among them, the control unit controls the driving unit based on the detection result of the consumable position detection sensor and the judgment result of whether the communication can be performed, so that the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit when the consumable is accommodated in the accommodation unit at the use position becomes a position other than the invalid point of the communication.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When a correspondence is generated between the detection result of the consumable position detection sensor and the determination result of whether the communication can be performed for the consumables matching the image forming device, the control unit notifies the user of the possibility that image formation may not be performed correctly based on the information of the correspondence and when the consumables that do not satisfy the correspondence are stored in the storage unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The positional relationship adjusting unit includes a driving unit for moving the communication unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that controls the driving unit. The control unit controls the driving unit based on the communication distance between the storage unit and the communication unit, excluding a point at which the communication is invalid, which is stored in the storage unit.

5. A consumable material installed in an image forming device, wherein the consumable material comprises: a storage unit for communicating with a communication unit included in the image forming apparatus; and a positional relationship adjusting unit for adjusting the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than a communication invalid point, in, The position relationship adjustment unit includes: a fixed portion that can be fixed relative to a fixing portion provided in the image forming device at multiple positions in an insertion direction of the consumables into a storage portion of the image forming device that stores the consumables; and a consumable position display portion that indicates a fixed position of the consumables.

6. A position adjustment method for adjusting the positional relationship between a storage unit of a consumable material installed in an image forming device and a communication unit of the image forming device that communicates with the storage unit, the position adjustment method being characterized in that: Based on a determination result that communication between the storage unit and the communication unit cannot be performed, a fixing unit provided in a storage unit for storing the consumables of the image forming device is used to adjust the positional relationship between the storage unit and the communication unit to a position other than an invalid point of communication, and the fixing unit is used to fix the consumables at multiple positions in an insertion direction of the consumables into the storage unit.

Images