• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    retention assembly having positioning accessories to process the circuitry used with an imaging device supply item. a retainer mountable on an outer surface of an insertable supply item of an imaging device for retaining a circuit board having a processing circuitry with a plurality of contacts. a reference data point on the retainer aligns the circuit board with the retainer while a pair of alignment devices align the retainer with respect to the supply item. the supply item is inserted into a frame with the imaging device having an electrical connector having a plurality of connecting pins. when the retainer and circuit board are mounted on the supply item and the supply item is inserted into the frame of the imaging device, the retainer aligns the plurality of connector connecting pins with those corresponding among the plurality of contacts of the circuit board for electrical interconnection between them.
    公开号:BR112014027251B1
    申请号:R112014027251-4
    申请日:2013-06-19
    公开日:2021-08-10
    发明作者:Matthew Lee Rogers；Katrina Rosit Lactuan；Keith Seaman；Mark Amann；James Anthany Carter Ii；Matthew Jeremy Litman
    申请人:Lexmark International, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    DESCRIPTION FIELD
    [001] The present description relates generally to supply items used in electrophotographic imaging devices and more particularly to a retainer for holding a processing circuitry mountable in a supply item in an imaging device and having position control accessories. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNIQUE
    [002] In order to reduce premature replacement of components used in a forming and imaging device, toner cartridge manufacturers have started to separate components having a longer life from those having a shorter life into separate replaceable units. Components with the relatively longer lifespan such as the developer roller, a toner addition roller, a blade, and a photoconductive drum are positioned in a replaceable supply item commonly referred to as an imaging unit. The imaging device's toner supply, which is consumed relatively quickly compared to the components housed in the imaging unit, is supplied in a reservoir in a separate replaceable supply item in the form of a toner cartridge which matches the imaging unit. In this configuration, the number of components housed in the toner cartridge is reduced compared to traditional toner cartridges.
    [003] On board such supply items, there is a set of processing circuits used to store information about the supply item such as useful life, printing variables, etc. The processing circuitry is mounted on a circuit board in the supply item so that the contacts on the circuit board match the corresponding contacts in the imaging device when the supply item is installed in the imaging device . In order for the imaging device to communicate with the processing circuitry, the electrical connection must be made between the processing circuitry in the supply item and the imaging device. As such, it is important to precisely position the circuit board on the supply item with respect to the connector contacts on the imaging device. This can be a challenge as the circuit boards for this processing circuitry can have dimensional variation and few localization accessories. In addition, tolerances on the imaging device frame dimensions can result in the imaging device connector contacts and the supply item processing circuitry circuit board not being properly positioned relative to one another. Additionally, to establish a reliable electrical connection, the imaging device connector contacts must exert force on the supply item's processing circuitry circuit board. However, the balance of power between the toner cartridge and the imaging unit is delicate as an imbalance of forces can cause print defects. Additionally, these supply items can experience many installations on a print throughout their lifetime during which contaminants such as toner, paper dust, etc. may sit on the terminals on the circuit board of the supply item's processing device. These contaminants act like sandpaper when interspersed between the connecting pins of the imaging device and the contacts or terminals on the circuit board of the processing circuitry which causes the contact surfaces of the pins and terminals to wear out and, in some cases, it results in a malfunction of the processing circuitry.
    [004] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a retainer having position control accessories that allow accurate alignment for establishing a reliable electrical connection between the supply item processing circuitry and the imaging device while minimizing external forces on the supply item and allowing the removal of contaminants from the circuit board contact surface of the processing circuitry is desirable. SUMMARY
    [005] In an illustrative embodiment, a retainer assembly is mountable on an outer surface of an insertable supply item of an imaging device. The retainer assembly comprises a circuit board having a processing circuitry with a plurality of contacts and a retainer having a top having a bottom surface having first and second brackets depending thereon and an intermediate mounting platform position on the first and second supports. The mounting platform comprises an air of opposing side walls positioned between the first and second brackets and extending between a front and a rear of the retainer; the front facing a direction of insertion of the supply item into the imaging device and a rear wall positioned transversely to the pair of opposite side walls and adjacent to the rear of the retainer, the pair of opposite side walls and rear wall transverse forming a cavity that receives the circuit board. A portion of the rear wall and a portion of at least one side wall of the pair of opposing side walls form a mounting plane, the circuit board being mounted in the mounting plane with the mounting plane spaced from the bottom surface of the top and, when the retainer is mounted on the supply item, away from the outer surface of the supply item. The back wall portions and the at least one side wall of the pair of opposing side walls further define a data point by locating a corner of the circuit board in the retainer and aligning the plurality of circuit board contacts with respect to the retainer. The top, first and second brackets define an opening sized to receive therebetween a connector mounted within the imaging device that is in electrical communication with a controller in the imaging device. The connector has a plurality of electrically conductive connecting pins. An attachment device for the removable attachment of the retainer to the supply item is provided, and an alignment device is provided on the retainer that engages with a corresponding alignment device on the supply item to establish reference data for the retainer when installed on the supply item to align the retainer with the supply item. When the retainer assembly is mounted to the supply item and the supply item is inserted into the imaging apparatus, the first and second brackets align the plurality of connector connecting pins with corresponding ones among the plurality of contacts on the image board. circuit for electrical interconnection with controller.
    [006] Deformable ribs may be provided in one wall of the pair of opposite side walls, forming an interference fit with a side edge of the circuit board that exerts a force on the circuit board to guide it against the other side wall of the pair. of opposite side walls. Recesses may be provided in the pair of opposing side walls and the rear transverse wall with the respective lower surfaces of the recesses forming the mounting plane for the circuit board within the cavity while a side surface of the recess in the rear wall and a side surface of a sidewall of the pair of opposite sidewalls of the data point. A front transverse wall depending from the bottom surface of the top may also be provided opposite the rear transverse wall and has a second plurality of deformable ribs forming an interference fit with a front edge of the circuit board and exerting a second force along from the front edge of the circuit board to guide the circuit board against the rear cross wall.
    [007] A mounting protrusion for the circuit board pendant from the bottom surface of the top into the cavity may also be provided. The mounting protrusion having an upper surface being substantially coplanar with the mounting plane and receiving a fastener retaining the circuit board within the cavity. A conductive interlock for electrically shorting two connecting pins among the plurality of connector connecting pins may also be provided on the retainer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [008] The above-mentioned features and other features and advantages of the various modalities, and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the attached drawings.
    [009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an image creation system according to an illustrative embodiment;
    [010] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the connectors, processing circuitry and controller of the imaging device;
    [011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative toner cartridge and imaging unit in a frame;
    [012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the alignment and mounting fixtures on the bottom surface of the top of an illustrative configuration for an illustrative retainer;
    [013] Figure 5 is a partial side elevation view of the toner cartridge illustrating an illustrative retainer for a processing device mounted on the end cap of the toner cartridge illustrated in Figure 3;
    [014] Figure 6 is a partial top plan view of the illustrative retainer shown in Figure 5 with an inserted connector;
    [015] Figure 7 is a plan view of the lower surface of an illustrative retainer of Figure 4 including an illustrative interlock fitting;
    [016] Figure 8 is an illustrative retainer of Figure 7 having an interlock and a processing circuitry circuit board mounted thereon;
    [017] Figure 9 is a partial side elevation view of the toner cartridge of Figure 3 illustrating an illustrative retainer mounted on the end cap thereof;
    [018] Figure 10 is a partial side elevation view of the end cap illustrated in Figure 9 with the illustrative retainer highlighted to illustrate the position control features in the toner cartridge;
    [019] Figures 11A to 16A, and 16B to 16B are sequential views of a connector insert in an illustrative retainer during installation of the toner cartridge in an imaging unit of the imaging device;
    [020] Figures 11A to 16A are views in partial side elevation of the end cap of the toner cartridge and connector during insertion; in Figures 13A through 16A, the top of the illustrative retainer has been removed to illustrate connector insertion into the illustrative retainer;
    [021] Figures 11B to 16B are top cross-sectional views of the end cap, retainer and connector illustrative during insertion of the toner cartridge into the imaging unit;
    [022] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a rear surface of a connector mounted within the imaging device initially engaging an inclined surface on the end cap of the toner cartridge;
    [023] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a front end of the connector engaging a first segment of the side guide walls positioned on the end cap of the toner cartridge in front of the retainer as insertion of the toner cartridge continues;
    [024] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate the front end of the connector entering the front of the illustrative retainer and initiating engagement of a cam surface on the end cap of the toner cartridge under the top of the illustrative retainer;
    [025] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate tab guides on the sides of the connector engaging a sloping surface of the first segment of each of the side guide walls to lift the rear of the connector away from the end cap and toward the circuit board of the processing circuit set;
    [026] Figures 15A and 15B illustrate the connector pins of the connection start contact with the terminals on the circuit board of the processing circuitry as insertion continues;
    [027] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the connector pins and circuit board of the processing circuitry assembly in its operational position with the toner cartridge coupled to the imaging unit in its operational position within the imaging apparatus ;
    [028] Figures 17A to 17E illustrate various alternative configurations for the alignment devices between the retainers and the toner cartridge or imaging unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [029] The following description and drawings illustrate the modalities sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It is to be understood that the description is not limited to details of the construction and arrangement of the components shown in the description below or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. For example, other modalities may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, process, and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly shown, and the sequence of operations may vary. Parts and characteristics of some modalities may be included in or replaced by others. The scope of the order encompasses the attached claims and all available equivalences. The following description is therefore not to be considered as limited and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
    [030] In addition, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including", "comprising" or "possessing" and variations thereof shall mean here the inclusion of items listed later and equivalences thereof in addition to additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connected", "coupled" and "assembled" and variations thereof are used broadly herein and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings and assemblies. Additionally, the terms "connected", and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
    [031] Spatially relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "rear" and "side", "under" "below", "bottom" "over", "top" and similar, are used to facilitate description to explain the positioning of one element with respect to a second element. These terms are generally used with reference to the position of an element in its intended operational position within an imaging device. For example, the front of the imaging unit or cartridge is the part that first enters the imaging device in the insertion direction. This can also be called the front or front edge. Similarly, the rear or rear of the same element or the trailing edge would be upstream in the insertion path. Additionally, terms such as "first", "second" and the like are used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and should not be limiting. The term "image" as used herein encompasses any print or digital form of text, graphics, or combinations thereof. Similar terms refer to similar elements throughout the description.
    [032] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1 a block diagram representation of an image creation system 20 according to an illustrative embodiment is illustrated. The imaging system 20 includes an imaging device 22 and a computer 24. The imaging device 22 communicates with the computer 24 via a communications link 26. As used herein, the term "communications link" " generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components and may operate using wired or wireless technology and may include communications over the Internet.
    [033] In the illustrative mode shown in Figure 1, the imaging device 22 is a multifunctional machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one device (AIO)) that includes a controller 28, a print engine 30, a printer unit. laser scanning (LSU) 31, an imaging unit 32, a toner cartridge 35, a user interface 36, a media feeding system 38, a media input tray 39 and a scanner system 40. imaging device 22 can communicate with computer 24 via a standard communication protocol, such as, for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or IEEE 802.xx. The imaging device 22 can be, for example, an electrophotographic printer/copier including an integrated scanning system 40 or a stand-alone electrophotographic printer.
    [034] Controller 28 includes a processor unit and associated memory 29 and may be formed as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Memory 29 can be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM memory (NVRAM). Alternatively, memory 29 may be in the form of a separate electronic memory (eg, RAM, ROM and/or NVRAM), a hard disk, a CD or DVD drive, or any convenient processing device for use with the controller 28 The controller 28 can be, for example, a printer and a scanner controller combined.
    [035] In the illustrated illustrative mode, the controller 28 communicates with the print engine 30 via a communications link 50. The controller 28 communicates with the image creation unit 32 and the processing circuitry 44 via a link controller 51. Controller 28 communicates with toner cartridge 35 and processing circuitry 45 via a communications link 52. Controller 28 communicates with media feed system 38 via communications link 54. Controller 28 communicates with media feed system 38 via a communications link 53. Controller 28 communicates with scanner system 40 via communications link 54. User interface 36 is communicatively coupled with the controller 28 via a communications link 55. Processing circuitry 44, 45 can provide authentication functions, security and operational interlocks, operating parameters. tion and usage information relating to the imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Controller 28 processes print and scan data and operates print engine 30 during scan print system 40 during scanning.
    [036] Computer 24, which is optional, may be, for example, a personal computer, network server, tablet computer, smartphone, or other portable electronic device including memory 60, such as volatile and/or non-volatile memory, storage device. input 62, such as keyboard and/or mouse, and a monitor 64. Computer 24 also includes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD drive (not shown).
    [037] The computer 24 includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an image creation driver 66, e.g. printer/scanner driver software, for the image forming device 22. The imaging driver 66 is in communication with the controller 28 of the imaging device 22 via the communications link 26. The imaging trigger 66 facilitates communication between the imaging device 22 and the computer 24. One aspect of the image creation driver 66 may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to the image forming device 22 and more particularly to the print engine 30, to print an image. Another aspect of the image creation driver 66 may be, for example, to facilitate the collection of digitized data from the digitizer system 40.
    [038] In some circumstances, it may, if desired, operate the imaging device 22 in an independent mode. In standalone mode, the image forming device 22 can operate without the computer 24. Accordingly, all or a portion of the imaging driver 66, or a similar driver, can be located in the controller 28 of the imaging device 22 to accommodate printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in standalone mode.
    [039] The print engine 30 includes a laser scanning unit (LSU) 31, toner cartridge 35, imaging unit 32, and fusing element 37, all mounted within the imaging device 22. The unit The imaging unit 32 and the toner cartridge 35 are supported in their operating positions by a frame 90 (see figure 3) which allows the toner cartridge 35 to be operatively combined with the imaging unit 32 while minimizing any unbalanced loading forces by the toner cartridge 35 in the imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 32 is removably mounted on the frame 90 of the imaging device 22 and includes a developing unit 34 housing a reservoir and a toner distribution system. The toner dispensing system includes a toner addition roller that delivers toner from the toner hopper to a developer roller. A blade provides an evenly measured layer of toner on the surface of the developer roller. The imaging unit 32 also includes a cleaning unit 33 which houses a photoconductive drum and a craving toner removal system. The toner cartridge 35 is also removably mounted on frame 90 of the imaging unit 32 in a matched relationship with the imaging unit 34 of the imaging unit 32. An output port on the toner cartridge 35 communicates with each other. with an inlet port on the developer unit 34 allowing toner to be periodically transferred from a toner cartridge 35 to refill the toner reservoir in the developer unit 34. Both the imaging unit 34 and the toner cartridge 35 are replaceable supply items for the imaging device 22.
    [040] The electrophotographic image creation process is well known in the art and therefore will be briefly described. During an imaging operation, the laser scanning unit 31 creates a latent image on the photoconductive drum in the cleaning unit 33. Toner is transferred from the toner reservoir in the developing unit 34 to the latent image on the photoconductive drum by the roller. to create the image with toner applied. The image with toner applied is then transferred to a sheet of media received in the imaging unit 32 from the media input tray 39. Next, the image with toner applied is fused to the sheet of media in a fuser element. 37 and sent to an output location or to one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, stapler or punch. The rest of the toner is removed from the photoconductor drum by the dump toner removal system housed inside the cleaning unit 33. As the toner is depleted from the developer unit 34, it is transferred from the toner cartridge 35 into the imaging unit 34. Controller 28 provides coordination of these activities taking place during the imaging process.
    [041] Referring to Figure 2, a simplified circuit 70 of the connection between the controller 28 and the first and second set of processing circuits 44, 45, is illustrated, mounted on retainers 80, 82 in the imaging unit 32 and the toner cartridge 35, respectively. First and second connectors 56, 57, mounted on a mounting frame 90 (illustrated by dashed lines) are provided on communication links 51, 52, respectively, to engage processing circuitry 44, 45, respectively. Mounting frame 90 is typically formed from a metal plate having at least two spaced apart and aligned side panels containing rails or channels 94 - 97 (see figure 3) that are used to support the imaging unit 32 and the toner cartridge 35. Other combinations of materials including plastic may be used to fabricate mounting frame 90. First and second connectors 56, 57 are positioned on mounting frame 90 adjacent to the operating positions of imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35 , respectively, within the imaging device 22 and engage with detents 80, 82 and processing circuitry 44, 45 as discussed in greater detail herein.
    [042] Each of the first and second connectors 56, 57 has a plurality of connecting pins 58 engaging a corresponding plurality of contact portions or terminals 59 provided in processing circuitry 44, 45. In an illustrative embodiment, each assembly of processing circuits 44, 45 has four terminals 59 providing connections for ground, power and data communications such as a 2-wire bus. As illustrated, two additional connecting pins 58 and terminals 59 interconnect optional interlocks 48, 49 to controller 28. The number of connecting pins 58 and terminals 59 is a matter of design choice. Interlocks 48 and 49 are provided to ensure that the imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35 are both installed in their respective operating positions within the imaging device 22 before the laser in LSU 31 can be turned on. In one form, the interlocks 48, 49 are metallic short bars mounted on the imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35 that interconnect or short cause two corresponding connecting pins in connectors 56, 57, respectively. If both pairs of connecting pins are not shorted, the power path to the laser is open and the laser cannot be turned on. Other forms of interlocks 48, 49 such as optical switches, capacitive sensors or inductors can be used and are a matter of design choice.
    [043] As is known, the mounting frame 90 is used to establish the spatial relationship of the imaging unit 32, in particular, the photoconductive drum, to the media to be printed or to the intermediate transfer element on which the image with Toner applied to the photoconductive drum is transferred and to its connector 56. The mounting frame 90, together with the positioning accessories in the toner cartridge 35, establishes the spatial relationship of the toner cartridge 35 with the imaging unit 32 and with its connector 57. In turn, the alignment fittings in each of the imaging unit 32 and the toner cartridge 35 engage with the respective alignment fittings found in the retainers 80, 82 to reference the retainers 80, 82 for the imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Finally, positioning accessories on retainers 80, 82 locate circuit boards for processing circuitry 44, 45 and optional interlocks 48, 49 on retainers 80, 82 allowing connectors 56, 57 to mechanically and electrically engage with the processing circuitry 44, 45 and interlocks 48, 49, respectively.
    [044] Referring now to Figure 3, a toner cartridge 35 and an imaging unit 32 are illustrated according to an illustrative embodiment. The imaging unit 32 includes a developing unit 34 and a cleaning unit 33 attached to the frame 206. The imaging unit 32 may first be slidably inserted into a mounting frame 90 within the image forming device. image 22 in the insertion direction indicated by the arrow. The imaging unit 32 is illustrated in its OPI operating position designated by the black triangle. The imaging unit 32 may be provided with a pair of tabbed guides 208, 210 mounted on either side of the frame 206 and/or cleaning unit 33 to guide the imaging unit 32 through the insertion path and to position the imaging unit 32 within the imaging device mounting frame 22. Tabbed guides 208, 210 are supported on channels or rails 94, 95, indicated by dashed lines, on the side plates of the frame. assembly 90.
    [045] The toner cartridge 35 is illustrated being inserted into the mounting frame in the indicated insertion direction where it is oriented by frame 206 into a mating relationship with the imaging unit 34 of the imaging unit 32 in its OP2 operating position. designated by the black triangle. In operating position OP2 an outlet port on front wall 114 and adjacent second side wall 112 of toner cartridge 35 is aligned with inlet port 207 of developer unit 34. A pair of guides 126, 128 are provided on the sides of the cartridge. of toner 100 and is supported on channels or rails 96, 97, indicated by the dashed lines in mounting frame 90. This arrangement allows the toner cartridge 35 to be easily removed and re-inserted, such as when replacing a toner cartridge. empty toner 35 without having to remove the imaging unit 32. While rails or channels 94, 96 and 95, 97 are illustrated as being separate, rails or channels 94, 96 and 95, 97 are illustrated as being separate, rails 94, 96 and 95, 97 can be a continuous rail or channel in the mounting frame.
    [046] In the event that a media jam occurs under the imaging unit 32, the toner cartridge 35 and the imaging unit 32 can be readily removed to allow access to the media jam. The developer unit 34, the cleaning unit 33 and the frame 206 may also be readily removed as desired in order to maintain, repair or replace the components associated with the developer unit 34, the cleaning unit 33 or the frame 206. , it will be appreciated that this typically occurs less frequently than removal and reinsertion of the toner cartridge 35.
    [047] The toner cartridge 35 includes a housing 102 having an enclosed reservoir for holding a quantity of toner. Housing 102 may be viewed as having a top or cap 106 mounted to a base 108. Base 108 is formed by first and second side walls 110, 112 connected to join front and rear walls 114, 116 and bottom 117. In one embodiment, the top 106 is ultrasonically welded to the base 108, thereby forming the enclosed toner reservoir. Housing 102 also includes first and second end caps 118, 120 which are mounted to side walls 110, 112 respectively. The first and second end caps 118, 120 can be press-fitted into place or secured by screws or other fasteners to the base 108. Various gears and/or connections are housed within the space between the end cap 118 and the side wall 110 and between the end cap 120 and the side wall 112. These gears and connections are used for operating interlocks that engage the imaging unit 32 and for operating a toner distribution system within the toner cartridge 35 that includes a toner paddle assembly, feed hopper, gear train, and output port shutter for the toner cartridge 35. A main interface gear 121 for the toner cartridge 35 is mounted on the end cap 118. main interface gear 121 receives torque from a drive system housed within the imaging device 22 and, in turn, drives the feed hopper and blade assembly. toner through one or more intermediate gears to distribute the toner from the toner cartridge 35. A handle 122 may be provided on the top 106 or base 108 of the toner cartridge 35 to assist with insertion and removal of the toner cartridge 35 of the imaging unit 32 and imaging device 22. Guides 126, 128 are shown mounted on first and second end caps 118, 120, respectively.
    [048] Referring to Figures 3 to 7 and 9, mounted on each imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35 is a retainer 80, 82, respectively. Provided on mounting frame 90 are corresponding connectors 56, 57 for each retainer 80, 82 at or in a predetermined offset position adjacent to operating positions OP1, OP2 of imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, respectively. Retainer 82 houses circuit board 380 and, if present, interlock 49. As illustrated, circuit board 380 has four contact parts 382 to 385 that each connect processing circuitry 45 (see Figures 9 , 13B) and engage with corresponding connecting pins from connector 57. According to illustrative embodiments, characteristics of retainers 80, 82 are similar and, for the sake of brevity, only features of retainer 82 will be described in detail. The basic difference between retainers 80, 82 is in the location of the fixtures on retainer 80 used to mount retainer 80 on imaging unit 32. Unless otherwise noted here, the features and functionality of retainers 80, 82 are identical. Similarly, only the features of connector 57 that engages retainer 82 will be described here as connector 56 is substantially the same.
    [049] The illustrative retainer 82 is discussed with reference to Figures 4 to 6. As seen in Figure 4 the retainer 82 is in an inverted position to illustrate the support and alignment structures provided therein. Retainer 82 comprises a top 302 having first and second supports 304, 306 engaging from a lower surface 308 thereof. The first and second brackets 304, 306 are spaced apart by a distance W1 to accommodate the width of the portion of the connector body 57 that will be inserted between the inner surfaces 305,307 of the brackets 304, 306, respectively. At the front 310 of retainer 82, opening 312 is formed by top 302, first and second supports 304, 306 and is enclosed by outer surface 119 of end cap 118 when retainer 82 is installed. Depth D1 and height H1 of brackets 304, 306 are created so that the depth and height of the connector body parts 57 and their connecting pins that are inserted into opening 312 of retainer 82 can be accommodated in space 314 (see figure 5) between the contact parts 382 - 385 and the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118. The illustrative depths D1 are in the range 12mm to 16mm. H1 illustrative heights are in the range of 6mm to 10mm. W1 illustrative widths are between 10 mm and 30 mm. Fasteners such as fasteners 316, 318 are provided on the distal ends 320, 322 of brackets 304, 306 respectively. Holes 324, 326 are provided in the securing tabs 320, 322, respectively, to receive fasteners 140, such as screws 140, to secure the retainer 82 to the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 (see figure 5). Fasteners 140 pass through corresponding holes 142 in end cap 118 (see figure 10). The location and size of the lashing tabs 316, 318 and fasteners 140 used is a matter of design choice. In place of or in addition to securing tabs 316, 318, holes 324, 326 may also be provided at distal ends 320, 322 for securing retainer 82 to toner cartridge 35. Other attachment locations for retainer 82 on cartridge of toner 35 can be used as long as the supplied connector 57 is positioned accordingly.
    [050] One or more aligning devices 330 in retainer 82 and one or more corresponding aligning devices 130 (see figure 10 and 17A to 17E) in toner cartridge 35 are used to align or reference retainer 82 to toner cartridge. toner 35. Similar aligning devices 230 in imaging unit 32 and matching aligning devices 430 in retainer 80 align retainer 80 with imaging unit 32. Holes 142 in end cap 118 for screws 140 are not used for the position retainer or reference 82 to the toner cartridge 35 due to increased tolerance between screws 140 and holes 142 and due to erosion of holes 142 due to insertion and removal of screws 140 caused by fastening and loosening of retainer 82 This similarity applies to the holes provided in the imaging unit 32 used by screws 240 to secure retainer 80 to sidewall 219.
    [051] Alignment devices 130, 230 generally comprise, in illustrative form, at least two spaced apart cylindrical rods 132, 134 and 232, 234, respectively, projecting outwardly from the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 and the outer side surface 219 of cleaning unit 33. Rods 132, 134 define a datum or line on toner cartridge 35 that positions retainer 82 so that contacts 382 to 385 are substantially parallel to connector connecting pins 57 when entered. In retainer 82, bore 332 and partition 334 are spaced apart to correspond with rods 132, 134, respectively. The distal ends of the rods 132, 134 are snugly received in the hole 332 and the partition 334, respectively, when the retainer 82 is secured to the end cap 118. The partition 334 allows for the accommodation of tolerance variations in the positioning of the rods 132 , 134 or in retainer 82. Hole 332 and partition 334 can be blind openings (see figure 9) in top 302 can be hollow openings (see figure 3). Hollow openings allow visual confirmation that rods 132, 134 are properly received in hole 332, and partition 334. Tolerances of alignment devices 130, 330 are held fairly (typically +/- 0.03 mm) so that retainer 82 can be accurately referenced on toner cartridge 35. For retainer 80, aligning devices 430 may be designed substantially equal to aligning devices 330. Hole 432, and partition 434 are spaced to mate to receive the ends of the rods 232, 234, respectively, projecting from the side surface 219. The tolerances of the alignment devices 230, 430 are held similarly tight (typically +/- 0.03 mm) so that the retainer 80 is accurately referred to in the imaging unit 32. As explained with reference to Figures 17A to 17E, other shapes and arrangements may be used for the aligning devices 130, 230, 330, and 430 and are a matter of design choice. While holes and partitions are illustrated in retainers 80, 82, the rods can be used in retainers 80, 82 with corresponding holes and partitions provided in imaging unit 32 and toner cartridge 35, or combinations of rods and holes and/ or partitions may be provided on retainers 80, 82 and imaging age 32 and toner cartridge 35.
    [052] Retainer 82 provides a bottom surface mounting platform 308 for circuit board 380. The mounting platform, generally indicated by reference numeral 340, comprises three walls 342, 344, 346 that cantilever from the bottom surface. 308. Side walls 342, 344 are opposite and extend between the front 310 and rear 311 of retainer 82 and, as illustrated, are generally parallel with brackets 304, 306. Rear wall 346 is transverse to opposing side walls 342, 344. Walls 342, 344, 346 generally form a cavity or pocket 348 that is U-shaped with a forward-facing open end 310 of retainer 82. Protrusions or recesses 352, 354, 356 are formed along the top of the inner surfaces 342-1, 346-1 of walls 342, 344, 346 to provide mounting a circuit board 380 having a processing circuitry 45. The heights H2, H3, H4, protrusions 352, 354, 356, respective mind, as illustrated as being the same and of the same size so that components mounted on the circuit board can be accommodated within cavity 348.
    [053] At least two of the lower surfaces 352-1, 354-1, 356-1 of the protrusions 352, 354, 356 establish a mounting plane 358 for the circuit board 380 when mounted thereto. The intersection of lateral surface plane 356-1 of protrusion 356 with one of the lateral surface planes 352-2 or 354-2 establishes a data point DP for locating a corner of circuit board 380 in retainer 82. As illustrated, the data point DP is illustrated at the intersection of lateral surface planes 352-2 and 356-2. The rear and side edges 390, 391 of the circuit board 380 abut the rear and side surfaces 356-2, 352-2, respectively, when installed in the retainer 82. It should be noted that while the protrusions or recesses are illustrated in walls 342, 344, 346, rails or other extensions can be used to support circuit board 380 and establish mounting platform 340. As illustrated, circuit board 380 is mounted so that its contact surface side 386 is facing. away from bottom surface 308 while its component surface side 387 having processing circuitry 45 mounted thereto would be housed in cavity 348 (see Figures 8, 11B).
    [054] To accommodate the increased tolerance between the width of the circuit board 380 and the sidewalls 342, 346, one of the sidewalls is provided with 360 deformable fittings. As illustrated in Figure 4, the sidewall 344 has at least one rib 360 extending outwardly from the side surface 354-2, two ribs 360 are illustrated. In one example, ribs 360 extend approximately 0.5 mm into the lower surface 354-1 from the side surface 354-2. The number of ribs 360 and the amount of extension is a matter of choice. The width of the circuit board 380 will be greater than a width W4 between the side surface 352-2 and the inner surface 344-1 and less than the width W2 between the side surfaces 352-2 and 254-2. The width of an illustrative circuit board 380 can be 11mm +/- 0.25mm. Width W3 between the distal ends of ribs 360 and side surface 352-1 will be greater than width W4 but less than width W2. When circuit board 380 is installed in cavity 348, side edge 392 causes ribs 360 to deform and form an interference fit with circuit board 380 as circuit board 380 is pressed into contact with the lower surfaces 3521, 354-1,356-1. This ensures that the opposite side edge 391 of circuit board 380 rests against side surface 352-1. A mounting protrusion 362 having opening 364 is provided in cavity 348. A fastener 393, such as a screw, passes through an opening 394 in circuit board 380 to secure circuit board 380 in cavity 348 and mounting platform 340 When installed, component surface 387 of circuit board 380 rests on bottom surfaces 352-1, 354-1, 356-1 and trailing edge 390 rests on side surface 356-2. The upper surface of mounting protrusion 362 can be positioned to be coplanar with mounting plane 358 or to be slightly below mounting plane 358.
    [055] Illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 are additional position features that may be provided in retainer 82. These include a front transverse wall 347 having a second set of deformable fittings 370, a second mounting protrusion 366 for interlocking 49 and a mounting flange 328, on which alignment fittings 330 have been moved, provided along rear 311 of retainer 82.
    [056] As illustrated, front wall 347 encloses the front of cavity 348. Deformable fittings 370, such as ribs 370, are provided on inner surface 347-1 of front wall 347 within cavity 348 and function similarly to accessories 360 deformable except along front edge 389 of circuit board 380 and form an interference fit with circuit board 380 to ensure that trailing edge 390 of circuit board 380 rests on side surface 356-2. As illustrated, two spaced apart ribs 370 extend into cavity 348 from inner surface 347-1. Illustrative ribs 370 may extend approximately 0.2 mm. Again, the amount of extension is a matter of choice. Fittings or deformable ribs 360, 370 may be triangular, hemispherical, or rectangular. It can be appreciated that ribs 360, 370 may have other shapes than those mentioned above to create an interference fit with circuit board 380.
    [057] With circuit board 380 mounted within cavity 348, front wall 347 extends in height to about contact surface 386 or slightly above and provides chip protection for leading edge 389 of circuit board 380 during insertion of connector 57 into retainer 82. As illustrated, rear wall 346 has a cutout or recess 349 so that mounting protrusion 362 and rear wall 346 have approximately the same cross-sectional area. This allows these accessories to be molded more reliably. Additionally, the cross-sectional areas of walls 343, 344,347 and mounting protrusion 366 and extensions 368-1, 368-2 are similar to back wall 346 for this reason.
    [058] Walls 342, 344,346 are illustrated as three individual segments, however, a continuous wall having three segments as described can also be used, walls 342 and 346 can be joined where they intersect with each other or walls 344 and 346 can be joined. The top inner edges of walls 342, 344, 346, 347 and the top edges of ribs 360, 370 may be chamfered to facilitate insertion and mounting of circuit board 380 into cavity 348.
    [059] Mounting protrusion 366 is illustrated as being formed as a side extension of sidewall 344 and depending on bottom surface 308. Mounting protrusion 366 provides a flat mounting surface 368 at its top illustrated as a pair of parallel extensions 368-1, 368-1 attached to mounting protrusion 366. Mounting surface 368 may be a continuous plane and is generally coplanar with mounting plane 358 assuming that interlock 49 and circuit board 380 have similar thicknesses so that all contact surfaces on circuit board 380 and interlock 49 are coplanar. Adjacent to the free ends of extensions 368-1, 368-1 is partition 372 provided on top 302 of retainer 82. Partition 372 can be a hollow partition or blind partition, such as hole 322 or partition 334. Body 395 of interlock 49 is generally a rectangular plane. The front end 396 of the interlock 49 is folded and received in the partition 372. The rear end 397 of the interlock 49 is secured to the mounting protrusion 366 by a fastener 398, such as a screw 398, passing through the hollow hole 399 and into the hole 367 of mounting protrusion 366. Turning leading edge 396 into partition 372 reduces the likelihood that leading edge 396 will obstruct a connector pin in connector 57 during toner cartridge insertion. Interlock 49 is made from an electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, and is about 5 mm wide and about 13 mm long, and 0.3 mm thick. About 1.5 mm from the front of interlock 49 is inserted into partition 373 of retainer 82. The width of body 495 of interlock 49 is sized so that it interconnects or shorts two adjacent connecting pins on connector 57. shape and size of the body 495 of the interlock 49 is a matter of design choice.
    [060] As illustrated in Figure 4, the mounting plane 358 is shown generally parallel to the bottom surface 308. However, protrusions 352, 354 can be angled downwardly from the front 310 to the rear 311 of the retainer 82 so that mounting plane 358 is angled with respect to lower surface 308 or outer surface 119 (see figure 11B), to provide greater space between a leading edge 389 of circuit board 380 and the front of connector 57 as connector 57 initially enters the opening 312. This angle can be in the range of about 3 to 8 degrees. Mounting surface 368 would be similarly angled. This arrangement also allows the connecting pins on connector 57 to exert gradually increasing pressure on contact parts 382 - 385 during insertion into retainer 82 and into body 395 of interlock 49. Figures 7 and 8 also illustrate assembly plane 358 being angled. Alternatively, the ends 320, 322, of the first and second brackets 304, 306 may be angled instead of the protrusions 352, 354.
    [061] Retainers 80, 82, toner cartridge housing 102 including end caps 118, 120, and cleaning housing 204 are molded plastic parts. Any of a number of plastic materials known to those skilled in the art can be used, such as, for example, styrene butadiene acrylonitride (ABS).
    [062] As illustrated, circuit board 380 has a contact surface side 386 on which contacts 382 - 385 are mounted and a component side 387 on which processing circuitry 45 is mounted. Circuit board 380 has a plurality of spaced in-line contacts or contact parts. As illustrated, circuit board 380 has four aligned contact portions 382 - 385 that are mounted on a first surface or side of contact surface 386 of circuit board 380 starting at or adjacent to leading edge 389 and extending toward the end. trailing edge 390 of circuit board 380. As illustrated there is a small space between the leading ends of contacts 383 - 385 while the leading edge of contact 382 extends closer to leading edge 389 of circuit board 380. This allows for the The connection between contact 382 and its corresponding connecting pin in connector 57 occurs first during insertion of toner cartridge 35 and breaks last during removal of toner cartridge 35. Terminal 382 can be used as a ground terminal. Terminal 383 can be used as a clock terminal to receive clock signals. Terminal 384 can be used as a data transmission and/or control terminal. Terminal 385 can be used as a common collector voltage (Vdc) terminal to supply power. Circuit board 380 may additionally include computing hardware for storing supply item parameters including, but not limited to, printed pages, first use date, and supply item ID. Computing hardware can include one or more processors, logical devices, and memory. The computing hardware can further comprise integrated circuits and digital signal processors, where embedded program code can be stored and executed.
    [063] Processing circuitry 45 is mounted on circuit board 380 so as not to interfere with the connection between terminals or contact parts 382 - 385 and their corresponding connecting pins in connector 57. This can be done by placing the processing circuitry 45 adjacent to the trailing edge 390 in contact or first surface 386 or, as illustrated, placing the processing circuitry 45 on a second surface or component side 387 of the circuit board 380 with contact parts 382 - 385 being fed through circuit board 380 for connection to processing circuitry 45.
    [064] The circuit board 380 is mounted on the retainer 82 so that the contact parts 382 - 385 are positioned substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the toner cartridge 35. The data point DP formed by the intersecting side surfaces 352 -2, 356-2 helps ensure that circuit board 380 and its contacts 382 - 385 are properly aligned on retainer 82. The connection between connector connection pins 57 and contact parts 382 - 385 is a blind connection. not visible to a user inserting the 35 toner cartridge into the 32 imaging unit. Additional contact parts 382 - 385 are approximately 1.6mm wide by approximately 7mm long while the connecting pins are approximately 2mm width. Due to the small size of the contact parts and connecting pins, precise alignment between them is necessary to ensure a reliable and repeatable electrical connection. Inside the imaging device 22 paper dust and toner particles can settle on contacts 382 - 385 and interlock 49, the connecting pins must clean a portion of contact parts 382 - 385 and interlock 49 as the connector 57 is inserted into retainer 82.
    [065] Defining the insertion direction to be along the X axis, and the vertical direction to be the Y axis, with the Z axis being orthogonal to both the X and Y axis (see Figure 3), the connector 57 when mounted on frame 90 can rotate about the X and Y axis and translate along the Z axis. As illustrated in Figures 6, 11A to 16B, on side frame 90, connector 57 is mounted on bracket 501 which cantilevers into the insertion path through opening 92 in side frame 90 of imaging device 22. Connector 57 houses a plurality of connector pins, as illustrated, six in-line connector pins 530 - 535. A smaller number or larger number of connecting pins can be used. A guide element 504, such as spring 504, inserted between body 502 of connector 57 and frame 90, orients connector 57 away from side frame 90 along axis Z and into the cartridge insertion path. of toner 35 as it travels through channels 96, 97 of frame 90. As illustrated spring 504 is shown inserted into the internal opening within holder 501. Other orientation arrangements may be used.
    [066] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, according to an illustrative embodiment, several guides are provided on the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 to direct the connector 57 in alignment with the retainer 82 as the toner cartridge 35 is being entered. These guides include a sloped surface portion or slope 180 on the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 in front of the retainer 82. The sloped surface portion 180 slopes outwardly and backwards from the front wall 114 toward the outer surface 119. In one embodiment, the sloped surface portion 180 is angled by about 12 degrees with respect to the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118. Between the sloped surface portion 180 and approaching the front 310 of the retainer 82 are guide walls opposing sides 183, 184, followed by a pair of cam surfaces or inclines 185, 186 and a corresponding pair of brackets 187, 188 extending from the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118. The cam surfaces 185, 186 and the brackets 187, 188 are positioned between first and second brackets 304, 306 of retainer 82. Opposite guide walls 183, 184 are positioned on opposite sides of opening 312 of retainer 82. guide nets 183, 184 may each have a first beveled segment 183-1, 184-1 having an outwardly angled flat surface 183-3, 184-3 with respect to the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 and a second segment 183-2, 184-2 having an upper flat surface 183-4, 184-4 substantially parallel to the outer surface 119. The first segments 183-1, 184-1 of the guide walls 183, 184 are also angled with respect to the retainer 82 and internally converge toward first and second supports 306, 304, respectively, of retainer 82. A plurality of support ribs 190 may be provided on the outer surfaces of guide walls 183, 184 by reinforcing guide walls 183, 184 at the end cap 118. First segments 183-1, 184-1 assist in channeling connector 57 into alignment with retainer 82.
    [067] Brackets 187, 188 each have upper flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1 that are spaced away from contact surface 386 of circuit board 380 when retainer 82 and circuit board 380 are installed . This spacing accommodates a front of connector 57 and connecting pins 530-535 when toner cartridge 35 is installed. Sloped cam surfaces 185, 186 extend between outer surface 119 to upper flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1. As illustrated in Figure 11B, the slanted cam surfaces 185, 186 terminate at a spaced edge of the contact surface 386 and between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the contact surface 386. The flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1 are substantially parallel with respect to the outer surface 119 and extend from a trailing edge of the cam surfaces 185, 186 towards the rear wall 116. While a pair of spaced apart and aligned cam surfaces 185, 186 and corresponding supports 187, 188 are illustrated as a single cam surface and support may also be provided and located more centrally between the first and second supports 304, 306.
    [068] As illustrated in Figure 5, the retainer 82 when mounted on the end cap 118 forms an opening or pocket 312 therebetween. As illustrated in Figure 6, pocket 312 receives connector 57 mounted on one side of frame 90 of imaging device 22 when toner cartridge 35 is in OP2 operating position. Connector 57 is connected to frame 90 by a connecting element 501 which extends from body 502 of connector 57 and into opening 92 in frame 90. Connecting element 501 can rotate and tilt, i.e., wobble, inside opening 92 allowing connector 57 to do the same. Positioned between frame 90 and body 502 and within connecting member 501 is a guide member 504 for pushing connector 57 away from frame 90 and into the insertion path of cartridge 35. Body 502 of connector 57 is substantially parallel to frame 90 and outer surface 119 of end cap 118.
    [069] Figures 11A to 16A are sequential views illustrating the insertion of connector 57 into retainer 82 with reference to the X and Y planes during installation of the toner cartridge 35 into the imaging device 22. These figures illustrate the positions of the connector 57 with respect to end cap position control characteristics 118, retainer 82, and circuit board 380 during connector insertion. Figures 11B through 16B are sequential views illustrating the insertion of connector 57 into retainer 82 with reference to planes X and Z. In Figures 13A through 16A the top 302 of retainer 82 has been removed to better illustrate insertion of connector 57 into retainer 82. Inserting connector 57 into retainer 82 can be compared to landing an aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier as both components, connector 57 and toner cartridge 35, are in motion during the insertion process.
    [070] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a rear surface 506 of body 502 on connector 57 sliding along sloped surface 180 during the early stages of the cartridge insertion process. The angled surface 180 absorbs the initial impact between the front 518 of the connector 57 and the cartridge 35 during insertion. Front 518 may be chamfered inwardly from side surfaces 522, 524 and upward from rear surface 506 as illustrated. As illustrated in Figure 11B, contact between connector 57 and sloped surface 180 causes connecting element 501 to wobble at opening 92 and compress guide element 504 allowing rear surface 506 of connector 57 to align with sloped surface. 180. As illustrated in Figure 11A, an intermediate line 508 of connector 57 is not aligned with an intermediate line 313 of retainer 57 and is shown forming an acute angle α thereto. As illustrated here, due to the weight of the connecting wires (not shown) that would be attached to the rear end 520 of connector 57, connector 57 is stored slightly upward so that the middle line 508 of connector 57 is at an angle α with relative to midline 313 of retainer 82. Connector 57 can also be swiveled down. The connecting element 501 and opening 92 limit the rotation of the connector 57 about the intermediate line 313 to be in the range of 45 degrees or less around the intermediate line 313. each of the connecting pins 530-535 at the rear end 518 would also limit the arc of rotation through which connector 57 can move when not inserted into retainer 82. For clarity, wires 537 are not illustrated in Figures 12A through 16A. Connecting pins 530 - 535 are mounted on body 502 as pendant bundles so as to pivot around trunk F. Connecting pins 530 - 535 can also be cantilevered.
    [071] As the rear end 520 of connector 57 moves past the upper edge of slanted surface 180, rear surface 506 of connector 57 aligns with outer surface 119. During additional insertion of toner cartridge 35, at least one of guide walls 183, 184 abuts at least one of the side surfaces 522, 524, respectively, of connector 57 such that connector 57 rotates and becomes aligned vertically with respect to intermediate line 313 of opening 312 and retainer 82. As illustrated in Figures 12A, 12B, side surface 524 of connector 57 contacts guide wall 184. Intermediate line 508 of connector 57 is substantially parallel to intermediate line 313 of retainer 82, but is offset from intermediate line 313. As insertion of the toner cartridge 35 continues, guide walls 183, 184 channel connector 57 so that intermediate line 508 and intermediate line 313 are substantially co-located. incidents as connector 57 enters retainer 82.
    [072] Figures 13A, 13B illustrate the front end 518 of connector 57 beginning to engage cam surfaces 185, 186. As front 518 of body 502 of connector 57 is lifted away from outer surface 119 of the cap. At end 118 by cam surfaces 185, 186, connecting pins 530 - 535 of connector 57 are oriented to contact contact parts 382 - 385 of circuit board 380 and body 390 of safety interlock 49. The bracket 501 allows body 502 of connector 57 to rotate as forward end 518 contacts steel surfaces 185, 186. Wing guides 540, 541 extending from side surfaces 522, 524, respectively, of the connector 57 begins to engage the sloping surfaces 1833, 184-3, respectively, of the guide walls 183, 184 as the toner cartridge 35 continues to be inserted. As toner cartridge insertion continues the wing guides 540, 541 abut flat surfaces 183-4, 184-4, respectively, of guide walls 183, 184 as illustrated in Fig. 14B, so that the body 503 of connector 57 returns to be substantially parallel to outer surface 119 or lower surface 308 of retainer 82. This lifts rear end 520 of connector 57 away from outer surface 119 by positioning it closer to top 302 of retainer 82.
    [073] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate the front end 518 of connector 57 approaching flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1, and connecting pins 530 - 535 beginning to touch contacts on contact surface 386 of the circuit board 380 and body 390 of interlock 49. Additional insertion of toner cartridge 35 moves body 502 into engagement with flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1, thereby creating electrical connections with terminals 382 - 285 of the toner plate. circuit 380 and body 390 of interlock 49 and respective connecting pins 530 - 535 of connector 57. As illustrated in Figure 14A, side surfaces 522, 524 of body 502 of connector 57 slidingly engage respective inner surfaces 307, 305 of brackets 306, 304 vertically aligning connector 57 along the Y axis within retainer 82. At this point connecting pins 503 - 533 are located around the front-to-back intermediate lines of contact portions 382 - 385 and pins of con exon 534 - 535 are located about an intermediate line from front to back of body 390 of interlock 49. Flat surfaces 187-1 to 188-1 locate body 502 of connector 57 in its final operating position with respect to outer surface 119 along geometric axis Z and circuit board 380. From that point onwards insertion of toner cartridge 35 results in connecting pins 530 - 535 sliding through respective terminals of circuit board 380 and interlock body 390 49. This sliding motion creates a cleaning action designed to scrape away a layer of contamination or oxidation and improve the reliability of engagement between connecting pins 530 - 535 and contact parts 382 - 385 and body 390, respectively. In one embodiment, the ground connection pin 530 travels a distance of about 4.7 mm, and the non-ground connection pins 531 - 535 travel a distance of about 2 mm before the connector 57 is fully seated on retainer 82.
    [074] In Figures 15A, 15B, connector 57 is almost in its fully inserted position into retainer 82. As illustrated by the dashed line L the connecting pins 530 - 535 have begun to deform around the trunk F (along the geometric axis Z as illustrated) due to the rear surface 506 of the body 502 entering the pan surfaces 187-1, 188-1. This deformation increases the contact force between connecting pins 530 - 535 and circuit board 380 and interlock 49. -1, 188-1.
    [075] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the final operating position of connector 57 within retainer 82. In the final operating position, rear surface 506 of connector 57 aligns with flat surfaces 187-1, 188-1, side surfaces 522 , 524 of connector 57 align with second and first brackets 306, 304. Connecting pins 530 - 535 have reached their final deformed position around trunk F due to rear surface 506 of body 502 rising on flat surfaces 187-1, 188 -1. In the final operating position, further insertion of connector 57 into retainer 82 is prevented by supporting wing guides 540, 541 with the front of second and first supports 506, 504, respectively. In this position, middle line 508 of connector 57 is collinear with middle line 313 of retainer 82.
    [076] As mentioned above, the characteristics of the 80, 82 retainers are similar. As illustrated in Figure 3, retainer 80 can be secured to the side surface 219 of imaging unit 32 from the outside using fasteners such as screws 240. Additionally, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, an incline 280 is positioned above. of pocket entrance 252 formed by a plurality of spaced-aligned slanted ribs 281. In another embodiment, slant 280 comprises a single rib having an angled surface. Positioned behind slope 280 and in front of retainer 80 is a sloped surface 282. Inclination 280 and surface 282 help to raise connector 55 into contact with the circuit board mounted on the lower surface of the top of retainer 80. shown in Figure 3, upper and lower guide walls 283, 284 can be provided on sloping surface 282 and function similarly to guide walls 183, 184.
    [077] Figures 17A to 17E illustrate various alternative configurations for the aligning devices 130, 230, 330, 430 between the retainers 80, 82 and the toner cartridge 35 or imaging unit 32. Figures 17A to 17E illustrate such configurations as between retainer 82 and end cap 118 of toner cartridge 35. As will be readily seen, any of said illustrated configurations may be used between retainer 80 and imaging unit 32. In Figure 17A as rods 132 extend from outer surface 119 of end cap 118 into bore 332 as previously described. However, as illustrated the rod 333 extends from the lower surface 308 of the top 302 into a partition 133 in the end cap 118. In Figure 17B, the rod 333 and the partition 133 are as previously described as illustrated in the figure. 17A. A second rod 335 extends from bottom surface 308 of top 302 into hole 135 provided in end cap 118. In Figures 17C to 17E, a single alignment device is illustrated. In Figure 17C, rod 333A extends from lower surface 308 of top 302 and engages with partition 133A provided on outer surface 119 of end cap 118. Rod 333A is generally rectangular and flat and snugly fits with the 133A partition. The width of the 333A rod is a matter of design choice. Other shapes for the 333A stem and 133A partition such as a bow or a Chevron can be used. Figure 17D illustrates a reverse arrangement of the stem and partition with respect to that shown in Figure 17C. In Figure 17D, a single rod 134A extends outwardly from the outer surface 119 of the end cap 118 and its end is received in the corresponding partition 334A provided in the lower surface 308 of the top 302. In Figure 17E another alternative arrangement using a single rod is illustrated. In Figure 17E rod 134B, similar to rod 134A, is received at each end in partitions 133A on outer surface 119 of end cap 118 and partition 334B on lower surface 308 of top 302. Opposite ends of rod 134 may be the same size or they can be of different sizes to ensure that rod 134B is properly oriented when its ends are inserted into their respective partitions. Partitions 133A and 334A are each sized to receive the correspondingly sized end of rod 134B. As illustrated, partition 334B and the corresponding end of rod 134B are illustrated as being smaller than partition 133A and the other end of rod 134B.
    [078] The above description of the various modalities has been presented for illustration purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit application to the precise forms described, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the teachings presented above. It is to be understood that the invention may be practiced in ways other than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of application is intended to be defined by the attached claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [0001]
    1. A replaceable unit (35) for an electrophotographic imaging device (22), comprising: a housing (102) having an internal reservoir for storing toner, the housing (102) having a front (114), a rear (116), a top (106), a bottom (117), a first side (110) and a second side (112); and a circuit board (380), CHARACTERIZED in that the circuit board is mounted within a pocket (82) on a surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102), the pocket (82) having a front facing opening (312) (114) of the housing (102) to allow an electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) to enter the pocket (82) and match the circuit board (380) when the replaceable unit (35) is installed in the imaging device (22); and the replaceable unit (35) further comprising: a first guide wall (183) and a second guide wall (184) outside the pocket (82) on the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) closest to the front. (114) of the housing (102) than the opening (312), the first guide wall (183) positioned closer to the top (106) of the housing (102) and the second guide wall (184) positioned closer to the bottom ( 117) of the housing (102), the first and second guide walls (183, 184) slanting outwards and backwards from the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) to lift the electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) toward the circuit board (380) during insertion of the replaceable unit (35) into the imaging device (22); and a slant on the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) within the pocket (82) slanting outwards and backwards from the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) to lift the electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) towards the circuit board (380) during insertion of the replaceable unit (35) into the imaging device (22).
    [0002]
    2. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an additional slope (180) on the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) outside the pocket (82) and spaced closer to the front (114) of the housing (102) than the first and second guide walls (183, 184), the additional slope (180) sloping outward and backward from the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102).
    [0003]
    3. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the first and second guide walls (183, 184) lead back to a first and second flat outer surface (183-4, 184 -4), respectively, on the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102) outside the pocket (82), the first and second outer planar surfaces (183-4, 184-4) being offset from and substantially parallel to the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102).
    [0004]
    4. Replaceable unit (35) according to any one of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the slope leads back to an inner flat surface (187-1, 188-1) on the surface (119) of the first side (110 ) of the housing (102) within the pocket (82), the inner flat surface (187-1, 188-1) being offset from and substantially parallel to the surface (119) of the first side (110) of the housing (102).
    [0005]
    5. Replaceable unit (35), according to any one of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the slope includes a pair of slopes (185, 186), a first (185) among the pair of slopes (185, 186) positioned closer to the top (106) of the housing (102) and a second (186) of the pair of slopes (185, 186) positioned closer to the bottom (117) of the housing (102).
    [0006]
    6. Replaceable unit (35) according to any one of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the first and second guide walls (183, 184) are angled towards each other as the first and second guide walls (183) , 184) extend rearwardly to channel the electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) toward the pocket (82) during insertion of the replaceable unit (35) into the imaging device (22 ).
    [0007]
    7. Replaceable unit (35) for an electrophotographic imaging device (22), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a housing (102) having an internal reservoir for storing toner; and a circuit board retainer (82) on an outer surface (119) of the housing (102), the retainer (82) including: a top (302) having a bottom surface (308) having first and second supports (304, 306 ) extending away from the bottom surface (308) of the top (302) toward a bottom of the retainer (82) and extending in a direction from a front (310) of the retainer (82) to a rear (311 ) of the retainer (82), the front (310) of the retainer (82) facing an insertion direction of the replaceable unit (35) into the imaging device (22), the distal ends (320, 322) of the first and second supports (304, 306) positioned near the outer surface (119) of the housing (102); a pair of opposing side walls (342, 344) on the bottom surface (308) of the top (302), the side walls ( 342, 344) opposites positioned between the first and second supports (304, 306) and extending away from the bottom surface (308) of the top (302) toward the bottom of the retainer (82) and extending from the front (310) of the retainer (82) to the rear (311) of the retainer (82), each opposite side wall (342, 344) including a bottom surface (352-1, 354-1) that faces the bottom of the retainer (82) and is spaced from the bottom of the retainer (82); a circuit board (380) seated against the bottom surfaces ( 352-1, 354-1) of the opposing side walls (342, 344), the circuit board (380) including a set of processing circuitry (45) and electrical contacts (382 - 385), the electrical contacts (382 - 385) of the circuit board (380) facing toward the bottom of the retainer (82); and the top (302) and the first and second brackets (304, 306) form an opening (312) in the front (310) of the retainer (82) sized to receive an electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) to match the circuit board (380) when the replaceable unit (35) is installed in the imaging device (22).
    [0008]
    8. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the first and second brackets (304, 306) are positioned to contact the electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) and align the electrical connector (57) of the imaging device (22) with the circuit board (380) for electrical interconnection between them when the replaceable unit (35) is inserted into the imaging device (22).
    [0009]
    9. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a first alignment device (332) at the distal end (320) of the first bracket (304) and a second alignment device (334) at the distal end (322) of the second bracket (306) engaging with corresponding first and second aligners (132, 134) in the housing (102) and aligning the retainer (82) in the housing (102).
    [0010]
    10. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first alignment device (332) includes a first alignment hole (332) at the distal end (320) of the first bracket (302) and the the second alignment device (334) includes a second alignment partition (334) at the distal end (322) of the second bracket (304).
    [0011]
    11. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a first mounting device (324) at the distal end (320) of the first bracket (304) and a second mounting device (326) at the distal end (322) of the second bracket (306) by mounting the retainer (82) on the outer surface (319) of the housing (102).
    [0012]
    12. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the first mounting device (324) includes a first fastener receiving hole (324) at the distal end (320) of the first bracket (304) and the second mounting device (326) includes a second fastener receiving hole (324) at the distal end (322) of the second bracket (306).
    [0013]
    13. Replaceable unit (35) according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a mounting protrusion (362) on the bottom surface (308) of the top (302) extending away from the bottom surface (308) of the top (302) between opposite side walls (342, 344) and near the rear (311) of the retainer (82) for retaining the circuit board (380) in the retainer (82).
    [0014]
    14. Replaceable unit (35), according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the lower surface (352-1, 354-1) of each opposite sidewall (342, 344) includes a recessed protrusion (352, 354) ), the circuit board (380) is seated against each recessed protrusion (352, 354).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112014027251B1|2021-08-10|REPLACEABLE UNIT FOR RETENTION ASSEMBLY HAVING POSITIONING ACCESSORIES TO PROCESS THE CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY USED WITH AN IMAGING DEVICE SUPPLY ITEM
    US8938179B2|2015-01-20|Toner cartridge for an image forming device having a retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry
    US9383711B2|2016-07-05|Interlock/connector system for a replaceable item for an image forming device
    US20140029960A1|2014-01-30|Magnetic Interlock for a Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device
    BR112021007722A2|2021-07-27|electrical contacts of the toner cartridge
    ES2894344T3|2022-02-14|Toner cartridge that has positioning characteristics
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    IL235142D0|2014-12-31|
    CN104412456B|2016-11-23|
    CA2933537A1|2014-01-03|
    CN106647201A|2017-05-10|
    US20130343019A1|2013-12-26|
    MX345731B|2017-02-14|
    RU2584826C1|2016-05-20|
    US20150003858A1|2015-01-01|
    AU2013280836B2|2015-07-23|
    EP2837068B1|2017-03-08|
    KR101732872B1|2017-05-08|
    IN2015DN00306A|2015-06-12|
    CL2014003089A1|2015-01-16|
    CA2933537C|2017-07-11|
    US8879953B2|2014-11-04|
    PH12014502417A1|2015-01-12|
    ES2625143T3|2017-07-18|
    SG11201406782UA|2014-11-27|
    HK1207212A1|2016-01-22|
    CA2870913C|2017-01-17|
    CN110879514A|2020-03-13|
    US9927765B2|2018-03-27|
    US9836018B2|2017-12-05|
    CA2870913A1|2014-01-03|
    BR112014027251A2|2017-06-27|
    MX343945B|2016-11-30|
    US9429899B2|2016-08-30|
    MX2014012721A|2015-02-04|
    PH12014502417B1|2015-01-12|
    EP3168936A1|2017-05-17|
    EP2837068A4|2015-08-12|
    US20160004209A1|2016-01-07|
    US9715209B2|2017-07-25|
    KR101689545B1|2016-12-26|
    KR20160086982A|2016-07-20|
    CO7200287A2|2015-02-27|
    US20170308033A1|2017-10-26|
    AU2015243055B2|2016-07-28|
    US20160334755A1|2016-11-17|
    CN106647201B|2020-11-10|
    PL2837068T3|2017-08-31|
    CN104412456A|2015-03-11|
    US20170285517A1|2017-10-05|
    KR20150003829A|2015-01-09|
    AU2015243055A1|2015-11-05|
    EP3070788A1|2016-09-21|
    EP2837068A1|2015-02-18|
    WO2014004189A1|2014-01-03|
    AU2013280836A1|2014-11-13|
    US20170308032A1|2017-10-26|
    MX367401B|2019-08-19|
    IL235142A|2020-06-30|
    US9170559B2|2015-10-27|
    US9921540B2|2018-03-20|
    PH12018501447A1|2019-08-14|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    DE3704993A1|1986-03-31|1987-10-08|Toshiba Kk|IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE|
    DE3716152A1|1987-05-14|1988-11-24|Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag|FLOORING CONNECTOR FITTED ON A MOUNTING PLATE|
    US4891017A|1988-04-26|1990-01-02|Amp Incorporated|Socket connector with pin aligning housing|
    US5002497A|1990-01-26|1991-03-26|Molex Incorporated|Floatable panel mountable electrical connector assembly|
    JP2568142B2|1991-12-30|1996-12-25|モレックスインコーポレーテッド|Floating structure electrical connector and manufacturing method thereof|
    NL9200884A|1992-05-20|1993-12-16|Framatome Connectors Belgium|CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY.|
    US5490802A|1994-02-24|1996-02-13|United Technologies Automotive, Inc.|Secondary terminal lock plug through stuffer|
    US5605150A|1994-11-04|1997-02-25|Physio-Control Corporation|Electrical interface for a portable electronic physiological instrument having separable components|
    JP3359245B2|1995-10-25|2002-12-24|キヤノン株式会社|Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP3471992B2|1995-10-26|2003-12-02|キヤノン株式会社|Toner supply container and image forming apparatus|
    JPH09213407A|1996-01-31|1997-08-15|Canon Inc|Connector, unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming device|
    CN1162776A|1996-01-31|1997-10-22|佳能株式会社|Electrical connector, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    US5746617A|1996-07-03|1998-05-05|Quality Microwave Interconnects, Inc.|Self aligning coaxial connector assembly|
    JP3363751B2|1996-08-29|2003-01-08|キヤノン株式会社|Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    US6168262B1|1997-01-30|2001-01-02|Hewlett-Packard Company|Electrical interconnect for replaceable ink containers|
    JPH10312870A|1997-05-12|1998-11-24|Canon Inc|Connector, unit, process cartridge, and image formation device|
    JPH11242371A|1997-10-31|1999-09-07|Canon Inc|Connector, unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming device|
    US5997329A|1997-12-16|1999-12-07|Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.|Enhanced connector system|
    CN1269651C|1998-05-18|2006-08-16|精工爱普生株式会社|Ink-jet printing apparatus and ink box|
    JP2000036357A|1998-07-16|2000-02-02|Tokai Rika Co Ltd|Plug-in coupling structure|
    MY125897A|1998-11-02|2006-08-30|Seiko Epson Corp|Ink cartridge and printer using the same|
    US6186809B1|1999-12-09|2001-02-13|Compal Electronics, Inc.|Electronic device with a floating electrical connector unit|
    JP4250294B2|2000-02-16|2009-04-08|キヤノン株式会社|Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge|
    JP2001296708A|2000-04-13|2001-10-26|Jst Mfg Co Ltd|Connector for toner cartridge|
    JP2001293928A|2000-04-13|2001-10-23|Jst Mfg Co Ltd|Receptacle type connector|
    JP2001332358A|2000-05-19|2001-11-30|Tokai Rika Co Ltd|Connector device|
    JP3536011B2|2000-06-16|2004-06-07|株式会社エルイーテック|Female and male connectors and male and female mating type connectors|
    US6697578B2|2000-08-25|2004-02-24|Canon Kabushiki Kaisha|Memory member, unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP2002196647A|2000-12-22|2002-07-12|Canon Inc|Process cartridge and image forming device|
    US6582039B2|2001-07-24|2003-06-24|Hewlett-Packard Developement Company, L.P.|Combination color inkjet and laser image-printing device with dual paper-picking mechanism and method of implementing same|
    JP2003039778A|2001-07-27|2003-02-13|Seiko Epson Corp|Peripheral apparatus and printer|
    JP3774691B2|2001-10-01|2006-05-17|キヤノン株式会社|Electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    US6922534B2|2001-12-28|2005-07-26|Canon Kabushiki Kaisha|Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus having electrical connection for memory|
    US6786750B2|2002-03-11|2004-09-07|Calsonic Kansei Corporation|Self-locating connector|
    JP4194298B2|2002-05-17|2008-12-10|キヤノン株式会社|Information storage medium, unit, process cartridge, developing cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP3684209B2|2002-05-31|2005-08-17|キヤノン株式会社|Cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    EP1411598B1|2002-09-19|2013-03-20|Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.|A connector assembly, connector, connector assembling construction and method of assembling them|
    US7086872B2|2003-11-20|2006-08-08|Tyco Electronics Corporation|Two piece surface mount header assembly having a contact alignment member|
    US7447464B2|2003-12-19|2008-11-04|Cartridge Corporation Of America, Inc.|Toner cartridge having a collapsible actuating structure|
    US7136608B2|2003-12-19|2006-11-14|Steven Miller|Removable toner cartridge universal adapter|
    JP4250555B2|2004-03-09|2009-04-08|キヤノン株式会社|Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and spacing member|
    EP1640814B1|2004-08-06|2011-10-05|Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha|Photosensitive member cartridge, developer cartridge and process cartridge having handle interlocking elements|
    JP4110144B2|2004-09-17|2008-07-02|キヤノン株式会社|Electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP4886182B2|2004-09-27|2012-02-29|キヤノン株式会社|Cartridge, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    US7074084B2|2004-10-08|2006-07-11|Tyco Electronics Corporation|Shielded blind-mate connector|
    US20060103701A1|2004-11-17|2006-05-18|Nu-Kote International, Inc.|Ink cartridge with semiconductor storage device|
    JP4794892B2|2005-04-11|2011-10-19|キヤノン株式会社|Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP2007093753A|2005-09-27|2007-04-12|Brother Ind Ltd|Developing cartridge, process cartridge and image forming apparatus|
    US7424245B2|2005-10-19|2008-09-09|Static Control Components, Inc.|Systems and methods for remanufacturing imaging components|
    JP4732125B2|2005-10-28|2011-07-27|キヤノン株式会社|Image forming apparatus|
    JP4681489B2|2006-03-31|2011-05-11|株式会社沖データ|Toner cartridge, developing device, and image forming apparatus|
    US7272336B1|2006-10-30|2007-09-18|Lexmark International, Inc.|Cartridge with a movable electrical connector for use with an image forming device|
    AU2007313824B2|2006-10-30|2012-04-26|Lexmark International, Inc.|Electrical connectors for toner cartridges in an image forming device|
    US20080102674A1|2006-10-30|2008-05-01|Lexmark International, Inc.|Electrical Connectors for Toner Cartridges In An Image Forming Device|
    US7672624B2|2006-12-19|2010-03-02|Lexmark International, Inc.|Bearing and locating member for a toner cartridge for use with an image forming device|
    JP4280772B2|2006-12-28|2009-06-17|キヤノン株式会社|Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    US8200126B2|2007-11-30|2012-06-12|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridges for an image forming device|
    JP5344566B2|2008-02-05|2013-11-20|キヤノン株式会社|Image forming apparatus and cartridge|
    KR100941420B1|2008-02-21|2010-02-10|삼성전자주식회사|Image forming apparatus|
    JP4789982B2|2008-07-14|2011-10-12|シャープ株式会社|Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same|
    JP4315463B1|2008-08-28|2009-08-19|キヤノン株式会社|Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    JP4671182B2|2008-10-29|2011-04-13|富士ゼロックス株式会社|Image forming apparatus|
    JP4592113B2|2009-03-02|2010-12-01|キヤノン株式会社|Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus|
    KR101994405B1|2010-06-11|2019-06-28|가부시키가이샤 리코|Apparatus and method for preventing an information storage device from falling from a removable device|
    JP5644391B2|2010-11-09|2014-12-24|富士ゼロックス株式会社|Electrical connection structure, image forming apparatus|
    US8867966B2|2011-12-30|2014-10-21|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge for use in an image forming device|
    US8938179B2|2012-06-25|2015-01-20|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge for an image forming device having a retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry|
    US8879953B2|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|
    JP6116221B2|2012-12-13|2017-04-19|キヤノン株式会社|Image forming apparatus|US8879953B2|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|
    US9046868B2|2013-05-22|2015-06-02|Lexmark International, Inc.|Interlock/connector system for a replaceable item for an image forming device|
    JP6268853B2|2013-09-20|2018-01-31|コニカミノルタ株式会社|Image forming apparatus|
    JP6398362B2|2013-10-24|2018-10-03|株式会社リコー|Communication connector and image forming apparatus|
    US9261851B2|2013-11-20|2016-02-16|Lexmark International, Inc.|Positional control features of a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device|
    JP2016206320A|2015-04-20|2016-12-08|シャープ株式会社|Image forming apparatus|
    JP6598501B2|2015-04-30|2019-10-30|キヤノン株式会社|Connection device and recording material conveying device|
    US9360834B1|2015-09-15|2016-06-07|Lexmark International, Inc.|Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positioning features for electrical contacts|
    US9551974B1|2015-09-15|2017-01-24|Lexmark International, Inc.|Positioning features for electrical connectors of replaceable units of an image forming device|
    US9563169B1|2015-12-14|2017-02-07|Lexmark International, Inc.|Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a retractable electrical connector|
    US9910403B2|2016-01-18|2018-03-06|Lexmark International, Inc.|Positioning features for electrical contacts of a replaceable unit of an electrophotographic image forming device|
    JP6773886B2|2016-04-13|2020-10-21|ナインスター コーポレーション|Process cartridge|
    ITUA20164390A1|2016-06-15|2017-12-15|M C System Srl|METHOD FOR ADAPTING A PRINTER FOR OPERATION WITH MORE COLORS.|
    US10008802B1|2017-04-24|2018-06-26|Eaton Intelligent Power Limited|Receptacle frames for adapting a float range capability of a blind-mate connector and related systems|
    US10073410B1|2017-05-11|2018-09-11|Lexmark International, Inc.|Imaging unit having positioning features for electrical contacts for use in an electrophotographic image forming device|
    US10175643B1|2017-06-15|2019-01-08|Lexmark International, Inc.|Imaging unit having positional control features for use in an electrophotographic image forming device|
    KR20200025352A|2018-08-30|2020-03-10|휴렛-팩커드 디벨롭먼트 컴퍼니, 엘.피.|Toner refill cartridge connected to main body through interface between development cartridge and main body|
    US11022909B2|2018-10-11|2021-06-01|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner container having an encoded member and an alignment guide for locating a sensor relative to the encoded member|
    US11022910B2|2018-10-11|2021-06-01|Lexmark International, Inc.|Sensor positioning by a replaceable unit of an image forming device|
    US10725422B2|2018-10-25|2020-07-28|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge electrical contacts|
    US10782643B2|2018-11-05|2020-09-22|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge having positioning features|
    US10474093B1|2019-02-05|2019-11-12|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge having a positioning boss|
    US10691062B1|2019-03-07|2020-06-23|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge having a spring for mechanically biasing a developer unit relative to a photoconductor unit and forming an electrical path to an imaging component|
    US10698363B1|2019-04-12|2020-06-30|Lexmark International, Inc.|Electrical connection for an imaging unit of an electrophotographic image forming device|
    US10649389B1|2019-04-12|2020-05-12|Lexmark International, Inc.|Electrical connectors of a replaceable unit of an electrophotographic image forming device|
    US10761476B1|2019-04-12|2020-09-01|Lexmark International, Inc.|Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a movable electrical connector|
    US10649399B1|2019-04-12|2020-05-12|Lexmark Internatioanl, Inc.|Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a magnetic sensor|
    US10884353B2|2019-05-07|2021-01-05|Lexmark International, Inc.|Toner cartridge electrical contacts|
    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-01-07| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-29| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 19/06/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/532,186|US8879953B2|2012-06-25|2012-06-25|Retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry used within an image forming device supply item|
    US13/532.186|2012-06-25|
    PCT/US2013/046464|WO2014004189A1|2012-06-25|2013-06-19|Retainer assembly having positioning features for processing circuitry used with an image forming device supply item|
    [返回顶部]