EP3415327A1 - Chip module and printer cartridge with chip module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a printer cartridge having a reservoir (4) for storing printing medium, comprising a chip module (6) having a printed circuit board (8) and a data memory (10) for storing information, with an energy store (12) to the energy supply of the data memory (10) is set up. The energy store (12) is attached to a contact strip (14) and the contact strip (14) is connected to the board for powering the data memory (10).

Description

The invention relates to a chip module, with a circuit board, which is set up in particular for receiving a data memory for storing information, and with an energy store, which is set up to supply energy to the data memory. Furthermore, the invention relates to a printer cartridge with such a chip module.

A printer cartridge for a laser printer or an inkjet printer is usually equipped with a chip module that communicates with the printer during operation. On the chip module data are stored and read in a data memory. For example, the memories are Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) such as FERAM (Ferro Electric Random Access Memory).

FERAM chips are characterized by high write performance, low power consumption and fast write access. However, FERAM chips are only limited available and high priced.

The use of FERAM chips in printer cartridges also has the disadvantage that a printer designed for the use of FERAM chips may not be suitable for the use of conventional non-volatile data memories, such as flash memories or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is suitable. Thus, flash memory and EEPROM are available in large quantities and inexpensive to procure. However, flash memory and EEPROM have lower write power and higher power consumption compared to FERAM chips. When used with a printer designed to use FERAM chips, the use of flash-memory or EEPROM printer cartridges may result in incomplete read and / or write access through the printer, as the printer does not maintain its power supply long enough to power the memory chip , This may result in a printer cartridge that is functional in itself being recognized as defective by the printer and can not be used as intended.

For this purpose, it is known to provide memory chips with a self-sufficient by the printer power supply to ensure the energy supply of compared to FERAM chips carrier storage for the duration of the entire read and / or write access of a printer, so that a complete exchange of data takes place.

For example, it is known to mount a battery with a metal clip or the like on a board of a chip module of a printer cartridge. However, it is disadvantageous that the size of the board is increased so that an insertion of the print cartridge in a printer may no longer be possible. In addition, such a clamp connection by a metal clip is susceptible to interruptions of the contact, so that the power supply can not be reliably guaranteed.

Based on the above-described prior art, the invention is based on the technical problem to provide a chip module and a printer cartridge, which the disadvantages described above do not or at least to a lesser extent and in particular allow a reliable power supply of memory chips of different power classes.

The technical problem described above is achieved by a chip module according to claim 1 and a printer cartridge according to claim 14. Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a chip module, with a circuit board, which is set up in particular for receiving a data memory for storing information, and with an energy store, which is set up to supply energy to the data memory. The energy store is attached to a contact band and the contact band for powering the data memory is connected to the board. In this way, a reliable power supply of a data storage can be ensured without the space of the board is increased in itself. For example, the energy store may be arranged at a distance from the board.

According to a further embodiment of the chip module is provided that the contact strip is a flexible board, wherein the flexible board has a substrate, wherein the substrate carries conductor tracks, wherein the conductor tracks have contacts, wherein by means of the conductor tracks and the contacts an electrically conductive connection between the Energy storage and the board is formed. Thus, a cost-producing contact band can be specified with low weight. Here, the substrate may be made of a lightweight, durable and flexible material, in the example metallic interconnects and contacts are embedded at least in sections.

The board, which is particularly adapted to receive a data memory for storing information, may be a rigid board.

It can be provided that the contact strip is a flexible board, wherein the flexible board has a substrate, wherein the substrate carries conductor tracks, wherein the conductor tracks have contacts, wherein the substrate comprises a plastic. Thus, a cost-producing contact band can be specified with low weight. The substrate may consist of a plastic according to further embodiments of the printer cartridge. The substrate may for example comprise a polyimide or consist of a polyimide.

The contact strip may have printed conductors and / or contacts which comprise copper or a copper alloy or consist of copper or a copper alloy.

According to a further embodiment of the chip module is provided that the contact strip has a connecting portion which is extended between the board and the energy storage, wherein the connecting portion has a measured transversely to a width of the contact strip thickness of less than 1 mm. Thus, a flexible, in particular reversibly flexible contact band can be specified, which allows a flexible arrangement of the energy storage relative to the board. It may be provided that the thickness of the connecting portion measured transversely to the width of the contact band is less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.25 mm. So can a power supply over the connection section also along narrow gaps are formed in the assembled state between the printer cartridge and the printer.

The connecting portion may be a tab at the end or the end portion of which a contact for connection of the contact band to the circuit board is provided. The contact band may have a smaller width in the region of the tab than in a region adjacent thereto in which the energy store is received or fastened. Thus, a compact design of the contact strip can be achieved.

The energy store may have one or more batteries. For example, a single battery may be provided for powering the data memory.

Alternatively, two or more batteries may be provided which are connected in parallel or in series for powering the memory.

Alternatively or additionally, the energy store may have one or more capacitors. For example, a single capacitor may be provided for powering the data memory. Alternatively, two or more capacitors may be provided, which are connected in parallel or in series for the energy supply of the memory.

The energy storage can be materially connected to the contact band. This can be a reliable contact in terms of an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage and the contact band are specified. This may be, for example, an adhesive connection, a welding or soldering or the like. In particular, it can be provided that the connection can not be detached non-destructively.

It may be provided a solder connection between the energy storage and the contact strip. For this purpose, by way of example, solder balls can be applied to contacts of a battery and / or to contacts of the contact strip by machine. An energy input for forming the solder joint may e.g. done by means of hot air.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, a capacitor using solder paste with the contact strip are electrically connected.

Alternatively or additionally, a solder connection between the contact strip and the circuit board can be provided. Such a solder joint may e.g. done by the use of solder balls and / or solder paste. By a solder joint, a cost-effective and reliable electrical connection between the respective components can be provided.

According to a further embodiment, the chip module has a data memory for storing information, wherein the data memory is a non-volatile data memory, such as a flash memory, an EEPROM or the like. Due to the energy storage and cost, relatively sluggish memory can be used reliably.

The data memory may be an MRAM (MRAM: Magneto Resistive RAM) or a PCRAM (Phase Change RAM). The data memory can be a FERAM (Ferro Electric Random Access Memory). Thus, even powerful memory can be reliably operated, for example, if there is a fault in a power supply, for example if the chip module is used in a printer cartridge of a printer.

The contact band may have a first end which is folded over and encloses the energy store on two sides.

The first end may have facing contact surfaces configured to contact opposite poles of a button cell.

The energy storage device may be a button cell, which is bordered on two sides by the folded first end of the contact strip, wherein mutually facing contact surfaces of the contact strip contact mutually opposite poles of the button cell in order to supply the data storage with energy.

Between the mutually remote poles of the button cell and the facing contact surfaces of the contact strip may be provided in each case a solder joint, in particular by using solder balls.

The contact band may have a second end connected to the board to electrically connect the contact band to the board. This is an electrically conductive connection between the board and the contact strip.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a printer cartridge with a reservoir for storing printing medium and with a chip module according to the invention. In this way, a reliable power supply of a data storage can be ensured without the space of the board is increased in itself. For example, the energy store may be arranged at a distance from the board.

In particular, the invention relates to a printer cartridge, with a reservoir for storing pressure medium, with a Chip module, which has a circuit board and a data memory for storing information, with an energy storage, which is set up to supply power to the data memory. The energy store is attached to a contact band and the contact band is connected to the power supply of the data memory to the board. In this way, a reliable power supply of the data storage can be ensured without the space of the board is increased in itself. For example, the energy store may be arranged at a distance from the chip module.

The printer cartridge may e.g. be adapted to each provided in a compatible printer for the print cartridge space in which the energy storage is integrated into the print cartridge so that the envelope of the print cartridge of the envelope of a printer cartridge without additional, self-sufficient energy supply corresponds. In other words, the energy store can be integrated into the printer cartridge such that the dimensions of the printer cartridge correspond to the dimensions of a printer cartridge compatible with the printer, which does not have any additional energy stores.

The printer cartridge may be a cartridge for an inkjet printer. The printer cartridge may be a cartridge for a laser printer.

According to a further embodiment of the printer cartridge is provided that the contact strip is a flexible board, wherein the flexible board has a substrate, wherein the substrate carries conductor tracks, wherein the conductor tracks have contacts, wherein by means of the conductor tracks and the contacts an electrically conductive connection between the Energy storage and the board is formed. Thus, an easily constructing and inexpensive to produce contact band can be specified. Here can the substrate be made of a lightweight, durable and flexible material, in which, for example, metallic interconnects and contacts are embedded at least in sections.

It can be provided that the contact strip is a flexible board, wherein the flexible board has a substrate, wherein the substrate carries conductor tracks, wherein the conductor tracks have contacts, wherein the substrate comprises a plastic. Thus, an easily constructing and inexpensive to produce contact band can be specified. The substrate may consist of a plastic according to further embodiments of the printer cartridge. The substrate may for example comprise a polyimide or consist of a polyimide.

The contact strip may have printed conductors and / or contacts which comprise copper or a copper alloy or consist of copper or a copper alloy.

According to a further embodiment of the printer cartridge is provided that the contact strip has a connecting portion which is extended between the board and the energy storage, wherein the connecting portion has a measured transversely to a width of the contact strip thickness of less than 1 mm. Thus, a flexible, in particular reversibly flexible contact band can be specified, which allows a flexible arrangement of the energy storage relative to the board. It may be provided that the thickness of the connecting portion measured transversely to the width of the contact band is less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.25 mm. Thus, a power supply via the connecting portion can also be guided along narrow gaps that are formed in the finished assembled state between the printer cartridge and the printer.

The connecting portion may be a tab at the end or the end portion of a contact for connection of the contact strip is provided with the board. The contact band can have a small width in the region of the tab than in a region adjacent thereto, in which the energy store is received or fastened. Thus, a compact design of the contact strip can be achieved.

The energy store may have one or more batteries. For example, a single battery may be provided for powering the data memory. Alternatively, two or more batteries may be provided which are connected in parallel or in series for powering the memory.

Alternatively or additionally, the energy store may have one or more capacitors. For example, a single capacitor may be provided for powering the data memory. Alternatively, two or more capacitors may be provided, which are connected in parallel or in series for the energy supply of the memory.

The energy storage can be materially connected to the contact band. This can be a reliable contact in terms of an electrically conductive connection between the energy storage and the contact band are specified. This may be e.g. to act an adhesive bond, a welding or soldering or the like. In particular, it can be provided that the connection can not be detached non-destructively.

It may be provided a solder connection between the energy storage and the contact strip. For this example, by machine solder balls on contacts of a battery and / or on Contacts of the contact band are applied. An energy input for forming the solder joint can be done eg by means of hot air. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, for example, a capacitor can be electrically conductively connected to the contact strip by means of soldering paste.

Alternatively or additionally, a solder connection between the contact strip and the chip module can be provided. Such a solder joint may e.g. done by the use of solder balls and / or solder paste.

By a solder joint, a cost-effective and reliable electrical connection between the respective components can be provided.

The printer cartridge may have a housing, wherein the housing has an interior space and wherein the energy store is integrated in the interior of the housing. In this way, a compact integration of the energy storage can be done in the printer cartridge.

The chip module may have an interface for exchanging data with a printer, wherein the interface is arranged on an outer side of the printer cartridge facing away from the interior. The chip module can therefore be adapted to an interface of a printer.

The data store may be a non-volatile data store, such as a flash memory, an EEPROM, or the like. Due to the energy storage and cost, relatively sluggish memory can be used reliably.

The data memory may be an MRAM (MRAM: Magneto Resistive RAM) or a PCRAM (Phase Change RAM). The data store can be a FERAM (Ferro Electric Random Access Memory). So powerful memory can be reliably operated, as long as it comes to a disruption of a power supply of the printer cartridge through the printer.

The contact band may have a first end which is folded over and encloses the energy store on two sides.

The first end may have facing contact surfaces configured to contact opposite poles of a button cell.

The energy storage device may be a button cell, which is bordered on two sides by the folded first end of the contact strip, wherein mutually facing contact surfaces of the contact strip contact mutually opposite poles of the button cell in order to supply the data storage with energy.

Between the mutually remote poles of the button cell and the facing contact surfaces of the contact strip may be provided in each case a solder joint, in particular by using solder balls.

The contact band may have a second end connected to the board to electrically connect the contact band to the board. This is an electrically conductive connection between the board and the contact strip.

Fig. 1

einen Teilschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Druckerpatrone;

Fig. 2

ein Kontaktband;

Fig. 3

ein erfindungsgemäßes Chipmodul;

Fig. 4A-C

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Druckerpatrone.

The invention will be described in detail with reference to an exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing. Each show schematically:

Fig. 1

a partial section of a printer cartridge according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a contact band;

Fig. 3

an inventive chip module;

Fig. 4A-C

another printer cartridge according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 a printer cartridge 2 is shown. For the sake of clarity, only part of the print cartridge 2 is shown, as indicated by the broken section.

The printer cartridge 2 has a reservoir 4 for storing printing medium.

The printer cartridge 2 has a chip module 6 according to the invention. The chip module 6 has a circuit board 8 and a data memory 10 for storing information. The data memory 10 in the present case is a flash memory.

The chip module 6 has an energy store 12, which is set up to supply energy to the data memory 10. The energy storage 12 is in this case a button battery 12th

The energy store 12 is attached to a contact strip 14 of the chip module 6. The contact strip 14 is connected to the power supply of the data memory 10 to the board 8. The contact band 14 is a flexible board 14 (FIG. Fig. 2 ).

The flexible board 14 has a substrate 16. The substrate 16 carries printed conductors 18. The printed conductors 18 have contacts 20. By means of the printed conductors 18 and the contacts 20, an electrically conductive connection is formed between the button battery 12 and the printed circuit board 8 in order to supply the data memory 10 with energy.

The conductor tracks 18 and contacts 20 are presently made of copper.

The substrate 16 in the present case consists of plastic.

The contact band 14 has a connecting portion 22 which is extended between the board 8 and the button battery 12. The connecting portion 22 has a thickness d measured transversely to a width b of the contact band 14, which is less than 0.25 mm.

According to alternative embodiments of the invention it can be provided that the energy store has two or more batteries. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided according to alternative embodiments of the invention that the energy store has one or more capacitors. Such capacitors and / or batteries may be connected in parallel and / or in series in the region of a contact strip.

Between opposite poles 24, 26 of the button battery 12 and facing contact surfaces 28, 30 of the contact strip 14 in the present case in each case a solder joint 32 is provided. The solder joint 32 is provided by means of solder balls 34.

Likewise, a solder joint 36 formed by means of solder balls 34 is formed between the contact strip 14 and the board 8.

The printer cartridge 2 has a housing 38 which has an interior space 40. The button battery 12 is integrated into the interior 40 of the housing 38.

The chip module 6 has an interface 42 for data exchange with a printer (not shown). The interface 42 is arranged on a side facing away from the interior 40 outside 44 of the printer cartridge 2.

The contact band 14 has a first end 46 which is folded over and surrounds the button battery 12 on two sides. The contact strip 14 has a second end 48 which is connected to the board 8 to electrically connect the contact strip 14 to the board 8.

A first contact 50 of the second end 48 is therefore associated with the contact surface 28 and contacted with the pole 24 of the button battery 12. A second contact 52 of the second end 48 is thus connected to the contact surface 30 of the contact strip 14 and contacted with the pole 26 of the button battery 12. Similarly, the chip module 6 to the contacts 50, 52 complementary connection areas.

In order to clarify the turning over of the first end 46, a fold or envelope line 54 is indicated, along which the first end 46 is turned over, so that the contact surfaces 28, 30 can be brought into contact with the poles 24, 26 of the button battery 12 ,

The substrate 16 and the tracks 18 are so flexible that, as long as there is no solder joint, reversible and non-destructive from the in Fig. 2 shown, unfolded position, in the in Fig. 1 shown, folded position can be folded and vice versa.

Fig. 3 shows the chip module 6 according to the invention without the printer cartridge 2.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a further printer cartridge according to the invention 102. The printer cartridge 102 has two half-shells 103 and 105. In Fig. 4B is the half shell 105 hidden to show the interior of the print cartridge 102. Fig. 4C is a section enlargement of the Fig. 4B ,

The print cartridge 102 has a reservoir 104 for storing print media.

The printer cartridge 102 has a chip module 106 according to the invention. The chip module 106 has a board 108 and a data memory 110 for storing information. The data memory 110 in the present case is a flash memory.

The chip module 106 has an energy store 12, which is set up to supply energy to the data memory 10. The energy storage 112 is in the present case a button battery 112.

The energy store 112 is attached to a contact band 114 of the chip module 106. The contact band 114 is connected to the board 108 for supplying energy to the data memory 110. The contact band 114 is a flexible board 114.

reference numeral

2, 102

Print cartridge

4, 104

reservoir

6, 106

chip module

8, 108

circuit board

10, 110

Data memory / Flash memory

12, 112

Energy storage / button battery

14, 114

Contact band / flexible board

16

substratum

18

conductor path

20

Contact

22

connecting portion

24

pole

26

pole

28

contact area

30

contact area

32

solder

34

solder balls

36

solder

38

casing

40

inner space

42

interface

44

outside

46

first end

48

second end

50

first contact

52

second contact

54

Envelope line / fold line

b

width

d

thickness

Claims (16)

Chip module, - With a board (8, 108), which is adapted in particular for receiving a data memory (10, 110) for storing information, and with an energy store (12, 112), which is set up to supply energy to the data memory (10, 110),
characterized in that - The energy storage device (12, 112) is attached to a contact strip (14, 114) and - The contact strip (14, 114) for powering the data memory (10, 110) to the circuit board (8, 108) is connected. Chip module according to claim 1,
characterized in that the contact band (14, 114) is a flexible board (14, 114), - wherein the flexible board (14, 114) has a substrate (16), - wherein the substrate (16) carries printed conductors (18), - Wherein the conductor tracks (18) contacts (20, 50, 52, 28, 30) have and - By means of the conductor tracks (18) and the contacts (20, 50, 52, 28, 30) an electrically conductive connection between the energy store (12, 112) and the board (6, 106) is formed. Chip module according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized in that the contact band (14, 114) is a flexible board (14, 114), - wherein the flexible board (14, 114) has a substrate (16), - wherein the substrate (16) carries printed conductors (18), - wherein the conductor tracks (18) contacts (20, 50, 52, 28, 30) have, - wherein the substrate (16) comprises a plastic. Chip module according to one of claims 2 or 3,
characterized in that - The contact strip (14, 114) has a connecting portion (22) which extends between the chip module (6, 106) and the energy store (12, 112), - wherein the connecting portion (22) has a transverse to a width (b) of the contact strip (14, 114) measured thickness (d) of less than 1 mm. Chip module according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that - The energy store (12, 112) one or more batteries (12)
and or - The energy store (12, 112) has one or more capacitors. Chip module according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that - The energy storage (12, 112) cohesively with the contact strip (14, 114) is connected. Chip module according to claim 6,
characterized in that - A solder joint (32) between the energy store (12) and the contact strip (14, 114) is provided and / or - A solder connection (36) between the contact strip (14) and the board (8, 108) is provided. Chip module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data memory (10, 110) for storing information, - wherein the data memory (10, 110) is a non-volatile data memory (10, 110), such as a flash memory (10, 110), an EEPROM or the like. Chip module according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that - The contact strip (14, 114) has a first end (46) which is folded over and the energy storage (12, 112) encloses two sides. Chip module according to claim 9,
characterized in that - The first end (46) facing each other contact surfaces (28, 30) which are adapted to contact opposite poles (24, 26) of a button cell (12, 112). Chip module according to claim 10,
characterized in that - The energy storage (12, 112) is a button cell (12, 112) which is bordered by the folded, first end (46) of the contact strip (14, 114) on two sides, - With mutually facing contact surfaces (28, 30) of the contact strip (14, 114) opposite poles (24, 26) of the button cell (12, 112) contact to supply the data memory (10, 110) with energy. Chip module according to claim 11,
characterized in that - Between the opposite poles (24, 26) of the button cell (12, 112) and the mutually facing contact surfaces (28, 30) of the contact strip (14, 114) each have a solder joint (32) is provided. Chip module according to one of claims 9 to 12,
characterized in that - The contact strip has a second end (48) which is connected to the board (8, 108) to electrically connect the contact strip with the board (8, 108). Print cartridge, - With a reservoir (4, 104) for storing pressure medium, - With a chip module (6, 106) according to one of claims 1 to 13. Printer cartridge according to claim 14,
characterized in that the printer cartridge (2, 102) has a housing (38), - Wherein the housing (38) has an interior space (40) and - The energy storage device (12, 112) in the interior (40) of the housing (38) is integrated. Printer cartridge according to claim 15,
characterized in that - The chip module (6, 106) has an interface (42) for data exchange with a printer, wherein the interface (42) on a the interior (40) facing away from the outside of the printer cartridge (44) is arranged.

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