ink cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides a detachable ink cartridge installed in an ink cartridge installation part of an imaging device, the ink cartridge installation part has a plurality of insertion spaces, the ink cartridge installation part includes an electrical contact pin, an acting member and a blocking part arranged therein, the acting member is located at the rear of the electrical contact pin in the front-rear direction, the ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body including a first shell, a second shell and an ink cavity; a chip member including a chip and a bonding part combined with each other, the chip at least includes an electrical contact part, the bonding part is slidably arranged relative to the cartridge body in the up-down direction; a trigger mechanism including a trigger piece in the shape of a lever, the trigger piece includes a force receiving part having a force receiving surface and a trigger part, the trigger piece is arranged to be movable between a protruding position and a trigger position, in the protruding position, the chip is not in contact with the electrical contact pin, in the trigger position, the chip is in contact with the electrical contact pin, the force receiving part and the trigger part are located at both ends of the trigger piece, and the trigger piece is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority to the following prior applications filed on January 23, 2024, entitled "Ink Cartridge" with application number 202420171524.6; the following prior applications filed on February 6, 2024, entitled "Ink Cartridge" with application number 202420287786.9; the following prior applications filed on March 8, 2024, entitled "Ink Cartridge" with application number 202420456314.1; the following prior applications filed on March 25, 2024, entitled "Ink Cartridge" with application number 202420586816.6; and the following prior applications filed on August 19, 2024, entitled "Ink Cartridge" with application number 202422019575.X, the entire contents of which are cross-referenced herein. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of inkjet imaging, and more particularly to an ink cartridge that can be detachably installed in an imaging device. Background Technology

[0003] An ink cartridge is an ink container that can be detachably installed in an imaging device to provide ink to the imaging device. Generally, in order for the ink cartridge to function properly in the imaging device, the ink cartridge needs to be equipped with at least a locking device, a detection device, and a chip component. The locking device is used to lock the ink cartridge in the imaging device, the detection device is used to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed, the model of the ink cartridge, and at least one of the remaining ink in the ink cartridge, and the chip component is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge and the imaging device, so that the imaging device can know the parameter information of the ink cartridge.

[0004] The locking device, detection device, and chip components are all fixedly installed in the ink cartridge, and the relative positions of each component in the ink cartridge are also limited. This design makes the components easily damaged when the ink cartridge is impacted or dropped, and also reduces the design freedom of the ink cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides an ink cartridge employing the following technical solution to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, specifically:

[0006] An ink cartridge is detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting section of an imaging device. The ink cartridge mounting section has multiple insertion spaces, each for accommodating ink cartridges of different colors. The ink cartridge mounting section includes an electrical contact and an actuator disposed therein. When the ink cartridge is in the installation state, the direction of gravity of the ink cartridge is downward, the opposite direction is upward, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction of the ink cartridge is the front-back direction. The ink cartridge is installed into the imaging device along the forward direction. The electrical contact and actuator are both located above the insertion spaces. In the front-back direction, the actuator is located behind the electrical contact. The ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body, comprising a first housing, a second housing, and an ink cavity formed between the first housing and the second housing for accommodating ink; and a chip structure. The device includes a chip and a connector. The chip includes an electrical contact for electrical connection with an electrical probe. The connector is used to mount the chip and is slidably disposed relative to the housing in the vertical direction. A trigger mechanism includes a lever-shaped trigger element. The trigger element includes a force-receiving part with a force-receiving surface and a triggering part. The force-receiving part is used to receive external forces, and the triggering part is used to push the connector upwards. The trigger element is configured to move between a protruding position and a triggering position. In the protruding position, the chip is not in contact with the electrical probe; in the triggering position, the chip is in contact with the electrical probe. The force-receiving part and the triggering part are located at opposite ends of the trigger element. The trigger element is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0007] The ink cartridge mounting portion further includes a blocking portion disposed therein, which is located above the insertion space in the vertical direction; the ink cartridge also includes a locking portion, which is movable relative to the cartridge body, and at least a portion of the locking portion can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; in the locked position, the locking portion abuts against the actuating member, or the locking portion abuts against the blocking portion, and the ink cartridge is locked in the ink cartridge mounting portion, and the electrical contact portion contacts the electrical contact pin; in the unlocked position, the locking portion disengages from the abutting member, or the locking portion disengages from the blocking portion, and the ink cartridge is unlocked, and the electrical contact portion disengages from the electrical contact pin.

[0008] The locking part includes an abutting part with a locking surface. The ink cartridge is locked by friction abutting the actuating member against the rear side of the cartridge body through the locking surface. In the front-back direction, the locking surface is located behind the electrical contact part.

[0009] The locking part includes an abutting part with a locking surface. When the ink cartridge is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part to a predetermined position, the locking surface abuts against the blocking part in the front-back direction in front of the electrical contact pin.

[0010] A receiving cavity is also formed between the first housing and the second housing. The receiving cavity is located above the ink chamber in the vertical direction. The receiving cavity has an exposed opening facing upward. The trigger is disposed in the receiving cavity and exposed upward through the exposed opening. When the ink cartridge is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting part, at least the force receiving part is located above the exposed opening.

[0011] The locking part is disposed on the trigger member, the locking surface is a force receiving surface, and the actuating member includes a second interference part. In the vertical direction, the second interference part is located above the insertion space. During the process of the ink cartridge being installed towards the ink cartridge mounting part, the locking surface abuts against the second interference part to receive external force and move downward. When the ink cartridge is installed in the predetermined position, the ink cartridge is locked by the frictional abutment between the locking surface and the second interference part.

[0012] The ink cartridge also includes a limiting part that protrudes upward on the rear side of the cartridge body. The locking surface is a second limiting surface that is arranged upward on the limiting part. The actuating element includes a third interference part. In the vertical direction, the third interference part is located above the insertion space. When the ink cartridge is installed in the predetermined position, the ink cartridge is locked by frictional contact between the second limiting surface and the third interference part.

[0013] The locking part is configured as a cantilever located on the first housing / second housing and extending upward.

[0014] The abutting part includes a pressing surface and a locking surface. The pressing surface is used to abut against the blocking part to receive pressing force. At least a portion of the abutting part undergoes elastic deformation downward, so that the locking part can pass over the blocking part. The locking surface is used to abut against the blocking part to lock the ink cartridge.

[0015] The ink cartridge also includes an ink outlet section connected to the cartridge body, the ink outlet section having a forward-facing ink outlet for supplying ink to the imaging device; the ink outlet section also includes a sealing plug disposed inside it, an outer cover disposed outside it, and an adsorption member disposed between the outer cover and the sealing plug, the outer cover for fixing the sealing plug, and the adsorption member for adsorbing ink on the outer wall of the ink suction needle when the ink cartridge is removed rearward from the ink cartridge mounting part; a portion of the adsorption member is located inside the ink outlet to engage with the sealing plug, and another portion is located outside the ink outlet; the cartridge body is also provided with a spring arm that interacts with the outer cover to fix the outer cover.

[0016] The ink cartridge also includes an air guide member that can switch between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the sealed position, the ink chamber is not in communication with the atmosphere, and in the unsealed position, the ink chamber is in communication with the atmosphere. The locking part is configured as a cantilever located on the air guide member and extending upward. The abutment part includes a pressing surface and a locking surface. When the pressing surface abuts against the blocking part and receives pressing force, at least a portion of the abutment part undergoes elastic deformation downward, allowing the locking part to pass over the blocking part. The locking surface is used to abut against the blocking part to lock the ink cartridge.

[0017] A receiving cavity is also formed between the first housing and the second housing. The receiving cavity is located above the ink chamber in the vertical direction. The receiving cavity has an exposed opening facing rearward. The trigger is disposed in the receiving cavity and exposed rearward through the exposed opening. At least the force receiving part is located behind the exposed opening. The imaging device also has a door cover that can rotate or translate relative to the ink cartridge mounting part. The locking part is a force receiving part. When the door cover is closed, the door cover abuts against the force receiving part, and the ink cartridge is locked. When the door cover is opened, the door cover disengages from the force receiving part, and the ink cartridge is unlocked.

[0018] The ink cartridge also includes an operating part disposed at its rear. The operating part is movably disposed relative to the cartridge body. The operating part is capable of restricting the movement of the locking part between a locked position and an unlocked position. The operating part has a first state that restricts the locking part from moving from the locked / unlocked position to the unlocked / locked position and a second state that allows the locking part to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0019] The locking part includes a guide part and a fourth reset member. The guide part guides the movement of the abutment part. The abutment part can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the cartridge body. The fourth reset member forces the abutment part to move towards the locked position. In the locked position, the operating part is in a first state and abuts against the guide part / abutment part, and the abutment part abuts against the blocking part. When the operating part is in a second state, the operating part releases the restriction on the guide part / abutment part. When the cartridge moves backward and detaches from the cartridge mounting part, under the action of gravity / pushed by the blocking part, the abutment part disengages from the blocking part, and the locking part moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0020] The connecting part and the locking part are integrally formed, and the chip is fixedly mounted on the connecting part. When the ink cartridge is installed in the predetermined position, the locking part / abutting part moves to the locking position and abuts against the blocking part. The chip / electrical contact part is displaced in the vertical direction and moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0021] The locking part in the ink cartridge provided in this invention is configured as a cantilever, and the locking part is disposed on the first housing / second housing / sealant. With this configuration, the structure of the ink cartridge becomes more compact and the design freedom of the ink cartridge is improved; at the same time, the chip holder is movable in the vertical direction, which is beneficial for protecting the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A This is a diagram showing the state of the ink cartridge and the ink cartridge installation part of the imaging device after separation, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after the first housing is hidden.

[0025] Figure 3A In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the ink cartridge, before being installed at a predetermined position on the ink cartridge mounting section, travels along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0026] Figure 3B The ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, after being installed in the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part, moves along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention after the locking part is separated from the second housing after the first housing is hidden.

[0028] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C This is a side view of the process of the ink cartridge being installed toward a predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part when viewed from left to right after the first housing is hidden, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, viewed from left to right after the first housing is hidden.

[0030] Figure 7 The ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 4 of the present invention, after being installed in the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part, moves along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention after the first housing is hidden.

[0032] Figure 9This is a side view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, viewed from left to right after the first housing is hidden.

[0033] Figure 10 The ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 5 of the present invention, after being installed in the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part, moves along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention after the first housing is hidden.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the electrical contact pin assembly involved in this invention.

[0036] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment Six of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 14 The ink cartridge involved in Embodiment Six of this invention, after being installed into the ink cartridge mounting part, along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 16 This is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 17 This is a state diagram of the ink cartridge seal in the unsealed position according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a top view of the ink cartridge seal in the unsealed position according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 20 The ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention, after being installed into the ink cartridge mounting part, along... Figure 1A A cross-sectional view after being cut along the BB direction.

[0044] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the state of the ink cartridge and the ink cartridge installation part of the imaging device after separation, according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 22 This is an exploded view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention after the lifting member, chip component and the first housing are separated from each other after the first housing is hidden.

[0046] Figure 23A This is a side view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, viewed from left to right during the process of installing the ink cartridge toward a predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part after the first housing is hidden.

[0047] Figure 23B This is a side view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, after the first housing is hidden and the ink cartridge is installed in the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part, viewed from left to right.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge being installed in the ink cartridge mounting section according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 25A and Figure 25B This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge mounting section involved in the present invention.

[0050] Figure 26A and Figure 26B This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment Nine of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 26C This is a side view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention when viewed from left to right.

[0052] Figure 27A When the ink cartridge is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, along... Figure 24 A schematic diagram of a section cut along the direction shown in CC.

[0053] Figure 27B yes Figure 27A The diagram shown is a side view when viewed from left to right.

[0054] Figure 28A When the ink cartridge is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention, along... Figure 24 A schematic diagram of a section cut along the direction shown in CC.

[0055] Figure 28B yes Figure 28A The diagram shown is a side view when viewed from left to right.

[0056] Figure 29 This is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment Eleven of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 30A This is a schematic diagram of the state of the ink cartridge before it is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 30B and Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the ink cartridge after it has been installed in the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the state after the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment Twelve of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The ink cartridge 100 is detachably installed into the ink cartridge mounting section 300 of the imaging device. The ink cartridge mounting section 300 has multiple insertion spaces 350, each for accommodating ink cartridges 100 of different colors. When the ink cartridge 100 is in... Figure 1A or Figure 24 When placed in the indicated posture, the ink cartridge 100 has a front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom orientation. The front and rear are opposite, the left and right are opposite, and the top and bottom are opposite. The front-back direction is the first direction / length direction / vertical direction of the ink cartridge 100. The left-right direction is the second direction / width direction / lateral direction of the ink cartridge 100. The top-bottom direction is the third direction / height direction / vertical direction of the ink cartridge 100. The bottom direction is the direction of gravity of the ink cartridge 100. The top direction is the opposite of the bottom direction. The front-back, left-right, and top-bottom directions intersect each other. Preferably, the front-back, left-right, and top-bottom directions are perpendicular to each other. The ink cartridge 100 is installed in the front and removed / taken out in the rear.

[0062] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B , Figure 24 As shown, the ink cartridge mounting part 300 has the same orientation as the ink cartridge 100 and includes a mounting frame 301 and multiple side plates 302. The mounting frame 301 has an ink cartridge mounting port 300a that opens to the rear. An insertion space 350 is formed between the side plates 302 and the mounting frame 301, as well as between two adjacent side plates 302. Each insertion space 350 is provided with an ink suction needle 310, a limiting member 320, and an electrical contact needle assembly 300b. The ink cartridge 100 is mounted from the ink cartridge mounting port 300a toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300.

[0063] The electrical contact assembly 300b includes a carrier 300c, a first protrusion 300d, a second protrusion 300e, and an electrical contact 340. The first protrusion 300d and the second protrusion 300e both protrude from the carrier 300c in the same direction, and the first protrusion 300d protrudes further than the second protrusion 300e. In the front-rear direction, the first protrusion 300d is located in front of the second protrusion 300e, and the first protrusion 300d and the second protrusion 300e are spaced apart to form a contact cavity 300f. The electrical contact 340 is located in the contact cavity 300f and is configured to move relative to the carrier 300c in the vertical direction. In the front-rear direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b / electrical contact 340 is located in front of the limiting member 320. In the vertical direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b is located above the ink-absorbing needle 310.

[0064] like Figure 1B , Figure 2 , Figures 26A-26C As shown, the ink cartridge 100 includes a housing 1 and an ink outlet 2 that are joined together. The housing 1 is used to contain ink, and the ink outlet 2 is used to supply ink to the imaging device. The ink cartridge 100 also includes a left side wall 100a facing left, a right side wall 100b facing right, a front side wall 100c facing forward, a rear side wall 100d facing backward, an upper side wall 100e facing upward, and a lower side wall 100f facing downward. The housing 1 includes a first housing 101a and a second housing 101b that are detachably joined together. An ink chamber 106 is located between the first housing 101a and the second housing 101b. The ink outlet 2 is disposed on the first housing 101a or the second housing 101b and communicates with the ink chamber 106. No limitation is made here on the direction in which the first housing 101a and the second housing 101b are joined together.

[0065] In one implementation, such as Figure 1A and Figure 2 , Figure 26A and Figure 26B As shown, the left side wall 100a is located in the first housing 101a, and the right side wall 100b, front side wall 100c, rear side wall 100d, upper side wall 100e and lower side wall 100f are all located in the second housing 101b. The ink outlet 2 is disposed on the second housing 101b.

[0066] In one embodiment, the housing 1 further has a front sidewall 100c1 and a lower sidewall 100f1. In the vertical direction, the front sidewall 100c1 is located between the front sidewall 100c and the lower sidewall 100f. In the front-back direction, the lower sidewall 100f1 is located between the front sidewall 100c and the front sidewall 100c1. The ink outlet 2 protrudes forward from the front sidewall 100c1.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cartridge 1 may not have a front sidewall 100c1 and a lower sidewall 100f1, and the ink outlet 2 may be directly disposed on the front sidewall 100c. In this case, the ink outlet 2 protrudes forward from the front sidewall 100c.

[0068] In the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink outlet 2 has an ink outlet 21 for allowing the ink suction needle 310 to enter, the ink outlet 21 facing forward.

[0069] In one embodiment, a receiving cavity 107 is formed between the first housing 101a and the second housing 101b. Along the vertical direction, the receiving cavity 107 and the upper sidewall 100e are located above the ink cavity 106, and a middle partition 107a is provided between the receiving cavity 107 and the ink cavity 106.

[0070] Furthermore, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a chip component 104 and a trigger mechanism 6. The chip component 104 is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. Specifically, the chip component 104 includes a chip 104a and a bonding portion / chip holder 104b that are coupled together. The bonding portion / chip holder 104b is used to mount the chip 104a. The chip 104a and the bonding portion 104b are movably coupled. The bonding portion 104b is connected to the cartridge body 1. The chip 104a includes a substrate 104a2, an electrical contact portion 104a1, and a movable portion 104a3. For example, through the movable portion 104a3, the substrate 104a2 is movable relative to the bonding portion 104b. Figure 1A As shown, chip 104a can rotate about rotation axis L relative to the connecting part 104b, the rotation axis L intersects the vertical direction, or the movable part 104a3 and the connecting part 104b are slidably connected, or the movable part 104a3 can both rotate and slide relative to the connecting part 104b.

[0071] As the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is activated. Subsequently, the trigger mechanism 6 forces the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. In the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact 104a1 is not in contact with the electrical contact pin 340, and in the electrically connected position, the electrical contact 104a1 is in contact with the electrical contact pin 340. As the user operates the operation unit 105 located behind the ink cartridge 100, the ink cartridge 100 is gradually removed from the insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 gradually resets, and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position. Therefore, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 of the present invention can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position.

[0072] [Example 1]

[0073] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the electrical contact 104a1 is disposed on one surface of the substrate 104a2, and the movable part 104a3 is disposed at one end of the substrate 104a2. Along the length of the substrate 104a2, the electrical contact 104a1 and the movable part 104a3 are respectively located at both ends of the substrate 104a2. Thus, when the movable part 104a3 is rotatably coupled to the bonding part / chip holder 104b, the electrical contact 104a1 can contact the electrical pin 340 without the substrate 104a2 needing to rotate by a large angle. In other words, this design helps to reduce the angle of rotation required for the substrate 104a2.

[0074] The triggering mechanism 6 is movably disposed relative to the cartridge 1 and includes a trigger member 61 and a third reset member 62. The trigger member 61 is configured to move between a protruding position and a trigger position. Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed or before the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position. In the front-rear direction, at least a portion of the trigger member 61 is located in front of the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1. The third reset member 62 is used to force the trigger member 61 to move toward the protruding position.

[0075] When the trigger 61 receives an external force, the trigger 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, the third reset member 62 undergoes elastic deformation, and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the trigger 61 is in the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is in the electrically connected position. At this time, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 can be kept in contact with the electrical contact pin 340 by the trigger 61 or other components.

[0076] In one embodiment, a portion of the trigger 61 and at least a portion of the third reset member 62 are located in the receiving cavity 107, and another portion of the trigger 61 is located outside the receiving cavity 107. In the vertical direction, the trigger 61 extends beyond the upper sidewall 100e. This design not only protects the trigger mechanism 6, but also reduces the size of the ink cartridge 100 in the vertical direction.

[0077] In one embodiment, the triggering mechanism 6 may also be located entirely above the upper sidewall 100e, in which case the receiving cavity 107 may not be necessary.

[0078] In one embodiment, the third reset member 62 is configured as an elastic member. Figure 2 A third reset member 62, configured as a compression spring, is shown. One end of the third reset member 62 abuts against the housing 1, and the other end abuts against the trigger member 61, forcing the trigger member 61 to move toward the protruding position.

[0079] Specifically, the trigger 61 has a force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 for receiving external forces and a force transmitting surface / force transmitting part 612 for transmitting the forces. The force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 is used to abut against the interference surface / interference part 303 in the imaging device / insertion space 350 to receive external forces, thereby causing the trigger 61 to move from the protruding position to the trigger position. The force transmitting surface / force transmitting part 612 is used to directly or indirectly transmit the forces to the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1, thereby causing the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0080] Preferably, the interference surface / interference portion 303 is a component / group of components disposed in the imaging device. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, as long as this component can move the trigger 61 from the protruding position to the trigger position, it is sufficient. Therefore, the interference surface / interference portion 303 can also be called an action component. For example, the action component is a protrusion disposed in the insertion space 350, or a color recognition component 200 disposed in the insertion space 350. The color recognition component 200 is provided with a recognition groove. Correspondingly, the ink cartridge 100 is provided with a protruding component 3 that can enter the recognition groove (as described in Embodiment 3). Through the cooperation of the protruding component 3 and the recognition groove, it is ensured that ink cartridges with different colored inks can be installed into the corresponding insertion spaces.

[0081] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with a holding portion / holding surface 613 for holding the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 in an electrically connected position. Preferably, the holding portion / holding surface 613 is provided on the trigger member 61, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the force transmission surface 612 and the holding part / holding surface 613 are both provided on the trigger part 611 of the trigger member 61. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the trigger mechanism 6 / ink cartridge 100. Along the front-rear direction, the force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 and the trigger part 611 are located at both ends of the trigger member 61.

[0082] In one embodiment, the holding part / holding surface 613 may not be provided on the trigger member 61. For example, the holding part / holding surface 613 is configured as a component linked to the trigger mechanism 6. During the process of the trigger member 61 moving towards the trigger position, the holding part / holding surface 613 gradually begins to contact the chip 104a / 104a1, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 can be held by the holding part / holding surface 613; or, when the trigger member 61 reaches the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is directly held by the holding part / holding surface 613.

[0083] In one embodiment, the force transmission surface 612 is configured as an inclined surface that is tilted relative to the front-back direction, so that the force transmission surface 612b can transmit the force more smoothly.

[0084] In one embodiment, when the trigger 61 is in the protruding position, the force transmission part / force transmission surface 612 maintains contact with the chip 104a / substrate 104a2 / electrical contact part 104a1. This design can improve the force transmission efficiency on the one hand, and make the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 in the electrically disconnected position stable.

[0085] In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, at least a portion of the trigger 61 is positioned above the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 in the vertical direction, so that even if the ink cartridge 100 is dropped, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 can be protected by the trigger 61.

[0086] like Figure 3A As shown, the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the insertion space 350 in the forward direction, the trigger 61 is in the protruding position, the ink suction needle 310 is aligned with the ink outlet 21 in the front-back direction, and in the up-down direction, the upper end of the trigger part 611 is lower than the lower end of the second protrusion 300e, and the upper end of the force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 is lower than the lower end of the first protrusion 300d and the lower end of the second protrusion 300e. In this way, the ink cartridge 100 can be installed forward smoothly.

[0087] like Figure 3B As shown, as the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed, the ink-absorbing needle 310 enters the ink-emission section 2 through the ink outlet 21. The force-receiving surface / force-receiving part 614 abuts against the interference surface / interference part 303. The trigger 61 moves backward against the reset force of the third reset member 62. The force-transmitting surface / force-transmitting part 612 pushes the substrate 104a2, causing the substrate 104a2 to rotate around the rotation axis L. When the ink cartridge 100 reaches the predetermined position, the trigger 61 is in the trigger position, and the force-receiving surface / force-receiving part 614 remains in contact with the interference surface / interference part 303. In the contact cavity 300f, the electrical contact part 104a1 contacts the electrical contact needle 340. At the same time, the substrate 104a2 is supported by the support part / support surface 613, so that the electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact needle 340 maintain stable contact.

[0088] When the user applies a backward pulling force to the operation unit 105, the ink cartridge 100 begins to move backward, the third reset member 62 releases the reset force, the trigger member 61 begins to move from the trigger position to the protruding position, and at the same time, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 begins to move from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position.

[0089] As described above, since the movable part 104a3 and the electrical contact part 104a1 of the chip 104a are respectively disposed at both ends of the substrate 104a2, when the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 is no longer supported by the support part / support surface 613, the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 can move from the electrical connection position to the electrical disconnect position under its own gravity. In other achievable embodiments, the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 can also move from the electrical connection position to the electrical disconnect position under the action of the triggering mechanism 6.

[0090] [Example 2]

[0091] This embodiment will describe the locking part 4 of the ink cartridge 100, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 in this embodiment is also provided with a chip component 104. Therefore, the trigger mechanism 6 involved in the first embodiment is also applicable to this embodiment. To show the locking part 4 more clearly, the trigger mechanism 6 is not shown in the figure.

[0092] The locking part 4 includes an abutment part 42 and a fourth reset member 47. The abutment part 42 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the cartridge body 1. The fourth reset member 47 forces the abutment part 42 to move towards the locked position. In the locked position, the abutment part 42 abuts against a blocking part provided in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 to lock the cartridge 100 in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, and the electrical contact part 104a1 is in the electrical connection position. In the unlocked position, the abutment part 42 disengages from the blocking part. The blocking part can be any component in the cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 with a forward-facing surface, such as a first protrusion 300d or a second protrusion 300e. The blocking part is located above the cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350.

[0093] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is provided with a receiving cavity 107, and a portion of the fourth reset member 47 and a portion of the abutment portion 42 are both located in the receiving cavity 107, which helps the abutment portion 42 maintain a stable movement trajectory.

[0094] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 may not necessarily have a receiving cavity 107. For example, by providing a guide rail on the upper side wall 100e, or by extending the guide rail upward from the upper side wall 100e, the abutment portion 42 can also be ensured to have a stable movement trajectory.

[0095] Furthermore, the abutment part 42 has a pressing surface 421 and a locking surface 422. The pressing surface 421 is used to receive pressing force by abutting against the blocking part, thereby causing the fourth reset member 47 to deform. The abutment part 42 moves in the up and down direction, which facilitates the locking part 42 to pass over the blocking part smoothly. The locking surface 422 is used to abut against the blocking part to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0096] like Figure 5A As shown, during the installation of the ink cartridge 100 forward along the front-to-back direction, the abutting part 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300e and the first protrusion 300d in sequence. When the abutting part 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300e, the pressing surface 421 is pressed by the second protrusion 300e, and the abutting part 42 moves downward against the restoring force of the fourth reset member 47. After the abutting part 42 passes the second protrusion 300e, the fourth reset member 47 releases the restoring force, and the abutting part 42 moves upward and enters the contact cavity 300f. As the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed, the abutting part 42 begins to abut against the first protrusion 300d, and the pressing surface 421 is pressed again by the first protrusion 300d. The contact part 42 overcomes the reset force of the fourth reset member 47 and moves downward again. The contact part 42 passes over the first protrusion 300d and reaches the front of the first protrusion 300d. The fourth reset member 47 releases the reset force, and the contact part 42 moves upward again. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position of the imaging device. In the front-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located in front of the first protrusion 300d, and the locking surface 422 / contact part 42 abuts against the first protrusion 300d. That is to say, the position where the locking surface 422 / contact part 42 abuts against the first protrusion 300d is located in front of the contact needle 340. The contact part 42 is in the locked position, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked in the imaging device.

[0097] In one embodiment, the abutment portion 42 may also be configured such that during the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the abutment portion 42 does not abut against the second protrusion 300e, but only against the first protrusion 300d, thereby reducing the wear of the abutment portion 42 and also reducing the number of times the fourth reset member 47 deforms.

[0098] In one embodiment, along the front-to-back direction, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 may also be disposed behind the chip component 104 / electrical contact part 104a1. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the abutment part 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300e and moves downward, and the fourth reset member 47 undergoes elastic deformation. After the abutment part 42 passes the second protrusion 300e, the fourth reset member 47 releases its elastic force, and the abutment part 42 moves upward. Finally, the abutment part 42 locks the ink cartridge 100 by abutting against the second protrusion 300e.

[0099] In one embodiment, the fourth reset member 47 is configured as an elastic member capable of elastic deformation. Specifically, the fourth reset member 4 is configured as a compression spring, a tension spring, rubber, silicone, or sponge, etc.

[0100] In one embodiment, the highest point of the abutment portion 42 is higher than the electrical contact portion 104a1 in the vertical direction. When the center line L2 of the ink dispensing portion 2 is taken as a reference, the distance between the highest point of the abutment portion 42 and the center line L2 in the vertical direction is greater than the distance between the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the center line L2. Therefore, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, or when the locking portion 4 is in the unlocked position, at least the electrical contact portion 104a1 can be protected by the abutment portion 42.

[0101] The ink cartridge 100 with this structure can be installed and removed along a direction parallel to the front-back direction. In this way, the lower side wall 100f of the ink cartridge 100 can be set as a plane, thereby simplifying the structure of the ink cartridge 100.

[0102] [Example 3]

[0103] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a protruding member 3 protruding from the upper sidewall 100e. The protruding member 3 is used to cooperate with at least the color recognition member 200 provided in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350. When a light detection member is also provided in the insertion space 350, the protruding member 3 cooperates with the light detection member to detect at least one of the information such as whether the ink cartridge 100 is installed and the model of the ink cartridge 100. Along the front-back direction, the light detection member / color recognition member 200, the electrical contact 340 and the limiting member 320 are arranged in sequence.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the protruding member 3 includes a front surface 3a facing forward, an upper surface 3b facing upward, and a connecting surface 3c connecting the front surface 3a and the upper surface 3b. The connecting surface 3c is inclined relative to the front-rear direction. Figure 6 In the state shown, or when viewed along the left-right direction, the connecting surface 3c intersects the upper surface 3b at point P2. Along the up-down direction, point P2 is also the highest point of the connecting surface 3c / protruding member 3.

[0105] In one embodiment, along the front-to-back direction, the locking part 4 in this embodiment is disposed behind the chip component 104, such as... Figure 6As shown, the locking part 4 protrudes from the upper sidewall 100e and is provided with a pressing surface 421 and a locking surface 422. The pressing surface 421 is inclined relative to the front-back direction. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100 toward the insertion space 350, the pressing surface 421 and the limiting member 320 press against each other until the pressing surface 421 passes the limiting member 320. Then, the locking surface 422 located behind the pressing surface 421 abuts against the limiting member 320, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation part 300 / insertion space 350.

[0106] When the ink cartridge 100 is viewed along the left-right direction, the highest point of the extrusion surface 421 is point P1, and the line connecting point P1 and point P2 is X1. Along the vertical direction, point P2 is lower than point P1. In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, along the vertical direction, in the chip component 104, at least the electrical contact portion 104a1 is located above the line X1, which ensures that the electrical contact portion 104a1 is in close contact with the electrical contact pin 340.

[0107] In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, the entire chip component 104 is located below the connecting line X1 in the vertical direction. This design reduces the risk of the chip component 104 being touched by external components before the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the insertion space 350.

[0108] As described above, both the locking part 4 and the chip component 3 protrude from the upper sidewall 100e. Therefore, the locking part 4 and the chip component 3 can be regarded as a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively provided in the ink cartridge 100.

[0109] The first protrusion 4 can be fixedly mounted on the cartridge body 1 or movably mounted relative to the cartridge body 1. The first protrusion 4 may also not have a locking surface 422. In this case, the ink cartridge 100 can be locked to the imaging device by setting the locking surface 422 elsewhere. For example, the ink cartridge 100 can be locked by using the friction between the ink suction needle 310 and the ink outlet 2, or the locking surface 422 can be set in the lower side wall 100f of the cartridge body 1, and the ink cartridge 100 can be locked by engaging with the imaging device through the locking surface 422.

[0110] The second protrusion 3 can be fixedly mounted on the cartridge body 1 or movably mounted relative to the cartridge body 1. The second protrusion 3 has at least the function of cooperating with the identification slot to allow ink cartridges with different colors of ink to be installed into the corresponding insertion space. When the imaging device is also provided with a light detection component, the second protrusion 3 is also provided with a light blocking part for cooperating with the light detection component. The imaging device determines at least one of the following information by detecting whether the light emitted by the light detection component is blocked by the light blocking part: whether the ink cartridge 100 is installed and the model of the ink cartridge 100. The point P2 is the highest point of the light blocking part.

[0111] Continue as Figure 6 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a protective member 9 that is movable relative to the cartridge body 1. In the front-rear direction, at least a portion of the protective member 9 is located between the locking part 4 and the protruding member 3. The protective member 9 includes a protective part 91 and a fifth reset member 92. The protective part 91 is movable relative to the cartridge body 1 between an extended position and a retracted position. The fifth reset member 92 is used to force the protective part 91 to move toward the extended position.

[0112] In one embodiment, the protective element 9 may also be made entirely of elastic material and thus be elastic. The protective element 9 is installed on the cartridge body 1. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the protective element 9 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing the ink cartridge 100 to be installed smoothly.

[0113] Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, when the protective part 91 is in the extended position, a portion of the protective member 9 / a portion of the protective part 91 extends beyond the connecting line X1 in the vertical direction, or in other words, the connecting line X1 passes through the protective member 9 / the protective part 91. Thus, among the protruding member 3 and the locking part 4, at least the protruding member 3, which is in the lower position, can be protected by the protective part 91. In particular, when the entire chip member 104 is located below the connecting line X1, the chip member 104 can also be protected by the protective part 91.

[0114] In one embodiment, the connecting line X1 can also be tangent to the highest part of the protective member 9 / protective part 91 in the vertical direction, so that at least the protruding member 3 at the lower position can be protected by the protective part 91.

[0115] In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, the protective member 9 / protective part 91, which is in the extended position in the vertical direction, is higher than the chip component 104 / electrical contact part 104a1, so that the chip component 104 / electrical contact part 104a1 can be better protected by the protective part 91.

[0116] Along the front-back direction, the protective member 9 / protective part 91 is located in front of the chip component 104 / electrical contact part 104a1. As the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the insertion space 350, when the protective part 91 comes into contact with any one of the second protrusion 300e, the electrical contact pin 340, and the first protrusion 300d (which can be regarded as another embodiment of the interference part 303), the protective part 91 will overcome the reset force of the fifth reset member 92 and move toward the retracted position / downward. When the protective part 91 passes the interference part 303, the fifth reset member 92 releases the reset force, and the protective part 91 will reset from the retracted position to the extended position / upward.

[0117] In one embodiment, the protective member 9 / protective part 91 is located behind the chip component 104 / electrical contact part 104a1. In this case, the blocking part can be the second protrusion 300e or a component located behind the carrier 300c.

[0118] In one embodiment, when the protective member 9 / protective part 91 is in the extended position, the ink cartridge 100 is locked in the imaging device by the protective part 91 abutting against the blocking part in the front-back direction. When the protective member 9 / protective part 91 is in the retracted position, the protective part 91 no longer abuts against the blocking part, and the ink cartridge 100 is unlocked. Therefore, the protective member 9 in this embodiment can also be regarded as an embodiment of the locking part 4. At this time, the protective part 91 is equivalent to the abutting part 42, and the fifth reset member 92 and the fourth reset member 47 are equivalent. In this modified mode and the structure described in Embodiment 2, the protruding member 3, the protective member 9 / protective part 91 and the chip member 104 / electrical contact part 104a1 are arranged sequentially from front to back in the front-back direction, or the protruding member 3, the chip member 104 / electrical contact part 104a1 and the protective member 9 / protective part 91 are arranged sequentially from front to back.

[0119] [Example 4]

[0120] This embodiment will describe the locking part 4 of the ink cartridge 100, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 in this embodiment is also provided with a chip component 104. Therefore, the trigger mechanism 6 involved in Embodiment 1 is also applicable to this embodiment. To show the locking part 4 more clearly, the trigger mechanism 6 is not shown in the figure. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that in this embodiment, the operating part 105 is movably provided relative to the cartridge body 1, which can restrict the movement of the locking part 4 between the locked position and the unlocked position. Specifically, the operating part 105 has a first state that restricts the locking part 4 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position and a second state that allows the locking part 4 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0121] The locking part 4 includes an abutment part 42, a guide part 48, and a fourth reset member 47. The guide part 48 guides the movement of the abutment part 42. The abutment part 42 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the cartridge body 1. The fourth reset member 47 forces the abutment part 42 to move toward the locked position. In the locked position, the abutment part 42 abuts against the blocking part provided in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 to lock the cartridge 100 in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350. The electrical contact part 104a1 is located in the electrical connection position. Note that the locking position of the abutment part 48 differs from that in Embodiment 2 in that: in the locked position, the operating part 105 is simultaneously in the first state, and the operating part 105 abuts against the guide part 48 / abutment part 42, so that the abutment part 42 cannot disengage from the blocking part under the restriction of the operating part 105. When the operating unit 105 is in the second state, that is, when the operating unit 105 releases the restriction on the guide part 48 / abutment part 42, and the abutment part 42 can move rearward away from the ink cartridge 100 and disengage from the ink cartridge mounting part 300, it can disengage from the blocking part under the action of gravity / by being pushed by the blocking part, and thus move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The blocking part can be any component in the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 that has a forward-facing surface, such as the first protrusion 300d or the second protrusion 300e.

[0122] Specifically, the operating part 105 includes a guide slope 1051 facing the locking part 4, and the guide part 48 is disposed on the lower side of the abutting part 42 and abuts against the guide slope 1051; under the elastic force of the fourth reset member 47, the abutting part 42 tends to abut against the blocking part.

[0123] In this embodiment, the fourth reset member 47 is disposed between the operating part 105 and the housing 1. Preferably, the operating part 105 is provided with a reset member receiving cavity 1052, which is used to receive the fourth reset member 47 and guide and limit it. Under the elastic force of the fourth reset member 47, the operating part 105 tends to move towards the first state; in other words, when the operating part 105 is in the first state under the elastic force of the fourth reset member 47, the guide slope 1051 of the operating part 105 cooperates with the guide part 48. This keeps the abutment part 42 in the locked position (even if the abutment part 42 does not abut against the blocking part, it can be considered to be in the locked position); when the ink cartridge 100 installed in the ink cartridge mounting part 300 needs to be removed, the operating part 105 can be controlled to move to the second state against the elastic force of the fourth reset member 47. At this time, the guide slope 1051 moves backward and no longer restricts the abutment part 42. Then, the abutment part 42 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position under the action of gravity. Then the ink cartridge 100 is further pulled and completely detached from the ink cartridge mounting part 300.

[0124] In one embodiment, the fourth reset member 47 can also be arranged in a manner similar to that in Embodiment 2, that is, the fourth reset member 47 is disposed between the abutment portion 42 and the housing 1, and the operating portion 105 is no longer affected by the elastic force of the fourth reset member 47 and moves between the first state and the second state; optionally, the operating portion 105 can be moved between the first state and the second state by manual control by the user; optionally, the size of the operating portion 105 in the front-rear direction can also be set to be further away from the front sidewall 100c than the rear sidewall 100d of the housing, and by closing the door cover of the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting portion 300, the operating portion 105 can be pushed by the door cover (not shown in the figure) / protrusion on the door cover of the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting portion 300, thereby maintaining it in the first state.

[0125] In one embodiment, the triggering mechanism / operating part (not shown in the figure) can be movably configured as described in the aforementioned embodiment. The triggering mechanism / operating part can drive the chip 104a to move vertically. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in a preset position within the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is still in the electrically disconnected position. By closing the door cover of the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300, the triggering mechanism / operating part in this embodiment can be pushed by the door cover (not shown in the figure) / protrusion on the door cover to move horizontally, thereby forcing the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 to move vertically from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. The door cover is used to close the opening of the ink cartridge mounting part 300; this is prior art and will not be described further here.

[0126] In one implementation, such as Figure 9 As shown, the protruding member 3 includes a front surface 3a facing forward, an upper surface 3b facing upward, and a connecting surface 3c connecting the front surface 3a and the upper surface 3b. The connecting surface 3c is inclined relative to the front-rear direction. Figure 9 In the shown configuration, or in other words, when viewed along the left-right direction, the connecting surface 3c intersects the upper surface 3b at point P2. Along the up-down direction, point P2 is also the highest point of the connecting surface 3c / protruding member 3. Along the front-back direction, another protruding member 4a is positioned behind the chip member 104, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, another protruding member 4a protrudes from the upper sidewall 100e.

[0127] When the ink cartridge 100 is viewed along the left-right direction, the highest point of the other protruding member 4a is point P1, and the line connecting point P1 and point P2 is X1. Along the vertical direction, point P2 is lower than point P1. In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, along the vertical direction, in the chip member 104, at least the uppermost end of the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 is located above the line X1. In this way, when the ink cartridge 100 falls, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 can protect the chip member 104.

[0128] In one embodiment, another protruding member 4a located on the rear side of the chip member 104 may be omitted.

[0129] Compared with Embodiment 2, the beneficial effect of this embodiment is that by setting the operation part 105 to be movable, the force required for the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position is increased, thereby making the ink cartridge 100 more stable when installed in the ink cartridge mounting part 300.

[0130] [Example 5]

[0131] This embodiment will mainly describe the chip component 104 of the ink cartridge 100, such as Figures 10-11 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment four is that in this embodiment, the connecting part / chip fixing seat 104b and the locking part 4 are integrally provided, and the chip 104a is fixedly disposed on the connecting part 104b. That is to say, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed to the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the locking part 4 / abutting part 42 moves to the locking position and abuts against the blocking part, while driving the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 to generate vertical displacement and move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0132] In this embodiment, the integrally formed connecting portion 104b and locking portion 4 can rotate relative to the housing 1 about axis L, and the abutting portion 42 can abut against the first protrusion 300d. In other embodiments, the integrally formed connecting portion 104b and locking portion 4 can also be displaced in the vertical direction relative to the housing 1, for example, sliding in the vertical direction or sliding in a direction inclined to the front-back direction.

[0133] [Example 6]

[0134] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, this embodiment will continue to describe the locking part 4 of the ink cartridge 100, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part. In this embodiment, the locking part 4 is set as a cantilever located on the first housing 101a or the second housing 101b. The following description takes the example of the locking part 4 being set on the second housing 101b.

[0135] The locking part 4 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the abutting part 42 abuts against the blocking part provided in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 to lock the cartridge 100 in the imaging device / cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, and the electrical contact part 104a1 is in the electrically connected position. In the unlocked position, the abutting part 42 disengages from the blocking part, and the electrical contact part 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position. The blocking part can be any component in the cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 with a forward-facing surface, such as the first protrusion 300d or the second protrusion 300e.

[0136] The locking part 4 includes a main body 108 and an abutment part 42 connected to each other. The main body 108 is connected to at least one of the first housing 101a, the second housing 101b and the intermediate partition 107a. The abutment part 42 is configured as a cantilever extending upward.

[0137] The abutting part 42 has a pressing surface 421 and a locking surface 422. The pressing surface 421 is used to receive pressing force by abutting against the blocking part. At least a portion of the abutting part 42 undergoes elastic deformation downward so that the locking part 42 can smoothly pass over the blocking part. The locking surface 422 is used to abut against the blocking part so that the ink cartridge 100 is locked.

[0138] Specifically, in this embodiment, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 into the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 in the forward direction, the contact position between the pressing surface 421 and the electrical contact assembly 300b can be referred to in Embodiment 2. After the pressing surface 421 contacts the electrical contact assembly 300b, at least a portion of the contact part 42 undergoes elastic deformation downwards until the contact part 42 passes the blocking part, or in other words, the contact part 42 reaches the front of the blocking part, the pressing surface 421 disengages from the blocking part, the contact part 42 no longer undergoes elastic deformation, and the locking surface 422 contacts the forward-facing surface of the electrical contact assembly 300b, thus locking the ink cartridge 100. It can be seen that when the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300 at the predetermined position, in the front-back direction, the position where the locking surface 422 contacts the blocking part is located in front of the electrical contact 340.

[0139] In one embodiment, the abutment portion 42 is located in front of or behind the main body 108.

[0140] In one embodiment, the abutment portion 42 is configured with an irregular shape, which facilitates elastic deformation of the abutment portion 42.

[0141] In one embodiment, the locking part 4 further includes a first support member 44 extending in the vertical direction. At least one of the main body 108, the first housing 101a, the second housing 101b, and the intermediate partition 107a is connected to the first support member 44. The first support member 44 is used to support the abutment part 42, so that the locking surface 422 can abut against the forward-facing surface of the contact pin assembly 300b more stably. In this way, the ink cartridge 100 can be locked more stably in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350.

[0142] like Figure 14 As shown, the ink outlet section 2 also includes a sealing plug 22 disposed inside it, an outer cover 23 disposed outside it, and an adsorption member 24 disposed inside the outer cover 23. Further, the adsorption member 24 is located between the outer cover 23 and the sealing plug 22. The outer cover 23 is used to fix the sealing plug 22 to prevent it from falling out. When the ink cartridge is removed rearward from the ink cartridge mounting section 300, the adsorption member 24 can adsorb the ink on the outer wall of the ink suction needle 310 to avoid residual ink on the outer wall of the ink suction needle 310 contaminating the ink cartridge mounting section 300. Further, a portion of the adsorption member 24 is located inside the ink outlet 21 to engage with the sealing plug 22, and another portion is located outside the ink outlet 21. The other portion of the adsorption member 24 may or may not engage with the outer cover 23. The ink outlet section 2 is also provided with a protective plug 25. During the transportation of the ink cartridge 100, the protective plug 25 is disposed inside and outside the ink outlet 21 to seal the entire ink outlet section 2.

[0143] In some embodiments, the box body 1 is also provided with a spring arm 101c that interacts with the outer cover 23 to fix the outer cover 23. Preferably, the spring arm 101c engages with the outer cover 23.

[0144] In this embodiment, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 is disposed on the first housing 101a / second housing 101b instead of the chip component 104. The locking part 4 / abutment part 42 no longer moves with the chip component 104 / connection part / chip holder 104b, which can improve the stability of the contact between the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 and the electrical contact assembly 300b.

[0145] [Example 7]

[0146] like Figure 15 and Figure 17 As shown, the intermediate partition 107a includes a first partition 107a1, a fourth partition 107a2, and a step portion 109 located between the first partition 107a1 and the fourth partition 107a2. The step portion 109 has an upward-facing step surface 107m1.

[0147] like Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 also includes an atmospheric communication component and an air guiding component 110. The air guiding component 110 is movably disposed relative to the cartridge body 1 and is used to directly or indirectly open or close the atmospheric communication component. The atmospheric communication component is used to connect the ink chamber 106 and the atmosphere. The atmospheric communication component includes an air guiding port 110b and a gas communication channel 140 that are interconnected. The air guiding port 110b is used to connect the atmosphere and the gas communication channel 140. The gas communication channel 140 is used to connect the air guiding port 110b and the ink chamber 106. The atmosphere can enter the ink chamber 106 through the air guiding port 110b and the gas communication channel 140.

[0148] The air guiding component 110 includes a sealing element 110d. The air guiding component 110 can switch between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the sealed position, the air guiding port 110b is sealed by the sealing element 110d and the ink chamber 106 is not connected to the atmosphere. In the unsealed position, the air guiding port 110b is not sealed by the sealing element 110d and the ink chamber 106 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0149] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the locking part 4 is also configured as a cantilever. Unlike embodiment six, the locking part 4 is disposed on the air guide member 110. Specifically, the locking part 4 is located on the seal 110d of the air guide member 110. The locking part 4 is connected to or integrally formed with the seal 110d. The locking part 4 includes an abutment part 42 having a pressing surface 421 and a locking surface 422. During the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 into the imaging device, the movement of the abutment part 42 over the blocking part in the electrical contact assembly 300b is consistent with embodiment six. It can be seen that when the ink cartridge 100... When the cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position towards the cartridge mounting part 300, in the front-back direction, the locking surface 422 abuts against the blocking part in front of the contact pin 340. After the abutting part 42 passes the blocking part, the seal 110d abuts against the cartridge mounting part 300 and moves backward relative to the second housing 101b. The seal 110d moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and the abutting part 42 moves backward along with the seal 110d, so that the locking surface 422 abuts against the front-facing surface of the contact pin assembly 300b, and the cartridge 100 is locked.

[0150] In one embodiment, the locking part 4 further includes a second support member 45 protruding rearward from the locking surface 422. The second support member 45 is used to support the chip holder 104b in the chip component 104, which can improve the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a and the electrical contact 340 in the electrical contact assembly 300b.

[0151] In one embodiment, a third support member 46 is further provided on the first housing 101a / second housing 101b. At least one of the step portion 109, the first housing 101a, the second housing 101b and the intermediate partition 107a is connected to the third support member 46. The third support member 46 is used to support the second support member 45. With this arrangement, the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a and the electrical contact 340 can be better improved.

[0152] [Beneficial Effects]

[0153] Compared with the prior art, the ink cartridges 100 provided in Embodiments 1 to 7 of this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0154] Firstly, the locking part 4 in the ink cartridge 100 is configured as a cantilever. The locking part 4 is disposed on the first housing 101a / second housing 101b. The locking part 4 / abutment part 42 undergoes elastic deformation under the action of external force and accumulates a reset force. After the external force is removed, the reset force is released, and the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 resets. In this way, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 can move in the vertical direction, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350.

[0155] Alternatively, the locking part 4 can also be provided on the seal 110d in the air guide member 110. The locking part 4 / abutment part 42 can generate elastic deformation and accumulate reset force under the action of external force. After the external force is removed, the reset force is released and the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 is reset. In this way, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 can move in the vertical direction. Then, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 moves backward together with the seal 110d to make the locking surface 422 abut against the front-facing surface of the contact needle assembly 300b, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350.

[0156] The ink cartridge 100 with the above configuration has a more compact structure, which increases the design freedom of the ink cartridge 100.

[0157] Secondly, the locking part 4 is not provided on the chip component 104, and the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 no longer moves with the chip component 104 / chip holder 104b, so that the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 abuts against the electrical contact assembly 300b more stably.

[0158] Thirdly, when the locking part 4 is disposed on the air guide member 110, the locking part 4 also includes a second support member 45 or a second support member 45 and a third support member 46. With such a arrangement, the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340 can be further improved.

[0159] [Example 8]

[0160] like Figure 21 As shown, the imaging device also has a cover PC that is movable relative to the cartridge mounting portion 300. For example, the cover PC can rotate or translate relative to the cartridge mounting portion 300. Figure 21 As shown, the door cover PC includes a cover plate PC1 and a movable part PC2. The cover plate PC1 is configured to rotate around the movable part PC2 and move between a closed position where the ink cartridge mounting port 300a is closed and an open position where the ink cartridge mounting port 300a is open. In some imaging devices, the door cover PC also includes a protrusion PC3 connected to the cover plate PC1, the protrusion PC3 protruding from the cover plate PC1 toward the insertion space 350.

[0161] In this embodiment, the chip holder 104b, which serves as the connecting part, is also configured to be movable relative to the housing 1, so that the electrical contact part 1041 can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position. This allows the chip holder 104b to be configured to rotate and translate relative to the housing 1. In this embodiment, the chip holder 104b slides relative to the housing 1.

[0162] like Figure 22 As shown, the chip holder 104b is provided with a guided member 104b1, and the housing 1 is provided with a guide member 107g for guiding the guided member 104b1. For example, the guided member 104b1 is configured as a protrusion, and the guide member 107g is configured as a groove. The guide groove 107g can extend in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, or it can be configured in an inclined direction relative to the vertical direction, or it can be configured as a curve. However, overall, the guide groove 107g extends in the vertical direction; or, the guided member 104b1 is configured as a groove, and the guide member 107g is configured as a protrusion.

[0163] The triggering mechanism 6 in this embodiment also includes a triggering element 61. In some embodiments, the triggering element 61 is configured as a movable rod that can rotate around the rotation axis L1. The extension direction of the rotation axis L1 is not limited, as long as the triggering element 61 can generate displacement in the vertical direction. Preferably, the rotation axis L1 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0164] Overall, the trigger 61 in this embodiment is lever-shaped and has a rotating part 615. The force receiving part 614 and the trigger part 611 are located at both ends of the trigger 61. Specifically, the force receiving part 614 is provided with a force receiving surface 6141 for receiving external forces. The force transmitting part 612 and the holding part 613 are both provided on the trigger part 611. Preferably, the force receiving surface 6141 is set as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the front-back direction, so as to receive external forces more smoothly.

[0165] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 107 also has an exposure port 1071 facing rearward. The trigger 61 is disposed in the receiving cavity 107 and exposed rearward through the exposure port 1071. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting part 300, at least the force receiving part 614 is located behind the exposure port 1071.

[0166] like Figure 23A As shown, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300, or after the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300 but before the cover PC is closed, the electrical contact part 1041 is in the electrically disconnected position, the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position, the lifting member 104b7 of the chip holder 104b is supported by the trigger part 611, and the force receiving part 614 is in a position away from the ink dispensing part 2 in the vertical direction; when the ink cartridge 100 is in the installed state of being installed into the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300, as the cover PC rotates around the movable part PC2 in the direction shown by r2, the protrusion PC 3. As the protrusion PC3 gradually approaches the force receiving surface 6141, when the two begin to contact, the protrusion PC3 presses against the force receiving surface 6141, and the force receiving part 614 receives the force from the cover PC and gradually moves downward. Compared to the previously distant position, the force receiving part 614 is closer to the ink outlet 2 and is located in the near position in the vertical direction. The trigger 61 rotates around the rotating part 615 in the direction shown by r1. According to this force, or in other words, under the action of the force, the trigger 611 / force transmission part 612 pushes the chip holder 104b upward, and the trigger 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position.

[0167] like Figure 23B As shown, when the door cover PC is in the closed state, the force receiving part 614 is pressed by the protrusion PC3 and held in a close position, the chip holder 104b is held by the holding part 613, the electrical contact part 104a1 enters the contact cavity 300f and maintains contact with the electrical contact pin 340, and the trigger 61 reaches the trigger position.

[0168] When the door cover PC is not provided with the protrusion PC3, the force receiving part 614 in this embodiment can directly abut against the cover plate PC1 and move from the far position to the near position. When the force receiving part 614 reaches the near position, the force receiving part 614 is pressed by the cover plate PC1 and held in the near position.

[0169] As can be seen, whether the force receiving part 614 is pressed directly by the cover plate PC1 and held in the near position, or is pressed by the protrusion PC3 and held in the near position, as the door cover PC opens, the trigger 61 will automatically reset under its own gravity and the gravity of the chip mechanism 104, and the force receiving part 614 will return from the near position to the far position. In this embodiment, the trigger mechanism 6 does not need to be provided with a reset member to force the trigger 61 to reset, so the structure of the trigger mechanism 6 can be simplified.

[0170] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the locking part 4 is provided on the trigger 61, that is, the force receiving part 614 is regarded as the locking part 4. When the door cover PC is closed, the door cover PC abuts against the force receiving part 614, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked. When the door cover PC is opened, the door cover PC disengages from the force receiving part 614, and the ink cartridge 100 is unlocked.

[0171] In some embodiments, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300, or after the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300 but before the cover PC is closed, the force receiving part 614 may not be located behind the exposure port 1071. In this case, the force receiving part 614 is "retracted" into the receiving cavity 107, but the force receiving part 614 is exposed to the rear through the exposure port 1071. During the closing process of the cover PC, the force receiving part 614 reaches the rear of the exposure port 1071. This can prevent the force receiving part 614 from accidentally receiving a force and causing the electrical contact part 104a1 to move toward the electrical connection position.

[0172] In some embodiments, the trigger 61 can also be configured to translate. For example, after receiving the force from the door cover PC, the trigger 61 translates in a direction intersecting the left and right directions. Preferably, the trigger 61 translates in a direction parallel to the front and back directions. In this case, at least one of the trigger part 611 and the chip holder 104b is provided with an inclined surface that can transmit the force. Thus, the electrical contact part 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the force is removed, the electrical contact part 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position.

[0173] In some embodiments, the trigger 61 can also be interconnected with the chip holder 104b to form an integral unit. After receiving the force applied by the cover PC, the integral unit rotates or translates to move the electrical contact 104a1 from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the force is removed, the electrical contact 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position. In this embodiment, either the trigger 61 or the chip holder 104b can be considered omitted.

[0174] In some embodiments, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a guide surface provided on the cartridge body 1 for guiding the chip holder 104b upward. When the chip holder 104b directly or indirectly receives the force applied by the cover PC, the chip holder 104b moves upward along the guide surface, that is, the electrical contact 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the force is removed, the electrical contact 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position.

[0175] In some embodiments, as the door cover PC closes, the force receiving part 614 can also be pushed upward by the force applied by the door cover PC, that is, the force receiving part 614 moves from the near position to the far position. During the movement of the force receiving part 614, the electrical contact part 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the force is removed, the electrical contact part 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position.

[0176] For example, the trigger 61 is divided into multiple segments. The force received by the force receiving part 614 is transmitted to the trigger 611 through an intermediate transmission part located between the force receiving part 614 and the trigger 611, and the trigger 611 moves upward. Finally, the trigger 611 triggers the electrical contact 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. Alternatively, the trigger 61 is still integrally formed, but there is at least a deformable portion between the force receiving part 614 and the rotating part 615. That is, at least a deformable portion is provided between the force receiving part 614 and the rotating part 615. When the force receiving part 614 receives an upward force, the deformable portion will move approximately towards the... Figure 23A The deformation in the direction shown by r1 causes the triggering part 611 to move upward through the rotating part 615, thereby moving the electrical contact part 104a1 from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0177] Furthermore, during the closing of the cover PC, the chip component 104 / electrical contact 104a1 moves from bottom to top, thereby moving the electrical contact 104a1 from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the chip component 104 / electrical contact 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position, and even if the ink cartridge 100 is installed directly forward along a direction parallel to the front-back direction, the chip component 104 / electrical contact 104a1 will not interfere with the inner wall of the ink cartridge mounting part 300.

[0178] Compared to existing ink cartridges that require tilting backward and downward before returning to a parallel orientation for installation, the ink cartridge 100 in this embodiment is not only simpler to install, but also prevents ink leakage due to tilting.

[0179] The above embodiments describe a structure that forces the electrical contact 104a1 in the chip component 104 to contact the stylus 340 in the imaging device, and also describe a structure in which the ink cartridge 100 is locked in the imaging device by a locking part. Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can combine the above embodiments in combination according to actual design requirements.

[0180] Embodiments nine to twelve of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0181] like Figure 24 , Figure 25A and Figure 25B As shown, in the vertical direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b is located above the ink-absorbing needle 310, and the electrical contact assembly 300b includes at least an electrical contact 340. In the vertical direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b does not overlap with the ink-absorbing needle 310, and the entire electrical contact assembly 300b is located behind the ink-absorbing needle 310. In different models of printers / imaging devices, the relative position of the electrical contact assembly 300b and the ink-absorbing needle 310 may also change. The corresponding structures of the ink cartridge 100 and the ink cartridge mounting part 300 (such as the ink outlet part 2 and the chip component 104 described later) may also undergo corresponding positional changes. For example, in the vertical direction, at least a part of the electrical contact assembly 300b overlaps with the ink-absorbing needle 310. Or, in the vertical direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b still does not overlap with the ink-absorbing needle 310, but in the front-back direction, the electrical contact assembly 300b is located in front of the ink-absorbing needle 310.

[0182] Furthermore, each insertion space 350 is also provided with a color recognition component 200. Specifically, the color recognition component 200 has a recognition groove 201 and a first side 202. Further, the recognition groove 201 has openings facing rearward and vertically to allow the protruding component 3 to enter. The first side 202 faces rearward. In each insertion space 350, the recognition groove 201 of the color recognition component 200 is positioned differently in the left-right direction. In the vertical direction, the ink-absorbing needle 310 is disposed on the lower end side of the insertion space 350 and is opposite to the ink cartridge mounting port 300a. The color recognition component 200 and the electrical contact assembly 300b / electrical contact 340 are both located on the upper end side of the insertion space 350. In the front-back direction, the color recognition component 200 is located on the front side of the electrical contact assembly 300b / electrical contact 340.

[0183] Furthermore, the insertion space 350 has a front wall 350a for the mounting portion and a bottom wall 350b for the mounting portion.

[0184] Furthermore, the insertion space 350 is also provided with a first interference surface / first interference section 303a1, a second interference surface / second interference section 303a2, a third interference surface / third interference section 303a3, and a fourth interference surface / fourth interference section 303a4. Specifically, the first interference surface / first interference section 303a1, the second interference surface / second interference section 303a2, the third interference surface / third interference section 303a3, and the fourth interference surface / fourth interference section 303a4 are all located above the insertion space 350. In the vertical direction, the third interference surface / third interference section 303a3 is located above the second interference surface / second interference section 303a2. In the direction from back to front, the fourth interference surface / fourth interference section 303a4, the first interference surface / first interference section 303a1, and the second interference surface / second interference section 303a2 are arranged sequentially.

[0185] [Example 9]

[0186] like Figures 26A-26C As shown, in the vertical direction, the ink outlet 2 is located on the lower side of the cartridge body 1. In this embodiment, the ink outlet 2 is further provided with an elastic seal (not shown). The elastic seal is used to seal the ink outlet 21 before the ink cartridge 100 is installed to prevent ink leakage. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 and can cause the elastic seal to undergo elastic deformation, thereby opening the ink outlet 21 so that ink can flow out from the ink outlet 21.

[0187] Furthermore, such as Figures 26A-26C As shown, in this embodiment, the lower sidewall 100f is configured to be non-parallel to the front-back direction. For example, in the vertical direction, the front end 100f2 of the lower sidewall 100f is located above the rear end 100f3. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the distance d2 between the rear end 100f3 and the axis / center line L2 of the ink outlet 21 is greater than the distance d1 between the front end 100f2 and the axis / center line L2 of the ink outlet 21. That is, the rear end 100f3 of the lower sidewall 100f protrudes downward. This design allows the front end 100f2 of the lower sidewall 100f to not interfere with the ink outlet 300 when the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, thus allowing the ink cartridge 100 to be installed forward smoothly. In other embodiments, the lower sidewall 100f can also be configured to be parallel to the front-back direction.

[0188] Furthermore, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a protruding member 3 and a chip member 104 disposed on the upper side of the cartridge body 1. The protruding member 3 is used to be recognized by the color recognition member 200. Specifically, the protruding member 3 is used to cooperate with the recognition slot 201 of the color recognition member 200 so that the ink cartridge 100 can be smoothly installed into the insertion space 350. The chip component 104 is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. Specifically, the chip component 104 includes a chip 104a and a bonding portion / chip holder 104b that are coupled together. The bonding portion / chip holder 104b is used to mount the chip 104a. The bonding portion / chip holder 104b is integrally or separately connected to the cartridge body 1. In this embodiment, the bonding portion / chip holder 104b is configured to be integrally connected to the cartridge body 1, that is, the chip 104a is directly disposed on the cartridge body 1. The chip 104a includes a substrate 104a2 and an electrical contact portion 104a1 disposed on the substrate 104a2. Further, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is used to electrically connect to the electrical contact pin 340.

[0189] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation part 105 is located on the rear side of the cartridge body 1. The operation part 105 can be used for the installation and removal of the ink cartridge 100. Along the front-back direction, a groove 1053 is provided in front of the operation part 105. The user can place his finger in the groove to apply force to the operation part 105 to realize the installation and removal of the ink cartridge 100. In the vertical direction, the operation part 105 is located on the upper side of the cartridge body 1, or in other words, the groove is arranged facing upward.

[0190] In one embodiment, the operating part 105 may also be configured as a groove structure formed by recessing downward from the upper sidewall 100e.

[0191] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a locking part 4, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 after it is installed in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300. Specifically, the locking part 4 includes an abutment part 42, which is used to interact with the components in the imaging device / ink cartridge mounting part 300 to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0192] In this embodiment, as Figure 26AAs shown, the locking part 4 / abutment part 42 is disposed on the cartridge body 1 and is integrally formed with the cartridge body 1. The abutment part 42 is provided with a locking surface 422. The locking surface 422 is used to abut against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 in the cartridge mounting part 300 to generate friction, so that the cartridge 100 overcomes the force of retracting from the cartridge mounting part 300 and locks the cartridge 100 in the cartridge mounting part 300. The force that causes the cartridge 100 to retract from the cartridge mounting part 300 comes from the fact that when the cartridge 100 is installed forward into the cartridge mounting part 300, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 and abuts against the elastic seal provided in the ink outlet part 2. The elastic seal generates a backward pushing force, so that the cartridge 100 has a tendency to retract. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the locking surface 422 is located on the upper side of the cartridge 1 and above the operating part 105; in the front-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located on the rear side of the cartridge 1; specifically, in the front-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located in front of the operating part 105. When the cartridge 100 is locked, the locking surface 422 rubs against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 / actuator on the rear side of the cartridge 1. As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, in the front-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located behind the electrical contact part 104a1, and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 / actuator is located behind the electrical contact pin 340.

[0193] like Figure 27A and Figure 27B As shown, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 / ink outlet 2 and abuts against the elastic seal. As the ink cartridge 100 is further installed, the abutting part 42 of the locking part 4 begins to abut against the ink cartridge mounting part 300. Specifically, the locking surface 422 of the abutting part 42 begins to abut against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 and generate friction. At the same time, the lower side wall 100f also abuts against the bottom wall 350b of the mounting part and generates friction. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position, the friction between the locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 and the friction between the lower side wall 100f and the bottom wall 350b of the mounting part locks the ink cartridge 100. At this time, the locking surface 422 / cartridge body 1 does not contact the limiting member 320, that is, there is a gap between the locking surface 422 / cartridge body 1 and the limiting member 320.

[0194] In this embodiment, during the installation of the ink cartridge 100 toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the first interference surface / first interference part 303a1 can guide the installation of the ink cartridge 100. Specifically, the first interference surface / first interference part 303a1 is set as a surface that is inclined in the front-to-back direction, and its inclination direction is along the front-to-back direction. The front end of the first interference surface / first interference part 303a1 is closer to the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 than the rear end.

[0195] In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the predetermined position of the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, the locking surface 422 is located behind the limiting member 320 in the front-back direction.

[0196] In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed into a predetermined position in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, the locking surface 422 is located above or below the limiting member 320 in the vertical direction.

[0197] In one embodiment, the locking surface 422 may also abut against the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 or the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3. For example, the friction between the locking surface 422 and the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 or the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3 locks the ink cartridge 100.

[0198] Furthermore, as the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the front side wall 100c of the ink cartridge 100, which serves as the limiting part 1091, abuts against the front wall 350a of the mounting part in the insertion space 350 to limit the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from moving too far forward and affecting the electrical contact between the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340, and the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is locked by the friction between the locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 302a2 and the friction between the lower side wall 100f and the bottom wall 350b of the mounting portion, without the need for the ink cartridge 100 to rotate downwards before being locked. The elastic seal provided in the ink outlet portion 2 will not produce unnecessary deformation caused by the downward rotation of the ink cartridge 100, thereby reducing the wear of the elastic seal and thus reducing the performance requirements and cost of the elastic seal.

[0200] [Example 10]

[0201] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment nine is that the position where the ink cartridge 100 abuts against the ink cartridge mounting part 300 when it is restricted to moving forward is different, as detailed below.

[0202] like Figure 28A and Figure 28B As shown, as the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the limiting part 1091 provided on the cartridge body 1 abuts against the first side 202 of the color recognition member 200 to limit the ink cartridge 100 from continuing to move forward, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from moving forward too much and affecting the electrical contact between the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340, and the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position.

[0203] There is no need to limit the position and structure of the limiting part 1091. As long as the cartridge body 1 / limiting part 1091 can abut against the color recognition member 200 to limit the ink cartridge 100 from moving forward.

[0204] [Example 11]

[0205] The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments nine and ten is that, in this embodiment, the connecting part / chip fixing seat 104b is separately connected to the cartridge body 1, and the ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a triggering mechanism 6, as detailed below.

[0206] In this embodiment, the chip holder 104b is configured to be movable relative to the housing 1, so that the electrical contact portion 104a1 can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position. This can be achieved by setting the chip holder 104b in a manner that allows rotation and translation relative to the housing 1. In this embodiment, the chip holder 104b is slidably set relative to the housing 1.

[0207] When the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is triggered, thereby forcing the chip holder 104b to slide in the vertical direction, and thus forcing the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. In the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact 104a1 is not in contact with the electrical contact pin 340, and in the electrically connected position, the electrical contact 104a1 is in contact with the electrical contact pin 340. As the user operates the operation part 105 located behind the ink cartridge 100, the ink cartridge 100 is gradually removed from the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 gradually resets, and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position. Therefore, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 involved in this embodiment can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position.

[0208] like Figures 29-31As shown, the chip holder 104b is provided with a guided member 104b1, and the housing 1 is provided with a guide member 107g for guiding the guided member 104b1. For example, the guided member 104b1 is configured as a protrusion, and the guide member 107g is configured as a groove. The guide groove 107g can extend in a direction parallel to the vertical direction, or it can be configured in an inclined direction relative to the vertical direction, or it can be configured as a curve. However, overall, the guide groove 107g extends in the vertical direction; or, the guided member 104b1 is configured as a groove, and the guide member 107g is configured as a protrusion.

[0209] In this embodiment, the trigger mechanism 6 is movably disposed relative to the cartridge 1. The trigger mechanism 6 includes a trigger member 61, which is configured to move between a protruding position and a trigger position. Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, or before the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position, and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position. When the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, and the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. When the trigger member 61 is in the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 is in the electrically connected position. At this time, the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 can be held in contact with the electrical contact pin 340 by the trigger member 61 or other components.

[0210] In one embodiment, a portion of the trigger 61 is located in the receiving cavity 107, and another portion of the trigger 61 is located outside the receiving cavity 107. In the vertical direction, the trigger 61 extends beyond the upper sidewall 100e. This design not only protects the trigger mechanism 6, but also reduces the size of the ink cartridge 100 in the vertical direction.

[0211] In one embodiment, the triggering mechanism 6 may also be located entirely above the upper sidewall 100e, in which case the receiving cavity 107 may not be necessary.

[0212] Specifically, the trigger 61 has a force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 for receiving external forces and a force transmitting surface / force transmitting part 612 for transmitting the forces. The force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 is used to abut against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 in the cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350 to receive external forces, thereby the trigger 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position. The force transmitting surface / force transmitting part 612 is used to directly or indirectly transmit the forces to the chip holder 104b, thereby the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0213] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with a holding portion / holding surface 613 for holding the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 in an electrically connected position. Preferably, the holding portion / holding surface 613 is provided on the trigger member 61, such as... Figure 29 As shown, the force transmission part / force transmission surface 612 and the holding part / holding surface 613 are both provided on the trigger part 611 of the trigger member 61. This arrangement simplifies the structure of the trigger mechanism 6 / ink cartridge 100. Along the front-back direction, the force receiving surface / force receiving part 614 and the trigger part 611 are located at both ends of the trigger member 61.

[0214] In one embodiment, the trigger 61 is configured as a movable rod rotatable about a rotation axis L1. The extension direction of the rotation axis L1 is not limited, as long as the trigger 61 can generate displacement in the vertical direction. Preferably, the rotation axis L1 extends in the horizontal direction. In other embodiments, the rotation axis L1 may be configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0215] Overall, the trigger 61 in this embodiment is lever-shaped and has a rotating part 615. The force receiving part 614 and the trigger part 611 are located at both ends of the trigger 61. Specifically, the force receiving part 614 is provided with a force receiving surface 6141 for receiving external forces. Preferably, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, the force receiving surface 6141 is set as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the front and back direction, so as to receive external forces more smoothly.

[0216] Preferably, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 is a component / group of components provided in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, as long as the component can move the trigger 61 from the protruding position to the trigger position, it is sufficient. Therefore, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 can also be called an action component. For example, the action component is a protrusion provided in the insertion space 350, or a color recognition component 200 provided in the insertion space 350.

[0217] In one embodiment, the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3, and the fourth interference surface / fourth interference portion 303a4 can all be referred to as an action element, which is located above the insertion space 350.

[0218] In one embodiment, the holding part / holding surface 613 may not be provided on the trigger member 61. For example, the holding part / holding surface 613 is set as a component linked with the trigger mechanism 6. During the process of the trigger member 61 moving towards the trigger position, the holding part / holding surface 613 gradually begins to contact the chip holder 104b, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact 104a1 can be held by the holding part / holding surface 613; or, when the trigger member 61 reaches the trigger position, the chip holder 104b is directly held by the holding part / holding surface 613.

[0219] In one embodiment, when the trigger 61 is in the protruding position, the force transmission part / force transmission surface 612 remains in contact with the chip holder 104b. This design can improve the efficiency of force transmission on the one hand, and on the other hand, it can stably support the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 in the electrically disconnected position.

[0220] like Figure 30A , Figure 30B and Figure 31 As shown, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300, or during the installation of the ink cartridge 100 into the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the electrical contact part 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position, the trigger 61 is in the protruding position, and the lifted parts 104b7 / 104b8 of the chip holder 104b are supported by the trigger part 611. Along the front-back direction, the ink-absorbing needle 310 is aligned with the ink outlet 21. As the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed into the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the ink-absorbing needle 310 enters the ink outlet 2 through the ink outlet 21. The force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving part 614 begins to contact the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2. The second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 presses against the force receiving surface 6141, and the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving part 614... The second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 abuts against and receives the external force, and gradually moves downward, causing the trigger 61 to rotate around the rotating part 615 / rotation axis L1 in the direction r1. This causes the force transmission surface / force transmission part 612 to push the lifted part 104b8 upward, thereby pushing the chip holder 104b upward, which in turn causes the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 to move upward. According to this force, or under the action of the force, the trigger part 611 / force transmission part 612 pushes the chip holder 104b / chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 upward, and the trigger 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position. Thus, the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0221] like Figure 30B and Figure 31As shown, when the ink cartridge 100 reaches the predetermined position, the trigger 61 is in the trigger position, the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving part 614 abuts against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2, the electrical contact part 104a1 contacts the electrical contact needle 340, and at the same time, the chip holder 104b is supported by the holding part / holding surface 613 so that the electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact needle 340 maintain stable contact.

[0222] When the user applies a backward pulling force to the operation unit 105, the ink cartridge 100 begins to move backward, and the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving part 614 gradually disengages from the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2. Under the action of gravity, the trigger 61 rotates around the rotation axis L1 in the direction opposite to the direction r1, and the trigger 61 begins to move from the trigger position to the protruding position. At the same time, the chip holder 104b, along with the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1, begins to move from the electrical connection position to the electrical disconnect position.

[0223] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 107 has an exposure port 1071 facing upwards. The trigger 61 is disposed in the receiving cavity 107 and exposed upwards through the exposure port 1071. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting part 300, at least the force receiving part 614 is located above the exposure port 1071.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking part 4 is disposed on the trigger 61, and the force receiving part 614 abuts against the ink cartridge mounting part 300 as the abutting part 42. Specifically, as the ink cartridge 100 is gradually installed towards the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the force receiving surface 6141, as the locking surface 422, gradually abuts against the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2. Through the frictional force between the force receiving surface 6141 / locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2, the ink cartridge 100 is locked and cannot be withdrawn from the ink cartridge mounting part 300.

[0225] In one embodiment, the locking part 4 may also be provided on the ink cartridge 100. For example, the locking part 4 may be a protrusion provided on the cartridge body 1. Specifically, in the front-rear direction, the locking part 4 is located in front of the force receiving surface 6141 and behind the chip component 104. In this modified mode, the trigger 61 is pushed downward by the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 to make the trigger 61 rotate in the direction r1. However, no frictional force is generated between the trigger 61 and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2. Instead, frictional force is generated between the protrusion / locking part 4 and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2, so that the ink cartridge 100 is locked.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting part 1091, which protrudes upward from the rear side of the cartridge body 1, is used to abut against the ink cartridge mounting part 300 to restrict the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed forward toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300 / insertion space 350, the first limiting surface 10911 of the limiting part 1091 facing forward abuts against the fourth interference surface / fourth interference part 303a4 of the ink cartridge mounting part 300, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from continuing to move forward and restricting the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100. This prevents the ink cartridge 100 from moving forward excessively and affecting the electrical contact between the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340.

[0227] In one embodiment, the lower side wall 100f of the cartridge body 1 is provided with a locking part 1092, which is used to engage with a groove provided in the bottom wall 350b of the mounting part so as to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0228] [Example Twelve]

[0229] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the state after the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment Twelve of the present invention.

[0230] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment eleven is that the locking position of the ink cartridge 100 is different, as detailed below.

[0231] like Figure 32 As shown, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part 300, the second limiting surface 10912 of the limiting part 1091, which is arranged upward, gradually comes into contact with the third interference surface / third interference part 303a3 as the locking surface 422. As the ink cartridge 100 is further installed forward, the friction between the second limiting surface 10912 and the third interference surface / third interference part 303a3 causes the ink cartridge 100 to be locked.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, detachably installed in an ink cartridge mounting section of an imaging device, the ink cartridge mounting section having a rearward-facing ink cartridge mounting port and multiple insertion spaces, different insertion spaces for accommodating ink cartridges of different colors, the ink cartridge mounting section including an electrical contact pin, an actuating element, and a limiting element disposed therein, wherein when the ink cartridge is in the installation state, the direction of gravity of the ink cartridge is downward, the direction opposite to the downward direction is upward, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction of the ink cartridge is the front-back direction, the ink cartridge is installed into the imaging device from the ink cartridge mounting port in the forward direction, the electrical contact pin and the actuating element are both located above the insertion spaces, the limiting element is configured as a rod extending in the left-right direction, and in the front-back direction, the actuating element and the limiting element are both located behind the electrical contact pin, characterized in that... The ink cartridge includes: The housing includes a first housing, a second housing, and an ink cavity formed between the first housing and the second housing for containing ink; A chip component includes a chip and a bonding portion. The chip includes an electrical contact portion for electrical connection with an electrical pin. The bonding portion is used to mount the chip. The bonding portion is slidably disposed in the vertical direction relative to a housing. The bonding portion is provided with a guided component. The housing is provided with a guide for guiding the guided component. A triggering mechanism includes a lever-shaped trigger member, which includes a force-receiving part with a force-receiving surface and a triggering part. The force-receiving surface is used to abut against an actuating member to receive external force, and the triggering part is used to push a connecting part upward. The trigger member is configured to move between a protruding position and a triggering position. In the protruding position, the chip is not in contact with the electrical contact pin, and in the triggering position, the chip is in contact with the electrical contact pin. The force-receiving part and the triggering part are located at both ends of the trigger member. The trigger member is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction. A locking part is provided on the trigger member and has a locking surface that is configured as the force receiving surface; The actuating element includes a second interference portion. In the vertical direction, the second interference portion is located above the insertion space and below the limiting element. During the installation of the ink cartridge toward the ink cartridge mounting part, the locking surface abuts against the second interference portion to receive external force and move downward. Through the friction between the locking surface and the second interference portion, the ink cartridge is locked.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A receiving cavity is also formed between the first housing and the second housing. The receiving cavity is located above the ink cavity in the vertical direction. The receiving cavity has an exposed opening facing upward. The trigger is disposed in the receiving cavity and exposed upward through the exposed opening. When the ink cartridge is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting part, at least the force receiving part is located above the exposed opening.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink cartridge also includes an ink outlet section connected to the cartridge body, the ink outlet section having a forward-facing ink outlet for supplying ink to the imaging device. The ink dispensing section also includes a sealing plug disposed inside it, an outer cover disposed outside it, and an adsorption member disposed between the outer cover and the sealing plug. The outer cover is used to fix the sealing plug. When the ink cartridge is removed from the ink cartridge mounting section to the rear, the adsorption member is used to adsorb the ink on the outer wall of the ink suction needle. A portion of the adsorption element is located inside the ink outlet to engage with the sealing plug, while the other portion is located outside the ink outlet. The box body is also provided with a spring arm that interacts with the outer cover to fix the outer cover.

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