EP2089775A2 - Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device - Google Patents

Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device

Info

Publication number
EP2089775A2
EP2089775A2 EP07854446A EP07854446A EP2089775A2 EP 2089775 A2 EP2089775 A2 EP 2089775A2 EP 07854446 A EP07854446 A EP 07854446A EP 07854446 A EP07854446 A EP 07854446A EP 2089775 A2 EP2089775 A2 EP 2089775A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
circuit board
image forming
housing
arms
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07854446A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2089775A4 (en
EP2089775B1 (en
Inventor
Jedediah Taylor Dawson
Akash Chaudhuri
Darin Gettelfinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lexmark International Inc
Original Assignee
Lexmark International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/554,117 external-priority patent/US20080102674A1/en
Application filed by Lexmark International Inc filed Critical Lexmark International Inc
Priority to PL07854446T priority Critical patent/PL2089775T3/en
Publication of EP2089775A2 publication Critical patent/EP2089775A2/en
Publication of EP2089775A4 publication Critical patent/EP2089775A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2089775B1 publication Critical patent/EP2089775B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
    • H01R13/6658—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit on printed circuit board
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0849—Detection or control means for the developer concentration
    • G03G15/0855—Detection or control means for the developer concentration the concentration being measured by optical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
    • G03G15/0875—Arrangements for supplying new developer cartridges having a box like shape
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
    • H01R12/714—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit with contacts abutting directly the printed circuit; Button contacts therefore provided on the printed circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
    • H01R13/6271—Latching means integral with the housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • H01R13/6315—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0863—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. an electronic memory
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
    • G03G21/1652—Electrical connection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1651—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for connecting the different parts
    • G03G2221/166—Electrical connectors

Definitions

  • the present application is directed to electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device and, more particularly, to electrical connectors that include a housing and a circuit board that are attached to a body of a cartridge.
  • Laser image forming devices include one or more photoconductive members that are generally cylindrical with a smooth surface.
  • the photoconductive members receive a uniform electrostatic charge over the surface and rotate past a scanning laser that locally discharges the photoconductive member to form an electrostatic latent image representative of the outputted image.
  • Toner is originally stored within removable cartridges.
  • the cartridges are connected to the device such that the toner can be moved to develop the latent image formed on the photoconductive member. Electrostatic forces attract the toner to the areas of the photoconductive members that have been discharged by the scanning laser.
  • the toner images formed on the photoconductive members are then transferred either directly or indirectly to a media sheet.
  • a mono-color image may be formed by a single toner layer that is transferred to the media sheet.
  • a multi-color image may be formed by two or more toner layers of different colors that are transferred in an overlapping arrangement to the media sheet.
  • the toner is fused to the media sheet to form the final printed sheet.
  • the cartridges are removable from the image forming device and may be replaced as necessary, such as upon depletion of the toner.
  • the cartridges should include an electrical connection to engage and/or communicate with the image forming device upon insertion of the cartridge into the device.
  • the electrical connection should be constructed to facilitate the connection between the cartridge and the device.
  • the present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to cartridges for use in image forming devices.
  • the electrical connectors may include a circuit board and a housing.
  • the housing may be configured to guide the circuit board into engagement with a corresponding connector on the image forming device.
  • the electrical connectors may be positioned on a body of the cartridge.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 2 is a cut-away side view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of an electrical connector and a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4A is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4B is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4C is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4D is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4E is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 4F is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 5A is a front view of an electrical connector partially engaged with a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 5B is a side view of the electrical connector of Figure 5A.
  • Figure 6 is a side view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of a cartridge with a body and an electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of a cartridge with a body and an electrical connector according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 9 is an exploded view of an electrical connector and a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. Detailed Description
  • the present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to toner cartridges for use with an image forming device.
  • the toner cartridges may include a body with an interior reservoir to contain toner.
  • the toner cartridges are removable from the image forming device and may be replaced, such as upon depletion of the toner from the interior reservoir.
  • the cartridges include an electrical connector for connecting to the image forming device.
  • the electrical connectors may include a housing and a circuit board. The housing guides the circuit board into engagement when the cartridge is attached to the image forming device.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view and Figure 2 a sectional view of one embodiment of a cartridge 10.
  • Cartridge 10 generally includes a body 20 with a reservoir 25 to contain toner.
  • An electrical connector 30 is connected to the body 20 to form a communication path between the cartridge 10 and the image forming device 100.
  • the electrical connector 30 is movable relative to the body 20 to facilitate engagement when the cartridge 10 is connected with the image forming device 100.
  • the body 20 generally includes a top side 21 and a bottom side 22.
  • the top side 21 may include a handle 23 that is extendable from the body 20.
  • the handle 23 is sized and positioned to be grasped by the user during insertion and removal of the cartridge 20 from the image forming device 100.
  • the bottom side 22 may include a cavity 24 that is sized to contain the electrical connector 30.
  • the cavity 24 may be sized to entirely contain the electrical connector 30 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or partially contain the electrical connector 30 with a lower edge of the connector 30 extending outward beyond the bottom side 22 of the body 20.
  • the reservoir 25 is positioned between the top and bottom sides 21 , 22.
  • An outlet 26 leads from the reservoir 25 for leading the toner into the image forming device.
  • One or more paddles or other toner moving mechanisms may be positioned within the reservoir 25 for agitating and/or moving the toner to the outlet 26.
  • the cartridge 10 is removably connected to the image forming device 100.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an electrical connector 30 that includes a circuit board 31 and a housing 32.
  • the circuit board 31 includes one or more electrical contacts 33.
  • Circuit board 31 may further include computing hardware, schematically illustrated as 60, for storing cartridge parameters including but not limited to pages printed, toner color, first use date, and cartridge ID.
  • the computing hardware 60 may include one or more processors, logic devices, and memory.
  • the computing hardware may further comprise integrated circuits, including for example application specific integrated circuits and digital signal processors, in which embedded program code may be stored and executed.
  • Housing 32 is constructed to position the circuit board 31 for engaging with a connector 101 within the image forming device 100.
  • Housing 32 includes a base 34 with one or more outwardly-extending arms 35.
  • Base 34 includes an opening 37 sized to receive the circuit board 31.
  • a member 49 may be positioned adjacent to the opening 37 to support the circuit board 31 when attached to the housing 32.
  • opening 37 includes a notch 38.
  • One or more arms 35 extend outward from the base 34 in a cantilever manner.
  • the arms 35 may be rigid or may be flexible relative to the base 34. In one embodiment, four arms extend from the base 34 and each is flexible. In another embodiment, multiple arms 35 extend from the base 34 with some one or more of the arms 35 being flexible and the others being rigid.
  • the arms 35 form a receptacle 50 sized to extend around the entirety or a portion of the connector 101.
  • One or more of the arms 35 may further include a flared end 36 to facilitate engagement with the connector 101 of the image forming device 100.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment with each of four arms 35 including flared ends 36.
  • the inner edges of the arms 35 are substantially smooth to facilitate sliding contact during engagement with the connector 101.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment with four separate discrete arms 35 separated by gaps.
  • the arms 35 may be separated into a first pair of opposing arms 35a and a second pair of opposing arms 35b.
  • Receptacle 50 is formed between the opposing arms 35a, 35b.
  • the configuration of Figure 4A coincides with the embodiment of the arms 35 illustrated in Figure 3.
  • Figure 4B illustrates another embodiment with first and second arms 35 each including a discrete length and being separated by gaps.
  • Figure 4C illustrates an embodiment with two arms 35 that form a corner of a receptacle to receive the connector 101.
  • Figure 4D illustrates an embodiment with a single contiguous arm 35 that forms and extends around the receptacle 50.
  • Figure 4E illustrates an embodiment with two opposing arms 35 that form a receptacle 50 therebetween to receive the connector 101.
  • the receptacle 50 may include a variety of shapes that conforms to the connector 101. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figures 4A-4E, receptacle 50 is substantially rectangular.
  • Figure 4F illustrates a substantially circular receptacle 50.
  • Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the electrical connector 30 partially engaged with the connector 101.
  • the receptacle 50 formed by the arms 35 is sized to receive the connector 101.
  • the inner sides of the arms 35 are substantially smooth to facilitate sliding movement of the arms 35 along the outer edges of the connector 101.
  • the arms 35 act as a guide to position the circuit board 31 relative to the connector 101. With the arms 35 in contact with the connector 101 , the circuit board 31 is guided into the opening 102 in the connector 101.
  • the electrical contacts 33 contact corresponding contacts in the opening 102 to form the communication path between the cartridge 10 and the device 100.
  • the electrical connector 30 may be positioned to be visually obscured by the body 20.
  • the electrical connector 30 may be positioned on or towards the bottom 22 of the body 20.
  • the user may not be able to visually see the position of the electrical connector 30 relative to the connector 101 in the image forming device 100.
  • the movable nature of the electrical connector 30 allows for some room for error in the event the body 20 is not precisely inserted into the device 100.
  • the construction of the connector 30 causes the circuit board 31 to be accurately seated within the connector 101 when the cartridge 10 is fully inserted into the device 100. Further, the user understands without visual confirmation that the circuit board 31 is accurately seated when the cartridge 10 is inserted within the device 100.
  • insertion of the body 20 also causes tactile feedback to the user to further emphasize that the circuit board 31 is accurately seated.
  • the circuit board 31 is recessed within the housing 32. Specifically, an outer edge of the circuit board 31 is positioned inward from the outer edges of the arms 35. This causes the outer edges of the arms 35 to initially contact the connector 101 and align the electrical connector 30. After the initial contact and alignment, additional movement in the insertion direction A causes the circuit board 31 to engage within the opening 102.
  • Embodiments of electrical connectors connected to cartridges are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/554,157 filed on October 30, 2006 and entitled "Cartridge with a Movable Electrical Connector for Use with an Image Forming Device".
  • the electrical connector 30 is movably connected to the body 20.
  • a retainer 40 is positioned on the body 20 to receive the electrical connector 30.
  • the retainer 40 may be formed by the body 20, or may be a separate element that is attached to the body 20.
  • Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a retainer 40 formed by the body 20.
  • Retainer 40 includes a slot 42 formed between a pair of spaced apart members 41.
  • Retainer 40 forms a space with a width w to receive the electrical connector 30.
  • the width w is greater than a width of the electrical connector 30 formed either between opposing arms 35, or opposing edges of the member 49. This size difference allows for the electrical connector 30 to move laterally as indicated by arrow B within the space formed by the retainer 40.
  • the amount of lateral movement of the electrical connector 30 is dictated by the size of the arms flared ends 36.
  • the flared ends 36 may contact the connector 101. If the electrical connector 30 is not aligned, the flared ends cause the connector 30 to move laterally and align with the connector 101.
  • the housing 32 may further include wings 48 that laterally extend outward to fit within the slot 42. A width of the wings 48 is less than a width s of the slot 42 thus providing for longitudinal motion of the electrical connector 30 relative to the body 20. This longitudinal motion is substantially perpendicular to the lateral motion previously explained.
  • Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment with the housing 32 including a pair of elongated slots 72.
  • Pins 81 that extend from the body 20 are positioned within the slots 72 to connect the electrical connector 30 to the body 20.
  • the elongated slots 72 include a greater width than the pins 81 to provide for lateral movement during cartridge insertion.
  • the relative sizes of the slots 72 and pins 81 may also provide for longitudinal movement.
  • the electrical connector 30 may be used with a variety of different cartridge bodies 20.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment with the body 20 including reservoir 25 for containing the toner.
  • Figure 7 includes an embodiment with the electrical connector 30 connected to an exterior of body 20.
  • the body 20 includes a pair of reservoirs 25a, 25b, a developer roll 96, and toner regulating member 95.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the electrical connector 30 positioned on an exterior of a body 20 sized to include a photoconductive member 93, gears 94, as well as internal developer roll, toner reservoir, and agitation members (not illustrated).
  • the circuit board 31 includes exposed contacts 33 that engage contacts in the opening 102 of connector 101 to form the communication path between the cartridge 10 and the device 100.
  • the connector 101 in the image forming device 100 is a female connector that engages a male circuit board 31.
  • Figure 9 depicts an exploded view of an electrical connector 30 that includes a circuit board 31 and a housing 32 as described above.
  • the circuit board 31 includes computing hardware 60 that is electrically coupled to a connector 52.
  • the connector 52 includes one or more female electrical contacts 33 configured to engage corresponding male contacts (e.g., pins) 133 in connector 101.
  • the circuit board 31 may include a connector 52 with male contacts 33 that engages a connector 101 with female contacts 133 in the image forming device 100.
  • the circuit board 31 is positioned away from the electrical connector 30.
  • the circuit board 31 may be securely fixed to the cartridge body 20.
  • the circuit board 31 may be connected electrically via a flexible cable to a connector 52 that is secured to the electrical connector 30. Consequently, the connector 52 is movable along with the electrical connector 30 to engage the mating connector 101 while the circuit board 31 remains substantially fixed.
  • the cartridge 10 of the present application may be used in a variety of image forming devices.
  • the embodiments described above include laser image forming devices including but not limited to printers, facsimile machines, copiers, and combinations.
  • One embodiment of an image forming device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/407,307 filed on April 19, 2006 and entitled "Architecture for an Image Forming Device" which is herein incorporated by reference.
  • the cartridge 10 is constructed to contain ink that is usable in an ink jet printing device.
  • the embodiments disclosed above include a toner cartridge 10 with a movable electrical connector 30.
  • the electrical connector 30 may also be movably positioned to other elements that are inserted and/or replaced within the image forming device 100.
  • Other elements include but are not limited to a fuser assembly, a developer assembly, and an intermediate transfer belt assembly.
  • the electrical connector 30 on each of these elements is movable to align with an engage a corresponding connector within the image forming device 100.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)

Abstract

The present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to cartridges for use in image forming devices. The electrical connectors may form a communication path between the cartridge and the image forming device. The electrical connectors may include a circuit board and a housing. The housing may be configured to guide the circuit board into engagement with a corresponding connector on the image forming device. The electrical connectors may be positioned on a body of the cartridge.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR TONER CARTRIDGES IN AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE
Background
The present application is directed to electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device and, more particularly, to electrical connectors that include a housing and a circuit board that are attached to a body of a cartridge.
Laser image forming devices include one or more photoconductive members that are generally cylindrical with a smooth surface. The photoconductive members receive a uniform electrostatic charge over the surface and rotate past a scanning laser that locally discharges the photoconductive member to form an electrostatic latent image representative of the outputted image.
Toner is originally stored within removable cartridges. The cartridges are connected to the device such that the toner can be moved to develop the latent image formed on the photoconductive member. Electrostatic forces attract the toner to the areas of the photoconductive members that have been discharged by the scanning laser. The toner images formed on the photoconductive members are then transferred either directly or indirectly to a media sheet. A mono-color image may be formed by a single toner layer that is transferred to the media sheet. A multi-color image may be formed by two or more toner layers of different colors that are transferred in an overlapping arrangement to the media sheet. Ultimately, the toner is fused to the media sheet to form the final printed sheet.
The cartridges are removable from the image forming device and may be replaced as necessary, such as upon depletion of the toner. The cartridges should include an electrical connection to engage and/or communicate with the image forming device upon insertion of the cartridge into the device. The electrical connection should be constructed to facilitate the connection between the cartridge and the device.
Summary
The present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to cartridges for use in image forming devices. The electrical connectors may include a circuit board and a housing. The housing may be configured to guide the circuit board into engagement with a corresponding connector on the image forming device. The electrical connectors may be positioned on a body of the cartridge.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a cut-away side view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of an electrical connector and a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment.
Figure 4A is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 4B is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment. Figure 4C is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 4D is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 4E is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 4F is a bottom view of a receptacle of the electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 5A is a front view of an electrical connector partially engaged with a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment. Figure 5B is a side view of the electrical connector of Figure 5A.
Figure 6 is a side view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of a cartridge with a body and an electrical connector according to one embodiment. Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of a cartridge with a body and an electrical connector according to one embodiment.
Figure 9 is an exploded view of an electrical connector and a connector on an image forming device according to one embodiment.
Figure 10 is a schematic view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. Detailed Description
The present application is directed to electrical connectors that are connected to toner cartridges for use with an image forming device. The toner cartridges may include a body with an interior reservoir to contain toner. The toner cartridges are removable from the image forming device and may be replaced, such as upon depletion of the toner from the interior reservoir. The cartridges include an electrical connector for connecting to the image forming device. The electrical connectors may include a housing and a circuit board. The housing guides the circuit board into engagement when the cartridge is attached to the image forming device. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view and Figure 2 a sectional view of one embodiment of a cartridge 10. Cartridge 10 generally includes a body 20 with a reservoir 25 to contain toner. An electrical connector 30 is connected to the body 20 to form a communication path between the cartridge 10 and the image forming device 100. The electrical connector 30 is movable relative to the body 20 to facilitate engagement when the cartridge 10 is connected with the image forming device 100.
The body 20 generally includes a top side 21 and a bottom side 22. The top side 21 may include a handle 23 that is extendable from the body 20. The handle 23 is sized and positioned to be grasped by the user during insertion and removal of the cartridge 20 from the image forming device 100. The bottom side 22 may include a cavity 24 that is sized to contain the electrical connector 30. The cavity 24 may be sized to entirely contain the electrical connector 30 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or partially contain the electrical connector 30 with a lower edge of the connector 30 extending outward beyond the bottom side 22 of the body 20. The reservoir 25 is positioned between the top and bottom sides 21 , 22.
An outlet 26 leads from the reservoir 25 for leading the toner into the image forming device. One or more paddles or other toner moving mechanisms (not illustrated) may be positioned within the reservoir 25 for agitating and/or moving the toner to the outlet 26. The cartridge 10 is removably connected to the image forming device 100.
Removal of the cartridge 10 may be necessary for various reasons, including depletion of the toner from the reservoir 25, and initial shipping of the image forming device 100. During installation, the cartridge 10 is moved in a cartridge insertion direction illustrated by arrow A in Figures 1 and 2. This direction is substantially through the top and bottom sides 21 , 22 to engage the electrical connector 30 mounted on the bottom side 22. The size and shape of the body 20 obscures the electrical connector 30 from the view of the user who is normally grasping the handle 23 during insertion of the cartridge 10. The electrical connector 30 is movably connected to the body 20. Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an electrical connector 30 that includes a circuit board 31 and a housing 32. The circuit board 31 includes one or more electrical contacts 33. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figure 3, the electrical contacts 33 are positioned at a bottom side of the circuit board 31. Circuit board 31 may further include computing hardware, schematically illustrated as 60, for storing cartridge parameters including but not limited to pages printed, toner color, first use date, and cartridge ID. The computing hardware 60 may include one or more processors, logic devices, and memory. The computing hardware may further comprise integrated circuits, including for example application specific integrated circuits and digital signal processors, in which embedded program code may be stored and executed.
Housing 32 is constructed to position the circuit board 31 for engaging with a connector 101 within the image forming device 100. Housing 32 includes a base 34 with one or more outwardly-extending arms 35. Base 34 includes an opening 37 sized to receive the circuit board 31. A member 49 may be positioned adjacent to the opening 37 to support the circuit board 31 when attached to the housing 32. In one embodiment, opening 37 includes a notch 38.
One or more arms 35 extend outward from the base 34 in a cantilever manner. The arms 35 may be rigid or may be flexible relative to the base 34. In one embodiment, four arms extend from the base 34 and each is flexible. In another embodiment, multiple arms 35 extend from the base 34 with some one or more of the arms 35 being flexible and the others being rigid. The arms 35 form a receptacle 50 sized to extend around the entirety or a portion of the connector 101. One or more of the arms 35 may further include a flared end 36 to facilitate engagement with the connector 101 of the image forming device 100. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment with each of four arms 35 including flared ends 36. In one embodiment, the inner edges of the arms 35 are substantially smooth to facilitate sliding contact during engagement with the connector 101. The distal end of the circuit board 31 may be recessed inward from the outer ends of the arms 35. Arms 35 may include a variety of shapes and configurations. Figure 4A illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment with four separate discrete arms 35 separated by gaps. The arms 35 may be separated into a first pair of opposing arms 35a and a second pair of opposing arms 35b. Receptacle 50 is formed between the opposing arms 35a, 35b. The configuration of Figure 4A coincides with the embodiment of the arms 35 illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 4B illustrates another embodiment with first and second arms 35 each including a discrete length and being separated by gaps. Figure 4C illustrates an embodiment with two arms 35 that form a corner of a receptacle to receive the connector 101. Figure 4D illustrates an embodiment with a single contiguous arm 35 that forms and extends around the receptacle 50. Figure 4E illustrates an embodiment with two opposing arms 35 that form a receptacle 50 therebetween to receive the connector 101. The receptacle 50 may include a variety of shapes that conforms to the connector 101. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figures 4A-4E, receptacle 50 is substantially rectangular. Figure 4F illustrates a substantially circular receptacle 50.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the electrical connector 30 partially engaged with the connector 101. The receptacle 50 formed by the arms 35 is sized to receive the connector 101. In this embodiment, the inner sides of the arms 35 are substantially smooth to facilitate sliding movement of the arms 35 along the outer edges of the connector 101. The arms 35 act as a guide to position the circuit board 31 relative to the connector 101. With the arms 35 in contact with the connector 101 , the circuit board 31 is guided into the opening 102 in the connector 101. The electrical contacts 33 contact corresponding contacts in the opening 102 to form the communication path between the cartridge 10 and the device 100.
The electrical connector 30 may be positioned to be visually obscured by the body 20. By way of example and using Figure 1 , the electrical connector 30 may be positioned on or towards the bottom 22 of the body 20. During insertion, the user may not be able to visually see the position of the electrical connector 30 relative to the connector 101 in the image forming device 100. The movable nature of the electrical connector 30 allows for some room for error in the event the body 20 is not precisely inserted into the device 100. The construction of the connector 30 causes the circuit board 31 to be accurately seated within the connector 101 when the cartridge 10 is fully inserted into the device 100. Further, the user understands without visual confirmation that the circuit board 31 is accurately seated when the cartridge 10 is inserted within the device 100. In one embodiment, insertion of the body 20 also causes tactile feedback to the user to further emphasize that the circuit board 31 is accurately seated. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, the circuit board 31 is recessed within the housing 32. Specifically, an outer edge of the circuit board 31 is positioned inward from the outer edges of the arms 35. This causes the outer edges of the arms 35 to initially contact the connector 101 and align the electrical connector 30. After the initial contact and alignment, additional movement in the insertion direction A causes the circuit board 31 to engage within the opening 102. Embodiments of electrical connectors connected to cartridges are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/554,157 filed on October 30, 2006 and entitled "Cartridge with a Movable Electrical Connector for Use with an Image Forming Device". The electrical connector 30 is movably connected to the body 20. In one embodiment, a retainer 40 is positioned on the body 20 to receive the electrical connector 30. The retainer 40 may be formed by the body 20, or may be a separate element that is attached to the body 20. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a retainer 40 formed by the body 20. Retainer 40 includes a slot 42 formed between a pair of spaced apart members 41. Retainer 40 forms a space with a width w to receive the electrical connector 30. The width w is greater than a width of the electrical connector 30 formed either between opposing arms 35, or opposing edges of the member 49. This size difference allows for the electrical connector 30 to move laterally as indicated by arrow B within the space formed by the retainer 40. In one embodiment, the amount of lateral movement of the electrical connector 30 is dictated by the size of the arms flared ends 36. During insertion, the flared ends 36 may contact the connector 101. If the electrical connector 30 is not aligned, the flared ends cause the connector 30 to move laterally and align with the connector 101. The housing 32 may further include wings 48 that laterally extend outward to fit within the slot 42. A width of the wings 48 is less than a width s of the slot 42 thus providing for longitudinal motion of the electrical connector 30 relative to the body 20. This longitudinal motion is substantially perpendicular to the lateral motion previously explained. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment with the housing 32 including a pair of elongated slots 72. Pins 81 that extend from the body 20 are positioned within the slots 72 to connect the electrical connector 30 to the body 20. The elongated slots 72 include a greater width than the pins 81 to provide for lateral movement during cartridge insertion. The relative sizes of the slots 72 and pins 81 may also provide for longitudinal movement.
The electrical connector 30 may be used with a variety of different cartridge bodies 20. Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment with the body 20 including reservoir 25 for containing the toner. Figure 7 includes an embodiment with the electrical connector 30 connected to an exterior of body 20. The body 20 includes a pair of reservoirs 25a, 25b, a developer roll 96, and toner regulating member 95. Figure 8 illustrates the electrical connector 30 positioned on an exterior of a body 20 sized to include a photoconductive member 93, gears 94, as well as internal developer roll, toner reservoir, and agitation members (not illustrated). In embodiments described above, the circuit board 31 includes exposed contacts 33 that engage contacts in the opening 102 of connector 101 to form the communication path between the cartridge 10 and the device 100. As described, the connector 101 in the image forming device 100 is a female connector that engages a male circuit board 31. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that other types of connector configurations may be implemented. For example, Figure 9 depicts an exploded view of an electrical connector 30 that includes a circuit board 31 and a housing 32 as described above. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 31 includes computing hardware 60 that is electrically coupled to a connector 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 52 includes one or more female electrical contacts 33 configured to engage corresponding male contacts (e.g., pins) 133 in connector 101. In another un-illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 31 may include a connector 52 with male contacts 33 that engages a connector 101 with female contacts 133 in the image forming device 100.
In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the circuit board 31 is positioned away from the electrical connector 30. In contrast with previously described embodiments, the circuit board 31 may be securely fixed to the cartridge body 20. The circuit board 31 may be connected electrically via a flexible cable to a connector 52 that is secured to the electrical connector 30. Consequently, the connector 52 is movable along with the electrical connector 30 to engage the mating connector 101 while the circuit board 31 remains substantially fixed.
The cartridge 10 of the present application may be used in a variety of image forming devices. The embodiments described above include laser image forming devices including but not limited to printers, facsimile machines, copiers, and combinations. One embodiment of an image forming device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/407,307 filed on April 19, 2006 and entitled "Architecture for an Image Forming Device" which is herein incorporated by reference. In another embodiment, the cartridge 10 is constructed to contain ink that is usable in an ink jet printing device.
The embodiments disclosed above include a toner cartridge 10 with a movable electrical connector 30. The electrical connector 30 may also be movably positioned to other elements that are inserted and/or replaced within the image forming device 100. Other elements include but are not limited to a fuser assembly, a developer assembly, and an intermediate transfer belt assembly. The electrical connector 30 on each of these elements is movable to align with an engage a corresponding connector within the image forming device 100.
Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as "first", "second", and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description. As used herein, the terms "having", "containing", "including", "comprising" and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. An electrical connector for a toner cartridge to mount with a corresponding connector within an image forming device, the electrical connector comprising: a housing with a base and first and second pairs of opposing arms that extend outward from the base; a receptacle including a first wall formed by the base and side walls formed by the first and second pairs of opposing arms; an opening formed within the base; and a circuit board including a first end with electrical contacts, the circuit board sized to be inserted within the opening to position the electrical contacts within the receptacle and be spaced away from the first and second pairs of opposing arms; the housing shaped to extend around an exterior of the corresponding connector within the image forming device with the first end of the circuit board positioned within the corresponding connector; wherein a lateral movement of the housing and the circuit board is allowed inside the toner cartridge body.
2. The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the first pair of opposing arms is spaced apart by gaps from the second pair of opposing arms to allow individual flexing of each of the arms.
3. An electrical connector for a toner cartridge to mount with a corresponding connector within an image forming device, the electrical connector comprising: a housing with a base and outwardly extending arms that form a receptacle, the base including an opening that leads into the receptacle; and a circuit board including a first section and a second section, the first section sized to fit within the opening and be positioned within the receptacle, the first section spaced away from the arms of the housing and recessed inward from an end of the arms; the housing shaped to engage with the corresponding connector within the image forming device and extend around an exterior of the corresponding connector with the first section of the circuit board positioned within the corresponding connector; wherein a lateral movement of the housing and the circuit board is allowed inside the toner cartridge body.
4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of arms includes a flared end.
5. An electrical connector for a toner cartridge to mount with a corresponding connector within an image forming device, the electrical connector comprising: a housing with a base and outwardly extending arms that form a receptacle, the base including an opening that leads into the receptacle; and a circuit board removably attached to the housing and including a first section and a second section, the first section including a plurality of electrical contacts and being sized to fit within the opening to position the electrical leads within the receptacle; the housing shaped to engage with the corresponding connector within the image forming device and extend around an exterior of the corresponding connector with the electrical contacts being positioned within the corresponding connector; wherein a lateral movement of the housing and the circuit board is allowed inside the toner cartridge body.
EP07854446.7A 2006-10-30 2007-10-26 Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device Active EP2089775B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07854446T PL2089775T3 (en) 2006-10-30 2007-10-26 Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/554,117 US20080102674A1 (en) 2006-10-30 2006-10-30 Electrical Connectors for Toner Cartridges In An Image Forming Device
US62562007A 2007-01-22 2007-01-22
US11/695,355 US7258558B1 (en) 2006-10-30 2007-04-02 Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device
PCT/US2007/082679 WO2008055074A2 (en) 2006-10-30 2007-10-26 Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device

Publications (3)

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EP2089775A2 true EP2089775A2 (en) 2009-08-19
EP2089775A4 EP2089775A4 (en) 2013-11-27
EP2089775B1 EP2089775B1 (en) 2015-04-08

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CN (1) CN101563656B (en)
AU (1) AU2007313824B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0718112B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2537318T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1135197A1 (en)
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JP4789982B2 (en) * 2008-07-14 2011-10-12 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same
US8879953B2 (en) * 2012-06-25 2014-11-04 Lexmark International, Inc. Retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry used within an image forming device supply item
AU2015288094A1 (en) * 2014-07-07 2017-02-02 Mystery Ranch, Ltd. Military vest and quick release buckle with electrical connectors

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CN1162776A (en) * 1996-01-31 1997-10-22 佳能株式会社 Electrical connector, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
JPH09213407A (en) * 1996-01-31 1997-08-15 Canon Inc Connector, unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming device
US6234817B1 (en) * 1999-04-29 2001-05-22 Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. Blind-mate, floatable connectors assembly
JP3461330B2 (en) * 2000-08-25 2003-10-27 キヤノン株式会社 Electrophotographic image forming system, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and memory member
US7074084B2 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-07-11 Tyco Electronics Corporation Shielded blind-mate connector

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See also references of WO2008055074A2 *

Also Published As

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EP2089775A4 (en) 2013-11-27
BRPI0718112A8 (en) 2018-04-03
CN101563656B (en) 2013-02-20
WO2008055074A2 (en) 2008-05-08
EP2089775B1 (en) 2015-04-08
ES2537318T3 (en) 2015-06-05
AU2007313824B2 (en) 2012-04-26
HK1135197A1 (en) 2010-05-28
AU2007313824A1 (en) 2008-05-08
PL2089775T3 (en) 2015-08-31
WO2008055074A3 (en) 2008-08-28
BRPI0718112A2 (en) 2014-02-18
BRPI0718112B1 (en) 2023-05-16
CN101563656A (en) 2009-10-21

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