The present disclosure relates generally to image forming devices and more particularly to a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a retractable electrical connector.
During the electrophotographic printing process, an electrically charged rotating photoconductive drum is selectively exposed to a laser beam. The areas of the photoconductive drum exposed to the laser beam are discharged creating an electrostatic latent image of a page to be printed on the photoconductive drum. Toner particles are then electrostatically picked up by the latent image on the photoconductive drum creating a toned image on the drum. The toned image is transferred to the print media (e.g., paper) either directly by the photoconductive drum or indirectly by an intermediate transfer member. The toner is then fused to the media using heat and pressure to complete the print.
The image forming device's toner supply is typically stored in one or more replaceable units that have a shorter lifespan than the image forming device. It is desired to communicate various operating parameters and usage information of the replaceable unit(s) to the image forming device for proper operation. For example, it may be desired to communicate such information as replaceable unit serial number, replaceable unit type, toner color, toner capacity, amount of toner remaining, license information, etc. The replaceable unit(s) typically include processing circuitry configured to communicate with and respond to commands from a controller in the image forming device. The replaceable unit(s) also include memory associated with the processing circuitry that stores program instructions and information related to the replaceable unit. The processing circuitry and associated memory are typically mounted on a circuit board that is attached to the replaceable unit. The replaceable unit also includes one or more electrical contacts that mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device upon installation of the replaceable unit in the image forming device in order to facilitate communication between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device. It is important to accurately position the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit relative to the corresponding electrical contacts of the image forming device in order to ensure a reliable connection between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device.
Accordingly, positioning features that provide precise alignment of the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit with corresponding electrical contacts of the image forming device are desired. It is also desired to protect the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit and the electrical contacts of the image forming device from damage during insertion and removal of the replaceable unit into and out of the image forming device and during service of the image forming device.
A replaceable unit for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing. The housing has a reservoir for holding toner. An electrical connector is mounted on the housing. The electrical connector is movable between a retracted position and an operative position. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry mounted on the housing. The electrical connector is tucked into a portion of the housing when the electrical connector is in the retracted position. The electrical connector is exposed to permit the electrical contact to contact the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the electrical connector is in the operative position. A linkage is operatively connected to the electrical connector. The linkage includes an engagement surface that is accessible on an exterior of the housing to receive an actuation force. Movement of the linkage moves the electrical connector between the retracted position and the operative position. In some embodiments, the electrical connector protrudes from the housing to permit the electrical contact to contact the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the electrical connector is in the operative position.
In some embodiments, the electrical connector is biased by a biasing member toward the retracted position.
Embodiments include those wherein the electrical connector moves upward toward the top of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the retracted position to the operative position and the electrical connector moves downward toward the bottom of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the operative position to the retracted position.
In some embodiments, the linkage is positioned on the first side of the housing and the engagement surface is accessible at the rear of the housing to receive the actuation force at the rear of the housing. The electrical connector is operatively connected to the linkage such that the electrical connector moves from the retracted position toward the operative position when the engagement surface receives the actuation force in a direction toward the front of the housing.
A toner cartridge for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing. The housing has a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and faces downward on the front of the housing for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. An electrical connector is positioned on the first side of the housing. The electrical connector is movable between a retracted position and an operative position. The electrical connector moves upward toward the top of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the retracted position to the operative position. The electrical connector moves downward toward the bottom of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the operative position to the retracted position. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The electrical contact is electrically connected to processing circuitry mounted on the housing. A linkage is operatively connected to the electrical connector such that movement of the linkage moves the electrical connector between the retracted position and the operative position.
In some embodiments, the electrical connector is biased by a biasing member toward the retracted position.
Embodiments include those wherein the electrical connector translates upward toward the top of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the retracted position to the operative position and the electrical connector translates downward toward the bottom of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the operative position to the retracted position.
In some embodiments, the linkage is positioned on the first side of the housing and the linkage includes an engagement surface that is accessible at the rear of the housing. The electrical connector is operatively connected to the linkage such that the electrical connector moves from the retracted position toward the operative position when the engagement surface receives an actuation force that is toward the front of the housing.
Embodiments include those wherein the electrical contact is positioned within a pocket of the electrical connector. The pocket includes an opening that faces upward when the electrical connector is in the operative position permitting the electrical connector in the image forming device to enter the pocket from above. In some embodiments, the electrical connector includes a vertical slit on an inner side of the pocket proximate to the reservoir for guiding a post on the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device as the electrical connector moves upward from the retracted position to the operative position and downward from the operative position to the retracted position.
In some embodiments, when the electrical connector is in the retracted position, the electrical connector is tucked into a portion of the housing.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrical contact is positioned higher than the outlet port when the electrical connector is in the operative position.
Embodiments include those wherein a channel runs along the front of the housing between the first side and the second side in fluid communication with the outlet port. At least a portion of the channel is open to the reservoir. An auger is positioned in the channel and extends along the front of the housing between the first side and the second side. The auger is operative to move toner in the channel toward the outlet port. The auger includes a rotational axis. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrical contact is positioned higher than the rotational axis of the auger when the electrical connector is in the operative position. Some embodiments include a toner delivery assembly positioned in the reservoir to deliver toner to the channel. The toner delivery assembly includes a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the reservoir. The drive shaft includes a rotational axis. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrical contact is positioned higher than the rotational axis of the drive shaft when the electrical connector is in the operative position.
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like numerals represent like elements. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and mechanical changes, etc., may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples merely typify possible variations. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The following description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
In the example embodiment shown in
Controller 28 includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory 29. The processor may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and may be formed as one or more Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Memory 29 may 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 (NVRAM). Memory 29 may be in the form of a separate memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with controller 28. Controller 28 may be, for example, a combined printer and scanner controller.
In the example embodiment illustrated, controller 28 communicates with print engine 30 via a communications link 50. Controller 28 communicates with imaging unit 200 and processing circuitry 44 thereon via a communications link 51. Controller 28 communicates with toner cartridge 100 and processing circuitry 45 thereon via a communications link 52. Controller 28 communicates with a fuser 37 and processing circuitry 46 thereon via a communications link 53. Controller 28 communicates with media feed system 38 via a communications link 54. Controller 28 communicates with scanner system 40 via a communications link 55. User interface 36 is communicatively coupled to controller 28 via a communications link 56. Controller 28 processes print and scan data and operates print engine 30 during printing and scanner system 40 during scanning. Processing circuitry 44, 45, 46 may provide authentication functions, safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters and usage information related to imaging unit 200, toner cartridge 100 and fuser 37, respectively. Each of processing circuitry 44, 45, 46 includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory. As discussed above, the processor may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and may be formed as one or more Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory may be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof or any memory device convenient for use with processing circuitry 44, 45, 46.
Computer 24, which is optional, may be, for example, a personal computer, including electronic memory 60, such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, an input device 62, such as a keyboard and/or a mouse, and a display 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 a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit (not shown). Computer 24 may also be a device capable of communicating with image forming device 22 other than a personal computer such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or other electronic device.
In the example embodiment illustrated, computer 24 includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver 66, e.g., printer/scanner driver software, for image forming device 22. Imaging driver 66 is in communication with controller 28 of image forming device 22 via communications link 26. Imaging driver 66 facilitates communication between image forming device 22 and computer 24. One aspect of imaging driver 66 may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to image forming device 22, and more particularly to print engine 30, to print an image. Another aspect of imaging driver 66 may be, for example, to facilitate collection of scanned data from scanner system 40.
In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate image forming device 22 in a standalone mode. In the standalone mode, image forming device 22 is capable of functioning without computer 24. Accordingly, all or a portion of imaging driver 66, or a similar driver, may be located in controller 28 of image forming device 22 so as to accommodate printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in the standalone mode.
Print engine 30 includes a laser scan unit (LSU) 31, toner cartridge 100, imaging unit 200 and fuser 37, all mounted within image forming device 22. Imaging unit 200 is removably mounted in image forming device 22 and includes a developer unit 202 that houses a toner sump and a toner development system. In one embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a single component development system. In this embodiment, the toner development system includes a toner adder roll that provides toner from the toner sump to a developer roll. A doctor blade provides a metered uniform layer of toner on the surface of the developer roll. In another embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a dual component development system. In this embodiment, toner in the toner sump of developer unit 202 is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymeric film to provide triboelectric properties to attract toner to the carrier beads as the toner and the magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner sump. In this embodiment, developer unit 202 includes a magnetic roll that attracts the magnetic carrier beads having toner thereon to the magnetic roll through the use of magnetic fields. Imaging unit 200 also includes a cleaner unit 204 that houses a photoconductive drum and a waste toner removal system.
Toner cartridge 100 is removably mounted in imaging forming device 22 in a mating relationship with developer unit 202 of imaging unit 200. An outlet port on toner cartridge 100 communicates with an inlet port on developer unit 202 allowing toner to be periodically transferred from toner cartridge 100 to resupply the toner sump in developer unit 202.
The electrophotographic printing process is well known in the art and, therefore, is described briefly herein. During a printing operation, laser scan unit 31 creates a latent image on the photoconductive drum in cleaner unit 204. Toner is transferred from the toner sump in developer unit 202 to the latent image on the photoconductive drum by the developer roll (in the case of a single component development system) or by the magnetic roll (in the case of a dual component development system) to create a toned image. The toned image is then transferred to a media sheet received by imaging unit 200 from media input tray 39 for printing. Toner may be transferred directly to the media sheet by the photoconductive drum or by an intermediate transfer member that receives the toner from the photoconductive drum. Toner remnants are removed from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner image is bonded to the media sheet in fuser 37 and then sent to an output location or to one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, a stapler or a hole-punch.
Referring now to
With reference to
Sides 108, 109 may each include an alignment guide 124 that extends outward from the respective side 108, 109 to assist the insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 22. Alignment guides 124 travel in corresponding guide slots in image forming device 22 that guide the insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 22. In the example embodiment illustrated, an alignment guide 124 is positioned on the outer side of each end cap 112, 113. Alignment guides 124 may run along the front-to-rear dimension of housing 102 as shown in
With reference to
An auger 136 having first and second ends 136a, 136b and a spiral screw flight is positioned in a channel 138 that runs along the front 110 of housing 102 from side 108 to side 109. Auger 136 includes a rotational axis 137. Channel 138 may be integrally molded as part of the front 110 of main body 116 or formed as a separate component that is attached to the front 110 of main body 116. Channel 138 is generally horizontal in orientation along with toner cartridge 100 when toner cartridge 100 is installed in image forming device 22. Outlet port 118 is positioned at the bottom of channel 138 so that gravity assists in exiting toner through outlet port 118. First end 136a of auger 136 extends through side wall 115 and a drive gear 135 of drive train 130 is provided on first end 136a that is connected to main input gear 132 either directly or via one or more intermediate gears. Channel 138 includes an open portion 138a and may include an enclosed portion 138b. Open portion 138a is open to toner reservoir 104 and extends from side 109 toward second end 136b of auger 136. Enclosed portion 138b of channel 138 extends from side 108 and encloses second end 136b of auger 136. In this embodiment, outlet port 118 is positioned at the bottom of enclosed portion 138b of channel 138.
With reference to
Electrical connector 140 may include a male plug end of the connector interface or a female socket end of the connector interface with the electrical connector in the image forming device 22 forming the opposite female or male end of the connector interface.
A printed circuit board 158 is mounted on housing 102 and electrically connected to electrical contacts 142. Printed circuit board 158 includes processing circuitry 45, which may include a processor and associated memory as discussed above. For example,
Electrical connector 300 is mounted to a frame 306 of image forming device 22 at a position to engage electrical connector 140 when toner cartridge 100 is installed in image forming device 22 and electrical connector 140 is in its operative position. Frame 306 extends along the direction of insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 22, which is indicated by the arrow A in
Electrical connector 300 includes a top end 308, a bottom end 309, an inner side 310 that faces away from frame 306 and toward toner cartridge 100 and an outer side 311 that faces toward frame 306 and away from toner cartridge 100. Electrical connector 300 also includes a leading end 312 positioned closer to the direction from which toner cartridge 100 enters image forming device 22 and a trailing end 313 positioned farther from the direction from which toner cartridge 100 enters image forming device 22 such that toner cartridge 100 reaches leading end 312 before reaching trailing end 313 as toner cartridge 100 is inserted into image forming device 22. In the embodiment illustrated, a front wall 314 is positioned past trailing end 313 of electrical connector 300 along the direction of insertion of toner cartridge 100. A rear wall 315 is positioned ahead of leading end 312 of electrical connector 300 along the direction of insertion of toner cartridge 100. Front wall 314 and rear wall 315 extend away from frame 306, toward toner cartridge 100. Front wall 314 and rear wall 315 shield electrical connector 300 from contact at trailing end 313 and leading end 312 of electrical connector 300, respectively. In this manner, front wall 314 and rear wall 315 protect electrical connector 300 from accidental contact with imaging unit 200 or toner cartridge 100, which may result in damage to electrical connector 300, during insertion or removal of imaging unit 200 or toner cartridge 100 into or out of image forming device 22. Front wall 314 and rear wall 315 also protect electrical connector 300 from damage when the area inside image forming device 22 that houses imaging unit 200 and toner cartridge 100 is serviced or repaired including, for example, when jammed media is removed from this area. In the embodiment illustrated, electrical contacts 304 are positioned on outer side 311 of electrical connector 300 near frame 306 such that inner side 310 of electrical connector 300 and frame 306 further shield electrical contacts 304 from damage.
Electrical connector 300 is attached to frame 306 by a support arm 316 (also shown in
In the embodiment illustrated, linkage 180 is biased by one or more biasing members, such as an extension spring 184, toward rear 111 of housing 102 where engagement surface 182 is exposed, i.e., toward the position shown in
Linkage 180 may be operatively connected to electrical connector 140 by any suitable construction such that the movement of linkage 180 causes electrical connector 140 to move between its retracted and operative positions. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, linkage 180 is operatively connected to electrical connector 140 by an intermediate linkage 190. Linkage 190 is pivotable about a pivot point 191. Linkage 190 includes a first arm 192 and a second arm 194, each extending radially from pivot point 191. Arm 192 is connected to linkage 180 such that forward and rearward movement of linkage 180 causes linkage 190 to pivot about pivot point 191. In the embodiment illustrated, linkage 180 includes a post 188 that is received by an elongated slot 193 on arm 192 of linkage 190. Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated, electrical connector 140 includes a post 160 that is received by an elongated slot 195 on arm 194 of linkage 190. The elongated shapes of slots 193 and 195 accommodate the pivotal movement of arms 192 and 194 around pivot point 191 as linkage 180 moves forward and rearward and electrical connector 140 moves between its retracted and operative positions. Of course, these configurations may be reversed as desired so that arm 192 and/or arm 194 includes a post and linkage 180 and/or electrical connector 140 includes a corresponding elongated slot.
In some embodiments, front end 180b of linkage is operatively connected to a shutter (not shown) that is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the shutter permits toner to flow from outlet port 118. In the closed position, the shutter blocks outlet port 118 preventing toner from escaping toner cartridge 100.
In some embodiments, a raisable linkage 170 is positioned between end cap 112 and side wall 114 that opens and closes a cover 172 on outlet port 118 as described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 8,649,710 titled “Toner Cartridge having a Pivoting Exit Port Cover.” Cover 172 is pivotable between a closed position where a sealing face of cover 172 is pressed against an outer portion of outlet port 118 to trap any residual toner within outlet port 118 and an open position (shown in
During installation of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 22, electrical connector 140 is in its retracted position as a result of the bias on electrical connector 140 and protected by end cap 112 from damage in case toner cartridge 100 is misaligned as toner cartridge 100 is inserted into image forming device 22. As discussed above, electrical connector 300 is protected from damage from toner cartridge 100 by front and rear walls 314, 315 and electrical contacts 304 of electrical connector 300 are further protected by inner side 310 of electrical connector 300.
This sequence is reversed when the access door to image forming device 22 is opened to remove toner cartridge 100 from image forming device 22. When the access door is opened, the actuation member on the inner side of the access door moves away from toner cartridge 100 causing linkage 180 to move rearward as a result of the bias on linkage 180. In turn, linkage 190 pivots clockwise as viewed in
With reference back to
With reference back to
With reference to
With reference to
Movement of electrical connector 140 to its operative position aligns electrical connector 140 vertically with electrical connector 300. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, each electrical contact 142 is vertically elongated in order to allow for slight vertical misalignment between electrical connector 140 and electrical connector 300.
Electrical connector 140 and electrical connector 300 are not limited to the example embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that electrical connector 140 and electrical connector 300 may include any suitable alignment features that align electrical connector 140 and electrical connector 300 with each other to ensure sufficient contact between electrical contacts 142 and electrical contacts 304 when electrical connector 140 is in its operative position with toner cartridge 100 installed in image forming device 22. Further, although the example embodiment discussed above includes an electrical connector 140 that translates along a substantially straight line as electrical connector 140 moves between the retracted and operative positions, electrical connector 140 may take other paths of travel as desired. For example, in another embodiment, electrical connector 140 pivots upward, e.g., about an axis that is parallel to drive shaft 128, as electrical connector 140 moves toward its operative position and pivots downward as electrical connector 140 moves toward its retracted position. As mentioned above, electrical connector 140 may take directions of travel other than upward and downward between the retracted position and the operative position.
Further, the actuation of electrical connector 140 is not limited to the example embodiment illustrated. For example, linkage 180 and/or linkage 190 may take other suitable forms to move electrical connector 140 between its operative and retracted positions and more or fewer linkages may be used as desired. In other embodiments, electrical connector 140 is manually actuated by a user instead of automatically upon the closing of an access door of image forming device 22. For example, a lever, dial or push-button may be exposed on the exterior of housing 102, e.g., on rear 111, that is manually actuated by a user after toner cartridge 100 is installed in image forming device 22 in order to move electrical connector 140 from the retracted position to the operative position. In other embodiments, electrical connector 140 is automatically actuated by an element of image forming device 22 other than the closing of an access door of image forming device 22. For example, in one embodiment, electrical connector 140 is actuated by the movement of linkage 170 actuated by engagement feature 212 on frame 206 of imaging unit 200.
Although the example embodiments discussed above include an electrical connector, such as electrical connector 140, positioned on toner cartridge 100, it will be appreciated that an electrical connector that is movable between a retracted position and an operative position may be used on any replaceable unit of image forming device 22, such as, for example, imaging unit 200 and/or fuser 37 in order to establish communication between controller 28 and processing circuitry 44 and/or processing circuitry 46. Further, although the example embodiment shown in
The foregoing description illustrates various aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it is chosen to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure, including its various modifications that naturally follow. All modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims. Relatively apparent modifications include combining one or more features of various embodiments with features of other embodiments.
This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,034, filed Dec. 21, 2016, entitled “Replaceable Unit for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device Having a Retractable Electrical Connector,” which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/967,552, filed Dec. 14, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,563,169, issued Feb. 7, 2017, entitled “Replaceable Unit for an Electrophotographic Image Forming Device Having a Retractable Electrical Connector.”
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15386034 | Dec 2016 | US |
Child | 15655943 | US | |
Parent | 14967552 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15386034 | US |