Wiping structure for cleaning electrical contacts for a printer and ink cartridge
US5598194A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J25/34
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.