摘要:
A versatile flexible interconnect circuit for use with an inkjet printer. The inventive flexible interconnect circuit comprises a unitary flexible substrate having a first end and a second end. A first plurality of contacts is arranged on the first end of the substrate in a first configuration. A first plurality of conductive traces connects the first plurality of contacts to a second plurality of contacts disposed on the second end of the substrate. A third plurality of contacts is arranged on the first end of the substrate in a second configuration. A second plurality of conductive traces connects the third plurality of contacts to a fourth plurality of contacts disposed on the second end of the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the first plurality of contacts includes plural electrical ground contacts and the first plurality of conductive traces includes a conductive trace which connects the electrical ground contacts. The inventive flex circuit allows for the use of pens with different contact configurations in a single inkjet printer.
摘要:
An improved interconnect system for an inkjet printer. The inventive interconnect system includes first and second unitary flexible circuits having first and second sets of contacts, respectively, for providing first and second electrical interconnections, respectively. The first and second flexible circuits are aligned and retained so that contacts thereon engage corresponding contacts disposed on a rigid support. In a specific implementation, the first flexible circuit is aligned by a first set of pins arranged along a first axis and the flexible circuit is aligned by a second set of pins arranged along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. This arrangement allows for the alignment and mounting of two flexible circuits on a single printer carriage without a substantial increase in the width thereof. The first flexible circuit may be used to connect the inkjet pens to the electronic drive circuit and the second flexible circuit may be used to connect a paper sensor or other device to the electronic circuit.
摘要:
An apparatus and method for providing proper electrical contact between corresponding interconnect pads of a print cartridge and a print carriage are disclosed. One end of a flex circuit having interconnect pads of the print carriage is attached to one side of the print carriage while the other end of the flex circuit may be substantially free or attached to an opposing side of the print carriage. When the print cartridge is initially inserted into the print carriage, a gimbal spring causes the flex circuit interconnect pads to preliminarily come in contact with the print cartridge interconnect pads before the print cartridge is completely inserted. As the print cartridge is further inserted, the print cartridge pushes out any excess slack in the flex circuit while providing a wiping action between the interconnect pads of the print cartridge and the flex circuit. This wiping action between the interconnect pads scrapes away any contaminants and corrosion, thus ensuring reliable electrical contact.
摘要:
An improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit which includes: a flexible first layer; at least one protrusion on the flexible first layer that has an electrical contact; a second layer having at least one electrical contact; and a spring apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and to the second layer for pressing the electrical contact on a protrusion on the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer to electrically connect the electrical contact on the protrusion to the electrical contact on the second layer. In a specific embodiment the spring apparatus for pressing the electrical contact on the protrusion of the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer includes relief for allowing the flexible first layer to deform during assembly of the improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit. In an alternate specific embodiment the electrical contacts on the protrusions on the flexible first layer and the corresponding electrical contacts on the second layer are coated with gold. In another alternate specific embodiment the improved electrical interconnect system includes an alignment apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and the second layer and the spring apparatus for aligning the flexible first layer with the second layer and the spring apparatus. The improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit provides higher interconnect density, reduced cost and increased reliability compared to conventional interconnect systems.
摘要:
An improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit which includes: a flexible first layer; at least one protrusion on the flexible first layer that has an electrical contact; a second layer having at least one electrical contact; and a spring apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and to the second layer for pressing the electrical contact on the protrusion on the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer to electrically connect the electrical contact on the protrusion to the electrical contact on the second layer. In a specific embodiment the spring apparatus for pressing the electrical contact on the protrusion of the flexible first layer to the electrical contact on the second layer includes relief for allowing the flexible first layer to deform during assembly of the improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit. In an alternate specific embodiment the electrical contacts on the protrusions on the flexible first layer and the corresponding electrical contacts on the second layer are coated with gold. In another alternate specific embodiment the improved electrical interconnect system includes an alignment apparatus coupled to the flexible first layer and the second layer and the spring apparatus for aligning the flexible first layer with the second layer and the spring apparatus. The improved electrical interconnect system for a flexible circuit provides higher interconnect density, reduced cost and increased reliability compared to conventional interconnect systems.
摘要:
The contact pads of a print cartridge are formed on a flexible tape. Each of the uniformly spaced contact pads is preferably a square separated from an adjacent square by a minimum distance to provide each contact pad with a maximum area. Conductive traces run along the flexible tape and between the contact pads to allow for a minimum separation between contact pads, thus allowing the contact pads to be made relatively large. This improves the reliability of the interconnection between the pads and the printer electrodes.
摘要:
An apparatus and method for providing proper electrical contact between corresponding interconnect pads of a print cartridge and a print carriage are disclosed. A flexible insulating tape with interconnect pads is supported by an elastomeric compensator that has columns with hemispherical domes on the side of the elastomeric compensator facing the tape and a flat surface on the other side. The flat surface of the elastomeric compensator is supported by a gimbal plate which, in turn, is supported by a spring.
摘要:
An inkjet carriage that receives a print cartridge, the inkjet carriage includes a holding receptacle having a wall, wherein the holding receptacle is configured to receive the print cartridge; and a spring disposed on the wall of the holding receptacle to provide a biasing force in a direction that pushes the print cartridge away from the wall of the inkjet carriage and which biasing force must be manually overcome in order to properly install the print cartridge in the holding receptacle of the inkjet carriage.