Consumable chip, verification response method thereof, consumable container, and printing apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a consumable chip, a verification response method thereof, a consumable container and a printing device. The consumable chip has a control unit and a plurality of live connection terminals. The method comprises the following steps: after the consumable chip is powered on, before a mounting detection instruction is received, the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the plurality of live connection terminals; if it is determined that a short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, after the mounting detection instruction is received: the control unit responds to the mounting detection instruction in a second response mode; or, after the control unit responds to the mounting detection instruction in a first response mode, the control unit no longer responds to subsequent instructions. The application also provides a consumable chip for implementing the above method, and a consumable container and a printing device with the consumable chip. The consumable chip can detect whether a short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, and can guide a user to check or replace an ink cartridge when a short circuit is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and more specifically, to a verification response method for consumable chips on a printing device, and also to a verification method for consumable containers. Background Technology

[0002] Printing equipment, as a common office tool, provides great convenience for modern offices. Common printing equipment is divided into inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges containing ink as consumable containers to spray ink onto paper to form the text or pattern to be printed on the paper; laser printers use toner cartridges containing toner as consumable containers to form the text or pattern to be printed on the medium.

[0003] See Figure 1 A color inkjet printing device has a housing 11. Figure 1 The inkjet printer shown omits the tray of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses the inkjet printer's mechanism 12 and includes a slide bar. The printing carriage 14 is mounted on a motor (…). Figure 1 Driven by the invisible component, it reciprocates along the slide bar. The printing carriage 14 contains the main control circuit board (…). Figure 1 (Not visible in the middle), the main control circuit board communicates with the mechanism 12 through the ribbon cable 13.

[0004] Multiple ink cartridges 15 are detachably mounted on the printing carriage 14, each containing ink of a different color. The structure of the ink cartridge 15 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. The ink cartridge 15 has a housing 16, which forms a cavity for containing ink. The lower end of the cavity is provided with an ink outlet 17. The ink in the cavity flows out through the ink outlet 17 and supplies ink to the ink supply needle of the printing carriage 14.

[0005] A chip 18 is mounted on the outer wall of the cartridge body 16 of the ink cartridge 15. The chip 18 has a substrate, and one side of the substrate has multiple connection terminals 19 for electrical connection with the contact pins on the print carriage 14. The other side of the substrate has a memory (…). Figure 2 (Not visible in the image) Typically, this memory is a non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM or FLASH, which stores information related to the ink cartridge, including variable information and invariant information. Variable information is information that changes continuously with the printing operation, such as ink level, printing time, and number of sheets printed. Invariant information is information that does not change with the printing operation, such as ink cartridge model, applicable inkjet printer model, and ink color.

[0006] After ink cartridge 15 is installed into the print carriage 14 of the inkjet printer, the inkjet printer powers on the chip 18 and reads the data stored in the memory of the chip 18 to determine whether the ink cartridge 15 is the right model and whether there is enough ink remaining in the ink cartridge 15. Only after determining that the ink cartridge 15 is the right model and that there is enough ink in the ink cartridge 15 can the inkjet printer perform the printing operation.

[0007] Since the print carriage 14 typically houses multiple ink cartridges 15, the installation status of each cartridge 15 may differ. For example, some cartridges may be correctly installed, while others may not be, preventing communication with the inkjet printer. Therefore, the inkjet printer needs to verify each cartridge 15, such as checking if it is correctly installed. Typically, the inkjet printer sends an installation verification command to each cartridge. Upon receiving the command, the cartridge must respond within a specified timeframe, sending a correct verification response signal within the designated verification period. The inkjet printer only considers a cartridge correctly installed and proceeds with subsequent communication operations if it receives a correct verification response signal from each cartridge within its designated verification period. If the inkjet printer deems a cartridge incorrectly installed, it issues an alarm and cannot perform any further communication or printing operations.

[0008] A current inkjet printer communicates with each ink cartridge by sending a clock signal via a clock signal line, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The clock signal SCK is a periodically changing square wave signal. Each ink cartridge chip communicates synchronously with the inkjet printer based on the clock signal SCK. When the inkjet printer sends a verification command, it sends the same level signal on the data signal line SDA for two consecutive transmission cycles. Each transmission cycle consists of nine clock cycles; for example, the first transmission cycle consists of nine clock cycles D1 to D9, and the second transmission cycle also consists of nine clock cycles D1 to D9. In the first transmission cycle, when the inkjet printer sends a verification command for the first color ink cartridge, the data signal SDA1 sent to the data signal line includes high-level signals in the first clock cycle D1, the eighth clock cycle D8, and the ninth clock cycle D9, and low-level signals in the other clock cycles. In the second transmission cycle, the inkjet printer also sends high-level signals in the first clock cycle D1, the eighth clock cycle D8, and the ninth clock cycle D9, and low-level signals in the other clock cycles. If the first color ink cartridge receives three high-level signals in three corresponding clock cycles D1, D8, and D9 within two consecutive transmission cycles, it is considered that the inkjet printer has sent a verification command for the first color ink cartridge, and a verification response signal needs to be sent within the specified verification period.

[0009] See Figure 4The verification period corresponding to the first color ink cartridge is the latter half of the eighth clock cycle within the first response cycle and the entire eighth clock cycle within the second response cycle. Based on half a clock cycle, the verification period corresponding to the first ink cartridge can include three verification periods: verification periods T1, T2, and T3. Specifically, verification period T1 is the latter half of the eighth clock cycle within the first response cycle, verification period T2 is the first half of the eighth clock cycle within the second response cycle, and verification period T3 is the latter half of the eighth clock cycle within the second response cycle.

[0010] from Figure 4 It can be seen that during the first verification period T1, the ink cartridge needs to output a low-level signal to the data signal line; during the first verification period T2, the ink cartridge needs to output a high-level signal to the data signal line; and during the first verification period T3, the ink cartridge needs to output a low-level signal to the data signal line. During other time periods, since the inkjet printer does not detect the level of the data signal line SDA1, the ink cartridge does not need to output a level to the data signal line. At this time, the data signal line exhibits a high-impedance state, i.e. Figure 4 The area indicated by the dotted line. If the ink cartridge fails to output the corresponding level signal as described above, the inkjet printer will consider it incorrectly installed, affecting subsequent communication operations. The situation for the second and third color ink cartridges is the same as for the first color ink cartridge, and will not be repeated here.

[0011] Because the multiple connection terminals on the ink cartridge chip 15 are close together, especially the power terminal VCC, data terminal DAT, clock terminal CLK, and chip select terminal CS, if foreign matter such as ink drips onto the ink cartridge chip 15, it will cause a short circuit between these connection terminals. Once a short circuit occurs between these connection terminals, it will cause crosstalk between different signals, making the ink cartridge chip 15 unable to correctly recognize the instructions sent by the inkjet printer, and also causing the instructions sent by the ink cartridge chip 15 to be unable to be correctly recognized by the inkjet printer.

[0012] Existing cartridge chips 15 can determine whether the data terminal DAT is short-circuited with any one of the power terminal VCC, clock terminal CLK, and chip select terminal CS based on installation verification commands, as disclosed in Japanese Patent JP7176610B2. However, on the one hand, existing technology can only detect whether the data terminal DAT is short-circuited with terminals other than the ground terminal GND. Short circuits between any two of the power terminal VCC, clock terminal CLK, and chip select terminal CS cannot be detected by the inkjet printer via installation verification commands. If the clock terminal CLK short-circuits with the power terminal VCC, the clock terminal DAT will remain at a high level, affecting communication between the inkjet printer and the cartridge chip.

[0013] On the other hand, even if a short circuit occurs between the data terminal DAT and any terminal other than the ground terminal GND, the inkjet printer will not specifically indicate that a short circuit has occurred between the terminals of the cartridge chip 15. It will still indicate that the cartridge is not installed. That is, the inkjet printer will give the same message if a short circuit occurs between the terminals of the cartridge chip 15 for a certain color, and that the cartridge is not installed. This will cause inconvenience to users. Since users believe that the cartridge is installed, but the inkjet printer always indicates that the cartridge is not installed, some non-professional users often do not know where the fault is, and may even think that the inkjet printer is malfunctioning, affecting the user experience.

[0014] Furthermore, since both the high and low level signals output from the data terminal DAT have a certain driving capability, foreign objects that could cause a short circuit between the data terminal DAT and terminals other than the ground terminal GND, such as pet urine or ink with low conductivity, can act as signal isolation objects. These objects may not be detected by the installation of detection commands. If these situations cannot be detected, the overall power consumption of the ink cartridge chip 15 will increase, raising the risk that the ink cartridge chip will not be recognized by the inkjet printer during subsequent printing. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The first objective of this invention is to provide a consumable chip verification response method that can detect whether a short circuit has occurred at the connection terminal by the consumable chip itself, or, after a short circuit has occurred, can distinguish between indicating a short circuit at the terminal and that the consumable container is not installed correctly.

[0016] A second objective of this invention is to provide a consumable chip for which the above-described consumable chip verification response method is applied.

[0017] A third objective of this invention is to provide a consumable container that uses the aforementioned consumable chip.

[0018] A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a printing device that utilizes the aforementioned consumable container.

[0019] To achieve the first objective mentioned above, the consumable chip verification response method provided by the present invention includes a control unit for the consumable chip and multiple live connection terminals. The method includes: after the consumable chip is powered on, before receiving an installation test command, the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the multiple live connection terminals. If a short circuit is determined to occur between any two live connection terminals, then after receiving the installation test command: the control unit responds to the installation test command in a second response manner; or, after responding to the installation test command in a first response manner, the control unit no longer responds to subsequent commands.

[0020] As can be seen from the above scheme, firstly, once the control unit detects a short circuit between any two or more live connection terminals, it responds to the installation detection command through a second response method, such as sending an error response signal, so that the printing device thinks that the consumable container is not installed correctly, thereby causing the inkjet printer to issue an error message. In this way, no matter which two live connection terminals are short-circuited, the printing device can issue an error message, thus preventing the inkjet printer from operating when the live connection terminals of the consumable chip are short-circuited.

[0021] Secondly, once the control unit detects a short circuit between any two or more live connection terminals, the control unit can respond to the installation detection command in the first response mode and then stop responding to subsequent commands. In this way, the printing device will think that the consumable container has been correctly installed, but it cannot respond to the printing device's commands correctly. At this time, the error message issued by the printing device will be different from the error message when the consumable container is not installed correctly. In this way, the user knows that the reason for the printing device error is not that the consumable container is not installed correctly, but that the consumable chip of the consumable container has failed, and the consumable container needs to be replaced or the foreign object causing the short circuit needs to be removed.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is that the control unit responds to the installation detection command in a first response manner by sending a response signal indicating that the installation detection command is correctly executed; the control unit responds to the installation detection command in a second response manner by sending a response signal indicating that the consumable container is not correctly installed.

[0023] A further embodiment is that multiple live connection terminals include power supply terminals and at least one communication terminal; the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the multiple live connection terminals by: the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the power supply terminal and the communication terminal; after power-on, the control unit acquires the level signal of the communication terminal, and if the level signal of the communication terminal is high, it determines that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal and the power supply terminal.

[0024] Since the power terminals are always at a high level, all communication terminals are in a weak pull-down state after power-on until the printing device sends the installation test command. If a communication terminal is at a high level, it can be determined that the communication terminal is short-circuited to the power terminal, making short-circuit detection very simple.

[0025] A further approach is to have two or more communication terminals; the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between multiple communication terminals by: the control unit applies a high-level signal to one of the communication terminals and obtains the level signals of the other communication terminals; if the level signals of the other communication terminals are high-level signals, then it is determined that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was applied and the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was detected.

[0026] Therefore, the control unit can quickly identify the short-circuited communication terminals by simply detecting whether short circuits occur between any two of the multiple communication terminals. Furthermore, since each communication terminal is in a weakly pulled-down state after power-on until the printing device sends the installation detection command, even if the foreign object causing the short circuit between multiple communication terminals has a certain resistance, this method can still detect it, improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0027] An alternative approach is that the control unit includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is used to detect whether a short circuit occurs between multiple live connection terminals. Furthermore, after determining that a short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals and receiving an installation test command, the first control unit: changes the response of the second control unit to the installation test command for at least one verification period, causing the control unit to respond to the installation test command in a second response manner; or, after the second control unit responds to the installation test command in a first response manner, the second control unit stops responding to subsequent commands.

[0028] Therefore, the control unit is equipped with a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit performs short circuit detection between the live connection terminals. After detecting a short circuit, it can select different response methods according to the needs of different users. The first control unit can be implemented using devices with logic programming capabilities such as microcontrollers, while the second control unit can be implemented using dedicated integrated circuits, which can reduce the implementation difficulty of the entire consumable chip.

[0029] A further approach is that the first control unit changes the response of the second control unit to the installation detection command during at least one verification period by: the first control unit controlling the second control unit not to respond to the installation detection command during at least one verification period.

[0030] In this way, the signal received by the printing device is not a signal that correctly responds to the installation verification command. The printing device will assume that the consumable container is not installed correctly and will issue an error message to prompt the user to replace the consumable container.

[0031] A further embodiment is that the live connection terminal includes a data terminal; the control unit responds to the installation detection command in a second response manner by either continuously outputting a low-level signal to the data terminal or permanently grounding the data terminal.

[0032] Therefore, by continuously outputting a low-level signal or permanently grounding the data terminal, the data terminal is unable to output a high-level signal to the printing device. As a result, the consumable chip cannot respond to the installation verification command sent by the printing device. The printing device will then assume that the consumable container is not installed correctly and prompt the user to replace the consumable container.

[0033] A further solution is to connect an anti-fuse device between the data terminal and the ground terminal; to permanently ground the data terminal, the control unit determines that a short circuit has occurred between any two energized connection terminals and then activates the anti-fuse device.

[0034] As can be seen, by setting an anti-fuse device and short-circuiting between any two energized connection terminals to make them conductive, the data terminal and the ground terminal can be short-circuited, thereby achieving the purpose of permanent connection between the data terminal and the ground terminal.

[0035] A further approach is that the first control unit prevents the second control unit from responding to the installation detection command by: reducing the chip select signal of the second control unit to below a first preset level for at least one verification period; or disconnecting the second control unit from the data signal line for at least one verification period; or reducing the clock signal of the second control unit to below a second preset level for at least one verification period.

[0036] Therefore, during the verification period, the chip select signal, clock signal, or digital signal of the second control unit will be set to an abnormal state, making it impossible for the second control unit to correctly receive signals from the printing device, and thus unable to respond to the verification command sent by the printing device, or unable to send the correct response signal to the printing device.

[0037] A further approach is that the first control unit prevents the second control unit from responding to subsequent commands by: reducing the chip select signal of the second control unit to below a third preset level; or disconnecting the second control unit from the data signal line; or reducing the clock signal of the second control unit to below a fourth preset level.

[0038] Therefore, during the subsequent communication process of the installation and detection command, if the clock signal, data signal, or chip select signal of the second control unit is abnormal due to the first control unit, the second control unit will be unable to respond correctly to the subsequent commands of the printing device. The printing device will then issue a prompt different from the one indicating that the consumable container is not installed, thus guiding the user to check whether the consumable chip is abnormal.

[0039] A further approach is that if the first control unit determines that there is no short circuit between the multiple live connection terminals, the first control unit responds to the installation detection command in a first response manner.

[0040] Therefore, if the first control unit detects that there is no short circuit between multiple live connection terminals, it sends a response signal that correctly responds to the installation detection command. In this way, even if the second control unit's response to the installation detection command is flawed, the first control unit can superimpose the response signal output by the second control unit to ensure that the installation detection command can be responded to correctly.

[0041] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the consumable chip provided by the present invention includes a substrate, on which an electronic module and a plurality of connection terminals are disposed. The electronic module is electrically connected to the connection terminals. The electronic module includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is capable of executing each step of the above-mentioned consumable chip verification response method.

[0042] To achieve the third objective mentioned above, the consumable container provided by the present invention includes a shell, a consumable receiving cavity is formed inside the shell, and the aforementioned consumable chip is disposed on the outer wall of the shell.

[0043] To achieve the third objective mentioned above, the printing device provided by the present invention includes a body, and a consumable container mounting cavity is provided inside the body, wherein the aforementioned consumable container is installed in the consumable container mounting cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an existing inkjet printing device.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of an existing ink cartridge.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a waveform timing diagram of existing inkjet printing equipment sending verification commands.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a waveform timing diagram of the verification response signal sent by the existing consumable chip.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6This is a structural block diagram of the electronic module in the first embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the verification response method of the first embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 This is the electrical schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a verification response method embodiment of the second embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 10 This is the electrical schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 11 This is the electrical schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the consumable chip of the present invention.

[0055] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The consumable chip verification response method of the present invention can be applied to printing equipment such as inkjet printing equipment or laser printing equipment. For example, the consumable chip is an ink cartridge chip installed on the side wall of the ink cartridge. Multiple ink cartridge chips can be installed on the inkjet printing equipment. Preferably, the inkjet printing equipment and the ink cartridge chip communicate with each other via a serial bus.

[0057] First embodiment:

[0058] In this embodiment, the consumable container is a removable ink cartridge that can be installed into the inkjet printer. The printer in this embodiment is an inkjet printer, which has a body. Within the body, a print carriage serves as the consumable container mounting cavity, and the ink cartridge is removably installed into the print carriage. The ink cartridge has an ink cartridge chip, which functions as a consumable chip. Multiple connection terminals are provided on one surface of the ink cartridge chip. (See [reference]). Figure 5 The surface of the ink cartridge chip 20 is provided with a power terminal 21, a data terminal 22, a chip select terminal 23, a clock terminal 24, and a ground terminal 25. The printhead carriage of the inkjet printer is equipped with a pin holder, on which multiple pins are mounted. The connection terminals of the ink cartridge chip can be electrically connected to the pins. The inkjet printer outputs a clock signal to the clock signal line. Each ink cartridge chip receives the clock signal through its respective clock terminal 24 and performs synchronous communication with the inkjet printer under the clock signal.

[0059] The ink cartridge chip also includes an electronic module, see [link / reference] Figure 6The electronic module 30 includes a first control unit 31 and a second control unit 32. For example, the first control unit 31 can be a programmable processor such as a microcontroller, while the second control unit 32 uses an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which has a faster response speed to instructions than the first control unit 31. Multiple connection terminals of the ink cartridge chip 20 are electrically connected to the electronic module 30. Preferably, both the first control unit 31 and the second control unit 32 are provided with clock pins, chip select pins, and data pins. These pins are electrically connected to and receive signals from the clock terminal 24, chip select terminal 23, and data terminal 22 on the surface of the ink cartridge chip 20.

[0060] In addition, each color ink cartridge chip transmits data signals to the inkjet printer via a data signal line. For example, the inkjet printer transmits data signals through the same data signal line and uses time-division multiplexing to communicate with multiple ink cartridge chips. When an ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, it sends an installation detection command to each ink cartridge chip. After receiving the corresponding installation detection command, the ink cartridge chip needs to respond within a specified time, that is, output a verification response signal to the inkjet printer.

[0061] Since the inkjet printer 40 performs installation and testing on the ink cartridge chip 20, it will subsequently perform data read and write operations. However, if a short circuit occurs between multiple energized connection terminals, it will affect the accuracy of subsequent communication. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first control unit 31 is used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the various energized connection terminals. Since the ground terminal 25 does not need to be energized, the energized connection terminals referred to in this embodiment are the power terminal 21, data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24.

[0062] The following is combined with Figure 7 This document describes the process by which the chip in this consumable performs short-circuit detection on multiple live connection terminals and responds to installation detection commands. It is important to emphasize that in this embodiment, the first control unit 31 detects whether there is a short circuit between the various live connection terminals before receiving the installation detection command from the inkjet printer.

[0063] After the ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, the printer supplies power to the cartridge chip 20. At this time, the electronic module 30 is powered on, and the first and second control units each perform initialization operations. Since the inkjet printer typically needs three to four seconds after the cartridge chip 20 is powered on before sending the installation detection command, the first control unit 31 will use these three to four seconds to detect short circuits in the live connection terminals.

[0064] Therefore, the first control unit 31 executes step S12 to detect whether a short circuit occurs between any two pairs of the multiple live connection terminals. Since the power supply terminal 21 remains at a high level after the ink cartridge chip 20 is powered on, but the inkjet printer does not send any commands, the data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24 are all in a weak pull-down state. This embodiment utilizes this characteristic for short circuit detection. Specifically, the first control unit 31 acquires the level signals of the data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24. If the level signal of the data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, or clock terminal 24 is a high level signal, it indicates that a short circuit has occurred between the terminal with the high level signal and the power supply terminal 21.

[0065] If the level signals of data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24 are all low-level signals, it indicates that there is no short circuit between data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24 and power terminal 21. In this case, it is detected whether there is a short circuit between each pair of these three terminals. In this embodiment, data terminal 22, chip select terminal 23, and clock terminal 24 are referred to as communication terminals.

[0066] Specifically, the first control unit 31 applies a high-level signal to one of the communication terminals and acquires the level signals of the other communication terminals. If the level signals of the other communication terminals are high-level signals, it is determined that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was applied and the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was detected. For example, a high-level signal is applied to the data terminal 22, and the level signals of the chip select terminal 23 and the clock terminal 24 are acquired. If the chip select terminal 23 is high-level at this time, it indicates that a short circuit has occurred between the data terminal 22 and the chip select terminal 23.

[0067] If there is no short circuit between data terminal 22 and chip select terminal 23, and there is no short circuit between data terminal 22 and clock terminal 24, then a short circuit between chip select terminal 23 and clock terminal 24 is detected. For example, a high-level signal is applied to chip select terminal 23, and it is determined whether clock terminal 24 is a high-level signal. If so, it is determined that a short circuit has occurred between chip select terminal 23 and clock terminal 24; otherwise, it is determined that no short circuit has occurred between chip select terminal 23 and clock terminal 24, which also determines that no short circuit has occurred between any of the live connection terminals.

[0068] Therefore, the first control unit 31 executes step S13 to determine whether a short circuit exists based on the level signal status of each energized connection terminal. If a short circuit is determined to exist, step S14 is executed to determine whether an installation detection command sent by the inkjet printer has been received. If not, the process continues to wait. Since the inkjet printer 40 does not perform data communication with the electronic module 30 before sending the installation detection command, communication errors between the inkjet printer 40 and the electronic module 30 will not occur.

[0069] Once the installation test command sent by the inkjet printer 40 is received, step S15 is executed, changing the response of the second control unit 32 to the installation test command during at least one verification period; or, after the first control unit 31 outputs a signal with the same level as the target detection response, it also controls the second control unit 32 not to respond to subsequent commands, so that the inkjet printer 40 reports an error and prompts the user to check or replace the ink cartridge.

[0070] Because the response signal to the installation detection command needs to be sent within three verification periods T1, T2, and T3, the correct signal must be sent, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the second half of the eighth clock cycle D8 of the first response cycle is the first verification period T1, the first half of the eighth clock cycle D8 of the second response cycle is the second verification period T2, and the second half of the eighth clock cycle D8 of the second response cycle is the third verification period T3.

[0071] Regarding the control of the second control unit 32, one possibility is that the first control unit 31 alters the response of the second control unit 32 to the installation verification command. For example, it changes the level of the clock pin, data pin, or chip select pin of the second control unit 32, preventing the second control unit 32 from receiving the installation detection command sent by the inkjet printer 40, or from responding to the installation detection command.

[0072] See Figure 8 In this embodiment, multiple switching transistors are provided in the electronic module 30. The multiple switching transistors include a first switching transistor Q1, a second switching transistor Q2, and a third switching transistor Q3. Preferably, the first switching transistor Q1, the second switching transistor Q2, and the third switching transistor Q3 are all field-effect transistors, and all receive control signals output by the first control unit. The first control unit controls the on / off state of the first switching transistor Q1, the second switching transistor Q2, and the third switching transistor Q3.

[0073] For example, regarding the control of the data pin, this embodiment uses a first switch Q1 to cut off communication between the data signal line DAT_PR and the data pin DAT_ASIC of the second control unit 32 during the verification response period. It should be noted that the data signal line DAT_PR referred to here is actually the same data signal line as the previously mentioned data signal lines SDA1, SDA2, and SDA3. Specifically, the first switch Q1 is connected between the data signal line DAT_PR and the data pin DAT_ASIC of the second control unit 32, and the gate of the first switch Q1 is connected to the first control unit 31, for example, to the data control pin DAT_CTL_MCU of the first control unit 31. During normal communication, the pull-up resistor R1 keeps the first switch Q1 in the conducting state. At this time, the data signal line DAT_PR and the data pin DAT_ASIC of the second control unit 32 are in a closed-circuit state, and the second control unit 32 can normally receive and respond to the instructions sent by the inkjet printer 40. When the first control unit 31 receives the installation detection command, it controls the first switch Q1 to be in the off state, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the data signal line DAT_PR and the data pin DAT_ASIC of the second control unit 32. Furthermore, since the data signal line DAT_PR is also connected to the data pin DAT_MCU of the first control unit 31, the first control unit 31 can normally receive all commands sent by the inkjet printer 40 and determine whether they are installation detection commands for the target color. Therefore, during the verification response period, the second control unit 32 will be unable to send data to the inkjet printer 40, and the first control unit 31 will send a response signal to the inkjet printer 40.

[0074] Regarding the control of the chip select signal, this embodiment uses a second switch Q2 to reduce the chip select signal received by the second control unit 32 to below a first preset level during the verification response period. Specifically, the second switch Q2 is connected between the chip select signal line CS_PR and the chip select pin CS_ASIC of the second control unit 32, and the gate of the second switch Q2 is connected to the chip select control pin CS_CTL_MCU of the first control unit 31. During normal communication, the pull-up resistor R2 keeps the second switch Q2 in the conducting state. At this time, the chip select signal line CS_PR and the chip select pin CS_ASIC of the second control unit 32 are in a closed-circuit state, and the second control unit 32 can normally receive and respond to the instructions sent by the inkjet printer 40. When the first control unit 31 receives the installation detection command, it will control the second switch Q2 to be in the off state. Since the chip select pin CS_ASIC of the second control unit 32 is grounded through resistor R3, when the second switch Q2 is off, the chip select pin CS_ASIC of the second control unit is a low-level signal. This causes the chip select signal received by the second control unit 32 to drop below a first preset level, for example, the first preset level can be 0.5V. In this way, the second control unit 32 cannot be selected and will not respond to the commands sent by the inkjet printer 40.

[0075] For clock terminal control, a third switch Q3 and a Zener diode D1 are configured within the electronic module 30. The first terminal of Zener diode D1 is connected to the clock signal line CLK_PR and the clock pin CLK_ASIC of the second control unit 32. The second terminal of Zener diode D1 is connected to one terminal of the third switch Q3, and the other terminal of the third switch Q3 is grounded through resistor R4. The gate of the third switch Q3 is connected to the clock control pin CLK_CTL_MCU of the first control unit 31. During normal communication, the pull-down resistor R5 keeps the third switch Q3 in the off state. At this time, Zener diode D1 is not working, and the clock pin CLK_ASIC of the second control unit 32 can normally receive the level signal of the clock signal line CLK_PR.

[0076] When the first control unit 31 receives the installation detection command, it will control the third switch Q3 to be in the conducting state. At this time, the Zener diode D1 is also in the conducting state, clamping the high-level signal of the clock pin CLK_ASIC of the second control unit to the rated voltage value of the Zener diode D1. When the clock signal line CLK_PR outputs a low-level signal, the clock pin CLK_ASIC of the second control unit can still receive a low-level signal.

[0077] In this embodiment, the rated voltage of the Zener diode D1 is set to be below the threshold of the high level recognized by the second control unit 32. In this way, once the third switch Q3 is turned on, the second control unit 32 will consider the clock signal to be a low level signal and will not respond to the installation detection command sent by the inkjet printer 40.

[0078] In this way, the second control unit 32 will not respond to the verification command of the inkjet device 40 for at least one verification period. As a result, the inkjet printer 40 will assume that the ink cartridge is not installed correctly. This will cause the corresponding color ink cartridge indicator area on the display screen of the inkjet printer 40 to turn gray, or cause the control software of the computer connected to the inkjet printer 40 to display a "Cartridge not installed" prompt message, thereby prompting the user that the ink cartridge of that color has malfunctioned.

[0079] In another approach, after detecting a short circuit between the communication terminals, the first control unit 31 can send a signal with the same level as the target detection response. This target detection response is characterized by a low-level signal during the first verification period T1, a high-level signal during the second verification period T2, and a low-level signal during the third verification period T3. Because some second control units 32 perform special processing when responding to installation detection commands—for example, failing to output a low level during the first verification period T1 and instead maintaining a high-impedance state—the data terminal 22, when short-circuited with other communication terminals, lacks driving capability and is pulled high by the high-level signals from other terminals. This causes the ink cartridge chip 20 to fail the installation detection of the inkjet printer 40, resulting in a message indicating that the ink cartridge is not installed. Sending a signal with the same level as the target detection response by the first control unit 31 improves the driving capability of the data terminal 22, especially when the foreign object causing the short circuit has a certain resistance. This enhances the ability of the ink cartridge chip 20 to still pass the installation detection of the inkjet printer 40 after a short circuit.

[0080] After the first control unit 31 sends a signal with the same level as the target detection response, it controls the second control unit 32 not to respond to any subsequent commands sent by the inkjet printer 40. Thus, since the inkjet printer cannot respond to subsequent commands, it will also issue an error message. Furthermore, the error message from the inkjet printer 40 at this time will differ from the message displayed when the installation detection command response is incorrect. For example, while the corresponding color ink cartridge indicator area on the inkjet printer 40's display screen turns gray, it will typically also display a question mark or exclamation mark in the middle, or a message stating "Ink cartridge not recognized." This message indicates a malfunction in the ink cartridge chip, guiding the user to check if the ink cartridge chip is abnormal.

[0081] Among them, controlling the second control unit 32 not to respond to other commands subsequently sent by the inkjet printing device 40 can be achieved by means of, for example Figure 8 The circuit shown reduces the chip select signal of the second control unit 32 to below a third preset level; or disconnects the second control unit 32 from the data signal line; or reduces the clock signal of the second control unit 32 to below a fourth preset level; wherein the third preset level is the same as the first preset level, and the fourth preset level is the same as the second preset level. The specific working principle will not be described in detail.

[0082] See Figure 7 If the result of step S13 is negative, meaning there is no short circuit between any of the energized connection terminals, then step S16 is executed to determine whether an installation detection command sent by the inkjet printer 40 has been received. If not, the process continues to wait. If an installation detection command is received, then step S17 is executed, whereby the first control unit 31 directly sends a signal with the same level as the target detection response, i.e., responds to the installation detection command in the first response mode. In this way, the response signal output by the first control unit 31 is superimposed with the response signal output by the second control unit 32. As mentioned earlier, some second control units 32 have undergone special processing when responding to the installation detection command. During certain verification periods, when a low level is required, they do not output a low level but maintain a high impedance state. Because a high impedance state is susceptible to interference, it may be mistakenly interpreted as a high level by the inkjet printer 40. When the first control unit 31 also outputs a low level for signal superposition, it ensures that the current verification period is a low level. Of course, in some other embodiments, when the first control unit 31 detects that no short circuit has occurred between the communication terminals, the second control unit 32 can respond to the installation detection command completely, and the first control unit 31 may not perform any operation after the short circuit detection is completed.

[0083] Since short circuits between multiple communication terminals are often caused by ink drips or leaks, or by liquids with a certain resistance, such as pet urine, and the short circuit detection of the first control unit 31 occurs before the installation detection command arrives when each communication terminal is in a weak pull-down state, the ink cartridge chip 20 of this embodiment can not only detect short circuits between any two communication terminals, but also, when a short circuit is detected between any two communication terminals, can, according to different user needs, have the inkjet printer 40 display the same prompt as if the ink cartridge is not installed, or display the same prompt as if the ink cartridge is installed but due to an abnormality of the ink cartridge chip 20. For some rare short circuits between any two communication terminals caused indirectly by conductors with low resistance, such as wires, staple leads, or mechanical pencil leads, although the ink cartridge chip 20 provided in this embodiment cannot make the inkjet printer 40 display the same prompt as if the ink cartridge is installed but due to an abnormality of the ink cartridge chip 20, it can still be detected before the inkjet printer 40 sends the installation detection command, and the inkjet printer 40 can issue an abnormality prompt.

[0084] Second embodiment:

[0085] In this embodiment, the consumable container is a removable ink cartridge that can be installed into an inkjet printer. The ink cartridge contains an ink cartridge chip, which serves as the consumable chip. Multiple connection terminals are located on one surface of the ink cartridge chip, including power terminals, data terminals, chip select terminals, clock terminals, and a ground terminal. The ink cartridge chip also includes an electronic module. Unlike the first embodiment, this embodiment's electronic module only has one control unit, instead of two. The control unit is electrically connected to and receives signals from the clock terminal, chip select terminal, and data terminal on the surface of the ink cartridge chip.

[0086] For cases where only one control unit is set up within the electronic module, the verification response method for the consumable chip in this embodiment is also modified accordingly. See [link to documentation]. Figure 9 After the ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printer, the inkjet printer supplies power to the ink cartridge chip. At this time, the electronic module is powered on, i.e., step S21 is executed. Then, the control unit executes step S22 to detect whether a short circuit has occurred at the live connection terminal.

[0087] The control unit's detection process for whether a circuit has occurred between multiple live connection terminals is the same as in the first embodiment. First, it detects whether there is a short circuit between the power supply terminal and any one of the data terminal, chip select terminal, or clock terminal. Specifically, after the electronic module is powered on, the control unit acquires the level signals of the data terminal, chip select terminal, and clock terminal. If the level signal of the data terminal, chip select terminal, or clock terminal is a high-level signal, it indicates that a short circuit has occurred between the terminal with the high-level signal and the power supply terminal.

[0088] Then, the system detects whether any short circuits occur between any of the three communication terminals: the data terminal, the chip select terminal, and the clock terminal. Specifically, the control unit applies a high-level signal to one of the communication terminals and acquires the level signals from the other communication terminals. If the level signals from the other communication terminals are high-level signals, it determines that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was applied and the communication terminal to which the high-level signal was detected.

[0089] Then, the control unit executes step S23 to determine whether a short circuit exists based on the level signals of each energized connection terminal. If a short circuit is detected, step S24 is executed to determine whether an installation test command sent by the inkjet printer has been received. If not, the unit continues to wait. Once an installation test command sent by the inkjet printer is received, step S25 is executed to respond to the installation test command sent by the inkjet printer in a second response mode. The second response mode is the response mode in which the inkjet printer believes that the ink cartridge is not installed correctly, that is, it outputs an incorrect signal within three verification periods; or, after responding to the installation test command in the first response mode, the control unit no longer responds to other commands sent by the inkjet printer, so that the inkjet printer reports an error and prompts the user to replace the ink cartridge.

[0090] If the result of step S23 is negative, meaning it is determined that there is no short circuit between any of the live connection terminals, then step S26 is executed to determine whether an installation test command sent by the inkjet printer has been received. If not, the process continues to wait. If an installation test command is received, then step S27 is executed, and the control unit responds to the installation test command with a first response method. In this embodiment, the control unit responds to the installation test command with a response signal indicating a correct response to the installation test command. After receiving the response signal corresponding to the first response method, the inkjet printer considers the ink cartridge to be correctly installed.

[0091] On the one hand, since short circuits between multiple communication terminals are often caused by ink drips or leaks, or by liquids with a certain resistance, such as pet urine, and the short circuit detection of the control unit occurs before the installation detection command arrives when each communication terminal is in a weak pull-down state, the ink cartridge chip in this embodiment can detect short circuits between any two communication terminals in advance. Once a short circuit is detected, corresponding processing is performed, causing the inkjet printer to issue an error message, prompting the user to replace the ink cartridge in time. In other words, regardless of which two live connection terminals short-circuit, the inkjet printer can report an error.

[0092] On the other hand, since the control unit can respond to the installation detection command in two different ways, if a short circuit is detected at the live connection terminal, it can first respond to the installation detection command in the first response mode and then stop responding to subsequent commands. Thus, the error message issued by the inkjet printer is different from the error message for an incorrectly installed ink cartridge. Users can determine whether the ink cartridge is incorrectly installed or a short circuit has occurred at the live connection terminal based on the inkjet printer's error message, thereby differentiating between the two error scenarios and taking different countermeasures, such as reinstalling or replacing the ink cartridge. For rare short circuits between any two communication terminals caused indirectly by conductors with low resistance, such as wires, staple leads, or mechanical pencil leads, although the ink cartridge chip provided in this embodiment cannot differentiate the inkjet printer's error message from the error message for an installed ink cartridge, it can still detect the short circuit before the inkjet printer sends the installation detection command and cause the inkjet printer to issue an abnormality warning.

[0093] Of course, the printing device of the present invention can also be a laser printing device. The laser printing device uses a toner cartridge as a consumable container. A toner cartridge chip can also be installed on the side wall of the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge chip can also be implemented using the above-described structure, and the toner cartridge chip implements the above-described verification response method when it is working.

[0094] Third embodiment:

[0095] In this embodiment, the consumable container is a removable ink cartridge that can be installed into the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge contains an ink cartridge chip, which serves as the consumable chip. Multiple connection terminals are located on one surface of the ink cartridge chip, including power terminals, data terminals, chip select terminals, clock terminals, and a ground terminal. The ink cartridge chip also includes an electronic module containing a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to and receives signals from the clock, chip select, and data terminals on the surface of the ink cartridge chip. Of course, there can be one or two control units. If two control units are used, there will be a first control unit and a second control unit. The division of labor between the first and second control units is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In this embodiment, before receiving the installation detection command from the inkjet printer, the control unit checks for short circuits between the various live connection terminals. If it is determined that no short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, the control unit responds to the installation detection command in a first response mode, which is the same as in the first embodiment. If it is determined that a short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, the control unit responds to the installation detection command in a second response mode. In this embodiment, when the control unit responds to the installation detection command in the second response mode, it continuously outputs a low-level signal at the data terminal. For details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 10 The inkjet printer's data signal line DAT_PR1 is connected to the control unit's data pin DAT_ASIC1. A field-effect transistor (FET) Q11, acting as a switch, is connected between the data signal line DAT_PR1 and ground. The control terminal (gate) of FET Q11 is connected to the control unit's data control pin DAT_CTL_MCU1. Initially, FET Q11 is off, and the data signal line DAT_PR1 is open-circuited to ground. The control unit can receive data from the inkjet printer and send data back to it. Once a short circuit is detected between any two live terminals, the control unit outputs a high-level signal to turn on FET Q11. At this point, the data signal line DAT_PR1 is short-circuited to ground, and both the data signal line DAT_PR1 and the control unit's data pin DAT_ASIC1 remain low. Consequently, the data terminal on the cartridge chip continuously outputs a low-level signal.

[0097] Thus, since the inkjet printer cannot receive the correct response to the installation detection command, it assumes that the ink cartridge is not installed correctly and issues an error message.

[0098] Fourth embodiment:

[0099] In this embodiment, the consumable container is a removable ink cartridge that can be installed into the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge contains an ink cartridge chip, which serves as the consumable chip. Multiple connection terminals are located on one surface of the ink cartridge chip, including power terminals, data terminals, chip select terminals, clock terminals, and a ground terminal. The ink cartridge chip also includes an electronic module containing a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to and receives signals from the clock, chip select, and data terminals on the surface of the ink cartridge chip. Of course, there can be one or two control units. If two control units are used, there will be a first control unit and a second control unit. The division of labor between the first and second control units is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0100] In this embodiment, before receiving the installation test command from the inkjet printer, the control unit checks for short circuits between each live connection terminal. If it is determined that no short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, the control unit responds to the installation test command in a first response mode, which is the same as in the first embodiment. If it is determined that a short circuit occurs between any two live connection terminals, the control unit responds to the installation test command in a second response mode. In this embodiment, when the control unit responds to the installation test command in the second response mode, it permanently grounds the data terminals.

[0101] For details, see Figure 11 The inkjet printer's data signal line DAT_PR2 is connected to the control unit's data pin DAT_ASIC2, and an antifuse device (Anti_Fuse) is connected between the data signal line DAT_PR2 and the ground terminal. Initially, the antifuse device exhibits a high impedance state. At this time, the data signal line DAT_PR2 and the ground terminal are essentially open-circuited, allowing the control unit to receive data from the inkjet printer and send data back to it. Once a short circuit is detected between any two live terminals, the control unit's data control pin DAT_CTL_MCU2 outputs a high-level signal to apply a high voltage to the antifuse device, turning it on. Once the antifuse device is on, its resistance becomes very small, and the data signal line DAT_PR2 and the ground terminal are short-circuited, thus permanently grounding the data signal line DAT_PR2.

[0102] Thus, since the inkjet printer cannot receive the correct response to the installation detection command, it assumes that the ink cartridge is not installed correctly and issues an error message.

[0103] Of course, in some other embodiments, one end of the antifuse device (Anti_Fuse) is connected to the data signal line DAT_PR2 of the inkjet printer, while the other end can be connected to either the ground terminal or the power terminal. Thus, if a short circuit is detected between any two live terminals, the antifuse device (Anti_Fuse) will conduct, and the data signal line DAT_PR2 will be short-circuited to the power terminal. This will prevent the inkjet printer from receiving the correct response to the installation command, thereby issuing an error message.

[0104] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A verification response method for a consumable chip, the consumable chip comprising a control unit and multiple electrically connected terminals, characterized in that, The method includes: After the consumable chip is powered on, before receiving the installation test command, the control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the multiple live connection terminals. If a short circuit is determined to occur between any two live connection terminals, then after receiving the installation test command: the control unit responds to the installation test command in a second response mode; or, the control unit responds to the installation test command in a first response mode and then no longer responds to subsequent commands. The control unit responds to the installation detection command in a first response mode by sending a response signal so that the printing device considers the consumable container to be correctly installed after receiving the response signal corresponding to the first response mode. The control unit responds to the installation detection command in a second response manner, including sending a response signal to determine that the consumable container is not installed correctly.

2. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrically connected terminals include data terminals; The control unit responds to the installation detection command in a second response manner by either continuously outputting a low-level signal to the data terminal or permanently grounding the data terminal.

3. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 2, characterized in that: An anti-fuse device is connected between the data terminal and the ground terminal; Making the data terminal permanently grounded includes: after the control unit determines that a short circuit has occurred between any two of the energized connection terminals, it turns on the anti-fuse device.

4. The verification response method for consumable chips according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The plurality of the electrically connected terminals include power terminals and at least one communication terminal; The control unit detects whether a short circuit has occurred between the plurality of the electrically connected terminals, including: The control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the power terminal and the communication terminal: after power-on, the control unit acquires the level signal of the communication terminal; if the level signal of the communication terminal is high, it determines that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal and the power terminal.

5. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of communication terminals is two or more; The control unit detects whether a short circuit occurs between the plurality of communication terminals, including: The control unit applies a high-level signal to one of the communication terminals and obtains the level signals of the other communication terminals. If the level signals of the other communication terminals are high-level signals, it determines that a short circuit has occurred between the communication terminal with the applied high-level signal and the communication terminal with the detected high-level signal.

6. The verification response method for consumable chips according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit includes a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein the first control unit is used to detect whether a short circuit occurs between the plurality of the live connection terminals; Furthermore, upon determining that a short circuit has occurred between any two of the live connection terminals and upon receiving the installation detection command, the first control unit changes the response of the second control unit to the installation detection command during at least one verification period, causing the control unit to respond to the installation detection command in the second response manner. Alternatively, after the second control unit responds to the installation detection command in the first response manner, the second control unit may cease responding to subsequent commands.

7. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first control unit alters the response of the second control unit to the installation detection command during at least one verification period by including: The first control unit controls the second control unit to not respond to the installation detection command during at least one verification period.

8. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first control unit prevents the second control unit from responding to the installation detection command by: During at least one verification period, the chip select signal of the second control unit is reduced to below a first preset level; or Disconnect the second control unit from the data signal line during at least one verification period; or The clock signal of the second control unit is reduced to below the second preset level during at least one verification period.

9. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first control unit causes the second control unit to not respond to subsequent commands, including: Reduce the chip select signal of the second control unit to below the third preset level; or Disconnect the second control unit from the data signal line; or Reduce the clock signal of the second control unit to below the fourth preset level.

10. The verification response method for consumable chips according to claim 6, characterized in that: If the first control unit determines that no short circuit has occurred between the plurality of the live connection terminals, the first control unit responds to the installation detection command in a first response manner.

11. A consumable chip, comprising a substrate, wherein an electronic module and a plurality of connection terminals are disposed on the substrate, and the electronic module is electrically connected to the connection terminals; Its features are: The electronic module includes a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein the first control unit is capable of executing the verification response method for the consumable chip as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A consumable container, comprising a shell, wherein a consumable receiving cavity is formed within the shell, characterized in that, The outer wall of the housing is provided with the consumable chip as described in claim 11.

13. A printing device, comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with a consumable container mounting cavity, characterized in that: The consumable container as described in claim 12 is installed inside the consumable container mounting cavity.

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