Toner container with angled electrical connector

Abstract

A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in an image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. When the toner container is installed in the image forming device, the electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced apart from each other along a horizontal dimension orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container. The nominal positions of the electrical contacts along their horizontal dimensions spaced apart from each other are angled with respect to the fore-aft dimension of the toner container and the lateral dimension of the toner container.

Description

background

[0001] 1. Public Domain The present disclosure relates generally to image forming apparatuses, and more particularly to toner container electrical connectors.

[0002] 2. Description of Related Technology In the electrophotographic printing process, a charged rotating photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to a laser beam. The areas of the photosensitive drum exposed to the laser beam are discharged, creating an electrostatic latent image of the page to be printed on the photosensitive drum. Toner particles are then electrostatically picked up by the latent image on the photosensitive drum, creating a toned image on the drum. The toned image is transferred to a print medium (e.g., paper) either directly from the photosensitive drum or indirectly from an intermediate transfer member. Heat and pressure are then used to fuse the toner to the medium to complete the print.

[0003] The toner supply of an image forming device is typically stored in one or more replaceable units that have a shorter useful life than the image forming device. It is desirable to communicate various operating parameters and usage information of the replaceable unit to the image forming device for proper operation. For example, it may be desirable to communicate information such as replaceable unit serial number, replaceable unit type, toner color, toner capacity, toner remaining amount, permission information, authentication information, etc. The replaceable unit typically includes a processing circuitry configured to communicate with and respond to commands from a controller in the image forming device. The replaceable unit also includes a memory associated with the processing circuitry that stores, for example, program instructions and information related to the replaceable unit. The processing circuitry and associated memory are typically mounted on a circuit board attached to the replaceable unit. The replaceable unit also includes one or more electrical contacts that cooperate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device to facilitate communication between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device. It is important that the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit be accurately positioned relative to corresponding electrical contacts of the image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device to ensure a reliable connection between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device.

[0004] Some image forming devices may utilize more than one replaceable unit of a particular type. For example, an image forming device configured to print in color may include multiple replaceable units having substantially the same or nearly the same construction, wherein each replaceable unit contains toner of a different color, such as cyan, yellow, magenta, and black toner. To ensure proper installation and replacement of such replaceable units, each replaceable unit may include a keying feature or a latching feature that allows the replaceable unit to be installed in a single receptacle within the image forming device corresponding to the toner color of the replaceable unit. For example, in an image forming device that includes cyan, yellow, magenta, and black toner containers, each toner container may include a tab positioned in one of four possible positions on the toner container, which is received by a corresponding mating slot positioned in one of four possible positions on each toner container receptacle within the image forming device. If a user attempts to install a toner container in an incorrect receptacle, a misalignment between a molded tab on the toner container and a mating slot of the receptacle will prevent the toner container from being installed in the incorrect receptacle. In this manner, each toner container can only be installed in the correct receiving portion to prevent incorrect installation of the toner container and cross contamination of toner colors. Overview

[0005] A toner container for use in an image forming device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a main body having a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the main body. The main body has a reservoir for holding toner. A front-to-rear dimension of the toner container orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container extends between the front of the main body and the rear of the main body. A side-to-side dimension of the toner container orthogonal to the front-to-rear dimension of the toner container and the vertical dimension of the toner container extends between the first side of the main body and the second side of the main body. The toner container includes a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. When the toner container is installed in the image forming device, the electrical contacts of the toner container can be approached from below by corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device at the bottom of the main body. The electrical contacts of the toner container are spaced apart from each other along a horizontal dimension orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container. The nominal positions of the electrical contacts along the horizontal dimension in which they are spaced from one another are angled relative to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the lateral dimension of the toner container.

[0006] In some embodiments, a cavity is formed in the bottom of the body, and the electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned in the cavity.

[0007] Embodiments include those in which the electrical contacts of the toner container are electrically connected to processing circuitry on the toner container. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board is mounted on a holder, and the holder may be movable relative to the body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the toner container are movable relative to the body.

[0009] A toner container for use in an image forming device according to another exemplary embodiment includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the body. The body has a reservoir for holding toner. The front and rear of the body define a front-to-back dimension of the toner container orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container. The first and second side of the body define a lateral dimension of the toner container, which is orthogonal to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the vertical dimension of the toner container. A downward-facing outlet port is positioned on the front of the body for discharging toner from the toner container. A cavity is formed in the bottom of the body. An electrical connector is positioned in the cavity and has electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner container are electrically connected to a processing circuit on the toner container. The longitudinal dimension of the electrical connector is angled relative to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the lateral dimension of the toner container at a nominal position along a horizontal plane orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container.

[0010] Embodiments include those in which the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board, and the electrical contacts of the processing circuit and the toner container are positioned on the printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the electrical connector includes a retainer positioned in the cavity, and the printed circuit board is mounted on the retainer. In some embodiments, the retainer is movable relative to the body within the cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrical connector is movable relative to the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of four imaging stations for use with an image forming apparatus, each having a toner cartridge and a developer unit, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A bottom plan view of a toner cartridge is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 is a method for communicating with Figure 3 and Figure 4 A perspective view of a printed circuit board having electrical contacts and processing circuitry for use with a toner cartridge is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 According to an example embodiment Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a bottom portion of a toner cartridge is shown, illustrating the electrical connectors of the toner cartridge.

[0019] Figure 7 According to an example embodiment Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 A bottom plan view of a toner cartridge is shown with the end cap and electrical connector of the toner cartridge omitted, showing a plurality of detents.

[0020] Figure 8 According to an example embodiment Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of a toner cartridge is shown with the end cap and electrical connector of the toner cartridge omitted, showing a plurality of detents.

[0021] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a perspective view of an electrical connector of a toner cartridge according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Fig.11 is a perspective view of an imaging basket having multiple toner cartridge receivers according to an example embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 is a bottom plan view of a set of four toner cartridges for use in an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 is a top plan view of four toner cartridge receiving portions of an imaging basket configured to receive Fig.12 Toner cartridge shown.

[0025] Fig.14is a top plan view of a toner cartridge receiving portion of an imaging basket schematically illustrating aligned toner cartridge electrical connectors and misaligned toner cartridge electrical connectors according to an example embodiment. Detailed Description

[0026] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like numbers represent like elements. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized, and process, electrical and mechanical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples represent possible variations only. Portions and features of certain embodiments may be included in other embodiments or replace portions and features of other embodiments. Therefore, the following description should not be regarded as limiting, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the interior of an example image forming device 20 is shown. The image forming device 20 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 includes one or more input trays 28 positioned therein. Each tray 28 is sized to accommodate a stack of media sheets. As used herein, the term media is meant to include not only paper, but also labels, envelopes, fabrics, photo paper, or any other desired substrate. The trays 28 are preferably removable for refilling. A control panel 30 may be located on the housing 22. Using the control panel 30, a user is able to enter commands and generally control the operation of the image forming device 20. For example, a user may enter commands to switch modes (e.g., color mode, monochrome mode), view the number of images printed, etc. A media path 32 extends through the image forming device 20 for moving media sheets through an image transfer process. The media path 32 includes a simplex path 34 and may include a duplex path 36. Media sheets are introduced from the tray 28 into the simplex path 34 by a pickup mechanism 38. In the example embodiment shown, the pick mechanism 38 includes a roller 40 positioned at the end of a pivotable arm 42. The roller 40 rotates to move the media sheet from the tray 28 and into the media path 32. The media sheet is then moved along the media path 32 by various transport rollers. The media sheet may also be introduced into the media path 32 by a manual feed mechanism 46 having one or more rollers 48.

[0028] The image forming device 20 includes an image transfer portion that includes one or more imaging stations 50. Each imaging station 50 includes a toner cartridge 100, a developer unit 200, and a photoconductive unit (PC unit) 300. Each toner cartridge 100 includes a reservoir 102 for holding toner and an outlet port that communicates with an inlet port of a corresponding developer unit 200, the outlet port being used to transfer toner from the reservoir 102 to the developer unit 200, as discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated example embodiment, the developer unit 200 utilizes a system that is generally referred to as a single-component development system. In this embodiment, each developer unit 200 includes a toner reservoir 202 and a toner adding roller 204 that moves toner from the reservoir 202 to a developer roller 206. In another embodiment, the developer unit 200 utilizes a system that is generally referred to as a dual-component development system. In this embodiment, the toner in the toner reservoir 202 is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymer film to provide triboelectric properties to attract the toner to the carrier beads when the toner and magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner reservoir. In this embodiment, the developer roller 206 attracts the magnetic carrier beads having the toner thereon to the developer roller 206 by using a magnetic field. Each PC unit 300 includes a charging roller 304 and a photoconductive (PC) drum 302 for each imaging station 50. The PC drums 302 are mounted substantially parallel to each other. For clarity, the developer unit 200, PC drum 302, and charging roller 304 are labeled only on one of the imaging stations 50. In the example embodiment shown, each imaging station 50 is substantially identical except for the color of the toner.

[0029] Each charging roller 304 forms a nip with the corresponding PC drum 302. During the printing operation, the charging roller 304 charges the surface of the PC drum 302 to a specified voltage. Then, the laser beam from the print head 52 associated with each imaging station 50 is directed to the surface of the PC drum 302, and selectively discharges those areas contacted by the laser beam to form a latent image. The developer roller 206 then transfers the toner to the PC drum 302 to form a toner image. A metering device, such as a doctor blade, can be used to meter the toner on the developer roller 206 and apply a desired charge to the toner before the toner is transferred to the PC drum 302. The toner is attracted to the area of ​​the PC drum 302 surface that is discharged by the laser beam from the print head 52.

[0030] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an intermediate transfer mechanism (ITM) 54 is disposed adjacent to the imaging station 50. In this embodiment, the ITM 54 is formed as an endless belt that runs around a drive roller 56, a tension roller 58, and a back-up roll 60. During a printing operation, the ITM 54 moves along a plurality of axes. Figure 1 The image forming station 50 is shown moving in a clockwise direction through the image forming station 50. One or more of the PC drums 302 applies a toner image of its respective color to the ITM 54 at a first transfer nip 62. The ITM 54 rotates and collects the one or more toner images from the image forming station 50 and then transfers the toner images to the media sheet advancing through the simplex path 34 at a second transfer nip 64 formed between a transfer roller 66 and the ITM 54, which is supported by a support roller 60. In other embodiments, the toner image is transferred directly from the PC drum 302 to the media sheet.

[0031] The media sheet with the toner image then moves along the media path 32 and into a fuser area 68. The fuser area 68 includes a fuser roller or belt 70 that forms a nip 72 to adhere the toner image to the media sheet. The fused media sheet then passes through an exit roller 74 located downstream of the fuser area 68. The exit roller 74 can rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In the forward direction, the exit roller 74 moves the media sheet from the simplex path 34 to an output area 76 of the image forming device 20. In the reverse direction, the exit roller 74 moves the media sheet into the duplex path 36 for forming an image on the second side of the media sheet.

[0032] In contrast to the color image forming apparatus 20 , which may include a plurality of image forming stations 50 , the monochrome image forming apparatus 20 may include a single image forming station 50 . Figure 2 A set of four imaging stations 50 are shown, each of which includes a respective toner cartridge 100 , developer unit 200 , and PC unit 300 .

[0033] Figure 3A toner cartridge 100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The toner cartridge 100 includes a body 104 that houses a toner reservoir 102 therein. The body 104 includes a top 105, a bottom 106, a front 107, a rear 108, and a pair of side portions 109, 110. The body 104 has a height measured between the top 105 and the bottom 106 along a vertical dimension 112 of the toner cartridge 100, a depth measured between the front 107 and the rear 108 along a front-to-back dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112, and a width measured between the side portions 109 and the side portions 110 along a lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112 and the front-to-back dimension 114. In the example embodiment shown, the body 104 includes a main portion 118 and an extension portion 119. The extension portion 119 is positioned at the bottom 106 of the body 104. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in one exemplary embodiment, the depth of the extension portion 119 along the front-to-back dimension 114 is less than the depth of the main portion 118. In one exemplary embodiment, the height of the extension portion 119 along the vertical dimension 112 is less than the height of the main portion 118.

[0034] The toner cartridge 100 includes an outlet port 120 for transferring toner to an inlet port of the developer unit 200. In the illustrated example embodiment, the outlet port 120 is formed as a downwardly facing opening on the main portion 118 on the front portion 107 of the body 104, approximately in the middle of the front portion 107 of the body 104. The outlet port 120 may include a shutter that controls whether toner is allowed to flow out of the outlet port 120 from the reservoir 102.

[0035] The toner cartridge 100 also includes a drive gear 122 that meshes with and receives rotational power from a corresponding gear in the image forming device 20 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, so as to provide rotational power to various toner agitators positioned within the reservoir 102 for moving toner to the outlet port 120. In the illustrated example embodiment, the drive gear 122 is positioned on the front portion 107 of the body 104, and when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, a bottom portion of the drive gear 122 engages with a corresponding gear in the image forming device 20.

[0036] The toner cartridge 100 may further include: Figure 3Various alignment members 124 are provided to align the toner cartridge 100 with the developer unit 200 during insertion in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the figure. For example, the alignment members 124 may include a combination of protrusions protruding outward from the sides 109, 110 of the body 104 and / or elongated grooves formed as recesses in the sides 109, 110, which respectively cooperate with corresponding grooves and / or protrusions to ensure accurate positioning of the toner cartridge 100. For example, the alignment members 124 help ensure that the outlet port 120 cooperates with the inlet port of the developer unit 200, and the drive gear 122 cooperates with the corresponding drive gear in the image forming device 20.

[0037] refer to Figure 3-Figure 5 , the toner cartridge 100 includes an electrical connector 130 having electrical contacts 132 that can mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device 20 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20 to facilitate a communication link between a processing circuit 134 of the toner cartridge 100 and a controller of the image forming device 20. In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are positioned in a recess or cavity 136 in the bottom 106 of the body 104. An opening 138 at the bottom end of the cavity 136 and the bottom-most portion of the body 104 allows a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 to enter the cavity 136 during downward insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20.

[0038] The electrical contacts 132 are electrically connected to a processing circuit 134 mounted on the toner cartridge 100. The processing circuit 134 may provide authentication functions, safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters, and / or usage information related to the toner cartridge 100. The processing circuit 134 may include hardware and / or software logic as required. For example, the processing circuit 134 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or a microprocessor, etc. The processing circuit 134 may also include an accompanying memory, such as a non-volatile and / or volatile memory, as required.

[0039] In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 includes a printed circuit board 140 positioned within the cavity 136. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 140 includes the processing circuit 134, and the electrical contacts 132 are positioned on the printed circuit board 140 and exposed within the cavity 136, thereby allowing the electrical contacts 132 to contact corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device 20 when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device 20. However, the printed circuit board 140 can be positioned at other suitable locations on the toner cartridge 100, such as, for example, on the rear portion 108 of the body 104, wherein components of the printed circuit board 140 (e.g., the processing circuit 134) are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 132 positioned within the cavity 136, such as by suitable traces, cables, or wires.

[0040] In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 includes a retainer 142. In this embodiment, a printed circuit board 140 having electrical contacts 132 and processing circuitry 134 is mounted to the retainer 142. The retainer 142 is positioned within a cavity 136 on the bottom 106 of the body 104. As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the retainer 142 (including the electrical contacts 132) of the electrical connector 130 is free to flex and / or move to a limited extent within the cavity 136 relative to the body 104 to accommodate misalignment between the electrical connector 130 and a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, and to achieve tolerance stack up between the electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 and the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device 20.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are angled relative to the front-to-back dimension 114 and the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 along a longitudinal dimension 144 that is a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical dimension 112 of the toner cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts 132 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal dimension 144. In some embodiments, the nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 (from which the retainer 142 of the electrical connector 130 (and, by extension, the electrical contacts 132) can be freely flexed and / or moved relative to the body 104) is angled relative to the front-to-back dimension 114 and the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0042] In the case where the image forming device 20 includes a plurality of toner cartridges 100 having substantially the same configuration or a plurality of toner cartridges 100 that may be easily installed by a user in an incorrect toner cartridge receiving portion or receiving area, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of each toner cartridge 100 may be uniquely positioned compared to the other toner cartridges 100 of the image forming device 20. For example, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of each toner cartridge 100 may be positioned in a different orientation, such as at a different angle, compared to the other toner cartridges 100 of the image forming device 20. The electrical connector within the image forming device 20 that mates with the electrical connector 130 of the toner cartridge 100 may be positioned in a manner corresponding to the different positions of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of each toner cartridge 100, so that each toner cartridge 100 can only be inserted into its correct toner cartridge receiving portion or receiving area and can only be mated with its correct electrical connector within the image forming device 20. In this manner, the position (eg, orientation) of the electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132 of each toner cartridge 100 serves as a keying or locking feature to prevent improper installation of the toner cartridge 100 and cross contamination of toner colors.

[0043] Figure 6 The bottom 106 of the toner cartridge 100 is shown, and the end cap 146 of the body 104 is shown in an exploded view to more clearly illustrate the electrical connector 130 according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, during the manufacture of the toner cartridge 100, after programming of the processing circuit 134 is completed (which may include writing the toner color of the toner cartridge 100 into a memory associated with the processing circuit 134), the printed circuit board 140 having the electrical contacts 132 and the processing circuit 134 thereon is mounted on the holder 142, and the holder 142 is selectively positioned in one of a plurality of positioning guides (such as, for example, the positioning groove 148) within the cavity 136 according to the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, the holder 142 is selectively positioned in one of four positioning grooves 148 within the cavity 136 corresponding to yellow, cyan, magenta and black toners, respectively. The end cap 146 is then mounted on the body 104, such as by ultrasonic welding, snap-fit ​​engagement, or suitable fasteners. The end cap 146 can help retain the retainer 142 within the cavity 136. The end cap 146 also provides an opening 138 into the cavity 136, thereby allowing a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 to enter the cavity 136 during the downward insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 146 can include a positioning guide that can selectively position the retainer 142 within the cavity 136.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The positioning slots 148 according to one embodiment are shown in more detail. In the example embodiment shown, each positioning slot 148 includes a respective first guide slot 150 and a second guide slot 151. Each first guide slot 150 is positioned to receive a first end portion of the retainer 142, and each second guide slot 151 is positioned to receive a second end portion of the retainer 142. In this embodiment, the first guide slots 150 and the second guide slots 151 are arranged to allow the electrical connector 130 to be installed in one of four predetermined positions at a predetermined angle relative to the lateral dimension 116. The example embodiment shown includes a first positioning slot 148a formed by guide slots 150a, 151a, a second positioning slot 148b formed by guide slots 150b, 151b, a third positioning slot 148c formed by guide slots 150c, 151c, and a fourth positioning slot 148d formed by guide slots 150d, 151d. In the illustrated example embodiment, the guide grooves 150 , 151 are formed as tapered indentations in the bottom surface of the respective arcuate support walls 152 , 153 .

[0045] In the example embodiment shown, a central support 154 is positioned on a top surface 156 of the cavity 136. As discussed in more detail below, the support 154 helps guide the movement of the retainer 142 within the cavity 136 during operation and helps ensure proper installation of the retainer 142. The example embodiment shown also includes a post 158 ​​spaced from and adjacent to the guide slot 150 in a direction opposite to the corresponding guide slot 151. As discussed in more detail below, the post 158 ​​serves as an assembly aid by providing a visual identifier indicating the toner color corresponding to each detent 148 and by preventing incorrect reverse installation of the retainer 142 within the cavity 136.

[0046] As an example, in the illustrated embodiment, the nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 having a first color (e.g., yellow) of toner can be relative to the longitudinal dimension 144 defined by the positioning slot 148a and defined by the Figure 7 The lateral dimension 116 shown by the line 400 in FIG. 1 is at an angle of 25 degrees. The nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 having a second color (e.g., cyan) toner can be relative to the longitudinal dimension 144 defined by the positioning slot 148b and defined by Figure 7 The lateral dimension 116 shown by line 401 in FIG. 1 is at an angle of 8.5 degrees. The nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 having a third color (e.g., magenta) toner can be relative to the longitudinal dimension 144 defined by the positioning slot 148c and defined by Figure 7 The lateral dimension 116 shown by line 402 in FIG. 1 is at an angle of −8.5 degrees. The nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 having a fourth color (eg, black) toner can be relative to the longitudinal dimension 144 defined by the positioning slot 148d and defined by Figure 7 The lateral dimension 116 shown by the line 403 in FIG. 1 is at an angle of -25 degrees. Preferably, in this example, the nominal angle of the electrical connector 130 of each toner cartridge 100 plus or minus any variation (if any) in the angle of the electrical connector 130 due to the range of motion of the retainer 142 does not overlap with the nominal angle of the electrical connector 130 of any other toner cartridge 100 plus or minus any variation, so that the toner cartridge 100 can only be installed in a single toner cartridge receiving portion or receiving area and can only be mated with a single corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20.

[0047] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10, the holder 142 of the electrical connector 130 includes a base 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board 140 is mounted to the base 160, for example, by a friction fit, a snap-fit ​​engagement, male and female engagement features, an adhesive, and / or a suitable fastener. The holder 142 includes arms 162 that extend downwardly in a cantilevered manner and surround the printed circuit board 140 on each side, wherein the printed circuit board 140 can be accessed from below between the arms 162 by a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20. The arms 162 are positioned to contact a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In this embodiment, contact between arms 162 of holder 142 and corresponding electrical connectors in image forming device 20 guides movement of holder 142 within cavity 136, thereby allowing contact between arms 162 of holder 142 and corresponding electrical connectors in image forming device 20 to align electrical connector 130 of toner cartridge 100 with corresponding electrical connectors in image forming device 20 during insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 20. Arms 162 may be flexible relative to each other to accommodate mating of arms 162 with corresponding electrical connectors in image forming device 20.

[0048] The retainer 142 also includes flanges 164, 165 extending in opposite directions along the longitudinal dimension 144. In the illustrated example embodiment, the flange 165 extends outwardly away from the base 160 and the printed circuit board 140 a distance along the longitudinal dimension 144 that is greater than the distance that the flange 164 extends outwardly away from the base 160 and the printed circuit board 140 in opposite directions along the longitudinal dimension 144. In the illustrated embodiment, a finger or tab 166, 167 extends upwardly from a top surface 168, 169 of each flange 164, 165. The illustrated example embodiment also includes a post 170 extending upwardly from a top surface 172 of the base 160. As discussed in more detail below, the tabs 166, 167 and post 170 help position the retainer 142 in a desired positioning slot 148 within the cavity 136.

[0049] refer to Figure 6-Figure 10In the example embodiment shown, during manufacture of the toner cartridge 100, the tabs 166, 167 are selectively positioned in the guide slots 150, 151 of the desired detent slots 148 based on the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In this manner, engagement between the tabs 166, 167 and the guide slots 150, 151 of a particular detent slot 148 (e.g., the yellow detent slot 148a, the cyan detent slot 148b, the magenta detent slot 148c, or the black detent slot 148d) defines the orientation of the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 relative to the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100, depending on the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, the small notches 174 along the edge of the flange 164 are positioned adjacent to and aligned with the corresponding posts 158 when the retainer 142 is installed in the particular detent slot 148. In this embodiment, each post 158 ​​includes a visual identifier, such as a word, letter, icon, and / or color, which represents the toner color corresponding to the guide slot 150 adjacent to each post 158. In this manner, the posts 158 assist the installation technician in determining the correct locating slot 148 for installing the electrical connector 130 based on the toner color expected to be used in the toner cartridge 100.

[0050] In the example embodiment shown, contact between the tabs 166, 167 and the surfaces forming the guide slots 150, 151 limits movement of the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136 along a lateral dimension 145 of the electrical connector 130, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical dimension 112 of the toner cartridge 100. The engagement between the tabs 166, 167 and the guide slots 150, 151 can also allow the electrical connector 130 to rotate slightly about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 144. In the embodiment shown, contact between the post 170 and the support 154 also limits movement of the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136 along the longitudinal dimension 144 and the lateral dimension 145. In this embodiment, contact between the bottom surfaces of the flanges 164, 165 and the inner surface of the end cap 146 limits downward travel of the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136, thereby retaining the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136. Furthermore, in this embodiment, contact between the tabs 166 , 167 and the surfaces forming the guide slots 150 , 151 and / or between the post 170 and the support 154 limits upward travel of the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136 .

[0051] In the example embodiment shown, the length of the flange 165 along the longitudinal dimension 144 prevents the retainer 142 from being improperly installed in the detent slot 148 in a reverse orientation (rotated 180 degrees from the correct orientation about the post 170). If the installation technician attempts to install the tab 166 in the guide slot 151 (instead of the guide slot 150) and the tab 167 in the guide slot 150 (instead of the guide slot 151), the flange 165 will contact the post 158 ​​corresponding to the guide slots 150, 151, thereby preventing the tabs 166, 167 from being installed in the guide slots 151, 150, respectively, thereby preventing the retainer 142 from being reversely installed in any of the detent slots 148. In addition, in the example embodiment shown, the post 170 and the support member 154 prevent the tabs 166, 167 from being installed in the guide slot 150 of the first detent slot 148 and the guide slot 151 of the second detent slot 148. For example, if an installation technician attempts to install tab 166 in guide slot 150a of locating slot 148a and tab 167 in guide slot 151b of locating slot 148b, post 170 will not align with support member 154, thereby preventing tabs 166, 167 from being inserted into guide slots 150a, 151b.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above Figure 4-Figure 10 The configurations of the electrical connector 130, electrical contacts 132, and processing circuitry 134 discussed are merely examples. The electrical connector 130, electrical contacts 132, and processing circuitry 134 may be configured and positioned on the toner cartridge 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the electrical connector 130 may be aligned with and mounted on the toner cartridge 100 in any suitable manner.

[0053] Fig.11An imaging unit, such as an imaging basket 500, for use in an image forming device 20 is shown according to an example embodiment. In this embodiment, the imaging basket 500 includes a plurality of toner cartridge receptacles 502, each of which holds a corresponding toner cartridge 100. The imaging basket 500 may also include a plurality of developer unit receptacles 504, each of which holds a corresponding developer unit 200 or a combined developer unit 200 and PC unit 300. In some embodiments, the imaging basket 500 is replaceable by a user. For example, the imaging basket 500 may include a PC unit 300 attached thereto, such that replacing the PC unit 300 requires replacing the imaging basket 500. In this embodiment, each toner cartridge 100 and developer unit 200 may be individually replaced from the imaging basket 500, or replaced from the imaging basket 500 as a combined replaceable unit. In other embodiments, the imaging basket 500 is attached to the image forming device 20 and is not intended to be a user replaceable unit. In this embodiment, each toner cartridge 100, developer unit 200, and PC unit 300 may be individually replaced from imaging basket 500, or replaced from imaging basket 500 as one or more combined replaceable units.

[0054] In the example embodiment shown, each toner cartridge receiver 502 includes an electrical connector 506 having electrical contacts 508 that can mate with the electrical contacts 132 of the electrical connector 130 of the corresponding toner cartridge 100 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the toner cartridge receiver 502 of the image forming device 20 as discussed above. Based on the toner color intended for use in each toner cartridge 100 and the corresponding developer unit 200, the electrical connector 506 and electrical contacts 508 of each toner cartridge receiver 502 are oriented, such as at an angle, in a manner that corresponds to the electrical contacts 132 of the electrical connector 130 of the corresponding toner cartridge 100 intended for use in each toner cartridge receiver 502. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 506 and electrical contacts 508 of each toner cartridge receiver 502 are positioned at a different angle compared to other toner cartridge receivers 502 of the imaging basket 500, such that each toner cartridge receiver 502 is configured to receive only toner cartridges 100 having the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge receiver 502.

[0055] Fig.12 and Fig.13 Four toner cartridges 100 and corresponding toner cartridge receivers 502 are shown according to one example embodiment. Fig.12 The illustrated toner cartridges 100 each have an electrical connector 130 positioned at a different angle than the electrical connectors 130 of the other toner cartridges 100. Similarly, Fig.13The illustrated toner cartridge receivers each have an electrical connector 506 that is positioned at a different angle than the electrical connectors 506 of the other toner cartridge receivers 502 .

[0056] Specifically, Fig.12 The illustrated example embodiment includes a first toner cartridge 100a containing yellow toner, a second toner cartridge 100b containing cyan toner, a third toner cartridge 100c containing magenta toner, and a fourth toner cartridge 100d containing black toner. In this embodiment, toner cartridge 100a includes an electrical connector 130a, which is positioned at a first angle as shown by line 400; toner cartridge 100b includes an electrical connector 130b, which is positioned at a second angle as shown by line 401; toner cartridge 100c includes an electrical connector 130c, which is positioned at a third angle as shown by line 402; and toner cartridge 100d includes an electrical connector 130d, which is positioned at a fourth angle as shown by line 403. Similarly, Fig.13 The illustrated example embodiment includes a first toner cartridge receiving portion 502a configured to receive toner cartridge 100a, a second toner cartridge receiving portion 502b configured to receive toner cartridge 100b, a third toner cartridge receiving portion 502c configured to receive toner cartridge 100c, and a fourth toner cartridge receiving portion 502d configured to receive toner cartridge 100d. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge receiving portion 502a includes an electrical connector 506a positioned at a first angle as indicated by line 510; the toner cartridge receiving portion 502b includes an electrical connector 506b positioned at a second angle as indicated by line 511; the toner cartridge receiving portion 502c includes an electrical connector 506c positioned at a third angle as indicated by line 512; and the toner cartridge receiving portion 502d includes an electrical connector 506d positioned at a fourth angle as indicated by line 513. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the angles of the electrical connectors 506a, 506b, 506c, and 506d correspond to the angles of the electrical connectors 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d, respectively, so that the toner cartridge receiving portions 502a, 502b, 502c, and 502d are configured to receive the toner cartridges 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, respectively.

[0057] Fig.14 The toner cartridge receiving portions 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d having electrical connectors 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d are shown. Fig.14When a toner cartridge 100d having an electrical connector 130d is installed in a correct toner cartridge receiving portion 502d (schematically shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 ), the electrical connector 130d of the toner cartridge 100d may matingly receive the electrical connector 506d, thereby allowing the toner cartridge 100d to be fully inserted into the toner cartridge receiving portion 502d. On the other hand, if a user attempts to install the toner cartridge 100d having the electrical connector 130d in an incorrect toner cartridge receiving portion 502 (such as the toner cartridge receiving portion 502b), the electrical connector 130d of the toner cartridge 100d will be misaligned with the electrical connector 506 of the incorrect toner cartridge receiving portion 502, thereby preventing the toner cartridge 100d from being inserted into the toner cartridge receiving portion 502, as shown by the misalignment between the electrical connector 506b and the electrical connector 130d (in FIG. 1 ). Fig.14 Schematically shown by dotted lines in FIG.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the imaging basket 500 and the toner cartridge 100 discussed above are merely examples. For example, the toner cartridge 100 may be mounted and retained in a toner cartridge receiving portion or receiving area of ​​the image forming device 20 rather than in the imaging basket. In addition, while the example embodiments discussed above include an electrical connector 130 that may be flexible and / or movable relative to the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100, in other embodiments, the electrical connector 130 is fixed relative to the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100, and the electrical connector 506 may be flexible and / or movable relative to the imaging basket 500. In addition, while the example embodiments discussed above include a male electrical connector 506 of the toner cartridge receiving portion 502 that is received within the arm 162 of the female electrical connector 130 of the toner cartridge 100, this configuration may be reversed, or other configurations may be used, as desired.

[0059] although Figure 2The illustrated example embodiment includes a toner cartridge 100, a developer unit 200, and a PC unit 300 positioned in separate replaceable units, but it should be understood that the replaceable units of the image forming device 20 may be configured in any suitable manner as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the main toner supply, developer unit 200, and PC unit 300 for the image forming device 20 are combined in separate replaceable units for each color of toner. In another embodiment, the main toner supply and developer unit 200 for the image forming device 20 are disposed in a first replaceable unit, and the PC unit 300 is disposed in a second replaceable unit. Other combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while the example embodiments discussed above include electrical connectors and electrical contacts for each toner cartridge positioned in different positions (e.g., orientations) to provide a keying or locking feature based on the color of toner intended for use in the toner cartridge, it should be understood that any replaceable unit (e.g., a toner cartridge, a developer unit, and / or a PC unit) may include electrical connectors and / or electrical contacts positioned in different positions to distinguish each unit based on its toner color or other characteristic (e.g., toner type).

[0060] The foregoing description illustrates various aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it is selected to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, so that a person of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the present disclosure, including its various naturally derived modifications. All modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims. Quite obvious modifications include combining one or more features of the various embodiments with features of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A toner container for use in an image forming device, comprising: a body having a top, a bottom, a front portion positioned between a first side portion and a second side portion of the body, the body having a reservoir for holding toner, a front-to-back dimension of the toner reservoir orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner reservoir extending between the front portion of the body and the rear portion of the body, a lateral dimension of the toner reservoir orthogonal to the front-to-back dimension of the toner reservoir and the vertical dimension of the toner reservoir extending between the first side portion of the body and the second side portion of the body; and a plurality of electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device, the electrical contacts of the toner container being accessible from below at the bottom of the body by corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device, the electrical contacts of the toner container being spaced apart from one another along a horizontal dimension orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container, the nominal positions of the electrical contacts along the horizontal dimension in which they are spaced apart from one another being angled relative to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the lateral dimension of the toner container.

2. The toner container of claim 1, further comprising a cavity formed in the bottom of the body, wherein the electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned in the cavity.

3. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical contacts of the toner container are electrically connected to processing circuitry on the toner container.

4. The toner container according to claim 3, wherein: The electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry.

5. The toner container according to claim 4, wherein: The printed circuit board is mounted on the holder.

6. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein: The retainer is movable relative to the body.

7. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical contact of the toner container is movable relative to the main body.

8. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a body having a top, a bottom, a front portion and a rear portion positioned between a first side portion and a second side portion of the body, the body having a reservoir for holding toner, the front portion and the rear portion of the body defining a front-to-back dimension of the toner container orthogonal to a vertical dimension of the toner container, the first side portion and the second side portion of the body defining a lateral dimension of the toner container orthogonal to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the vertical dimension of the toner container; a downwardly facing outlet port positioned on the front portion of the body for discharging toner from the toner container; a cavity formed in the bottom of the body; and an electrical connector positioned in the cavity and having electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device, the electrical contacts of the toner container being electrically connected to processing circuitry on the toner container, the longitudinal dimension of the electrical connector being angled relative to the front-to-back dimension of the toner container and the lateral dimension of the toner container at a nominal position along a horizontal plane orthogonal to the vertical dimension of the toner container.

9. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein: The electrical connector includes a printed circuit board, and the processing circuitry and the electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned on the printed circuit board.

10. The toner container according to claim 9, wherein: The electrical connector includes a holder positioned in the cavity, and the printed circuit board is mounted on the holder.

11. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein: The retainer is movable relative to the body within the cavity.

12. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein: The electrical connector is movable relative to the body.

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