A consumable chip and a consumable cartridge

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of consumable chip and consumable box, consumable chip has first wall surface, first wall surface is provided with multiple conductive sheets, conductive sheet is contacted with probe in consumable box installation process, at least one end of conductive sheet has first position and second position relative to first wall surface under the push of probe, when conductive sheet is located first position, first contact point is formed between probe and conductive sheet, when conductive sheet is located second position, second contact point is formed between probe and conductive sheet.Compared with prior art, multiple conductive sheets are provided on the consumable chip of the application, in the process of consumable box installation, first contact point is transferred to second contact point between conductive sheet and probe, and conductive sheet and probe are always kept in contact, so as to ensure that printer probe and consumable chip are always kept in electrical connection, and then the problem that printer probe is not in good contact with consumable chip signal end due to the fatigue of elastic probe is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing consumables technology, and in particular to a consumable chip and a consumable box. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, printers need to communicate with consumable cartridges. During the communication process, the printer probe and the consumable chip are electrically connected. Generally, an elastic mechanism is set on the side of the printer probe, which is set as an elastic probe. However, since the printer probe has a contact life, while the signal port of the consumable chip is a rigid structure and the consumable chip is not frequently replaced during use, when the elastic probe experiences elastic fatigue, the printer probe is prone to poor contact with the signal port of the consumable chip. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a consumable chip and a consumable box to solve the problem that the elastic probe of the current printer is prone to poor contact with the signal port of the consumable chip when it experiences elastic fatigue.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a consumable chip for a consumable cartridge, the consumable cartridge being detachably installed in a mounting part of a printing device, the mounting part having a plurality of probes, the consumable chip having a first wall surface, the first wall surface having a plurality of conductive sheets, the conductive sheets being used to contact the probes during the installation of the consumable cartridge, at least one end of the conductive sheet having a first position and a second position relative to the first wall surface under the push of the probes, when the conductive sheet is in the first position, a first contact point is formed between the probe and the conductive sheet, and when the conductive sheet is in the second position, a second contact point is formed between the probe and the conductive sheet.

[0005] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, a plurality of conductive sheets are spaced apart along a first direction, and the line connecting the first contact point and the second contact point in the orthogonal direction of the first direction forms a span interval, wherein the span intervals formed by adjacent conductive sheets have overlapping areas.

[0006] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the conductive sheet has a first surface disposed facing the consumable chip, and an installation gap is formed between the first surface and the first wall surface. The consumable chip further includes a reset member located within the installation gap, and the reset member is used to generate a repulsive force between the consumable chip and the conductive sheet.

[0007] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the conductive sheet rotates around the connection point between the conductive sheet and the first wall surface under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0008] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the conductive sheet is rotated around a first preset axis under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0009] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the first preset axis is located at the first end edge of the first surface, and the reset member is located at the second end of the first surface.

[0010] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the reset member includes a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body disposed opposite to each other, the first magnetic body being disposed on the first wall surface, and the second magnetic body being disposed on the first surface, wherein the magnetic properties of the side adjacent to the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are the same.

[0011] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the reset member is an elastic member, which provides an elastic restoring force to the conductive sheet when the conductive sheet moves along the preset trajectory.

[0012] In the consumable chip described above, preferably, the conductive sheet moves along the extension direction or normal direction of the first wall surface under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a consumable box, including the aforementioned consumable chip.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the consumable chip of the present invention is provided with multiple conductive sheets. During the installation of the consumable box, each conductive sheet is pushed from the first position to the second position by the probe. The conductive sheet and the probe always remain in contact, thereby ensuring that the printer probe and the consumable chip always maintain electrical connection. This solves the problem of poor contact between the printer probe and the signal terminal of the consumable chip due to fatigue of the elastic probe. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the consumable box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the installation process of the consumable box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point S in the middle;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the probe holder of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a projection of the motion trajectory of the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe in the second direction according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a projection diagram of the motion trajectory of the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe in a second direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a projection diagram of the motion trajectory of the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe in the second direction when the conductive sheet can rotate at a sufficiently large angle.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 10-Consumable chip, 11-First wall surface, 12-Conductive sheet, 121-First conductive sheet, 122-Second conductive sheet, 123-Third conductive sheet, 124-Fourth conductive sheet, 125-Fifth conductive sheet;

[0025] 20-Probe holder, 21-Base, 22-First probe, 23-Second probe, 24-Third probe, 25-Fourth probe, 26-Fifth probe;

[0026] 30 - Consumables box; 31 - Box body; 32 - Handle;

[0027] D1 - First direction, D2 - Second direction;

[0028] W1 - First position, W2 - Second position;

[0029] Z1 - Connection point, Z2 - First preset axis. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] Printing consumables are consumed continuously during use and are frequently replaced parts of a printer. The consumable chip 10 is a component of the printing consumables, such as ink cartridges, toner cartridges, and ribbons. The consumable chip 10 can be a chip on an ink cartridge, toner cartridge, or ribbon. This embodiment uses ink cartridges as an example to illustrate the relevant content, and the corresponding printing consumable chip 10 is an ink cartridge chip.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a consumable chip 10 for a consumable cartridge 30. The consumable cartridge 30 is detachably installed into the mounting part of a printing device. The mounting part is provided with a plurality of probes, specifically, a probe holder 20 is provided in the mounting part. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As shown, the probe holder 20 includes a base 21 and a plurality of probes disposed on the base 21. The probes are thin metal sheets that can conduct electricity and are not easily worn. In one feasible embodiment, the plurality of probes are a first probe 22, a second probe 23, a third probe 24, a fourth probe 25 and a fifth probe 26.

[0033] The consumable chip 10 has a plate structure and a first wall 11. Multiple conductive sheets 12 are disposed on the first wall 11. The conductive sheets 12 come into contact with probes during the installation process of the consumable box 30. Each probe corresponds to a conductive sheet 12. Under the push of the probe, at least one end of the conductive sheet 12 has a first position W1 and a second position W2 relative to the first wall 11.

[0034] Wherein: the first position W1 is the uninstalled state position, which is also the initial position of the conductive sheet 12. When the conductive sheet 12 is in the first position W1, the probe just makes contact with the conductive sheet 12, forming a first contact point between the probe and the conductive sheet 12. During the installation process, the probe is always in contact with the conductive sheet 12, thereby continuously applying force to the conductive sheet 12. The conductive sheet 12 can move along a preset trajectory, moving from the first position W1 to the second position W2. When the conductive sheet 12 is in the second position W2, that is, when the consumable box 30 reaches the installation position, a second contact point is formed between the probe and the conductive sheet 12. Throughout the entire installation process, the conductive sheet 12 and the probe are always in contact, and the contact point between the conductive sheet 12 and the probe is constantly changing. The consumable chip 10 and the probe can always maintain electrical connection, thereby solving the problem of poor contact between the probe and the signal port of the consumable chip 10.

[0035] Reference Figure 3As shown, multiple conductive sheets 12 are spaced apart along a first direction D1, which is the width direction of the consumable box 30. During the installation process, the lines connecting the first contact point and the second contact point formed on the conductive sheet 12 and their orthogonal projections in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 form a span interval. In the embodiment provided in this application, the second direction D2 is defined as the orthogonal direction of the first direction D1 and the height direction of the consumable box 30. Adjacent conductive sheets 12 also have a height difference in the second direction D2.

[0036] To ensure that the conductive sheet 12 has a sufficiently large travel distance during installation, and that the probe does not detach from the conductive sheet 12 during the pushing process, and to ensure good contact even if the probe is not pushed into place, the conductive sheet 12 is generally set to be long enough and have a large rotation angle. However, since the spacing between the multiple probes on the probe holder 20 is fixed, the length of the conductive sheet 12 cannot be too large, and the spacing between adjacent conductive sheets 12 cannot be too large. Therefore, there is an overlapping area in the span formed by adjacent conductive sheets 12, which ensures that the probe and the conductive sheet 12 always maintain contact.

[0037] In the embodiments provided in this application, reference is made to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the conductive sheet 12 includes a first conductive sheet 121, a second conductive sheet 122, a third conductive sheet 123, a fourth conductive sheet 124, and a fifth conductive sheet 125. In one feasible embodiment, the first conductive sheet 121 is in contact with the first probe 22 for sending or receiving data signals; the second conductive sheet 122 is in contact with the second probe 23 for receiving clock signals; the third conductive sheet 123 is in contact with the third probe 24 for receiving a power supply potential different from the ground potential and for providing power for the operation of the memory; the fourth conductive sheet 124 is in contact with the fourth probe 25 for resetting the data inside the chip; and the fifth conductive sheet 125 is in contact with the fifth probe 26 for receiving the ground potential.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the first conductive sheet 121 contacts the first probe 22, and the first contact point between the first conductive sheet 121 and the first probe 22 is point a. During installation, after the first conductive sheet 121 contacts the first probe 22, the consumable box 30 continues to push downwards and advance towards one side of the first probe 22. When it finally reaches the installation position, the first conductive sheet 121 rotates around point A as the axis of rotation, and the second contact point between the first conductive sheet 121 and the first probe 22 is point a1. Similarly, the second conductive sheet 122 contacts the second probe 23, and the second conductive sheet 121... 22 rotates around point B as the axis of rotation. The first contact point between the second conductive sheet 122 and the second probe 23 is point b, and the second contact point between the second conductive sheet 122 and the second probe 23 is point b1. The third conductive sheet 123 contacts the third probe 24. The third conductive sheet 123 rotates around point C as the axis of rotation. The first contact point between the third conductive sheet 123 and the third probe 24 is point c, and the second contact point between the third conductive sheet 123 and the third probe 24 is point c1. The fourth conductive sheet 124 and the fifth conductive sheet 125 follow the same pattern, which will not be elaborated here.

[0039] Reference Figure 5 As shown, the contact point between the first conductive sheet 121 and the first probe 22 has a movement trajectory of a-a1, and the projection of the movement trajectory on the second direction D2 is a'-a1'. The contact point between the second conductive sheet 122 and the second probe 23 has a movement trajectory of b-b1, and the projection of the movement trajectory on the second direction D2 is b'-b1'. The contact point between the third conductive sheet 123 and the third probe 24 has a movement trajectory of c-c1, and the projection of the movement trajectory on the second direction D2 is c'-c1'. It can be seen from the figure that the span range formed by the first conductive sheet 121 and the span range formed by the second conductive sheet 122 have an overlapping area a'-b1', and the span range formed by the second conductive sheet 122 and the span range formed by the third conductive sheet 123 have an overlapping area b'-c1' (here b' and c1' coincide to a single point).

[0040] When the rotatable angle of the conductive sheet 12 is large enough, the span formed by two spaced-apart conductive sheets 12 can also have overlapping areas. (Refer to...) Figure 8As shown, the motion trajectory of the first conductive sheet 121 at the contact point between the first conductive sheet 121 and the first probe 22 is a-a1, and the projection of the motion trajectory on the second direction D2 is a'-a1'. The motion trajectory of the second conductive sheet 122 at the contact point between the second conductive sheet 122 and the second probe 23 is b-b1, and the projection of the motion trajectory on the second direction D2 is b'-b1'. The motion trajectory of the third conductive sheet 123 at the contact point between the third conductive sheet 123 and the third probe 24 is c-c1, and the projection of the motion trajectory on the second direction D2 is c'-c1'. The span between the first conductive sheet 121 and the second conductive sheet 122 has an overlapping region a1'-b', the span between the second conductive sheet 122 and the third conductive sheet 123 has an overlapping region c'-b1', and the span between the first conductive sheet 121 and the third conductive sheet 123 also has an overlapping region a1'-c'.

[0041] During installation, the conductive sheet 12 has multiple preset trajectories to move the contact point with the probe from the first contact point to the second contact point. In one embodiment provided in this application, the conductive sheet 12 has a first surface (not shown) facing the consumable chip 10. An installation gap is formed between the first surface and the first wall surface 11. The consumable chip 10 also includes a reset member located within the installation gap. The reset member generates a repulsive force between the consumable chip 10 and the conductive sheet 12. The reset member allows the conductive sheet 12 to have room to move, and ensures that it maintains contact with the probe regardless of its movement. In the embodiments provided in this application, the reset member has various structures, and a suitable reset member can be selected according to the movement mode of the conductive sheet 12 during use.

[0042] The reset component can include a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body arranged opposite to each other. The first magnetic body is disposed on the first wall surface 11, and the second magnetic body is disposed on the first surface. The magnetic properties of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body adjacent to each other are the same, causing them to generate a repulsive force. The magnetic properties of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body should not be too large, so that the force exerted by the probe on the conductive sheet 12 cannot overcome the magnetic force. When the conductive sheet 12 approaches the consumable core, since the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body have the same magnetic properties, based on the principle of like poles repulsion, the first magnetic body will generate a reaction force to produce an elastic force, so that the conductive sheet 12 can make close contact with the probe, thereby achieving a good contact effect between the conductive sheet 12 and the probe. In one feasible embodiment, the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are magnets. In other embodiments, the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body can be other components with the same function as magnets, which are not limited here.

[0043] The reset element can also be an elastic element. When the conductive sheet 12 moves along a preset trajectory, the reset element provides an elastic restoring force to the conductive sheet 12. When the probe pushes the conductive sheet 12 closer to the consumable chip 10, the elastic element provides an elastic restoring force to the conductive sheet 12 to support the conductive sheet 12 to always maintain contact with the probe. In one feasible embodiment, the elastic element is an elastic mechanism with a variable elastic force direction, such as a spring or a torsion spring, for example, a helical spring that generates torsion or torsional force. When a torsion spring is used, the end of the torsion spring is fixed to the consumable chip 10, and the other end is fixed to the conductive sheet 12 so that the first end of the first surface of the conductive sheet 12 rotates around the center of the torsion spring. In other embodiments, the elastic element can be other elements with the same function as the spring, which is not limited here.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will know that a reset element may not be required, as the conductive sheet 12 itself has a certain degree of resilience. The conductive sheet 12 has space for elastic deformation and a tendency to rebound when subjected to force, which is not limited here.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, a reset component may not be required. Instead, a restoring force is formed at the connection between the side of the conductive sheet 12 and the first wall of the consumable chip. The consumable chip 10 and the conductive sheet 12 are integrally formed, and a conductive material is disposed on the conductive sheet 12. The conductive sheet 12 is raised by processes such as sintering to move it away from the first wall of the consumable chip.

[0046] The following examples illustrate the content of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that more ways of moving the conductive sheet 12 can be designed based on the following examples, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the corner or middle part of the conductive sheet 12 is connected to the reset member, which is preferably an elastic member. The preset trajectory for the movement of the conductive sheet 12 is the rotation of the conductive sheet 12 around the connection point Z1 between the conductive sheet and the first wall surface under the push of the probe.

[0049] In the initial state, the reset component does not deform, and there is a predetermined gap between the conductive sheet 12 and the first wall surface 11. During the installation of the consumable box, the probe begins to contact the conductive sheet 12, applying a force to the conductive sheet 12, causing the conductive sheet 12 to begin rotating around the connection point of the reset component (i.e., connection point Z1) as the center point. The contact point on the conductive sheet 12 when it first contacts the probe is the first contact point. As the consumable box 30 continues to move, the contact point on the conductive sheet 12 that contacts the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point, and the conductive sheet 12 rotates from being away from the first wall surface 11 to being in contact with the first wall surface 11.

[0050] In one embodiment, the rotation direction of the conductive sheet 12 forms an angle of 90° with the first wall surface 11. In another embodiment, the rotation direction of the conductive sheet 12 forms an angle of less than 90° with the first wall surface 11.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Reference Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the preset trajectory of the conductive sheet 12 is the flipping of the conductive sheet 12 around the first preset axis Z2 as the center line under the push of the probe. The first preset axis Z2 is parallel to the first wall surface 11. The distribution diagram of the conductive sheets 12 on the consumable chip 10 and the projection diagram of the movement trajectory of each conductive sheet 12 and the contact point with the probe in the second direction D2 are shown in the figure. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown.

[0053] In one feasible implementation, one end of the conductive sheet 12 is hinged to the first wall surface 11, the first preset axis Z2 is the connecting line at the hinge, and the other end of the conductive sheet 12 is connected to the reset member, which can be an elastic member or a magnetic member.

[0054] In one feasible embodiment, the reset element can be omitted, and the restoring force can be directly generated at the hinge.

[0055] In the initial state, the reset component does not deform or receive any force, and there is a predetermined gap between the conductive sheet 12 and the first wall surface 11. During the installation of the consumable box, the probe begins to contact the conductive sheet 12 and applies a force to the conductive sheet 12. The probe pushes the conductive sheet 12 to rotate along the first preset axis Z2, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet 12 and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0056] Example 3

[0057] In this embodiment, the preset trajectory for the movement of the conductive sheet 12 is that the conductive sheet 12 moves along the extension direction or normal direction of the first wall 11 under the push of the probe. The conductive sheet 12 can move horizontally or move back and forth along the normal direction of the first wall 11 so that the contact point between the conductive sheet 12 and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a consumable cartridge 30, including the aforementioned consumable chip 10. (Refer to...) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the consumable cartridge 30 includes a cartridge body 31, a handle 32, and a consumable chip 10. When the consumable cartridge 30 is installed on the printer, it is fixed to the printer by the handle 32. The handle 32 is located on one side wall of the cartridge body 31, and the consumable chip 10 is located on the same side wall as the handle 32, below the handle 32. During installation, the consumable cartridge 30 is pushed towards the probe, and the probe pushes against the conductive sheet 12 on the consumable chip 10 until the consumable cartridge 30 moves to the installation position. Because the conductive sheet 12 on the consumable chip 10 provided in this application always maintains contact with the probe, the consumable cartridge 30 will not experience poor contact during installation.

[0059] The above description, based on the embodiments shown in the figures, details the structure, features, and effects of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments modified to have equivalent changes, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A consumable chip for a consumable cartridge, the consumable cartridge being detachably mounted to a mounting section of a printing device, the mounting section having a plurality of probes, characterized in that... The consumable chip has a first wall surface, on which a plurality of conductive sheets are disposed. The conductive sheets are used to contact the probe during the installation process of the consumable box. Under the push of the probe, at least one end of the conductive sheet has a first position and a second position relative to the first wall surface. When the conductive sheet is located at the first position, a first contact point is formed between the probe and the conductive sheet. When the conductive sheet is located at the second position, a second contact point is formed between the probe and the conductive sheet. The multiple conductive sheets are spaced apart along a first direction, and the line connecting the first contact point and the second contact point in the orthogonal direction of the first direction forms a span interval, and the span intervals formed by adjacent conductive sheets have overlapping areas.

2. The consumable chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive sheet has a first surface facing the consumable chip, and an installation gap is formed between the first surface and the first wall surface. The consumable chip also includes a reset member located within the installation gap, which is used to generate a repulsive force between the consumable chip and the conductive sheet.

3. The consumable chip according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conductive sheet rotates around the connection point between the conductive sheet and the first wall surface under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

4. The consumable chip according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conductive sheet is rotated around a first preset axis under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

5. The consumable chip according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first preset axis is located at the first end edge of the first surface, and the reset member is located at the second end of the first surface.

6. The consumable chip according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset component includes a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body disposed opposite to each other. The first magnetic body is disposed on the first wall surface, and the second magnetic body is disposed on the first surface. The magnetic properties of the side adjacent to the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are the same.

7. The consumable chip according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset element is an elastic element. When the conductive sheet moves along a preset trajectory, the reset element provides the conductive sheet with an elastic restoring force.

8. The consumable chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive sheet moves along the extension direction or normal direction of the first wall surface under the push of the probe, so that the contact point between the conductive sheet and the probe moves from the first contact point to the second contact point.

9. A consumable box, characterized in that, Includes the consumable chip as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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