Temperature control for add-on electronic devices
First Claim
1. An add-on electronic device for use in electronic apparatus having at least a first processor capable of performing logical operations and executing processing steps stored in a first memory connected thereto, a connector configured to receive add-on devices which is coupled to at least an address signal line of the first processor and to an address output converter that converts data into address signals and provides them to the connector, comprising:
- a second processor configured to perform processing substantially independent of the first processor;
second memory means connected to said second processor for storing processing steps for execution thereby;
data removal means for extracting data from the address signals output from the electronic apparatus;
a mounting area for circuit devices which generate substantially the most heat within said add-on electronic device which is positioned within said add-on electronic device between an approximate center and front end relative to a direction of insertion into said add-on connector of the electronic apparatus;
a printed circuit board supporting said mounting area and circuit elements for said add-on electronic device;
a casing substantially surrounding said circuit board;
a packing component that adheres tightly to said second processor and said casing and is disposed therebetween; and
elastic means for pushing said second processor in a direction toward said casing in an area adjacent a top surface of said second processor;
wherein said elastic means comprises a compressible material installed between the bottom surface of said second processor and said casing and extending through an opening in said printed circuit board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An add-on control circuit device for insertion into electronic apparatus such as a laser printer having a first microprocessor with an address line connected to an add-on card connector, a ROM that stores programs for the microprocessor, and a data converter that provides data in the form of memory addresses. The add-on circuit uses a printed circuit board of mounted inside of an add-on cartridge or casing, made from high thermal transfer material such as aluminum. When the cartridge is inserted into a printer, the processor inside of the printer reads identification data stored on a ROM inside of the cartridge and conducts processing according to a specified processing program in response to the identification data. The microprocessor is located in a mounting area near the front end of the cartridge, when viewed along the direction of insertion, so that the microprocessor is more effectively cooled by the flow of cooling air inside of the printer. Other embodiments incorporate cooling structures, thermal transfer materials disposed between heat generating elements and an outside casing, and ventilation holes.
64 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An add-on electronic device for use in electronic apparatus having at least a first processor capable of performing logical operations and executing processing steps stored in a first memory connected thereto, a connector configured to receive add-on devices which is coupled to at least an address signal line of the first processor and to an address output converter that converts data into address signals and provides them to the connector, comprising:
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a second processor configured to perform processing substantially independent of the first processor; second memory means connected to said second processor for storing processing steps for execution thereby; data removal means for extracting data from the address signals output from the electronic apparatus; a mounting area for circuit devices which generate substantially the most heat within said add-on electronic device which is positioned within said add-on electronic device between an approximate center and front end relative to a direction of insertion into said add-on connector of the electronic apparatus; a printed circuit board supporting said mounting area and circuit elements for said add-on electronic device; a casing substantially surrounding said circuit board; a packing component that adheres tightly to said second processor and said casing and is disposed therebetween; and elastic means for pushing said second processor in a direction toward said casing in an area adjacent a top surface of said second processor; wherein said elastic means comprises a compressible material installed between the bottom surface of said second processor and said casing and extending through an opening in said printed circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification