Patent Description:
During the electrophotographic printing process, an electrically charged rotating photoconductive drum is selectively exposed to a laser beam. The areas of the photoconductive drum exposed to the laser beam are discharged creating an electrostatic latent image of a page to be printed on the photoconductive drum. Toner particles are then electrostatically picked up by the latent image on the photoconductive drum creating a toned image on the drum. The toned image is transferred to the print media (e.g., paper) either directly by the photoconductive drum or indirectly by an intermediate transfer member. The toner is then fused to the media using heat and pressure to complete the print.

The image forming device's toner supply is typically stored in one or more replaceable units that have a shorter lifespan than the image forming device. It is desired to communicate various operating parameters and usage information of the replaceable unit(s) to the image forming device for proper operation. For example, it may be desired to communicate such information as replaceable unit serial number, replaceable unit type, toner color, toner capacity, amount of toner remaining, license information, etc. The replaceable unit(s) typically include processing circuitry configured to communicate with and respond to commands from a controller in the image forming device. The replaceable unit(s) also include memory associated with the processing circuitry that stores program instructions and information related to the replaceable unit. The processing circuitry and associated memory are typically mounted on a circuit board that is attached to the replaceable unit. The replaceable unit also includes one or more electrical contacts that mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device upon installation of the replaceable unit in the image forming device in order to facilitate communication between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device. It is important to accurately position the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit relative to the corresponding electrical contacts of the image forming device in order to ensure a reliable connection between the processing circuitry of the replaceable unit and the controller of the image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. Accordingly, positioning features that provide precise alignment of the electrical contacts of the replaceable unit with corresponding electrical contacts of the image forming device are desired. <CIT> shows a developing cartridge. <CIT> shows a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a retractable electrical connector. <CIT> shows a cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same. <CIT> shows a developing cartridge and image forming apparatus including the same.

A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to claim <NUM> includes a housing having, upon insertion of the replaceable unit in an image forming device, a top, a bottom, a front and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing, wherein the front leads during insertion and the rear trails. The housing has a reservoir for holding toner. An electrical connector is positioned on the first side of the housing. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit is electrically connected to processing circuitry mounted on the housing. The electrical connector is movable between a first position and a second position. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit moves outward from the first side of the housing along a side-to-side dimension of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the first position to the second position such that the electrical contact of the replaceable unit is positioned further outward along the side-to-side dimension of the housing when the electrical connector is in the second position than when the electrical connector is in the first position. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit faces downward and is unobstructed from below when the electrical connector is in the second position permitting the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device to contact the electrical contact of the replaceable unit from below.

Embodiments include those wherein the electrical connector is pivotable about a pivot axis between the first position and the second position. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit pivots outward from the first side of the housing when the electrical connector pivots from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, a position of the pivot axis is fixed relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the pivot axis extends in a direction from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing and angles downward in the direction from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing. In some embodiments, the electrical contact of the replaceable unit pivots upward when the electrical connector pivots from the first position to the second position.

Some embodiments include a developer roll rotatably positioned on the housing. A portion of an outer surface of the developer roll is exposed along the front of the housing for supplying toner from the reservoir to a corresponding photoconductive drum.

Some embodiments include an interface gear on the second side of the housing. At least a portion of the interface gear is exposed on the front of the housing for mating with a corresponding drive gear and receiving rotational force from the corresponding drive gear.

Some embodiments include a biasing member that biases the electrical connector toward the first position.

Embodiments include those wherein when the electrical connector is in the second position, the electrical contact of the replaceable unit is positioned closer to the bottom of the housing than to the top of the housing and the electrical contact of the replaceable unit is positioned closer to the rear of the housing than to the front of the housing.

Embodiments include those wherein the electrical contact of the replaceable unit faces inward toward the first side of the housing when the electrical connector is in the first position.

Embodiments include those wherein the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board that includes the processing circuitry. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit is positioned on a face of the printed circuit board. The face of the printed circuit board faces downward when the electrical connector is in the second position and the face of the printed circuit board faces inward toward the first side of the housing when the electrical connector is in the first position.

Embodiments include those wherein the electrical connector includes a cam surface that is positioned along a distal end of the electrical connector relative to the first side of the housing for contacting an actuation member during installation of the replaceable unit to move the electrical connector from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the cam surface extends toward the front of the housing from a front portion of the electrical connector; a bottom portion of the cam surface faces downward when the electrical connector is in the second position; and the bottom portion of the cam surface angles upward in a direction from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing when the electrical connector is in the second position. In some embodiments, the cam surface extends toward the front of the housing from a front portion of the electrical connector; an outer side portion of the cam surface faces outward away from the first side of the housing when the electrical connector is in the second position; and the outer side portion of the cam surface angles inward toward the first side of the housing in a direction from the rear of the housing to the front of the housing when the electrical connector is in the second position.

A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to another example embodiment includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a front and a rear positioned between a first side and a second side of the housing. The housing has a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir is positioned on the front of the housing for exiting toner from the replaceable unit. An electrical connector is positioned on the first side of the housing. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact for contacting a corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit is electrically connected to processing circuitry mounted on the housing. The electrical connector is pivotable about a pivot axis between a retracted position and an operative position. The electrical connector and the electrical contact of the replaceable unit pivot outward from the first side of the housing when the electrical connector pivots from the retracted position to the operative position. The electrical contact of the replaceable unit faces downward and is unobstructed from below when the electrical connector is in the operative position permitting the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device to contact the electrical contact of the replaceable unit from below.

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like numerals represent like elements. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and mechanical changes, etc., may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples merely typify possible variations. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The following description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to <FIG>, there is shown a block diagram depiction of an imaging system <NUM> according to one example embodiment. Imaging system <NUM> includes an image forming device <NUM> and a computer <NUM>. Image forming device <NUM> communicates with computer <NUM> via a communications link <NUM>. As used herein, the term "communications link" generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components and may operate using wired or wireless technology and may include communications over the Internet.

In the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, image forming device <NUM> is a multifunction machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one (AIO) device) that includes a controller <NUM>, a print engine <NUM>, a laser scan unit (LSU) <NUM>, a toner cartridge <NUM>, an imaging unit <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, a media feed system <NUM>, a media input tray <NUM> and a scanner system <NUM>. Image forming device <NUM> may communicate with computer <NUM> via a standard communication protocol, such as, for example, universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or IEEE <NUM>. Image forming device <NUM> may be, for example, an electrophotographic printer/copier including an integrated scanner system <NUM> or a standalone electrophotographic printer.

Controller <NUM> includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory <NUM>. The processor unit may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and may include one or more Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Memory <NUM> may be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Memory <NUM> may be in the form of a separate memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with controller <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may be, for example, a combined printer and scanner controller.

In the example embodiment illustrated, controller <NUM> communicates with print engine <NUM> via a communications link <NUM>. Controller <NUM> communicates with toner cartridge <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> thereon via a communications link <NUM>. Controller <NUM> communicates with imaging unit <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> thereon via a communications link <NUM>. Controller <NUM> communicates with media feed system <NUM> via a communications link <NUM>. Controller <NUM> communicates with scanner system <NUM> via a communications link <NUM>. User interface <NUM> is communicatively coupled to controller <NUM> via a communications link <NUM>. Controller <NUM> processes print and scan data and operates print engine <NUM> during printing and scanner system <NUM> during scanning. Processing circuitry <NUM>, <NUM> may provide authentication functions, safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters and usage information related to toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>, respectively. Each of processing circuitry <NUM>, <NUM> includes a processor unit and associated electronic memory. As discussed above, the processor may include one or more integrated circuits in the form of a microprocessor or central processing unit and/or may include one or more Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The memory may be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof or any memory device convenient for use with processing circuitry <NUM>, <NUM>.

Computer <NUM>, which is optional, may be, for example, a personal computer, including electronic memory <NUM>, such as RAM, ROM, and/or NVRAM, an input device <NUM>, such as a keyboard and/or a mouse, and a display monitor <NUM>. Computer <NUM> also includes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit (not shown). Computer <NUM> may also be a device capable of communicating with image forming device <NUM> other than a personal computer such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or other electronic device.

In the example embodiment illustrated, computer <NUM> includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver <NUM>, e.g., printer/scanner driver software, for image forming device <NUM>. Imaging driver <NUM> is in communication with controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> via communications link <NUM>. Imaging driver <NUM> facilitates communication between image forming device <NUM> and computer <NUM>. One aspect of imaging driver <NUM> may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to image forming device <NUM>, and more particularly to print engine <NUM>, to print an image. Another aspect of imaging driver <NUM> may be, for example, to facilitate collection of scanned data from scanner system <NUM>.

In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate image forming device <NUM> in a standalone mode. In the standalone mode, image forming device <NUM> is capable of functioning without computer <NUM>. Accordingly, all or a portion of imaging driver <NUM>, or a similar driver, may be located in controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> so as to accommodate printing and/or scanning functionality when operating in the standalone mode.

Print engine <NUM> includes a laser scan unit (LSU) <NUM>, toner cartridge <NUM>, imaging unit <NUM> and a fuser <NUM>, all mounted within image forming device <NUM>. Toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are removably mounted in image forming device <NUM>. In one embodiment, toner cartridge <NUM> includes a developer unit that houses a toner reservoir and a toner development system. In one embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a single component development system. In this embodiment, the toner development system includes a toner adder roll that provides toner from the toner reservoir to a developer roll. A doctor blade provides a metered, uniform layer of toner on the surface of the developer roll. In another embodiment, the toner development system utilizes what is commonly referred to as a dual component development system. In this embodiment, toner in the toner reservoir of the developer unit is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymeric film to provide triboelectric properties to attract toner to the carrier beads as the toner and the magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner reservoir. In this embodiment, the developer unit includes a developer roll that attracts the magnetic carrier beads having toner thereon to the developer roll through the use of magnetic fields. In one embodiment, imaging unit <NUM> includes a photoconductor unit that houses a charge roll, a photoconductive drum and a waste toner removal system. Although the example image forming device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes one toner cartridge and imaging unit, in the case of an image forming device configured to print in color, separate toner cartridges and imaging units may be used for each toner color. For example, in one embodiment, the image forming device includes four toner cartridges, each containing a particular toner color (e.g., black, cyan, yellow and magenta) to permit color printing, and four corresponding imaging units.

The electrophotographic printing process is well known in the art and, therefore, is described briefly herein. During a printing operation, laser scan unit <NUM> creates a latent image on the photoconductive drum in imaging unit <NUM>. Toner is transferred from the toner reservoir in toner cartridge <NUM> to the latent image on the photoconductive drum by the developer roll to create a toned image. The toned image is then transferred to a media sheet received by imaging unit <NUM> from media input tray <NUM> for printing. Toner may be transferred directly to the media sheet by the photoconductive drum or by an intermediate transfer member that receives the toner from the photoconductive drum. Toner remnants are removed from the photoconductive drum by the waste toner removal system. The toner image is bonded to the media sheet in fuser <NUM> and then sent to an output location or to one or more finishing options such as a duplexer, a stapler or a hole-punch.

Referring now to <FIG>, toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are shown according to one example embodiment. As discussed above, toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are each removably installed in image forming device <NUM>. Toner cartridge <NUM> is first installed on a frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> and mated with imaging unit <NUM>. Toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are then slidably inserted together into image forming device <NUM>. The arrow A shown in <FIG> indicates the direction of insertion of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> into image forming device <NUM>. This arrangement allows toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> to be easily removed from and reinstalled in image forming device <NUM> as a single unit, while permitting toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> to be repaired or replaced separately from each other.

With reference to <FIG>, toner cartridge <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having an enclosed reservoir <NUM> (<FIG>) for storing toner. Housing <NUM> includes a top <NUM>, a bottom <NUM>, first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>, a front <NUM> and a rear <NUM>. Front <NUM> of housing <NUM> leads during insertion of toner cartridge <NUM> into image forming device <NUM> and rear <NUM> trails. In one embodiment, each side <NUM>, <NUM> of housing <NUM> includes an end cap <NUM>, <NUM> mounted, e.g., by fasteners or a snap-fit engagement, to side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of a main body <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, toner cartridge <NUM> includes a rotatable developer roll <NUM> having a rotational axis <NUM> that runs along a side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>, from side <NUM> to side <NUM>. A portion of developer roll <NUM> is exposed from housing <NUM> along front <NUM> of housing <NUM>, near bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM> for delivering toner from toner cartridge <NUM> to a corresponding photoconductive drum of imaging unit <NUM>. In this manner, developer roll <NUM> forms an outlet for exiting toner from toner cartridge <NUM>. A handle <NUM> may be provided on top <NUM> or rear <NUM> of housing <NUM> to assist with coupling and decoupling toner cartridge <NUM> to and from imaging unit <NUM> and insertion and removal of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> into and out of image forming device <NUM>.

Sides <NUM>, <NUM> may each include one or more alignment guides <NUM> that extend outward from the respective side <NUM>, <NUM> to assist with mating toner cartridge <NUM> to imaging unit <NUM>. Alignment guides <NUM> are received by corresponding guide rails on imaging unit <NUM> that aid in positioning toner cartridge <NUM> relative to imaging unit <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, an alignment guide <NUM> is positioned on an outer side of each end cap <NUM>, <NUM>.

Toner cartridge <NUM> also includes a drive gear <NUM> positioned on side <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, drive gear <NUM> mates with and receives rotational force from a corresponding drive gear on imaging unit <NUM> in order to provide rotational force to developer roll <NUM> and other rotatable components of toner cartridge <NUM> for moving toner to developer roll <NUM> when toner cartridge <NUM> is installed in image forming device <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, drive gear <NUM> is mounted to a shaft of developer roll <NUM>, coaxial with developer roll <NUM>. In this embodiment, a front portion of drive gear <NUM> is exposed on the front <NUM> of housing <NUM>, near bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM> and is unobstructed to mate with and receive rotational force from the corresponding drive gear on imaging unit <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, drive gear <NUM> is rotatably connected to a drive train that is positioned between end cap <NUM> and side wall <NUM> of housing <NUM>. The drive train aids in transferring rotational force from drive gear <NUM> to rotatable components of toner cartridge <NUM>, including, for example, to a toner adder roll that provides toner from reservoir <NUM> to developer roll <NUM> and to one or more toner agitators that move toner in reservoir <NUM> toward the toner adder roll and that agitate and mix the toner in reservoir <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, drive gear <NUM> is formed as a helical gear, but other configurations may be used as desired.

Toner cartridge <NUM> also includes an electrical connector <NUM> positioned on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> that includes one or more electrical contacts <NUM> (<FIG>) that mate with corresponding electrical contacts in image forming device <NUM> when toner cartridge <NUM> is installed in image forming device <NUM> in order to facilitate communications link <NUM> between controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> as discussed in greater detail below.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, imaging unit <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> including a top <NUM>, a bottom <NUM>, first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>, a front <NUM> and a rear <NUM>. Front <NUM> of housing <NUM> leads during insertion of imaging unit <NUM> into image forming device <NUM> and rear <NUM> trails. In the embodiment illustrated, frame <NUM> includes a toner cartridge receiving area <NUM> positioned at rear <NUM> of housing <NUM>. A handle <NUM> may be provided on rear <NUM> of housing <NUM>, e.g., on frame <NUM>, to assist with insertion and removal of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> into and out of image forming device <NUM>.

In the example embodiment illustrated, imaging unit <NUM> includes a rotatable photoconductive drum <NUM> having a rotational axis <NUM> that runs along a side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>, from side <NUM> to side <NUM>. A rear portion of photoconductive drum <NUM> is open to toner cartridge receiving area <NUM> of frame <NUM> for receiving toner from developer roll <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM>. A bottom portion of photoconductive drum <NUM> is exposed from housing <NUM> on bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Toner on the outer surface of photoconductive drum <NUM> is transferred from the bottom portion of the outer surface of photoconductive drum <NUM> to a media sheet or intermediate transfer member during a print operation. Imaging unit <NUM> also includes a rotatable charge roll <NUM> in contact with the outer surface of photoconductive drum <NUM> that charges the outer surface of photoconductive drum <NUM> to a predetermined voltage. Imaging unit <NUM> also includes a waste toner removal system that may include a cleaner blade or roll that removes residual toner from the outer surface of photoconductive drum <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, imaging unit <NUM> includes a waste toner reservoir <NUM> positioned at the front <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Waste toner reservoir <NUM> stores toner removed from photoconductive drum <NUM> by the cleaner blade or roll.

Sides <NUM>, <NUM> may each include one or more alignment guides <NUM> that extend outward from the respective side <NUM>, <NUM> to assist with insertion and removal of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> into and out of image forming device <NUM>. Alignment guides <NUM> are received by corresponding guide rails in image forming device <NUM> that aid in positioning toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> relative to image forming device <NUM>. Sides <NUM>, <NUM> of frame <NUM> may each include a guide rail <NUM> that receives a corresponding alignment guide <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> to aid in positioning toner cartridge <NUM> relative to imaging unit <NUM>.

Imaging unit <NUM> also includes a drive coupler <NUM> positioned on side <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Drive coupler <NUM> mates with and receives rotational force from a corresponding drive coupler in image forming device <NUM> in order to provide rotational force to photoconductive drum <NUM> when imaging unit <NUM> is installed in image forming device <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, drive coupler <NUM> is positioned at an axial end of photoconductive drum <NUM>, coaxial with photoconductive drum <NUM>. In this embodiment, an outer axial end of drive coupler <NUM> is exposed on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> and is unobstructed to mate with and receive rotational force from the corresponding drive coupler in image forming device <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, drive coupler <NUM> is configured to receive rotational force at the outer axial end of drive coupler <NUM>, but other configurations may be used as desired. In some embodiments, charge roll <NUM> is driven by friction contact between the surfaces of charge roll <NUM> and photoconductive drum <NUM>. In other embodiments, charge roll <NUM> is connected to drive coupler <NUM> by one or more gears.

In the embodiment illustrated, imaging unit <NUM> also includes a drive gear <NUM> attached to photoconductive drum <NUM>, axially inboard of drive coupler <NUM>. A portion of drive gear <NUM> is exposed to toner cartridge receiving area <NUM> of frame <NUM> permitting drive gear <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> to mate with drive gear <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> when toner cartridge <NUM> is installed on frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> to permit the transfer of rotational force received by drive coupler <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> to drive gear <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> by way of drive gear <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>.

Imaging unit <NUM> also includes an electrical connector <NUM> positioned on a portion of frame <NUM> on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> that includes one or more electrical contacts <NUM> that mate with corresponding electrical contacts in image forming device <NUM> when imaging unit <NUM> is installed in image forming device <NUM> in order to facilitate communications link <NUM> between controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> as discussed in greater detail below.

<FIG> show electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> in greater detail. In the example embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> is positioned on side <NUM> of housing, near bottom <NUM> and rear <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Electrical connector <NUM> is movably connected to housing <NUM> such that electrical connector <NUM> is movable relative to housing <NUM> between a retracted or home position shown in <FIG> and an operative position shown in <FIG>. In the example embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> is pivotable about a pivot axis <NUM> relative to housing <NUM> between the retracted position and the operative position. In the example embodiment illustrated, pivot axis <NUM> extends in a direction from rear <NUM> to front <NUM> and angles downward from rear <NUM> to front <NUM>, but pivot axis <NUM> may take other orientations as desired. In the example embodiment illustrated, pivot axis <NUM> is positioned along a proximal end 131a of electrical connector <NUM> relative to side <NUM> of housing <NUM> and reservoir <NUM> along side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, electrical connector <NUM> is biased toward the retracted position by a biasing member <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, biasing member <NUM> includes a torsion spring; however, any suitable biasing member <NUM> may be used as desired, such as, for example, one or more compression springs, extension springs, leaf springs or a material having resilient properties.

In the embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> includes a printed circuit board <NUM> having electrical contacts <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> positioned thereon. Printed circuit board <NUM> may be attached by a suitable fastener or adhesive as desired. Electrical contacts <NUM> are positioned on a face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, in the retracted position of electrical connector <NUM> shown in <FIG>, face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> faces downward, toward bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>, and inward, toward side <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In addition to facing downward and inward, in the embodiment illustrated, face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> also faces rearward, toward rear <NUM> of housing <NUM>, when electrical connector is in its retracted position due to the angle of pivot axis <NUM>. In the operative position of electrical connector <NUM> shown in <FIG>, face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> faces downward, toward bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>, such as, for example, primarily downward. In addition to facing downward, in the embodiment illustrated, face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> also faces rearward, toward rear <NUM> of housing <NUM>, due to the angle of pivot axis <NUM> and slightly outward, away from side <NUM> of housing <NUM>, when electrical connector is in its operative position. Electrical contacts <NUM> are positioned along a distal end 131b of electrical connector <NUM> relative to side <NUM> of housing <NUM> and reservoir <NUM> along side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>, which also forms a free end of electrical connector <NUM> relative to pivot axis <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated, when electrical connector <NUM> is in its operative position.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, when electrical connector <NUM> moves from its retracted position to its operative position, electrical connector <NUM> pivots upward relative to housing <NUM> about pivot axis <NUM> with face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> swinging upward and outward, away from side <NUM>, about pivot axis <NUM>. This movement is reversed when electrical connector <NUM> moves from its operative position to its retracted position wherein electrical connector <NUM> pivots downward relative to housing <NUM> about pivot axis <NUM> with face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> swinging downward and inward, toward side <NUM>, about pivot axis <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, when electrical connector <NUM> is in its operative position with face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> facing downward, electrical contacts <NUM> are exposed from housing <NUM> and unobstructed from below permitting corresponding electrical contacts in image forming device <NUM> to contact and mate with electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> from below. In this embodiment, when electrical connector <NUM> is in its retracted position with printed circuit board <NUM> swung downward and inward, toward side <NUM>, electrical contacts <NUM> are partially hidden from view in order to help protect electrical contacts <NUM> and printed circuit board <NUM> from contamination, electrostatic discharge and physical damage.

Electrical connector <NUM> includes an actuation member <NUM> that is positioned to receive a force to overcome the bias applied to electrical connector <NUM> by biasing member <NUM> in order to move electrical connector <NUM> from its retracted position to its operative position. In the embodiment illustrated, actuation member <NUM> includes a cam surface <NUM> along distal end 131b of electrical connector <NUM> that extends forward, toward front <NUM> of housing <NUM>, from a front end 131c of electrical connector <NUM> that is proximate to front <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Cam surface <NUM> includes a bottom portion 144a that faces downward, toward bottom <NUM> of housing <NUM>, when electrical connector <NUM> is in its operative position and an outer side portion 144b that faces outward, away from side <NUM> of housing <NUM>, when electrical connector <NUM> is in its operative position. In the embodiment illustrated, bottom portion 144a of cam surface <NUM> angles upward relative to face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM>, away from face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM>, in a direction from rear <NUM> to front <NUM> of housing <NUM> and outer side portion 144b of cam surface <NUM> angles inward, toward pivot axis <NUM>, in a direction from rear <NUM> to front <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

While the example embodiment illustrated includes electrical contacts <NUM> positioned on printed circuit board <NUM> having processing circuitry <NUM>, in other embodiments, printed circuit board <NUM> having processing circuitry <NUM> is positioned elsewhere on housing <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> are disposed on electrical connector <NUM> in the positions illustrated and are connected to processing circuitry <NUM> by suitable traces, wires or the like.

<FIG> show electrical connector <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> in greater detail. In this embodiment, frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> includes a side wall <NUM> on side <NUM> of housing <NUM>, a side wall <NUM> on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> on rear <NUM> of housing <NUM> (<FIG>). In this embodiment, electrical connector <NUM> includes a printed circuit board <NUM> positioned on a mount <NUM> on side wall <NUM> of frame <NUM>. Printed circuit board <NUM> may be attached by a suitable fastener or adhesive as desired. Processing circuitry <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> is positioned on printed circuit board <NUM>. Mount <NUM> includes a bottom surface <NUM> and a front wall <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> that extend upward from bottom surface <NUM> and along side-to-side dimension <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, printed circuit board <NUM> is positioned on bottom surface <NUM> of mount <NUM> between front wall <NUM> and rear wall <NUM> of mount <NUM>. In this embodiment, electrical contacts <NUM> are positioned on a top face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> such that electrical contacts <NUM> face upward, toward top <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Printed circuit board <NUM> and mount <NUM> are positioned adjacent to an opening <NUM> that extends through side wall <NUM> of frame <NUM> at an outer side of mount <NUM> and that permits corresponding electrical contacts in image forming device <NUM> to access and mate with electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> from side <NUM> of housing <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> and side <NUM> of housing <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> as discussed in greater detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated, front wall <NUM> of mount <NUM> includes an actuation member such as a cam surface <NUM> on a top edge of front wall <NUM> that contacts cam surface <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> when toner cartridge <NUM> is installed on frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> in order to move electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> from its retracted position to its operative position as discussed in greater detail below. In this embodiment, cam surface <NUM> angles upward in a direction from side <NUM> to side <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, an upstop <NUM> is spaced above cam surface <NUM> along a top edge of opening <NUM>. Upstop <NUM> is positioned to limit the travel of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> from its retracted position to its operative position as discussed in greater detail below.

While the example embodiment illustrated includes electrical contacts <NUM> positioned on printed circuit board <NUM> having processing circuitry <NUM>, in other embodiments, printed circuit board <NUM> having processing circuitry <NUM> is positioned elsewhere on housing <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> are disposed on electrical connector <NUM>, e.g., on mount <NUM>, in the positions illustrated and are connected to processing circuitry <NUM> by suitable traces, wires or the like.

<FIG> are sequential views that show the actuation of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> from its retracted position to its operative position during the installation of toner cartridge <NUM> onto frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. In the example embodiment illustrated, engagement between alignment guides <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and guide rails <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> controls the positioning of toner cartridge <NUM> relative to imaging unit <NUM> during installation of toner cartridge <NUM> onto frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. In this embodiment, toner cartridge <NUM> pivots counterclockwise as viewed in <FIG> about a pivot axis that runs from alignment guide <NUM> on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> to alignment guide <NUM> on side <NUM> of housing <NUM> during installation of toner cartridge <NUM> onto frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows toner cartridge <NUM> as it lowers into frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> with electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> in its retracted position as cam surface <NUM> of actuation member <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> begins to contact cam surface <NUM> on front wall <NUM> of mount <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. The contact between cam surface <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> and cam surface <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> as toner cartridge <NUM> lowers into frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> overcomes the bias force applied to electrical connector <NUM> by biasing member <NUM> and causes electrical connector <NUM> to swing (out of the page as viewed in <FIG>) about pivot axis <NUM> from its retracted position toward its operative position. As toner cartridge <NUM> continues to lower into frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>, cam surface <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> travels up the angled portion of cam surface <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> causing electrical connector <NUM> to continue to pivot about pivot axis <NUM> from its retracted position toward its operative position. <FIG> shows electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> in an intermediate position between the retracted position and the operative position as toner cartridge <NUM> lowers into frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. When toner cartridge <NUM> reaches its final, installed position relative to imaging unit <NUM>, contact between cam surface <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> and cam surface <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> holds electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> in its operative position with electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> facing downward.

<FIG> shows toner cartridge <NUM> fully installed on frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> with electrical connector <NUM> in its operative position. When toner cartridge <NUM> is in its final position relative to imaging unit <NUM>, electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> are exposed to an exterior of imaging unit <NUM> through opening <NUM> in side wall <NUM> of frame <NUM> permitting an electrical connector in image forming device <NUM> to enter opening <NUM> and mate with electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> when toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are installed in image forming device <NUM>. In this embodiment, when toner cartridge <NUM> is in its final position relative to imaging unit <NUM> with electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> in its operative position, electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> face downward and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> face upward such that electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> face each other in a spaced relationship with a vertical gap <NUM> positioned between electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows toner cartridge <NUM> installed on imaging unit <NUM> with toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> installed in image forming device <NUM> and an electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> positioned in a disengaged position relative to toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>. A frame of image forming device <NUM> that electrical connector <NUM> is mounted to and extends from is omitted in order to more clearly illustrate the positional relationship between electrical connector <NUM> and toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>. In this embodiment, electrical connector <NUM> is spaced outward sideways away from sides <NUM>, <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> is in the disengaged position. Electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> includes electrical contacts <NUM> on a top portion thereof and electrical contacts <NUM> on a bottom portion thereof. Electrical contacts <NUM> are positioned to contact electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> to facilitate communications link <NUM> between controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> moves from the disengaged position to an engaged position after toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are installed in image forming device <NUM>. Similarly, electrical contacts <NUM> are positioned to contact electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> to facilitate communications link <NUM> between controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> and processing circuitry <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position after toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are installed in image forming device <NUM>. In one embodiment, electrical connector <NUM> is operatively connected to an access door of image forming device that permits user access to toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> within image forming device <NUM> such that the closing of the access door moves electrical connector <NUM> from its disengaged position to its engaged position and the opening of the access door moves electrical connector <NUM> from its engaged position to its disengaged position. In other embodiments, a motor, solenoid or the like of the image forming device <NUM> selectively moves electrical connector <NUM> between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

<FIG> shows toner cartridge <NUM> installed on imaging unit <NUM> with toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> installed in image forming device <NUM> and electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> positioned in an engaged position relative to toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>. Once again, the frame of image forming device <NUM> that electrical connector <NUM> is mounted to is omitted for clarity. After toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> are mated with each other and installed in image forming device <NUM>, electrical connector <NUM> moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. In the embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> translates along side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM> toward toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position. As electrical connector <NUM> advances toward toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>, electrical connector <NUM> passes through opening <NUM> of frame <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> and enters vertical gap <NUM> between electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> are configured to spring outward (clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, as viewed in <FIG>) into contact with electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>, respectively, as electrical connector <NUM> reaches the engaged position. Electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> are also deflectable and sized to have an interference fit with electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>, respectively, when electrical connector <NUM> reaches the engaged position in order to maintain consistent, reliable electrical contact between electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows electrical connector <NUM> in the engaged position passing through opening <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> with electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> in contact with electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> and electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, the upward force applied to electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> by electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> pushes an upper surface of electrical connector <NUM> against upstop <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> in order to limit the upward movement of electrical connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, the upward force applied to electrical contacts <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> by electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> is equal and opposite to the downward force applied to electrical contacts <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> by electrical contacts <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM>. Contact between upstop <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> and the upper surface of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> results in a downward reaction force on the upper surface of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> that aids in keeping most of the force from electrical connector <NUM> on imaging unit <NUM>, which is firmly positioned in image forming device <NUM> after installation, instead of on toner cartridge <NUM>. If, instead, upstop <NUM> of imaging unit <NUM> was omitted, the upward force on electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> could tend to lift toner cartridge <NUM> upward relative to imaging unit <NUM>, in turn, reducing the nip force between developer roll <NUM> and photoconductive drum <NUM>, which could cause print defects.

When electrical connector <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, such as upon the opening of the access door of image forming device <NUM>, the motion of electrical connector <NUM> is reversed such that electrical connector <NUM> passes out of opening <NUM> and moves away from toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM>, returning to the position shown in <FIG>. In the embodiment illustrated, electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM> return inward (counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, as viewed in <FIG>) as electrical connector <NUM> moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> also includes a magnetic sensor <NUM> positioned on printed circuit board <NUM> for detecting one or more magnets movably positioned in reservoir <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM>. Magnetic sensor <NUM> may be any suitable device capable of detecting the presence or absence of a magnetic field. For example, magnetic sensor <NUM> may be a Hall-effect sensor, which is a transducer that varies its electrical output in response to a magnetic field. In the embodiment illustrated, magnetic sensor <NUM> is positioned on a face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> that is opposite face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> that includes electrical contacts <NUM>. In this embodiment, magnetic sensor <NUM> is positioned along proximal end 131a of electrical connector <NUM>, proximate to reservoir <NUM>, e.g., in line with pivot axis <NUM> of electrical connector <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated, magnetic sensor <NUM> is positioned orthogonal to face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM> so that a sensing axis <NUM> of magnetic sensor <NUM> is oriented parallel to face <NUM> of printed circuit board <NUM>. In this orientation, sensing axis <NUM> of magnetic sensor <NUM> is generally parallel to side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> is in the operative position. In the embodiment illustrated, magnetic sensor <NUM> is electrically connected, e.g., via one or more traces on printed circuit board <NUM>, to one of the electrical contacts <NUM> on printed circuit board <NUM> for transmitting an output of magnetic sensor <NUM> to controller <NUM> of image forming device <NUM> via communications link <NUM>.

<FIG> show toner cartridge <NUM> with a portion of front <NUM> of housing <NUM> omitted and with side wall <NUM> omitted in order to show the positional relationship between magnetic sensor <NUM> and various features in reservoir <NUM> according to one example embodiment. <FIG> shows electrical connector <NUM> in the operative position and <FIG> shows electrical connector <NUM> in the retracted position. In the example embodiment illustrated, toner cartridge <NUM> includes a toner agitator assembly <NUM> rotatably mounted in reservoir <NUM>. Toner agitator assembly <NUM> includes a drive shaft <NUM> rotatably positioned in reservoir <NUM> that extends through aligned openings in side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Drive shaft <NUM> is operatively connected to drive gear <NUM> to receive rotational force from drive gear <NUM>. For example, a drive gear that mates (directly or indirectly by one or more intermediate gears) with drive gear <NUM> may be provided on an end of drive shaft <NUM>.

Toner agitator assembly <NUM> includes one or more toner agitators <NUM> that extend outward from drive shaft <NUM> for mixing toner in reservoir <NUM> and for moving toner toward the toner adder roll of toner cartridge <NUM>. Toner agitators <NUM> may take many different shapes and configurations depending on the architecture of toner cartridge <NUM> including, such as, for example, any suitable combination of one or more paddles, augers, rakes, combs, scoops, plows, arms, extensions, prongs, flaps, mixers, conveyors, screws, etc..

In the embodiment illustrated, toner agitator assembly <NUM> includes at least one permanent magnet <NUM> that moves within reservoir <NUM> in response to the rotation of drive shaft <NUM> and toner agitator assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the movement of magnet(s) <NUM> during rotation of drive shaft <NUM> as sensed by magnetic sensor <NUM> provides an indication of the amount of toner present in reservoir <NUM>. For example, magnet(s) may be positioned in one of the orientations described in <CIT>, entitled "Replaceable Unit for an Image Forming Device Having a Falling Paddle for Toner Level Sensing," <CIT>, entitled "Replaceable Unit for an Image Forming Device Having Magnets of Varying Angular Offset for Toner Level Sensing," or <CIT>, entitled "Replaceable Unit for an Image Forming Device Having Magnets of Varying Angular Offset for Toner Level Sensing," all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application. In other embodiments, magnet(s) <NUM> may provide an indication of one or more characteristics of toner cartridge <NUM>, such as, for example, toner cartridge type, toner color, toner capacity, geographic region of manufacture or use, etc. In the embodiment illustrated, magnet(s) <NUM> are positioned at an axial end of reservoir <NUM> proximate to side wall <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> is in the operative position, sensing axis <NUM> of magnetic sensor <NUM> is generally parallel to side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM> and to drive shaft <NUM> such that magnetic sensor <NUM> is oriented to detect the magnetic field(s) of magnet(s) <NUM> through side wall <NUM> as magnet(s) <NUM> pass magnetic sensor <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> is in the retracted position, magnetic sensor <NUM> is angled upward relative to side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM> and to drive shaft <NUM>. As a result, in some embodiments, magnetic sensor <NUM> is out of alignment with magnet(s) <NUM> when electrical connector <NUM> is in the retracted position and may not sense magnet(s) <NUM> as magnet(s) <NUM> pass magnetic sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated, the movement of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> from the retracted position to the operative position upon the installation of toner cartridge <NUM> on imaging unit <NUM> moves magnetic sensor <NUM> from a misaligned position relative to magnet(s) <NUM> to an aligned position relative to magnet(s) <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the configuration of electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> including the motion of electrical connector <NUM> between the retracted position and the operative position is not limited to the example embodiment illustrated. For example, the embodiment illustrated includes an electrical connector <NUM> that pivots between the retracted position and the operative position about a fixed pivot axis <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the location of the pivot axis of the electrical connector of the toner cartridge moves relative to the housing of the toner cartridge as the electrical connector of the toner cartridge pivots between the retracted position and the operative position.

Further, the embodiment illustrated includes a rigid electrical connector <NUM> including electrical contacts <NUM> positioned on a rigid printed circuit board <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector of the toner cartridge are flexible relative to the housing of the toner cartridge permitting the electrical contacts to flex between the retracted position and the operative position. For example, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector of the toner cartridge may be formed on a flexible printed circuit board or the electrical contacts may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board mounted elsewhere on the housing of the toner cartridge and positioned on or connected to a flexible substrate other than the printed circuit board.

Further, while the embodiment illustrated includes an electrical connector <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> that pivots between the retracted position and the operative position, it will be appreciated that the electrical connector of the toner cartridge may move in other manners relative to the housing of the toner cartridge between the retracted position and the operative position, such as, for example, translating between the retracted position and the operative position. For example, <FIG> shows a toner cartridge <NUM> having an electrical connector <NUM> positioned on a side <NUM> of a housing <NUM>. Electrical connector <NUM> translates outward sideways (away from side <NUM>) as electrical connector <NUM> travels from the retracted position to the operative position and inward sideways (toward side <NUM>) as electrical connector <NUM> travels from the operative position to the retracted position. In the embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> translates parallel to a side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, electrical connector <NUM> translates at an angle to side-to-side dimension <NUM> of housing <NUM>, e.g., upward, downward, rearward and/or frontward. In the example embodiment illustrated, the movement of electrical connector <NUM> between the retracted position and the operative position is controlled by engagement between a post <NUM> extending from electrical connector <NUM> and an elongated slot <NUM> on housing <NUM>. However, this configuration may be reversed or other configurations may be used as desired. In the example embodiment illustrated, electrical connector <NUM> includes an actuation member <NUM> having a cam surface <NUM> that contacts a corresponding actuation member on the imaging unit during the installation of toner cartridge <NUM> onto the imaging unit to move electrical connector <NUM> from the retracted position to the operative position.

It will also be appreciated that imaging unit <NUM> may include one or more actuation or cam features modified relative to cam surface <NUM> of the example embodiment illustrated as desired in order to actuate the electrical connector of the toner cartridge from the retracted position to the operative position during installation of the toner cartridge onto the imaging unit. Alternatively, the electrical connector of the toner cartridge may be actuated by other means, such as, for example, by a linkage actuated by the opening and closing of the access door of the image forming device or by a user-actuated mechanism.

While the example embodiment illustrated includes a magnetic sensor <NUM> positioned on an electrical connector <NUM> that moves between a retracted position and an operative position, in other embodiments including a magnetic sensor, either or both of magnetic sensor <NUM> and electrical contact(s) <NUM> may be fixedly positioned on housing <NUM> of toner cartridge <NUM> as desired.

While the example embodiment illustrated includes toner cartridge <NUM> having a movable electrical connector <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> having an actuation member that moves electrical connector <NUM> from its retracted position to its operative position during installation of toner cartridge <NUM> onto imaging unit <NUM>, this configuration may be reversed as desired such that the imaging unit includes a movable electrical connector and the toner cartridge includes an actuation member that moves the electrical connector from a retracted position to an operative position during mating of the toner cartridge with the imaging unit.

Although the example embodiment discussed above includes a pair of replaceable units in the form of a toner cartridge <NUM> that includes the main toner supply for the image forming device and the developer unit and an imaging unit <NUM> that includes the photoconductor unit for each toner color, it will be appreciated that the replaceable unit(s) of the image forming device may employ any suitable configuration as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the main toner supply for the image forming device is provided in a first replaceable unit and the developer unit and photoconductor unit are provided in a second replaceable unit. In another embodiment, the main toner supply for the image forming device, the developer unit and the photoconductor unit are provided in a single replaceable unit. Other configurations may be used as desired.

Further, it will be appreciated that the architecture and shape of toner cartridge <NUM> and imaging unit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is merely intended to serve as an example. Those skilled in the art understand that toner cartridges, and other toner containers, may take many different shapes and configurations.

Claim 1:
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having, upon insertion of the replaceable unit in an image forming device (<NUM>), a top (<NUM>), a bottom (<NUM>), a front (<NUM>) and a rear (<NUM>) positioned between a first side (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), wherein the front (<NUM>) leads during insertion and the rear (<NUM>) trails; the housing (<NUM>) has a reservoir (<NUM>) for holding toner; and
an electrical connector (<NUM>) on the first side (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), the electrical connector (<NUM>) includes an electrical contact (<NUM>) for contacting a corresponding electrical contact (<NUM>) in the image forming device (<NUM>), the electrical contact (<NUM>) of the replaceable unit is electrically connected to processing circuitry (<NUM>) mounted on the replaceable unit, the electrical connector (<NUM>) is movable between a first position and a second position, the electrical contact (<NUM>) of the replaceable unit moves outward from the first side (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) along a side-to-side dimension of the housing (<NUM>) when the electrical connector (<NUM>) moves from the first position to the second position such that the electrical contact (<NUM>) of the replaceable unit is positioned further outward along the side-to-side dimension of the housing (<NUM>) when the electrical connector (<NUM>) is in the second position than when the electrical connector (<NUM>) is in the first position, the electrical contact (<NUM>) of the replaceable unit faces downward and is unobstructed from below when the electrical connector (<NUM>) is in the second position permitting the corresponding electrical contact (<NUM>) in the image forming device (<NUM>) to contact the electrical contact (<NUM>) of the replaceable unit from below.