FIELD: image forming devices.
SUBSTANCE: present disclosure relates generally to imaging devices, and more specifically to a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a retractable electrical connector. Disclosed group of inventions includes versions of toner cartridges for use in electrophotographic image forming device. Toner cartridge comprises: a housing having an upper side, a lower side, a front side and a rear side located between the first lateral side and the second lateral side of the housing, wherein the housing has a toner storage container; an outlet in fluid communication with the container and facing downwards on the front of the toner cartridge housing from the toner cartridge; electric connector on first lateral side of housing, made with possibility of movement between retracted position and working position, wherein the electrical connector includes an electrical contact for coming into contact with the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device when the electrical connector is in the operating position, wherein electric connector and electric contact of toner cartridge move upwards to upper side of housing, when electric connector moves from retracted position into working position, electric connector and electric contact of the toner cartridge are moved downwards to the lower side of the housing when the electrical connector moves from the operating position to the retracted position, wherein the electrical contact of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to the processing circuits mounted on the housing, wherein the electrical contact of the toner cartridge is located within the pocket of the electrical connector, wherein the pocket includes an opening which faces upward when the electrical connector is in the operating position, allowing the corresponding electrical contact in the image forming device to enter the pocket from above.
EFFECT: providing accurate alignment of electrical contacts of replaceable unit with corresponding electrical contacts of image forming device, as well as protection of electrical contacts of replaceable unit and electric contacts of image forming device from damage during insertion of replaceable unit into image forming device and removal from device, and during service life of image forming device.
18 cl, 12 dwg
