Ink cartridges and printing devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink cartridge and a printing device. The ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge body, a chip, and a chip holder. The chip is fixed to the chip holder. When the ink cartridge is installed on the printer along an installation direction, the printer can drive the chip holder to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body. Before the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a first position. After the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a second position. The chip in the first position is closer to the top surface of the ink cartridge body than the chip in the second position. When the chip holder is in the second position, the chip abuts against the contact pin. The ink cartridge and printing device provided by the present invention can ensure a high degree of electrical stability between the chip and the contact pin in the printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and in particular to an ink cartridge and a printing equipment. Background Art

[0002] Printing equipment is a common office equipment. Existing printing equipment mainly adopts inkjet printing, which includes an ink cartridge containing ink, which is installed on the printer and sprays ink onto paper to form desired text or patterns.

[0003] Patent document US10507665B2 discloses an ink cartridge with a chip mounted on it and a stylus mounted on the printer. When the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the chip and stylus are electrically connected, enabling communication between the two. The ink cartridge includes a chip holder, to which the chip is fixed. The chip holder and ink cartridge are connected via an elastic member, with the elastic force of the elastic member directed toward the stylus. The elastic force of the elastic member presses the chip against the stylus, achieving electrical connection between the chip and the stylus.

[0004] However, the elastic member is prone to expansion and contraction, causing the chip holder to shake and the electrical connection between the chip and the contact pin to be unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide an ink cartridge and a printing device, wherein the electrical connection between the chip and the contact pins in the printer is more stable.

[0006] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] A first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides an ink cartridge, which is applied to a printer, wherein the printer is provided with a contact pin, and the ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body, a chip, and a chip fixing seat, wherein the chip is fixed on the chip fixing seat; when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer along the installation direction, the printer can drive the chip fixing seat to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body, before the linear movement of the chip fixing seat, the chip fixing seat is in a first position, and after the linear movement of the chip fixing seat, the chip fixing seat is in a second position; the chip in the first position is closer to the top surface of the ink cartridge body than the chip in the second position, and when the chip fixing seat is in the second position, the chip abuts against the contact pin.

[0008] In some optional embodiments, a sliding portion is provided on one of the chip holder and the ink cartridge body, and a guide portion is provided on the other of the chip holder and the ink cartridge body, the guide portion extends along the moving direction of the chip holder, the sliding portion is plugged into the guide portion and can move relative to the guide portion, and the chip holder can also rotate relative to the ink cartridge body around the extension direction of the sliding portion.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body is provided with a driving portion that protrudes from the ink cartridge body, the driving portion protrudes toward the contact pin, and the driving portion is located on the side of the chip fixing seat away from the contact pin; and the driving portion is arranged on the moving trajectory of the chip fixing seat, and the chip fixing seat can contact the driving portion, so that the chip fixing seat moves along the wall surface of the driving portion relative to the driving portion while rotating around the sliding portion, thereby changing the distance between the chip and the ink cartridge body.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the chip fixing seat is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the driving part, the contour of the receiving groove is adapted to the contour of the driving part, or the extension length of the receiving groove along the moving direction of the chip fixing seat is greater than the extension length of the driving part along the moving direction of the chip fixing seat.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the extension length of the guide portion is the same as the movement stroke of the chip holder, so that when the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin, the sliding portion abuts against the end of the guide portion.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the sliding portion is disposed on the chip fixing seat, and the guiding portion is disposed on the ink cartridge body.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the guide portion is a guide groove provided on the ink cartridge body, and the sliding portion is a cylindrical structure provided on the chip fixing seat; the sliding portion is inserted into the guide groove and can move relative to the guide groove.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, an elastic reset member is provided between the chip holder and the ink cartridge body, and the elastic force of the elastic reset member is parallel to and opposite to the movement direction of the chip holder; when the ink cartridge is separated from the printer, the chip holder can move along the extension direction of the guide portion under the action of the elastic force of the elastic reset member to reduce the distance between the chip and the ink cartridge body.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the position where the chip holder abuts the printer is located at the end of the chip holder along its own moving direction; and / or, the position where the chip holder abuts the printer is located on both sides of the chip holder along its own moving direction.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the extension direction of the guide portion is arranged parallel to the installation direction of the ink cartridge; when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the chip fixing seat can move relative to the ink cartridge body in the opposite direction of the ink cartridge installation direction.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body is further provided with a light shielding portion, which is used to block the detection light of the printer when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, so as to prompt that the ink cartridge is installed in place.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body has an ink outlet; in the installation direction of the ink cartridge, the chip and the chip fixing seat are farther away from the ink outlet relative to the light-shielding portion; and, in the first position, the highest point of the chip is lower than the light-shielding portion in the direction of gravity; and in the second position, the highest point of the chip is higher than the light-shielding portion in the direction of gravity.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, a protective receiving groove is provided in the ink cartridge body, and the light-shielding portion can be received in the protective receiving groove; the light-shielding portion is fixedly connected to the chip fixing seat, and when the chip fixing seat is extended and the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin, the light-shielding portion is extended from the protective receiving groove to block the detection light.

[0020] A second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a printing device, comprising: a printer and the ink cartridge described in the first aspect above, wherein the ink cartridge is at least one, and the printer is provided with a contact pin corresponding to the ink cartridge; the printer is also provided with a mounting portion corresponding to the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is fixed to the printer through the mounting portion; the mounting portion has a protruding abutting top portion, and when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the abutting top portion abuts against the chip fixing seat.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the ink cartridge and printing device provided by the embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0022] When the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the printer drives the chip holder on the ink cartridge to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body, increasing the distance between the chip on the chip holder and the ink cartridge and decreasing the distance between the chip and the contact pins until the chip and the contact pins are electrically connected, thus firmly connecting the ink cartridge to the printer. At the same time, the chip holder is pressed against the contact pins by the printer. As long as there is no relative movement between the ink cartridge and the printer, the chip maintains an electrical connection with the contact pins, resulting in a relatively stable connection between the chip and the contact pins.

[0023] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present invention described above, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the ink cartridges and printing devices provided by the embodiments of the present invention, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a printing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the middle ink cartridge;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pin is separated from the chip;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of part A;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the stylus;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Side view of;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of part B;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the middle contact pin is electrically connected to the chip;

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of part C;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of part of the structure of the ink cartridge;

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of part D;

[0036] Figure 12 for Figure 10 Side view of;

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of part E;

[0038] Figure 14 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the middle light shielding portion is connected to the chip holder;

[0039] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pin is separated from the chip;

[0040] Figure 16 for Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the middle contact pin is electrically connected to the chip;

[0041] Figure 17 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the printer abuts against both sides of the chip holder.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 10: ink cartridge;

[0044] 11: Ink cartridge body; 111: Guide portion; 112: Drive portion; 113: Protective receiving slot; 1131: Entrance and exit; 114: Ink outlet; 115: Air outlet;

[0045] 12: Chip;

[0046] 13: Chip fixing seat; 131: Sliding portion; 132: Accommodating groove; 133: Contact surface;

[0047] 14: elastic reset member;

[0048] 15: Shading part;

[0049] 16: light shielding member; 161: counterweight;

[0050] 20: printer; 21: mounting portion; 22: abutment top; 210: contact pin;

[0051] X: installation direction; Y: moving direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] As described in the background technology, in the prior art, the chip is connected to the ink cartridge through an elastic part. However, the elastic force of the elastic part is easily affected by external forces and expands and contracts, such as the shaking of the printer, the service life of the elastic part, etc., so it is easy for the chip to not be firmly abutted against the contact pin.

[0054] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides an ink cartridge and a printing device, wherein, when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the printer can drive the chip fixing seat to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body to reduce the distance between the chip on the chip fixing seat and the contact pin until the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin. At this time, the ink cartridge is fixedly installed on the printer, and the chip fixing seat is pressed against the contact pin through the printer, and the connection between the chip and the contact pin is relatively stable.

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a printing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the ink cartridge. Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pins are separated from the chip. Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of part A. Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the stylus. Figure 6 for Figure 3 side view. Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of part B. Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pins are electrically connected to the chip. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of part C. Figure 10 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of part of the structure of the ink cartridge. Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the structure of part D. Figure 12 for Figure 10 side view. Figure 13 for Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of part E. Figure 14 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the middle light shielding part is connected to the chip holder. Figure 15 for Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pins are separated from the chip. Figure 16 for Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the contact pins are electrically connected to the chip. Figure 17 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure when the printer abuts against both sides of the chip holder.

[0056] See also Figures 1 to 17The present embodiment provides an ink cartridge 10, which is applied to a printer 20. The printer 20 is provided with a contact pin 210. The ink cartridge 10 includes an ink cartridge body 11, a chip 12, and a chip holder 13. The chip 12 is fixed on the chip holder 13. When the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20 along the installation direction X, the printer 20 can drive the chip holder 13 to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body. Before the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a first position. After the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a second position. The chip in the first position is closer to the top surface of the ink cartridge body than the chip in the second position. When the chip holder is in the second position, the chip abuts against the contact pin.

[0057] Specifically, the printer 20 may be an inkjet printer, and the ink cartridge 10 is connected to the printer 20 to supply ink to the printer 20. The ink cartridge 10 includes an ink cartridge body 11, which contains a container-like structure for holding ink, such as an ink bag, or a sealed cavity formed directly within the ink cartridge body 11. The container-like structure is provided with an ink outlet 114, which communicates with an ink supply component (not shown) of the printer 20. The print head (not shown) of the printer 20 is connected to the ink supply component. Ink can be delivered to the print head through the ink outlet 114 and the ink supply component, allowing the printer 20 to print predetermined text or images.

[0058] The ink cartridge body 11 is also provided with an air port 115 for adjusting the internal pressure of the ink cartridge body 11 so that the ink can be discharged through the ink outlet 114 .

[0059] The ink cartridge body 11 is also provided with a chip 12 and a chip holder 13. The chip 12 is secured to the chip holder 13. The printer 20 is also provided with a contact pin 210. The structure of the contact pin 210 can be well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the contact pin 210 can be an elastic member. The chip 12 is provided with an electrical connection portion. When the electrical connection portion abuts against the contact pin 210, the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pin 210, enabling communication between the chip 12 and the printer 20.

[0060] The chip holder 13 is movably connected to the ink cartridge body 11, for example, the chip holder 13 is slidably or rotatably connected to the ink cartridge body 11. In this embodiment, the chip holder 13 can move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body 11, so that the chip holder 13 extends out of the ink cartridge body 11, that is, the chip 12 is extended out of the ink cartridge body 11. At this time, the distance between the chip 12 and the ink cartridge body 11 increases, and the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 decreases.

[0061] That is to say, before the linear movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the ink cartridge body 11, the chip holder is in the first position; after the linear movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the ink cartridge body 11, the chip holder is in the second position, and the chip in the second position is closer to the contact pin than the chip in the first position, so as to realize the electrical connection between the chip and the contact pin.

[0062] The linear movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the cartridge body 11 may vary depending on the top surface structure of the cartridge body 11. For example, when the portion of the cartridge body 11 that contacts the chip holder 13 is a flat surface, the linear movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the cartridge body 11 is a translational movement along the plane.

[0063] The linear movement distance of the chip fixing seat 13 can be set according to the setting position of the contact pin 210 on the printer 20, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0064] When the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20, the printer 20 drives the chip fixing seat 13 to move linearly relative to the ink cartridge body 11, and the distance between one end of the chip fixing seat 13 fixing the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 becomes smaller, that is, the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 becomes smaller, until the electrical connection part of the chip 12 abuts against the contact pin 210 of the contact pin 210, and the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pin 20. At this time, the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20, and the ink cartridge 10 and the printer 20 are relatively fixed.

[0065] That is to say, at this time, the chip fixing seat 13 is arranged between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20, and the chip fixing seat 13 is fixed by the assembly cooperation between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20. Since the connection between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20 is relatively stable, as long as the ink cartridge body 11 does not move relative to the printer 20, for example, the ink cartridge body 11 is removed from the printer 20, the chip fixing seat 13 can be firmly supported between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20, that is, the electrical connection between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 is relatively stable.

[0066] In some optional embodiments, when the top surface of the ink cartridge body 11 has an uneven top surface, the linear movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the ink cartridge body 11 can be a combination of translation and rotation, so that the chip can extend toward one side of the contact pin. Specifically. A sliding portion 131 is provided on one of the chip holder 13 and the ink cartridge body 11, and a guide portion 111 is provided on the other of the chip holder 13 and the ink cartridge body 11. The guide portion 111 extends along the movement direction Y of the chip holder 13. The sliding portion 131 is plugged into and movable relative to the guide portion 111, and the chip holder 13 can also rotate relative to the ink cartridge body 11 about the extension direction of the sliding portion 131.

[0067] The sliding portion 131 can move relative to the guide portion 111 along the extension direction of the guide portion 111, thereby achieving relative translation between the chip holder 13 and the ink cartridge body 11. The chip holder 13 can also rotate about the extension direction of the sliding portion 131. In this way, one end of the chip holder 13 moves linearly toward the side closer to the ink cartridge body 11, while the other end of the chip holder 13, where the chip 12 is mounted, moves linearly toward the side farther from the ink cartridge body 11, thereby reducing the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pins 210.

[0068] Depending on the position and orientation of the contact pins 210, the movement direction Y of the chip holder 13 can be arranged at an angle to the installation direction X of the ink cartridge 10. Alternatively, the guide portion 111 can extend parallel to the installation direction X of the ink cartridge 10. When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer 20, the chip holder 13 can move relative to the ink cartridge body 11 in the direction opposite to the installation direction X of the ink cartridge 10, thus simplifying the structure.

[0069] The extending direction of the sliding portion 131 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide portion 111. Thus, when the chip holder 13 rotates about the extending direction of the sliding portion 131, one end of the chip holder 13 rotates toward the side closer to the cartridge body 11, while the other end of the chip holder 13, where the chip 12 is mounted, rotates toward the side farther from the cartridge body 11, thereby reducing the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pins 210.

[0070] The sliding portion 131 can be provided on the ink cartridge body 11, and the guide portion 111 can be provided on the chip holder 13. Considering the small size of the chip holder 13, the sliding portion 131 can also be provided on the chip holder 13, and the guide portion 111 can be provided on the ink cartridge body 11, which is easy to process and form.

[0071] The sliding portion 131 and the guiding portion 111 may have different structures. For example, the sliding portion 131 is hingedly connected to the chip holder 13 , and the guiding portion 111 is a guiding protrusion or a guiding groove connected to the sliding portion 131 .

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, the guide portion 111 is a guide groove provided on the ink cartridge body 11, and the sliding portion 131 is a cylindrical structure provided on the chip holder 13. The sliding portion 131 is inserted into the guide groove and can move relative to the guide groove. In this case, the sliding portion 131 protrudes from the chip holder 13, while the guide groove is provided on the ink cartridge body 11, resulting in a simple structure and easy molding.

[0073] Among them, the width of the guide groove can be the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical structure, so that the inner wall of the guide groove forms a limit on the sliding part 131 to prevent the sliding part 131 from jumping in the width direction of the guide part 111, and the movement stability of the chip fixing seat 13 is relatively high.

[0074] The chip holder 13 can be driven by the printer 20 to rotate relative to the ink cartridge body 11. For example, the printer 20 is provided with an abutment portion. When the chip holder 13 abuts against the end surface of the abutment portion, the chip holder 13 can obtain a driving force in a direction away from the ink cartridge body 11, thereby driving the chip holder 13 to rotate.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body 11 is provided with a driving portion 112 that protrudes from the ink cartridge body 11, the driving portion 112 protrudes toward the contact pin 210, and the driving portion 112 is located on the side of the chip fixing seat 13 that is away from the contact pin 210; and the driving portion 112 is arranged on the moving trajectory of the chip fixing seat 13, and the chip fixing seat 13 can contact the driving portion 112, so that the chip fixing seat 13 moves along the wall surface of the driving portion 112 relative to the driving portion 112 while rotating around the sliding portion 131, thereby changing the distance between the chip 12 and the ink cartridge body 11.

[0076] The driving portion 112 protrudes from the wall of the ink cartridge body 11 , and the wall of the driving portion 112 includes at least one smooth curved surface. Thus, when the chip holder 13 contacts the driving portion 112 and moves relative to the driving portion 112 along the wall of the driving portion 112 , the movement process of the chip holder 13 is relatively smooth.

[0077] The driving portion 112 may be a columnar protrusion or a spherical protrusion. When the driving portion 112 is a columnar protrusion, the cross-sectional shape of the driving portion 112 may be an irregular curved shape, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0078] The length of the smooth curved surface along the extension direction of the guide portion 111 can vary depending on the contact path length between the chip holder 13 and the driver 112. For example, in this embodiment, the smooth curved surface can cover the driver 112 along the extension direction of the guide portion 111. In this case, the wall surface of the driver 112 is smoothly connected to the cartridge body 11.

[0079] The driving portion 112 is located at one end of the chip fixing seat 13 where the chip 12 is set. In this way, when one end of the chip fixing seat 13 where the chip 12 is set contacts different positions of the driving portion 112, the distance between the chip 12 and the ink cartridge body 11 increases or decreases accordingly, that is, the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 increases or decreases accordingly. At this time, the chip fixing seat 13 rotates with the sliding portion 131 as the axis.

[0080] For example, when the chip holder 13 contacts the top of the driver 112, the distance between the chip 12 and the cartridge body 11 is maximized, and the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pins 210. At this point, one side of the chip holder 13 presses against the driver 112, and the chip 12 on the chip holder 13 presses against the contact pins 210, making the connection between the chip 12 and the contact pins 210 relatively secure.

[0081] The driving portion 112 can be arranged at different positions according to the relative movement direction Y between the chip holder 13 and the ink cartridge body 11. For example, when the movement direction Y of the chip holder 13 is in the same direction as the installation direction X, the driving portion 112 can be arranged on one side of the chip holder 13. During the movement of the chip holder 13 relative to the ink cartridge body 11, the chip holder 13 moves toward or away from the side of the driving portion 112.

[0082] When the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13 is opposite to the installation direction X of the ink cartridge 10, in some optional embodiments, the chip holder 13 is provided with a receiving groove 132 for accommodating the driving portion 112, and the contour of the receiving groove 132 is adapted to the contour of the driving portion 112, or the extension length of the receiving groove 132 along the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13 is greater than the extension length of the driving portion 112 along the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13.

[0083] That is, when the ink cartridge 10 is not installed on the printer 20 , the driving portion 112 is located in the accommodating recess 132 of the chip fixing seat 13 .

[0084] During the process of installing the ink cartridge 10 in the printer 20, the printer 20 drives the chip fixing seat 13 to move, and the sliding part 131 moves toward the side away from the driving part 112. When the side of the chip fixing seat 13 facing the ink cartridge body 11 contacts the wall of the driving part 112, the distance between the end of the chip fixing seat 13 where the chip 12 is set and the ink cartridge body 11 increases, that is, the chip fixing seat 13 moves and rotates around the sliding part 131 until the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pin 210.

[0085] When the contour of the accommodating recess 132 matches the contour of the driving portion 112, the chip holder 13 moves along the guide portion 111 while rotating around the sliding portion 131. When the extension length of the accommodating recess 132 along the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13 is greater than the extension length of the driving portion 112 along the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13, the chip 12 holder may first move relative to the ink cartridge body 11 along the guide portion 111, and then the chip holder 13 may contact the wall surface of the driving portion 112 toward the side of the ink cartridge body 11. At this time, the chip holder 13 moves along the guide portion 111 while rotating around the sliding portion 131, and the movement distance is determined by the movement distance of the chip holder 13 along the guide portion 111.

[0086] See also Figure 8 to, Figure 13 In some optional embodiments, the extension length of the guide portion 111 is the same as the movement stroke of the chip holder 13, so that when the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pin 210, the sliding portion 131 abuts against the end of the guide portion 111.

[0087] That is, when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer 20 , the sliding portion 131 moves to the end of the guide portion 111 and abuts against the end of the guide portion 111 .

[0088] At this point, the side of the chip holder 13 facing the ink cartridge body 11 abuts the driver 112, and the chip 12 is positioned on the opposite side of the chip holder 13, abutting the contact pins 210. Furthermore, one end of the chip holder 13, along the installation direction X, abuts the printer 20, and the sliding portion 131 of the chip holder 13 abuts the end of the guide portion 111. In this way, through the assembly and mating relationship between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20, the chip holder 13 is securely clamped between the two, ensuring a more secure connection between the chip 12 and the contact pins 210.

[0089] In some optional embodiments, an elastic reset member 14 is provided between the chip holder 13 and the ink cartridge body 11, and the elastic force of the elastic reset member 14 is parallel to and opposite to the moving direction Y of the chip holder 13; when the ink cartridge 10 is separated from the printer 20, the chip holder 13 can move along the extension direction of the guide portion 111 under the action of the elastic force of the elastic reset member 14 to reduce the distance between the chip 12 and the ink cartridge body 11.

[0090] Thus, when the ink cartridge 10 is removed from the printer 20, for example, to perform maintenance on the ink cartridge 10, the chip holder 13 can move under the elastic force of the elastic member. The side of the chip holder 13 facing the ink cartridge body 11 moves relative to the drive unit 112, and the distance between the end of the chip holder 13 where the chip 12 is located and the ink cartridge body 11 decreases until the drive unit 112 is accommodated within the accommodating recess 132. This shortens the distance between the chip 12 and the ink cartridge body 11, providing protection for the chip 12 and reducing the probability of foreign objects striking the chip 12.

[0091] The elastic reset member 14 can be a spring, an elastic rubber block, etc.

[0092] Depending on the structure of the chip holder 13 and the printer 20, the printer 20 can abut against any position of the chip holder 13. Considering that the movement direction Y of the chip holder 13 is opposite to the installation direction X of the ink cartridge 10, the position where the chip holder 13 abuts the printer 20 may optionally be located at the end of the chip holder 13 along its own movement direction Y; and / or, the positions where the chip holder 13 abuts the printer 20 may be located on both sides of the chip holder 13 along its own movement direction Y.

[0093] The position where the chip holder 13 contacts the printer 20 may be a contact surface, so that the contact area between the chip holder 13 and the printer 20 is larger and the contact between the chip holder 13 and the printer 20 is more stable. The contact surface may be an end surface of the chip holder 13 along the installation direction X (e.g., Figures 8 to 13 Of course, the contact surface can also be set on any one side or both sides of the chip fixing seat 13 along the installation direction X (as shown). Figures 14 to 17 This embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body 11 is further provided with a light shielding portion 15 , which is used to block the detection light of the printer 20 when the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20 , so as to prompt that the ink cartridge 10 is installed in place.

[0095] That is to say, when the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20, the light-shielding portion 15 on the ink cartridge body 11 can block or reflect the detection light of the printer 20. After the control system of the printer 20 receives the signal that the detection light is blocked or reflected, it determines that the ink cartridge 10 is installed in place, that is, the ink cartridge 10 is firmly connected to the printer 20.

[0096] The ink cartridge 10 can be of different types. For example, different colors or different types of inks can be set in the ink cartridge 10. In order to facilitate the printer 20 to identify and distinguish the types of the ink cartridge 10, in some optional embodiments, the shading portion 15 can be set at different positions of the ink cartridge body 11 along the light emitting direction of the detection light, so as to distinguish the type of the ink cartridge 10 by changing the light emitting distance of the detection light.

[0097] In this way, when the light-shielding portion 15 is set at different positions along the light-emitting direction of the detection light, the distance between the component on the printer 20 that emits the detection light and the light-shielding portion 15 changes, that is, the light-emitting distance of the detection light changes, and the printer 20 control system can identify the type of the current ink cartridge 10 based on the light-emitting distance of the detection light.

[0098] The light shielding portion 15 may be fixedly connected to the ink cartridge body 11 .

[0099] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge body has an ink outlet; in the installation direction of the ink cartridge, the chip and the chip fixing seat are farther away from the ink outlet relative to the light-shielding portion; and, in the first position, the highest point of the chip is lower than the light-shielding portion in the direction of gravity; and in the second position, the highest point of the chip is higher than the light-shielding portion in the direction of gravity.

[0100] The relative positional relationship between the ink outlet, the light shielding portion, and the chip fixing seat on the ink cartridge body can be set as needed, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0101] When the light shield is secured to the ink cartridge body, it protrudes from the outer wall of the cartridge body. Consequently, when the chip holder is in the first position, the highest point of the chip is higher than the light shield in the direction of gravity, allowing the light shield to protect the chip. For example, if a foreign object strikes the ink cartridge body, it will stop upon impact with the light shield, thus preventing the chip from being struck.

[0102] When the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the chip extends toward the side of the contact pin. The extension distance of the chip in the direction of gravity can be set according to the assembly structure of the ink cartridge and the printer. For example, when the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin, the highest point of the chip is higher than the light-shielding portion in the direction of gravity.

[0103] It should be noted that the light shielding portion 15 may also be movably connected to the ink cartridge body 11. In some optional embodiments, a protective receiving groove 113 is provided in the ink cartridge body 11, and the light shielding portion 15 may be received in the protective receiving groove 113.

[0104] In this way, in the event of an external force collision, the shading portion 15 can move into the protective receiving groove 113 by itself. At this time, the shading portion 15 does not protrude from the outer wall surface of the ink cartridge body 11, forming a protection for the shading portion 15 to prevent the shading portion 15 from being deformed or broken due to external force impact.

[0105] When a protective receiving groove 113 is provided on the ink cartridge body 11, in order to facilitate identification of the type of the ink cartridge 10, in some optional embodiments, the protective receiving groove 113 has a plurality of entrances and exits 1131, and the entrances and exits 1131 are used for allowing the light-shielding portion 15 to extend out of the protective receiving groove 113; the plurality of entrances and exits 1131 are arranged at intervals along the light-emitting direction of the detection light, and the light-shielding portion 15 can extend through different entrances and exits 1131 to distinguish the type of the ink cartridge 10 by changing the light-emitting distance of the detection light.

[0106] At this time, a plurality of light shielding portions 15 can be provided on the ink cartridge body 11 , and the light shielding portions 15 correspond to the inlet and outlet 1131 , so that one of the light shielding portions 15 can be selected to extend out of the protective receiving slot 113 through the inlet and outlet 1131 according to the type of the ink cartridge 10 .

[0107] Of course, a light shielding portion 15 may also be provided on the ink cartridge body 11 , and the light shielding portion 15 may be positioned at the corresponding position of the inlet and outlet 1131 according to the type of the ink cartridge 10 .

[0108] In this way, when the shading portion 15 extends out of the protective receiving slot 113 from different entrances and exits 1131, the distance between the component on the printer 20 that emits the detection light and the shading portion 15 changes, that is, the light emitting distance of the detection light changes. The control system of the printer 20 can identify the type of the current ink cartridge 10 based on the light emitting distance of the detection light.

[0109] When the light shielding portion 15 is movably connected to the ink cartridge body 11 , the light shielding portion 15 can have different structures to be retracted into or extended from the protective receiving groove 113 .

[0110] In some optional embodiments, the ink cartridge 10 includes a light-shielding member 16, which is rotatably connected to the ink cartridge body 11. The light-shielding member 16 includes a counterweight portion 161 and a light-shielding portion 15. The counterweight portion 161 and the light-shielding portion 15 are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft of the light-shielding member 16, and the rotating shaft of the light-shielding member 16 and the counterweight portion 161 are both located in the protective receiving groove 113; the gravity of the counterweight portion 161 is greater than the gravity of the light-shielding portion 15, so that the light-shielding portion 15 extends out of the protective receiving groove 113; and the light-shielding portion 15 can also rotate around the rotating shaft of the light-shielding member 16 to be received in the protective receiving groove 113.

[0111] Thus, in a natural state, the counterweight portion 161 is located at a lower side of the light shielding portion 15 along the height direction, and the light shielding portion 15 extends out of the protective receiving groove 113 .

[0112] When the shading portion 15 is hit or collided with an external object, the shading member 16 can rotate around its own axis, and the shading portion 15 rotates into the protective receiving groove 113. At this time, the counterweight portion 161 rotates upward around the axis of the shading member 16 and is still in the protective receiving groove 113. That is, at this time, the entire shading member 16 is located in the protective receiving groove 113.

[0113] When the external object is separated from the light shielding portion 15 or the ink cartridge body 11, the counterweight portion 161 rotates around the rotation axis of the light shielding member 16 under the action of its own gravity. Correspondingly, the light shielding portion 15 extends out of the protective receiving groove 113, which has a simple structure.

[0114] See also Figures 14 to 16 In some optional embodiments, the shading portion 15 is fixedly connected to the chip holder 13 . When the chip holder 13 is extended and the chip 12 is electrically connected to the contact pin 210 , the shading portion 15 is extended from the protective receiving groove 113 .

[0115] At this time, when the chip fixing base 13 is not in contact with the driving portion 112 , the light shielding portion 15 can be received in the protective receiving groove 113 .

[0116] When the printer 20 drives the chip holder 13 to move and the chip holder 13 abuts against the driving portion 112, the distance between the end of the chip holder 13 where the chip 12 is set and the ink cartridge body 11 becomes larger. At this time, the light shielding portion 15 rotates with the chip holder 13 and extends out of the protective receiving groove 113.

[0117] That is, in this embodiment, in a natural state, the light shielding portion 15 is received in the protective receiving groove 113. When the ink cartridge 10 is fixedly connected to the printer 20, the light shielding portion 15 extends out of the protective receiving groove 113 to block the detection light of the printer 20.

[0118] At this time, the contact surface of the chip holder 13 that abuts against the printer 20 is the end surface of the chip holder 13 along the mounting direction X.

[0119] When the contact surface of the chip holder 13 that abuts against the printer 20 is located on both sides of the chip holder 13 along the installation direction X, refer to Figure 17 In this case, the chip holder 13 and the light shielding portion 15 are independent of each other, and the contact surface can be located on either side of the chip holder 13 along the installation direction X, or on both sides. Correspondingly, the positions of the printer 20 that abut the chip holder 13 are also located on both sides of the chip holder 13 along the installation direction X.

[0120] This embodiment also provides a printing device, which includes: a printer 20 and the above-mentioned ink cartridge 10, there is at least one ink cartridge 10, and the printer 20 is provided with a contact pin 210 corresponding to the ink cartridge 10; the printer 20 is also provided with a mounting portion 21 corresponding to the ink cartridge 10, and the ink cartridge 10 is fixed to the printer 20 through the mounting portion 21.

[0121] The printer 20 includes a print head (not shown) and an ink supply unit (not shown), which is disposed between the print head and the ink cartridge body 11. The ink cartridge body 11 is provided with a container-like structure for holding ink, such as an ink bag, or a sealed cavity directly formed inside the ink cartridge body 11. The container-like structure is provided with an ink outlet 114, which is connected to an ink supply unit (not shown) of the printer 20. In this way, ink can be delivered to the print head through the ink outlet 114 and the ink supply unit, so that the printer 20 prints preset text or images. The structure, working principle, and technical effects that can be achieved by the ink cartridge 10 have been described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0122] The printer 20 further includes a stylus 210, which is electrically connected to the chip 12 to enable communication between the chip 12 and the printer 20. The present embodiment does not limit the structure of the printer 20.

[0123] When the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20, the printer 20 drives the chip holder 13 to move and rotate at the same time, and the distance between one end of the chip holder 13 fixing the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 becomes smaller, that is, the distance between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 becomes smaller, until the electrical connection part of the chip 12 abuts against the contact pin 210 of the contact pin 210. At this time, the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printer 20, and the ink cartridge 10 and the printer 20 are relatively fixed.

[0124] That is to say, at this time, the chip fixing seat 13 is arranged between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20, and the chip fixing seat 13 is fixed by the assembly cooperation between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20. Since the connection between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20 is relatively stable, as long as the ink cartridge body 11 does not move relative to the printer 20, for example, the ink cartridge 10 is removed from the printer 20, the chip fixing seat 13 can be firmly supported between the ink cartridge body 11 and the printer 20, that is, the electrical connection between the chip 12 and the contact pin 210 is relatively stable.

[0125] In some optional embodiments, the mounting portion 21 is a mounting groove formed on the printer 20, and the mounting portion has a protruding abutting top portion. When the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the abutting top portion abuts against the chip fixing seat.

[0126] In this manner, the ink cartridge 10 is securely connected to the printer 20 by being inserted into the mounting slot. During insertion, a portion of the slot's inner wall, namely the abutment portion 22, can drive the chip holder 13 to move and rotate. The process by which the abutment portion 22 drives the chip holder 13 to move relative to the ink cartridge body 11 has been described in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0127] The abutting top portion 22 may be a protruding structure on the inner wall of the installation groove, and the protruding structure may be a bump or any other structure, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0128] The various embodiments or implementation methods in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0129] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0130] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, used in a printer, wherein the printer is provided with a stylus, characterized in that: The ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body, a chip and a chip fixing seat, wherein the chip is fixed on the chip fixing seat; The ink cartridge body is also provided with a light shielding portion to shield the detection light of the printer; When the ink cartridge is installed on the printer along the installation direction, the printer can drive the chip holder to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body, and before the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a first position, and after the linear movement of the chip holder, the chip holder is in a second position; The chip in the first position is closer to the top surface of the ink cartridge body than the chip in the second position, and the highest point of the chip is lower than the light shielding portion in the direction of gravity; When the chip fixing seat is in the second position, the chip abuts against the contact pins, and the highest point of the chip is higher than the light shielding portion in the direction of gravity.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein A sliding portion is provided on one of the chip holder and the ink cartridge body, and a guide portion is provided on the other of the chip holder and the ink cartridge body. The guide portion extends along the moving direction of the chip holder, the sliding portion is plugged into the guide portion and can move relative to the guide portion, and the chip holder can also rotate relative to the ink cartridge body around the extension direction of the sliding portion.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The ink cartridge body is provided with a driving portion protruding from the ink cartridge body, the driving portion protruding toward the contact pin, and the driving portion is located on a side of the chip fixing seat away from the contact pin; The driving portion is arranged on the moving track of the chip fixing seat, and the chip fixing seat can contact the driving portion so that the chip fixing seat moves relative to the driving portion along the wall surface of the driving portion while rotating around the sliding portion, thereby changing the distance between the chip and the ink cartridge body.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein The chip mounting base is provided with an accommodating groove for accommodating the driving part, and the contour of the accommodating groove is adapted to the contour of the driving part, or the extending length of the accommodating groove along the moving direction of the chip mounting base is greater than the extending length of the driving part along the moving direction of the chip mounting base.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The extension length of the guide portion is the same as the movement stroke of the chip fixing seat, so that when the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin, the sliding portion abuts against the end of the guide portion.

6. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The sliding portion is arranged on the chip fixing seat, and the guiding portion is arranged on the ink cartridge body.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The guide portion is a guide groove provided on the ink cartridge body, and the sliding portion is a cylindrical structure provided on the chip fixing seat; The sliding portion is inserted into the guide slot and can move relative to the guide slot.

8. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: An elastic reset member is provided between the chip holder and the ink cartridge body, and the elastic force of the elastic reset member is parallel to and opposite to the moving direction of the chip holder; When the ink cartridge is separated from the printer, the chip fixing seat can move along the extending direction of the guide portion under the elastic force of the elastic reset member to reduce the distance between the chip and the ink cartridge body.

9. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The position where the chip holder contacts the printer is located at the end of the chip holder along its own moving direction; and / or, The positions of the chip fixing seat abutting against the printer are located on both sides of the chip fixing seat along its own moving direction.

10. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The extending direction of the guide portion is arranged parallel to the installation direction of the ink cartridge; When the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, the chip fixing seat can move relative to the ink cartridge body in the opposite direction of the ink cartridge installation direction.

11. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The light shielding portion is used to shield the detection light of the printer when the ink cartridge is installed on the printer, so as to prompt that the ink cartridge is installed in place.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 11, wherein The ink cartridge body has an ink outlet; in the installation direction of the ink cartridge, the chip and the chip fixing seat are further away from the ink outlet than the light shielding portion.

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 11, wherein A protective receiving groove is provided in the ink cartridge body, and the light shielding portion can be received in the protective receiving groove; The light shielding portion is fixedly connected to the chip fixing seat. When the chip fixing seat is extended and the chip is electrically connected to the contact pin, the light shielding portion extends from the protective receiving groove to shield the detection light.

14. A printing device, characterized in that: A printer and an ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ink cartridge is at least one and the printer is provided with a stylus corresponding to the ink cartridge; The printer is further provided with a mounting portion corresponding to the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is fixed to the printer via the mounting portion; The mounting portion is provided with a protruding abutting top portion. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer, the abutting top portion abuts against the chip fixing seat.

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