A type of ink cartridge

Abstract

This application provides an ink cartridge for installation in an imaging device. The imaging device includes a plurality of styluses, and the ink cartridge includes a printhead chip and electrical wiring components. The first surface of the ink cartridge has a plurality of contact points and an idle area. When the ink cartridge is installed in the imaging device, each contact point is electrically connected to a corresponding styluse to receive a signal from the styluse. A styluse is located in the idle area, but the idle area is not electrically connected to a styluse. The contact points are located in the first part of the electrical wiring components, with the number of contact points being less than the number of styluses. Poor contact at any contact point will cause the imaging device to display an error message. This design reduces the probability of poor contact without altering the existing imaging device. Furthermore, since poor contact at each contact point will cause the imaging device to display an error message, it maximizes the early detection of contact failures and prevents malfunctions during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing and imaging technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of inkjet recording technology, imaging devices have been widely used in home, office, and industrial fields. The main advantages of imaging devices include low cost, low operating noise, excellent print quality, and adaptability to various printing media, such as plain paper, photo paper, and transparencies. Among the core components of imaging devices, the consumable chip plays a crucial role. The consumable chip is the key component responsible for ejecting ink in the form of tiny droplets onto the printing media, and its performance directly affects print clarity, color reproduction, and overall quality.

[0003] In practical applications, existing imaging devices have multiple styluses, and the ink cartridges used also have contact points that make electrical connections with the corresponding styluses. However, existing imaging devices have a large number of contact points on the styluses and ink cartridges, and the more contact points there are, the greater the probability of poor contact.

[0004] To reduce the problem of poor contact, it is necessary to modify the existing imaging equipment. However, modifying the imaging equipment is costly, and the imaging equipment already on the market cannot be modified. Therefore, a new solution is needed to reduce the probability of poor contact to a certain extent without changing the imaging equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to reduce the probability of poor contact by improving the ink cartridge without modifying the existing imaging equipment, and to ensure that poor contact between the ink cartridge contact points and the stylus of the imaging equipment can be detected immediately.

[0006] This application provides an ink cartridge, For installation in an imaging device, the imaging device includes a plurality of styluses, and the ink cartridge includes a printhead chip and an electrical wiring component. The ink cartridge has a first side and a second side, a first portion of the electrical wiring component is disposed on the first side, a second portion of the electrical wiring component is disposed on the second side, and the printhead chip is disposed on the second side. The first side faces the styluses. The first side of the ink cartridge has a plurality of contact points and an idle area. When the ink cartridge is installed in the imaging device, each contact point is electrically connected to the corresponding styluse to receive a signal from the styluse. The idle area has a corresponding styluse and is not electrically connected to the styluse. The plurality of contact points are disposed on the first portion of the electrical wiring component. The number of contact points is less than the number of styluses, and poor contact at any of the contact points will cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality.

[0007] Furthermore, at the same time, the electrical signal on the stylus that contacts the idle area is consistent with or deviates from the electrical signal received by at least one of the contact points by no more than 30% or has common signal characteristics.

[0008] Furthermore, the ink cartridge also includes a detection circuit, and the contact point includes a first contact point. The detection circuit is used to detect the electrical connection status between the first contact point and the stylus. When the electrical signal of the first contact point does not meet expectations, the imaging device indicates an abnormality.

[0009] Furthermore, when the electrical signal at the first contact point does not meet expectations, the detection circuit interferes with the signals at other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality.

[0010] Furthermore, if the electrical signals received by the two first contacts being tested are different, it indicates that the expected result is not met.

[0011] Furthermore, the signals received by the contact points include a first power signal and a second power signal, wherein the voltage of the second power signal is higher than that of the first power signal, and the signals received by the two first contact points are the second power signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the highest voltage of the second power supply signal is at least three times or more the highest voltage of the first power supply signal.

[0013] Furthermore, if one of the two first contacts being tested receives an electrical signal while the other does not, it indicates that the expected result is not met.

[0014] Furthermore, the contact pins corresponding to the idle area are: logic power contact pins, and / or, ground contact pins, and / or, data read / write contact pins, and / or heating power contact pins.

[0015] Furthermore, the printhead chip includes multiple connection terminals, and the contact points include at least one second contact, which is electrically connected to at least two of the connection terminals.

[0016] Furthermore, the wiring near the contact point is a first line portion, and the width of the first line portion of at least one second contact point is greater than the width of the first line portion of at least one other contact point.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrical wiring component is provided with at least one non-contact terminal, which does not contact the contact pin.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection circuit is set separately from the printhead chip.

[0019] Furthermore, the detection circuit is disposed on the electrical wiring component and located on the first surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the detection circuit is disposed on the first surface and close to the second surface.

[0021] The ink cartridge provided in this application reduces the probability of poor contact by decreasing the number of contact terminals. Furthermore, it allows for immediate detection of any contact abnormalities, preventing errors caused by poor contact from being discovered later during data reading / writing or printing. By optimizing the ink cartridge, it is possible to reduce the brightness caused by poor contact without modifying existing imaging equipment, resulting in low cost and high efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printhead chip provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of an electrical wiring component provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a detection circuit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another electrical wiring component provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] It should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" in the description of this application means two or more. The term "and / or" as used herein is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0028] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0029] Imaging devices are equipped with multiple pins, each of which provides signals to circuits or devices on the ink cartridge via contact points to perform operations such as reading, writing, and printing. Existing imaging devices already on the market have many pins, requiring numerous corresponding contact points on the ink cartridge. However, the more contact points, the greater the probability of contact failure. Since these devices are already in use, consumers can continue using them simply by replacing the ink cartridge, provided the device remains undamaged. Solving the problem of contact failures due to excessive pins in existing imaging devices would require modification. Modifying already marketed, unsold, and manufactured imaging devices is too costly and impractical. Therefore, finding a solution to reduce the increased probability of contact failures caused by excessive pins or contact points without modifying existing imaging devices is a pressing issue.

[0030] The purpose of this application is to reduce the problem of poor contact between the ink cartridge and the contact pin of the imaging device by improving the ink cartridge without modifying the existing imaging device.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of an ink cartridge 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. The ink cartridge 1 can be inserted into an imaging device (not shown), such as a corresponding slot in the imaging device, and under the control of the imaging device, it sprays liquids such as ink onto printing media such as paper. The ink cartridge 1 includes a consumable chip 10 and an ink cartridge body 20, with the ink cartridge body 20 used to store the liquid. The imaging device has multiple contact pins that are electrically connected to the consumable chip 10 through direct contact to achieve corresponding functions. The consumable chip 10 includes a printhead chip 11 and electrical wiring components 12. The printhead chip 11 is used to receive the liquid stored in the ink cartridge body 20 and spray ink droplets under the control of signals sent by the imaging device (it may also further include data read / write functions; the memory can be located at the printhead chip end or in another independent chip, as described below). The printhead chip belongs to the field of integrated circuit design, which has high design costs and long cycles; integrated circuit manufacturing costs are also high. The electrical wiring components 12 are generally flexible circuit boards, with short design cycles and low costs.

[0032] The printhead chip 11 receives signals from the imaging device via the electrical wiring component 12. The consumable chip 10 is fixed to the ink cartridge body 20. When the ink cartridge 1 is inserted into the ink cartridge slot of the imaging device, the contact points 123 in the electrical wiring component 12 that contact the stylus are located on the first surface of the ink cartridge body 20, and the printhead chip 11 is located on the second surface of the ink cartridge body. The first surface faces the stylus, which is also the surface facing the stylus when the ink cartridge is installed on the main body of the imaging device. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 1 is installed in the standard position on the main body of the imaging device, the contact points 123 on the electrical wiring component 12 abut against the corresponding stylus on the imaging device. Generally, the electrical wiring component has an elongated structure with a contact point at the first end and a solder contact point at the second end. The printhead chip 11 has connection terminals, and the signals received by the contact points are transmitted to the printhead chip 11 by electrically connecting the solder contact points to the connection terminals (e.g., by soldering). The electrical connection between the solder contact point and the connection terminal can be a TAB process, a COB process, etc., and this application does not limit the electrical connection between the two.

[0033] In addition, the printhead chip 11 may also include a memory for storing serial numbers, manufacturer information, ink information, and recording ink consumption information during the printing process. The memory type can be FUSE, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., and can be volatile or non-volatile; the memory type is not limited. Alternatively, the memory may be located in a separate chip other than the printhead chip 11, and this memory can be attached to the first surface of the ink cartridge housing 20. Yet another possibility is that the printhead chip 11 contains a first memory, and a second memory is located in a separate chip. The method of memory placement is not limited in this invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printhead chip 11 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the printhead chip 11 includes a substrate layer 110, a chamber layer 111, and an nozzle layer 112 arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The substrate layer 110 has multiple heating elements 11a, a control circuit (not shown), and multiple connection terminals 113. The control circuit receives signals from the imaging device via the connection terminals 113 to control the activation or deactivation of the heating elements 11a. An ink supply tank 11b is also provided on the substrate layer 110, penetrating the substrate layer 110 and fluidly communicating with the ink cartridge body 20. The chamber layer 111 has chambers 120 corresponding to the heating elements 11a, and these chambers are fluidly communicating with the ink supply tank 112. The nozzle layer 112 has nozzles 130 corresponding to the heating elements 11a. Liquid stored in the ink cartridge body 20 flows into each chamber 120 through the ink supply tank 11b. The liquid in chamber 120 can be ejected from the corresponding nozzle 130 under the heating drive of heating element 11a.

[0035] Of course, as described above, the printhead chip 11 may also include a memory, and the control circuit can receive signals sent by the imaging device through the connection terminal to perform read and write operations on the memory unit. Furthermore, the heating resistor can also be a piezoelectric element, which ejects liquid through mechanical deformation. This invention is not limited in scope. This invention is primarily described using a heated inkjet method.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, ink cartridge 1 is a single-color ejection cartridge. Accordingly, the ink cartridge body 20 stores only one color of liquid, such as black ink; and the substrate layer 110 has only one ink supply slot 112. In another specific embodiment, ink cartridge 1 is a multi-color ejection cartridge. Accordingly, the ink cartridge body 20 is divided into multiple liquid storage compartments, each used to store a different color of liquid. For example, the ink cartridge body 20 has three liquid storage compartments, used to store cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, respectively. The substrate layer 110 has multiple ink supply slots corresponding to the multiple liquid storage compartments. For example, the substrate layer 110 has three ink supply slots, used to circulate cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, respectively. Of course, more colors can be used, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electrical wiring component 12 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the electrical wiring component 12 includes a main body 31, an opening area 32, and a contact area 33. Along the extending direction of the main body 31, the contact area 33 and the opening area 32 can be located at opposite ends of the main body 31, such as a first end and a second end. For the entire electrical wiring component 12, a first part and a second part are provided, with the first end and the second end of the main body 31 corresponding to the first part and the second part. The contact area 33 is provided with a plurality of contact contacts 123; the opening area 32 is used to assemble the printhead chip 11. When the printhead chip 11 is assembled on the electrical wiring component 12 through the opening area 32 to form the consumable chip 10, the printhead chip 11 is electrically connected to the electrical wiring component 12. Specifically, the connection terminals 113 on the printhead chip 11 are electrically connected to the contact contacts 123 on the electrical wiring component 12 through wiring provided on the electrical wiring component 12, so as to achieve electrical connection with the imaging device through the contact contacts 123 on the electrical wiring component 12. When the ink cartridge 1 is installed on the imaging device, multiple contact points 123 on the electrical wiring component 12 are electrically connected to corresponding styluses on the imaging device to receive signals from the styluses. In this embodiment, the number of contact points 123 is less than the number of styluses on the imaging device. The first side of the ink cartridge 1 is also provided with at least one idle area 330 (as shown by the dotted line in the figure). A styluse is provided at the corresponding position of the idle area 330 but is not electrically connected to the styluse. Poor contact of each contact point 123 (such as poor contact caused by the contact point being blocked, covered by oil or dirt, or misalignment causing the contact point to not contact the styluse) will cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality.

[0038] The idle area 330 can be located on the electrical wiring component 12, or the electrical wiring component can be hollowed out, and the corresponding area of ​​the ink cartridge body 20 becomes the idle area 330. The contact pin can be in direct contact with the idle area 330 or not. The idle area 330 is located on the first surface and is opposite to the corresponding contact pin, and the idle area is not electrically connected to the contact pin.

[0039] While ensuring the normal operation of the ink cartridge, reducing the number of contact points lowers the probability of poor contact between the contact points and the stylus. Furthermore, in this application, any contact point that is obstructed or fails to make proper contact with the stylus will trigger an error message from the imaging device during the installation and testing phase. Therefore, users can immediately identify and resolve any problem caused by poor contact. This improvement method requires no modification to the existing imaging device; users only need to replace the ink cartridge with the new, improved one to achieve the problem addressed by this application. It is a low-cost, efficient, and practically significant improvement solution. Moreover, the imaging device will display an error message if any contact point is obstructed or fails to make proper contact, allowing users to promptly resolve the problem and ensure the correctness of subsequent communication and printing.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the installation detection can be performed as follows: After the user inserts the ink cartridge into the imaging device, the imaging device and the ink cartridge begin to detect the electrical connection status of all contact points. If any contact point is blocked or has poor contact, the imaging device will display an error message. There are many ways to display the error message, such as a prompt on the imaging device display screen, a flashing light, or a terminal prompt.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, at any given time, the electrical signal on the pin corresponding to the idle area 330 is consistent with, deviates slightly from, or shares common signal characteristics with the electrical signal received by at least one contact point 123. In other words, the functionality of the contact point that would normally be located in the idle area 330 is reduced; the electrical signal function of the pin corresponding to the idle area 330 is achieved through the electrical signal received by a contact point 123. Therefore, the electrical signal of the pin corresponding to the idle area 330 is consistent with, deviates slightly from, or shares a common signal characteristic with the contact signal of a contact point 123. The common characteristic could be the same voltage, both being analog signals, having the same frequency or a fixed frequency ratio, or having the same duty cycle. These signals are generally similar or may be identical, but in some cases, there may still be some deviation, preferably not exceeding 30%.

[0042] It should be noted that the terms "same" and "consistent" in this application are relative. They can be identical in absolute value or have a certain deviation. Those skilled in the art can understand the meaning of "same" and "consistent".

[0043] The contacts corresponding to the idle area 330 can be: logic power contacts, and / or, ground contacts, and / or, data read / write contacts, and / or, heating power contacts. The logic power contacts provide a first power supply voltage, which is relatively low and mainly supplies power to the logic circuits on the ink cartridge, such as 3.3V. The data read / write contacts are used to read and write data in the memory. The heating power contacts provide a second power supply voltage, which is relatively high and mainly supplies voltage to the heating element in the printhead chip, such as high-voltage signals like 16V, 18V, or 24V. The ground contacts provide a grounding loop, which may include providing a ground signal to the logic circuits and a grounding loop to the heating element.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the ink cartridge 1 further includes a detection circuit. The contact points include a first contact. The detection circuit detects the electrical connection status between the first contact and the stylus. When the electrical signal of the detected first contact does not meet expectations, the imaging device indicates an abnormality. The detection circuit can detect one, two, or multiple first contacts, preferably at least two. Adding an additional detection circuit independent of the imaging device allows for the detection of the electrical signal of a specific first contact. If the electrical signal of this first contact does not meet expectations, the imaging device can indicate an abnormality. This allows customers to detect and troubleshoot any faulty contact at the first contact immediately. In this embodiment, the added detection circuit performs a self-test on the first contact, further ensuring the stable connection between the contact terminal and the stylus.

[0045] Specifically, the first contact can be the contact point corresponding to the heating power supply pin, i.e., the heating power supply contact, because the heating power supply contact provides heating voltage to the heating element, and poor contact will cause a decrease in print quality. Furthermore, the heating power supply contact carries a large current, and poor contact will also cause the resistance between the contact and the printer pin to increase, thereby reducing the drive current.

[0046] When the detection circuit detects that the electrical signal at the first contact point is not as expected, it can either alter the electrical signal at the first contact point itself to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality, or it can interfere with the electrical signals at other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality. Preferredly, this method involves interfering with the electrical signals at other contact points. When the electrical signals at some other contact points become abnormal, the imaging device will display corresponding error codes or error messages, allowing the customer to find troubleshooting methods based on these codes or messages. Therefore, interfering with other contact points is a more direct approach.

[0047] When at least two first contacts are being detected, and the electrical signals received by these two first contacts are identical or deviate by no more than 30%, the detection circuit can detect whether the electrical signals of these two first contacts are the same. If they are different, it is considered to be inconsistent with expectations, and the imaging device will indicate an abnormality by interfering with the signals on other contact points.

[0048] When at least two first contacts are being detected, an abnormality can be determined by detecting whether these two contacts receive an electrical signal. If one of the two first contacts receives an electrical signal while the other does not, it indicates that the problem is not as expected. In this case, the imaging device will indicate an abnormality by interfering with the signals on other contact points.

[0049] By actively detecting at least two first contacts, the connection stability between the contact points and the stylus can be further ensured.

[0050] When existing ink cartridges are installed into existing imaging devices, not all contact points are tested during installation. For example, the heating power contact mentioned above. The first contact point might include contact points in the existing imaging device that are not involved in the installation test. If such a contact point has poor contact, the imaging device will not indicate an error. However, poor contact may cause errors in subsequent data communication or printing, and could even damage the imaging device or the ink cartridge. Therefore, the preferred approach for the first contact point is to include those contacts that were not originally involved in the installation test of the existing imaging device.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge 1 also includes a detection circuit 4. The contact points include at least a first contact A41 and a first contact B42. The detection circuit 4 is used to detect the electrical connection status between the first contact A41 and the first contact B42 and the stylus. When the electrical signal of the detected first contact does not meet expectations, the imaging device indicates an abnormality.

[0052] At least one of the first contacts is the type of contact that is not involved in installation detection in existing imaging devices. If this type of contact is not optimized, poor contact cannot be detected in time. Therefore, in this application, a detection circuit 4 is added. The detection circuit 4 detects the electrical connection status between at least two first contacts and the stylus. If the detected first contact does not meet expectations, the imaging device will indicate an abnormality.

[0053] In one specific embodiment, the detection circuit detects at least two first contacts. These two first contacts may not participate in installation detection in existing imaging devices. In this application, the detection circuit detects these two first contacts. When the electrical signal of the detected first contact does not meet expectations, the detection circuit interferes with the signals on other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an anomaly. Here, "other contact points" refers to contact points other than the detected first contacts. After the improvement, even contact points that were not originally involved in installation detection can be detected in a timely manner if they have poor contact, without requiring modifications to existing imaging devices.

[0054] In one approach, if the signals received by the two detected first contacts are identical or deviate by no more than 30%, then if either first contact has poor contact, the signals received by that first contact and the other first contact will inevitably be different. Therefore, as mentioned above, the poor contact of either first contact can be determined by simply comparing whether the signals received by the two first contacts are the same. When the electrical signals received by the detected first contacts are different, it indicates a discrepancy from expectations. In this case, the detection circuit can interfere with other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality. This improvement method is simple and efficient.

[0055] In another method, when the ink cartridge 1 is installed into the imaging device, it will generally provide corresponding signals to all the styluses. If one of the first contacts receives an electrical signal while the other does not, it indicates that the problem is not as expected, meaning that at least one of the first contact points has poor contact. This allows for quick identification of contact failures.

[0056] In another possible approach, the circuit being tested detects at least two first contacts. One of these first contacts may not participate in the installation detection in existing imaging equipment, while the other does. In this application, if one of the detected first contacts receives an electrical signal while the other does not, it indicates a discrepancy from expectations, meaning at least one first contact has a poor connection. This allows for rapid identification of contact failures. Alternatively, comparing the electrical signals of the two first contacts to determine if they are consistent can also help determine if the electrical signals of the first contacts meet expectations.

[0057] As mentioned above, the signals received by the contact point include a first power signal and a second power signal. The voltage of the second power signal is higher than that of the first power signal, and the signal received by the first contact point is the second power signal. Here, the first power signal is, for example, the logic power supply VCC, and the second power signal is, for example, the heating power supply HVT. The highest voltage of the second power signal is at least three times the highest voltage of the first power signal. The advantages of choosing the heating power supply HVT as the first contact point are described above.

[0058] The improvements to the aforementioned detection methods are relatively simple, using the most basic means for further self-testing, thus improving the stability of contact between the contact points and the stylus. If poor contact is detected, the imaging device can issue a prompt immediately, allowing the user to troubleshoot based on the imaging device's alerts. Furthermore, contact points that are not involved in installation testing in existing imaging devices and ink cartridges can also be detected by the detection circuit in the modified ink cartridge of this application, and the imaging device can indicate any abnormalities, thus compensating for some deficiencies in existing imaging devices.

[0059] There are many ways a detection circuit can make an imaging device detect an anomaly by interfering with other contact points. For example, changing the voltage of a contact point will cause the imaging device to detect an incorrect voltage and indicate an anomaly, such as with a temperature detection contact. Another example is changing the data output of a data read / write contact; similarly, altering the signal of a data contact or the clock on a clock contact. Other methods are also possible, as long as the altered signal can be recognized by the imaging device and trigger an anomaly alert.

[0060] When the number of contact points is reduced, the source of the corresponding connection point signals for the printhead chip needs further improvement. In the embodiments of this application, the printhead chip includes multiple connection terminals, and the contact points include at least one second contact, which is electrically connected to at least two connection terminals.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the printhead chip 11 may be existing. The connection terminals 113 on the printhead chip 11 are electrically connected to the contact points via wiring on the electrical wiring component 12. However, due to the reduction in the number of contact points, the connection terminals on the printhead chip 11 that originally received signals from the corresponding stylus pins in the idle area 330 cannot receive signals normally, causing the printhead chip 11 to malfunction. Therefore, the main body 31 of the electrical wiring component 12 is provided with several wirings, which are electrically connected to the contact points 123; the printhead chip 11 is provided with multiple connection terminals 113, and each contact point 123 includes at least one second contact 124, which is electrically connected to at least two connection terminals 113. Specifically, as follows... Figure 5 As shown.

[0062] The advantage of this design is that it reduces the number of contact points in congested contact areas, lowering the probability of poor contact. This connection method can compensate for the reduced contact point signals without affecting the use of existing printhead chips. This design does not affect the normal use of existing printhead chips; only the electrical wiring components need to be modified. These components are typically flexible circuit boards, which are simple to lay out, have low production costs, and short lead times. Companies can solve the signal problems existing in the prior art without incurring excessive additional costs, and can quickly bring the improved solution to market, bringing considerable economic benefits. At the same time, consumers can quickly purchase the improved ink cartridges according to the embodiments of this application, reducing malfunctions during ink cartridge use.

[0063] Since one contact point replaces fewer contact points to provide electrical signals to the corresponding connection terminals of the printhead chip, the current flowing through this contact point will be larger, especially for the heating power contact. Therefore, one optimization solution involves making the wiring near the second contact point wider, for example, wider than the wiring near the contact point corresponding to the logic signal line. Specifically, the wiring near the contact point is the first line portion, and the width of the first line portion of at least one second terminal is greater than the width of the first line portion of at least one other contact point. Other contact points include logic signal contacts, such as the logic power VCC contact, logic ground GND contact, clock signal CLK contact, latch signal LAT contact, enable signal HAET contact, etc.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another electrical wiring component 12 provided in an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5As shown, the second contact 124 is electrically connected to two connection terminals 113 via wiring. Other contact points 125 (such as any one of the logic signal contacts) are electrically connected to other connection terminals 114 via wiring. The wiring near the second contact 124 is designated as the first line portion A1241, and the wiring near the other contact points 125 is designated as the first line portion B1251. The width of the first line portion A1241 is greater than the width of the first line portion B1251. This design allows the contact points carrying electrical signals from at least two connection terminals to withstand greater current, especially the heating power contact. This ensures normal operation while extending the lifespan of the ink cartridge and reducing failures caused by wiring electromigration due to high current flow.

[0065] It should be noted that the "other contact points" mentioned in this patent are relative. For example, when it is described that when the electrical signal of the first contact point does not meet expectations, the detection circuit interferes with the signals on other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality (and in related statements), "other contact points" refers to contact points other than the first contact point. When it is described that the wiring near the contact point is a first line portion, and the width of the first line portion of at least one second contact point is greater than the width of the first line portion of at least one other contact point (and in related statements), "other terminals" here refers to contact points other than the second contact point. In reality, the other contact points in these two situations may be the same or different.

[0066] Other contact points can be one, two, or more, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0067] The first contact and the second contact may be the same contact or they may be different contact points. For example, the missing contact point might be a logic power contact, and the detection circuit would also detect this logic power contact. Furthermore, the two logic power connection terminals of the printhead chip are electrically connected to the logic power contact via wiring. Therefore, the first contact and the second contact may be the same contact point. Alternatively, the first contact detected by the detection circuit might be a heating power contact, and the two ground connection terminals of the printhead chip are electrically connected to the ground contact via wiring. Therefore, the first contact and the second contact may not be the same contact point.

[0068] Of course, in the specific embodiments described above, the detection circuit 4 can be located in the wiring component 12 or in the printhead chip 11. When the printhead chip needs to be redesigned and re-fabricated, the detection circuit 4 can be directly located in the internal circuitry of the printhead chip 11 to save components. However, the design and re-fabrication of the printhead chip 11 is time-consuming and costly, especially for printhead chips that have already been designed and fabricated. Therefore, the detection circuit 4 is preferably located in the wiring component 12. However, this application does not exclude the option of locating the detection circuit 4 on the printhead chip side.

[0069] When the detection circuit 4 is located on the electrical wiring component 12, to prevent interference with the operation of the printhead chip 11, it is preferably located on the first side of the ink cartridge 1, i.e., the side where the contact point 123 is located. Furthermore, since this method involves repairing the existing printhead chip, the original ink cartridge needs modification to ensure proper assembly and prevent interference after the detection circuit is added. Therefore, to reduce ink cartridge processing, lower costs, and improve repair time, the detection circuit 4 is preferably located on the first side and close to the second side. Many existing ink cartridges have a groove between the first and second sides, and the detection circuit can be placed in this groove without affecting the normal assembly of the ink cartridge or requiring a groove design. Alternatively, the electrical wiring component may be bent and located on both the first and second sides. In this case, the bent area of ​​the electrical wiring component appears at the junction of the first and second sides, and the bent area generally arches outwards. This space is sufficient to accommodate the detection circuit, thus not affecting the normal assembly of the ink cartridge or requiring a groove design. Therefore, it is preferable to place the detection circuit on the first surface and close to the second surface.

[0070] Of course, if the ink cartridge is newly manufactured, or if some ink cartridges do not have a groove between the first and second sides, a receiving area for accommodating the detection circuit can be provided on the ink cartridge body.

[0071] In one specific embodiment, the electrical wiring component is provided with at least one non-contact terminal, which does not contact the contact pin. See [link to documentation]. Figure 3Non-contact terminal 126 is a terminal that does not contact the contact pins. This terminal is used for modifying or burning data to the memory and is not used in the data reading, writing, or printing operations of the imaging device. Whether it is in contact or not does not affect the normal use of the ink cartridge. Therefore, it does not belong to the contact points mentioned above. Contact points must make contact with the contact pins of the imaging device. Poor contact can lead to a series of problems. However, this non-contact terminal is used by ink cartridge manufacturers, chip manufacturers, rework manufacturers, etc. Therefore, poor contact will not cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality because it is not a contact point required for normal operation. The advantage of this is that it will not cause erroneous operations or error messages, resulting in a better user experience.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge for installation in an imaging device, the imaging device comprising a plurality of styluses, characterized in that, The ink cartridge includes a printhead chip and an electrical wiring component. The ink cartridge has a first side and a second side. A first part of the electrical wiring component is disposed on the first side, and a second part of the electrical wiring component is disposed on the second side. The printhead chip is disposed on the second side. The first side is the side facing the stylus. The first side of the ink cartridge is provided with a plurality of contact points and an idle area. When the ink cartridge is installed in the imaging device, each contact point is electrically connected to the corresponding stylus to receive the signal sent by the stylus. The idle area is provided with the stylus at the corresponding position and the idle area is not electrically connected to the stylus. A plurality of the contact points are disposed on the first part of the electrical wiring component, the number of the contact points is less than the number of the styluses, and poor contact at each of the contact points will cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality; The ink cartridge also includes a detection circuit. The contact point includes a first contact point. The detection circuit is used to detect the electrical connection status between the first contact point and the stylus. When the electrical signal of the first contact point does not meet expectations, the imaging device indicates an abnormality. When the electrical signal at the first contact does not meet expectations, the detection circuit interferes with the signals at the other contact points to cause the imaging device to indicate an abnormality.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the same time, the electrical signal on the stylus that contacts the idle area is consistent with or deviates from the electrical signal received by at least one of the contact points by no more than 30% or has common signal characteristics.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the electrical signals received by the two first contacts being tested are different, it indicates that the expected result is not met.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The signals received by the contact points include a first power signal and a second power signal. The voltage of the second power signal is higher than that of the first power signal, and the signals received by the two first contact points are the second power signal.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The highest voltage of the second power supply signal is at least three times the highest voltage of the first power supply signal.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, If one of the two first contacts being tested receives an electrical signal while the other does not, it indicates that the expected result is not being met.

7. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The contacts corresponding to the idle area are: logic power contacts, and / or, ground contacts, and / or, data read / write contacts, and / or heating power contacts.

8. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The printhead chip includes multiple connection terminals, and the contact points include at least one second contact, which is electrically connected to at least two of the connection terminals.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The wiring near the contact point is a first line portion, and the width of the first line portion of at least one second contact point is greater than the width of the first line portion of at least one other contact point.

10. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The electrical wiring component is provided with at least one non-contact terminal, which does not contact the contact pin.

11. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The detection circuit is set separately from the printhead chip.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that, The detection circuit is disposed on the electrical wiring component and located on the first surface.

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that, The detection circuit is located on the first surface and close to the second surface.

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