Devices, substrates, and liquid containment containers

Abstract

One of the objectives of this invention is to detect that no short circuit has occurred between terminals in contact with a plurality of device-side terminals. The device of this invention outputs a first low voltage to the first terminal during a first timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is high. After outputting the first low voltage, it outputs a second high voltage to the first terminal during a second timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is low. After outputting the second high voltage, it outputs a second low voltage to the first terminal during a third timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device, a substrate, a liquid containment container, a printing system, and the technology of using the substrate or the liquid containment container. Prior Technology

[0002] Previously, regarding ink cartridges detachably mounted on printing devices, a technique for detecting ink cartridge mounting using mounting detection terminals on a terminal group was known (Patent Document 1). The terminal group consists of four mounting detection terminals, including a terminal to which a high voltage higher than the power supply voltage is applied, and five memory terminals. The mounting detection terminals are arranged at the four corners of the terminal group, surrounding the memory terminals. In Patent Document 1, when an electrical connection is detected between the mounting detection terminals and the device-side terminals, the printing device determines that the ink cartridge has been mounted on the printing device.

[0003] Furthermore, regarding ink cartridges detachably mounted on printing equipment, a technique for detecting cartridge installation using a memory terminal is known (Patent Document 2). A response signal is output to the host terminal via any one of the reset terminal, clock terminal, and data terminal to notify the host device that the memory or other memory device contained in the ink cartridge has been connected to the printing equipment or other host device. The host device can determine whether the memory device is connected to the host device based on the response signal from the memory device, without using a dedicated connection detection terminal. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012-029311 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-170740 Summary of the Invention

[0005] [The problem the invention aims to solve] However, neither Patent Documents 1 nor 2 addresses short-circuit detection between memory terminals. In Patent Document 1, if a short circuit occurs between memory terminals, even if it is determined that the ink cartridge is installed in the printing apparatus, there is still a possibility that the printing apparatus may malfunction or be unable to properly read or write to the ink cartridge's memory. In Patent Document 2, if a short circuit occurs between memory terminals, there is a possibility that the memory may be unable to output its original signal to the printing apparatus, thus preventing the printing apparatus from determining whether the memory is correctly connected to the printing apparatus.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. One of its objectives is to provide a technique for detecting the absence of short circuits between terminals in liquid containers such as ink cartridges. Another objective is to provide a technique for detecting the presence of installed liquid containers. Yet another objective is to provide a technique for detecting short circuits even when they occur between terminals. Still another objective is to provide a technique for suppressing short circuits between terminals. This invention will achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objectives. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided, which is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of a liquid receiving container mounted on a receiving portion of a printing apparatus; the printing apparatus includes a print head, a liquid introducing portion for introducing liquid into the print head, a receiving portion provided with the liquid introducing portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided on the receiving portion. The device is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV configurations. I: Output a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage to the first terminal included in the plurality of terminals. II: The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals included in the plurality of terminals, excluding the first terminal, are not short-circuited, and that the liquid containing container has been installed on the printing device. III: Output the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, output the second signal to the first terminal. IV: Input a clock signal that alternately repeats low voltage and high voltage at a specific period to the second terminal included in the other terminals mentioned above. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, output the first low voltage to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, output the second high voltage to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, output the second low voltage to the first terminal.

[0008] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a substrate is provided, which is mounted on a printing apparatus and configured to contact a plurality of device-side terminals; the printing apparatus includes: a printhead; a liquid inlet portion that introduces liquid into the printhead; a receiving portion that has the liquid inlet portion and receives a liquid receiving container; and the plurality of device-side terminals disposed in the receiving portion. The substrate includes: a substrate; a device disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of terminals disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the device; the plurality of terminals includes a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and the substrate is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV. I: The device described above outputs a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used to enable the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the substrate has been mounted on the printing apparatus. III: The device outputs the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal to the first terminal. IV: When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltages at a specific period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

[0009] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a liquid containment container is provided, which is installed in a containment portion of a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid inlet portion for introducing liquid into the print head, the containment portion having the liquid inlet portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the containment portion; and the liquid containment container comprising: a liquid containment body for containing liquid; a liquid supply portion installed in the liquid inlet portion of the printing apparatus and having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid containment body to the liquid inlet portion of the printing apparatus; a device; and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the device; the plurality of terminals including a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and the liquid containment container is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III and IV arrangements. I: The device described above outputs a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing device to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the liquid containment container has been installed on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. IV: When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltages at a specific period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

[0010] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes: a printing apparatus, a liquid container for containing liquid, a liquid supply section having a liquid supply port, a device, a plurality of terminals connected to the device, and a substrate on which the device and the plurality of terminals are disposed. The printing apparatus includes a printing head, a liquid inlet section for introducing liquid into the printing head, and a plurality of device-side terminals. The liquid supply port of the liquid container supplies liquid from the liquid container to the liquid inlet section of the printing apparatus. The substrate is mounted on the printing apparatus and configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals. The plurality of terminals includes a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal. The printing system is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV arrangements. I: The device described above outputs a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used to enable the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the substrate has been mounted on the printing apparatus. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. IV: When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltages at a specific period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the first low voltage as the first expected value to the printing device. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the first terminal outputs the second high voltage as the second expected value to the printing device. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the second low voltage as the third expected value to the printing device.

[0011] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes a printing apparatus and a liquid receiving container mounted on the printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a print head, a liquid inlet for introducing liquid into the print head, and a plurality of device-side terminals. The liquid receiving container includes a liquid receiving body capable of containing liquid, a liquid supply section having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid receiving body to the liquid inlet of the printing apparatus, a device, and a plurality of terminals connected to the device. The plurality of terminals includes a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal. The printing system is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV arrangements. I: The device described above outputs a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing device to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the liquid containment container has been installed on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. IV: When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltages at a specific period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the first low voltage as the first expected value to the printing device. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the first terminal outputs the second high voltage as the second expected value to the printing device. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the second low voltage as the third expected value to the printing device. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0012] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view showing the hardware structure of the printing system. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the general structure of a printing system. Figure 3 is a first perspective view showing the structure of a liquid containment container. Figure 4 is a second perspective view showing the structure of a liquid containment container. Figure 5 is the first figure showing the structure of the substrate. Figure 6 is the second figure showing the structure of the substrate. Figure 7A shows the liquid containment container installed on the bracket. Figure 7B shows the first diagram of the connecting mechanism. Figure 7C shows the second part of the connecting mechanism. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing system. Figure 9 shows the functional components of the printing apparatus and a liquid containing container. Figure 10A is a flowchart of the process performed by the printing device in the connection status determination process. Figure 10B is a flowchart of the process executed by the device in the connection status determination process. Figure 11A shows the timing diagram when the printing apparatus outputs a request signal. Figure 11 shows the timing diagram when the B-series device outputs the first and second response signals. Figure 11C shows the details of the first response signal. Figure 11D shows the details of the second response signal. Figure 12 is a summary diagram of the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit. Figure 13A is the first timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 13B is the second timing diagram for the connection state determination process. Figure 14A is the third timing diagram for the connection state determination process. Figure 14B is the fourth timing diagram for the connection state determination process. Figure 15 is the fifth timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 16A is the sixth timing diagram for the connection state determination process. Figure 16B is the 7th timing diagram for the connection state determination process. Figure 17 is the 8th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 18A is the 9th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 18B is the 10th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 19 is the 11th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 20A is the 12th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 20B is the 13th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 20C is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the connection state determination process. Figure 21A is a diagram illustrating the substrate as an alternative embodiment 1. Figure 21B is a diagram showing the configuration examples shown in No.2 and No.3 of Figure 21A. Figure 22 shows two substrates as another embodiment 2. Figure 23 shows two substrates as alternative embodiments 3. Figure 24 shows two substrates as alternative embodiments 4. Figure 25 shows two substrates as alternative embodiments 4. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the substrate as an alternative embodiment 5. Figure 27 shows two substrates as alternative embodiments 6. Figure 28 is a diagram showing the substrate as another embodiment 7. Figure 29 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as an alternative embodiment 1. Figure 30 shows a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 2. Figure 31 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the substrate of the liquid containment container. Figure 32 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 3. Figure 33 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 4. Figure 34 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 5. Figure 35 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 6. Figure 36 is a diagram showing a liquid containment container as another embodiment 7. Figure 37 shows a liquid containment container as another embodiment 8. Figure 38 is a perspective view of a liquid containment container as another embodiment 9. Figure 39 shows an enlarged view of the periphery of the substrate. Figure 40 is the first figure illustrating the process of installing a liquid containment container into the containment section of a printing device. Figure 41 is the second figure illustrating the process of installing a liquid containment container into the containment section of a printing device. Figure 42 shows the completed installation state of the liquid containment container. Figure 43 is a diagram of a printing system as an alternative embodiment 1. Figure 44 is a diagram of a printing system as an alternative embodiment 2. Figure 45 is a diagram of a printing system as an alternative embodiment 3. Figure 46 is a diagram of a printing system as another embodiment 4. Figure 47A is the first timing diagram of a printing system with 6 liquid containment containers. Figure 47B is the second timing diagram of a printing system with six liquid containment containers. Figure 48 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a printing system with six liquid containment containers. Figure 49 shows a device as an alternative embodiment 1. Implementation

[0013] A. Implementation Method 1: A1. Hardware Components: Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a general overview of the printing system 1000 will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the hardware configuration of the printing system 1000. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the printing system 1000. In Figure 1, the X, Y, and Z axes are labeled as mutually orthogonal. The directions indicated by the arrows on the X, Y, and Z axes represent the positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These positive directions are designated as +X, +Y, and +Z, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions indicated by the arrows on the X, Y, and Z axes are designated as the negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These negative directions are designated as -X, -Y, and -Z, respectively. The directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of their positive or negative sign, are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the subsequent figures and explanations. The X, Y, and Z axes indicated in the other figures correspond to the X, Y, and Z axes in Figure 1. In Figure 1, under the usual operating posture of the printing system 1000, the front direction of the printing system 1000 is set as the +Y direction. The +Z direction is set as the gravity direction, and the -Z direction is set as the anti-gravity direction.

[0014] The printing system 1000 includes a printing device 20 and a plurality of liquid receiving containers 100. The printing device 20 is specifically an inkjet printer. The liquid receiving containers 100 are specifically ink cartridges. The printing device 20 includes a printhead drive mechanism, a main scanning feed mechanism, and a secondary scanning feed mechanism.

[0015] The printhead drive mechanism includes a bracket 30. The bracket 30 includes a receiving section 4 and a printhead 5. The receiving section 4 is configured to detachably mount four liquid receiving containers 100. In this invention, "liquid receiving containers 100 mounted on the printing apparatus 20" means that the liquid receiving containers 100 are physically mounted on the printing apparatus 20, and the contact portion cp of the terminal 290 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal 490. The four liquid receiving containers 100 are respectively housed in predetermined positions in the receiving section 4. In this invention, the four liquid receiving containers 100 each contain liquids of different colors. The liquid is specifically ink, hereinafter referred to as ink. To distinguish the four liquid receiving containers 100, they are referred to as liquid receiving containers 100A to 100D. The bracket 30 is configured to move between a replacement position for replaceable liquid receiving containers 100 and a standby position for non-replaceable liquid receiving containers 100.

[0016] The printhead 5 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the bracket 30. A plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink droplets are disposed on the +Z direction side of the printhead 5. Each nozzle is connected to any one of the liquid receiving containers 100A-100D mounted in the receiving section 4 via a flow path within the bracket 30. The receiving section 4 is provided with a liquid inlet 6 and a connecting mechanism 400. The liquid inlet 6 is configured to be detachable from the liquid supply port 104op of the liquid receiving container 100. Ink is supplied from the liquid receiving container 100 to the liquid inlet 6, and the ink is introduced into the printhead 5 via the flow path within the bracket 30. The connecting mechanism 400 has a plurality of device-side terminals 490.

[0017] The main scanning feed mechanism includes a drive belt 36, a bracket motor 32, a sliding shaft 34, and pulleys 38. The drive belt 36 is an annular belt stretched between the bracket motor 32 and the pulleys 38. The bracket 30 is fixed to the drive belt 36. The sliding shaft 34 is arranged parallel to the shaft of the paper feed roller 26 described below, and slidably holds the bracket 30. By rotating the bracket motor 32, the bracket 30 fixed to the drive belt 36 moves along the sliding shaft 34 in the +X and -X directions.

[0018] The secondary scanning feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a paper feed roller 26. By rotating the paper feed motor 22, the paper feed roller 26 transports the printing medium PA in the Y direction.

[0019] The printing apparatus 20 further includes a main control unit 40. The main control unit 40 is connected to the bracket 30 via a cable 31. A busbar 46 is formed on the cable 31, and the main control unit 40 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 500 of the bracket 30 via the busbar 46.

[0020] The main control unit 40 controls the aforementioned mechanisms to achieve the printing process. For example, the main control unit 40 receives a printing task from the user via a computer 90 through a connector 80 and executes the printing based on the content of the received task. The printing medium PA is conveyed in the +Y direction by the paper feed roller 26, and the print head 5, mounted on the carriage 30, moves in the +X and -X directions by the drive belt 36. Ink ejected from the print head 5 in the +Z direction adheres to any part of the printing medium PA, thereby forming an image. In this invention, "image" includes text and symbols. In this invention, the +X and -X directions of carriage 30 movement are collectively referred to as the "main scanning direction." The -Y and +Y directions of conveying the printing medium PA are collectively referred to as the "secondary scanning direction."

[0021] The printing apparatus 20 further includes an operation unit 70. The user uses the operation unit 70 to make various settings for the printing apparatus 20 or to check the status of the printing apparatus 20.

[0022] As described above, the printing apparatus 20 includes: a print head 5; a liquid inlet 6 that introduces liquid into the print head 5; a receiving section 4 that has the liquid inlet 6 and receives a liquid receiving container 100; and a plurality of device-side terminals 490. The print head 5 is disposed in the printing apparatus 20. The print head 5 is not disposed in the liquid receiving container 100. Embodiments where the print head 5 is disposed in the liquid receiving container 100 belong to a different technical field than this invention.

[0023] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the structure of the liquid containing container 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a first perspective view showing the structure of the liquid containing container 100. Figure 4 is a second perspective view showing the structure of the liquid containing container 100. The X, Y, and Z axes of the liquid containing container 100 are the same as in Figure 1, with the printing device 20 arranged on a horizontal plane parallel to the X and Y directions, and the liquid containing container 100 mounted on the printing device 20 as a reference.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid container 100 has a generally rectangular shape. As shown in Figure 3, the liquid container 100 includes a liquid container 101 for containing ink as a liquid, a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120.

[0025] The liquid containment body 101 forms the outer shell of the liquid containment container 100. The liquid containment body 101 has a first wall 101wf, a second wall 101wr, a third wall 101wb, a fourth wall 101wu, a fifth wall 101wsa, and a sixth wall 101wsb. These six walls 101wf, 101wr, 101wb, 101wu, 101wsa, and 101wsb divide the inner side of the liquid containment body 101 into ink chambers 150 for containing ink. The first wall 101wf is the wall on the +Y direction side, forming the front wall. The front wall faces the front side of the printing system 1000. The second wall 101wr faces the first wall 101wf. The second wall 101wr is the wall on the -Y direction side, forming the rear wall. The rear wall faces the rear side of the printing system 1000. The third wall 101wb intersects with the first wall 101wf and the second wall 101wr; in this embodiment, they are essentially orthogonal. The third wall 101wb is the wall on the +Z direction side, forming the bottom wall. The fourth wall 101wu intersects with the first wall 101wf and the second wall 101wr; in this embodiment, they are essentially orthogonal. The fourth wall 101wu faces the third wall 101wb. The fourth wall 101wu is the wall on the -Z direction side, forming the top wall. The fifth wall 101wsa intersects with the first wall 101wf to the fourth wall 101wu; in this embodiment, they are essentially orthogonal. The fifth wall 101wsa is the wall on the -X direction side, forming the right side wall. The sixth wall 101wsb intersects with the first wall 101wf to the fourth wall 101wu; in this embodiment, they are essentially orthogonal. The sixth wall 101wsb faces the fifth wall 101wsa. The 6th wall, 101wsb, is the wall on the +X direction side, forming the left side wall.

[0026] The liquid supply section 104 is a cylindrical member protruding from the third wall 101wb. The liquid supply port 104op is located at the front end of the liquid supply section 104. The liquid supply port 104op communicates with the ink chamber 150 of the liquid container 101, and supplies ink to the liquid inlet section 6 of the printing apparatus 20 when the liquid container 100 is installed on the bracket 30. The liquid supply port 104op is sealed by a membrane 104f. The liquid supply port 104op is configured to be detachable relative to the liquid inlet section 6. When the liquid container 100 is installed on the bracket 30, the membrane 104f is punctured by the liquid inlet section 6. The ink contained in the ink chamber 150 is supplied to the print head 5 of the printing apparatus 20 via the liquid inlet section 6. As the ink in the ink chamber 150 is consumed, air is introduced into the ink chamber 150 through an atmospheric opening (not shown).

[0027] The direction in which the liquid containing container 100 is mounted on the bracket 30 of the printing apparatus 20 is defined as the mounting direction MD. The mounting direction MD is also the direction in which the substrate 120 is mounted on the bracket 30 of the printing apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the +Z direction. Two mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the first direction FD and the second direction SD. The first direction FD is a direction that includes a component of the mounting direction MD. In this embodiment, the first direction FD is the Z direction, and the second direction SD is the X direction. The first direction FD is substantially along the front face 120fa of the substrate 120.

[0028] The first direction FD is also defined as follows. For example, the first direction FD is a direction perpendicular to the imaginary surface including the liquid supply port 104op. For example, the first direction FD is a direction in which the device-side terminal 490 of the printing apparatus 20 passes through the terminal 290 when the liquid containing container 100 or substrate 120 is mounted on the bracket 30. For example, the first direction FD is a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of device-side terminals 490 of the printing apparatus 20. In other embodiments, when the front 120fa is inclined relative to the mounting direction MD, the first direction FD becomes a direction different from the mounting direction MD.

[0029] The substrate 120 is used in the liquid containment container 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the substrate 120 is disposed on the second wall 101wr of the liquid containment body 101. Details about the substrate 120 will be described below.

[0030] Two protrusions, Pr1 and Pr2, are formed on the second wall 101wr. These protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 protrude in the -Y direction. A cavity 122 and a notch 121 are formed on the substrate 120 to receive these protrusions Pr1 and Pr2, respectively. The cavity 122 is formed at the center of the end of the substrate 120 on the side of the liquid supply section 104, and the notch 121 is formed at the center of the end of the substrate 120 on the side opposite to the liquid supply section 104. When the substrate 120 is fixed to the second wall 101wr, the protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 are inserted into the cavity 122 and the notch 121, respectively. After the substrate 120 is inserted into the second wall 101wr, the front ends of the protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 are flattened. In this way, the substrate 120 is fixed to the second wall 101wr. However, the method of fixing the substrate 120 to the second wall 101wr is not limited to this.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the liquid container 100 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second wall 101wr on which the substrate 120 is provided, the substrate 120 is arranged such that the central axis of the liquid supply port 104op overlaps with the first imaginary line C1 described below. The contact portion cp described below is not provided on the central axis of the liquid supply port 104op.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid container 100 further includes a liquid detection member 110. The liquid detection member 110 is fixed inside the liquid container 101. The liquid detection member 110 is used by the printing apparatus 20 to detect the ink level in the liquid container 100. The liquid detection member 110 can be, for example, a prism for optically detecting ink level, a piezoelectric element formed by sandwiching a piezoelectric body between two opposing electrodes, or two electrodes that detect ink level by the resistance difference between the electrodes. Alternatively, the liquid detection member 110 may not be provided.

[0033] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, details of the substrate 120 will be described. Figure 5 is a first figure showing the structure of the substrate 120. Figure 6 is a second figure showing the structure of the substrate 120. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate 120 includes a substrate 120bd, a plurality of terminals 290, a device 130, and wiring (not shown). The substrate 120 may also include other configurations. The substrate 120bd has a front surface 120fa and a back surface 120fb. In this embodiment, both the front surface 120fa and the back surface 120fb are planar. The substrate 120bd may be made of a material that constitutes a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. The terminals 290 are formed of a conductive material such as gold foil.

[0034] In this invention, "surface" is defined, for example, as described below. For example, "surface" refers to the surface of the substrate 120bd facing the device-side terminal 490 when the liquid containing container 100 or substrate 120 is mounted on the printing apparatus 20. For example, "surface" can also refer to the surface of the substrate 120bd facing the device-side terminal 490 when the liquid containing container 100 or substrate 120 is mounted on the printing apparatus 20, in addition to the surface of the substrate 120bd facing the device-side terminal 490, where the terminal 290 is formed. For example, "surface" refers to the surface of the substrate 120bd containing the contact portion cp. In this embodiment, "surface" is the front surface 120fa. In other embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "surface" is always the front surface 120fa.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the plurality of terminals 290 include a data terminal 210, a clock terminal 220, a power terminal 230, a reset terminal 240, and a ground terminal 250. Each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is connected to the device 130. Each terminal 210-250 is electrically connected to the device 130 via a wiring pattern layer disposed on the front surface 120fa and the back surface 120fb of the substrate 120bd, and a through-hole disposed inside the substrate 120bd. The data terminal 210 is used to transmit and receive data signals SDA between the device 130 and the printing apparatus 20. Here, "signal" refers to a change in voltage. Signals transmitted and received via data terminal 210 include, for example, signals representing various data stored in memory unit 138, signals controlled by processing unit 136 but not stored in memory unit 138, and signals controlled by main control unit 40 or sub-control unit 50 of printing apparatus 20 but not stored in memory unit 138. Clock terminal 220 is used to send a clock signal SCK from printing apparatus 20 to device 130. Power terminal 230 is used to supply power voltage VDD from printing apparatus 20 to device 130. Reset terminal 240 is used to send a reset signal RST from printing apparatus 20 to device 130. Ground terminal 250 is grounded via device-side terminal 450 of printing apparatus 20. The voltage supplied to data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 is a voltage that device 130 can withstand. The voltage supplied to each terminal 210-240 is within the same range, approximately 0 V to approximately 3.3 V in this embodiment. The voltage that device 130 can withstand is, for example, a voltage lower than the voltage used to drive the printhead 5, a voltage approximately the same as the power supply voltage VDD, a voltage lower than the withstand voltage of device 130, a voltage that will not damage device 130, or a voltage that will not cause device 130 to malfunction. Here, the terminals 290 of the present invention do not include inspection terminals for shipment inspection. Inspection terminals are terminals that do not contact the device-side terminals 490 of the printing apparatus 20 when the liquid containing container 100 is installed on the printing apparatus 20. Inspection terminals do not form the contact portion cp described below.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 includes a contact portion cp. When the liquid containing container 100 is installed in the containing section 4, this contact portion cp should contact the corresponding device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 among the plurality of device-side terminals 490 of the connecting mechanism 400 of the printing device 20. The contact portion cp of the data terminal 210 is also referred to as the data contact portion cpd. The contact portion cp of the clock terminal 220 is also referred to as the clock contact portion cpc. The contact portion cp of the power terminal 230 is also referred to as the power contact portion cpvd. The contact portion cp of the reset terminal 240 is also referred to as the reset contact portion cpr. The contact portion cp of the ground terminal 250 is also referred to as the ground contact portion cpvs. The contact portion CP is a portion of the liquid containing container 100 that should contact the device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 when the liquid containing container 100 is installed in the containing part 4. It is located within a single area of ​​each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, and is identifiable within the individual liquid containing container 100. The substrate 120 contains a data contact portion CPd, a clock contact portion CPC, a power contact portion CPVD, a reset contact portion CPR, and a ground contact portion CPVS. The connection between the terminal 290 and the device-side terminal 490 of the printing device 20 will be described below. In addition to the aforementioned terminals 210-250, other terminals 290 and their corresponding contact portions CP may also exist.

[0037] Data terminal 210 is used to detect whether data terminal 210 is short-circuited with at least one of the clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240. Specifically, data terminal 210 is used to detect whether data terminal 210 is short-circuited with at least one of the clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 as described below. Data terminal 210 is used to detect whether liquid containing container 100 has been installed on printing device 20. Specifically, data terminal 210 is used to detect whether liquid containing container 100 is in the following installed state or the following incomplete installation state.

[0038] Hereinafter, the substrate 120 is viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5, two orthogonal straight lines are designated as the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the first imaginary line C1 is a line extending along the first direction FD, and the second imaginary line C2 is a line extending along the second direction SD. In this embodiment, two orthogonal straight lines substantially along the surface 120fa of the substrate 120bd are designated as the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2.

[0039] All contacts cp of all terminals 290 on the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 are projected onto the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact cPVd, reset contact cpr, and ground contact cpvs are projected onto the second imaginary line C2. Regarding the projection positions of the contacts cp, the projection position of the data contact cpd is set as swd, the projection position of the clock contact cpc is set as swc, the projection position of the power contact cPVd is set as swvd, the projection position of the reset contact cpr is set as swr, and the projection position of the ground contact cpvs is set as swvs. Each projection position swd, swc, swvd, swr, and swvs is an orthographic projection of each contact cpd, cpc, cPVd, cpr, and cpvs perpendicular to the second imaginary line C2. At this time, all contacts cp are projected at different positions. The data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact ccpd, reset contact cpr, and ground contact ccps are arranged in a parallel manner along the first imaginary line C1 passing through each contact cp, without overlapping or intersecting each other. Furthermore, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the midpoint MP between the two farthest projection positions of all contact cps. In this embodiment, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the midpoint MP between the projection position MP of the contact furthest from the projection position swvs of the ground contact ccps and the projection position swvs of the data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact ccpd, and reset contact cpr. In this embodiment, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the midpoint MP between the projection position swc of the clock contact cpc and the projection position swvs of the ground contact ccps.

[0040] Relative to the first imaginary line C1, one region of the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 is designated as the first region Rg1, and the other region of the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 is designated as the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, the first region Rg1 is the region located relative to the first imaginary line C1 in the negative direction of the second direction SD, i.e., the -X direction, and the second region Rg2 is the region located relative to the first imaginary line C1 in the positive direction of the second direction SD, i.e., the +X direction. The first region Rg1 is also a region of the substrate 120 separated from the first imaginary line C1, and the second region Rg2 is also another region of the substrate 120 separated from the first imaginary line C1. Of all the contact portions cp, a portion of the contact portions cpa is disposed in the first region Rg1, and the remaining contact portions cpb are disposed in the second region Rg2. A portion of the contact portion cpa located in region 1 Rg1 includes a data contact portion cpad, a clock contact portion cpc, a power contact portion cPV, and a reset contact portion cpr. The remaining contact portions cpb located in region 2 Rg2 include a ground contact portion cPVs. Separated from the first imaginary line C1, a clock contact portion cpc, a data contact portion cpad, a reset contact portion cpr, and a power contact portion cPVd are arranged on one side, and a ground contact portion cPVs is arranged on the other side. A portion of the contact portions cpa and the remaining contact portions cpb are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first imaginary line C1. No contact portion cp is provided on the first imaginary line C1.

[0041] Among the plurality of contacts cp, the grounding contact cpvs is located at the end closest to the positive direction of the second direction SD, i.e., the +X direction. Among the plurality of contacts cp, any one of the clock contact cpc, data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr is located at the end closest to the negative direction of the second direction SD, i.e., the -X direction. This particular contact cp is located on one side closest to the second direction SD among the plurality of contacts cp. The grounding contact cpvs is located on the other side closest to the second direction SD among the plurality of contacts cp. In the first region Rg1, among the contacts cp excluding the grounding contact cpvs, the contact cp projected onto the second imaginary line C2 at the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the grounding contact cpvs, and the grounding contact cpvs located in the second region Rg2, are spaced by Wa in the direction along the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the distance between the projected position swc of the clock contact cpc and the projected position swvs of the ground contact cPVs along the direction of the second imaginary line C2 is Wa. In this embodiment, the distance between the clock contact cpc and the ground contact cPVs along the second direction SD is the distance Wa.

[0042] The data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact ccpd, and reset contact cpr are preferably arranged far away from the ground contact ccps. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the contacts cp excluding the ground contact ccps, the contact cp that is projected onto the second imaginary line C2 at the position closest to the projection position swvs of the ground contact ccps, and the ground contact ccps provided in the second region Rg2, are spaced at least Wa / 2 in the direction along the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, in the first region Rg1, among the contacts cpd, ccpd, cpr, and ccpd excluding the ground contact ccps, the reset contact cpr located on the positive direction side of the second direction SD, and the ground contact ccps provided in the second region Rg2, are spaced at least Wa / 2 in the second direction SD. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the contacts cp except for the ground contact cpvs, the contact cp that is projected onto the second imaginary line C2 at the position closest to the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs, and the ground contact cpvs provided in the second region Rg2, do not have other contacts cp connected to the device 130 via terminal 290. In this embodiment, in the region Rg1 where the reset contact cpr is located at the end closest to the positive direction of the second direction SD, i.e., the +X direction side, and the ground contact cpvs provided in the second region Rg2, there are no other contacts cp connected to the device 130 via terminal 290. For example, the other contacts cpd, cpc, cPVd, cpr and the ground contact cpvs disposed on the substrate 120 are not provided on the first imaginary line C1.

[0043] At least one of the clock contact (CP), power contact (CPVD), and reset contact (CPR) is disposed on the substrate 120 such that its projection falls between the projection position (SWD) of the data contact (CPD) and the projection position (SWVS) of the ground contact (CPVS). Preferably, any two or more of the clock contact (CP), power contact (CPVD), and reset contact (CPR) are disposed on the substrate 120 such that their projections fall between the projection position (SWD) of the data contact (CPD) and the projection position (SWVS) of the ground contact (CPVS). In this embodiment, the power contact (CPVD) and the reset contact (CPR) are disposed on the substrate 120 such that their projections fall between the projection position (SWD) of the data contact (CPD) and the projection position (SWVS) of the ground contact (CPVS).

[0044] The data contact cpd is disposed on the substrate 120 such that it is projected between the projection positions of any two of the contacts cp among the power contact cPVd, reset contact cPR, and clock contact cpc. The data contact cpd will not be a contact that is projected at the end of the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the data contact cpd is disposed between the projection positions of the clock contact cpc and the power contact cPVd.

[0045] One or both of the data contact CPD and the reset contact CPR are arranged on the substrate 120 such that they are projected between the projection position SWVD of the power contact CPVD and the projection position SWC of the clock contact CPC. Furthermore, the reset contact CPR is arranged such that its projection position SWR is adjacent to the projection position SWVD of the power contact CPVD. In this embodiment, the data contact CPD is arranged on the substrate 120 such that it is projected between the projection position SWVD of the power contact CPVD and the projection position SWC of the clock contact CPC. "Arranged adjacent to" does not mean that one contact must be closest to another contact. Other configurations can be arranged between one contact and another as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[0046] The power contact portion cPVd is disposed on the substrate 120 such that its projection position swvd is adjacent to the projection position swd of the data contact portion cPVd.

[0047] In this embodiment, the clock contact (CPC) is positioned on the substrate 120 at the location furthest from the projection position (SWVS) of the ground contact (CPVS). Furthermore, the data contact (CPD), power contact (CPVD), and reset contact (CPR) are arranged in a sequential manner along the second imaginary line C2, projecting from the projection position (SWC) of the clock contact (CPC) toward the projection position (SWVS) of the ground contact (CPVS). The clock contact (CPC) is located at the end furthest from the negative direction (-X) of the second direction SD. The contacts (CP) other than the clock contact (CPC) are arranged sequentially from the negative direction (-X) of the second direction SD toward the positive direction (+X), in the order of data contact (CPD), power contact (CPVD), and reset contact (CPR). The plurality of contacts cp are arranged in sequence from the -X direction to the +X direction according to their respective projection positions as clock contact cpc, data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, reset contact cpr, and ground contact cpvs.

[0048] The clock contact (CPC), data contact (CPD), power contact (CPVD), reset contact (CPR), and ground contact (CPVS) are arranged in multiple rows. These multiple rows are parallel to the second imaginary line C2 and perpendicular to the first imaginary line C1. In this embodiment, the multiple contacts (CP) are arranged in two rows perpendicular to the first direction (FD), and the direction of these two rows is parallel to the second direction (SD). The two rows are arranged in the direction along the first imaginary line C1; in this embodiment, they are along the first direction (FD). These two rows are referred to as row 1 (R1) and row 2 (R2). Row 1 (R1) is formed by the clock contact (CPC), power contact (CPVD), and ground contact (CPVS). Row 2 (R2) is formed by the data contact (CPD) and the reset contact (CPR). The data contact cpd and reset contact cpr forming the second row R2, and the clock contact cpc, power contact cPVd, and ground contact cPVs forming the first row R1, are arranged in a staggered manner, with the contact cps not aligned along the direction of the first imaginary line C1, forming a so-called sawtooth arrangement. When projected onto the second imaginary line C2, two contact cps on the substrate 120bd that are adjacent to each other form different rows. The data contact cpd and the ground contact cPVs are arranged in different rows. Any one of the clock contact cpc, power contact cPVd, and reset contact cpr is arranged such that it is projected between the projection position swd of the data contact cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact cPVs. In this embodiment, the reset contact cpr and the power contact cPVd are arranged such that they are projected between the projection position swd of the data contact cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact cPVs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact portions cp of each terminal 210-250 are arranged to form a first row R1 and a second row R2, but this is not a limitation. For example, the contact portions cp of each terminal 210-250 may also be arranged to form three or four rows. A row may also be formed by one contact portion cp.

[0049] The distance between the ground contact cpvs and the reset contact cpr is defined as distance Dan. The distance between the data contact cpd and the clock contact cpc is defined as distance Dbn. The distance between the data contact cpd and the ground contact cpvs is defined as distance Dcn. The distance between the data contact cpd and the reset contact cpr is defined as distance Ddn. The distance between the data contact cpd and the power contact cpvd is defined as Den. In this case, distance Dcn is longer than distance Dbn. Distance Dcn is longer than distance Den. Distance Dcn is longer than distance Ddn. In this embodiment, distance Dbn and distance Den are the same. The distance between the data contact cpd and the contact cp that is furthest from the data contact cpd among the plurality of contacts cp (excluding the ground contact cpvs) is distance Dbn and distance Den. In this case, distance Dan is longer than distance Dbn and distance Den.

[0050] The clock contact (CPC), reset contact (CPR), and power contact (CPVD) are arranged adjacent to the data contact (CPD) such that they surround the data contact (CPD) between the data contact (CPD) and the ground contact (CPVS). The data contact (CPD) is positioned inside an imaginary circle (Vcr) passing through the clock contact (CPC), reset contact (CPR), and power contact (CPVD), with the clock contact (CPC), reset contact (CPR), and power contact (CPVD) surrounding the data contact (CPD).

[0051] The imaginary line segment connecting the clock contact (CPC) and the data contact (CPD) is designated as line segment 1 (FL). The imaginary line segment connecting the reset contact (CPR) and the data contact (CPD) is designated as line segment 2 (SL). The imaginary line segment connecting the power contact (CPVD) and the data contact (CPD) is designated as line segment 3 (TL). There are no other terminals 290 contacts (CP) on line segment 1 (FL) that are different from those of the clock contact (CPC) and the data contact (CPD). There are no other terminals 290 contacts (CP) on line segment 2 (SL) that are different from those of the reset contact (CPR) and the data contact (CPD). There are no other terminals 290 contacts (CP) on line segment 3 (TL) that are different from those of the power contact (CPVD) and the data contact (CPD).

[0052] In this embodiment, the five terminals 210-250 also have the same positional relationship as the aforementioned contacts cpd, cpc, cPVd, cpr, and cpvs. Specifically, the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, reset terminal 240, and power terminal 230 are arranged in the first region Rg1. The ground terminal 250 is arranged in the second region Rg2. No other terminals 290 different from the clock terminal 220 and data terminal 210 are arranged on the first line segment FL. No other terminals 290 different from the reset terminal 240 and data terminal 210 are arranged on the second line segment SL. No terminals 290 different from the power terminal 230 and data terminal 210 are arranged on the third line segment TL.

[0053] As described above, the data terminal 210 is used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220, the reset terminal 240 and the power terminal 230, and whether the liquid containment container 100 has been installed on the printing device 20. At least a portion of the configuration of the contact portion cp in this invention is designed to achieve this detection.

[0054] As shown in FIG6, the device 130 is configured to be disposed on the substrate 120bd. The device 130 includes a processing unit 136. In this embodiment, the device 130 includes a processing unit 136 and a memory unit 138. The device 130 is molded (sealed) from resin 139. Furthermore, the device 130 may also be mounted on the substrate 120bd using other methods.

[0055] The processing unit 136 may be configured as a circuit. The processing unit 136 is connected to terminals 210-250 and controls the signals and voltages input and output to terminals 210-250. The processing unit 136 may also be a circuit with advanced computing functions, such as a CPU. Details of the processing unit 136 will be described below.

[0056] The memory unit 138 is composed of, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The memory unit 138 stores information related to the liquid container 100. This information includes, for example, the amount of ink consumed, the color of the ink, the production date of the liquid container 100, and identification information of the liquid container 100. In this embodiment, "1" to "4" are assigned as identification information to the liquid containers 100A to 100D respectively.

[0057] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, the structure of the bracket 30 and the mounting of the liquid containing container 100 on the bracket 30 will be described. Figure 7A shows the liquid containing container 100 mounted on the bracket 30. Figure 7B is the first figure showing the connecting mechanism 400. Figure 7C is the second figure showing the connecting mechanism 400.

[0058] The bracket 30 includes a receiving section 4 and a printhead 5. The receiving section 4 is disposed on the printhead 5 and is configured to accommodate multiple liquid receiving containers 100. Inside the receiving section 4, a mounting chamber 65 is formed for mounting the liquid receiving containers 100. In this embodiment, four mounting chambers 65 are provided corresponding to the number of liquid receiving containers 100A to 100D. The printhead 5 includes multiple nozzles and multiple piezoelectric elements. Ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle according to the voltage applied to each piezoelectric element, forming ink dots on the printing medium PA. A liquid introduction section 6, a sub-control board 500, and a connecting mechanism 400 are provided in the receiving section 4. The liquid introduction section 6 is disposed on the printhead 5 in the usual operating position of the printing system 1000 and introduces ink into the printhead 5 from the liquid supply port 104op of the liquid receiving container 100. In this embodiment, four liquid introduction sections 6 are provided corresponding to the number of liquid receiving containers 100A to 100D. A plurality of sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and a sub-control unit 50 are mounted on the sub-control board 500. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the use of a plurality of sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, the symbol 590 is used. The plurality of sub-control board terminals 590 are provided for each mounting chamber 65 individually. The plurality of sub-control board terminals 590 are electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50 via wiring of the sub-control board 500. The sub-control unit 50 is configured, for example, as a bracket circuit, and works in conjunction with the main control unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 to perform control associated with the liquid containing container 100.

[0059] The liquid container 100 is installed in the receiving section 4 of the printing apparatus 20 by inserting it in the mounting direction MD. The liquid container 100 is removed from the receiving section 4 by pulling it out in the opposite direction to the mounting direction MD. In this way, the liquid container 100 is detachably installed in the printing apparatus 20. When the liquid container 100 is installed in the receiving section 4, the device 130 is electrically connected to the main control section 40 via the terminal 290, the connection mechanism 400, the sub-control board 500, and the bus 46 shown in FIG. 2.

[0060] As shown in Figures 7B and 7C, the connecting mechanism 400 includes a terminal holding portion 405 and a plurality of contact forming members 403 held in the terminal holding portion 405. The connecting mechanism 400 is provided for each of the liquid containing containers 100A to 100D, that is, for each mounting chamber 65. As shown in Figure 7B, the terminal holding portion 405 has a plurality of slits 301. The contact forming members 403 are conductive and elastic. The contact forming members 403 are embedded in the slits 301. In this embodiment, each connecting mechanism 400 is provided with five contact forming members 403, the same number as the terminals 290. As shown in Figure 7B, the symbols "403A", "403B", "403C", "403D", and "403E" are used to distinguish the use of five contact forming members 403. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 400 has nine slits 301, which are arranged at fixed intervals, but in fact, the number can be the same as the number of contact portion forming members 403.

[0061] As shown in FIG7C, the contact forming member 403 is a member that electrically connects the terminal 290 to the sub-control board terminal 590 of the sub-control board 500. The portion of the contact forming member 403 facing the mounting chamber 65 forms the device-side terminal 490. The device-side terminal 490 includes a contact portion dcp that should contact the terminal 290. In this embodiment, regarding the device-side terminal 490, the portion of the contact forming member 403 closest to the mounting chamber 65, i.e., the portion protruding most towards the mounting chamber 65, contacts the terminal 290, thus forming the contact portion dcp of the device-side terminal 490. The contact portion dcp of the device-side terminal 490 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the terminal 290 may also contact a portion of the device-side terminal 490 other than the portion protruding most towards the mounting chamber 65. The portion of the contact forming member 403 protruding most towards the sub-control board 500 forms a relay terminal 439 that contacts the sub-control board terminal 590.

[0062] To distinguish between the use of device-side terminal 490, the symbols "410", "420", "430", "440", and "450" ​​are used. To distinguish between the use of relay terminal 439, the symbols "431", "432", "433", "434", and "435" are used. Device-side terminal 410 and relay terminal 431 are formed on contact forming member 403A. Device-side terminal 420 and relay terminal 432 are formed on contact forming member 403B. Device-side terminal 430 and relay terminal 433 are formed on contact forming member 403C. Device-side terminal 440 and relay terminal 434 are formed on contact forming member 403D. Device-side terminal 450 and relay terminal 435 are formed on contact forming member 403E. Device-side terminal 410 is also referred to as device-side data terminal, device-side terminal 420 is also referred to as device-side clock terminal, device-side terminal 430 is also referred to as device-side power terminal, device-side terminal 440 is also referred to as device-side reset terminal, and device-side terminal 450 is also referred to as device-side ground terminal.

[0063] Contact forming member 403A electrically connects data terminal 210 to sub-control board terminal 510. Device-side terminal 410 contacts data terminal 210, and relay terminal 431 contacts sub-control board terminal 510. Contact forming member 403B electrically connects clock terminal 220 to sub-control board terminal 520. Device-side terminal 420 contacts clock terminal 220, and relay terminal 432 contacts sub-control board terminal 520. Contact forming member 403C electrically connects power terminal 230 to sub-control board terminal 530. Device-side terminal 430 contacts power terminal 230, and relay terminal 433 contacts sub-control board terminal 530. Contact forming member 403D electrically connects reset terminal 240 to sub-control board terminal 540. Device-side terminal 440 contacts reset terminal 240, and relay terminal 434 contacts sub-control board terminal 540. The contact forming member 403E electrically connects the grounding terminal 250 to the sub-control board terminal 550. The device-side terminal 450 contacts the grounding terminal 250, and the relay terminal 435 contacts the sub-control board terminal 550.

[0064] When the liquid containing container 100 is installed in the containing part 4, terminals 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are electrically connected by contacting the device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450. The device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 of the connecting mechanism 400 are electrically connected by contacting the sub-control board terminal 590 on the sub-control board 500. The sub-control board terminal 590 of the sub-control board 500 is electrically connected to the sub-control part 50 by wiring. Thus, each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is electrically connected to the sub-control part 50.

[0065] Furthermore, the positional relationships of each contact portion cp in the liquid containing container 100, and the positional relationships of each contact portion cp with other elements, such as the first imaginary line C1, also apply to the contact portions dcp of device-side terminals 410-450. The arrangement of each contact portion cp in the liquid containing container 100 is a mirror image of the arrangement of the contact portions dcp of device-side terminal 490. As shown in Figure 7B, the contact portion dcp of device-side data terminal 410 is also referred to as device-side data contact portion dcpd. The contact portion dcp of device-side clock terminal 420 is also referred to as device-side clock contact portion dcpc. The contact portion dcp of device-side power terminal 430 is also referred to as device-side power contact portion dcpvd. The contact portion dcp of device-side reset terminal 440 is also referred to as device-side reset contact portion dcpr. The contact portion dcp of device-side ground terminal 450 is also referred to as device-side ground contact portion dcpvs.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7B, the connecting mechanism 400 is viewed from above. Two orthogonal straight lines are designated as the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2. In Figure 7B, the first imaginary line C1 is along the direction of the first direction FD, and the second imaginary line C2 is along the direction of the second direction SD. In this embodiment, two orthogonal straight lines substantially along the surface of the terminal holding portion 405 are designated as the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2.

[0067] The contact portions dcp of all device-side terminals of the connecting mechanism 400 are projected onto the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the device-side data contact portion dcpd corresponding to the data terminal 210, the device-side clock contact portion dcpc corresponding to the clock terminal 220, the device-side power contact portion dcpvd corresponding to the power terminal 230, the device-side reset contact portion dcpr corresponding to the reset terminal 240, and the device-side ground contact portion dcpvs corresponding to the ground terminal 250 are projected onto the second imaginary line C2. Regarding the projection position of the contact portions dcp of the device-side terminals, the projection position of the device-side data contact portion dcpd is set as swd, the projection position of the device-side clock contact portion dcpc is set as swc, the projection position of the device-side power contact portion dcpvd is set as swvd, the projection position of the device-side reset contact portion dcpr is set as swr, and the projection position of the device-side ground contact portion dcpvs is set as swvs. Each projection position swd, swc, swvd, swr, and swvs is an orthographic projection of the contact portion dcp of each device-side terminal perpendicularly to the second imaginary line C2. At this time, the contact portions dcp of all device-side terminals are projected at different positions. The device-side data contact portion dcpd, device-side clock contact portion dcpc, device-side power contact portion dcpvd, device-side reset contact portion dcpr, and device-side ground contact portion dcpvs are projected at different positions. The device-side data contact portion dcpd, device-side clock contact portion dcpc, device-side power contact portion dcpvd, device-side reset contact portion dcpr, and device-side ground contact portion dcpvs are arranged in a parallel manner along the first imaginary line C1 passing through the contact portions dcp of each device-side terminal, without overlapping or intersecting each other. Furthermore, at this time, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the midpoint MP between the two projection positions farthest apart from each other among the projection positions of the contact portions dcp of all device-side terminals. In this embodiment, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the middle MP of the projection position MP of the device-side data contact dcpd, device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, located at the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. In this embodiment, the first imaginary line C1 passes through the middle MP of the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0068] Relative to the first imaginary line C1, one region of the connecting mechanism 400 is designated as the first region Rg1, and the other region of the connecting mechanism 400 is designated as the second region Rg2. In this case, device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, and 440 are arranged in the first region Rg1, and device-side terminal 450 is arranged in the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, the first region Rg1 is the region on the negative direction of the second direction SD (i.e., the -X direction) relative to the first imaginary line C1, and the second region Rg2 is the region on the positive direction of the second direction SD (i.e., the +X direction) relative to the first imaginary line C1. The first region Rg1 is also one region of the connecting mechanism 400 separated from the first imaginary line C1, and the second region Rg2 is also another region of the connecting mechanism 400 separated from the first imaginary line C1. Of the contact portions dcp of all device-side terminals, a portion of the contact portions are arranged in the first region Rg1, and the remaining contact portions are arranged in the second region Rg2. A portion of the contacts in region 1 (Rg1) includes a device-side data contact (dcpd), a device-side clock contact (dcpc), a device-side power contact (dcpvd), and a device-side reset contact (dcpr). The remaining contacts in region 2 (Rg2) include a device-side ground contact (dcpvs). Across the first imaginary line C1, the device-side clock contact (dcpc), device-side data contact (dcpd), device-side reset contact (dcpr), and device-side power contact (dcpvd) are arranged on one side, and the device-side ground contact (dcpvs) is arranged on the other side. A portion of the contacts and the remaining contacts are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first imaginary line C1. A contact (dcp) on the first imaginary line C1 does not have a device-side terminal.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7B, the device-side ground contact dcpvs is located at the end closest to the positive direction (+X direction) of the second direction SD among the plurality of device-side terminal contact dcps. The device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, among the plurality of device-side terminal contact dcps, is located at the end closest to the negative direction (-X direction) of the second direction SD. This particular device-side terminal contact dcp is located on one side closest to the second direction SD among the plurality of device-side terminal contact dcps. The device-side ground contact dcpvs is located on the other side closest to the second direction SD among the plurality of device-side terminal contact dcps. In region 1 Rg1, among the device-side terminal contacts dcp (excluding device-side grounding contacts dcpvs), the contact dcp projected onto the second imaginary line C2 at the position furthest from the projection position swvs and the device-side grounding contacts dcpvs provided in region 2 Rg2 are spaced by Wa in the direction along the second imaginary line C2.

[0070] The device-side data contact dcpd, device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr are preferably configured to be far away from the device-side grounding terminal contact dcpvs. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the contacts dcp of the device-side terminal 490 other than the device-side grounding contact dcpvs, the contact dcp that is projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs when projected onto the second imaginary line C2, and the device-side grounding contact dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2, are spaced at least Wa / 2 in the direction along the second imaginary line C2. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the device-side terminal contacts dcp (excluding device-side grounding contacts dcpvs), the device-side terminal contact dcp projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs when projected onto the second imaginary line C2, and the device-side grounding contact dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2, there are no other device-side terminal contacts dcp. In this embodiment, in the area between the device-side reset contact dcpr provided in the first region Rg1 on the edge closest to the positive direction of the second direction SD (i.e., the +X direction), and the device-side grounding contact dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2, there are no other device-side terminal contacts dcp. For example, the device-side terminals 410 to 440 and the device-side grounding contact dcpvs are not provided on the first imaginary line C1.

[0071] At least one device-side terminal contact dcp of the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr is configured such that its contact dcp is projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. Preferably, any two or more device-side terminal contacts dcp of the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr are configured such that their contact dcp is projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0072] The device-side data contact dcpd is configured such that it is projected between the projection positions of the contact dcp of any two device-side terminals among the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr. The device-side data contact dcpd will not be the contact projected onto the outermost end of the second imaginary line C2. In this embodiment, the device-side data contact dcpd is configured such that it is projected between the projection positions of the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side power contact dcpvd.

[0073] Either or both of the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr are configured such that they are projected between the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd and the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc. Furthermore, the device-side reset contact dcpr is configured such that its projection position swr is adjacent to the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd. In this embodiment, the device-side data contact dcpd is configured such that it is projected between the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd and the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc.

[0074] The device-side power contact dcpvd is configured such that its projection position swvd is adjacent to the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd.

[0075] In this embodiment, the device-side clock contact dcpc is positioned at the location furthest from the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. Furthermore, the device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr are arranged in a sequential manner along the second imaginary line C2, projecting from the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc towards the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. The device-side clock contact dcpc is located at the end furthest from the negative direction (-X direction) of the second direction SD. The device-side terminal contacts dcp, excluding the device-side clock contact dcpc, are arranged sequentially from the negative direction (-X direction) of the second direction SD towards the positive direction (+X direction), in the order of device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr. The contacts dcp of a plurality of device-side terminals are arranged in the following order from -X direction to +X direction according to their respective projection positions: device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, device-side reset contact dcpr, and device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0076] The device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, device-side reset contact dcpr, and device-side ground contact dcpvs are arranged in multiple rows. These multiple rows are parallel to the second imaginary line C2 and perpendicular to the first imaginary line C1. In this embodiment, the multiple device-side terminal contacts dcp are arranged in two rows perpendicular to the first direction FD, and the direction of these two rows is parallel to the second direction SD. The two rows are arranged in the direction along the first imaginary line C1; in this embodiment, they are along the first direction FD. These two rows are referred to as row 1 R1 and row 2 R2. Row 1 R1 is formed by the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side ground contact dcpvs. Row 2 R2 is formed by the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr. The device-side data contact dcpd and device-side reset contact dcpr forming the second row R2, and the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side ground contact dcpvs forming the first row R1, are arranged in a staggered manner, with the contact dcps not aligned along the direction of the first imaginary line C1, forming a so-called sawtooth arrangement. When projected onto the second imaginary line C2, the contact dcps of two adjacent device-side terminals projected adjacently form different rows. The device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side ground contact dcpvs are arranged in different rows. The contact dcp of any one of the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr is arranged between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. In this embodiment, the device-side contact portion dcpr and the device-side power contact portion dcpvd are arranged such that they are projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact portion dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact portion dcpvs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact portions dcp of each device-side terminal 410-450 are arranged to form a first row R1 and a second row R2, but this is not a limitation. For example, the contact portions dcp of each device-side terminal 410-450 may also be arranged in three or four rows. A row may also be formed by the contact portion dcp of one device-side terminal.

[0077] The distance between the device-side grounding contact dcpvs and the device-side reset contact dcpr is defined as distance DAN. The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side clock contact dcpc is defined as distance DBn. ​​The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side grounding contact dcpvs is defined as distance DCn. The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr is defined as distance DDn. The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side power contact dcpvd is defined as DEn. In this case, distance DCn is longer than distance DBn. ​​Distance DCn is longer than distance DEn. Distance DCn is longer than distance DDn. In this embodiment, distance DBn and distance DEn are the same. The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the contact dcp of the device-side terminal that is furthest from the device-side data contact dcpd among the plurality of device-side terminal contacts dcp (excluding the device-side grounding contact dcpvs) is distance DBn and distance DEn. In this case, distance DAn is longer than distances DBN and DEn.

[0078] The imaginary line segment connecting the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side data contact dcpd is designated as line segment 1 fL. The imaginary line segment connecting the device-side reset contact dcpr and the device-side data contact dcpd is designated as line segment sL. The imaginary line segment connecting the device-side power contact dcpvd and the device-side data contact dcpd is designated as line segment tL. There are no other device-side terminal contacts dcp on line segment 1 fL that are different from the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side data contact dcpd. There are no other device-side terminal contacts dcp on line segment 2 sL that are different from the device-side reset contact dcpr and the device-side data contact dcpd. There are no other device-side terminal contacts dcp on line segment 3 tL that are different from the device-side power contact dcpvd and the device-side data contact dcpd.

[0079] Data terminal 210 may also be referred to as terminal 1. Clock terminal 220 may also be referred to as terminal 2 among other terminals. Reset terminal 240 may also be referred to as terminal 3 among other terminals. Power terminal 230 may also be referred to as terminal 4 among other terminals. Ground terminal 250 may also be referred to as terminal 5 among other terminals. Data contact cpd may also be referred to as contact 1. Clock contact cpc may also be referred to as contact 2. Reset contact cpr may also be referred to as contact 3. Power contact ccpd may also be referred to as contact 4. Ground contact ccps may also be referred to as contact 5. Furthermore, terminals other than terminal 1 may also be referred to as other terminal groups. Terminals 210 to 250, etc., disposed on substrate 120 or liquid containing container 100 may also be referred to as substrate-side terminals or container-side terminals.

[0080] Device-side terminal 410 may also be referred to as the first device-side terminal. Device-side terminal 420 may also be referred to as the second device-side terminal. Device-side terminal 430 may also be referred to as the third device-side terminal. Device-side terminal 440 may also be referred to as the fourth device-side terminal. Device-side terminal 450 may also be referred to as the fifth device-side terminal. The projection position of the first device-side terminal 410 may be referred to as the first projection position. The projection position of the second device-side terminal 420 may be referred to as the second projection position. The projection position of the third device-side terminal 430 may be referred to as the third projection position. The projection position of the fourth device-side terminal 440 may be referred to as the fourth projection position. The projection position of the fifth device-side terminal 450 may be referred to as the fifth projection position.

[0081] A2. Explanation of various states of the printing system: In this invention, the term "installation complete state" refers to a state where the liquid container 100 is installed on the printing apparatus 20 and no short circuit occurs between the terminals 290. As described above, in this invention, "liquid container 100 is installed on the printing apparatus 20" means that the liquid container 100 is physically installed on the printing apparatus 20 and the contact portion cp of the terminal 290 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal 490. The installation complete state is a state in which communication is possible between the printing apparatus 20 and the device 130. The term "incomplete installation state" refers to a state where the liquid container 100 is not installed on the receiving portion 4 of the printing apparatus 20, or a state where, although the liquid container 100 is installed on the receiving portion 4 of the printing apparatus 20, poor contact occurs between the device-side terminal 490 and the contact portion cp. The term "short circuit state" refers to a state where, although the liquid container 100 is installed on the receiving portion 4 of the printing apparatus 20, a short circuit occurs between the terminals 290. For example, when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, it is said that "the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are in a short-circuit state".

[0082] "Connection status" refers to any one of (i) installation completed, (ii) incomplete installation, or (iii) short circuit. "Determination of connection status" refers to determining which of the above (i) to (iii) states the liquid containment container 100 is in.

[0083] A3. Electrical and Software Configuration: A3-1. Electrical Configuration: Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the printing system 1000. In Figure 8, to distinguish the substrate 120 and device 130 of each of the four liquid containment containers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, "A", "B", "C", and "D" are labeled at the end. Each device 130A-130D stores identification information of the liquid containment containers 100A-100D. For example, each device 130A-130D stores information related to the liquid to be contained in the liquid containment containers 100A-100D. This identification information is represented in Figure 8 by ID=1-4. The main control unit 40 and the sub-control unit 50 constitute a control unit 39 that controls the operation of the printing device 20.

[0084] The secondary control unit 50 is electrically connected to the liquid containment containers 100A-100D via a plurality of wires. These wires include a reset line LRST, a clock line LSCK, a power line LVDD, a data line LSDA, and a ground line LVSS. The reset line LRST, clock line LSCK, power line LVDD, and data line LSDA are independently provided for each of the liquid containment containers 100A-100D. The ground line LVSS is common to all liquid containment containers 100A-100D. To distinguish the wires electrically connected to the corresponding liquid containment containers 100A-100D, the reset line LRST, clock line LSCK, power line LVDD, and data line LSDA are marked with "1" to "4" at the end. These "1" to "4" correspond to the identification information "1" to "4" of the liquid containment containers 100A-100D.

[0085] In the secondary control unit 50, the terminal for the output reset signal RST is designated as the main control terminal HRST, the terminal for the output clock signal SCK is designated as the main control terminal HSCK, the terminal for the output power supply voltage VDD is designated as the main control terminal HVDD, and the terminals for the output and input data signals SDA are designated as the main control terminal HSDA. The main control terminal HVSS is grounded. Regarding the main control terminals HSDA, HRST, HSCK, and HVDD, to distinguish the terminals connected to the corresponding liquid containers 100A~100D, they are marked with "1" to "4" at the end. These "1" to "4" correspond to the identification information "1" to "4" of the liquid containers 100A~100D. The secondary control unit 50 and the main control unit 40 are electrically connected via bus 46. The secondary control unit 50 transmits various signals and voltages individually to the devices 130A-130D of the liquid containment containers 100A-100D via the connecting bus 45, which includes lines LRST, LSCK, LVDD, LSDA, and LVSS.

[0086] The reset line LRST is a conductive line used by the control unit 39 to send a reset signal RST to the device 130. The reset signal RST is a signal that makes the request signal RS available. By changing the reset signal RST sent by the control unit 39 to the device 130 from a high level to a low level, the part of the processing unit 136 that accepts the request signal RS becomes initial. By changing the reset signal RST from a low level to a high level, it can accept new request signals RS. The clock line LSCK is a conductive line used by the control unit 39 to send a clock signal SCK to the device 130. The clock signal SCK is a signal that alternately repeats the low and high levels at a specific period. The data line LSDA is a conductive line used to transmit and receive the data signal SDA between the control unit 39 and the device 130. The data signal SDA is transmitted and received synchronously with the clock signal SCK in order to achieve synchronization between the control unit 39 and the device 130. For example, the data signal SDA is transmitted and received triggered by the rising or falling of the clock signal SCK. The reset signal RST, the data signal SDA, and the clock signal SCK can be either high or low level. Hereinafter, the high level will be represented by the symbol "H" or "1", and the low level will be represented by the symbol "L" or "0". Furthermore, the host terminal HSDA connected to the data line LSDA is grounded in the sub-control unit 50 via a pull-down resistor. Therefore, when the data signal SDA is not being transmitted or received between the sub-control unit 50 and the device 130, the drive state of the host terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 remains at a low level.

[0087] The grounding wire LVSS is a conductive wire that determines the ground potential VSS of device 130. The ground potential VSS is set to 0 V, for example. The power supply wire LVDD is a conductive wire used by the control unit 39 to supply the power supply voltage VDD, which serves as the operating voltage, to device 130. The power supply voltage VDD is a voltage higher than a certain threshold. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage VDD is used relative to the ground potential VSS, for example, at a potential of about 3.3 V. Furthermore, the potential used for the power supply voltage VDD may also be different depending on the type of device 130.

[0088] Figure 9 shows the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 20 and a liquid container 100. The printing apparatus 20 includes a display panel 495, a power supply 441, a main control unit 40, and a secondary control unit 50. The display panel 495 is used to communicate to the user the operating status of the printing apparatus 20, errors in the liquid containers 100A-100D, the ink consumption stored in the device 130, the ink color, production date, and other notifications. When the liquid container 100 is in the installed state, the display panel 495 displays, for example, an indication that the liquid container 100 has been installed, a notification that the printing system 1000 is ready for printing, and a display of the remaining ink in the liquid container 100. The display panel 495 is, for example, provided in the operation unit 70 of Figure 2. The power supply 441 is a general power supply for logic circuits, rated at 3.3 V. The voltage of the power supply 441 is supplied to the secondary control unit 50 and, as needed, to other circuits.

[0089] The main control unit 40 includes a CPU 415 and a device-side first memory unit 416. The CPU 415 controls the operation of the printing apparatus 20 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first memory unit 416. For example, the main control unit 40 controls the operation of the display panel 495 or the operation of the sub-control unit 50. The CPU 415 functions as a determination unit 411 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first memory unit 416. The determination unit 411 includes an installation determination unit 412 and a short-circuit determination unit 414. The installation determination unit 412 determines whether the liquid containing container 100 has been installed. The short-circuit determination unit 414 determines whether a short circuit has occurred between terminals 290. The sub-control unit 50 includes a switching unit 511 and a device-side second memory unit 516. The switching unit 511 includes a register (not shown) and an analog switch (not shown) connected to the register. If the CPU 415 writes a "1" to the register, the analog switch becomes on. This switches the CPU 415 to a state where it is connected to the substrate 120. If the CPU 415 writes a "0" to the register, the analog switch becomes off. This switches the CPU 415 to a state where it is not connected to the substrate 120.

[0090] The device-side second memory unit 516 stores determination information. This determination information is used for the determination processing of the connection status described below. The determination information is information that uses the voltage output from data terminal 210 as a detection value in response to the request signal RS described below. When the determination unit 411 performs the connection status determination processing, it reads the determination information from the device-side second memory unit 516.

[0091] The sub-control unit 50 sends a request signal RS to each device 130A-130D of the liquid containing containers 100A-100D via the connection bus 45. The request signal RS is output from the main terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 and input to each data terminal 210 of the liquid containing containers 100A-100D. The request signal RS contains the instruction that, for each device 130A-130D, the liquid containing containers 100A-100D that are the recipients of the request signal RS can be identified one by one. The determination unit 411 uses the voltage output from each data terminal 210 of the liquid containing containers 100A-100D in response to the request signal RS to determine the connection status of the liquid containing containers 100A-100D. Details of the request signal RS will be described below.

[0092] The processing unit 136 of device 130 communicates with the printing apparatus 20 synchronously with the clock signal SCK input from the printing apparatus 20 to the clock terminal 220 via the data line LSDA. For example, it transmits and receives signals triggered by the rising or falling of the clock signal SCK. The processing unit 136 controls the signals and voltages input and output to terminals 210-250. For example, it outputs response signals FS and SS to data terminal 210 via the data line LSDA according to the request signal RS. The processing unit 136 includes a tri-state buffer. The tri-state buffer has three driving states: a state of outputting a low-level voltage, a state of outputting a high-level voltage, and a high-impedance state. The tri-state buffer is connected to the data terminal 210. Therefore, in this invention, the terms "low level," "high level," and "high impedance" are used to refer to the driving states of the data terminal 210. The memory unit 138 is composed of a memory cell array consisting of a plurality of memory cells arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. The processing unit 136 and the memory unit 138 are connected by bit lines and word lines. The processing unit 136 is electrically connected to the memory unit 138 via terminals 210-250.

[0093] A3-2. Overview of Software Structure (Connection Status Determination and Processing): Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the connection status determination process performed by the printing system 1000 will be described. Figure 10A is a flowchart of the connection status determination process performed by the printing device 20. Figure 10B is a flowchart of the connection status determination process performed by the device 130.

[0094] As shown in Figure 10A, in the connection state determination process, the printing device 20 performs the following processing. In step S301, the sub-control unit 50 sends a request signal RS to the device 130 of the liquid containing container 100. Subsequently, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100. Specifically, in step S302, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 at a specific first time t1. In step S303, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 at a specific second time t2. In step S304, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 at a specific third time t3. The first time t1 to the third time t3 are mutually different timing sequences. The voltage detected by the secondary control unit 50 during the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3 is stored as a detection value in the device-side second memory unit 516 of the secondary control unit 50. In step S305, the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 reads the detection value from the device-side second memory unit 516. In step S306, the main control unit 40 determines the connection status based on the detection value detected by the secondary control unit 50 during the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10B, in the connection status determination process, device 130 performs the following processing. In step S101, the processing unit 136 of device 130 determines whether a request signal RS has been input from the printing device 20 to the data terminal 210. When it is determined that a request signal RS has been input to the data terminal 210, in step S102, the processing unit 136 of device 130 determines whether it has been requested to respond to the printing device 20. When it is determined that it has been requested to respond to the printing device 20, in step S103, the processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs a first response signal FS to the data terminal 210. After the processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs the first response signal FS, in step S104, it outputs a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. The first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20. When it is determined in step S102 that no response has been requested from the printing device 20, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 ends the processing.

[0096] Referring to Figures 11A-11D, the outline and output timing of the request signal RS, the first response signal FS, and the second response signal SS are explained. Figure 11A is a timing diagram when the printing device 20 outputs the request signal RS to the data terminal 210. Figure 11B is a timing diagram when the device 130 outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. Figure 11C shows the details of the first response signal FS. Figure 11D shows the details of the second response signal SS. The timing diagram in Figure 11B is executed after the timing diagram in Figure 11A. In Figures 11A-11D, "H" indicates a high level signal and "L" indicates a low level signal. The dashed line indicates that the drive state of terminal 290 is high impedance, indicating that no signal is output from terminal 290. Furthermore, the main unit terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 is grounded via a pull-down resistor. Therefore, the control unit 39 cannot distinguish between a high-impedance drive state of terminal 290, resulting in no signal output from terminal 290, and a low-level voltage output from terminal 290. However, for example, by connecting a pull-up resistor between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230, it can be confirmed that the drive state of terminal 290 is high-impedance. VDD, RST, SCK, and SDA1~SDA4 shown in Figure 11A represent signals transmitted or received via the corresponding lines LVDD, LRST, LSCK, and LSDA1~LSDA4 through the corresponding terminals 290, or voltages supplied. The periods D1~D9 of the command period CMT, the first response period RT1, and the second response period RT2 represent the unit period for repeating the low and high levels of the clock signal SCK in each period. This unit period of the clock signal SCK is called the "period".

[0097] The timing diagrams shown in Figures 11A and 11B are executed based on preset timing sequences. Preset timing sequences include, for example: the timing sequence for starting the printing device 20 and connecting the power supply 441; the timing sequence for changing the liquid container 100; the timing sequence for receiving an instruction from the user; or the timing sequence for when the printing device 20 is not printing and the tray 30 is in the starting position. The following describes an example of execution triggered by the power supply 441 timing sequence.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11A, the control unit 39 first sets the power supply voltage VDD to a high level. After the power supply voltage VDD has reached a high level and a preset time has elapsed, the control unit 39 changes the reset signal RST from a low level to a high level. After the control unit 39 changes the reset signal RST to a high level, it sends the clock signal SCK to the device 130. After the control unit 39 changes the reset signal RST to a high level, it sends the request signal RS to the device 130. The request signal RS includes the first execution instruction BCC1, the first identification data DB1, the first parity data P1, the second execution instruction BCC2, the second identification data DB2, and the second parity data P2.

[0099] The request signal RS is described in detail. After the control unit 39 sets the reset signal RST to a high level, it sends the first execution instruction BCC1 to devices 130A-130D during cycles D1 and D2 of the instruction period CMT. The first execution instruction BCC1 is a 2-bit data, indicating that the main control unit 40 should perform connection status determination processing. The control unit 39 sets the voltage to a high level during cycle D1 and to a low level during cycle D2, thereby generating the first execution instruction BCC1.

[0100] Following the first execution instruction BCC1, the control unit 39 sends the first identification data DB1 to devices 130A-130D in cycles D3-D8. The first identification data DB1 is a 6-bit data set that identifies the liquid containers 100A-100D that have been requested to respond. Corresponding bits are assigned to each device 130A-130D in the first identification data DB1. In other embodiments, the cycle D3 (first bit) and the cycle D4 (second bit) can be used when the printing apparatus 20 is equipped with six liquid containers 100. In the first identification data DB1, the cycle D5 (third bit) corresponds to liquid container 100D, the cycle D6 (fourth bit) corresponds to liquid container 100C, the cycle D7 (fifth bit) corresponds to liquid container 100B, and the cycle D8 (sixth bit) corresponds to liquid container 100A. The first identification data DB1 sent to device 130A of liquid container 100A is at a high level during period D8 (6th bit), with the remaining bits at a low level. The first identification data DB1 sent to device 130B of liquid container 100B is at a high level during period D7 (5th bit), with the remaining bits at a low level. The first identification data DB1 sent to device 130C of liquid container 100C is at a high level during period D6 (4th bit), with the remaining bits at a low level. The first identification data DB1 sent to device 130D of liquid container 100D is at a high level during period D5 (3rd bit), with the remaining bits at a low level. The request signal RS has different waveforms in each of devices 130A to 130D of liquid containers 100A to 100D.

[0101] Following the first identification data DB1, the control unit 39 sends the first parity data P1 to devices 130A-130D in cycle D9. The first parity data P1 is 1 bit data. In this embodiment, the first parity data P1 is an odd parity bit.

[0102] Following the first parity check data P1, control unit 39 sends a 2-bit second execution instruction BCC2 to devices 130A-130D. The second execution instruction BCC2 is the same data as the first execution instruction BCC1, without inverting it. Following the second execution instruction BCC2, control unit 39 sends a 6-bit second identification data DB2 to devices 130A-130D. The second identification data DB2 is the same data as the first identification data DB1, without inverting it. Following the second identification data DB2, control unit 39 sends a 1-bit second parity check data P2 to devices 130A-130D.

[0103] The first execution instruction BCC1, the first identification data DB1, and the first parity data P1 are collectively referred to as the first instruction. The second execution instruction BCC2, the second identification data DB2, and the second parity data P2 are collectively referred to as the second instruction. During the instruction period CMT, the period during which the control unit 39 sends the first instruction to the device 130 is also referred to as the first instruction period. During the instruction period CMT, the period during which the control unit 39 sends the second instruction to the device 130 is also referred to as the second instruction period. The first instruction and the second instruction are the same data that are not inverted. In other embodiments, the first instruction and the second instruction may also be inverted.

[0104] As described above, in device 130, the power supply voltage VDD is first input from the printing device 20 to the power terminal 230. After the power supply voltage VDD is input from the printing device 20 to the power terminal 230, the reset signal RST changes from a low reset voltage to a high reset voltage, thereby the high reset voltage is input from the printing device 20 to the reset terminal 240. After the high reset voltage is input from the printing device 20 to the reset terminal 240, the clock signal SCK is input from the printing device 20 to the clock terminal 220. After the high reset voltage is input from the printing device 20 to the reset terminal 240, the request signal RS is input from the printing device 20 to the data terminal 210. Here, the power supply voltage VDD is a high-level voltage higher than the threshold. The reset signal RST is a signal that includes a low reset voltage at a low level and a high reset voltage at a high level higher than the low reset voltage. The low reset voltage is a voltage lower than the reference reset voltage used as a threshold, and the high reset voltage is a voltage higher than the reference reset voltage used as a threshold. The reference reset voltage serves as the voltage used to determine the high and low levels. The clock signal SCK alternately repeats a low clock voltage for the low level and a high clock voltage for the high level (higher than the lower clock voltage) at a specific period. The low clock voltage is lower than the reference clock voltage used as a threshold, and the high clock voltage is higher than the reference clock voltage used as a threshold. The reference clock voltage serves as the voltage used to determine the high and low levels. Each threshold is, for example, set between the potential of power supply 441 and the ground potential.

[0105] As shown in Figure 11B, after the request signal RS is sent from the control unit 39 to the device 130, the device 130, which is requested to respond to the printing apparatus 20, outputs a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. The first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are used by the printing apparatus 20 to determine that the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container 100 is installed in the printing apparatus 20. The request signal RS has waveforms that individually specify the liquid containers 100A to 100D in the first identification data DB1. When the device 130A to 130D receive the specified request signal RS from the printing apparatus 20, the devices 130A to 130D output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. The first response signal FS is output during the first response period RT1. The second response signal SS is output during the second response period RT2, which is the period following the first response period RT1.

[0106] During the first response period RT1, in cycles D1 and D2, the printing apparatus 20 performs direction switching processing for signals transmitted and received via the data line LSDA. After the control unit 39 sends the request signal RS to the device 130, it sets the potential of the data line LSDA to 0V in cycle D1, thereby removing the charge from the data line LSDA. Subsequently, in cycle D2, the control unit 39 sets the drive state of the host terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 to high impedance. This makes the printing apparatus 20 capable of receiving signals. On the other hand, after the processing unit 136 of the device 130 receives the request signal RS synchronously with the clock signal SCK, it sets the drive state of each data terminal 210 to high impedance in cycle D1. This is to prevent signals from being output from the data terminals 210 while the control unit 39 of the printing apparatus 20 removes the charge from the data line LSDA. Similarly, in cycle D2, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 sets the drive state of the data terminals 210 to high impedance. The first two bits of RT1 during the first response period also function as virtual bits to ensure that the number of bits in the request signal RS is the same as the number of bits in the signal during the first response period RT1. The number of cycles of the clock signal SCK constituting the first response period RT1 is the same as the number of cycles of the clock signal SCK synchronized with the request signal RS.

[0107] Next, during periods D5 to D8, the processing unit 136 of each device 130 outputs the first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 according to a preset timing sequence. The first response signal FS is output from different processing units 136A to 136D within each cycle of the clock signal SCK. The first response signal FS contains a low-level voltage. As shown in Figure 11C, the first response signal FS is the signal output to the data terminal 210 during the period when the clock signal SCK is at a high level. The first response signal FS is at a low level during the period when the clock signal SCK is at a high level. When the voltage input to the clock terminal 220 has changed from a low level to a high level, the processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs the low-level voltage to the data terminal 210.

[0108] As described above, the first response signal FS includes a low first response voltage that is lower than the reference first response voltage, which serves as a threshold. The reference first response voltage is a voltage used as a reference for determining the low level and the high level, and is, for example, set to be between the voltage of the power supply 441 and the voltage of the ground potential.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11B, during the first response period RT1, the periods D5 to D8 of the first timing sequence t1 are all set to coincide with the high level of the clock signal SCK. The first timing sequence t1 is also set to coincide with the low level of the first response signal FS. As shown in Figure 11C, within one cycle of the clock signal SCK, during the high level period of the clock signal SCK, device 130 outputs a low level voltage to data terminal 210 earlier than the first timing sequence t1.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11B, the period D9 of RT1 during the first acknowledge period functions as a virtual bit that makes the number of bits in the first instruction period the same as that in the first acknowledge period RT1.

[0111] During the second response period RT2, as shown in FIG11B, the control unit 39 sets the potential of the data line LSDA to 0V, thereby removing the charge from the data line LSDA. The processing unit 136 of device 130 sets the drive state of data terminal 210 to high impedance during cycle D1. The processing unit 136 of device 130 also sets the drive state of data terminal 210 to high impedance during cycle D2. The first two bits of this second response period RT2 also function as virtual bits to make the number of bits of the request signal RS the same as the number of bits of the signal during the second response period RT2. The number of cycles of the clock signal SCK constituting the second response period RT2 is the same as the number of cycles of the clock signal SCK synchronized with the request signal RS.

[0112] Next, during periods D5 to D8, the processing unit 136 of each device 130 outputs the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in a preset timing sequence. The second response signal SS is output from different processing units 136A to 136D within each cycle of the clock signal SCK. The second response signal SS includes both low-level and high-level voltages. As shown in Figure 11D, the waveform of the second response signal SS is out of phase with the waveform of the clock signal SCK input to the clock terminal 220. The second response signal SS includes a high level during periods when the clock signal SCK is at a low level, and includes a low level during periods when the clock signal SCK is at a high level.

[0113] As described above, the second response signal SS includes a low second response voltage at a low level and a high second response voltage at a high level. The low second response voltage is a voltage lower than the reference second response voltage, which serves as a threshold, and the high second response voltage is a voltage higher than the reference second response voltage, which serves as a threshold. The reference second response voltage is a voltage used as a reference for determining the low level and the high level, for example, set between the voltage of power supply 441 and the voltage of ground potential. The reference second response voltage may be the same as or different from the reference first response voltage. The waveform of the second response signal SS is different from the waveform of the first response signal FS.

[0114] As shown in Figure 11B, during the second response period RT2, the periods D5 to D8 are all set to coincide with the low level of the clock signal SCK. The second timing t2 is set to coincide with the high level of the second response signal SS. During the second response period RT2, the periods D5 to D8 are all set to coincide with the high level of the clock signal SCK. The third timing t3 is set to coincide with the low level of the second response signal SS. As shown in Figure 11D, within one cycle of the clock signal SCK, during the low level period of the clock signal SCK, device 130 outputs a high-level voltage to data terminal 210 earlier than during the second timing t2. Within one cycle of the clock signal SCK, during the high level period of the clock signal SCK, device 130 outputs a low-level voltage to data terminal 210 earlier than during the third timing t3.

[0115] As shown in Figure 11B, the period D9 of RT2 during the second response period functions as virtual bit data that makes the number of bits in the second instruction period the same as that in the second response period RT2.

[0116] In the devices 130A-130D of the liquid containing containers 100A-100D, the output periods of the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are different. In this embodiment, device 130 outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS within one cycle of the clock signal SCK corresponding to the identification information. As shown in FIG11B, liquid containing container 100A outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to data terminal 210 during the respective cycles D8 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. Liquid containing container 100B outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to data terminal 210 during the respective cycles D7 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. Liquid containing container 100C outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to data terminal 210 during the respective cycles D6 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. During the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2, the liquid containment container 100D outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during their respective periods D5.

[0117] As shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK with a specific number of cycles is input to the clock terminal 220, device 130 switches the drive state of data terminal 210 from high impedance to low level, thereby outputting the first acknowledge signal FS. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, when the clock signal SCK is input to the clock terminal 220 during the first acknowledge period RT1 (cycles D1-D7), device 130A switches the drive state of data terminal 210 from high impedance to low level, thereby outputting the first acknowledge signal FS. Device 130 ends the output of the first acknowledge signal FS by switching the drive state of data terminal 210 from low level to high impedance. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, after outputting the first acknowledge signal FS during the first acknowledge period RT1 (cycle D8), device 130A switches the drive state of data terminal 210 to high impedance, thereby ending the output of the first acknowledge signal FS.

[0118] As shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK with a specific number of cycles is input to the clock terminal 220, device 130 switches the drive state of data terminal 210 from high impedance to a high level, thereby outputting the second acknowledge signal SS. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, when the clock signal SCK is input to the clock terminal 220 during the second acknowledge period RT2 (cycles D1-D7), device 130A switches the drive state of data terminal 210 from high impedance to a high level, thereby outputting the second acknowledge signal SS. Device 130 ends the output of the second acknowledge signal SS by switching the drive state of data terminal 210 from a low level to high impedance. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, after outputting the second acknowledge signal SS during the second acknowledge period RT2 (cycle D8), device 130A switches the drive state of data terminal 210 from a low level to high impedance, thereby ending the output of the second acknowledge signal SS.

[0119] As described above, after the request signal RS is input to the data terminal 210, device 130 outputs a first response signal FS to the data terminal 210. After outputting the first response signal FS, it outputs a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. When the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power supply terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 are not short-circuited, device 130 performs the following operations. As shown in FIG11C, during a specific first timing t1 when the voltage input to the clock terminal 220 is a high clock voltage, device 130 outputs a low first response voltage as a first expected value to the data terminal 210. As shown in FIG11D, after outputting the low first response voltage, during a second timing t2 when the voltage input to the clock terminal 220 is a low clock voltage, device 130 outputs a high second response voltage as a second expected value to the data terminal 210. As shown in Figure 11D, after the device 130 outputs a high second response voltage, at the third timing t3 when the voltage input to the clock terminal 220 is a high clock voltage, it outputs a low second response voltage as the third expected value to the data terminal 210.

[0120] The first response signal FS consists of a low level. The low level of the first response signal FS indicates that data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than data terminal 210. The second response signal SS consists of a high level and a low level. The high level of the second response signal SS indicates that the liquid container 100 has been installed on the printing device 20. The low level of the second response signal SS indicates that data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than data terminal 210.

[0121] A3-3. Details of Software Structure (Connection Status Determination and Processing): Referring to Figure 12, the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit 40 will be explained. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the outline of the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit 40. As shown in Figure 12, the main control unit 40 uses the combination of voltages output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 during the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3 to determine the connection status. The first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3 are, as explained using Figure 11B above, allocated to periods D5 to D8 according to the liquid containing containers 100A to 100D. The expected value of the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 during the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3 is the voltage output from the data terminal 210 when the liquid containing container 100 is in the installed state. The voltage is low during the first time sequence t1, high during the second time sequence t2, and low during the third time sequence t3. In the first case where the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containment container 100 is the same as the expected value, the liquid containment container 100 is in the installation completed state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "there is a container".

[0122] When the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 is at a low level in the second case from the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3, the liquid container 100 is in an incomplete installation state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "no container".

[0123] In the third scenario, where the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 is high at time t1, low at time t2, and high at time t3, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred." When the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, the voltage at the data terminal 210 is approximately the same as the voltage at the clock terminal 220. Similar to the clock signal SCK in Figure 11B, the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containing container 100 is high at time t1, low at time t2, and high at time t3. Thus, when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, during the first time series t1 to the third time series t3, the voltage output from the data terminal 210 connected to the device 130 to the control unit 39 of the printing apparatus 20 is configured as follows: the voltage output from the data terminal 210 differs from the first expected value at the first time series t1, differs from the second expected value at the second time series t2, and differs from the third expected value at the third time series t3.

[0124] In the fourth case, where the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containment container 100 is at a high level from the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3, the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" because at least one of the following conditions is met: the data terminal 210 is short-circuited with the power terminal 230, or the data terminal 210 is short-circuited with the reset terminal 240. In the case of a short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230, or between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240, the voltage of the data terminal 210 is substantially the same as the voltage of the power terminal 230 or the voltage of the reset terminal 240. As shown in FIG11B, during the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2, both the power terminal 230 and the reset terminal 240 are at a high level; therefore, the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid containment container 100 is at a high level from the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3. Thus, when at least one of the following conditions occurs—when data terminal 210 is short-circuited with power terminal 230, and when data terminal 210 is short-circuited with reset terminal 240—the voltage output from data terminal 210 connected to device 130 to control unit 39 of printing apparatus 20 during time series t1 to t3 is configured as follows: the voltage output from data terminal 210 differs from the first expected value at time series t1, is the same as the second expected value at time series t2, and differs from the third expected value at time series t3.

[0125] As described above, the printing apparatus 20 first checks at time t1 to ensure that the data terminal 210 and terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than the data terminal 210 are not short-circuited. Then, at time t2, it checks that the liquid container 100 has been installed on the printing apparatus 20. Furthermore, at time t3, it is confirmed again that the data terminal 210 and terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than the data terminal 210 are not short-circuited. By detecting the voltage output from the data terminal 210 from time t1 to time t3, it can be confirmed that the liquid container 100 is installed successfully. As described below, it is also assumed that the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and other terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 occurs during the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. By detecting that the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with other terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 during the first time sequence t1 before the second time sequence t2 and the third time sequence t3 after the second time sequence t2, the installation completion status of the liquid containing container 100 can be confirmed with high accuracy. In this way, the installation detection mechanism of the liquid containing container 100 and the short-circuit detection mechanism between terminals 290 can be regarded as independent components.

[0126] When the printing apparatus 20 detects that the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited, it needs to be able to distinguish the voltage detected by the printing apparatus 20 when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited from the voltage detected by the printing apparatus 20 when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited. Within one cycle of the clock signal SCK, there is a low-level period and a high-level period. In the embodiment where the device 130 outputs the same voltage as the high-level voltage to the data terminal 210 during the low-level period of one cycle when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited, and in the embodiment where the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, the device 130 also outputs the same voltage as the high-level voltage. As a result, the printing apparatus 20, which detects the output from the data terminal 210, cannot distinguish whether the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited or whether the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited. During timing sequence t1 to timing sequence t3, device 130 outputs a voltage different from the voltage of the clock signal SCK to data terminal 210. This allows printing device 20 to distinguish between the voltage detected when data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 are short-circuited and the voltage detected when they are not short-circuited. The same applies when data terminal 210 is short-circuited with power terminal 230 and when data terminal 210 is short-circuited with reset terminal 240.

[0127] Referring to Figures 13A to 20B, specific examples of the connection status determination process will be explained. In the following examples 1 to 9, a liquid containing container 100A will be used as an example. In examples 2 to 9, Figures 13A to 20B show examples of the waveform patterns that actually observe the voltage at terminal 290. The control unit 39 identifies whether the voltage output from data terminal 210 is at a high or low level based on a preset threshold.

[0128] (First specific example) In the first specific example, the case where the liquid containing container 100A is in the installed state will be described. Figure 13A is the first timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 13B is the second timing diagram of the connection state determination process. As shown in Figure 13A, during the instruction period CMT, the sub-control unit 50 sends a request signal RS to the device 130A of the liquid containing container 100A. The request signal RS sent to the device 130A sets the bit of period D8 to a high level in order to specify the liquid containing container 100A as the target. As shown in Figure 13B, in the installed state, the sub-control unit 50 detects a low level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 in the first response period RT1, a high level at the second timing t2 of period D8 in the second response period RT2, and a low level at the third timing t3 of period D8 in the second response period RT2. In this case, the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines that the liquid containment container 100A is "containing a container" based on the fact that the expected value and the detected value are the same in the first time sequence t1 to the third time sequence t3.

[0129] (Second specific example) In the second specific example, the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 will be explained. Figure 14A is the third timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 14B is the fourth timing diagram of the connection state determination process. In Figure 14A, at timing ta before the instruction period CMT, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 of the liquid containment container 100A. As shown in Figure 14B, the voltage change output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from clock terminal 220. The sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 during the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of period D8 during the second response period RT2, and a high level at the third timing t3 of period D8 during the second response period RT2. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0130] (Third specific example) In the third specific example, the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 is explained. The difference between the third specific example and the second specific example is that after device 130 receives the request signal RS, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220. Figure 15 is the fifth timing diagram of the connection state determination process. During the first response period RT1 at timing tb, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 of the liquid containing container 100A. In this case, the signal output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from clock terminal 220. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 during the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of period D8 during the second response period RT2, and a high level at the third timing t3 of period D8 during the second response period RT2. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" in the liquid containment container 100A.

[0131] (4th specific example) The fourth specific example describes the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230. Figure 16A is the sixth timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 16B is the seventh timing diagram of the connection state determination process. In Figures 16A and 16B, at timing ta before the instruction period CMT, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 of the liquid containment container 100A. As shown in Figure 16B, the voltage change output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from power terminal 230. The sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 during the first response period RT1, at the second timing t2 of period D8 during the second response period RT2, and at the third timing t3 of period D8 during the second response period RT2. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" in the liquid containment container 100A.

[0132] (5th specific example) In the fifth specific example, the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 is explained. The difference between the fifth and fourth specific examples is that after device 130 receives the request signal RS, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230. Figure 17 is the eighth timing diagram of the connection state determination process. During the first response period RT1, at timing tb, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 of the liquid containment container 100A. In this case, the signal output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from power terminal 230. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 during the first response period RT1, at the second timing t2 of period D8 during the second response period, and at the third timing t3 of period D8 during the second response period. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" in the liquid containment container 100A.

[0133] (Sixth specific example) In the sixth specific example, the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 will be explained. Figure 18A is the 9th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. Figure 18B is the 10th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. In Figures 18A and 18B, at timing ta before the instruction period CMT, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 of the liquid containment container 100A. As shown in Figure 18B, the voltage change output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from reset terminal 240. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of the first response period D8, the second timing t2 of the second response period D8, and the third timing t3 of the second response period D8. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" in the liquid containment container 100A.

[0134] (Seventh specific example) In the seventh example, the connection state determination process when a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 is explained. The difference between the seventh and sixth examples is that after device 130 receives the request signal RS, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240. Figure 19 is the eleventh timing diagram of the connection state determination process. During the first response period RT1, at timing tb, a short circuit occurs between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 of the liquid container 100A. In this case, the signal output from data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from reset terminal 240. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of period D8 during the first response period, at the second timing t2 of period D8 during the second response period, and at the third timing t3 of period D8 during the second response period. In this situation, the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred" in the liquid containment container 100A.

[0135] (8th specific example) In the eighth specific example, the case where the liquid containing container 100A is not in a fully installed state will be described. Specifically, in the eighth specific example, the case where the liquid containing container 100A is removed from the housing section 4 before the device 130A receives the request signal RS will be described. Figure 20A is the 12th timing diagram of the connection state determination process. When the liquid containing container 100A is not installed in the housing section 4, the drive state of the main terminal HSDA1 of the sub-control unit 50 becomes low due to the connected pull-down resistor. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a low level at the first timing t1 of the period D8 of the first response period RT1, at the second timing t2 of the period D8 of the second response period RT2, and at the third timing t3 of the period D8 of the second response period RT2. In this situation, the liquid containment container 100A is not in a fully installed state, and the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines that "no container is present".

[0136] (9th specific example) In the 9th specific example, the case where the liquid containment container 100A is detached from the containment unit 4 during the first response period RT1 is described. Figure 20B is the 13th timing diagram of the connection status determination process. The sub-control unit 50 detects a low level at the first timing t1 of the period D8 of the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of the period D8 of the second response period RT2, and a low level at the third timing t3 of the period D8 of the second response period RT2. In this case, the liquid containment container 100A is not in the installed complete state, and the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines that "no container".

[0137] (Other specific examples) In other specific examples, various connection states and the determination results obtained by the determination unit 421 for each connection state will be explained. Figure 20C is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the connection state determination process. In the connection state determination process, when at least one of the detection values ​​of the first time step t1 and the third time step t3 is different from the expected value, the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0138] Case No. 1 occurs when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited at a time t earlier than the first time t1. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time t1, a low-level voltage at the second time t2, and a high-level voltage at the third time t3, which differs from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0139] Case No. 2 refers to a short circuit between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 during time t, from the time t1 of the first time step to the time t2 of the second time step. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a low-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time step t1, a low-level voltage different from the second expected value at the second time step t2, and a high-level voltage different from the third expected value at the third time step t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0140] Case No. 3 refers to a short circuit between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 during time t from the second time t2 to the third time t3. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a low-level voltage (the same as the first expected value) to the printing apparatus 20 from data terminal 210 at the first time t1, a high-level voltage (the same as the second expected value) at the second time t2, and a high-level voltage (different from the third expected value) at the third time t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0141] Case No. 4 occurs during time t, from time t1 to time t2, when the short circuit between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 is released. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at time t1 that is different from the first expected value, at time t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and at time t3 that is the same as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0142] Case No. 5 refers to the situation where, during time t from the second time step t2 to the third time step t3, the short circuit between data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 is released. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time step t1, a low-level voltage at the second time step t2, and a low-level voltage at the same as the third expected value at the third time step t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0143] Case No. 6 occurs at least once, either when data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or when data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, at a time t earlier than the first time t1. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time t1 that is different from the first expected value, at the second time t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and at the third time t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0144] Case No. 7 occurs during time t from the first time step t1 to the second time step t2, where at least one of the following occurs: a short circuit between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230, or a short circuit between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a low-level voltage (the same as the first expected value) from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time step t1, a high-level voltage (the same as the second expected value) at the second time step t2, and a high-level voltage (different from the third expected value) at the third time step t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0145] Case No. 8 occurs during time t from the second time step t2 to the third time step t3, where at least one of the following occurs: a short circuit between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230, or a short circuit between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a low-level voltage (the same as the first expected value) from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at the first time step t1, a high-level voltage (the same as the second expected value) at the second time step t2, and a high-level voltage (different from the third expected value) at the third time step t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that a short circuit has occurred.

[0146] Case No. 9 occurs during time t, from time t1 to time t2, when the short circuit between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 is released, and the short circuit between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 is also released. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20, which is different from the first expected value at time t1; a high-level voltage that is the same as the second expected value at time t2; and a low-level voltage that is the same as the third expected value at time t3. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0147] Case No. 10 occurs during time t, from time t2 to time t3, when the short circuit between data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 is released, and the short circuit between data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 is also released. In this case, the substrate 120 outputs a high-level voltage from data terminal 210 to the printing apparatus 20 at time t1 that is different from the first expected value, at time t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and at time t3 that is the same as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit has occurred".

[0148] A3-4. Other software components: In the first embodiment described above, when device 130 receives a request signal RS, if the printing apparatus 20 receives a second printing instruction during printing based on the first printing instruction, it can also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 after printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction begins. When device 130 receives a request signal RS, if the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction for the print head 5, it can also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 before performing cleaning. When device 130 receives a request signal RS, it can also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 when the carriage 30 can change the position of the liquid container 100, and output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 when the carriage 30 has moved from the changing position to a standby position where the liquid container 100 cannot be changed. Change the position, for example, to the position of bracket 30 when it is in the starting position.

[0149] The first acknowledge signal FS can also be called the first signal. The second acknowledge signal SS can also be called the second signal. A low first acknowledge voltage can also be called the first low voltage. A high first acknowledge voltage can also be called the first high voltage. A low second acknowledge voltage can also be called the second low voltage. A high second acknowledge voltage can also be called the second high voltage. A low clock voltage can also be called a low voltage. A high clock voltage can also be called a high voltage. A low reset voltage can also be called a low voltage. A high reset voltage can also be called a high voltage.

[0150] A4. Other embodiments of the first embodiment: A4-1. Other embodiments related to the substrate 1: Figure 21A illustrates a substrate as an alternative embodiment 1. Figure 21A shows an example of the arrangement of a plurality of contacts cp. The arrangement of the data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact cPVd, reset contact cpr, and ground contact cpvs is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and can also be other arrangements as shown in combinations No.1 to No.24 of Figure 21A. Combinations No.1 to No.24 are combinations in which the clock contact cpc, data contact cpd, power contact cPVd, and reset contact cpr are arranged in the first region Rg1, and the ground contact cpvs is arranged in the second region Rg2.

[0151] In combinations of contact cp configurations No.1 to No.18, at least one of the clock contact CPC, power contact CPVD, and reset contact CPR is arranged such that its projection falls between the projection position SWD of the data contact CPD and the projection position SWVS of the ground contact CPVS. In combinations of contact cp configurations No.1 to No.12, any two or more of the clock contact CPC, power contact CPVD, and reset contact CPR are arranged such that their projection falls between the projection position SWD of the data contact CPD and the projection position SWVS of the ground contact CPVS. In combinations of contact cp configurations No.1 to No.6 and No.13 to No.18, the data contact CPD is arranged such that its projection falls between the projection positions of any two of the power contact CPVD, reset contact CPR, and clock contact CPC. In combinations of contact portion CP configurations No. 1, 3, 8, 11, 14, 15, 20, and 23, either or both of the data contact portion CPd and the reset contact portion CPr are arranged such that they are projected between the power contact portion CPvd and the clock contact portion CPC, and the reset contact portion CPr is arranged such that its projection position SWR is adjacent to the projection position SWVD of the power contact portion CPvd. In combinations of contact portion CP configurations No. 1, 2, 6-8, 13, 14, 16, 23, and 24, the power contact portion CPvd is arranged such that its projection position SWVD is adjacent to the projection position SWD of the data contact portion CPd. In the above-mentioned combination of contact cp configurations, No.1, the clock contact cpc is configured to be projected onto the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs, and the data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr are configured to be projected sequentially along the second imaginary line C2 from the projection position swc of the clock contact cpc toward the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs.

[0152] Figure 21B shows configuration examples shown in No. 2 and No. 3 of Figure 21A. Substrate 120b is the configuration example shown in No. 2 of Figure 21A, differing from substrate 120 shown in Figure 5 in that the positions of the clock contact (cpc) and reset contact (cpr) are reversed. Substrate 120c is the configuration example shown in No. 3 of Figure 21A, differing from substrate 120 shown in Figure 5 in that the positions of the power contact (cpvd) and reset contact (cpr) are reversed.

[0153] The configuration of the contact portion cp shown in Figure 21A can also be applied to the configuration of the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, reset terminal 240, and ground terminal 250. The configuration of the contact portion cp shown in Figure 21A can also be applied to the configuration of the device-side terminal 490.

[0154] In the first embodiment described above and in Figures 21A and 21B, the ground contact cpvs is disposed in the second region Rg2. However, other contacts besides the ground contact cpvs can also be disposed in the second region Rg2. For example, the data contact cpd, the power contact cpvd, the reset contact cppr, and the ground contact cpvs can be disposed in the first region Rg1, and the clock contact cpc can be disposed in the second region Rg2. For example, the data contact cpd, the clock contact cpc, the power contact cpvd, and the ground contact cpvs can be disposed in the first region Rg1, and the reset contact cppr can be disposed in the second region Rg2. For example, the data contact cpd, the clock contact cpc, the reset contact cppr, and the ground contact cpvs can be disposed in the first region Rg1, and the power contact cpvd can be disposed in the second region Rg2. For example, the clock contact (cpc), power contact (cpvd), reset contact (cpr), and ground contact (cpvs) can be disposed in the first region Rg1, and the data contact (cpd) can be disposed in the second region Rg2. In these embodiments, the arrangement relationship between the contact (cp) disposed in the first region Rg1 and the contact (cp) disposed in the second region Rg2 is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0155] A4-2. Other embodiments related to the substrate 2: Figure 22 shows two substrates 120d and 120e as alternative embodiments 2. The configuration of the grounding terminal 250 is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be other configurations. The configuration of substrate 120d and the grounding contact portion cpvs is different from that of substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. The grounding contact portion cpvs of substrate 120d is configured to form the second row R2. When using substrate 120d, the connection mechanism 400 shown in Figures 7A and 7B has device-side terminals corresponding to the grounding contact portion cpvs of substrate 120. The number of grounding contact portions cpvs is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be two or more. The number of grounding contact portions cpvs of substrate 120e is different from that of substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. Substrate 120e has two grounding terminals 250a and 250b, each of which includes a grounding contact portion cpvs. When using substrate 120e, the connection mechanism 400 shown in Figures 7A and 7B has two device-side terminals corresponding to the two ground terminals 250a and 250b. The arrangement of the data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact cPVd, and reset contact cpr of substrate 120e is the same as that of substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. The ground contact cpvs of ground terminal 250a and the ground contact cpvs of ground terminal 250b are arranged at different positions along the direction of the first imaginary line C1. The ground contact cpvs of one ground terminal 250a is arranged to form the second row R2. The ground contact cpvs of the other ground terminal 250b is arranged to form the first row R1.

[0156] A4-3. Other embodiments related to the substrate 3: Figure 23 shows two substrates 120f and 120g as alternative embodiments 3. The size of the ground terminal 250 is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be other sizes. The ground terminal 250c of substrate 120f and the ground terminal 250d of substrate 120g are larger than the ground terminal 250 shown in Figure 5. The ground terminal 250c is formed throughout the first row R1 and the second row R2. The ground terminal 250c is disposed across the central portion CMP of substrate 120f in the direction along the first imaginary line C1. The ground terminal 250d of substrate 120g is further formed throughout the first region Rg1 and the second region Rg2. The ground terminal 250d is disposed across the first imaginary line C1.

[0157] A4-4. Other embodiments related to the substrate 4: Figure 24 shows two substrates 120ab and 120ac as alternative embodiment 4. Figure 25 shows two substrates 120ad and 120ae as alternative embodiment 4. The shape of terminals 210-250 is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be other shapes. As shown in Figure 24, the terminals 210-250 of substrate 120ab are formed spanning the first row R1 and the second row R2, and have an elongated shape along the first imaginary line C1. In addition to the rectangular portion like the terminals 210-250 of substrate 120, the terminals 210-250 of substrate 120ac also have an elongated portion along the first imaginary line C1. The data terminal 210 of substrate 120ad has a portion that bends in the direction along the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2. The data terminal 210 of the substrate 120ae has a portion that bends in the direction along the first imaginary line C1 and the second imaginary line C2, in a manner that surrounds a portion of the power terminal 230. Even so, the positional relationship of each contact portion cp of the terminals 210 to 250 is the same as the positional relationship of each contact portion cp shown in FIG5 of the first embodiment described above.

[0158] A4-5. Other embodiments related to the substrate 5: Figure 26 illustrates the substrate 120Td as another embodiment 5. The upper part of Figure 26 shows the substrate 120Td. The lower part of Figure 26 schematically shows the connection mechanism 400Td corresponding to the substrate 120Td. In the substrate 120 of the first embodiment described above, a plurality of contact portions cp are arranged in two rows, but this is not a limitation. In the substrate 120Td, the contact portions are arranged in three rows. The data contact portion cpd and the ground contact portion cpvs form the third row. Thus, although the arrangement of the contact portions cp along the first imaginary line C1 differs from that in the first embodiment, the projection position on the second imaginary line C2 remains unchanged. When the substrate 120Td is mounted in a direction along the direction of gravity, the clock contact portion cpc, the power contact portion cpvd, and the reset contact portion cpr in the substrate 120Td are arranged on the side closer to the direction of gravity, i.e., the +Z direction side, than the data contact portion cpd. Furthermore, at least one of the clock contact (cpc), power contact (cpvd), and reset contact (cpr), is arranged such that when the contact cp is projected onto the second imaginary line C2, the projection is between the projection position swd of the data contact cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs. The contacts cp other than the data contact cpd and the ground contact cpvs are also arranged at positions different from those in the first embodiment, along the direction of the first imaginary line C1. The positional relationships of the aforementioned contacts cp are the same as those of the contacts cp of the device-side terminal 490. When the substrate 120Td is mounted in a direction along the gravity direction, the device-side clock contact dcpc, the device-side power contact dcpvd, and the device-side reset contact dcpr are arranged on the gravity direction side, i.e., the +Z direction side, closer to the device-side data contact dcpd. Furthermore, at least one of the following contacts, dcpc, dcpvd, and dcpr, among the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, is configured such that when the contact dcp is projected onto the second imaginary line C2, the projection is between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0159] A4-6. Other implementation methods related to the substrate 6: Figure 27 shows two substrates 120U and 120V as other embodiments 6 related to the substrate. The embodiment of the substrate 120bd of substrate 120 is not limited to the first embodiment described above. Substrate 120U is commonly used for four liquid containment containers 100A to 100D. In this case, the four liquid containment containers 100A to 100D can also be integrally formed. Substrate 120U includes a first substrate region 120UA, a second substrate region 120UB, a third substrate region 120UC, and a fourth substrate region 120UD. The first substrate region 120UA is a region where terminals 290 for liquid containment container 100A are disposed. The second substrate region 120UB is a region where terminals 290 for liquid containment container 100B are disposed. The third substrate region 120UC is a region where terminals 290 for liquid containment container 100C are disposed. The fourth substrate region 120UD is a region where terminals 290 for liquid containment containers 100D are disposed. The first substrate region 120UA to the fourth substrate region 120UD can also be considered as separate, independent substrates. On the back surface 120fb of the substrate 120U, four devices 130A to 130D for the four liquid containment containers 100A to 100D are disposed. The terminals 290 of each substrate region 120UA to the fourth substrate region 120UD are connected to the corresponding devices 130A to 130D via wiring pattern layers (not shown) or through-holes in the substrate 120U. Here, a power supply voltage VDD is supplied to each device 130A to 130D via a common power supply terminal 230. In this embodiment, the common power supply terminal 230 is disposed at terminal 290 in the first substrate region 120UA. Therefore, in substrate 120U, power terminals 230 are not provided in the terminals 290 of the second substrate regions 120UB to 120UD. As described above, a portion of the terminals 290 can also be used by a plurality of devices 130A to 130D.

[0160] In the first embodiment described above, the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 is composed of a single component, but is not limited to this and may also be composed of multiple substrates. In the substrate 120V, the device 130 and the terminal 290 are disposed on different substrates 124a and 124b, rather than a single substrate. The substrate 120V has a first substrate 124a and a second substrate 124b. The first substrate 124a and the second substrate 124b are electrically connected by conductive lines EL or the like. The first substrate 124a and the second substrate 124b are made of different materials. The first substrate 124a is, for example, a rigid substrate, and the second substrate 124b is a sheet substrate. The device 130 is molded onto the front surface 120faa of the first substrate 124a using resin 139. The terminal 290 is disposed on the front surface 120fab of the second substrate 124b.

[0161] A4-7. Other embodiments related to the substrate 7: Figure 28 shows a diagram of substrate 120X in another embodiment 7 related to the substrate. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 5, there are five types of terminals 290: data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, reset terminal 240, and ground terminal 250. However, this is not a limitation, and there may be fewer than five types. For example, substrate 120X has data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and ground terminal 250. Substrate 120X does not have a reset terminal 240. In this case, the reset signal RST is generated, for example, using the clock signal SCK in the processing unit 136 of device 130. For example, the power terminal 230 may not be provided in substrate 120X. In this case, the power supply voltage VDD is generated, for example, using the clock signal SCK in the processing unit 136 of device 130. For example, the power terminal 230 may be provided in substrate 120X, but the reset terminal 240 may not be provided. Thus, the terminal 290 in the first embodiment described above may also lack at least one of the reset terminal 240 and the power supply terminal 230. In this embodiment, among the terminals 290 of the substrate 120, those other than the ground terminal 250 are referred to as "other terminal groups". In this embodiment, the ground terminal 250 may also be referred to as the first terminal. The data terminal 210 may also be referred to as the second terminal. The clock terminal 220 may also be referred to as the third terminal. The ground contact portion cpvs may also be referred to as the first contact portion. The data contact portion cpd may also be referred to as the second contact portion. The clock contact portion cpc may also be referred to as the third contact portion.

[0162] A4-8. Other embodiments related to the substrate 8: In embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of terminals 290 and contact portions cp can also be an interchange with respect to the first imaginary line C1. Alternatively, the terminals constituting the first row and the terminals constituting the second row can be interchanged.

[0163] A4-9. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: The liquid containing container of the present invention is not limited to the liquid containing container 100 shown in FIG. 3, and may also have other configurations. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the liquid containing container 100 will be described. For the liquid containing container 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and other embodiments of the liquid containing container, the same reference numerals are used, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the configuration of the printing device 20, such as the containing section 4, shown in FIG. 4 is modified according to the configuration of the liquid containing container.

[0164] Figure 29 is a perspective view of a liquid container 100p as another embodiment 1 of a liquid container. The liquid container 100p includes a liquid container body 101, a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. The liquid container body 101 has an ink chamber 150 formed inside to hold ink. The liquid supply section 104 is formed on the bottom wall 101wb and communicates with the ink chamber 150. The substrate 120 is disposed at the corner 89 where the third wall 101wb and the second wall 101wr of the liquid container body 101 intersect. After the second container engaging portion 320 of the first wall 101wf engages with the recess in the receiving section 4, the liquid container 100p is rotated and moved in the rotational mounting direction RD using the second container engaging portion 320 as a fulcrum, thereby mounting itself on the receiving section 4. In the installed state, the protruding first container engaging portion 310 of the second wall 101wr engages with the retaining rod of the receiving portion 4. In this embodiment, the installation direction MD includes components of the +Z direction and the -Y direction, and the first direction FD includes both positive and negative components of the Z direction and both positive and negative components of the Y direction.

[0165] A4-10. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers, 2: Figure 30 is a perspective view of a liquid container 100q, which is another embodiment 2 of the liquid container. Figure 31 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the substrate 120 of the liquid container 100q. As shown in Figure 30, the liquid container 100q includes a liquid container 101, a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. Inside the liquid container 101, a liquid storage bag (not shown) for storing ink is disposed. The liquid storage bag is flexible and functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is disposed in the liquid storage bag and disposed in the opening 424 formed in the front wall 101wf of the liquid container 101. The substrate 120 is disposed at the corner 89a where the second wall 101wr and the fourth wall 101wu of the liquid container 101 intersect. The corner 89a is a recessed portion that is recessed into the inside of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the installation direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD includes both positive and negative components of the Y direction and both positive and negative components of the Z direction.

[0166] A4-11. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers, 3: Figure 32 is a perspective view of a liquid container 100r, which is another embodiment 3 of the liquid container. The liquid container 100r is mounted in the -Y direction MD. The liquid container 100r includes a liquid container body 101, a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. Inside the liquid container body 101, a liquid storage bag (not shown) for storing ink is disposed. This liquid storage bag is flexible and functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is disposed in the liquid storage bag and disposed in the opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container body 101. The substrate 120 is disposed at the corner 89a where the second wall 101wr and the fourth wall 101wu of the liquid container body 101 intersect. The corner 89a is a recessed portion that is recessed inward into the liquid container body 101. A groove-shaped container-side engaging structure 425 is formed on the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101. When the liquid container 100r is installed, the container-side engaging structure 425 engages with the protruding device-side engaging structure of the receiving part 4, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid container 100 in the disassembly direction, i.e., the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the installation direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD includes both positive and negative components of the Y direction and both positive and negative components of the Z direction.

[0167] A4-12. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers, 4: Figure 33 is a perspective view of a liquid containing container 100s, which is another embodiment 4 of the liquid containing container. The liquid containing container 100s is detachably housed within the housing 61 of the printing apparatus 20, which is provided in a pull-out manner, and is mounted on the printing apparatus 20 together with the housing 61. The liquid containing container 100s has a liquid containing bag 111 and a connecting member 112 installed at one end of the liquid containing bag 111 in the -Y direction direction. In this embodiment, the liquid containing bag 111 and the connecting member 112 function as a liquid containing body. The liquid containing bag 111 is flexible. A liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op is provided on the -Y direction direction side of the liquid containing bag 111, which functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is disposed in an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the connecting member 112. The substrate 120 is disposed in the recess, i.e., the corner 89a, formed in the second wall 101wr of the connecting member 112. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD includes both positive and negative components of the Y direction and both positive and negative components of the Z direction.

[0168] A4-13. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: 5 Figure 34 is a perspective view of a liquid container 100w, which is another embodiment 5 of a liquid container. In the liquid container 100w, the substrate 120 is disposed on the fourth wall 101wu, which is a horizontal plane, in the installed state. The fourth wall 101wu forms the upper wall in the installed state. Similar to the liquid container 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid container 100w includes a liquid container 101 and a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op. Inside the liquid container 101, a flexible liquid storage bag (not shown) is disposed to contain ink. This liquid storage bag functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is disposed in the liquid storage bag at the opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is the positive and negative directions of the Y direction.

[0169] A4-14. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: 6 Figure 35 is a perspective view of a liquid container 100x, which is another embodiment 6 of a liquid container. In the liquid container 100x, the substrate 120 is disposed on the fifth wall 101wsa, which is a vertical surface, when the container is installed. The fifth wall 101wsa forms a side wall when the container is installed. Similar to the liquid container 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid container 100x includes a liquid container 101 and a liquid supply section 104 with a liquid supply port 104op. Inside the liquid container 101, a flexible liquid storage bag (not shown) is disposed to contain ink. This liquid storage bag functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is disposed in the liquid storage bag at an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is the positive and negative directions of the Y direction.

[0170] A4-15. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: 7 Figure 36 shows a liquid container 100y as another embodiment 7 of a liquid container. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment described above is integrally formed with the substrate 120, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid container 100y has a liquid container 101ya forming an ink chamber 150 and a base 101yb on which the substrate 120 is mounted. A liquid supply unit 104 is formed in the liquid container 101ya. The liquid container 101ya is detachably housed in the concave base 101yb. The base 101yb functions as a housing for housing the liquid container 101ya. An opening 134 for the liquid supply unit 104 to pass through is formed on the third wall 101wb of the base 101yb. The liquid container 101ya can be fixed to the base 101yb using a fixing member (not shown). The liquid container 101ya may also not be fixed to the base 101yb.

[0171] A4-16. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: 8 Figure 37 shows liquid containers 100g and 100h as other embodiments 8 of the liquid containment container. As shown in Figures 4-6, the liquid containment container 100 of the first embodiment has a plurality of terminals 290 and devices 130 disposed on a substrate 120bd, but is not limited thereto. In the liquid containment container 100g, the plurality of terminals 290 and devices 130 are directly disposed on the second wall 101wr of the liquid containment body 101 without passing through the substrate 120bd. The plurality of terminals 290 and devices 130 are electrically connected by wiring patterns (not shown). Thus, the liquid containment body 101, the plurality of terminals 290, and the devices 130 can also be integrally constructed as the liquid containment container 100g.

[0172] In the liquid containment container 100h, a plurality of terminals 290 are directly disposed on the second wall 101wr of the liquid containment body 101 without passing through the substrate 120bd. The device 130 is disposed on the mounting substrate 120h and disposed on the second wall 101wr of the liquid containment body 101 via the mounting substrate 120h. The plurality of terminals 290 and the device 130 are electrically connected by wiring patterns (not shown). Thus, the liquid containment body 101 and the plurality of terminals 290 can also be integrally constructed as the liquid containment container 100h, while the device 130 is constructed separately.

[0173] A4-17. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers: 9 Figure 38 is a perspective view of the liquid container 100z as another embodiment 9 of the liquid container. Figure 39 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the substrate 120 of the liquid container 100z. The XYZ axis system shown in the figures of other embodiment 9 is based on the state when the liquid container 100z has been inserted into the following receiving part of the printing apparatus. When the liquid container 100z is installed in the printing apparatus, two installation operations are performed. In this embodiment, the first direction FD has a Y direction component and a Z direction component, and the second direction SD is the X direction. As shown in Figure 38, the liquid container 100z includes a liquid receiving body 101z, a liquid supply part 104 with a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. The liquid receiving body 101z has a receiving body 101za that can contain liquid, and a cover member 101zb installed on the receiving body 101za. A liquid supply section 104 is disposed at an opening 424, which is formed on the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101z formed by the cover member 101zb. A substrate 120 is disposed at the corner 89z where the second wall 101wr and the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101z intersect. The corner 89z is a recessed portion that is recessed into the inner side of the liquid container 101z.

[0174] As shown in Figure 39, the orientation of the substrate 120 is different from that in Figure 5. The data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are located on the -Z side of the clock terminal 220, the power terminal 230 and the ground terminal 250.

[0175] Figure 40 is the first figure illustrating the process of installing the liquid container 100z onto the receiving section 4z of the printing apparatus. Figure 41 is the second figure illustrating the process of installing the liquid container 100z onto the receiving section 4z of the printing apparatus. Figure 42 shows the completed installation state of the liquid container 100z. The receiving section 4z is located in a different location from the print head (not shown). The receiving section 4z and the print head are connected by a liquid flow tube (not shown). The liquid in the liquid container 100z installed in the receiving section 4z is supplied to the print head through the liquid flow tube.

[0176] As shown in Figure 40, regarding the liquid containing container 100z, by moving the liquid containing container 100z in the horizontal direction, i.e., the first installation direction MD1, the liquid containing container 100z is inserted into the installation chamber 65 of the containing part 4z through the loading and unloading opening 474. The first installation direction MD1 is the -Y direction.

[0177] As shown in Figure 41, the liquid container 100z is pushed forward in the first mounting direction MD1, thereby completing the contact between the device-side terminal 490 of the connecting mechanism 400 of the housing part 4z and the terminal 290 of the substrate 120. By pressing the second wall 101wr side of the liquid container 100z shown in Figure 41, the liquid container 100z rotates and moves about the rotation fulcrum Rp provided in the housing part 4z in the second mounting direction MD2, which has a gravity component. The second mounting direction MD2 has components in the +Z and +Y directions.

[0178] As shown in Figure 42, when the liquid container 100z completes its rotational movement in the second mounting direction MD2, the liquid supply section 104 of the liquid container 100z connects to the liquid inlet section 6 of the container section 4z. In this embodiment, both the first mounting direction MD1 and the second mounting direction MD2 are mounting directions MD.

[0179] A4-18. Other embodiments of liquid containment containers 10: In the first embodiment and other embodiments described above, the liquid containing container 100 is an ink cartridge, but it is not limited to this. The liquid containing container 100 may also be a waste liquid containing container, for example. The waste liquid containing container is, for example, a container that contains waste liquid ejected from the nozzle of the print head 5 when the printing apparatus 20 has performed cleaning of the print head 5.

[0180] A4-19. Other Implementation Methods of Printing Systems 1: The printing system of the present invention is not limited to the printing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the printing system 1000A as another embodiment 1 of the printing system. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, a configuration called "on carriage" is adopted, that is, the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30, but it is not limited to this. A configuration called "off carriage" can also be adopted, that is, the liquid container 100 is mounted in a place other than the carriage 30. The printing system 1000A is an off carriage type printing system, which includes a printing device 20A and a liquid container 100T. The printing device 20A includes a carriage 30 with a print head 5. The liquid container 100T is detachably mounted on a container mounting part 600 located in a place other than the carriage 30. The liquid container 100T also includes a liquid container, a liquid receiving part with an ink supply port, and a substrate, similar to the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 20A is equipped with, for example, liquid containing containers 100q to 100x as shown in Figures 30 to 35. The printing apparatus 20A performs connection status determination processing in the same way as the printing apparatus 20.

[0181] A4-20. Other Implementation Methods of Printing Systems 2: Figure 44 shows a printing system 1000C as another embodiment 2 of the printing system. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, a receiving portion 4 for detachably mounting a liquid receiving container 100 is disposed within the body of the printing apparatus 20, but the position of the receiving portion 4 is not limited thereto. In the printing system 1000C shown in Figure 45, the receiving portion 4C of the printing apparatus 20C is disposed outside the body 201 of the printing apparatus 20C. As shown in Figures 7A and 7C, the receiving portion 4C includes a liquid inlet 6, a connecting mechanism 400, and a sub-control board 500. The liquid inlet 6 is connected to the print head 5 disposed within the body 201 via a flexible liquid flow tube 105. A plurality of liquid flow tubes 105 are provided depending on the number of liquid inlet portions 6. The plurality of liquid flow tubes 105 are housed within a protective tube 106. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 20C includes a bus 107 that connects the sub-control board 500 to a main control unit 40 (not shown) located within the main body 201, and transmits and receives various signals. The liquid container 100 shown in FIG44 is similar to the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment described above, including a liquid container, a liquid supply unit with a liquid supply port, and a board. The printing apparatus 20C, like the printing apparatus 20, performs connection status determination processing.

[0182] A4-21. Other Implementation Methods of Printing Systems 3: Figure 45 shows a printing system 1000D as another embodiment 3 of the printing system. Like the first embodiment described above, the printing system 1000D includes four liquid storage containers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, and the printing apparatus 20 shown in Figure 1. The liquid storage containers 100A to 100D can be formed integrally or individually. Liquid is replenished to the liquid storage containers 100A to 100D via an external liquid storage section 814 and a liquid flow pipe 812 disposed outside the printing system 1000D. In Figure 45, the elements in the liquid storage section 814 and the liquid flow pipe 812 corresponding to each liquid storage container 100A to 100D are labeled with "A" to "D" at the end.

[0183] A4-22. Other Implementation Methods of Printing Systems 4: Figure 46 shows a printing system 1000E as another embodiment 4 of the printing system. The printing system 1000E includes a base 101E having a substrate 120, a liquid container 824 for containing liquid, a liquid flow pipe 822, and the printing apparatus 20 shown in Figure 1. The base 101E is detachably mounted on the container 4. The liquid flow pipe 822 connects the liquid container 824 to the liquid inlet 6, functioning as a liquid supply section. The portion of the liquid flow pipe 822 connected to the liquid inlet 6 functions as a liquid supply port. Four bases 101E, four liquid flow pipes 822, and four liquid containers 824 are provided. In the printing system 1000E, the term "installation complete state" refers to a state where the base 101E having the substrate 120 is installed on the printing apparatus 20, and no short circuit occurs between the terminals 290. In this embodiment, "substrate 120 has been mounted on printing apparatus 20" means that substrate 120 has been physically mounted on printing apparatus 20, and the contact portion cp of terminal 290 is electrically connected to device-side terminal 490. Data terminal 210 of substrate 120 is used to detect whether substrate 120 has been mounted on printing apparatus 20. Mounting determination unit 412 of printing apparatus 20 determines whether substrate 120 has been mounted. First response signal RT1 and second response signal RT2 are signals used by printing apparatus 20 to determine whether substrate 120 has been mounted on printing apparatus 20.

[0184] A4-23. Other implementation methods related to electrical and software configurations: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG1, four liquid containing containers 100A to 100D are detachably mounted on the containing section 4, but the number of liquid containing containers 100 detachably mounted on the containing section 4 is not limited to this. Hereinafter, using FIGS. 47A and 47B, a timing diagram of the connection state determination process of a printing system 1000 in which six liquid containing containers 100 are detachably mounted on the containing section 4 will be explained. The six liquid containing containers 100 may contain, for example, inks of different colors. FIGS. 47A and 47B are schematic timing diagrams showing the input and output signals to the terminals 290 of the liquid containing containers 100 in the installed state. FIG. 47A is a first timing diagram of the printing system 1000 having six liquid containing containers 100A to 100F. FIG. 47B is a second timing diagram of the printing system 1000 having six liquid containing containers 100A to 100F. Figure 47A is equivalent to Figure 11A, and Figure 47B is equivalent to Figure 11B. VDD, RST, SCK, SDA1~SDA6 shown in Figures 47A and 47B represent signals transmitted or received or supplied voltages via the corresponding lines LVDD, LRST, LSCK and LSDA1~LSDA6 through the corresponding terminals 290.

[0185] The difference between the request signal RS shown in Figure 47A and the request signal RS shown in Figure 11A is that the bits of the period D4 and D3 during the instruction period CMT shown in Figure 47A are allocated to specify the fifth liquid containment container 100E and the sixth liquid containment container 100F. In the request signal RS sent via data line LSDA5 of device 130E connected to liquid containment container 100E, the second bit of the first identification data DB1 is at a high level, and the remaining bits are at a low level. In the request signal RS sent via data line LSDA6 of device 130F connected to liquid containment container 100F, the first bit of the first identification data DB1 is at a high level, and the remaining bits are at a low level.

[0186] The timing diagram shown in Figure 47B differs from that shown in Figure 11B in that it includes additional waveforms of the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS corresponding to the liquid containers 100E and 100F. During the first response period RT1, device 130E of liquid container 100E outputs the first response signal FS to data terminal 210 during period D4, and during the second response period RT2, it outputs the second response signal SS to data terminal 210 during period D4. During the first response period RT1, device 130F of liquid container 100F outputs the first response signal FS to data terminal 210 during period D3, and during the second response period RT2, it outputs the second response signal SS to data terminal 210 during period D3.

[0187] Figure 48 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a printing system 1000 comprising six liquid containment containers 100A to 100F. In Figure 48, components identical to those shown in Figure 8 are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The difference between the electrical configuration in Figure 48 and that in Figure 8, the lines LSDA, LRST, LSCK, and LVDD (excluding the grounding line LVSS) are independently configured for each of the four liquid containment containers 100A to 100D, while in Figure 48, the lines LRST, LSCK, and LVDD (excluding the data line LSDA) are shared by multiple devices 130. Furthermore, the grounding line LVSS in Figure 48 is also shared by devices 130A to 130F for the six liquid containment containers 100A to 100F.

[0188] As shown in Figure 48, the power line LVDD2, electrically connected to the main unit terminal HVDD2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130E in the installed state. The reset line LRST2, electrically connected to the main unit terminal HRST2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130C in the installed state. The clock line LSCK2, electrically connected to the main unit terminal HSCK2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130D in the installed state. The power line LVDD4, electrically connected to the main unit terminal HVDD4 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130C and 130D in the installed state. The reset line LRST4, electrically connected to the main unit terminal HRST4 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130D and 130E in the installed state. When the clock line LSCK4, which is electrically connected to the main unit terminal HSCK4 of the sub-control unit 50, is installed, it is electrically connected to two devices 130C and 130E. The lines LSDA1, LVDD1, LRST1, and LSCK1 electrically connected to device 130A, and the lines LSDA6, LVDD6, LRST6, and LSCK6 electrically connected to device 130F, can be used independently without sharing with other devices 130.

[0189] Regarding the electrical configuration of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 48, some of the configuration can also be applied to the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1, which has four liquid containing containers 100A to 100D. For example, the liquid containing containers 100B to 100E shown in Figure 48 can be replaced with the liquid containing containers 100A to 100D of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1. For example, the liquid containing containers 100A, 100B, 100E, and 100F shown in Figure 48 can be replaced with the liquid containing containers 100A to 100D of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1.

[0190] A4-24. Other implementation methods related to the device 1: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG6, device 130 includes a processing unit 136 and a memory unit 138, but is not limited thereto. FIG49 shows devices 130a and 130b as other embodiments 1 related to device 130. Device 130a includes a processing unit 136 but does not include a memory unit 138. The memory unit 138 may also be separated from device 130. In this case, the memory unit 138 is electrically connected to the processing unit 136 of device 130b. Device 130b includes a first processing unit 136a, a second processing unit 136b, and a memory unit 138. The first processing unit 136a is connected to the memory unit 138. The second processing unit 136b is connected to the first processing unit 136a and terminals 210-250. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 136a and the second processing unit 136b together function as a processing unit. Thus, device 130b may also have a plurality of processing units 136a, 136b.

[0191] A4-25. Other implementation methods related to the device 2: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG11C, the first acknowledge signal FS is output during the entire period when the clock signal SCK is at a high level, but it is not limited thereto. For example, device 130 may also output the first acknowledge signal FS to data terminal 210 during a portion of the period when the clock signal SCK is at a high level. For example, device 130 may also output the first acknowledge signal FS first during the period when the clock signal SCK is at a high level, and then set the drive state of data terminal 210 to high impedance. For example, device 130 may also output the first acknowledge signal FS including the low level during one cycle of the clock signal SCK, during the period when the clock signal SCK is at a low level and during the period when the clock signal is at a high level.

[0192] A4-26. Other implementation methods related to the device 3: In the first embodiment described above, during the connection state determination process, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the frequency of the clock signal SCK is fixed, but it can actually be variable. For example, the frequency of the clock signal SCK during the second response period RT2 can be set to be lower than the frequency of the clock signal SCK during the first response period RT1. The second response signal SS contains different voltages. During the second response period RT2, the frequency of the clock signal SCK can also be set to be lower than that during the first response period RT1, so that the second response signal SS takes longer to be output than the first response signal FS.

[0193] A4-27. Other Implementation Methods Related to the Device 4: In the first embodiment described above, the processing unit 136 of device 130 may also sequentially and repeatedly set the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2 during the period when the reset signal RST is at a high level, thereby repeatedly outputting the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS. The processing unit 136 of device 130 may also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 when, after outputting the low-level voltage of the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210, the request signal RS is input to the data terminal 210 again.

[0194] A4-28. Other implementation methods related to the device 5: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG11B, the rise and fall of the clock signal SCK are in the same timing sequence as the rise and fall of signals such as the first response signal FS during the first response period RT1 and the second response signal SS during the second response period RT2, but are not limited thereto. For example, the rise and fall of signals such as the first response signal FS during the first response period RT1 and the second response signal SS during the second response period RT2 may also be later than the rise and fall of the clock signal SCK.

[0195] A4-29. Other implementation methods related to the device 6: In the first embodiment described above, the processing units 136A-136D of devices 130A-130D output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 within different cycles of the clock signal SCK, but this is not a limitation. For example, the processing units 136A-136D of devices 130A-130D may also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS within the same cycle of the clock signal SCK. In the connection status determination process, the printing device 20 transmits and receives signals via each data line LSDA1-LSDA4 of each device 130A-130D electrically connected to them. Therefore, even if the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output from devices 130A to 130D to data terminal 210 within the same cycle of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2, the sub-control unit 50 of the printing apparatus 20 can detect the voltage output from data terminal 210 in the first timing t1 to the third timing t3 respectively. In this case, the corresponding bit of the request signal RS during the command period CMT is set to a high level.

[0196] For example, the processing units 136A-136D of devices 130A-130D can also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during all cycles D3 to D8 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. In this case, the first timing t1 can also be set during all cycles D3 to D8 of the first response period RT1. The second timing t2 and the third timing t3 can also be set during all cycles D3 to D8 of the second response period RT2.

[0197] A4-30. Other Implementation Methods of the Device 7: In the first embodiment described above, the processing units 136A-136D of devices 130A-130D output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during periods D8 to D5 of the first response period, but this is not a limitation. For example, the processing units 136A-136D of devices 130A-130D may also output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during periods D5 to D8 of the first response period. In this case, the corresponding bit of the request signal RS during the instruction period CMT is set to a high level.

[0198] A4-31. Other implementation methods related to the device 8: In the first embodiment described above, device 130 inputs a request signal RS to data terminal 210 and outputs a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to data terminal 210. However, the terminal to which the request signal RS is input can also be a terminal other than data terminal 210. Similarly, the terminal to which the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output can also be a terminal other than data terminal 210. In this case, device 130 is connected to the terminal.

[0199] B. Other implementation methods: This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented using various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of embodiments corresponding to the technical features described below may be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above problems, or to achieve some or all of the above objectives. Furthermore, technical features that are not described as essential elements in this specification may be appropriately omitted. The following embodiments do not necessarily possess all the components of this invention. The following embodiments only need to possess the minimum configuration sufficient to solve the above problems or achieve the above objectives. The effects corresponding to one embodiment are independent of the effects corresponding to other embodiments unless specifically stated otherwise. In combined embodiments, the effects corresponding to the combined embodiments are achieved.

[0200] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided, which is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of a liquid receiving container mounted on a receiving portion of a printing apparatus; the printing apparatus includes a print head, a liquid introducing portion for introducing liquid into the print head, a receiving portion provided with the liquid introducing portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided on the receiving portion. The device is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III and IV. I: Output a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage to the first terminal included in the plurality of terminals. II: The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals included in the plurality of terminals, excluding the first terminal, are not short-circuited, and that the liquid containing container has been installed on the printing device. III: Output the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, output the second signal to the first terminal. IV: Input a clock signal that alternately repeats low voltage and high voltage at a specific period to the second terminal included in the other terminals mentioned above. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, output the first low voltage to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, output the second high voltage to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, output the second low voltage to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, during a specific first timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a first low voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, during a second timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is low, a second high voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, during a third timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a second low voltage is output to the first terminal. In this way, the device can output a signal to determine that the first terminal of the liquid container is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid container has been installed in the printing apparatus. This reduces the possibility that the printing apparatus may malfunction even though it has been determined that the liquid container has been installed, and the possibility that the device cannot properly read or write to the liquid container. The device in this embodiment represents an improvement over the prior art.

[0201] (2) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the first timing sequence. Generally speaking, the voltage becomes more stable after a certain period of time compared to when it is first output. According to this embodiment, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the first timing sequence, so that the device can output a signal to the printing device in the first timing sequence when the first low voltage output to the first terminal is stable.

[0202] (3) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the low voltage period, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the second timing sequence. According to this embodiment, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the low voltage period, the first high voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the second timing sequence, thereby enabling the device to output a signal to the printing apparatus in the second timing sequence when the first high voltage output to the first terminal is stable.

[0203] (4) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the third timing sequence. According to this embodiment, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the third timing sequence, thereby enabling the device to output a signal to the printing apparatus in the third timing sequence when the second low voltage output to the first terminal is stable.

[0204] (5) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, within one cycle of the clock signal, when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal; when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, the voltage output to the first terminal is different from the voltage input to the second terminal. When the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, the voltage of the first terminal becomes the same as the voltage of the second terminal, thus distinguishing between the case where the first terminal and the second terminal are not short-circuited and the case where they are short-circuited. Therefore, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the liquid container has been installed on the printing device.

[0205] (6) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, and the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, the voltage output to the first terminal is different from the voltage input to the second terminal. When the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, the voltage of the first terminal becomes the same as the voltage of the second terminal, thus distinguishing between the case where the first terminal and the second terminal are not short-circuited and the case where they are short-circuited. In this way, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the liquid containing container has been installed on the printing device.

[0206] (7) In the above embodiment, III and IV may also be performed multiple times. Due to the influence of static electricity, the first signal may sometimes fail to be correctly input from the printing device. According to this embodiment, by performing III and IV multiple times, even if the influence of static electricity, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with other terminals and that a liquid containing container has been installed.

[0207] (8) In the above embodiment, if the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction during printing based on the first printing instruction, then after printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction begins, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, after printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction begins, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal, so that even during continuous printing, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid containing container has been installed in the printing apparatus.

[0208] (9) In the above embodiment, if the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, it outputs the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal before performing the cleaning. According to this embodiment, if the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, the device outputs a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid containment container has been installed in the printing apparatus, thereby suppressing cleaning failures caused by poor communication.

[0209] (10) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the receiving part is in a replacement position where the liquid receiving container can be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal; when the receiving part has moved from the replacement position to a standby position where the liquid receiving container cannot be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, the installation posture of the liquid receiving container may be unstable immediately after replacement. The installation posture of the liquid receiving container may change during the movement to the standby position. With the change in installation posture, the first terminal may short-circuit with other terminals, and poor contact may occur between the liquid receiving container and the printing device. Therefore, by outputting the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal at the replacement position, and also outputting the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal at the subsequent standby position, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid receiving container has been installed on the printing device. Alternatively, in the following scenario, even though the replacement of the liquid container is not yet complete, the user can still move it to the standby position. In this case, after moving to the standby position, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal, thereby enabling the device to output a signal indicating that the first terminal is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid container has been installed on the printing device.

[0210] (11) In the above embodiment, the first terminal may be a data terminal, the second terminal may be a clock terminal, the first signal may be a first response signal to the printing device, and the second signal may be a second response signal to the printing device.

[0211] (12) In the above embodiments, the above device may also store information related to the liquid to be contained in the above liquid containment container.

[0212] (13) In the above embodiments, a reset signal including low voltage and high voltage can also be input to the third terminal included in the other terminals, and a power supply voltage can be input to the fourth terminal included in the other terminals.

[0213] (14) In the above embodiment, it may also be: after the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal is changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, thereby inputting the high voltage to the third terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the first signal is input to the first terminal.

[0214] (15) In the above embodiment, the power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal can also be used to drive the device.

[0215] (16) In the above embodiments, the third terminal may also be a reset terminal and the fourth terminal may be a power supply terminal.

[0216] (17) According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a substrate is provided, which is mounted on a printing apparatus and configured to contact a plurality of device-side terminals; the printing apparatus includes: a print head; a liquid inlet portion that introduces liquid into the print head; a receiving portion that has the liquid inlet portion and receives a liquid receiving container; and the plurality of device-side terminals disposed in the receiving portion. The substrate includes: a substrate; a device disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of terminals disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the device; the plurality of terminals includes a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and the substrate is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III and IV. I: The device described above outputs a first signal containing a first low voltage and a second signal containing a second low voltage and a second high voltage that is higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used to enable the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the substrate has been mounted on the printing apparatus. III: The device outputs the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal to the first terminal. IV: When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltages at a specific period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. During the first timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value. According to this embodiment, during a specific first timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. After outputting the first low voltage, during a second timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is low, a second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. After outputting the second high voltage, during a third timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. In this way, the device can output a signal to determine that the first terminal of the liquid container is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid container has been installed on the printing device. The substrate outputs this signal from the first terminal to the printing device. This reduces the possibility that the printing device may malfunction even though it has been determined that the liquid container has been installed on the printing device, and reduces the possibility that the device cannot properly read or write to the liquid container. The substrate in this embodiment represents an improvement over prior art.

[0217] (18) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. According to this embodiment, a voltage indicating that a short circuit has occurred can be output from the substrate.

[0218] (19) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0219] (20) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0220] (21) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0221] (22) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0222] (23) In the above embodiment, the first terminal may be a data terminal, the second terminal may be a clock terminal, the first signal may be a first response signal to the printing device, and the second signal may be a second response signal to the printing device.

[0223] (24) In the above embodiment, the other terminals may also include the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and a reset signal including low voltage and high voltage is input to the third terminal, and a power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal. According to this embodiment, the printing apparatus can use the device to determine that the first terminal and the second, third and fourth terminals included in the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid containing container has been installed in the printing apparatus.

[0224] (25) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: when the first terminal is short-circuited with the third terminal and when the first terminal is short-circuited with the fourth terminal, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0225] (26) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: from the time after the first timing sequence to the time before the second timing sequence, at least one of the following times, when the first terminal is short-circuited with the third terminal and when the first terminal is short-circuited with the fourth terminal, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0226] (27) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that, from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, at least one of the following times, when the first terminal is short-circuited with the third terminal and when the first terminal is short-circuited with the fourth terminal, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0227] (28) In the above embodiment, it is also possible that: from the time after the first timing sequence to the time before the second timing sequence, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released, and when the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0228] (29) According to the above embodiment, it is also possible that: from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released, and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the embodiment described in (18) is achieved.

[0229] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention can also be implemented by means of liquid containment containers, systems, substrates, or manufacturing methods of liquid containment containers, devices, substrates, systems, etc.

[0230] 4, 4C, 4z: Containment Department 5: Printing head 6: Liquid inlet section 20, 20A, 20C: Printing apparatus 22: Motor 26: Roller 30: Bracket 31: Cable 32: Bracket Motor 34: Sliding shaft 36: Drive belt 38: Pulley 39: Control Unit 40: Main Control Unit 45: Connect bus 46: Busbar 50: Sub-control Department 61: Shell 65: Installation Room 70: Operations Department 80: Connector 89, 89a, 89z: Corner 90: Computer 100, 100A~100F, 100g, 100h, 100p~100s, 100T, 100w, 100x, 100y, 100z: Liquid containment containers 101, 101z: Liquid containment 101wb:Wall 3 101wf:Wall 1 101wr:Wall 2 101wsa:Wall 5 101wsb:Wall 6 101wu:Wall 4 101ya: Liquid Containment 101yb: Base 101za: Containing the Main Body 101zb: Cover component 104: Liquid Supply Department 104f: membrane 104op: Liquid supply port 105: Liquid flow tube 106: Protective tube 107: Busbar 110: Liquid detection component 111: Liquid containment bag 112: Connecting components 120, 120A, 120ab, 120ac, 120ad, 120ae, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120f, 120g, 120j, 120k, 120Td, 120U, 120V, 120X:Substrate 120UA: First substrate region 120UB: Second substrate area 120UC: Third substrate region 120UD: 4th substrate region 120a: First protrusion 120fa, 120faa, 120fab: (Previous) 120fb: Back 122: Cave 123: Slit 124a: First substrate 124b: Second substrate 127: Battery 130, 130A~130F: Devices 134: Opening 136, 136A: Processing Department 136a: Processing Unit 1 136b: Second Processing Unit 138: Memory Department 139: Resin 150:Ink room 201:Ontology 210: Data Terminal 220: Clock terminal 230: Power terminal 240: Reset Terminal 250, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d: Grounding terminals 290:Terminal 301: Slit 310: First ink cartridge latch 320: Second ink cartridge latch 400, 400Td: Connecting mechanism 403~403E: Contact forming components 405: Terminal holding part 410: Device-side data terminal (device-side terminal) 411: Judgment Department 412: Installation Judgment Unit 414: Short Circuit Detection Unit 415: CPU 416: Device-side first memory unit 420: Device-side clock terminal (device-side terminal) 430: Device-side power supply terminal (device-side terminal) 440: Device-side reconfigured terminals (device-side terminals) 450: Device-side grounding terminal (device-side terminal) 490: Device side terminal 421: Judgment Department 424: Opening 425: Container side locking structure 431~435, 439: Relay terminals 441: Power Supply 474: Loading / unloading opening 495: Display Panel 500: Sub-control board 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 590: Sub-control board terminals 511: Switching Unit 516: Device-side second memory unit 600: Container Installation Section 812, 822: Liquid flow tubes 814: Liquid Storage Section 824: Liquid Containment 990: Substrate holding section 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D, 1000E: Printing System BCC1: First instruction to execute BCC2: Second instruction to execute C1: First Imaginary Line C2: Second Imaginary Line CMP: Central Department CMT: During the instruction period cp: contact part CP1: First Contact Section CP2: Second Contact CP3: Third Contact CP4: Fourth Contact CP5: Fifth Contact CPC: Clock Contact Part cpd: Data Contact Department CPR: Reset Contact Section cPVD: Power Contact CPVS: Grounding Contact D1~D9: Period DB1: First Identification Data DB2: Second Identification Data dcp: contact part DCPC: Device-side clock contact dcpd: Device-side data contact section dcpr: The device emphasizes the contact area. dcpvd: Device-side power contact dcpvs: Device-side grounding contact FD: 1st direction FS: (First) Response Signal HSDA, HSDA1~HSDA6, HRST, HRST1~HRST4, HRST6, HSCK, HSCK1~HSCK4, HSCK6, HVDD, HVDD1~HVDD4, HVDD6, HVSS: Host terminal LRST, LRST1~LRST4, LRST6: Reset line LSCK, LSCK1~LSCK4, LSCK6: Clock line LSDA, LSDA1~LSDA6: Data lines LVDD, LVDD1~LVDD4, LVDD6: Power cord LVSS: Grounding wire MD: Installation direction MD1: First installation direction MD2: Second installation direction MP: Midpoint P1: First parity check data P2: Second parity check data PA: Printing Media R1: Line 1 R2: Line 2 RD: Rotary installation direction RS: Request signal RST: Reset signal Rg1: Region 1 Rg2: Region 2 Rp: Center of rotation SCK: Clock signal SD: 2nd direction SDA, SDA1~SDA6: Data signals SL: Segment 2 SS: (Second) Response Signal t1: Timing 1 t2: Second timing sequence t3: Third timing sequence ta, tb: timing sequence TL: Segment 3 Vcr: Imaginary Circle VDD: Power supply voltage VSS: Grounding Potential Wa: Distance

Claims

1. A device configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of a liquid receiving container mounted on a receiving portion of a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid inlet portion for introducing liquid into the print head, a receiving portion having the liquid inlet portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals disposed on the receiving portion; and the device configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV: I outputting a first signal including a first low voltage and a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage to a first terminal included in the plurality of terminals; II the first signal and the second signal being used for the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with any other terminal included in the plurality of terminals besides the first terminal, and that the liquid receiving container has been mounted on the printing apparatus; III outputting the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputting the second signal to the first terminal; IV. A clock signal that alternately repeats low and high voltage at a specific period is input to the second terminal, which is included in the other terminals mentioned above. During the first timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the first timing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the low voltage period, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the second timing.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the third timing.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, within one cycle of the clock signal, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal, and when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, outputs the first low voltage to the first terminal.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the above III and IV are implemented multiple times.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein if the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction during printing based on a first printing instruction, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal after printing based on the first printing instruction has ended and before printing based on the second printing instruction has started.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein if the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction from the print head, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal before the cleaning is performed.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein when the receiving part is in a replacement position where the liquid receiving container can be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal; and when the receiving part has moved from the replacement position to a standby position where the liquid receiving container cannot be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first terminal is a data terminal, the second terminal is a clock terminal, and the first signal is a first response signal responding to the printing apparatus, and the second signal is a second response signal responding to the printing apparatus.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device stores information relating to the liquid to be contained in the liquid containment container.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein a reset signal comprising low voltage and high voltage is input to a third terminal included in the other terminals, and a power supply voltage is input to a fourth terminal included in the other terminals.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein after the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal is changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, thereby inputting the high voltage to the third terminal; after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal; and after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the first signal is input to the first terminal.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal is used to drive the device.

16. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the third terminal is a reset terminal and the fourth terminal is a power supply terminal.

17. A substrate mounted on a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising: a printhead; a liquid inlet portion for introducing liquid into the printhead; a receiving portion having the liquid inlet portion and receiving a liquid receiving container; and a plurality of device-side terminals disposed in the receiving portion; the substrate being configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals, and comprising: a substrate; a device disposed on the substrate; and a plurality of terminals disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the device; the plurality of terminals including a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and the substrate being configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV: I. The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage and a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; II. The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the substrate has been mounted on the printing apparatus; III. The device outputs the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal to the first terminal; IV. When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low voltage and high voltage at a specific period is input from the printing apparatus to the second terminal. During the first timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

18. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the first timing.

19. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the low voltage period, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the second timing.

20. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, during one cycle of the clock signal, during the high voltage period, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the third timing.

21. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, within one cycle of the clock signal, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal, and when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal.

22. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal.

23. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

24. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

25. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

26. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

27. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

28. The substrate of claim 17, wherein the first terminal is a data terminal, the second terminal is a clock terminal, and the first signal is a first response signal responding to the printing apparatus, and the second signal is a second response signal responding to the printing apparatus.

29. The substrate of claim 17, wherein the other terminals include a third terminal and a fourth terminal, and a reset signal including a low voltage and a high voltage is input to the third terminal, and a power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal.

30. The substrate of claim 29, wherein when at least one of the above-mentioned first terminal and the above-mentioned third terminal are short-circuited, and when the above-mentioned first terminal and the above-mentioned fourth terminal are short-circuited, in the above-mentioned first timing sequence, a voltage different from the above-mentioned first expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing apparatus; in the above-mentioned second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the above-mentioned second expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing apparatus; and in the above-mentioned third timing sequence, a voltage different from the above-mentioned third expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing apparatus.

31. The substrate of claim 29, wherein, from the time of the first timing to the time of the second timing, when at least one of the following occurs: when the first terminal is short-circuited to the third terminal, and when the first terminal is short-circuited to the fourth terminal, in the first timing, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

32. The substrate of claim 29, wherein, from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, when at least one of the following occurs: when the first terminal is short-circuited to the third terminal, and when the first terminal is short-circuited to the fourth terminal, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

33. The substrate of claim 29, wherein, from the time following the first timing sequence to the time preceding the second timing sequence, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released, and when the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage identical to the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

34. The substrate of claim 29, wherein, from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released, and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released, in the first timing sequence, a signal different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a signal identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a signal identical to the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

35. The substrate of claim 29, wherein after the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal is changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, thereby inputting the high voltage to the third terminal; after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal; and after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the first signal is input to the first terminal.

36. The substrate of claim 29, wherein the power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal is used to drive the device.

37. The substrate of any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein the third terminal is a reset terminal and the fourth terminal is a power supply terminal.

38. The substrate of claim 17, wherein the above III and IV are performed multiple times in at least one of the following (i) to (iii): (i) in the first timing, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; (ii) in the second timing, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; (iii) in the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

39. The substrate of claim 17, wherein if the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction during printing based on a first printing instruction, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal after printing based on the first printing instruction has ended and before printing based on the second printing instruction has started.

40. The substrate of claim 17, wherein if the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction from the print head, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal before the cleaning is performed.

41. The substrate of claim 17, wherein when the receiving portion is in a replacement position where the liquid receiving container can be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal; and when the receiving portion has moved from the replacement position to a standby position where the liquid receiving container cannot be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal.

42. The substrate of claim 17, wherein the above-mentioned device stores information related to the liquid to be contained in the above-mentioned liquid containment container.

43. A liquid containment container mounted on a receiving portion of a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid inlet portion for introducing liquid into the print head, the receiving portion having the liquid inlet portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided on the receiving portion; and the liquid containment container comprising: a liquid containment body for containing liquid; a liquid supply portion mounted on the liquid inlet portion of the printing apparatus and having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid containment body to the liquid inlet portion of the printing apparatus; a device; and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the device; the plurality of terminals including a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and the liquid containment container being configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV: I. The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage and a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage to the printing apparatus from the first terminal; II. The first signal and the second signal mentioned above are used to enable the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals and that the liquid containing container has been installed on the printing apparatus; III. The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; IV. When the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, a clock signal that alternately repeats low voltage and high voltage at a specific period is input from the printing apparatus to the second terminal. During the first timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, during the second timing sequence when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, during the third timing period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

44. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the first timing during the high voltage period within one cycle of the clock signal.

45. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the second timing during the low voltage period within one cycle of the clock signal.

46. ​​The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal earlier than the third timing during the high voltage period within one cycle of the clock signal.

47. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, within one cycle of the clock signal, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal, and when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal.

48. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal is not short-circuited with the other terminals, when the voltage input to the second terminal has changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal.

49. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device.

50. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein, in the event of a short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

51. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited from the second time sequence to the third time sequence, in the first time sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second time sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third time sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

52. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the first timing sequence to the second timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device.

53. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is released from the second time sequence to the third time sequence, in the first time sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; in the second time sequence, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; and in the third time sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device.

54. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein the first terminal is a data terminal, the second terminal is a clock terminal, and the first signal is a first response signal responding to the printing device, and the second signal is a second response signal responding to the printing device.

55. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein the other terminals include a third terminal and a fourth terminal, and a reset signal including a low voltage and a high voltage is input to the third terminal, and a power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal.

56. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein when at least one of the above-mentioned first terminal and the above-mentioned third terminal are short-circuited, and when the above-mentioned first terminal and the above-mentioned fourth terminal are short-circuited, in the above-mentioned first timing sequence, a voltage different from the above-mentioned first expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing device; in the above-mentioned second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the above-mentioned second expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing device; and in the above-mentioned third timing sequence, a voltage different from the above-mentioned third expected value is output from the above-mentioned first terminal to the above-mentioned printing device.

57. The liquid containing container of claim 55, wherein, from the time following the first timing to the time preceding the second timing, when at least one of the following occurs: when the first terminal is short-circuited to the third terminal, and when the first terminal is short-circuited to the fourth terminal, in the first timing, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

58. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein, from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, when at least one of the following occurs: when the first terminal is short-circuited to the third terminal, and when the first terminal is short-circuited to the fourth terminal, in the first timing sequence, a voltage identical to the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage identical to the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

59. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released from the first time sequence to the second time sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus in the first time sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus in the second time sequence, and a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus in the third time sequence.

60. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is released and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is released from the second timing sequence to the third timing sequence, in the first timing sequence, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; in the second timing sequence, a voltage the same as the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus; and in the third timing sequence, a voltage the same as the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

61. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein after the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal is changed from the low voltage to the high voltage, thereby inputting the high voltage to the third terminal; after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal; and after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the first signal is input to the first terminal.

62. The liquid containment container of claim 55, wherein the power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal is used to drive the device.

63. The liquid containment container as claimed in claim 55, wherein the third terminal is a reset terminal and the fourth terminal is a power supply terminal.

64. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein the above III and IV are performed multiple times in at least one of the following (i) to (iii): (i) in the first timing, a voltage different from the first expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; (ii) in the second timing, a voltage different from the second expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device; (iii) in the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value is output from the first terminal to the printing device.

65. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein if the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction during printing based on a first printing instruction, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal after printing based on the first printing instruction has ended and before printing based on the second printing instruction has started.

66. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein if the printing device receives a cleaning instruction from the print head, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal before the cleaning is performed.

67. The liquid containment container of claim 43, wherein when the containment part is in a replacement position where the liquid containment container can be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal; and when the containment part has moved from the replacement position to a standby position where the liquid containment container cannot be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal.

68. The liquid containment container as claimed in claim 43, wherein the aforementioned device stores information relating to the liquid to be contained in the liquid containment container.

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