Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent an incompatible storage body from being attached to an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: The attachment portion includes a tray, a holder, a switch that is turned on and off by being pressed in an insertion direction of the tray, and an actuator that moves in the insertion direction by being pressed and presses the switch, the tag plate includes a first portion, and the first portion is formed in a shape corresponding to any one of a plurality of types of shapes predetermined as a shape of the actuator. When the tray is inserted, if the shape of the first portion of the tag plate inserted into the holder corresponds to the shape of the actuator, the actuator is pressed in the insertion direction by the first portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The image forming apparatus includes a container that contains color materials such as ink and toner. The image forming apparatus performs printing using the color materials contained in the container. Such an image forming apparatus is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-32594 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The container that contains the colorant is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. When the container currently attached to the main body becomes empty, it is removed from the main body and a new container is attached to the main body. At this time, the inconvenience of attaching an incompatible container to the image forming apparatus can occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has an object to prevent an incompatible container from being attached to an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container that contains a colorant, a mounting unit to which the container is detachably mounted, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the colorant. The container has a tag plate including an IC tag in which colorant information related to the colorant is pre-stored. The mounting unit is insertable into and removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus and includes a tray on which the container is set, a holder provided on the tray that holds the tag plate when the tag plate of the container set in the tray is inserted, a switch provided on the main body that is switched on / off when pressed in the direction of insertion of the tray into the main body, and an actuator supported movably in the insertion direction and, when pressed in the insertion direction, moves in the insertion direction to press the switch in the insertion direction. The tag plate has a first portion that protrudes from the holder in the insertion direction when inserted into the holder. The first portion is formed into a shape corresponding to one of multiple predetermined shapes for the actuator. When the tray is inserted into the main body, if the shape of the first portion of the tag plate inserted into the holder corresponds to the shape of the actuator, the first portion presses the actuator in the insertion direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an incompatible container from being attached to an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the mounting portion and its periphery of the main body according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ink pack is set in a tray of a mounting portion (a state in which a tag plate is inserted into a holder) according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5]10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ink pack is set in a tray of a mounting portion (a state in which a tag plate is not inserted into a holder) according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an actuator and its surroundings according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuator according to one embodiment (an actuator having a different shape from the actuator shown in FIG. 6) and its surroundings. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a tag plate according to an embodiment, as viewed from the plate thickness direction. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of a tag plate according to an embodiment (a tag plate having a different shape from the tag plate shown in FIG. 8) as viewed in the thickness direction. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship between the tag plate shown in FIG. 8 and the actuator corresponding to the tag plate, as viewed from the front-rear direction. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship between the tag plate shown in FIG. 9 and the actuator corresponding to the tag plate, as viewed from the front-rear direction. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a switch is pressed by the actuator shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a switch is pressed down by the actuator shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 14] 11 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the tag plate shown in FIG. 9 and the actuator shown in FIG. 10 when viewed from the front-rear direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tag plate according to one embodiment inserted into a holder. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tag plate shown in FIG. 15 is not inserted into a holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 corresponds to an "image forming apparatus." The inkjet recording apparatus 100 prints on a sheet S using ink as a coloring material. Examples of the sheet S include copy paper, coated paper, overhead projector sheets, cardboard, postcards, tracing paper, corrugated cardboard sheets, and cloth.

[0010] The present invention is not limited to image forming apparatuses that use ink as a coloring material, but can also be applied to image forming apparatuses that use toner as a coloring material.

[0011] <Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus> The schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 is shown in Fig. 1. For example, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is a relatively large apparatus used for commercial printing. In other words, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is not for home use. However, the present invention is also applicable to home image forming apparatuses.

[0012] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes an ink pack 1. The ink pack 1 is attached to a main body 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The ink pack 1 contains ink to be used for printing. The ink pack 1 corresponds to a "container."

[0013] The inkjet recording device 100 includes a mounting section 2. The mounting section 2 includes a mounting area for an ink pack 1. The ink pack 1 is detachably mounted in the mounting section 2. When the ink in the ink pack 1 runs out, the old ink pack 1 is replaced with a new ink pack 1.

[0014] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 3. The image forming unit 3 includes four recording heads 30 corresponding to four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In FIG. 1, the recording head 30 corresponding to cyan is labeled "C," the recording head 30 corresponding to magenta is labeled "M," the recording head 30 corresponding to yellow is labeled "Y," and the recording head 30 corresponding to black is labeled "B."

[0015] The recording heads 30 are arranged in one direction at intervals from one another. Each recording head 30 has a nozzle surface on which a plurality of nozzles are provided. Each recording head 30 ejects ink from the nozzles on its nozzle surface.

[0016] For example, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a conveyor belt BL. The conveyor belt BL is driven with a sheet S placed on its surface. The surface of the conveyor belt BL faces the nozzle faces of the recording heads 30. While the conveyor belt BL is conveying the sheet S, the nozzle faces of the recording heads 30 face the sheet S. Each recording head 30 ejects ink toward the sheet S. This forms an image on the sheet S. In FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow Ds is the conveying direction of the sheet S. Furthermore, the direction indicated by the arrow Db is the driving direction of the conveyor belt BL.

[0017] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes processing circuits such as a CPU and an ASIC. The control unit 4 includes storage devices such as a ROM, a RAM, a HDD, and an SSD. The control unit 4 controls printing by the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

[0018] <Ink pack> The ink pack 1 has a configuration as shown in Fig. 2. A plurality of ink packs 1 corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 100. Each ink pack 1 contains ink of the corresponding color.

[0019] There is no particular limit to the number of ink packs 1 that can be attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 100. For example, multiple ink packs 1 for each color are attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 100. In other words, multiple ink packs 1 (for example, a total of 12) are attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

[0020] The following description focuses on the configuration of one ink pack 1. The configuration of each ink pack 1 is the same, so the description of the configuration of the other ink packs 1 will be omitted as the following description is applicable.

[0021] The ink pack 1 has a pack body 11. The pack body 11 is made of aluminum laminate film formed into a bag shape. The pack body 11 contains ink.

[0022] The ink pack 1 has a spout 12. The spout 12 is a cylindrical member that is attached to the pack body 11. The spout 12 connects the inside and outside of the pack body 11. This allows the ink in the pack body 11 to flow out through the spout 12.

[0023] The spout 12 is detachable from an ink flow path FL (see FIG. 1) that is connected to the recording head 30. When the spout 12 is connected to the ink flow path FL, ink can be supplied from the ink pack 1 to the recording head 30.

[0024] The ink pack 1 has a tag plate 13. The tag plate 13 includes an IC tag 130. One tag plate 13 is assigned to each ink pack 1. The tag plate 13 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of resin. The IC tag 130 is mounted on one side of the tag plate 13. Ink information (corresponding to "colorant information") regarding the ink in the corresponding ink pack 1 is stored in advance in the IC tag 130.

[0025] The content of the ink information is not particularly limited. Various information such as the color, composition, and lot number of the ink is stored in advance in the IC tag 130 as ink information.

[0026] For example, the ink pack 1 has a string member 14. The tag plate 13 is connected to the spout 12 via the string member 14. In other words, the tag plate 13 is suspended from the spout 12 via the string member 14. This allows the tag plate 13 to be moved freely relative to the spout 12.

[0027] There is no particular limitation on the type of string member 14. The string member 14 may be made of resin or cloth. The string member 14 may also be made of metal, such as a ball chain or an ultra-fine wire.

[0028] <Attachment part> For ease of understanding, the configuration and arrangement of each component of the mounting unit 2 will be described below using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X direction along the X axis is one horizontal direction and corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The Y direction along the Y axis is the other horizontal direction and corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The Z direction along the Z axis is the vertical direction and corresponds to the up-down direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

[0029] In the following description, the X direction is referred to as the front-to-rear direction, the Y direction as the left-to-right direction, and the Z direction as the up-to-down direction. Note that the side toward which the X-axis arrow points is the rear side (deep side), and the opposite side is the front side (front side). The side toward which the Y-axis arrow points is the left side, and the opposite side is the right side. The side toward which the Z-axis arrow points is the top side, and the opposite side is the bottom side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, there are a plurality of mounting portions 2. The number of mounting portions 2 is the same as the number of ink packs 1. When viewed from the front side of the inkjet recording apparatus 100, the plurality of mounting portions 2 are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions. Each of the plurality of mounting portions 2 corresponds to one of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. An ink pack 1 containing ink of the corresponding color is mounted in each of the plurality of mounting portions 2. For example, each of the plurality of mounting portions 2 is covered from the front side with a cover. Note that in the state shown in FIG. 3, since each mounting portion 2 is covered with a cover, the internal area thereof cannot be seen.

[0031] The following describes the configuration of one of the mounting units 2. The configurations of the mounting units 2 are the same. Therefore, the following description is used to refer to the configurations of the other mounting units 2, and so the description will be omitted.

[0032] 4 and 5, the mounting unit 2 has a tray 21. The tray 21 has a setting area. The ink pack 1 is set in the setting area of ​​the tray 21.

[0033] The tray 21 is generally box-shaped and open at the top. That is, the tray 21 has a bottom (reference numeral omitted) that is parallel to the XY plane. The tray 21 also has a pair of side portions 211 and 212 that are parallel to the YZ plane and face each other in the front-to-back direction, and a pair of side portions 213 and 214 that are parallel to the ZX plane and face each other in the left-to-right direction. Each of the side portions 211 to 214 extends upward from the edge of the bottom. The tray 21 has a setting area that is an area above the bottom that is surrounded by these side portions 211 to 214. The ink pack 1 is placed on the bottom of the tray 21.

[0034] The side portion 211 is located on the rear side, and the side portion 212 is located on the front side. The side portion 213 is located on the left side, and the side portion 214 is located on the right side.

[0035] When the ink pack 1 is set in the tray 21, the spout 12 is positioned outside the set area. For example, the front side portion 212 has an opening 2120 cut downward from its upper edge. The body of the spout 12 fits into the opening 2120. The spout 12 protrudes from the inside to the outside of the set area through the opening 2120.

[0036] The tray 21 is insertable into and removable from the main body 10. By pulling out the tray 21 from the main body 10, it is possible to replace the ink pack 1. Figures 4 and 5 show the tray 21 pulled out from the main body 10.

[0037] For example, the mounting unit 2 has a slide rail composed of an outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2. The outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2 each extend in the front-to-rear direction. The outer rail R1 is attached to the main body 10. The inner rail R2 is attached to the outer surfaces of the side portions 213 and 214 of the tray 21. The inner rail R2 is inserted in the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer rail R1 and is slidable in the front-to-rear direction while being guided by the outer rail R1.

[0038] When the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10, the tray 21 is pulled out from the main body 10 by sliding the tray 21 toward the front side. When the tray 21 is pulled out from the main body 10, the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10 by sliding the tray 21 toward the rear side. In this configuration, the direction in which the tray 21 slides toward the front side corresponds to the insertion direction of the tray 21 into the main body 10. In the following description, the insertion direction of the tray 21 into the main body 10 will be simply referred to as the tray insertion direction. The direction of the arrow on the X-axis is the tray insertion direction.

[0039] The mounting section 2 has a holder 22. The holder 22 is provided on the outer surface of the side section 214 of the tray 21. The holder 22 holds the tag plate 13 of the ink pack 1 set in the tray 21. When the tag plate 13 is held by the holder 22, the thickness direction of the tag plate 13 is the left-right direction. The mounting surface of the tag plate 13 faces outward relative to the set area.

[0040] The holder 22 has an insertion region into which the tag plate 13 is inserted. The tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22 from above toward below. In this configuration, the insertion direction of the tag plate 13 into the holder 22 is from above toward below. In the following description, the insertion direction of the tag plate 13 into the holder 22 will be simply referred to as the tag insertion direction. The tag insertion direction is the direction opposite to the direction of the Z-axis arrow. Figure 4 shows the tag plate 13 inserted into the holder 22. Figure 5 shows the state when the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22 (or the state when the tag plate 13 is pulled out of the holder 22).

[0041] The tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22 (its insertion area) and is thereby held by the holder 22. When the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22, the IC tag 130 is mounted on a portion of the tag plate 13 that protrudes upward from the holder 22.

[0042] The ink pack 1 is manually attached to the tray 21 by the user, and the tag plate 13 is manually inserted into the holder 22 by the user.

[0043] 6 and 7, the mounting unit 2 has a switch 23. A push button switch or the like can be used as the switch 23. The board including the switch 23 is connected to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 detects whether the switch is on or off.

[0044] The switch 23 is provided on a base 101, which is a part of the main body 10. The base 101 is plate-shaped with its thickness in the front-to-rear direction. The main body of the switch 23 is located on the rear side of the base 101. The tip of the switch 23, which is the pressed portion (in other words, the portion pressed by another member), protrudes forward from the front surface of the base 101. The switch 23 switches on and off when the tip is pressed from the front side to the rear side. In other words, the switch 23 switches on and off when pressed in the tray insertion direction.

[0045] The mounting unit 2 has an actuator 24. The actuator 24 is a plate-like member whose thickness direction is in the front-rear direction. The actuator 24 is disposed in front of the base 101 and faces the base 101 in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The actuator 24 is supported so as to be able to move back and forth in the front-to-rear direction. For example, the base 101 is provided with two guide pins 111 extending forward. The actuator 24 has two guide bushes GB into which the two guide pins 111 are inserted, respectively. The actuator 24 is able to move back and forth in the front-to-rear direction while being guided by the two guide pins 111.

[0047] A compression coil spring 112 is disposed on each of the two guide pins 111. That is, the compression coil spring 112 is disposed between the base 101 and the actuator 24 in the front-rear direction. The compression coil spring 112 generates a biasing force that separates the base 101 (i.e., the switch 23) and the actuator 24 from each other.

[0048] The actuator 24 is disposed in front of the switch 23. The actuator 24 faces the tip of the switch 23 with a gap in the front-rear direction. When pressed in the tray insertion direction, the actuator 24 moves in the tray insertion direction and presses the tip of the switch 23 in the tray insertion direction. In other words, when pressed in the tray insertion direction, the actuator 24 switches the switch 23 on and off. For example, the switch 23 is turned on when pressed by the actuator 24, and turned off when the pressure from the actuator 24 is released.

[0049] The mounting unit 2 has a tag reader 25. The tag reader 25 is an RFID reader. The tag reader 25 is provided in the main body 10. When the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10, the tag reader 25 faces the IC tag 130 of the tag plate 13 inserted into the holder 22 in the left-right direction. The tag reader 25 communicates wirelessly with the IC tag 130 and reads ink information stored in advance in the IC tag 130.

[0050] The tag reader 25 is connected to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 controls the tag reader 25. When the switch 23 is turned on, the control unit 4 determines that the tray 21 is attached to the main body 10, and causes the tag reader 25 to read the IC tag 130. The control unit 4 recognizes the ink information read by the tag reader 25. When the control unit 4 is able to recognize the ink information of all the ink packs 1 attached to the multiple attachment units 2, the control unit 4 allows printing in the inkjet recording device 100. If the control unit 4 is unable to recognize the ink information of the ink packs 1 attached to any of the attachment units 2, printing will not be performed in the inkjet recording device 100.

[0051] <Tag plate shape> 1. First part of tag plate 8 and 9, the tag plate 13 integrally includes a first portion 131. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the first portion 131 is surrounded by a dashed line. The first portion 131 is a portion that protrudes from the holder 22 in the tray insertion direction when the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22.

[0052] 10 and 11, the actuator 24 integrally has a pressed piece 241. The pressed piece 241 is a part that protrudes further left than other parts of the actuator 24 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

[0053] Here, the actuator 24 is formed to have one of a plurality of predetermined shapes. The shape of the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24 changes depending on the destination of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

[0054] For example, at least one of the number of pressed pieces 241 and the arrangement positions of the pressed pieces 241 varies depending on the destination of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. For convenience, it is assumed here that the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is destined for two destinations. In this case, two types of shapes are predetermined as the shape of the actuator 24.

[0055] When the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is destined for two destinations, for example, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 for one of the destinations has one pressed piece 241 on the actuator 24, as shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, one pressed piece 241 is disposed in the center of the actuator 24 in the vertical direction.

[0056] 11, the inkjet recording device 100 for the other destination has two pressed pieces 241 on the actuator 24. Furthermore, neither of the two pressed pieces 241 is located in the vertical center of the actuator 24, but is located above and below that center, respectively.

[0057] In the following description, the actuator 24 shown in FIG. 10 may be distinguished by adding an "A" to the end of its reference number, and the actuator 24 shown in FIG. 11 may be distinguished by adding a "B" to the end of its reference number.

[0058] The first portion 131 of the tag plate 13 is formed into a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined shapes of the actuator 24. In other words, the shape of the first portion 131 can be changed depending on the destination of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

[0059] Specifically, the first portion 131 has at least one protrusion 1311 that protrudes further in the tray insertion direction than other portions of the first portion 131 when the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22. At least one of the number of protrusions 1311 and the positions of the protrusions 1311 can be changed according to the shape of the actuator 24. In other words, the shape of the first portion 131 can be changed according to the shape of the actuator 24. In yet other words, the shape of the first portion 131 can be changed according to the destination.

[0060] The correspondence between the shapes of the tag plate 13 and the actuators 24 will be described below, focusing on the actuators 24A and 24B.

[0061] The first portion 131 of the tag plate 13 corresponding to the shape of the actuator 24A (see FIG. 10) has a shape as shown in FIG. 8. The first portion 131 of the tag plate 13 corresponding to the shape of the actuator 24B (see FIG. 11) has a shape as shown in FIG. 9. In the following description, the tag plates 13 corresponding to the actuator 24A may be distinguished by adding "A" to the end of the reference numeral, and the tag plates 13 corresponding to the actuator 24B may be distinguished by adding "B" to the end of the reference numeral.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8, the tag plate 13A has a protrusion 1311 at approximately the center in the up-down direction of the first part 131. When the tag plate 13A is inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24A, as shown in Fig. 10, the protrusion 1311 of the tag plate 13A is positioned forward of the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24A, and faces the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24A in the front-to-rear direction. Note that for convenience, only the protrusion 1311 of the tag plate 13A is shown in Fig. 10.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 9, the tag plate 13B has one convex portion 1311 on each of the upper and lower sides of approximately the center in the up-down direction of the first portion 131. When the tag plate 13B is inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24B, as shown in Fig. 11, the two convex portions 1311 of the tag plate 13B are each positioned forward of the two pressed pieces 241 of the actuator 24B, and the two convex portions 1311 of the tag plate 13B each face the two pressed pieces 241 of the actuator 24B in the front-to-rear direction. Note that for convenience, Fig. 11 shows only the convex portions 1311 of the tag plate 13B.

[0064] As a result, when the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10 with the tag plate 13A inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24A, the convex portion 1311 of the tag plate 13A presses the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24A in the tray insertion direction. Then, the actuator 24A moves in the tray insertion direction and presses the switch 23 in the tray insertion direction (see FIG. 12). As a result, the switch 23 is turned on.

[0065] When the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10 with the tag plate 13B inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24B, the convex portion 1311 of the tag plate 13B presses the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24B in the tray insertion direction. Then, the actuator 24B moves in the tray insertion direction and presses the switch 23 in the tray insertion direction (see FIG. 13). As a result, the switch 23 is turned on.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 14, even if the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10 with the tag plate 13B inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24A, the convex portion 1311 of the tag plate 13B does not come into contact with the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24A. Also, although not shown, even if the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10 with the tag plate 13A inserted into the holder 22 of the mounting unit 2 having the actuator 24B, the convex portion 1311 of the tag plate 13A does not come into contact with the pressed piece 241 of the actuator 24B. In these cases, the actuator 24 does not move in the tray insertion direction. As a result, the switch 23 is not pressed and therefore not turned on.

[0067] That is, in this embodiment, when the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10, if the shape of the first portion 131 of the tag plate 13 inserted into the holder 22 corresponds to the shape of the actuator 24, the actuator 24 is pressed in the tray insertion direction by the first portion 131. When the actuator 24 is pressed and moves in the tray insertion direction, the actuator 24 presses the switch 23, turning the switch 23 on.

[0068] On the other hand, when tray 21 is inserted into main body 10, if the shape of first portion 131 of tag plate 13 inserted into holder 22 does not correspond to the shape of actuator 24, first portion 131 will not press actuator 24 in the tray insertion direction, and actuator 24 will not move in the tray insertion direction. As a result, switch 23 will not be pressed and will not be turned on.

[0069] With this configuration, even if an ink pack 1 for a certain destination is set in a tray 21 for another destination and the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10, the switch 23 does not turn on. If the switch is not turned on, the tag reader 25 does not read the IC tag 130, and the ink information necessary for printing cannot be obtained. This prevents printing from being performed in a state where the destination of the ink pack 1 set in a certain inkjet recording device 100 is different from the destination of the inkjet recording device 100. If printing is performed in a state where the destination of the ink pack 1 set in a certain inkjet recording device 100 is different from the destination of the inkjet recording device 100, the image quality may deteriorate. This may also cause a malfunction of the inkjet recording device 100.

[0070] In this embodiment, the on / off switching of the switch 23 can be enabled or disabled simply by changing the shape of the first portion 131 of the tag plate 13. Specifically, it is sufficient to change at least one of the number of the protrusions 1311 and the positions at which the protrusions 1311 are arranged.

[0071] This eliminates the need to, for example, form an incompatible shape integrally with the spout 12 to prevent the ink pack 1 from being attached to an incompatible model. If such a configuration were to be adopted, the shape of the spout 12 would have to be changed for each of the multiple destinations, which would increase costs.

[0072] On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is only necessary to change the shape of the first portion 131 of the tag plate 13. Then, it is only necessary to hang the tag plate 13 from the spout 12. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in costs and to prevent an ink pack 1 that is incompatible with the inkjet recording device 100 from being attached. As a result, it is possible to prevent printing from being performed with an ink pack 1 that is incompatible with the inkjet recording device 100 attached.

[0073] 2. Second part of tag plate 8 and 9, the tag plate 13 integrally includes a second portion 132. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the second portion 132 is surrounded by a dashed line. The second portion 132 is inserted into the holder 22.

[0074] 15 and 16, the holder 22 has an integral rib 221. The rib 221 protrudes in the thickness direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the tag plate 13 when the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22, and extends linearly in the tag insertion direction. The rib 221 is disposed in an insertion area of ​​the holder 22 where the tag plate 13 is inserted. FIG. 15 shows the tag plate 13 inserted into the holder 22, and FIG. 16 shows the state when the tag plate 13 is inserted into the holder 22.

[0075] Here, the holder 22 (its insertion area) is formed to have one of a plurality of predetermined shapes. The shape of the holder 22 corresponds to one of a plurality of types of ink, and changes depending on the type of ink (for example, the color of the ink). In other words, the shape of the holder 22 changes depending on the type of ink of the ink pack 1 to be attached to the corresponding attachment portion 2. The holder 22 of the attachment portion 2 to which the ink pack 1 containing a certain type of ink should be attached is formed in a shape that corresponds to the type of ink of that ink pack 1.

[0076] For example, at least one of the number of ribs 221 and the arrangement positions of the ribs 221 varies depending on the type of ink used. For convenience, it is assumed here that the arrangement positions of the ribs 221 vary depending on the color of the ink used. Two ribs 221 are provided on the holder 22. However, this is not limiting. The number of ribs 221 provided on the holder 22 may be three or more, or just one.

[0077] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 uses four colors of ink: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Therefore, there are four different shapes of the holder 22, one for each of these four colors. That is, there is a holder 22 for cyan, a holder 22 for magenta, a holder 22 for yellow, and a holder 22 for black.

[0078] The holder 22 corresponding to any one of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black has a shape as shown in Figures 15 and 16. The shapes of the three holders 22 corresponding to the remaining three colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are different from each other and also from the shapes of the holders 22 shown in Figures 15 and 16, although not shown.

[0079] The second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 is formed in a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined shapes of the holder 22. The shape of the second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 arranged on the ink pack 1 that contains cyan ink corresponds to the shape of the holder 22 for cyan. The shape of the second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 arranged on the ink pack 1 that contains magenta ink corresponds to the shape of the holder 22 for magenta. The shape of the second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 arranged on the ink pack 1 that contains yellow ink corresponds to the shape of the holder 22 for yellow. The shape of the second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 arranged on the ink pack 1 that contains black ink corresponds to the shape of the holder 22 for black.

[0080] Specifically, the second portion 132 has at least one slit 1321 that penetrates the tag plate 13 in the thickness direction and is cut from the downstream end of the second portion 132 in the tag insertion direction into the holder 22 (i.e., the lower end in the up-down direction) toward the upstream end of the tag insertion direction (i.e., the upper end in the up-down direction). The slit 1321 is a linearly cut portion of the second portion 132 from its lower end toward its upper side. At least one of the number of slits 1321 and the arrangement positions of the slits 1321 can be changed depending on the shape of the holder 22. In other words, the shape of the second portion 132 can be changed depending on the shape of the holder 22. In yet other words, the shape of the second portion 132 can be changed depending on the type of ink. The width of the opening of the slit 1321 in the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the rib 221 in the front-rear direction.

[0081] The following describes the correspondence between the shapes of the tag plate 13 and the holder 22, focusing on the tag plates 13A and 13B. Here, it is assumed that the types (colors) of ink corresponding to the tag plates 13A and 13B are different from each other.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 8, the tag plate 13A has two slits 1321 in the second portion 132. As shown in Fig. 9, the tag plate 13B has two slits 1321 in the second portion 132. The center-to-center distance W1 between the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13A in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., in the tray insertion direction) is larger than the center-to-center distance W2 between the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13B in the front-to-rear direction.

[0083] The center-to-center distance between the two ribs 221 of the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13A in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., in the tray insertion direction) is the same as the center-to-center distance W1 between the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13A. That is, when the tag plate 13A is inserted into the holder 22, the positions of the two ribs 221 of the holder 22 and the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13A in the front-to-rear direction match.

[0084] The center-to-center distance between the two ribs 221 of the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13B in the front-to-rear direction (i.e., in the tray insertion direction) is the same as the center-to-center distance W2 between the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13B. In other words, when the tag plate 13B is inserted into the holder 22, the positions of the two ribs 221 of the holder 22 and the two slits 1321 of the tag plate 13B in the front-to-rear direction match.

[0085] This allows the tag plate 13A to be inserted into the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13A. The tag plate 13B can be inserted into the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13B. On the other hand, the tag plate 13B cannot be inserted into the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13A. Furthermore, the tag plate 13A cannot be inserted into the holder 22 corresponding to the tag plate 13B.

[0086] That is, in this embodiment, when the tag plate 13 has the second portion 132 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the holder 22, the tag plate 13 can be inserted into the holder 22. Specifically, the tag plate 13 can be inserted into the holder 22 by inserting the two ribs 221 of the holder 22 into the two slits 1321 of the second portion 132, respectively. On the other hand, if the shape of the second portion 132 of the tag plate 13 does not correspond to the shape of the holder 22, the positions of the ribs 221 and the slits 1321 in the front-to-rear direction do not match each other, and therefore the tag plate 13 cannot be inserted into the holder 22.

[0087] With this configuration, even if an ink pack 1 for a certain ink is set in a tray 21 for another ink, the tag plate 13 cannot be inserted into the holder 22. If the tag plate 13 is not inserted into the holder 22, the switch 23 will not turn on even if the tray 21 is inserted into the main body 10. This makes it possible to prevent printing from being performed with an ink pack 1 for a certain ink attached to an attachment portion 2 for another ink.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Ink pack (container) 2 Mounting part 3 Image forming unit 10 Main Unit 13 Tag plate 21 Tray 22 Holder 23 Switch 24 Actuators 100 Inkjet recording device (image forming device) 130 IC tags 131 Part 1 132 Part 2 221 Ribs 1311 Convex part 1321 Slit S seat

Claims

1. a container for containing a coloring material; a mounting portion to which the container is detachably mounted; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet using the color material, the container has a tag plate including an IC tag in which color material information related to the color material is stored in advance, The mounting portion is a tray that can be inserted into and removed from a main body of the image forming apparatus and on which the container is set; a holder provided on the tray, into which the tag plate of the container set on the tray is inserted to hold the tag plate; a switch provided on the main body, the switch being turned on and off when pressed in the direction of inserting the tray into the main body; an actuator that is supported so as to be movable in the insertion direction and that moves in the insertion direction when pressed in the insertion direction to press the switch in the insertion direction; the tag plate has a first portion that protrudes from the holder in the insertion direction when inserted into the holder, the first portion is formed in a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined shapes of the actuator, an image forming apparatus, wherein when the tray is inserted into the main body, if the shape of the first part of the tag plate inserted into the holder corresponds to the shape of the actuator, the actuator is pressed in the insertion direction by the first part.

2. the first portion has at least one protrusion that protrudes in the insertion direction more than other portions of the first portion when the tag plate is inserted into the holder, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the shape of the first part of the tag plate inserted into the holder corresponds to the shape of the actuator, the convex portion faces the actuator in the insertion direction, thereby enabling the convex portion to press the actuator.

3. the tag plate has a second portion that is inserted into the holder; the second portion is formed in a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined shapes of the holder, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the tag plate has the second portion having a shape corresponding to a shape of the holder, the tag plate can be inserted into the holder.

4. the second portion has a slit that penetrates the tag plate in a thickness direction and is cut from a downstream end of the second portion in an insertion direction into the holder toward an upstream end in the insertion direction, the holder has a rib that protrudes in the thickness direction when the tag plate is inserted into the holder and extends in the insertion direction, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the shape of the second portion of the tag plate corresponds to the shape of the holder, the position of the slit in the second portion inserted into the holder matches the position of the rib, thereby enabling the tag plate to be inserted into the holder.

5. The shape of the actuator varies depending on the destination of the image forming apparatus, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the shape of the holder changes depending on the type of the color material.

6. the container contains ink as the color material, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming section forms an image on the sheet by ejecting the ink toward the sheet.

Images