Box chip and consumable box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a box chip and a consumable box, the box chip is installed on the consumable box, the first end of the consumable box is provided with a detection signal output element, the second end of the consumable box is provided with a driving force receiving part, and the detection signal output element cannot move along with the rotation of the driving force receiving part; the consumable box is detachably installed on the image forming device body, a signal receiving module is arranged in the image forming device, the box chip comprises a control end, the control end is fixed to one end of the box chip, and the control end is used for being connected with the detection signal output element; the control end outputs a control signal, and the control signal is used for controlling the detection signal output element to send out a detection signal; the detection signal comprises an optical signal or an electric signal; after the consumable box is installed on the image forming device, the signal receiving module receives the detection signal. The consumable box solves the problem that in the prior art, faults are prone to occurring when information of the consumable box is recognized.

Description

[0001] This application is required to be filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on July 18, 2024, application number:

[0002] Priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410969453.9 entitled "A Box-Chip and Consumable Box", and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422124896.6 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on August 29, 2024, entitled "A Box-Chip and Consumable Box", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to the field of printing and imaging technology, and in particular to a box chip and a consumable box. Background Technology

[0004] Printing equipment typically features replaceable consumable cartridges containing coloring materials used to create images and text, such as toner and ink. To record usage information and authenticate the cartridge's origin, a cartridge chip, often called a cartridge chip, is usually installed on the cartridge. This chip includes memory that stores usage information and authentication details of the consumable cartridge.

[0005] Whenever a new cartridge is loaded into the printer, the printer needs to know information such as the cartridge's model, capacity, and color. Typically, the printer obtains this information by communicating with the cartridge's chip. Alternatively, the printer can detect the cartridge's physical structure to identify related information, but these physical structures are often complex and prone to malfunction during printer testing. Utility Model Content

[0006] Embodiments of this utility model provide a box chip and a consumable box to solve the problem that the identification of consumable box information is prone to failure in the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, a cartridge chip is provided, which is mounted on a consumable cartridge. A detection signal output element is provided at a first end of the consumable cartridge, and a driving force receiving unit is provided at a second end of the consumable cartridge. The detection signal output element does not move with the rotation of the driving force receiving unit. The consumable cartridge is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus body. A signal receiving module is provided within the image forming apparatus. The cartridge chip includes a control terminal connected to the detection signal output element. The control terminal outputs a control signal to control the detection signal output element to emit a detection signal. The detection signal includes an optical signal or an electrical signal.

[0008] After the consumable box is installed into the image forming apparatus, the signal receiving module receives the detection signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control terminal is connected to the grounding terminal of the consumable box, and the grounding terminal is used to connect to the conductive components of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] In some embodiments, a voltage detection unit is also included, the input of which is connected to the image forming apparatus; the output of which is connected to the control terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the detection signal output element includes a light-emitting element, the control terminal is connected to the light-emitting element, and the control terminal controls the operating state of the light-emitting element.

[0012] In some embodiments, a switch control unit is also included, wherein the control terminal is connected to the detection signal output element via the switch control unit; the switching on and off of the switch control unit is controlled by the control terminal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the box chip includes a first box chip and a second box chip, the input terminal of the second box chip is connected to the output terminal of the first box chip, and the control terminal of the second box chip is connected to the detection signal output element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second chip box further includes a power supply element connected to the detection signal output element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the switch control unit includes a transistor connected to the control terminal of the second housing chip; the transistor is turned on and off by the control terminal of the second housing chip.

[0016] In some implementations, the control signal includes one or more of the following: a single signal, a periodic signal, a long-duration signal, or an intermittent irregular signal.

[0017] Secondly, a consumable box is also provided, including the box chip and detection signal output element as described above.

[0018] This application provides a cartridge chip and a consumable cartridge. Through the cooperation of the cartridge chip and a detection signal output element, efficient identification of the consumable cartridge can be achieved. The control terminal outputs a control signal to control the detection signal output element to emit light or electrical signals, thereby simulating the detection process of traditional gears. By replacing the traditional mechanical structure with an electronic method, the design is simplified, reliability is improved, and the wear and failure risk of mechanical parts is reduced. The adjustability of the light or electrical signals helps the image forming device flexibly respond to the identification needs of different types of consumable cartridges, exhibiting high stability. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided by one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the box chip and the detection signal output element provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided by one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between a second chip and a detection signal output element provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5b A schematic diagram of the connection structure between another second chip and the detection signal output element provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6a A schematic diagram of the connection structure between a second chip and a conductive component of an image forming apparatus, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6b A schematic diagram of the connection structure between another second chip box and the conductive element of the image forming apparatus, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6c A schematic diagram of the connection structure between a second chip and a conductive element of an image forming apparatus, provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided by another embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided in yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario provided for another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0033] The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this utility model. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In commercially available systems, consumable cartridges are installed on image forming apparatuses, with a detection gear on one side of the cartridge. Upon startup, the image forming apparatus first detects the consumable cartridge. In one physical implementation of the detection gear, a conductive cylinder is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A sleeve with orthogonally perforated insulating ridges at both ends is fitted over the conductive cylinder. An elastic conductive element is then placed on the conductive cylinder, which rotates the sleeve, thus alternating between on and off states. In reality, the conductive cylinder is grounded, and the image forming apparatus identifies the physical structure of the consumable cartridge detection gear by monitoring whether the elastic conductive element is grounded. However, this structure is prone to failure due to metal fatigue of the elastic conductive element, which can prevent accurate identification of the consumable cartridge's physical structure and lead to malfunctions.

[0035] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a cartridge chip and a consumable cartridge to solve these technical issues. The image forming apparatus includes any device with printing capabilities or that uses inkjet printers, laser printers, LED (Light Emitting Diode) printers, copiers, or multifunction fax machines. The consumable cartridge is a frequently replaced component of the image forming apparatus, and the cartridge chip is a component of the consumable cartridge. The consumable cartridge can be an ink cartridge, toner cartridge, ribbon, etc., while the cartridge chip can be a chip generated from an ink cartridge, toner cartridge, or ribbon. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a printer, and the consumable cartridge is used as an example to illustrate the relevant content.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, this application provides a cartridge chip, which is mounted on a consumable cartridge. A detection signal output element is provided at a first end of the consumable cartridge, and a driving force receiving part is provided at a second end. The detection signal output element does not move with the rotation of the driving force receiving part. The consumable cartridge is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. A signal receiving module is provided within the image forming apparatus. The cartridge chip includes a control terminal connected to the detection signal output element. After the consumable cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the control terminal outputs a control signal. The control signal is used to control the detection signal output element to emit a detection signal, which includes an optical signal or an electrical signal. The signal receiving module of the image forming apparatus receives the detection signal to simulate the optical or electrical signal received when a consumable cartridge with detection gears is installed in the printer, and obtains relevant information about the consumable cartridge based on the optical or electrical signal.

[0038] Specifically, when the consumable cartridge is first installed into the image forming apparatus, the cartridge chip, upon detecting that the consumable cartridge is powered on, outputs a control signal through the control terminal according to a pre-set program. This control signal controls the detection signal output element to emit a light or electrical signal for a preset time and duration. The preset time and duration are set based on the configuration information related to the consumable cartridge stored in the cartridge chip. Upon receiving the detection signal, the image forming apparatus matches the consumable cartridge configuration information for the corresponding time and duration in the consumable cartridge configuration table to determine the configuration of the installed consumable cartridge. The printer can correctly identify the type, installation status, and usage of the consumable cartridge, thereby optimizing printer performance, preventing the use of incompatible or inferior consumable cartridges, and extending the lifespan of both the printer and the consumable cartridge.

[0039] After the image forming apparatus determines the configuration of the consumable cartridge, it outputs a driving force. A driving force receiver located at the second end of the consumable cartridge receives this driving force from the image forming apparatus to drive the internal components of the cartridge, such as the ink supply assembly, or to achieve the cartridge's installation and positioning. This driving force receiver can cooperate with the printer's drive mechanism via gears, latches, or other mechanical structures to ensure that the consumable cartridge can be correctly driven after installation.

[0040] The detection signal output element is located at the first end of the consumable box, and is distributed at both ends of the consumable box along with the driving force receiving part. Physical isolation or a fixed structure ensures that the detection signal output element will not move with the rotation of the driving force receiving part. The detection signal output element remains fixed, avoiding signal interference or component wear caused by mechanical movement, and ensuring stable transmission of optical or electrical signals.

[0041] In one implementation, the control signal can be a single signal, a periodic signal, a long-duration signal, or an intermittent irregular signal. A single signal refers to a control terminal issuing only one control signal of a first duration within a detection time period. Controlling the detection signal output element to issue a detection signal once at a specific moment using a single signal can simulate the situation where a traditional detection gear rotates and undergoes a single change. A periodic signal involves the control terminal issuing control signals of a preset duration at the same time interval within a detection time period. This can simulate the pawl driving the lever to trigger repeatedly during the rotation of the detection gear, with the printer identifying the consumable cartridge's status through these periodic changes. A long-duration signal involves the control terminal issuing a control signal of a second duration within a detection time period, the second duration being longer than the first duration. This long-duration signal can simulate the continuous rotation of a traditional detection gear over a period of time, thereby identifying a specific consumable cartridge type. An intermittent irregular signal refers to the control terminal issuing at least two control signals of different durations within a detection time period. This can simulate irregular changes in the rotation of the detection gear, such as the detection gear encountering an obstacle during rotation, causing intermittent changes in the detection signal. This is suitable for simulating aging consumable cartridges or cartridges that have been used multiple times. By controlling changes in the control signal to change the detection signal, different detection gear states are simulated, thereby improving the accuracy and flexibility of the printer in recognizing consumable boxes.

[0042] For example, after the consumable cartridge is inserted into the printer, the cartridge chip is powered on. Two seconds after power-on, a single control signal lasting 0.3 seconds is output. This control signal causes the detection signal output element to activate, emitting a corresponding optical or electrical signal. After the control signal ends, the detection signal output element is deactivated. Upon receiving the 0.3-second optical or electrical signal, the printer's signal receiving module determines, through the consumable cartridge configuration table, that this consumable cartridge is a brand new, high-capacity consumable cartridge. This method simulates the insertion of a brand new consumable cartridge with a detection gear and ratchet mechanism into the printer, indicating that the consumable cartridge is a brand new, high-capacity consumable cartridge.

[0043] In another implementation, 2 seconds after the cartridge chip is powered on, the control terminal of the cartridge chip outputs a 0.3-second control signal, causing the detection signal output element to emit a 0.3-second detection signal. After the control signal ends, the detection signal output element stops working. After a 1-second interval, the control terminal of the cartridge chip outputs another 0.3-second control signal, causing the detection signal output element to emit a 0.3-second detection signal again. After the control signal ends, the detection signal output element stops working. This method simulates the situation when a brand-new consumable cartridge with two detection gears and pawls is loaded into the printer, indicating that this consumable cartridge is a brand-new low-capacity consumable cartridge. In yet another case, after the chip is powered on, it never outputs a control signal, and the detection signal output element does not emit a detection signal. This method simulates the situation when an old consumable cartridge is loaded into the printer.

[0044] As the configuration information of the consumable cartridge increases, the configuration information provided to the printer by the physical structure of the detection gear is limited. However, this application can transmit corresponding detection signals through different control signals, such as frequency, duration, and time, thereby enabling the transmission of more useful configuration information, such as consumable capacity and consumable type, to the printer via the consumable cartridge.

[0045] In some implementations, the cell chip can be an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chip. ASIC chips are not easily modified after design, making it more difficult to change their internal control logic. To allow for more flexible control of the detection signal output elements, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the box chip includes a first box chip and a second box chip. The input terminal of the second box chip is connected to the output terminal of the first box chip, and the control terminal of the second box chip is connected to the detection signal output element.

[0046] The first chip provides the consumable box with identification and status information, while the second chip monitors the communication status of the first chip. Upon detecting that the first chip is powered on, the second chip outputs a corresponding control signal based on the actual situation, causing the detection signal output element to operate.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the second chip can monitor the communication status of the first chip by monitoring the clock signal line SCL of the first chip. For example, the I / O port of the second chip can be connected to the SCL of the first chip. When the second chip detects a clock signal on the SCL of the first chip, it determines that the first chip has started communicating with the printer. In other implementations, the second chip can also identify that the consumable cartridge has been inserted into the printer and that the first chip has started communicating with the printer by monitoring the signals on the power line VCC or data line SDA of the first chip.

[0048] In some implementations, because the power of the detection signal output element is relatively high, the power obtained from the first chip box is insufficient to drive the detection signal output element to reach the predetermined operating state. To ensure sufficient power to the detection signal output element, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the second chip box may further include a power supply element. When the second chip box determines that the detection signal output element needs to enter a working state, the power supply element provides power to the detection signal output element, driving the detection signal output element to reach a preset working state and emit a preset detection signal. Specifically, a switch control unit may be provided between the power supply element and the detection signal output element. The second chip box outputs a control signal to close the switch control unit, causing the power supply element to supply power to the detection signal output element. Here, the power supply element may be an energy storage element such as a battery or capacitor, and is not limited in this application.

[0049] In some implementations, such as Figure 5a As shown (first chip box omitted), when the second chip box has strong I / O port driving capability, it can directly drive the detection signal output element. When the second chip box has weak I / O port driving capability, such as... Figure 5b As shown, a switch control unit is provided, and the control terminal is connected to the detection signal output element through the switch control unit; the switching of the switch control unit is controlled by the control terminal. The switch control unit may be equipped with a transistor, and the transistor is connected to the control terminal of the second box chip; the control terminal of the second box chip controls the conduction and cutoff of the transistor, thereby controlling the detection signal output element to emit a preset detection signal.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment also provides a cartridge chip, the control signal output by which the cartridge chip is used to control the generation of electrical signals. The cartridge chip also includes a switch control unit, one end of which is connected to the control terminal, and the other end of which is connected to the grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge. The grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge is connected to a conductive component of the image forming device body through the switch control unit.

[0052] When the consumable cartridge is inserted into the printer, the grounding terminal is connected to a conductive component on one side of the printer via a switch control unit. The cartridge chip provides configuration information of the consumable cartridge through the control terminal as needed, and outputs control signals through the control terminal as required. The control signals are used to control the switch control unit to close or open, so that an electrical signal of a preset duration is emitted at a preset time. The grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge has a grounding function.

[0053] like Figure 6aAs shown, the printer's conductive components are in contact with the grounding terminal (not shown) on the consumable cartridge. A switch control unit connects the grounding terminal on the consumable cartridge to the actual ground terminal GND. The grounding terminal only has true grounding capability when the control signal controls the detection signal output element to emit an electrical signal, i.e., after the control switch control unit is turned on. When the switch is not turned on, the grounding terminal is in a floating state. After the cartridge chip is detected to be powered on, a control signal is output from the preset program control terminal to turn on the switch control unit. The output control signal has a preset time and preset duration relative to the power-on time of the cartridge chip. These preset time and preset duration can be set according to the information related to the consumable cartridge stored in the cartridge chip. The image forming apparatus obtains the configuration information of the consumable cartridge through the grounding time and grounding duration of the grounding terminal.

[0054] By controlling the grounding relationship between the grounding terminal and the printer's elastic conductive parts through a switch control unit, the grounding changes during gear rotation are simulated, thereby simulating the gear's motion process. By implementing the grounding modes corresponding to different control signals as described in Example 1, the printer can simulate the states of different types of consumable cartridges and make corresponding identifications, thereby improving the accuracy and adaptability of identification and optimizing printer performance.

[0055] Accordingly, when the box chip uses an ASIC chip, the box chip may include a first box chip and a second box chip. The input terminal of the second box chip is connected to the output terminal of the first box chip, and the control terminal of the second box chip is connected to the switch control unit. The first box chip provides the consumable box's identity information, status information, etc., while the second box chip is used to monitor the communication status of the first box chip. After detecting that the first box chip is powered on, a corresponding control signal is output according to the actual situation, causing the switch control unit to conduct, and the grounding terminal of the consumable box realizes the corresponding grounding function according to the control signal.

[0056] The second chip can monitor the communication status of the first chip by monitoring the clock signal line (SCL) of the first chip. For example, the I / O port of the second chip can be connected to the SCL of the first chip. When the second chip detects a clock signal on the SCL of the first chip, it determines that the first chip has started communicating with the printer. In other implementations, the second chip can also identify that the consumable cartridge has been inserted into the printer and that the first chip has started communicating with the printer by monitoring the signals on the power line (VCC) or data line (SDA) of the first chip.

[0057] In some implementations, when the switching power controlled by the switch control unit is high, the power obtained from the first chip box is insufficient to drive the switch to the predetermined operating state. To ensure sufficient power, such as... Figure 6bAs shown, the second chip box may also include a power supply element. When the second chip box determines that the switch needs to be closed, the power supply element provides power to the switch, driving the switch to close or open and emitting a preset detection signal. Specifically, a switch control unit may be provided between the power supply element and the switch. The second chip box outputs a control signal to close the switch control unit, causing the power supply element to supply power to the detection signal output element. Here, the power supply element can be an energy storage element such as a battery or capacitor, and is not limited in this application.

[0058] In some implementations, when the I / O port driving capability of the second chip is strong, the control terminal of the second chip can be directly configured to control the switch between the elastic conductive element and the ground terminal, so that the ground terminal of the consumable box is grounded with the image forming apparatus. Or, as... Figure 6c As shown, a ground signal is directly input from the IO port of the second chip to ground the conductive parts of the image forming device, thereby simulating the detection of gear rotation after the consumable box is loaded into the printer.

[0059] When the I / O port driving capability of the second chip is weak, the switch control unit can be equipped with a transistor, and the control terminal is connected to the ground terminal through the transistor; the switching of the transistor is controlled by the control terminal, thereby issuing a preset electrical signal.

[0060] Furthermore, when grounding the printer's conductive parts is achieved by directly outputting a ground signal through the I / O port of the second chip, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the second chip box includes a power supply element, a voltage detection unit, and a switch control unit. The input terminal of the voltage detection unit is used to connect to the image forming apparatus; the output terminal of the voltage detection unit is used to connect to the control terminal. The switch control unit can be controlled by the first I / O port of the second chip box to switch on, so that the ground terminal is actually connected to the ground signal. In order to accurately identify the ground terminal on the consumable cartridge that is electrically connected to the conductive parts of the printer, the second I / O port of the second chip box can be connected to the ground terminal on the consumable cartridge via the voltage detection unit, thereby converting the voltage of the conductive parts received from the ground terminal into a recognizable electrical signal provided by the second chip box.

[0061] Because this conductive component has a high voltage, typically in the range of 150-450V, directly inputting a high-voltage signal to the second chip would damage it. Therefore, a step-down circuit is included in the voltage detection unit to reduce the high voltage to a range that the second chip can recognize.

[0062] In another implementation, the first and second I / O ports of the second chip can be the same I / O port, which connects the switch and the grounding terminal of the consumable box.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] In commercially available printers, a consumable cartridge is installed on the image forming apparatus, with a detection gear on one side of the cartridge. When the printer starts, it first detects the consumable cartridge. The detection gear has a pawl; upon receiving driving force from the image forming apparatus, the detection gear drives the pawl to rotate. Inside the image forming apparatus, on the side corresponding to the detection gear, there is a lever component. One end of the lever component reciprocates once with each movement of the pawl. The other end of the lever component has a light-blocking part. By default, the light-blocking part blocks the light path between the light sensor pairs. At the maximum displacement of each reciprocating movement of the lever component, the light-blocking part moves to a position where the light sensor on the image forming apparatus side can receive the light signal. Because the detection gear does not have teeth on its entire rotation, after a new consumable cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus and the initial detection is completed, the position of the detection gear will be fixed and will no longer be driven by driving force.

[0065] Different consumable cartridges have different numbers, positions, and angles of pawls on their detection gears. When a new consumable cartridge is installed in the printer, the response of the light sensor detected by the image forming device also varies, allowing the printer to identify information related to the consumable cartridge. However, this structure is relatively complex and prone to malfunction when the printer is working or when the consumable cartridge is being replaced, making it impossible to accurately identify the relevant information of the consumable cartridge.

[0066] To solve the above problems, based on Example 1, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, this application provides a cartridge chip, the control signal output by the cartridge chip being used to control the light-emitting element to emit a light signal. When the consumable cartridge is first installed in the printer, the cartridge chip communicates with the printer for the first time, and according to the preset information, it controls the light-emitting element to emit light within a predetermined time to simulate the light signal received by the printer's light sensor when a consumable cartridge with monitoring gears is installed in the printer.

[0067] Specifically, when the consumable cartridge is first installed in the printer, the cartridge chip detects that the cartridge is powered on and outputs a control signal through the control terminal according to a pre-set program. This control signal controls the light-emitting element to emit a light signal for a preset time and duration. This preset time and duration are set based on the configuration information related to the consumable cartridge stored in the cartridge chip. Upon receiving the light signal, the printer matches the consumable cartridge configuration information with the preset time and duration to determine the configuration of the installed consumable cartridge. The printer can correctly identify the type, installation status, and usage of the consumable cartridge, thereby optimizing printer performance, preventing the use of incompatible or inferior consumable cartridges, and extending the lifespan of both the printer and the consumable cartridge.

[0068] For example, after the consumable cartridge is inserted into the printer, the cartridge chip is powered on. Two seconds after power-on, a single control signal lasting 0.3 seconds is output. This control signal causes the light-emitting element to activate and emit a corresponding light signal. After the control signal ends, the light-emitting element turns off. Upon receiving the light signal, the printer's signal receiving module determines, through the consumable cartridge configuration table, that this consumable cartridge is a brand new, high-capacity consumable cartridge. This method simulates the situation when a brand new consumable cartridge with a detection gear and ratchet is inserted into the printer, indicating that this consumable cartridge is a brand new, high-capacity consumable cartridge.

[0069] In another implementation, 2 seconds after the cartridge chip is powered on, the control terminal of the cartridge chip outputs a 0.3-second control signal, causing the light-emitting element to emit a 0.3-second detection signal. After the control signal ends, the light-emitting element stops working. After a 1-second interval, the control terminal of the cartridge chip outputs another 0.3-second control signal, causing the light-emitting element to emit a 0.3-second detection signal again. After the control signal ends, the light-emitting element stops working. This method simulates the situation when a brand-new consumable cartridge with two detection gears and pawls is loaded into the printer, indicating that this consumable cartridge is a brand-new low-capacity consumable cartridge. In yet another case, after the chip is powered on, no control signal is output, and the light-emitting element does not emit a detection signal. This method simulates the situation when an old consumable cartridge is loaded into the printer.

[0070] As the configuration information of the consumable cartridge increases, the configuration information provided to the printer by detecting the physical structure of the gears is limited. However, this application can emit corresponding light signals through different control signals, such as frequency, duration, and time, thereby enabling the transmission of more useful configuration information, such as consumable capacity and consumable type, to the printer via the consumable cartridge.

[0071] Accordingly, when the box chip uses an ASIC chip, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cartridge chip may include a first cartridge chip and a second cartridge chip. The input terminal of the second cartridge chip is connected to the output terminal of the first cartridge chip, and the control terminal of the second cartridge chip is connected to the light-emitting element. The first cartridge chip provides the cartridge's identity information, status information, etc., while the second cartridge chip monitors the communication status of the first cartridge chip. After detecting that the first cartridge chip is powered on, the second cartridge chip outputs a corresponding control signal according to the actual situation, causing the light-emitting element to conduct and emit a corresponding preset light signal.

[0072] Example 4

[0073] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a consumable box, which includes the box chip and detection signal output element in the above embodiments, and the consumable box is installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0074] In some implementations, the consumable box includes a grounding terminal, and the control terminal of the box chip can be directly or indirectly connected to the grounding terminal.

[0075] The specific contents of the consumable box can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] This application achieves efficient identification of consumable boxes through the cooperation of a box chip and a detection signal output element. The control unit outputs control signals to control the detection signal output element to emit light or electrical signals, thereby simulating the detection process of traditional gears. By replacing the traditional mechanical structure with an electronic approach, the design is simplified, reliability is improved, and the wear and failure risk of mechanical parts is reduced. The adjustability of the light or electrical signals allows the image forming device to flexibly respond to the identification needs of different types of consumable boxes, exhibiting high stability.

[0077] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cartridge chip mounted on a consumable cartridge, a first end of the consumable cartridge being provided with a detection signal output element, a second end of the consumable cartridge being provided with a driving force receiving portion, the detection signal output element not being movable with rotation of the driving force receiving portion; the consumable cartridge being detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus body, the image forming apparatus being provided with a signal receiving module, characterized in that, The cartridge chip comprises a control terminal connected to the detection signal output element; the control terminal outputs a control signal for controlling the detection signal output element to emit a detection signal; the detection signal comprises an optical signal or an electrical signal. After the consumable cartridge is installed to the image forming apparatus, the signal receiving module receives the detection signal.

2. The cartridge chip of claim 1, wherein, The control terminal is connected to a grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge, and the grounding terminal is used to connect a conductive part of the image forming apparatus.

3. The cartridge chip of claim 2, wherein, The control terminal is connected to a grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge, and the grounding terminal is used to connect a conductive part of the image forming apparatus.

4. The cartridge chip of claim 1, wherein, The detection signal output element comprises a light emitting element, and the control terminal is connected to the light emitting element to control the working state of the light emitting element.

5. The cartridge chip of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The control terminal is connected to a grounding terminal of the consumable cartridge, and the grounding terminal is used to connect a conductive part of the image forming apparatus.

6. The cartridge chip of claim 5, wherein, The cartridge chip comprises a first cartridge chip and a second cartridge chip, the input terminal of the second cartridge chip is connected to the output terminal of the first cartridge chip, and the control terminal of the second cartridge chip is connected to the detection signal output element.

7. The cartridge chip of claim 6, wherein, The second cartridge chip further comprises a power supply element connected to the detection signal output element.

8. The cartridge chip of claim 6, wherein, The switch control unit comprises a triode, and the control terminal of the second cartridge chip is connected to the triode; the conduction and non-conduction of the triode are controlled by the control terminal of the second cartridge chip.

9. The cartridge chip of claim 1, wherein, The control signal comprises one or more of the following: single signal, periodic signal, long time signal, intermittent irregular signal.

10. A consumable cartridge, characterized by, The cartridge chip and the detection signal output element as claimed in claims 1-9 are provided.

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