Toner container with electrical connectors in different positions

Abstract

A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a main body having a reservoir for holding toner. The toner container includes an electrical connector 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 connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the main body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming device corresponding to the at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to image forming devices, and more particularly to toner container electrical connectors.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] In an 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 colored image on the drum. The colored image is transferred to a print medium (e.g., paper) either directly from the photosensitive drum, or indirectly from an intermediate transfer member. The toner is then fused to the medium using heat and pressure to complete the print.

[0005] Toner supplies for image forming devices are 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 operational parameters and usage information of the replaceable unit to the image forming device for proper operation. For example, it can be desirable to communicate information such as replaceable unit serial number, replaceable unit type, toner color, toner capacity, toner remaining amount, licensing information, authentication information, etc. The replaceable unit typically includes processing circuitry configured to communicate with and respond to commands from a controller in the image forming device. The replaceable unit also includes 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 mate 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 precisely positioned relative to the 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.

[0006] Some image forming devices can utilize more than one particular type of replaceable unit. For example, an image forming device configured to print in color can include multiple replaceable units having substantially the same or nearly the same configuration, with each replaceable unit containing a different color of toner, such as cyan, yellow, magenta, and black toner. To ensure proper installation and replacement of such replaceable units, each replaceable unit can include a keying or latching feature that allows the replaceable unit to be installed in a single receptacle within the image forming device that corresponds to the color of toner of the replaceable unit. For example, in an image forming device containing cyan, yellow, magenta, and black toner containers, each toner container can include a tab positioned in one of four possible positions on the toner container that 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, misalignment between the molded tab on the toner container and the 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 receptacle to prevent incorrect installation of the toner container and cross contamination of toner colors. SUMMARY

[0007] A toner container for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a main body having a reservoir for holding toner. The toner container includes an electrical connector 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 connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container with respect to the main body for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming device corresponding to at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container.

[0008] Embodiments include those in which the electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible by corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device from below at a bottom of the main body when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. In some embodiments, a cavity is formed in the bottom of the main body and the electrical connector is positioned in the cavity.

[0009] 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.

[0010] Embodiments include those in which the electrical connector is positioned relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined orientations corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner cartridge. In some embodiments, the electrical connector is positioned relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined angles corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner cartridge.

[0011] A replaceable unit for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a body and an electrical connector having electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes a plurality of positioning guides located on the body. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is configured to receive the electrical connector for mounting the electrical connector on the replaceable unit. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is oriented at a different angle such that the electrical connector can be selectively mounted on the replaceable unit at one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to the body.

[0012] Embodiments include those in which the electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are accessible from below at the bottom of the body by corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming device.

[0013] In some embodiments, a cavity is formed in the bottom of the body and the plurality of positioning guides are positioned in the cavity.

[0014] Embodiments include those in which the electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are electrically connected to processing circuitry on the toner cartridge. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry.

[0015] Embodiments include those in which the plurality of positioning guides includes a plurality of positioning slots. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of positioning slots includes a first guide slot positioned to receive a first end portion of the electrical connector and a second guide slot positioned to receive a second end portion of the electrical connector.

[0016] A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a body having a top positioned between a first side and a second side of the body, a bottom, a front, and a back. The body has a reservoir for holding toner. A downwardly facing outlet port is located on the front of the body for discharging toner from the toner cartridge. 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 cartridge is installed in the image forming device. The electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are electrically connected to processing circuitry on the toner cartridge. The electrical connector is positioned relative to the body in one of a plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner cartridge.

[0017] Embodiments include those in which the electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes processing circuitry.

[0018] Embodiments include those in which the electrical connector is positioned relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined orientations corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container. In some embodiments, the electrical connector is positioned relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined angles corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container.

[0019] In some embodiments, a plurality of positioning guides are positioned on the body. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is configured to receive the electrical connector for mounting the electrical connector on the replaceable unit. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is oriented at a different orientation such that the electrical connector can be selectably mounted on the replaceable unit relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined orientations. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of positioning guides is oriented at a different angle such that the electrical connector can be selectably mounted on the replaceable unit relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined angles. In some embodiments, the plurality of positioning guides includes a plurality of positioning slots on the body. Each of the plurality of positioning slots can include a first guide slot positioned to receive a first end portion of the electrical connector and a second guide slot positioned to receive a second end portion of the electrical connector.

[0020] A method of assembling a toner container according to one example embodiment includes selecting a positioning guide among a plurality of positioning guides on a body of the toner container corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is positioned at a different orientation relative to the body of the toner container. An electrical connector having electrical contacts is mounted on the selected positioning guide such that an orientation of the electrical connector relative to the body corresponds to the at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an image forming device according to one example embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of four imaging stations for use with an image forming device according to one example embodiment, each of the four imaging stations having a toner cartridge and a developer unit.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to one example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the toner cartridge shown.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board having electrical contacts and processing circuitry for use with Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board having electrical contacts and processing circuitry for use with the toner cartridge shown.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to one example embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a bottom portion of the toner cartridge shown, showing an electrical connector of the toner cartridge.

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to one example embodiment. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the toner cartridge shown, with end caps and an electrical connector of the toner cartridge omitted, showing a plurality of positioning slots.

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to one example embodiment. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the toner cartridge shown, with end caps and an electrical connector of the toner cartridge omitted, showing a plurality of positioning slots.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a perspective view of an electrical connector of a toner cartridge according to one example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an imaging basket having a plurality of toner cartridge receptacles according to one example embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of a set of four toner cartridges for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 is a top plan view of four toner cartridge receptacles of an imaging basket configured to receive Figure 12 the toner cartridges shown.

[0034] Figure 14is a top plan view of a toner cartridge receptacle of an imaging basket according to an example embodiment, schematically showing an aligned toner cartridge electrical connector and an unaligned toner cartridge electrical connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which similar symbols designate similar components in different views. The embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those having ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure. It will be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing 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 hold a stack of media sheets. As used herein, the term media means not only paper, but also labels, envelopes, fabric, photo paper, or any other desired substrate. The trays 28 are preferably removable for refilling. A control panel 30 can be located on the housing 22. Using the control panel 30, a user is able to input commands and generally control the operation of the image forming device 20. For example, a user can input a command to switch modes (e.g., color mode, monochrome mode), view the number of printed images, 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 can include a duplex path 36. Media sheets are introduced into the simplex path 34 from the trays 28 by a pick mechanism 38. In the example embodiment shown, the pick mechanism 38 includes a roller 40 positioned at an end of a pivotable arm 42. The roller 40 rotates to move media sheets from the trays 28 and into the media path 32. The media sheets are then moved along the media path 32 by various transport rollers. Media sheets can also be introduced into the media path 32 by a manual feed 46 having one or more rollers 48.

[0037] 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 developing unit 200, and a photoconductive unit (PC unit) 300. Each toner cartridge 100 includes a reservoir 102 for holding toner and an outlet port in communication with an inlet port of a corresponding developing unit 200 for transferring toner from the reservoir 102 to the developing unit 200 as discussed in more detail below. In the example embodiment shown, the developing units 200 utilize a system commonly referred to as a single component developing system. In this embodiment, each developing unit 200 includes a toner reservoir 202 and a toner addition roller 204 that moves toner from the reservoir 202 to a developing roller 206. In another embodiment, the developing units 200 utilize a system commonly referred to as a dual component developing system. In this embodiment, toner in the toner reservoir 202 is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads can be coated with a polymer film to provide triboelectric properties that attract toner to the carrier beads as the toner and magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner reservoir. In this embodiment, the developing roller 206 attracts the magnetic carrier beads with toner thereon to the developing roller 206 by use of a magnetic field. Each PC unit 300 includes a charge 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 developing units 200, PC drums 302, and charge rollers 304 are labeled on only one of the imaging stations 50. In the example embodiment shown, each imaging station 50 is substantially identical except for the color of toner.

[0038] Each charge roller 304 forms a nip with a corresponding PC drum 302. During a print operation, the charge roller 304 charges the surface of the PC drum 302 to a specified voltage. A laser beam from a print head 52 associated with each imaging station 50 is then 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 developing roller 206 then transfers 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 developing roller 206 and impart a desired charge to the toner before the toner is transferred to the PC drum 302. The toner is attracted to the areas of the surface of the PC drum 302 that are discharged by the laser beam from the print head 52.

[0039] In the example embodiment shown, 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 roll 56, a tension roll 58, and a back-up roll 60. During a print operation, the ITM 54 moves past the imaging station 50 in a clockwise direction as shown. One or more of the PC drums 302 apply their respective color toner images to the ITM 54 at a first transfer nip 62. The ITM 54 rotates the one or more toner images from the imaging station 50 and collects the toner images, and then transfers the toner images to a media sheet advancing through the single-sided path 34 at a second transfer nip 64 formed between a transfer roll 66 and the ITM 54, the ITM 54 being supported by the back-up roll 60. In other embodiments, the toner images are transferred directly by the PC drums 302 to the media sheet. Figure 1

[0040] The media sheet with the toner images then moves along the media path 32 and into a fuser area 68. The fuser area 68 includes a fuser roll or belt 70 that forms a nip 72 to adhere the toner images to the media sheet. The fuser media sheet then passes through an exit roll 74 located downstream of the fuser area 68. The exit roll 74 can rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In the forward direction, the exit roll 74 moves the media sheet from the single-sided path 34 to an output area 76 of the image forming device 20. In the reverse direction, the exit roll 74 moves the media sheet into the double-sided path 36 for forming an image on a second side of the media sheet.

[0041] In contrast to a color image forming device 20 that can include multiple imaging stations 50, a monochrome image forming device 20 can include a single imaging station 50. Figure 2 A set of four imaging stations 50 are shown, each including a respective toner cartridge 100, a development unit 200, and a PC unit 300.

[0042] Figure 3 ​A toner cartridge 100 according to one example embodiment is shown. The toner cartridge 100 includes a main body 104 that houses a toner reservoir 102 therein. The main body 104 includes a top portion 105, a bottom portion 106, a front portion 107, a rear portion 108, and a pair of side portions 109, 110. The main body 104 has a height measured along a vertical dimension 112 of the toner cartridge 100 between the top portion 105 and the bottom portion 106, a depth measured along a front-to-rear dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 between the front portion 107 and the rear portion 108 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112, and a width measured along a side-to-side dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 between the side portion 109 and the side portion 110 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112 and the front-to-rear dimension 114. In the example embodiment shown, the main body 104 includes a main portion 118 and an extension portion 119. The extension portion 119 is positioned at the bottom portion 106 of the main body 104. As shown in Figure 3 the extension portion 119 has a depth along the front-to-rear dimension 114 that is less than a depth of the main portion 118 in one example embodiment. In one example embodiment, the extension portion 119 has a height along the vertical dimension 112 that is less than a height of the main portion 118.

[0043] The toner cartridge 100 includes an outlet port 120 for transferring toner to an inlet port of a development unit 200. In the example embodiment shown, the outlet port 120 is formed as a downwardly facing opening on the main portion 118 on the front portion 107 of the main body 104, approximately midway along the front portion 107 of the main body 104. The outlet port 120 can include a shutter that controls whether toner is allowed to flow out of the outlet port 120 from the reservoir 102.

[0044] The toner cartridge 100 also includes a drive gear 122 that engages 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 in order to provide rotational power to various toner agitators positioned within the reservoir 102 for moving toner to the outlet port 120. In the example embodiment shown, the drive gear 122 is positioned on the front portion 107 of the main body 104, and a bottom portion of the drive gear 122 mates with the corresponding gear in the image forming device 20 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20.

[0045] The toner cartridge 100 can also include a handle 124 on the top portion 105 of the main body 104 for carrying the toner cartridge 100. The handle 124 can be formed as a portion of the top portion 105 of the main body 104, or can be a separate component that is attached to the top portion 105 of the main body 104. Figure 3Various alignment members 124 that align the toner cartridge 100 with the development unit 200 during insertion in the direction indicated by the center arrow A. For example, the alignment members 124 can include a combination of protrusions that project outwardly from the sides 109, 110 of the main body 104 and / or elongated slots formed as recesses in the sides 109, 110 that mate with corresponding slots and / or protrusions, respectively, to ensure proper positioning of the toner cartridge 100. For example, the alignment members 124 help ensure that the outlet port 120 mates with the inlet port of the development unit 200 and that the drive gear 122 mates with a corresponding drive gear in the image forming apparatus 20.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3-5 The toner cartridge 100 includes an electrical connector 130 having electrical contacts 132 that are mateable with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus 20 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 20 to facilitate a communication link between processing circuitry 134 of the toner cartridge 100 and a controller of the image forming apparatus 20. In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132 are positioned in a recess or cavity 136 in the bottom 106 of the main body 104. An opening 138 at a bottom end of the cavity 136 and a bottommost portion of the main body 104 allows a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming apparatus 20 to enter the cavity 136 during downward insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus 20.

[0047] The electrical contacts 132 are electrically connected to processing circuitry 134 that is installed on the toner cartridge 100. The processing circuitry 134 can provide authentication functions, security and operational interlocks, operating parameters and / or usage information related to the toner cartridge 100. The processing circuitry 134 can include hardware and / or software logic as desired. For example, the processing circuitry 134 can include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or a microprocessor, among others. The processing circuitry 134 can also include accompanying memory, such as non-volatile and / or volatile memory, as desired.

[0048] In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 includes a printed circuit board 140 that is positioned within the cavity 136. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 140 includes the processing circuitry 134 and the electrical contacts 132 are positioned on the printed circuit board 140 and exposed within the cavity 136 to allow the electrical contacts 132 to contact corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus 20 when the toner cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 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 main body 104, with components of the printed circuit board 140 (e.g., the processing circuitry 134) electrically connected to the electrical contacts 132 positioned within the cavity 136, such as, for example, by suitable traces, cables or wires.

[0049] In the illustrated example embodiment, 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 allowed to flex and / or move freely relative to the body 104 within a limited extent within the cavity 136 to accommodate misalignment between the electrical connector 130 and the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming apparatus 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus 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 apparatus 20.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132 are angled relative to the front-rear dimension 114 and lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 along a longitudinal dimension 144 perpendicular to the horizontal plane of 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 electrical contacts 132 (from which the retainer 142 of the electrical connector 130 (and by extension, the electrical contacts 132) can freely flex and / or move relative to the body 104) is angled relative to the front-rear dimension 114 and lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0051] In the case where the image forming apparatus 20 includes multiple toner cartridges 100 having substantially the same construction, or multiple toner cartridges 100 that may be easily installed by the user in incorrect toner cartridge receiving portions or receiving areas, the electrical connector 130 and electrical contact 132 of each toner cartridge 100 can be uniquely positioned compared to other toner cartridges 100 in the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the electrical connector 130 and electrical contact 132 of each toner cartridge 100 can be positioned in different orientations, such as at different angles, compared to other toner cartridges 100 in the image forming apparatus 20. The electrical connectors within the image forming apparatus 20 that mate with the electrical connectors 130 of the toner cartridges 100 can be positioned in a manner corresponding to the different positions of the electrical connectors 130 and electrical contact 132 of each toner cartridge 100, such that each toner cartridge 100 can only be inserted into its correct toner cartridge receiving portion or receiving area and can only mate with its correct electrical connector within the image forming apparatus 20. In this way, the position (e.g., orientation) of the electrical connector 130 and electrical contact 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.

[0052] Figure 6 The bottom 106 of the toner cartridge 100 is shown, with the end cap 146 of the main body 104 shown in exploded view to more clearly illustrate the electrical connector 130 according to one example embodiment. In this embodiment, during manufacture of the toner cartridge 100, after programming of the processing circuit 134 is complete (which can include writing the toner color of the toner cartridge 100 to memory associated with the processing circuit 134), the printed circuit board 140 having the electrical contacts 132 and the processing circuit 134 thereon is installed on the retainer 142, and the retainer 142 is selectively positioned in one of a plurality of positioning guides (such as, for example, positioning slots 148) within the cavity 136 according to the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, the retainer 142 is selectively positioned in one of four positioning slots 148 within the cavity 136 corresponding to yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toner, respectively. The end cap 146 is then installed on the main body 104, for example by ultrasonic welding, a 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 the opening 138 into the cavity 136, allowing a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 to enter the cavity 136 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In some embodiments, the end cap 146 can include positioning guides that selectively position the retainer 142 within the cavity 136.

[0053] 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 at a predetermined angle relative to the lateral dimension 116 in one of four predetermined positions. 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 example embodiment shown, the guide slots 150, 151 are formed as tapered indentations in the bottom surfaces of respective arc-shaped support walls 152, 153.

[0054] In the example embodiment shown, a central support 154 is positioned on a top surface 156 of the cavity 136. As discussed in greater detail below, the support 154 helps to guide movement of the retainer 142 within the cavity 136 during operation, and helps to ensure proper installation of the retainer 142. The example embodiment shown also includes a post 158 spaced apart from and adjacent to the guide slot 150 in a direction opposite the corresponding guide slot 151. As discussed in greater detail below, the post 158 serves an assembly aid by providing a visual identifier denoting the color of toner corresponding to each positioning slot 148, and by preventing improper reverse installation of the retainer 142 within the cavity 136.

[0055] As an example, in the embodiment shown, the nominal position of the longitudinal dimension 144 of the electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132 of the toner cartridge 100 having toner of a first color (e.g., yellow) can be at an angle of 25 degrees relative to the lateral dimension 116 shown by line 400 in Figure 7 Figure 7 Figure 7 Figure 7

[0056] Reference is made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ​​​​The retainer 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, adhesive, and / or suitable fasteners. The retainer 142 includes arms 162 that extend downward in cantilever fashion and enclose the printed circuit board 140 on each side, with the printed circuit board 140 accessible from below by a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20. The arms 162 are positioned to contact the 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 the arms 162 of the retainer 142 and the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 directs movement of the retainer 142 within the cavity 136, allowing contact between the arms 162 of the retainer 142 and the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 to align the electrical connector 130 of the toner cartridge 100 with the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. The arms 162 can be flexible relative to one another to accommodate mating of the arms 162 with the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20.

[0057] The retainer 142 also includes flanges 164, 165 that extend in opposite directions along the longitudinal dimension 144. In the illustrated example embodiment, the flange 165 extends outward further away from the base 160 and the printed circuit board 140 along the longitudinal dimension 144 than the flange 164 extends outward further away from the base 160 and the printed circuit board 140 along the longitudinal dimension 144. In the illustrated embodiment, a finger or tab 166, 167 extends upward from a top surface 168, 169 of each flange 164, 165. The illustrated example embodiment also includes a post 170 that extends upward from a top surface 172 of the base 160. As discussed in more detail below, the tabs 166, 167 and the post 170 facilitate positioning the retainer 142 in the desired positioning slot 148 within the cavity 136.

[0058] Referring to Figures 6-10In 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 positioning slot 148 based on the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In this manner, the engagement between the tabs 166, 167 and the guide slots 150, 151 of a particular positioning slot 148 (e.g., the yellow positioning slot 148a, the cyan positioning slot 148b, the magenta positioning slot 148c, or the black positioning 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 according to the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, when the retainer 142 is installed in a particular positioning slot 148, the small notches 174 along the edge of the flanges 164 are positioned adjacent to and aligned with the corresponding posts 158. In this embodiment, each post 158 includes a visual identifier, such as a word, letter, icon, and / or color, that indicates the toner color corresponding to the guide slot 150 adjacent to each post 158. In this manner, the posts 158 facilitate the installation technician determining the correct positioning slot 148 according to the toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge 100 to install the electrical connector 130.

[0059] In the example embodiment shown, the 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 the 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 for slight rotation of the electrical connector 130 about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis 144. In the embodiment shown, the contact between the posts 170 and the supports 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, the contact between the bottom surfaces of the flanges 164, 165 and the inner surfaces 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. Further, in this embodiment, the contact between the tabs 166, 167 and the surfaces forming the guide slots 150, 151 and / or the contact between the posts 170 and the supports 154 limits upward travel of the electrical connector 130 within the cavity 136.

[0060] In the illustrated example embodiment, the flange 165, along the length of the longitudinal dimension 144, prevents the retainer 142 from being incorrectly installed in the positioning slot 148 with a reverse orientation (rotated 180 degrees from the correct orientation around the post 170). If an 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 into the guide slots 151, 150 respectively, and thus preventing the retainer 142 from being installed in reverse in any positioning slot 148. Furthermore, in the illustrated example embodiment, the post 170 and the support 154 prevent the tabs 166, 167 from being installed in the guide slot 150 of the first positioning slot 148 and the guide slot 151 of the second positioning slot 148. For example, if an installation technician attempts to install tab 166 in guide slot 150a of positioning slot 148a and tab 167 in guide slot 151b of positioning slot 148b, the post 170 will not align with the support 154, thus preventing tabs 166 and 167 from being inserted into guide slots 150a and 151b.

[0061] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above regarding Figures 4-10 The configuration of the electrical connector 130, electrical contact 132, and processing circuitry 134 discussed is merely an example. The electrical connector 130, electrical contact 132, and processing circuitry 134 can be configured and positioned on the toner cartridge 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the electrical connector 130 can be aligned with and mounted on the toner cartridge 100 in any suitable manner.

[0062] Figure 11An imaging unit for use in an image forming device 20, such as an imaging basket 500, is shown in accordance with one example embodiment. In this embodiment, the imaging basket 500 includes a plurality of toner cartridge receptacles 502 each holding a respective toner cartridge 100. The imaging basket 500 can also include a plurality of developer unit receptacles 504 each holding a respective developer unit 200 or a combined developer unit 200 and PC unit 300. In some embodiments, the imaging basket 500 is user replaceable. For example, the imaging basket 500 can 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 can be individually replaced from the imaging basket 500, or as a combined replaceable unit from the imaging basket 500. 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 can be individually replaced from the imaging basket 500, or as one or more combined replaceable units from the imaging basket 500.

[0063] In the example embodiment shown, each toner cartridge receptacle 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 receptacle 502 of the image forming device 20 as discussed above. The electrical connector 506 and electrical contacts 508 of each toner cartridge receptacle 502 are oriented, such as angled, in a manner corresponding to the electrical contacts 132 of the electrical connector 130 of the corresponding toner cartridge 100 intended for use in each toner cartridge receptacle 502 based on the toner color intended for use in each toner cartridge 100 and corresponding developer unit 200. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 506 and electrical contacts 508 of each toner cartridge receptacle 502 are positioned at different angles compared to the other toner cartridge receptacles 502 of the imaging basket 500 such that each toner cartridge receptacle 502 is configured to only receive a toner cartridge 100 having a toner color intended for use in the toner cartridge receptacle 502.

[0064] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Four toner cartridges 100 and corresponding toner cartridge receptacles 502 are shown in accordance with one example embodiment. Figure 12 The toner cartridges 100 shown each have electrical connectors 130 positioned at different angles compared to the electrical connectors 130 of the other toner cartridges 100. Similarly, Figure 13The illustrated toner cartridge receptacles each have electrical connectors 506 positioned at different angles compared to the electrical connectors 506 of the other toner cartridge receptacles 502.

[0065] In particular, Figure 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, the toner cartridge 100a includes an electrical connector 130a positioned at a first angle as indicated by line 400; the toner cartridge 100b includes an electrical connector 130b positioned at a second angle as indicated by line 401; the toner cartridge 100c includes an electrical connector 130c positioned at a third angle as indicated by line 402; and the toner cartridge 100d includes an electrical connector 130d positioned at a fourth angle as indicated by line 403. Similarly, Figure 13 The illustrated example embodiment includes a first toner cartridge receptacle 502a configured to receive the toner cartridge 100a, a second toner cartridge receptacle 502b configured to receive the toner cartridge 100b, a third toner cartridge receptacle 502c configured to receive the toner cartridge 100c, and a fourth toner cartridge receptacle 502d configured to receive the toner cartridge 100d. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge receptacle 502a includes an electrical connector 506a positioned at a first angle as indicated by line 510; the toner cartridge receptacle 502b includes an electrical connector 506b positioned at a second angle as indicated by line 511; the toner cartridge receptacle 502c includes an electrical connector 506c positioned at a third angle as indicated by line 512; and the toner cartridge receptacle 502d includes an electrical connector 506d positioned at a fourth angle as indicated by line 513. As Figure 12 and Figure 13 As illustrated, the angles of the electrical connectors 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d correspond to the angles of the electrical connectors 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, respectively, such that the toner cartridge receptacles 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d are configured to receive the toner cartridges 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, respectively.

[0066] Figure 14 The toner cartridge receptacles 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d are shown with electrical connectors 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d. When a user places the toner cartridge 100d (in this example, the toner cartridge with the electrical connector 130d positioned at the fourth angle) into the toner cartridge receptacle 502d, the electrical connector 130d is aligned with the electrical connector 506d. Figure 14When the toner cartridge 100d (shown schematically in dashed lines) is installed in the correct toner cartridge receptacle 502d, the electrical connector 130d of the toner cartridge 100d can matingly receive the electrical connector 506d, thereby allowing the toner cartridge 100d to be fully inserted into the toner cartridge receptacle 502d. On the other hand, if the user attempts to install the toner cartridge 100d having the electrical connector 130d in an incorrect toner cartridge receptacle 502, such as the toner cartridge receptacle 502b, the electrical connector 130d of the toner cartridge 100d will be misaligned with the electrical connector 506 of the incorrect toner cartridge receptacle 502, thereby preventing the toner cartridge 100d from being inserted into the toner cartridge receptacle 502, as shown by the misalignment between the electrical connector 506b and the electrical connector 130d (shown schematically in dashed lines). Figure 14

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configurations of the imaging basket 500 and the toner cartridge 100 discussed above are merely examples. For example, the toner cartridge 100 can be installed and retained in a toner cartridge receptacle or receptacle area of the image forming device 20, rather than in an imaging basket. Furthermore, although the example embodiments discussed above include the electrical connector 130 that can be flexible and / or movable relative to the main body 104 of the toner cartridge 100, in other embodiments, the electrical connector 130 is fixed relative to the main body 104 of the toner cartridge 100, and the electrical connector 506 can be flexible and / or movable relative to the imaging basket 500. Additionally, although the example embodiments discussed above include the male electrical connector 506 of the toner cartridge receptacle 502 being received within the arm 162 of the female electrical connector 130 of the toner cartridge 100, this configuration can be reversed, or other configurations can be used, as desired.

[0068] Although Figure 2 ​The example embodiments shown include toner cartridges 100, development units 200, and PC units 300 positioned in separate replaceable units, but it should be appreciated that the replaceable units of the image forming device 20 can take any suitable configuration as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the main toner supply for the image forming device 20, the development unit 200, and the PC unit 300 are combined in separate replaceable units for each color toner. In another embodiment, the main toner supply for the image forming device 20 and the development unit 200 are provided in a first replaceable unit, and the PC unit 300 is provided in a second replaceable unit. Other combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, while the example embodiments discussed above include electrical connectors and electrical contacts of each toner cartridge positioned in different locations (e.g., orientations) in order to provide a keying or latching feature based on the color of toner intended for use in the toner cartridge, it should be appreciated that any replaceable unit (e.g., toner cartridge, development unit, and / or PC unit) can include electrical connectors and / or electrical contacts positioned in different locations in order to distinguish each unit based on the color of toner or other characteristics (e.g., toner type) of each unit.

[0069] The foregoing description illustrates various aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. It is intended, however, to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit of the disclosure. All modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. A modification of obvious significance includes the combination of one or more features of various embodiments with features of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a body having a reservoir for holding toner; and an electrical connector having electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus when the toner container is installed in the image forming apparatus, the electrical connector being positioned relative to the body in one of a plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container for limiting installation of the toner container to one of a plurality of toner container receptacles in the image forming apparatus corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container, wherein the electrical connector is positioned relative to the body at one of a plurality of predetermined angles corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The electrical contacts of the toner container are accessible by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus from below at a bottom of the body when the toner container is installed in the image forming apparatus.

3. The toner container of claim 2, further comprising a cavity formed in the bottom of the body, wherein the electrical connector is positioned in the cavity.

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

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

6. A replaceable unit for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a body; an electrical connector having electrical contacts for contacting corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming apparatus; and a plurality of positioning guides on the body, each of the plurality of positioning guides being configured to receive the electrical connector for mounting the electrical connector on the replaceable unit, each of the plurality of positioning guides being oriented at a different angle such that the electrical connector can be selectively mounted on the replaceable unit at one of a plurality of angles relative to the body.

7. The replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein, The electrical contacts of the replaceable unit are accessible by the corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming apparatus from below at a bottom of the body when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming apparatus.

8. The replaceable unit of claim 6, further comprising a cavity formed in a bottom of the body, wherein the plurality of positioning guides are positioned in the cavity.

9. The replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein, The electrical contacts of the replaceable unit are electrically connected to processing circuitry on the replaceable unit.

10. The replaceable unit of claim 9, wherein, The electrical contacts of the replaceable unit are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry.

11. The replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein, The plurality of positioning guides comprises a plurality of positioning slots.

12. The replaceable unit of claim 11, wherein, Each of the plurality of positioning slots comprises a first guide slot positioned to receive a first end portion of the electrical connector and a second guide slot positioned to receive a second end portion of the electrical connector.

13. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back positioned between first and second sides of the body, the body having a reservoir for holding toner; a downwardly facing outlet port positioned on the front 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 electrical connector being positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined locations with respect to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container. The electrical contacts of the toner container are positioned on a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry.

14. The toner container of claim 13, wherein The electrical connector is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations with respect to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container.

15. The toner container of claim 13, wherein The electrical connector is positioned at one of a plurality of predetermined angles with respect to the body corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container.

16. The toner container of claim 15, wherein 17. The toner container of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of positioning guides on the body, each of the plurality of positioning guides being configured to receive the electrical connector for installing the electrical connector on the toner container, each of the plurality of positioning guides being oriented at a different orientation such that the electrical connector can be selectably installed on the toner container in one of a plurality of predetermined orientations with respect to the body. Each of the plurality of positioning guides is oriented at a different angle such that the electrical connector can be selectably installed on the toner container in one of a plurality of predetermined angles with respect to the body.

18. The toner container of claim 17, wherein The plurality of positioning guides comprises a plurality of positioning slots on the body.

19. The toner container of claim 17, wherein Each of the plurality of positioning slots comprises a first guide slot positioned to receive a first end portion of the electrical connector and a second guide slot positioned to receive a second end portion of the electrical connector.

20. The toner container of claim 19, wherein, 21. A method of assembling a toner container, comprising: selecting a positioning guide among a plurality of positioning guides on a body of the toner container corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container, each of the plurality of positioning guides being positioned at a different orientation with respect to the body of the toner container; and installing an electrical connector having electrical contacts on the selected positioning guide such that an orientation of the electrical connector with respect to the body corresponds to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container, wherein each of the plurality of positioning guides is positioned at a different angle with respect to the body of the toner container. The plurality of positioning guides on the body of the toner container comprises a plurality of positioning slots on the body of the toner container.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, ​ 23. The method of claim 21, wherein, The plurality of positioning guides are positioned in cavities formed in a bottom of the main body of the toner container.

24. A method of assembling a toner container, comprising: selecting a positioning guide among a plurality of positioning guides on a main body of the toner container corresponding to at least one of a toner color and a toner type of the toner container, each of the plurality of positioning guides being positioned at a different orientation with respect to the main body of the toner container; and mounting an electrical connector having electrical contacts on the selected positioning guide such that an orientation of the electrical connector with respect to the main body corresponds to the at least one of the toner color and the toner type of the toner container, wherein the plurality of positioning guides on the main body of the toner container comprises a plurality of positioning slots on the main body of the toner container.

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