Consumable box and consumable box group

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a consumable box and a consumable box set, and relates to the technical field of printing. The consumable box comprises a box body, a chip and at least one connecting piece. The chip is installed on the box body, the chip comprises a plurality of terminal groups, the plurality of terminal groups comprise a first terminal group, and the first terminal group comprises at least one first terminal; the connector has a first portion and a second portion. The first part of the connecting piece is electrically connected with the first terminal, and the second part is contacted with the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, so that the first terminal is not contacted with the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group; the problem that the first terminal and the contact pin cannot be installed and stably electrically connected due to accidental deformation and bending of the contact pin is solved, the situation that the chip and the image forming device cannot normally communicate due to the problem that the first terminal loses efficacy due to abrasion or oxidation is avoided, and the use safety and stability of the chip of the consumable box are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of printing technology, and particularly to a consumable cartridge and a consumable cartridge set. Background Art

[0002] Image forming devices such as printers are common office equipment, which provides convenience for modern office work. A replaceable consumable cartridge is installed in the image forming device, and the consumable cartridge is filled with ink. In order to record the ink remaining amount of the consumable cartridge and the characteristics of the consumable cartridge, a chip is provided in the consumable cartridge, and the chip is used for communication connection with the contact pins of the image forming device.

[0003] In the prior art, the consumable cartridge is detachably installed in the installation unit of the image forming device. The chip of the consumable cartridge is provided with a plurality of terminals, and the plurality of terminals of the chip are respectively electrically connected to the corresponding contact pins on the installation unit.

[0004] However, during the process of installing the consumable cartridge into the installation unit of the image forming device, the contact pins may be accidentally bent due to reasons such as non-standard installation or deformation and failure of the contact pins after long-term use, resulting in unstable contact between some terminals provided on the chip of the consumable cartridge and the corresponding contact pins, thereby affecting the normal use of the image forming device.

[0005] In addition, for the terminals on the chip of the consumable cartridge, due to friction damage during long-term use of their surfaces or oxidation failure of the terminals on the chip caused by non-standard storage of the consumable cartridge, the chip of the consumable cartridge may not be able to communicate normally with the image forming device, thereby affecting the normal use of the image forming device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a consumable cartridge and a consumable cartridge set to solve the problem in the prior art that due to human or environmental factors, during the process of installing the consumable cartridge into the installation unit of the image forming device, the contact pins are accidentally bent, resulting in unstable contact between some terminals on the chip and the contact pins, or due to long-term wear or oxidation failure of the terminals of the chip, the chip and the image forming device cannot communicate normally, thereby affecting the normal use of the image forming device.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge, which is detachably installed in an installation unit of an image forming device. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin assembly and a conductive unit. The contact pin assembly includes a contact pin holder, a first contact pin group and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin. Each contact pin includes a first end and a second end. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the second end is higher than the first end. The consumable cartridge includes a cartridge body, a chip and at least one connecting member;

[0008] The chip is mounted on the cartridge body. The chip includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal;

[0009] In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the connecting member is higher than the second end of the contact pin;

[0010] The connecting member has a first part and a second part. The first part is electrically connected to the first terminal, and the second part contacts the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the consumable cartridge has a first state in which it is not loaded into the installation unit and a second state in which it is loaded into the installation unit;

[0012] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the connecting member abuts against the second end of the corresponding contact pin and receives an abutting force, so that the connecting member can generate a displacement in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge under the action of the abutting force;

[0013] The cartridge body has an ink outlet. When the consumable cartridge is in the second state, the distance between the second part of the connecting member and the ink outlet in the height direction of the consumable cartridge is a first distance. When the consumable cartridge is in the first state, the distance between the second part of the connecting member and the ink outlet in the height direction of the consumable cartridge is a second distance;

[0014] The first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, when the consumable cartridge is in the second state, at least a part of the second part of the connecting member intersects the top surface of the second end of the contact pin in the height direction of the consumable cartridge.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, the cartridge body has a space portion for accommodating the connecting member. The first part at least includes a base end portion, and the second part at least includes an arm portion. The base end portion and the arm portion are connected by a connecting portion of the connecting member. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the arm portion protrudes from the cartridge body;

[0017] The base end portion is electrically connected to the first terminal, and the arm portion contacts the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, in the height direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the base end portion is arranged at an angle with respect to the connecting portion; or,

[0019] At least part of the base end portion is arranged in a spiral structure with respect to the connecting portion; or,

[0020] At least part of the connecting portion is arranged in a meandering structure with respect to the arm portion.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, a fulcrum portion is provided on the arm portion, and the arm portion generates displacement around the fulcrum portion under the action of an external force; or,

[0022] A second deformable member is provided in the space portion, and the contact portions of the connecting portion and the arm portion with the second deformable member form a fulcrum portion, and the arm portion and the connecting portion generate displacement around the fulcrum portion under the action of an external force.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, a stability maintaining assembly is further included;

[0024] At least part of the connecting member is in contact with the stability maintaining assembly; or, at least part of the connecting member is covered by the stability maintaining assembly;

[0025] The stability maintaining assembly is configured to limit the displacement of the connecting member in the height direction and / or width direction of the consumable cartridge.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the stability maintaining assembly includes a first covering member and a first deformable member, and the first deformable member is connected between the cartridge body and the first covering member;

[0027] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the first covering member abuts against the contact pin holder and can move in the height direction of the consumable cartridge. During the process of removing the consumable cartridge from the installation unit, the first deformable member can reset the first covering member.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the stability maintaining assembly includes a support member, a second covering member and a third deformable member, the support member is fixedly connected to the connecting component, and the second covering member is rotatably connected to the support member;

[0029] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the second covering member abuts against the contact pin holder and can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge. During the process of removing the consumable cartridge from the installation unit, the third deformable member can reset the second covering member.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the chip further includes a substrate and a storage element, a plurality of the terminal groups are electrically connected to the storage element, a plurality of the terminal groups include a second terminal group, and the second terminal group includes at least one second terminal;

[0031] The second terminal contacts the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the second contact pin group; or, the second terminal is electrically connected to the conductive unit, and the first terminal group and the second terminal group at least partially overlap in projection in one of the length direction, width direction, and height direction of the consumable cartridge.

[0032] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge group detachably installed in an installation unit of an image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin assembly, the contact pin assembly includes a contact pin holder, a first contact pin group, and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin. Each contact pin includes a first end and a second end. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge group, the second end is higher than the first end. The consumable cartridge group includes a main body and at least one connecting member;

[0033] The main body includes a plurality of cartridge bodies, the connecting member includes a plurality of first parts and a second part. The plurality of first parts are respectively arranged on each cartridge body of the main body, and the second part is arranged on one cartridge body of the main body;

[0034] Each cartridge body is provided with a chip, each chip includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal;

[0035] The first part of the connecting member is used for electrically connecting one first terminal of each chip, and the second part is used for contacting the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

[0036] An embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge and a consumable cartridge group. The consumable cartridge includes a cartridge body, a chip, and at least one connecting member; the chip is installed on the cartridge body. The chip includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal; in the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the connecting member is at least partially higher than the second end of the contact pin; the connecting member has a first part and a second part. The first part is electrically connected to the first terminal, and the second part contacts the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group. By electrically connecting the first part of the connecting member to the first terminal and the second part contacting the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, it can be ensured that the first terminal does not contact the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, avoiding the problems of the first terminal being unable to be installed and stably electrically connected to the contact pin due to accidental deformation and bending of the contact pin, and the situation that the chip and the image forming apparatus cannot communicate normally due to wear or oxidation failure of the first terminal, improving the safety and stability of the chip use of the consumable cartridge. Description of the Drawings

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of a consumable cartridge installed in the installation unit of an image forming apparatus provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 For Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the installation unit in;

[0040] Figure 3 Schematic structural diagram of the contact pin provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 For Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the consumable cartridge in;

[0042] Figure 5 For Figure 4 Partial schematic diagram of the consumable cartridge in the second state in;

[0043] Figure 6 For Figure 4 Partial exploded schematic diagram of the consumable cartridge in;

[0044] Figure 7 For Figure 4 Schematic structural diagram of the connecting member in;

[0045] Figure 8 For Figure 4 Schematic structural diagram of the chip in;

[0046] Figure 9 Partial schematic diagram of a consumable cartridge in the second state provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 For Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the cartridge body in;

[0048] Figure 11 For Figure 9 Schematic structural diagram of the connecting member in;

[0049] Figure 12 For Figure 9 Schematic structural diagram of the chip in;

[0050] Figure 13 Schematic structural diagram of a consumable cartridge provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 is Figure 13 the enlarged schematic view of part A in

[0052] Figure 15 is Figure 13 the exploded partial schematic view of the consumable cartridge in

[0053] Figure 16 is Figure 13 the structural schematic view of the connecting member in

[0054] Figure 17 is the structural schematic view of a consumable cartridge provided in Embodiment Four of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 18 is Figure 17 the exploded partial schematic view of the consumable cartridge in

[0056] Figure 19 is Figure 17 the structural schematic view of the first covering member in

[0057] Figure 20 is Figure 17 the partial schematic view of the consumable cartridge when it is in the second state in

[0058] Figure 21 is Figure 17 the partial sectional schematic view of the consumable cartridge when it is in the second state in

[0059] Figure 22 is the partial schematic view of a consumable cartridge when it is in the second state provided in Embodiment Five of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 23 is the structural schematic view of a consumable cartridge provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 24 is the structural schematic view of the installation unit of the image forming apparatus provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 25 is Figure 23 the structural schematic view of the connecting member in

[0063] Figure 26 is Figure 23 the structural schematic view of the connecting component in

[0064] Figure 27 is Figure 23 the partial schematic view of the consumable cartridge in

[0065] Figure 28 is the structural schematic view of a consumable cartridge installed in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus provided in Embodiment Seven of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 29 is Figure 28 a schematic structural view of a consumable cartridge in

[0067] Figure 30 is Figure 28 a schematic structural view of a chip in

[0068] Figure 31 is Figure 28 a schematic structural view of a connecting member in

[0069] Figure 32 is Figure 28 a schematic structural view of a first covering member in

[0070] Figure 33 is Figure 28 a schematic structural view of a coupling member in

[0071] Figure 34 is a schematic structural view of a consumable cartridge group provided in Embodiment 8 of the present invention mounted on a mounting unit of an image forming apparatus;

[0072] Figure 35 is Figure 34 a partial view of a consumable cartridge group mounted on a mounting unit of an image forming apparatus in

[0073] Figure 36 is Figure 34 a schematic structural view of a consumable cartridge group in

[0074] Figure 37 is Figure 36 a schematic structural view of a connecting member in

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0076] 1 - consumable cartridge; 11 - cartridge body; 111 - placement part; 1111 - fixing part; 1112 - avoidance part; 1113 - protruding part; 112 - receiving part; 1121 - sliding groove; 113 - engaging protrusion; 114 - clamping protrusion; 1141 - clamping space; 115 - ink outlet; 116 - alignment part; 117 - tray; 118 - liquid containing part; 119 - connecting component; 1191 - recessed part; 1192 - first clamping groove; 1193 - auxiliary protrusion; 110 - handle; 141 - embedding groove;

[0077] 12 - Chip; 120 - Substrate; 1201 - Inner surface; 1202 - Outer surface; 121 - First terminal; 122 - Second terminal; 123 - Storage element; 124 - Notch; 13 - Connector; 1301 - First part; 1302 - Second part; 131 - Base end; 132 - Connection part; 1321 - Engagement hole; 1322 - Avoidance opening; 1323 - First connection part; 1324 - Detour part;

[0078] 133 - Arm part; 1331 - First arm plate; 1332 - Second arm plate; 1333 - Connecting arm plate; 1334 - Space opening; 133a - Support body; 133b - Rotating part; 133c - Contact part;

[0079] 14 - Second deformation part; 15 - First covering part; 151 - Sliding protrusion; 152 - Second positioning protrusion; 153 - First receiving groove; 16 - First deformation part; 17 - Support part; 171 - Second card slot; 18 - Second covering part; 181 - Second receiving groove; 19 - Coupling part; 191 - First connection segment; 192 - Second connection segment; 193 - Third connection segment;

[0080] 100 - Probe holder; 101 - Probe; 1011 - First end; 1012 - Second end; 1013 - First surface; 1014 - Second surface; 1015 - Third surface; 102 - Conductive unit; 103 - Alignment part; 104 - Support frame. Detailed implementation

[0081] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0082] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0083] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, terms such as "installed", "connected", "fixed", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or capable of communicating with each other; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise clearly limited. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0084] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath", and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0085] In the above description, the description referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0086] During the process of installing the consumable cartridge into the installation unit of the image forming apparatus, there may be accidental bending of the contact pins due to reasons such as non-standard installation or deformation and failure of the contact pins after long-term use, resulting in unstable contact between some terminals provided on the chip of the consumable cartridge and the corresponding contact pins, thereby affecting the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0087] In addition, for the terminals on the chip of the consumable cartridge, due to friction damage caused by long-term use on the surface or oxidation failure of the terminals on the chip due to non-standard storage of the consumable cartridge, there may be a situation where the chip of the consumable cartridge cannot communicate normally with the image forming apparatus, thereby affecting the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0088] To solve the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a consumable cartridge and a consumable cartridge group. The consumable cartridge includes a cartridge body, a chip, and at least one connecting member; the chip includes a plurality of terminal groups, the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group, and the first terminal group includes at least one first terminal; the connecting member has a first part and a second part. By electrically connecting the first part of the connecting member to the first terminal and the second part to the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, it can be ensured that the first terminal does not contact the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, avoiding the problems that the first terminal and the contact pin cannot be installed and stably electrically connected due to accidental deformation and bending of the contact pin, and the situation that the chip and the image forming apparatus cannot communicate normally due to wear or oxidation failure of the first terminal, improving the safety and stability of the chip use of the consumable cartridge.

[0089] The following will specifically describe the consumable cartridge and the consumable cartridge group provided by the embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Embodiment 1

[0091] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge 1, which is detachably installed in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin assembly, and the contact pin assembly includes a contact pin holder 100, a first contact pin group, and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin 101. Each contact pin 101 includes a first end 1011 and a second end 1012. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the second end 1012 is higher than the first end 1011.

[0092] Among them, a rectangular coordinate system is established for the consumable cartridge 1. The X-axis direction is the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, and the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0093] The installation unit is provided with at least one installation position, each installation position installs one consumable cartridge 1, and each installation position corresponds to a contact pin assembly. In this embodiment, there are 4 installation positions in the installation unit.

[0094] As Figure 3 shown, the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 is located on the top side of the contact pin 101 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The top surface of the second end 1012 includes a first surface 1013, a second surface 1014, and a third surface 1015. The second surface 1014 is connected between the first surface 1013 and the third surface 1015. Both the first surface 1013 and the third surface 1015 are curved surfaces, and the second surface 1014 is a plane. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the first surface 1013, the second surface 1014, and the third surface 1015 are all higher than the first end 1011.

[0095] As Figures 4 to 6As shown, the consumable cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 11, a chip 12, and at least one connecting member 13; the chip 12 is installed on the cartridge body 11, the chip 12 includes a plurality of terminal groups, the plurality of terminal groups includes a first terminal group, and the first terminal group includes at least one first terminal 121 (see Figure 8 shown); in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the connecting member 13 is at least partially higher than the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101; the connecting member 13 has a first portion 1301 and a second portion 1302 (see Figure 7 shown).

[0096] Wherein, each connecting member 13 corresponds to one contact pin 101 and one first terminal 121.

[0097] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the first portion 1301 of the connecting member 13 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121; the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 can be in contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group (see Figure 3 shown), or can be in contact with the corresponding terminal on the main control circuit board located behind the contact pin assembly in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 is in contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0098] The connecting member 13 is made of a conductive material. In some examples, to ensure the safety of use, except for the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133, the remaining portion of the connecting member 13 is coated or provided with an insulating layer.

[0099] The number of the connecting members 13 is equal to the number of the first terminals 121, that is to say, each connecting member 13 corresponds to one first terminal 121. In this embodiment, the number of the connecting members 13 is one, and the number of the first terminals 121 is also one.

[0100] The connecting member 13 and the chip 12 can be connected by welding, bonding, snap - fitting or other means.

[0101] When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 is in contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0102] The second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 can be in contact with the first surface 1013, or can be in contact with the second surface 1014, or can also be in contact with the third surface 1015. In this embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 is in contact with the second surface 1014.

[0103] The consumable box provided in the embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to the first terminal 121 through the first part 1301 of the connecting piece 13, and the second part 1302 is in contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, so that the first terminal 121 does not contact the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, thereby avoiding the problem that the first terminal 121 and the contact pin cannot be installed and stably electrically connected due to accidental deformation and bending of the contact pin, and the problem that the chip and the image forming device cannot communicate normally due to wear or oxidation failure of the first terminal, thereby improving the safety and stability of the chip use of the consumable box.

[0104] In a possible implementation, Figure 8 As shown, the chip 12 further includes a substrate 120 and a storage element 123, a plurality of terminal groups are electrically connected to the storage element 123, the plurality of terminal groups include a second terminal group, and the second terminal group includes at least one second terminal 122 (see Figure 6 The second terminal 122 contacts the first end 1011 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the second contact pin group.

[0105] The storage element 123 stores information of the chip 12 , for example, the storage element 123 stores information such as manufacturer information, ink volume information, consumable box category information, ink color, etc.

[0106] The projections of the first terminal group and the second terminal group in the length direction or height direction of the consumable box 1 at least partially overlap. In some examples, the first terminal group is located on the side of the substrate 120 facing the box body 11, and the second terminal group is located on the side of the substrate 120 away from the box body 11, and the projections of the first terminal group and the second terminal group in the length direction of the consumable box 1 at least partially overlap. In other examples, the first terminal group is located on the side of the substrate 120 away from the box body 11 or on the top side of the substrate 120, and the second terminal group is located on the side of the substrate 120 away from the box body 11, and the projections of the first terminal group and the second terminal group in the height direction of the consumable box 1 at least partially overlap.

[0107] The first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 are both electrically connected to the storage element 123. The first terminal 121 may be any terminal on the chip 12, and the second terminal 122 is a terminal remaining on the chip 12 after the first terminal 121 is removed.

[0108] The first terminal 121 may be located on the side of the substrate 120 facing the box body 11, and the second terminal 122 may be located on the side of the substrate 120 facing away from the box body 11. Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the substrate 120 has an inner surface 1201 facing the cartridge 11 and an outer surface 1202 facing away from the cartridge 11. The first terminal 121 is located on the inner surface 1201, and the second terminal 122 is located on the outer surface 1202. With such an arrangement, it is possible to effectively avoid short - circuiting between the first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 caused by conductive foreign matter adhering between the first terminal group and the second terminal group, thereby preventing the chip 12 from being burned out or the chip 12 from not being recognized, and further improving the use safety of the chip 12 and the image forming apparatus.

[0109] In some examples, when the chip 12 includes a ground terminal, a power supply terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, and a data terminal, the first terminal group includes one first terminal 121, and one first terminal 121 can be one of the ground terminal, the power supply terminal, the reset terminal, the clock terminal, and the data terminal. The second terminal group includes the remaining terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group. It should be noted that the ground terminal is used to receive the ground potential; the power supply terminal is used to receive a power supply potential different from the ground potential (such as 3.6V or 3.3V), and through this terminal, power is provided for the operation of the storage element 123; the reset terminal is used to reset the internal data of the storage element 123; the clock terminal is used to receive a clock signal; the data terminal is used for transmitting or receiving data signals, and is also used to detect whether a short - circuit occurs between the data terminal and at least one of the clock terminal, the reset terminal, and the power supply terminal.

[0110] In a possible implementation, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the cartridge 11 is provided with a space portion, the space portion includes a placement portion 111 and a receiving portion 112. The first part 1301 of the connecting member 13 includes at least a base end portion 131 and a connecting portion 132, and the second part 1302 includes at least an arm portion 133. The base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133 are connected by the connecting portion 132 of the connecting member 13. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the arm portion 133 at least partially protrudes from the cartridge 11; at least a part of the base end portion 131 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121, and at least a part of the arm portion 133 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0111] Among them, both the placement portion 111 and the receiving portion 112 can be recessed on the cartridge 11.

[0112] At least a part of the base end portion 131 is located in the placement portion 111, the connecting portion 132 is installed in the placement portion 111, and the arm portion 133 is partially located in the receiving portion 112.

[0113] At least a part of the arm portion 133 intersects with the connecting portion 132. A clamping hole 1321 is provided on the connecting portion 132, and a clamping protrusion 113 is provided at a corresponding position in the placement portion 111. The connecting portion 132 is clamped on the clamping protrusion 113 through the clamping hole 1321, so that the connecting portion 132 is installed in the placement portion 111.

[0114] The cartridge body 11 is provided with at least two clamping protrusions 114. At least two clamping protrusions 114 are provided with a clamping space 1141 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. At least a part of the arm portion 133 is clamped in the clamping space 1141, so that the arm portion 133 can be limited in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0115] There is an avoidance opening 1322 between the connecting portion 132 and the arm portion 133. When the connecting member 13 is installed on the cartridge body 11, a part of the clamping protrusion 114 can be avoided through the avoidance opening 1322.

[0116] The first part 1301 is provided on the base end portion 131, and the second part 1302 is provided on the arm portion 133.

[0117] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 6 shown, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a second deformable member 14. The second deformable member 14 is located in the placement portion 111. At least a part of the connecting portion 132 and the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 are in contact with the second deformable member 14. There is a gap between a part of the connecting member 13 and the inner wall of the placement portion 111 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge.

[0118] Wherein, the second deformable member 14 is made of a deformable material. In some embodiments, the second deformable member 14 can be a spring or rubber.

[0119] When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation unit, at least a part of the arm portion 133 intersects with the second surface 1014 of the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101. That is, at least a part of the arm portion 133 extends toward the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101, so that at least a part of the arm portion 133 intersects with the second surface 1014 of the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101.

[0120] In a possible implementation manner, the consumable cartridge 1 has a first state of not being loaded into the installation unit and a second state of being loaded into the installation unit.

[0121] The part of the connecting member 13 in contact with the auxiliary component of the consumable cartridge 1 has a fulcrum portion. During the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101, and the connecting member 13 rotates in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1 with the fulcrum portion as the center.

[0122] Among them, the auxiliary component can be the second deformable member 14. The contact portions of the connecting portion 132 and the arm portion 133 with the second deformable member 14 form a fulcrum portion, and the arm portion 133 and the connecting portion 132 generate displacements with the fulcrum portion as the center under the action of an external force.

[0123] As Figure 5 shown, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group, and the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 applies a force towards the second part 1302. The second part 1302 receives the abutting force, enabling the connecting member 13 to generate a displacement in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge under the action of the abutting force. Specifically, the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 rotates in the +W direction around the fulcrum portion, and the connecting portion 132 of the connecting member 13 displaces in the +Z direction. At this time, the second deformable member 14 deforms due to the force exerted by the connecting member 13; when the consumable cartridge 1 is completely loaded into the installation unit, since the second deformable member 14 needs to recover its deformation, it applies a force towards the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13, which can increase the abutting force of the contact between the second part 1302 and the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, thereby enabling the connecting member 13 to be stably electrically connected to the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0124] When the consumable cartridge 1 is removed from the installation unit, the connecting member 13 rotates along the -W direction (see Figure 5 shown), so that the connecting member 13 and the second deformable member 14 can return to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state.

[0125] Both the +W direction and the -W direction are located in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0126] There is a gap between the portion of the connecting member 13 located in the placement portion 111 and the inner wall of the placement portion 111, which enables the portion of the connecting member 13 located in the placement portion 111 to move towards the gap in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 when the connecting member 13 rotates around the fulcrum in the +W direction.

[0127] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 4 shown, the cartridge body 11 has an ink outlet 115. When the consumable cartridge 1 is in the second state, the distance between the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 and the ink outlet 115 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 is the first distance, and when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state, the distance between the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 and the ink outlet 115 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 is the second distance.

[0128] Among them, the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0129] It should be noted that multiple terminal groups are all located on the same side of the center line of the ink outlet.

[0130] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a consumable cartridge group, including a plurality of consumable cartridges 1, and the plurality of consumable cartridges 1 are detachably installed in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0131] Among them, the consumable cartridge 1 in this embodiment has the same structure as the consumable cartridge provided in the above embodiment, and can bring the same or similar technical effects, which will not be elaborated one by one here. Specifically, reference can be made to the description of the above embodiment.

[0132] It should be noted that in this embodiment, whether the connecting member 13 is made of a rigid material or a deformable material, by providing a deformable second deformable member 14 on the consumable cartridge, the anti-deformability of the connecting member 13 can be enhanced, and the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 can be prevented from being in long-term contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, resulting in non-elastic deformation, and further leading to the hidden danger of unstable electrical connection, thereby improving the stability of the chip use.

[0133] Embodiment Two

[0134] Compared with the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment One, the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment Two is different in that the structure of the connecting member 13 is different, the structure of the first terminal group is different, and there is no second deformable member 14 in Embodiment Two. For the structures of the remaining parts, Embodiment Two and Embodiment One are the same.

[0135] In a possible implementation manner, as Figures 9 to 12 shown, the space portion of the cartridge body 11 includes a placement portion 111 and a receiving portion 112. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge, the placement portion 111 is located at the rear side of the chip 12. A fixing portion 1111 is provided in the placement portion 111, and the fixing portion 1111 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the placement portion 111. An avoidance portion 1112 is provided on the fixing portion 1111, and the avoidance portion 1112 is used to accommodate at least part of the storage element 123 when the chip 12 and the cartridge body 11 of the consumable cartridge 1 are in the installation state.

[0136] As Figure 11As shown, the connecting member 13 is made of a flexible conductive material. The connecting member 13 includes a base end portion 131, a connecting portion 132, and an arm portion 133. The connecting portion 132 includes a first connecting portion 1323 and a detour portion 1324. The first connecting portion 1323 connects the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133, and at least a part of the base end portion 131 is arranged in a spiral structure with respect to the first connecting portion 1323; the portion of the first part 1301 that is electrically connected to the first terminal 121 is located on the outermost arc surface 1311 of the base end portion 131. The first connecting portion 1323 is arranged at an angle with respect to the arm portion 133; the detour portion 1324 connects the arm portion 133, and the detour portion 1324 is arranged in a detour structure with respect to the arm portion 133. The detour structure can be understood as being composed of a plurality of bent segments. A protrusion 1113 is provided on the cartridge body of the consumable cartridge, and one end of the detour portion 1324 is wound around the protrusion 1113. The base end portion 131 is wound around the fixing portion 1111. At least a part of the first connecting portion 1323 and the arm portion 133 is located in the accommodating portion 112. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, at least a part of the arm portion 133 protrudes from the cartridge body 11; at least a part of the base end portion 131 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121, and at least a part of the arm portion 133 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group. At least a part of the arm portion 133 is clamped in the accommodating portion 112, so that the arm portion 133 can be limited in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0137] The arm portion 133 is configured to be formed by bending a flexible conductive wire. A fulcrum portion is formed at the portion where the arm portion 133 is connected to the detour portion 1324. During the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101, and the arm portion 133 rotates around the fulcrum portion in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0138] As Figure 12 shown, the chip 12 further includes a substrate 120 and a storage element 123. The first terminal 121 is located on the side of the substrate 120 facing the cartridge body 11. The plurality of terminal groups include a second terminal group, and the second terminal group includes at least one second terminal 122 (see Figure 6 shown); the second terminal 122 contacts the first end 1011 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the second contact pin group. The first terminal 121 is arranged adjacent to the storage element 123 and is configured as an arc structure. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the projections of the first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 at least partially overlap. When the chip 12 and the cartridge body 11 of the consumable cartridge 1 are in an installed state, the base end portion 131 abuts against the side of the substrate 120 facing the cartridge body 11, and the arc surface 1311 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121.

[0139] The substrate 120 has a notch 124. When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the image forming apparatus, the first end 1011 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group enters the placement portion 111 through the notch 124.

[0140] Embodiment III

[0141] The consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment III is different from the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment I in that the structure of the connecting member 13 is different and there is no second deformation member 14 in Embodiment III. For the structures of the remaining parts, Embodiment III is the same as Embodiment I.

[0142] In a possible implementation, as Figures 13 to 16 shown, the arm portion 133 includes a first arm plate 1331, a second arm plate 1332 and a connecting arm plate 1333. The first arm plate 1331 and the second arm plate 1332 are respectively connected to the connecting arm plate 1333. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the first arm plate 1331 is located above the second arm plate 1332, and there is a space opening 1334 between the first arm plate 1331 and the second arm plate 1332.

[0143] Among them, at least one set of clamping protrusions 114 is provided on the cartridge body 11 (which can be seen in Figure 6 shown). There is a clamping space 1141 between the clamping protrusions 114 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The connecting arm plate 1333 is restricted in the clamping space 1141, so that the arm portion 133 can be limited in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, and further, the movement of the arm portion 133 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1 can be avoided, and it can be ensured that the arm portion 133 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0144] As Figure 16 shown, the first arm plate 1331 and the second arm plate 1332 do not contact. The second arm plate 1332 has a support body 133a, a rotating portion 133b and a contact portion 133c. The support body 133a is connected to the connecting arm plate 1333. The rotating portion 133b and the contact portion 133c are provided on the support body 133a. The rotating portion 133b is located on the side of the support body 133a facing the connecting arm plate 1333, and the contact portion 133c is located on the side of the support body 133a away from the connecting arm plate 1333. The contact portion 133c contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group. The side of the support body 133a away from the connecting arm plate 1333 can be displaced toward the space opening 1334 under the action of an external force.

[0145] In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the rotating portion 133b and the contact portion 133c are located on the lower side of the support body 133a.

[0146] The structure of the base end portion 131 and the structure of the connecting portion 132 of the connecting member 13 in the third embodiment are the same as the structure of the base end portion 131 and the structure of the connecting portion 132 of the connecting member 13 in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0147] The first part 1301 is provided on the base end portion 131, and the second part 1302 is provided on the contact portion 133c.

[0148] The rotating portion 133b can be a notch. The contact portion 133c can be a protrusion.

[0149] The rotating portion 133b can serve as a fulcrum portion. When an external force is applied to the side of the support body 133a away from the connecting arm plate 1333, it can deform around the fulcrum portion, so that the side of the support body 133a away from the connecting arm plate 1333 can generate a displacement toward the space opening 1334.

[0150] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group. The second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 applies a force toward the second part 1302, causing the second arm plate 1332 to rotate in the +W direction (as shown in Figure 5) around the fulcrum portion. The second arm plate 1332 deforms in the direction of approaching the space opening 1334 under the action of the external force. When the consumable cartridge 1 is completely loaded into the installation unit, the second arm plate 1332 applies a force toward the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101, which can increase the abutting force of the contact between the second part 1302 and the corresponding contact pin of the first contact pin group, so that the connecting member 13 can be stably electrically connected to the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

[0151] When the consumable cartridge 1 is removed from the installation unit, the second arm plate 1332 rotates in the -W direction under the action of its own deformation force, so that the connecting member 13 can return to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state.

[0152] Both the +W direction and the -W direction are in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0153] It should be noted that in this embodiment, by making at least part of the connecting member 13 of a deformable material, the anti-deformation property of the connecting member 13 can be enhanced, avoiding the potential hazard of non-elastic deformation caused by long-term abutting contact between the arm portion of the connecting member 13 and the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, and further improving the stability of chip use.

[0154] Embodiment Four

[0155] Compared with the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment 3, the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment 4 is different in that a stability maintaining component is added. For the structures of the remaining parts, Embodiment 4 is the same as Embodiment 3.

[0156] In a possible implementation, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a stability maintaining component; the stability maintaining component is configured to restrict displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction and / or width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0157] Wherein, at least a part of the connecting member 13 can be covered by the stability maintaining component. In other ways, at least a part of the connecting member 13 can be in contact with the stability maintaining component.

[0158] The stability maintaining component can restrict displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction and width direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the stability maintaining component can also restrict displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the stability maintaining component can further restrict displacement of the connecting member 13 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0159] In a possible implementation, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the stability maintaining component includes a first covering member 15 and a first deformable member 16. The first deformable member 16 is connected between the cartridge body 11 and the first covering member 15. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not installed in the installation unit, a part of the connecting member 13 is received in the first covering member 15, and at least a part of the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 is exposed outside the first covering member 15.

[0160] Wherein, as Figure 18 shown, two sliding grooves 1121 are provided on the side wall of the receiving portion 112 of the cartridge body 11. The sliding grooves 1121 extend along the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The first covering member 15 has two sliding protrusions 151 (see Figure 19 shown). The two sliding protrusions 151 are respectively located on both sides of the first covering member 15 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The two sliding protrusions 151 are respectively slidably disposed in the two sliding grooves 1121. The first covering member 15 can slide in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 under the action of an external force.

[0161] The first deformable member 16 can be a spring. The first deformable member 16 is located in the receiving portion 112. A first positioning protrusion (not shown in the figure) is provided on the top wall of the receiving portion 112. A second positioning protrusion 152 is provided on the first covering member 15 (see Figure 19 shown). The second positioning protrusion 152 is located on the top side of the first covering member 15 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The first deformable member 16 is respectively connected to the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion 152.

[0162] As Figure 19As shown, the first covering member 15 has a first receiving groove 153. The first receiving groove 153 penetrates the first covering member 15 in the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not loaded into the installation unit, at least a part of the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 is received in the first receiving groove 153, and the second portion 1302 in the arm portion 133 is exposed from the first receiving groove 153. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not loaded into the installation unit, the first receiving groove 153 can limit the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction and the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. Moreover, at least a part of the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 is received in the first receiving groove 153, which can protect the connecting member 13 by the stability maintenance component. When the consumable cartridge 1 is violently installed or accidentally drops from a high altitude, it can avoid large bending or damage of the connecting member 13, so that the connecting member 13 can be stably electrically connected to the corresponding contact pin 101, and further improve the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 12 and the contact pin assembly.

[0163] In a possible implementation manner, an alignment portion 103 (see Figure 2 shown) is provided at the installation position of the installation unit, and an aligned portion 116 (see Figure 18 shown) is provided on the cartridge body 11 of the consumable cartridge 1. When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the aligned portion 116 engages with the alignment portion 103, which can limit the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0164] Among them, the installation direction of the consumable cartridge 1 is the +H direction (see Figure 1 shown), and the +H direction is parallel to the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0165] The aligned portion 116 is an aligned surface, and the cartridge body 11 has two aligned surfaces in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the alignment portion 103 is located on the housing of the installation unit, and the alignment portion 103 is an alignment protrusion. A plurality of alignment protrusions are provided at the installation position of the installation unit, and the two aligned surfaces are respectively engaged with the plurality of alignment protrusions.

[0166] As Figure 20 and Figure 21As shown, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the first covering member 15 abuts against the contact pin holder 100 and can move in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. Specifically, the alignment portion 116 of the consumable cartridge 1 engages with the alignment portion 103 of the installation position of the installation unit and enters the installation position of the installation unit along the installation direction of the consumable cartridge 1; thereafter, the consumable cartridge moves to make the first covering member 15 of the stability maintaining component abut against the contact pin holder 100; thereafter, the first covering member 15 moves along the -H direction, and the first covering member 15 compresses the first deformation member 16, and the connecting member 13 moves along the +H direction; thereafter, a part of the connecting member 13 exposes from the first receiving groove 153, and the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group. The second part 1302 is squeezed by the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101, and the second arm plate 1332 rotates in the +W direction (see Figure 5 shown) around the fulcrum, and the second arm plate 1332 deforms; when the consumable cartridge 1 is completely loaded into the installation unit, the second arm plate 1332 applies a force to the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101, which can increase the abutting force of the contact between the second part 1302 and the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group, so that the connecting member 13 can be stably electrically connected to the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

[0167] It should be noted that during the installation process of the consumable cartridge 1, when the consumable cartridge 1 moves to make the first covering member 15 of the stability maintaining component abut against the contact pin holder 100, it can play a role in preventing the misloading of the consumable cartridge. That is, if the consumable cartridge is incorrectly installed into the installation unit of a non-designated image forming apparatus, it will cause installation interference, thereby reminding the user that the consumable cartridge 1 is misinstalled, enabling the user to timely adjust the consumable cartridge 1 to the installation unit of the correct image forming apparatus; during the installation process of the consumable cartridge 1, the first receiving groove 153 of the first covering member 15 restricts the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, which can guide the correct electrical connection between the connecting member 13 and the corresponding contact pin, so that the chip 12 of the consumable cartridge 1 can communicate normally with the installation unit of the image forming apparatus, and further ensure the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0168] During the process of removing the consumable cartridge 1 from the installation unit, the first deformation member 16 can reset the first covering member 15. Specifically, the consumable cartridge 1 is removed along the -H direction, and the second arm plate 1332 rotates along the -W direction under the action of its own deformation force, so that the connecting member 13 can be restored to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state. The first covering member 15 moves along the +H direction under the action of the first deformation member 16, so that the first covering member 15 and the first deformation member 16 can be restored to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state.

[0169] It should be noted that in this embodiment, as Figure 21As shown, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 contacts the first surface 1013 of the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group.

[0170] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a consumable cartridge group, including a plurality of consumable cartridges 1, and the plurality of consumable cartridges 1 are detachably installed in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus.

[0171] Among them, the consumable cartridge 1 in this embodiment has the same structure as the consumable cartridge provided in the above embodiment, and can bring the same or similar technical effects, which will not be elaborated one by one here. For details, reference can be made to the description of the above embodiment.

[0172] Each consumable cartridge 1 of the consumable cartridge group is configured with a connecting member 13 and a stability maintaining component.

[0173] Embodiment Five

[0174] As Figure 22 shown, compared with the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment Four, the difference of the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment Five is that the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 of the consumable cartridge 1 in Embodiment Five contacts the third surface 1015 of the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group (see Figure 3 shown).

[0175] Embodiment Six

[0176] As Figure 23 and Figure 24 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge 1, which is detachably installed in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin holder 100 and a contact pin assembly. The contact pin assembly includes a first contact pin group and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin 101 (reference can be made to Figure 3 shown in Embodiment One). Each contact pin 101 includes a first end 1011 and a second end 1012. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the second end 1012 is higher than the first end 1011.

[0177] The consumable cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 11, a chip 12, and at least one connecting member 13; the chip 12 is installed on the cartridge body 11. The chip 12 (reference can be made to Figure 8 shown in Embodiment One) includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal 121; each connecting member 13 corresponds to a contact pin 101 and a first terminal 121. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, at least a part of the connecting member 13 is higher than the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101; as Figure 25 shown, the connecting member 13 has a first part 1301 and a second part 1302.

[0178] Among them, a rectangular coordinate system is established for the consumable cartridge 1. The X-axis direction is the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, and the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0179] The first part 1301 of the connector 13 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121; the second part 1302 of the connector 13 can contact the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, or can contact the corresponding terminal on the main control circuit board located behind the contact pin assembly in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the second part 1302 of the connector 13 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0180] The connector 13 is made of a conductive material. In some examples, to ensure the safety of use, except for the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133, the remaining portion of the connector 13 is coated or provided with an insulating layer.

[0181] The number of the connectors 13 is equal to the number of the first terminals 121, that is to say, each connector 13 corresponds to one first terminal 121.

[0182] The connector 13 and the chip 12 can be connected by means of welding, bonding or clamping.

[0183] When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the second part 1302 of the connector 13 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0184] The second part 1302 of the connector 13 can contact the first surface 1013 of the contact pin 101, or can contact the second surface 1014 of the contact pin 101, or can also contact the third surface 1015 of the contact pin 101. In this embodiment, the second part 1302 of the connector 13 contacts the first surface 1013.

[0185] In the consumable cartridge provided by the embodiment of the present invention, by electrically connecting the first part 1301 of the connector 13 to the first terminal 121 and the second part 1302 contacting the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, it can be ensured that the first terminal 121 does not contact the first end 1011 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, avoiding the problem that the first terminal 121 and the contact pin 101 cannot stably contact or the communication is interrupted due to wear or oxidation failure, or the contact pin 101 is bent or accidentally damaged. Thus, the chip 12 of the consumable cartridge 1 can communicate normally with the installation unit of the image forming apparatus, and further ensure the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0186] In a possible implementation manner, such as Figure 23As shown, the cartridge body 11 includes a tray 117 and an inner container. The inner container includes a liquid containing portion 118 and a connecting member 119. The connecting member 119 is connected to the liquid containing portion 118, and the liquid containing portion 118 and the connecting member 119 are installed in the tray 117.

[0187] Among them, as Figure 26 shown, a recessed portion 1191 is provided on the connecting member 119, and the chip 12 is installed in the recessed portion 1191.

[0188] The liquid containing portion 118 contains ink.

[0189] In a possible implementation manner, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a stability maintaining component; the stability maintaining component is configured to limit the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction and / or width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0190] Among them, the stability maintaining component is located outside the recessed portion 1191. At least a part of the connecting member 13 can be covered by the stability maintaining component. In other ways, at least a part of the connecting member 13 can be in contact with the stability maintaining component.

[0191] The stability maintaining component can limit the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction and width direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the stability maintaining component can also limit the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the stability maintaining component can further limit the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0192] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 26 and Figure 27 shown, the stability maintaining component includes a support member 17, a second covering member 18, and a third deformation member (not shown in the figure). The support member 17 is fixedly connected to the connecting member 119. The second covering member 18 is rotatably connected to the support member 17. The third deformation member is connected between the support member 17 and the second covering member 18. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not installed in the installation unit, a part of the connecting member 13 is accommodated in the second covering member 18, and a second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 is exposed outside the second covering member 18.

[0193] Among them, as Figure 26 shown, a first card slot 1192 is provided on the connecting member 119, a second card slot 171 is provided on the support member 17, and a second accommodation groove 181 is provided on the second covering member 18. The first card slot 1192 communicates with the second card slot 171, and the second card slot 171 communicates with the second accommodation groove 181.

[0194] When the consumable cartridge 1 is not loaded into the installation unit, the second receiving groove 181 can restrict the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the height and width directions of the consumable cartridge 1. Moreover, at least a part of the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 is received in the second receiving groove 181, which can protect the connecting member 13 by the stability maintaining component. When the consumable cartridge 1 is violently installed or accidentally drops from a high altitude, it can prevent the connecting member 13 from being greatly bent or damaged, so that the connecting member 13 can be stably electrically connected to the corresponding contact pin 101, and further improve the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 12 and the contact pin assembly.

[0195] As Figure 25 and Figure 26 shown, the connecting member 13 includes a base end portion 131, a connecting portion 132 and an arm portion 133. The connecting portion 132 connects the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133. At least a part of the connecting portion 132 is located in the first card slot 1192 and the second card slot 171, and at least a part of the arm portion 133 is located in the second receiving groove 181.

[0196] The first part 1301 is provided on the base end portion 131, and the second part 1302 is provided on the arm portion 133.

[0197] The third deformable member can be a torsion spring.

[0198] As Figure 27 shown, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the second cover member 18 abuts against the contact pin holder 100 and can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, that is, rotate in the +R direction.

[0199] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 24 and Figure 27 shown, the installation position of the installation unit is provided with an alignment portion 103, and the cartridge body 11 of the consumable cartridge 1 is provided with an aligned portion 116. When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the aligned portion 116 engages with the alignment portion 103, which can limit the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0200] Among them, the installation direction of the consumable cartridge 1 is the +L direction, and the +L direction is parallel to the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0201] The consumable cartridge 1 has a first state in which it is not loaded into the installation unit and a second state in which it is loaded into the installation unit.

[0202] The mounting unit is provided with a support frame 104. The stylus holder 100 and the stylus assembly are installed in the support frame 104. The alignment portion 103 is located on the support frame 104. The alignment portion 103 is an alignment surface, and the support frame 104 is provided with two sets of alignment surfaces; the portion to be aligned 116 is an alignment surface to be aligned, and the alignment surface to be aligned is the side surface of the recess 1191 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The recess 1191 has two sets of alignment surfaces to be aligned in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, and the two sets of alignment surfaces are respectively engaged with the two sets of alignment surfaces.

[0203] As Figure 24 and Figure 27 shown, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the mounting unit, the second covering member 18 abuts against the stylus holder 100 and can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1. Specifically, the portion 116 to be aligned of the consumable cartridge 1 is engaged with the alignment portion 103 of the mounting position of the mounting unit and enters the mounting position of the mounting unit along the mounting direction of the consumable cartridge 1; thereafter, the consumable cartridge 1 moves to make the second covering member 18 of the stability maintaining component abut against the stylus holder 100; thereafter, the second covering member 18 rotates along the +R direction, and the second covering member 18 compresses the third deformable member, and the connecting member 13 moves along the +L direction; thereafter, when the consumable cartridge 1 is completely loaded into the mounting unit, a part of the arm portion 133 of the connecting member 13 protrudes from the second receiving groove 181, and the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the stylus 101 of the first stylus group.

[0204] It should be noted that during the installation process of the consumable cartridge 1, when the consumable cartridge 1 moves to make the second covering member 18 of the stability maintaining component abut against the stylus holder 100, it can play a role in preventing the misloading of the consumable cartridge. That is, if the consumable cartridge is wrongly installed into the mounting unit of a non-designated image forming apparatus, it will cause installation interference, thereby reminding the user that the consumable cartridge 1 is misinstalled, enabling the user to timely adjust the consumable cartridge 1 to the mounting unit of the correct image forming apparatus; during the installation process of the consumable cartridge 1, the second receiving groove 181 of the second covering member 18 restricts the displacement of the connecting member 13 in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, which can guide the correct electrical connection between the connecting member 13 and the corresponding stylus, so that the chip 12 of the consumable cartridge 1 can communicate normally with the mounting unit of the image forming apparatus, and further ensure the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0205] During the process of removing the consumable cartridge 1 from the mounting unit, the third deformable member can reset the second covering member 18. Specifically, the consumable cartridge 1 is removed along the -L direction, and the second covering member 18 rotates along the -R direction under the action of the third deformable member, so that the second covering member 18 can return to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state.

[0206] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 26As shown, an auxiliary protrusion 1193 is provided on the connecting component 119. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the auxiliary protrusion 1193 is located on the outer upper side of the recess 1191. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the auxiliary protrusion 1193 is higher than the stability maintenance component. With such a setting, when the inner container detaches from the tray 117 and drops from a height, the auxiliary protrusion 1193 can be used to assist in protecting the stability maintenance component and the connecting component 119 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 to prevent damage.

[0207] Embodiment Seven

[0208] As Figure 28 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge 1, which is detachably installed in the installation unit of an image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin holder 100 (see Figure 2 shown in Embodiment One), a contact pin assembly, and a conductive unit 102. The contact pin assembly includes a first contact pin group and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin 101 (see Figure 3 shown in Embodiment One). Each contact pin 101 includes a first end 1011 and a second end 1012. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the second end 1012 is higher than the first end 1011.

[0209] As Figure 29 and Figure 30 shown, the consumable cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 11, a chip 12, and at least one connecting member 13; the chip 12 is installed on the cartridge body 11. The chip 12 includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal 121; each connecting member 13 corresponds to a contact pin 101 and a first terminal 121. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1, at least a part of the connecting member 13 is higher than the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101; the connecting member 13 has a first part 1301 and a second part 1302.

[0210] Wherein, a rectangular coordinate system is established for the consumable cartridge 1. The X-axis direction is the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1, and the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0211] The installation unit is provided with at least one installation position. Each installation position installs a consumable cartridge 1, and each installation position corresponds to a contact pin assembly.

[0212] As Figure 31As shown, the first part 1301 of the connecting member 13 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121; the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 can contact the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, or can contact the corresponding terminal on the main control circuit board located behind the contact pin assembly in the installation unit of the image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0213] The connecting member 13 is made of a conductive material. In some examples, to ensure the safety of use, except for the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133, the remaining part of the connecting member 13 is coated or provided with an insulating layer.

[0214] The number of the connecting members 13 is equal to the number of the first terminals 121, that is to say, each connecting member 13 corresponds to one first terminal 121. In this embodiment, the number of the connecting members 13 is multiple, and the number of the first terminals 121 is also multiple.

[0215] The connecting member 13 and the chip 12 can be connected by means of welding, bonding, snap connection or the like.

[0216] When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group.

[0217] The second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 can contact the first surface 1013 of the contact pin 101, can also contact the second surface 1014 of the contact pin 101, and can also contact the third surface 1015 of the contact pin 101. In this embodiment, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 contacts the second surface 1014.

[0218] In the consumable cartridge provided by the embodiment of the present invention, by electrically connecting the first part 1301 of the connecting member 13 to the first terminal 121 and the second part 1302 contacting the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, it can solve the problem that the first terminal 121 fails due to wear or oxidation or the contact pin 101 is bent or accidentally damaged, resulting in the first terminal 121 and the contact pin 101 being unable to stably contact or the communication being interrupted, so that the chip 12 of the consumable cartridge 1 can communicate normally with the installation unit of the image forming apparatus, and further ensure the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0219] In a possible implementation manner, such as Figure 30As shown, the chip also includes a substrate 120 and a storage element 123, multiple terminal groups are electrically connected to the storage element 123, the first terminal 121 is located on the side of the substrate 120 facing the box body 11, the multiple terminal groups include a second terminal group, the second terminal group includes at least one second terminal 122; the second terminal 122 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 102.

[0220] The storage element 123 stores information of the chip 12 , for example, the storage element 123 stores information such as manufacturer information, ink volume information, consumable box category information, ink color, etc.

[0221] The first terminal group and the second terminal group are at least partially overlapped in projection in the width direction of the consumable box 1 .

[0222] In this embodiment, the number of the connecting members 13 is four, the number of the first terminals 121 is also four, and the number of the second terminal 122 is one.

[0223] The first terminal 121 may be any terminal on the chip 12 . The second terminal 122 is a terminal remaining on the chip 12 after the first terminal 121 is removed.

[0224] The first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 are both located on the side of the substrate 120 facing the box body 11. Specifically, the substrate 120 has an inner surface 1201 facing the box body 11, and the substrate 120 has an outer surface 1202 away from the box body 11. The first terminal 121 and the second terminal 122 are both located on the inner surface 1201.

[0225] In some examples, when the chip 12 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal and a data terminal, the first terminal 121 can be two or more of the ground terminal, the power terminal, the reset terminal, the clock terminal and the data terminal. The second terminal group includes the remaining terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group. It should be noted that the ground terminal is used to receive the ground potential; the power terminal is used to receive the power potential different from the ground potential (such as 3.6V, or 3.3V), and the power supply is provided for the operation of the storage element 123 through this terminal; the reset terminal is used to reset the internal data of the storage element 123; the clock terminal is used to receive the clock signal; the data terminal is used to send or receive the data signal, and is also used to detect the short circuit between the data terminal and at least one of the clock terminal, the reset terminal and the power terminal.

[0226] In some other examples, when the chip 12 includes a ground terminal, a power supply terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a data terminal, a high-voltage terminal, and a detection terminal, the first terminal 121 can be two or more of the ground terminal, the power supply terminal, the reset terminal, the clock terminal, the data terminal, the high-voltage terminal, and the detection terminal, and the second terminal group includes the remaining terminals except the first terminal in the first terminal group. It should be noted that the high-voltage terminal is used to detect whether the consumable cartridge is correctly installed in the image forming apparatus. The detection terminal is used to detect whether a short circuit occurs between the high-voltage terminal of the chip and at least one of the other terminals (i.e., the low-voltage terminals).

[0227] The conductive unit 102 is disposed outside the mounting unit, and the conductive unit 102 is used to transmit a ground signal; alternatively, the conductive unit 102 can also be used to transmit a power signal; the conductive unit 102 can also be the main control circuit board located behind the probe assembly in the mounting unit of the image forming apparatus, and the main control circuit board has terminals electrically connected to the probe assembly.

[0228] In a possible implementation manner, the cartridge body 11 is provided with a placement portion 111 and a receiving portion 112 (see Figure 6 shown in the first embodiment), as Figure 31 shown, the first portion 1301 of the connecting member 13 at least includes a base end portion 131 and a connecting portion 132, the second portion 1302 at least includes an arm portion 133, the base end portion 131 is connected to the arm portion 133, the base end portion 131 is at least partially located in the placement portion 111, the arm portion 133 is partially located in the placement portion 111, and in the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1, the arm portion 133 at least partially protrudes from the cartridge body 11; the base end portion 131 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121, and the arm portion 133 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding probe 101 in the first probe group.

[0229] Among them, both the placement portion 111 and the receiving portion 112 can be recessed and formed on the cartridge body 11.

[0230] The arm portion 133 and the base end portion 131 are arranged to intersect.

[0231] In a possible implementation manner, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a stability maintenance component; at least a part of the connecting member 13 is covered by the stability maintenance component. With such an arrangement, the stability maintenance component can protect the connecting member 13, and avoid large bending or damage of the connecting member 13 when the consumable cartridge 1 is violently installed or accidentally drops from a high altitude, so that the connecting member 13 can be stably electrically connected to the corresponding probe 101, and further improve the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 12 and the probe assembly.

[0232] Among them, as Figure 29As shown, the stability maintenance component includes a first covering member 15 and a first deformation member 16. The first deformation member 16 is connected between the cartridge body 11 and the first covering member 15. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not installed in the installation unit, a part of the connecting member 13 is received in the first covering member 15, and the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 is exposed outside the first covering member 15.

[0233] A sliding groove 1121 is provided on the side wall of the receiving portion 112 of the cartridge body 11. The sliding groove 1121 extends along the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. As Figure 32 shown, the first covering member 15 has a sliding protrusion 151. A sliding protrusion 151 is slidably disposed in the sliding groove 1121. The first covering member 15 can slide in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1 under the action of an external force.

[0234] The first deformation member 16 can be a spring. The first deformation member 16 is located in the receiving portion 112. A first positioning protrusion (not shown in the figure) is provided on the top wall of the receiving portion 112. A second positioning protrusion 152 is provided on the first covering member 15. The second positioning protrusion 152 is located at the rear side of the first covering member 15 in the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The sliding protrusion 151 is fixed on the second positioning protrusion 152. The first deformation member 16 is respectively connected to the first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion 152.

[0235] As Figure 29 and Figure 32 shown, the first covering member 15 has a first receiving groove 153. The first receiving groove 153 penetrates the first covering member 15 in the length direction of the consumable cartridge 1. When the consumable cartridge 1 is not installed in the installation unit, at least a part of the arm portions 133 of the 4 connecting members 13 are received in the first receiving groove 153, and the second part 1302 of the arm portions 133 of the 4 connecting members 13 is exposed from the first receiving groove 153.

[0236] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 29 shown, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a handle 110. The handle 110 is provided on the cartridge body 11. The handle 110 is located at the front side of the cartridge body 11 in the consumable cartridge 1. The handle 110 is provided with an extension portion 140.

[0237] Among them, as Figure 33 shown, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a coupling member 19. One end of the coupling member 19 is electrically connected to the second terminal 122, and the other end of the coupling member 19 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 102.

[0238] The coupling member 19 is made of a conductive material. In this embodiment, the coupling member 19 is made of a metal material.

[0239] The coupling member 19 includes a first connecting section 191, a second connecting section 192, and a third connecting section 193. The second connecting section 192 connects the first connecting section 191 and the third connecting section 193. The first connecting section 191 is disposed on the cartridge body 11, and the second connecting section 192 and the third connecting section 193 are disposed on the handle 110.

[0240] The first connecting section 191 can be embedded inside the cartridge body 11 or exposed outside the cartridge body 11, and no specific setting is made here.

[0241] The second connecting section 192 is embedded in the extension portion 140 of the handle 110. Specifically, as Figure 29 shown, an embedding groove 141 is provided on the extension portion 140, and the second connecting section 192 is embedded in the embedding groove 141.

[0242] The third connecting section 193 is exposed outside the extension portion 140, and the third connecting section 193 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 102.

[0243] In a possible implementation manner, an alignment portion 103 (see Figure 2 shown in the first embodiment) is provided at the installation position of the installation unit. The cartridge body 11 of the consumable cartridge 1 has an alignment portion 116. When the consumable cartridge 1 is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the alignment portion 116 engages with the alignment portion 103, and the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1 can be limited.

[0244] Among them, the installation direction of the consumable cartridge 1 is the +H direction (see Figure 1 shown in the first embodiment), and the +H direction is parallel to the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

[0245] The alignment portion 116 is an alignment surface, and the cartridge body 11 has two alignment surfaces in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 1; the alignment portion 103 is located on the housing of the installation unit, the alignment portion 103 is an alignment protrusion, and two alignment protrusions are provided at the installation position of the installation unit, and the two alignment surfaces are respectively in contact with the two alignment protrusions

[0246] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge 1 into the installation unit, the first covering member 15 abuts against the contact pin holder 100 and can move in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 1. Specifically, the alignment portion 116 of the consumable cartridge 1 engages with the alignment portion 103 of the installation position of the installation unit and enters the installation position of the installation unit along the installation direction of the consumable cartridge 1; afterwards, the consumable cartridge moves until the first covering member 15 of the stability maintaining assembly abuts against the contact pin holder 100; afterwards, the first covering member 15 moves along the -H direction, and the first covering member 15 compresses the first deformable member 16, and the connecting member 13 moves along the +H direction; when the consumable cartridge 1 is completely loaded into the installation unit, the second portion 1302 of the connecting member 13 abuts against the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101 of the first contact pin group, and the third connecting section 193 of the coupling member 19 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 102.

[0247] During the process of removing the consumable cartridge 1 from the installation unit, the first deformable member 16 can reset the first covering member 15. Specifically, the consumable cartridge 1 is removed along the -H direction, and the first covering member 15 moves along the +H direction under the action of the first deformable member 16, so that the first covering member 15 and the first deformable member 16 can return to the state when the consumable cartridge 1 is in the first state.

[0248] Embodiment VIII

[0249] As Figure 34 and Figure 35 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge group, which is detachably installed in the installation unit of an image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin assembly, and the contact pin assembly includes a contact pin holder 100, a first contact pin group and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin 101 (see Figure 3 shown in Embodiment I). Each contact pin 101 includes a first end 1011 and a second end 1012. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge group, the second end 1012 is higher than the first end 1011.

[0250] As Figure 36 shown, the consumable cartridge group includes a body and at least one connecting member 13; the body includes a plurality of cartridge bodies 11 and a plurality of chips 12. Each chip 12 is installed on a cartridge body 11. The chip 12 includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal 121; each connecting member 13 corresponds to one contact pin 101 and a plurality of first terminals 121. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge group, the connecting member 13 is at least partially higher than the second end 1012 of the contact pin 101; the connecting member 13 has a plurality of first portions 1301 and a second portion 1302. The plurality of first portions 1301 are respectively arranged on each cartridge body 11 of the body, and the second portion 1302 is arranged on one cartridge body 11 of the body.

[0251] The first part 1301 is used for electrically connecting to a first terminal 121 of each chip 12, and the second part 1302 is used for contacting the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first set of contact pins.

[0252] A rectangular coordinate system is established for the consumable cartridge group. The X-axis direction is the length direction of the consumable cartridge group, the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the consumable cartridge group, and the Z-axis direction is the height direction of the consumable cartridge group.

[0253] The installation unit is provided with a plurality of installation positions, each installation position installs a box body 11, and each installation position corresponds to a contact pin assembly and a chip 12.

[0254] The structure of the contact pin 101 is the same as that of the contact pin 101 in the first embodiment, and specifically, reference can be made to the contact pin 101 in the first embodiment.

[0255] In this embodiment, the body of the consumable cartridge group includes two or more box bodies 11 and two or more chips 12, and each chip 12 corresponds to a box body 11.

[0256] The connecting member 13 is made of a conductive material. In some examples, to ensure the safety of use, except for the base end portion 131 and the arm portion 133, the remaining portion of the connecting member 13 is coated or provided with an insulating layer.

[0257] The number of the connecting members 13 is equal to the number of the first terminals 121 of each chip 12, that is to say, each connecting member 13 corresponds to a first terminal 121 of each chip 12. In this embodiment, the number of the connecting members 13 is one, and the number of the first terminals 121 of each chip 12 is also one.

[0258] The connecting member 13 and the chip 12 can be connected by welding, bonding or clamping.

[0259] When the consumable cartridge group is loaded into the installation position of the installation unit, the second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 contacts the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first set of contact pins.

[0260] The second part 1302 of the connecting member 13 can contact the first surface 1013 of the contact pin 101, or can contact the second surface 1014 of the contact pin 101, or can also contact the third surface 1015 of the contact pin 101.

[0261] In the consumable cartridge group provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the first part 1301 of the connecting member 13 is electrically connected to the first terminal 121 of each chip 12, and the second part 1302 is in contact with the second end 1012 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, so that the first terminal 121 is not in contact with the first end 1011 of the corresponding contact pin 101 in the first contact pin group, avoiding the problem that the first terminal 121 cannot stably contact or communication is interrupted due to wear or oxidation failure of the first terminal 121 or bending or accidental damage of the contact pin 101. Thus, the chip 12 of the consumable cartridge 1 can communicate normally with the installation unit of the image forming apparatus, and further ensure the normal use of the image forming apparatus.

[0262] In this embodiment, the structures of the cartridge body 11 and the chip 12 are the same as those of the cartridge body 11 and the chip 12 in the first embodiment respectively.

[0263] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 37 shown, the connecting member 13 includes a plurality of base ends 131, a plurality of connecting parts 132 and an arm part 133. Each cartridge body 11 corresponds to a base end 131 and a connecting part 132. The plurality of connecting parts 132 are sequentially connected in the width direction of the consumable cartridge group. Each base end 131 is connected to a connecting part 132, and the arm part 133 is connected to one of the plurality of connecting parts 132.

[0264] Among them, the structure of the base end 131 of the connecting member 13 in this embodiment is the same as that of the base end 131 in the fourth embodiment; the structure of the connecting part 132 of the connecting member 13 in this embodiment is the same as that of the connecting part 132 in the fourth embodiment; the installation manner of the connecting part 132 of the connecting member 13 in this embodiment is the same as that of the connecting part 132 in the fourth embodiment.

[0265] The structure of the arm part 133 of the connecting member 13 in this embodiment is the same as that of the arm part 133 in the fourth embodiment; the installation manner of the arm part 133 of the connecting member 13 in this embodiment is the same as that of the arm part 133 in the fourth embodiment.

[0266] In a possible implementation manner, the consumable cartridge 1 further includes a stability maintaining component. The stability maintaining component in this embodiment has the same structure as that in the third embodiment; the installation manner of the stability maintaining component in this embodiment is the same as that of the stability maintaining component in the fourth embodiment.

[0267] Among them, an arm part 133 and a stability maintaining component are configured on one of the plurality of cartridge bodies 11 of the body of the consumable cartridge group, while the remaining cartridge bodies 11 do not have an arm part 133 and a stability maintaining component.

[0268] In this embodiment, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge group into the installation unit, the movement process of the stability maintenance component can refer to the movement process in Embodiment 3, and will not be specifically described here.

[0269] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements on some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A consumable cartridge is detachably installed in an installation unit of an image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a probe assembly and a conductive unit. The probe assembly includes a probe holder, a first probe group, and a second probe group. Both the first probe group and the second probe group include at least one probe. Each probe includes a first end and a second end. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the second end is higher than the first end. Characterized in that, The consumable cartridge includes a cartridge body, a chip, and at least one connecting member; The chip is installed on the cartridge body. The chip includes a plurality of terminal groups, and the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group. The first terminal group includes at least one first terminal; In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the connecting member is higher than the second end of the probe; The connecting member has a first part and a second part. The first part is electrically connected to the first terminal, and the second part contacts the second end of the corresponding probe in the first probe group.

2. The consumable cartridge according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The consumable cartridge has a first state in which it is not loaded into the installation unit and a second state in which it is loaded into the installation unit; During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the connecting member abuts against the second end of the corresponding probe and receives an abutting force, so that the connecting member can generate a displacement in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge under the action of the abutting force; The cartridge body has an ink outlet. When the consumable cartridge is in the second state, the distance of the second part of the connecting member from the ink outlet in the height direction of the consumable cartridge is a first distance. When the consumable cartridge is in the first state, the distance of the second part of the connecting member from the ink outlet in the height direction of the consumable cartridge is a second distance; The first distance is greater than the second distance.

3. The consumable cartridge according to claim 2, Characterized in that, When the consumable cartridge is in the second state, in the height direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the second part of the connecting member intersects the top surface of the second end of the probe.

4. The consumable cartridge according to claim 2, Characterized in that, The cartridge body has a space part for accommodating the connecting member. The first part at least includes a base end part, and the second part at least includes an arm part. The base end part and the arm part are connected by a connecting part of the connecting member. In the length direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the arm part protrudes from the cartridge body; The base end part is electrically connected to the first terminal, and the arm part contacts the second end of the corresponding probe in the first probe group.

5. The consumable cartridge according to claim 4, Characterized in that, In the height direction of the consumable cartridge, at least a part of the base end part is angled with respect to the connecting part; or, At least a part of the base end part is arranged in a spiral structure with respect to the connecting part; or, At least a part of the connecting part is arranged in a meandering structure with respect to the arm part.

6. The consumable cartridge according to claim 4, Characterized in that, The arm has a fulcrum portion, and the arm generates displacement around the fulcrum portion under the action of an external force; Or, A second deformable member is provided in the space portion, and a contact portion of the connecting portion and the arm with the second deformable member forms a fulcrum portion, and the arm and the connecting portion generate displacement around the fulcrum portion under the action of an external force.

7. The consumable cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, it further includes a stability maintaining assembly; At least a part of the connecting member is in contact with the stability maintaining assembly; or, at least a part of the connecting member is covered by the stability maintaining assembly; The stability maintaining assembly is configured to limit the displacement of the connecting member in the height direction and / or width direction of the consumable cartridge.

8. The consumable cartridge according to claim 7, wherein, The stability maintaining assembly includes a first covering member and a first deformable member, and the first deformable member is connected between the cartridge body and the first covering member; During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the first covering member abuts against the contact pin holder and can move in the height direction of the consumable cartridge. During the process of removing the consumable cartridge from the installation unit, the first deformable member can reset the first covering member.

9. The consumable cartridge according to claim 7, wherein, The stability maintaining assembly includes a support member, a second covering member and a third deformable member. The support member is fixedly connected to the connecting member, and the second covering member is rotatably connected to the support member; During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the installation unit, the second covering member abuts against the contact pin holder and can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the consumable cartridge. During the process of removing the consumable cartridge from the installation unit, the third deformable member can reset the second covering member.

10. The consumable cartridge according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The chip further includes a substrate and a storage element. A plurality of the terminal groups are electrically connected to the storage element. The plurality of the terminal groups include a second terminal group, and the second terminal group includes at least one second terminal; The second terminal contacts the first end of the corresponding contact pin in the second contact pin group; or, the second terminal is electrically connected to the conductive unit, and the first terminal group and the second terminal group at least partially overlap in projection in one of the length direction, width direction and height direction of the consumable cartridge.

11. A consumable cartridge group is detachably installed in an installation unit of an image forming apparatus. The installation unit is provided with a contact pin assembly. The contact pin assembly includes a contact pin holder, a first contact pin group and a second contact pin group. Both the first contact pin group and the second contact pin group include at least one contact pin. Each contact pin includes a first end and a second end. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge group, the second end is higher than the first end, wherein, The consumable cartridge group includes a body and at least one connecting member; The body includes a plurality of cartridge bodies. The connecting member includes a plurality of first parts and one second part. The plurality of first parts are respectively arranged on each cartridge body of the body, and the second part is arranged on one cartridge body of the body; Each of the boxes is provided with a chip, each of the chips includes a plurality of terminal groups, the plurality of terminal groups include a first terminal group, and the first terminal group includes at least one first terminal; The first part of the connecting member is used for electrically connecting one first terminal of each of the chips, and the second part is used for contacting the second end of the corresponding contact pin in the first contact pin group.

Images