EP3187338A1 - Printing material container and board - Google Patents

Abstract

A printed circuit board 21 has contact surfaces K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8 which are aligned with the contacts of the device and which are contacted by the contacts of the printer during operation of the printer in order to establish an electrical connection. The invention relates to the arrangement and design of the contact pads of the circuit board. The contact fields K1 and K2 are arranged adjacent to the edge of the board. Laterally on the circuit board are adjacent to the contact fields K1, K2, and electrically connected to these, in each case a lateral contact field K1 'or K2' is formed. Adjacent to the contact K8, an engagement hole 01 is formed in the board. This is at least partially coated conductive inside.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a printing material container for interchangeable mounting and use on a printer having a plurality of printer-side terminals, comprising: a circuit board having at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer side circuit, the circuit board having a surface facing the terminals; Edge, a plurality of contacts with a contactable contact field, which are connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer-side terminals, wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts on the surface of the board are arranged. The invention also relates to a circuit board for mounting to a printing material container for interchangeable mounting and use on a printer having a plurality of printer-side terminals, comprising: at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer-side circuit, the circuit board providing one of the terminals of the printer A printer-facing surface and an edge, a plurality of contacts with a contactable contact pad, which are connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer-side terminals, wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts arranged on the surface of the board are.

STATE OF THE ART

Ink cartridges (or toner cartridges) for printers are often equipped with printed circuit boards, especially a memory chip, attached to or attached to the cartridge case. The ink cartridge has an ink filled housing. On one side a printed circuit board (chip / memory chip) is attached. This has contact fields, which are contacted in printer inserted in the printer, while operating the printer from the printer-side mating contacts to exchange data, to ensure the power supply of the chip, etc. Thus, for example, in the memory chip specific data can be stored, such as the level. In special cases, the PCB can perform certain logic functions.

The circuit board has contacts with device-side terminals (e.g., pins) aligned contact pads which are contacted by the device / printer ports during operation of the printer to make electrical connection.

Typically, depending on the function, different categories of contacts are present, e.g. Higher voltage power contacts, data contacts for data communication that operate at lower voltage, or the like.

The problem is the contacting of the contacts of the board through the terminals of the device after insertion of the cartridge or cartridge into the printer, or after the start of the operation of the printer. This is due to the presence of material such as ink or toner inside the printer, as it can not be completely avoided that this material is unintentionally distributed inside the printer and deposited in different places. Thus, after a long-term operation of the printer or due to a malfunction, the material can also reach the area of the printed circuit board and be deposited there.

In addition, when inserting the cartridge, the positioning of the board or the chip takes place with relatively high tolerances.

As a result, it may happen that the contacting of at least individual contact fields of the board is insufficient or fails. This may result in malfunctioning or inoperable operation of the printer, especially for contacts that are essential to the operation of the printer (for example, to detect the cartridge or its power supply).

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from this, the object of the present invention is to provide a printing material container with a circuit board and a circuit board, which allow a secure contact, in particular the decisive for the function of the printer contacts the board.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

This object is achieved by the provision of a printing material container according to claim 1 or a circuit board according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

• eine Platine mit wenigstens einem Schaltkreis, der mit einem druckerseitigen Schaltkreis zusammenwirken kann, wobei die Platine eine den Anschlüssen zugewandte Oberfläche und einen Rand aufweist,
• eine Vielzahl von Kontakten mit einem kontaktierbaren Kontaktfeld, die mit dem wenigstens einen Schaltkreis verbunden und zur Kontaktierung durch die druckerseitigen Anschlüsse angeordnet sind,
• wobei die Kontaktfelder eines oder mehrerer der Vielzahl von Kontakten auf der Oberfläche der Platine angeordnet sind, und
• wenigstens einer der Kontakte ein Kontaktfeld aufweist, das wenigstens teilweise schräg zur Oberfläche der Platine angeordnet ist.

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing material container, for example, an ink cartridge or a toner cartridge, wherein the printing material container, which is provided for interchangeable mounting and use on a printer having a plurality of printer-side terminals, comprises:

• a circuit board having at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer-side circuit, the circuit board having a surface facing the terminals and an edge,
• a plurality of contacts with a contactable contact pad connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer side terminals,
• wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts are disposed on the surface of the board, and
• at least one of the contacts has a contact field, which is arranged at least partially obliquely to the surface of the board.

The contact field thus extends from the surface of the board over the outer edge or an edge of an opening provided in the board or recess, in the region of the outer edge or the inner wall of the opening of the board. The metallization (i.e., the contact field) of at least one contact thus either extends exclusively on the edge sloping to the main surface, or partially in addition on the surface, i. the contact pad has an area disposed on the surface and a portion disposed on the edge of the board.

In this way, a contact can take place along the outer edge (or the inside of the opening) of the board. By inserting the terminals of the printer in an opening or laterally along the outer edge of the board secure contact can be made. Not only can the terminals be moved perpendicularly to a contact surface, as in conventional chips having top contact pads, but the contacts have at least one component of movement aligned along the contact pad (i.e., contact pad) in the region of the oblique contact surface. The contacts can thus grind along the contact and remove any impurities there.

The container may include an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge or the like. be. The term board in the sense of the invention comprises a semiconductor plate, a chip, a printed circuit board or the like. Components.

The term "oblique" is to be understood in the sense that the surface of the oblique (part of) the contact field deviates from the (relatively) horizontal surface of the board. With respect to the normal vectors of the oblique part of the contact field and the surface, this means that their directions deviate from each other at the same angle as the surfaces. In particular, the surfaces (or normal vectors) enclose an angle of approximately 90 °, particularly preferably an angle between 75 ° and 90 °. 90 ° means that the inclined part of the contact surface is (substantially) perpendicular to the contact fields which are arranged on the surface of the chip.

The at least one contact field thus extends from the surface of the board over the outer edge in the region of the outer edge of the board. The subregions of the contact field merge into one another and are electrically connected to one another. Alternatively, the obliquely arranged contact field can also be located exclusively on the outer edge of the chip. In this way, a contact also statfinden on the outer edge of the board. Since the contact travels along the outer edge of the board during the contacting, any contamination or wetting of the surface is removed before the printer is used. The electrical contact is thereby improved.

Incidentally, the goal is to make the contact fields so large that the terminals of the printer, the fields within the tolerance of the position of the fields, in any case with certainty.

In particular, the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is inclined at an angle between 75 ° and 90 °, in particular at an angle between 85 ° and 90 °, with respect to the surface of the board.

Preferably, the board has at least one opening which is arranged in the contact field or adjacent to one of the contact fields. The opening may be a recess or, in particular, a through hole extending through the board.

In particular, the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is arranged in at least one region of the inner wall of the opening. This has an inner wall portion which extends obliquely or perpendicular to the board surface. The inner wall region of the opening is at least partially metallized there, i. it forms part of the contact field where the terminals of the printer are to contact the contact.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact pad is arranged on the outer edge of the board.

In particular, the printmaker includes a first group of contacts and a second group of contacts, wherein the first group is operable with a first electrical voltage and the second group is operable with a second electrical voltage, the first voltage being higher than the second voltage , Each group or category of contacts consists of one or more contacts. The groups may differ functionally. Thus, e.g. the first group of contacts are used for supply with higher voltage and, for example, participate in a level measurement. The second group can cooperate with a circuit or logic circuit or with a data storage or be connected and participate in the exchange of data between the printer and the printing material container.

The contacts of the first group of contacts may include a contact pad at least partially disposed obliquely to the surface of the board.

The contacts of the first group of contacts may, in particular, have a contact field, which is arranged at least partially on the outer edge of the board.

The print cartridge dispenser may include a third group of contacts that are essentially passive ports. For example, the third group contact (s) may help to detect a voltage applied to it or to it (whether through a circuit in the board or in the printer), for example in the event of a malfunction.

The one or more contacts of the second and / or third group of contacts may include a contact pad at least partially disposed obliquely to the surface of the board.

The one or more contacts of the second and / or third group of contacts may include a contact pad at least partially disposed in at least a portion of the inner wall of an opening of the board.

• wenigstens einem Schaltkreis, der mit einem druckerseitigen Schaltkreis zusammenwirken kann, wobei die Platine eine den Anschlüssen des Druckers zugewandte Oberfläche und einen Rand aufweist,
• eine Vielzahl von Kontakten mit einem kontaktierbaren Kontaktfeld, die mit dem wenigstens einen Schaltkreis verbunden und zur Kontaktierung durch die druckerseitigen Anschlüsse angeordnet sind,
• wobei die Kontaktfelder eines oder mehrerer der Vielzahl von Kontakten auf der Oberfläche der Platine angeordnet sind, und
• wenigstens einer der Kontakte ein Kontaktfeld aufweist, das wenigstens teilweise schräg zur Oberfläche der Platine angeordnet ist.

The object is also achieved by a circuit board for mounting on a printing material container for interchangeable mounting and use on or in a printer with a plurality of printer-side connections, comprising:

• at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer-side circuit, the circuit board having a surface facing the terminals of the printer and an edge,
• a plurality of contacts with a contactable contact pad connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer side terminals,
• wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts are disposed on the surface of the board, and
• at least one of the contacts has a contact field, which is arranged at least partially obliquely to the surface of the board.

The obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field can be inclined at an angle between 75 ° and 90 °, in particular at an angle between 85 ° and 90 °, with respect to the surface of the board.

The circuit board can have at least one opening which is arranged in the contact field or adjacent to one of the contact fields.

The obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact pad is preferably arranged in at least one area of the inner wall of the opening and / or on the outer edge of the board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Tonerkartusche;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Speicherchips;

Fig. 11

einen Schnitt A-A aus Figur 10.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the figures and the associated description of preferred embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

an embodiment of a toner cartridge according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 9

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 10

a schematic representation of another memory chip according to the invention;

Fig. 11

a section AA FIG. 10 ,

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Toner cartridges are often provided with printed circuit boards, in particular with a memory chip, which is attached or attached to the cartridge housing.

The FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a toner cartridge 1 with a housing 10 and a housing 10 arranged on the developing roller 11 which is driven by a drive wheel 12. In addition, the toner cartridge 1 has a chip 2 (memory chip, circuit board, board), which is arranged on the rear side of the housing 10 relative to the insertion direction, in this case.

In the memory chip 2, data specific to the toner cartridge 1 can be stored, e.g. the level. In addition, the circuit board 2 can perform certain logic functions.

The circuit board 20 has, as in the FIG. 2 schematically illustrated, to the device-side contacts aligned contact surfaces K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, which are contacted during operation of the printer from the contacts of the printer to make an electrical connection.

Typically, depending on the function, different categories of contacts are present, e.g. Higher voltage power contacts, data contacts for data communication operating at lower voltage, or short-circuit detection contacts for detecting a defect due to a connection between a short-circuit detection contact and one of the other contacts.

The invention relates primarily to the arrangement and design of the contact fields K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9 of the circuit board, for example, as in the FIG. 2 can be arranged or formed represented.

In particular, the contact fields K1 and K2 form a first category of contact surfaces which are operated at a higher voltage than the data contacts K3, K4, K5, K6, K7. The contact surfaces K8, K9 form a third contact field category, namely, for example, short-circuit detection contacts, while the remaining contacts can be data transfer contacts.

According to the invention, the contact fields K1 and K2 are arranged adjacent to the edge of the board. The edge is arranged obliquely relative to the upper or lower edges of the chip (angle about 45 ° +/- 30 °, in particular 45 ° +/- 15 °). In addition, each side of the circuit board, adjacent to the contact fields K1, K2, and electrically conductively connected to these, in each case a lateral contact field K1 'or K2' is formed. The contact fields K1 'and K2' are oriented perpendicular or obliquely relative to the surface of the contact fields K1-K9. So they point in a different direction than the contact fields K1-K9. Thus, it is precisely the contacts K1, K2 which are operated at a higher voltage that are also supplied or operated laterally via the contact fields K1 'or K2'.

Adjacent to the contacts K8, K9 of the third category or in the contact field area engagement openings O1, 02 are formed in the board. These are at least partially coated inside conductive (eg metallized) and electrically connected to the contact fields K8 and K9. A contact pin of the printer can engage in the openings O1 or 02 and thus establish a secure contact, in particular during vibration during the printing operation.

There may also be only one opening O1 if only one contact of the third category is present, as in the FIG. 3 shown.

Other contact surfaces of the other categories could also be equipped with an opening.

Another embodiment is in the FIG. 4 shown. The contacts K1 and K2 in turn have oblique or perpendicular to the contact fields K1 and K2 arranged contact fields K1 'and K2' on. In this and the following embodiments, the contact points at which contact the printer-side contacts with the contact pads K1, ..., K9, shown as points KP. The contact points KP can be arranged on the chip surface, or, as in the case of the contacts K1 / K1 ', K2 / K2' on the side edge of the board 22. In the case of the contact surface K8 / K8 ', the contact point can be arranged within the metallized opening O1 , For these contacts so the contact point KP is not on the chip surface, but at the side edge or within the opening O1 at the inner wall. This means that the printer-side contacts (eg contact pins), which correspond to the contact fields K1 / K1 'or K2 / K2', rest laterally against the edge of the board 22. The printer-side contact (eg contact pin), which corresponds to the contact field K8, engages in the opening OV1 and abuts against its inner wall.

Between the contacts K1 and K8, a conductor L extending from the contact K6 or connected to this contact surface K6 can be arranged. If e.g. the contact K6 is a third category contact, e.g. a short-circuit detection contact, it is ensured by the conductor L that a occurring between the contacts K1 and K8 short circuit is detected quickly and reliably by the contact K6.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show similar embodiments of a board 23 and 24 as in the FIG. 4 shown board 22. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. However, here both the contact K6 and the contact K7 each have a conductor L, which is connected to the respective contact K6 or K7 and extends between the contacts K1 and K8 or K2 and K9. In the case that the contacts K6 and K7 belong to a category of the short-circuit detection contacts, in this case a short circuit occurring between the contacts K1 and K8 or K2 and K9 can be detected quickly and reliably by the contact K6 or K7.

Other embodiments of boards 25 and 26 are in the following FIGS. 7 and 8 shown. These correspond essentially to the previously described embodiments. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

Also in these embodiments, there is a conductor piece L (eg, outwardly exposed metallization) extending from one of the contacts into the gap between two other contacts. So it can be ensured that, for example, when contact K6 / K7 is a short-circuit detection contact, a short circuit between the contacts K1 and K8 (resp. K2 and K9) can be detected. After detection of the short circuit, for example, the printer-side power supply to the other contacts can be interrupted.

Possible contact points KP between the printer-side contacts (for example contact pins) and the contact fields K1, ..., K9 are also marked here as points.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 show embodiments of boards 27 and 28, in particular, the contact fields K1 / K1 'and K2 / K2' as described above. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding components already described.

In the FIGS. 4 to 10 Only the externally exposed, ie contactable, contact surfaces and interconnects are shown. Further (not visible) intermediate lines between the contacts or additional metallizations are not exposed to the outside, but are covered by a non-conductive layer (eg paint). In this way, the susceptibility of the chip is reduced, for example, by contamination of the metallizations.

The FIG. 11 shows a section AA FIG. 10 , The board 20 or its basic body (made of plastic) has an outer edge over which the contact field K2 extends in the form of a contact field section K2 'of the contact field K2. Preferably, a printer-side contact pin 3 contacts the contact K2 at a contact point 30 which is arranged along the outer edge K2 'of the contact K2. Since the contact pin 3 approaches obliquely, a secure contact 30 is made even with contamination of the contact field K2.

The same applies to all of the contacts described with oblique contact field section. All features denoted by corresponding reference numerals, such as contacts, contact pads and components, have similar characteristics. That the features and properties described with respect to one embodiment are readily applicable to all other embodiments.

Claims (15)

A printing media container (1) for interchangeable mounting and use on a printer having a plurality of printer-side ports, comprising: a circuit board (2) having at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer-side circuit, the circuit board having a surface facing the terminals and an edge, a plurality of contacts (21, ...) having a contactable contact pad connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer side terminals, wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts are disposed on the surface of the board (2), characterized in that at least one of the contacts has a contact field, which is arranged at least partially obliquely to the surface of the board. Printing material container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is inclined at an angle between 75 ° and 90 °, in particular at an angle between 85 ° and 90 °, relative to the surface of the board. The printing material container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the board has at least one opening which is arranged in the contact field or adjacent to one of the contact fields. The printing material container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is arranged in at least a region of the inner wall of the opening. Printing material container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is arranged on the outer edge of the board. The printing material container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Druckmaterilabhälter has a first group of contacts and a second group of contacts, wherein the first group is operable with a first voltage and the second group is operable with a second voltage, wherein the first voltage is higher than the second voltage. Printing material container (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the contacts of the first group of contacts has a contact field which is at least partially arranged obliquely to the surface of the board. The printing material container (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the contacts of the first group of contacts has a contact field which is at least partially disposed on the outer edge of the board. The printing material container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Druckmaterilabhälter has a third group of contacts, which are substantially passive terminals. Printing material container (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the contacts of the second and / or the third group of contacts has a contact field which is at least partially arranged obliquely to the surface of the board. The printing material container (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the contacts of the second and / or the third group of contacts has a contact field which is at least partially disposed in at least a portion of the inner wall of an opening of the board. A board for mounting to a media tray for replaceable mounting and use on a printer having a plurality of printer-side ports, comprising: at least one circuit capable of interacting with a printer-side circuit, the circuit board having a surface facing the terminals of the printer and an edge, a plurality of contacts (21, ...) having a contactable contact pad connected to the at least one circuit and arranged for contacting by the printer side terminals, wherein the contact pads of one or more of the plurality of contacts are disposed on the surface of the board (2), characterized in that at least one of the contacts has a contact field, which is arranged at least partially obliquely to the surface of the board. Board (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact field is inclined at an angle between 75 ° and 90 °, in particular at an angle between 85 ° and 90 °, relative to the surface of the board. Board (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the board has at least one opening which is arranged in the contact field or adjacent to one of the contact fields. Board (2) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the obliquely arranged part of the at least one contact pad is arranged in at least a portion of the inner wall of the opening and / or on the outer edge of the board.

Images