An ink cartridge

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ink box, the ink box is detachably installed to the mounting portion of printer and includes the casing with the joint end, the joint end has the chip, the export part and the locked part, the chip has the ground contact, the mounting portion has the locking mechanism with the locked part cooperation, the ink box still includes the electrically conductive member of ground contact and locking mechanism electric connection, the electrically conductive member includes the first section and the second section of alternate arrangement, the extension direction of first section has the second direction component, the extension direction of second section has the third direction component, the first section and the second section are arranged between ground contact and locking mechanism, and the electrically conductive member has the contact portion with locking mechanism and the abutting portion with the chip. The electrically conductive member of the ink box can be set around the export part, and the plurality of intersecting sections constituting the electrically conductive member can effectively inhibit the conduction of the external force applied by the locking mechanism to the electrically conductive member to the chip, preventing the external force from interfering with the electrical connection between the electrically conductive member and the chip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing consumables technology, specifically to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, the chip used in ink cartridges is typically grounded by contacting a corresponding contact pin via a grounding terminal, thus preventing excessive current from damaging the printing equipment. However, this grounding method can fail or become unstable due to bending and deformation of the contact pins over long-term use, or wear and oxidation of the grounding terminal. Another method uses a conductive component on the ink cartridge side to connect with a metal component inside the printer to ground the chip. However, during installation, the metal component applies external force to the ink cartridge, and interference issues arise between the metal component and other components of the ink cartridge. Furthermore, in the installed state, the chip / ink outlet and the metal component overlap in the width direction of the ink cartridge, making it difficult to install a conductive component for this type of grounding solution. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a solution for grounding the chip by connecting it to the metal components inside the printer through a conductive component in the above-mentioned situation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an ink cartridge that can be detachably installed on the mounting part of a printer, the mounting part including a movable locking mechanism.

[0005] The ink cartridge includes a housing with a connecting end in a first direction. The connecting end has a chip, an output portion, and a locked portion that cooperates with a locking mechanism. In a second direction, the output portion is located between the chip and the locked portion.

[0006] The chip has a grounding contact, and the ink cartridge has a conductive component that electrically connects the grounding contact to the locking mechanism. The conductive component includes an alternately arranged first segment and a second segment. The extension direction of the first segment has a second directional component, and the extension direction of the second segment has a third directional component. The first segment and the second segment are disposed between the grounding contact and the locking mechanism. The conductive component has a contact portion that abuts against the locking mechanism and an abutting portion that abuts against the chip.

[0007] The first direction is the installation direction of the ink cartridge, the second direction is the direction of the plumb bob, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0008] As can be seen from the above scheme, during the ink cartridge installation and removal process, the locking mechanism moves under the drive of the ink cartridge and interferes with the conductive component. When the ink cartridge is installed on the mounting part, the locking mechanism applies a certain external force to the conductive component. Setting the conductive component to have multiple intersecting segments can effectively suppress the transmission of the external force applied to the conductive component by the locking mechanism to the chip, preventing external force from interfering with the electrical connection between the conductive component and the chip. It also allows the conductive component to bypass the output part, making the arrangement of the conductive component more reasonable and increasing the protection around the output part.

[0009] A further option is to position the first and second sections between the contact position of the contact portion and the locking mechanism and the contact position of the abutment portion and the chip.

[0010] As can be seen from the above scheme, the positioning of the first and second sections can more effectively suppress the transmission of external force applied to the conductive parts by the locking mechanism to the chip.

[0011] A further option is that the contact portion and the abutment portion are located at the end of the first section or the second section, and in the third direction, the projected portions of the chip, the lead-out portion and the locked portion overlap.

[0012] As can be seen from the above scheme, since the projections of the chip, the output part and the locked part overlap at least partially in the third direction, and the output part is located between the chip and the locked part, the conductive element is set around the output part and extends from the area where the chip is located to the area near the locked part. Introducing the second segment can enable the conductive element to be set around the output part, and introducing the first segment can ensure that the conductive element has sufficient extension in the second direction and stable contact with the locking mechanism.

[0013] A further embodiment is that the conductive element includes a fixed portion that is fixedly connected to the housing, and the fixed portion is at least partially attached to the surface of the housing.

[0014] As can be seen from the above scheme, the introduction of a fixed part that is fixedly connected to the housing helps to improve the overall connection stability between the conductive component and the housing. The fixed part is attached to the surface of the housing and can get sufficient support to ensure the connection stability with the housing.

[0015] A further design includes an ink bag inside the housing for storing ink, which is connected to the output section. The housing also includes an empty space that does not contain the ink bag, and the positioning section is at least partially located within the empty space.

[0016] As can be seen from the above scheme, the interior of the housing only stores ink in the ink bag and has empty space. Therefore, a fixed part can be set in the empty space inside. Specifically, it can be attached to the inner surface of the housing or fixedly connected to the inner side of the housing through several points. Such a fixed part can be protected by the housing.

[0017] A further embodiment is that the conductive component includes a movable part that can move relative to the housing, the movable part being located on the second direction side of the housing, and a contact part being disposed on the movable part; the movable part is disposed between the fixed part and the locking mechanism, and the fixed part and the locking mechanism are electrically connected through the movable part.

[0018] As can be seen from the above scheme, only conductive components with fixed positions can achieve chip grounding through contact with specific parts of the locking mechanism. By introducing movable components, contact between conductive components and other parts of the locking mechanism can be achieved, thereby increasing the freedom of setting conductive components.

[0019] A further embodiment is that the locking mechanism includes a rocker arm and a reset member. The rocker arm is capable of moving upward in a third direction, the reset member is used to reset the rocker arm and is capable of deforming in a first direction, and the contact portion is capable of cooperating with the rocker arm or the reset member and is capable of elastic deformation in a second direction.

[0020] As can be seen from the above scheme, the conductive component can ensure reliable grounding of the chip by contacting both the lever and the reset component, but the arrangement will differ. The contact portion that can elastically deform in the second direction has an elastic force in the second direction when it abuts against the lever or the reset component. This elastic force helps to improve the electrical connection stability between the conductive component and the locking mechanism.

[0021] A further embodiment is that the locking mechanism includes a movable rocker arm with a protrusion at the movable end, and a locking part that engages with the protrusion. The locking part is located on the second direction side of the engagement end, and the contact part is at least partially located inside the locking part, and the contact part contacts the protrusion.

[0022] As can be seen from the above solution, by at least partially enclosing the movable contact part within the locked part, the locked part can provide a certain degree of protection for it in the second and third directions, and the accidental drop and collision of the ink cartridge will not easily cause damage or deformation to the contact part.

[0023] A further embodiment is that the conductive element includes at least two alternating first segments and at least two second segments, the conductive element bypasses the outlet through the second segments, the second segments extend in a third direction, and the conductive element extends in a second direction through the first segments.

[0024] A further embodiment is that the ink cartridge has a locked portion that is fixed to the locking mechanism; in the second direction, at least a portion of the contact portion overlaps with the main slot located on the side of the locked portion in the first direction.

[0025] A further embodiment is that a first section and a second section near the locking mechanism are both suspended; the conductive element abuts against the locking mechanism at its second direction end; the chip also has a terminal group that can contact the pin of the mounting part and achieve electrical connection; the terminal group and the grounding contact are respectively disposed on two opposite surfaces; in the second direction, at least a portion of the contact portion extends beyond the housing; the abutting portion does not extend beyond the housing.

[0026] This utility model also provides an ink cartridge that can be detachably installed on the mounting part of a printer. The mounting part includes a movable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be driven to move during the installation and removal of the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge includes a shell and a conductive bracket. A chip and a locked part that cooperates with the locking mechanism are provided on the conductive bracket. A grounding contact is provided on the chip. A conductive line on the conductive bracket corresponding to the grounding of the chip extends from the part of the conductive bracket that contacts the grounding contact to the locked part.

[0027] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are: the conductive component can bypass the ink supply section to electrically connect the chip and the locking mechanism, and both ends of the conductive component have good connection stability with the locking mechanism and the chip, thereby ensuring reliable grounding of the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the mounting part of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the first mating state of the ink cartridge locking part and the protrusion part of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the second mating state of the ink cartridge locking part and the protrusion part of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the third mating state of the ink cartridge locking part and the protrusion part of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the electrical connection part of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a front view of the chip structure of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the back of the chip in the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram showing the fit between the ink cartridge embodiment two and the mounting part of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the joint end of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a bottom structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram showing the interaction between the conductive components, chip, and lever in Embodiment 2 of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of the joint end of the ink cartridge of this utility model, embodiment three.

[0044] Figure 16 This is an exploded structural diagram of embodiment four of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 17 This is a partial structural diagram of the conductive support of the ink cartridge of this utility model, in a modified embodiment four.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram of the inner side of the conductive support in a modified embodiment four of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of the bottom of the conductive support of a modified embodiment four of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Mounting part; 101. First sidewall; 110. Receiving cavity; 120. Electrical connection part; 121. Contact pin; 130. Ink supply part; 140. Locking mechanism; 141. Swing arm; 142. Reset part; 143. Protrusion; 150. Main spring; 200. Ink cartridge; 210. Housing; 220. Chip; 221. Grounding contact; 222. Terminal; 222a. First terminal; 222b. Second terminal; 222c. Third terminal; 222d. Fourth terminal ; 223, wafer; 230, lead-out section; 240, locked section; 241, main groove; 242, guide protrusion; 242a, oblique side; 242b, recessed section; 243, limiting ramp; 243a, inclined surface; 250, ink bag; 260, conductive component; 261, first section; 262, second section; 263, fixed section; 264, movable section; 265, contact section; 266, abutment section; 270, conductive support; 271, perforation; 280, conductive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] It should be understood that the following content only illustrates some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0051] The following is a brief description of the mounting part 100 corresponding to the ink cartridge 200 provided by this utility model and the installation method of the ink cartridge 200.

[0052] In the accompanying drawings, the X-axis represents the installation direction of the ink cartridge 200 (first direction), the Z-axis represents the direction of the plumb bob (gravity) (second direction), and the Y-axis represents the arrangement direction of a group of multiple ink cartridges 200 (third direction). The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. Specifically, the direction along which the ink cartridge 200 is installed and advanced is the +X-axis direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of installation and advancement is the -X-axis direction; the direction in which gravity acts is the +Z-axis direction, and the direction opposite to the direction in which gravity acts is the -Z-axis direction; the mounting part 100 has a first sidewall 101. The ink cartridge 200 closest to the first sidewall 101 in the ink cartridge group is taken as the starting installation point. The direction extending from this starting point away from the first sidewall 101 as the ink cartridges 200 are defined as the +Y-axis direction, and the direction opposite to this extension direction is the -Y-axis direction.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 14As shown, this application provides an ink cartridge 200 that can be detachably installed into a mounting portion 100 of a printer. The mounting portion 100 has a receiving cavity 110 for accommodating a group of multiple ink cartridges 200 filled with different colors of ink. In this embodiment, a receiving cavity 110 accommodating a group of four ink cartridges 200 is used as an example. The receiving cavity 110 is provided with an electrical connection portion 120, an ink supply portion 130, and a movable locking mechanism 140. The number of the electrical connection portion 120, the ink supply portion 130, and the locking mechanism 140 within the receiving cavity 110 matches the number of ink cartridges 200 installed within the receiving cavity 110. The electrical connection portion 120 is used for electrical connection with the ink cartridges 200 to achieve communication interaction. The ink supply portion 130 is used for supplying ink to the printer. The locking mechanism 140 is used for fixing the ink cartridges 200 within the receiving cavity 110. The locking mechanism 140 is made of metal, and conductive components can be grounded by contacting the locking mechanism 140. The locking mechanism 140 includes a rocker arm 141 that can swing along the Y-axis direction (i.e., the third direction) and a reset member 142 for resetting the rocker arm 141. In this embodiment, the reset member 142 is configured as a spring that can elastically deform in the X-axis direction (i.e., the first direction).

[0054] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the ink cartridge 200 includes a housing 210, a chip 220 that mates with an electrical connection portion 120, an outlet portion 230 that engages with an ink supply portion 130, and a locked portion 240 that mates with a locking mechanism 140. The housing 210 has an engagement end at its X-axis direction end, and the chip 220, outlet portion 230, and locked portion 240 are all disposed on the engagement end. During the installation and removal of the ink cartridge 200, the locked portion 240 can drive the locking mechanism 140 to move. In the Z-axis direction (i.e., the second direction), the outlet portion 230 is located between the chip 220 and the locked portion 240, and the outlet portion 230 protrudes beyond the chip 220 and the locked portion 240 in the +X-axis direction; in the Y-axis direction, the projected portions of the chip 220, outlet portion 230, and locked portion 240 overlap. The housing 210 is provided with an ink bag 250 for storing ink. The ink bag 250 is connected to the outlet section 230. At the same time, the housing 210 is also provided with an empty area that does not contain the ink bag 250.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figures 4-6As shown, a main spring 150 that can deform along the X-axis is provided near the ink supply part 130 inside the accommodating cavity 110. A protrusion 143 is provided on the -Z-axis side of the movable end of the rocker arm 141. The locking part 240 is a slot provided on the Z-axis side of the joint end of the housing 210. The slot achieves fixed installation of the ink cartridge 200 by cooperating with the protrusion 143. The slot includes a main groove 241. A guide protrusion 242 is provided on the bottom wall of the main groove 241 at the -X-axis side. A limiting ramp 243 is provided on the +Y-axis side of the guide protrusion 242. The Z-axis side surface of the limiting ramp 243 is a slope 243a, and the +X-axis side end of the slope 243a is located on the Z-axis side of the -X-axis side end of the slope 243a.

[0056] like Figures 4-5 As shown, when installing the ink cartridge 200, it is inserted into the receiving cavity 110 along the +X axis direction. During this process, the protrusion 143 enters the channel of the main groove 241 located on the -Y axis side of the guide protrusion 242 and moves along the inclined side 242a of the guide protrusion 242 towards the -Y axis direction. At the same time, the rocker arm 141 swings accordingly towards the -Y axis direction, causing the reset member 142 to deform. Subsequently, the protrusion 143 passes over the inclined side 242a, the reset member 142 recovers part of its deformation, and drives the rocker arm 141 to swing towards the +Y axis direction, so that the protrusion 143 engages with the recess 242b of the guide protrusion 242 located on the -X axis direction side. At this time, the locking mechanism 140 and the locked part 240 are engaged and fixed. During the aforementioned process, the main spring 150 abuts against the engagement end and deforms along the X-axis, applying a force along the X-axis to the entire ink cartridge 200, thereby preventing the protrusion 143 from dislodging from the recess 242b. In this state, the chip 220 and the electrical connection part 120, and the outlet part 230 and the ink supply part 130 are also connected, meaning the ink cartridge 200 is in the installed state.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, when removing the ink cartridge 200, the user continues to push the ink cartridge 200 along the +X axis direction, causing the protrusion 143 to disengage from the recess 242b. At this time, the reset member 142 continues to restore its deformation, driving the swing arm 141 to swing towards the +Y axis direction. The protrusion 143 is located in the channel of the guide protrusion 242 on the +Y axis direction side and enters the main slot 241. The main spring 150 continues to apply a force in the -X axis direction to the entire ink cartridge 200, causing the protrusion 143 to move a certain distance along the inclined surface 243a. Subsequently, the user can pull out the ink cartridge 200 along the -X axis direction. After the protrusion 143 passes the +X axis direction end of the inclined surface 243a, the locking mechanism 140 no longer obstructs the removal of the ink cartridge 200.

[0058] If the ink cartridge 200 is grounded by contacting the grounding terminal on the chip 220 with the corresponding contact pin 121 on the electrical connection part 120, grounding failure or instability may occur due to bending and deformation of the contact pin 121 after long-term use, or wear and oxidation of the grounding terminal. Grounding by connecting the chip 220 on the ink cartridge 200 side to the metal components inside the printer via the conductive member 260 is more stable and reliable. The number of locking mechanisms 140 in the mounting part 100 matches the number of ink cartridges 200, and they can be considered as connection points for grounding the chip 220. When the cartridge 200 is installed, in the Z-axis direction, the output part 230 is located between the chip 220 and the locked part 240. In the Y-axis direction, the projected portions of the chip 220, the output part 230, and the locked part 240 overlap. The position of the locking mechanism 140 corresponds to the locked part 240. The conductive element 260 needs to be set to avoid / bypass the output part 230 and extend from the area where the chip 220 is located to the area near the locked part 240. Furthermore, the swing arm 141 and the reset element 142 of the locking mechanism 140 are both movable. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve reliable grounding of the chip 220 by setting a general conductive element.

[0059] like Figure 2 , Figure 9 As shown, a grounding contact 221 is provided on the chip 220, and a conductive member 260 is provided on the ink cartridge 200 to electrically connect the grounding contact 221 to the locking mechanism 140. The conductive member 260 abuts against the locking mechanism 140 at its Z-axis end. The conductive member 260 includes alternating first segments 261 and second segments 262. The extension direction of the first segment 261 has a Z-axis (second direction) component, and the extension direction of the second segment 262 has a Y-axis (third direction) component. The first segment 261 and the second segment 262 are disposed between the grounding contact 221 and the locking mechanism 140. The conductive member 260 has a contact portion 265 that abuts against the locking mechanism 140 and an abutting portion 266 that abuts against the chip 220.

[0060] On the one hand, the introduction of the second segment 262 allows the conductive element 260 to bypass the outlet portion 230, while the introduction of the first segment 261 ensures that the conductive element 260 has sufficient extension in the Z-axis direction and stable contact with the locking mechanism 140. On the other hand, during the installation and removal of the ink cartridge 200, the locking mechanism 140 moves under the drive of the ink cartridge 200 and interferes with the conductive element 260. Setting the conductive element 260 with multiple intersecting segments can effectively suppress the transmission of the external force applied to the conductive element 260 by the locking mechanism 140 to the chip 220. Specifically, during the transmission of the external force along the conductive element 260, it is decomposed at each turning point of the conductive element 260. The force distributed at the turning point further away from the locking mechanism 140 is smaller. Correspondingly, the force borne by the part of the conductive element 260 closer to the chip 220 is also smaller. The end of the conductive element 260 connected to the ground contact 221 in the -Z direction is less susceptible to the interference of the external force, thus the electrical connection between it and the chip 220 is more stable.

[0061] The first section 261 and the second section 262 are disposed between the contact position of the contact portion 265 and the contact position of the locking mechanism 140 and the contact position of the abutment portion 266 and the chip 220, so as to more effectively suppress the external force applied by the locking mechanism 140 to the conductive member 260 from being conducted to the chip 220.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, the electrical connection portion 120 can be a stylus holder with multiple stylus pins 121. The chip 220 also has a terminal group that can contact the stylus pins 121 and achieve electrical connection. The terminal group includes multiple terminals 222. The chip 220 also has a wafer 223 that is electrically connected to the multiple terminals 222 and the ground contact 221. The ink cartridge 200 achieves communication and interaction with the printer through the electrical connection between the chip 220 and the electrical connection portion 120. The chip 220 has a terminal group that abuts against the stylus pins 121 on a surface with a larger area. The ground contact 221 can be located at any position on a surface of the chip 220 opposite to the surface where the terminal group is located. There can be more than one ground contact 221 on the chip 220. In the following embodiments, the chip 220 has two ground contacts 221. The ground contact 221 can also be located on the same surface of the chip 220 as the terminal group, but it needs to be located away from the stylus pins 121 originally used to ground the chip 220. In this embodiment, the terminal group and the grounding contact 221 are respectively arranged on two opposite surfaces, which is beneficial to the arrangement and layout of the terminal group and the grounding contact 221, thereby increasing the design space for both and reducing the process complexity.

[0063] like Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the multiple terminals 222 of the terminal group specifically include a first terminal 222a (data terminal), a second terminal 222b (clock terminal), a third terminal 222c (power terminal) and a fourth terminal 222d (reset terminal).

[0064] First terminal 222a (data terminal): used for transmitting or receiving data signals, and also used for detecting a short circuit between the first terminal 222a and at least one of the second terminal 222b, the third terminal 222c or the fourth terminal 222d; Second terminal 222b (clock terminal): used to receive clock signals; The third terminal 222c (power terminal): is used to receive a power potential different from the ground potential, and provides power for the operation of the memory (not shown in the figure, which is the powered device on wafer 223) through this terminal; Terminal 4 222d (Reset Terminal): Used to receive a reset signal from the printer. For example, upon receiving a high reset voltage, the internal state of chip 220 is initialized or reset to prepare for receiving new request signals or performing subsequent operations. After the power supply voltage becomes high, the reset signal changes from low to high after a predetermined time.

[0065] Example 1 like Figures 2-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the conductive element 260 is disposed on the X-axis end face of the joint end of the housing 210. By connecting the grounding contact 221 to the lever 141, the chip 220 is grounded. The conductive element 260 has two alternately arranged second sections 262 and three first sections 261. The conductive element 260 bypasses the lead-out portion 230 through the two second sections 262, both of which extend along the Y direction. The conductive element 260 extends in the Z direction through the three first sections 261 and is in stable contact with the lever 141. The conductive element 260 with the above-described configuration can effectively suppress the external force applied to the conductive element 260 by the lever 141 from being conducted to the chip 220, prevent the external force of the lever 141 from interfering with the electrical connection between the conductive element 260 and the chip 220, and make the total length of the conductive element 260 relatively short.

[0066] The conductive component 260 includes a fixed portion 263 fixedly connected to the housing 210 and a movable portion 264 movable relative to the housing 210. The fixed portion 263 is at least partially attached to the surface of the housing 210. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first segment 261 located on the -Z axis direction side is fixedly disposed on the housing 210 and does not directly interact with the movable part on the printer side. It belongs to the fixed portion 263, and its part is partially fixedly attached to the housing 210, that is, attached to the surface of the housing 210. The contact portion 265 and the abutment portion 266 can be located at the end of the first segment 261 or the second segment 262. In this embodiment, the contact portion 265 is located at the end of the first segment 261 on the +Z axis direction side. When the ink cartridge 200 is installed, this end stably abuts against the lever 141 to achieve a stable electrical connection. The abutment portion 266 is located at the end of the first segment 261 on the -Z axis direction side. This end abuts against the ground contact 221, completing the electrical connection between the conductive component 260 and the chip 220. Alternatively, the abutment portion 266 can also be located near the end or in the middle of the second segment 262. In this embodiment, the first section 261 located near the outlet 230 is completely attached to the housing 210 and belongs to the fixed section 263; the part of the first section 261 located on the +Z axis direction side that is attached to the housing 210 belongs to the fixed section 263. The first section 261 also has a part that is suspended for contact with the swing arm 141. This part belongs to the movable section 264 and is also the contact part 265 that cooperates with the swing arm 141. The contact part 265 can undergo elastic deformation in the Z axis direction, thereby ensuring that it can stably contact the swing arm 141 when the ink cartridge 200 is installed, which helps to improve the grounding stability of the chip 220. In addition, part of the contact portion 265 extends toward the -X axis direction and into the slot (specifically the main slot 241) which serves as the locking portion 240. The slot can provide certain protection for this part of the contact portion 265 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Accidental drops and collisions of the ink cartridge 200 are less likely to cause damage or deformation to the contact portion 265, thus making it less likely to affect the grounding of the chip 220.

[0067] The conductive element 260 also includes two second segments 262 extending along the Y-axis, thereby staggering the three first segments 261 in the Y-direction and thus avoiding the outlet portion 230. The housing 210 also has a groove 211 on the X-axis end face of the joint end for limiting the conductive element 260, facilitating its fixation. The conductive element 260 can be attached to the housing 210 by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, injection molding, welding, fusion welding, etc.

[0068] It should be noted that the extension direction of the first segment 261 does not need to be parallel to the Z-axis direction, only that it has a Z-axis component; similarly, the extension direction of the second segment 262 does not need to be parallel to the Y-axis direction, only that it has a Y-axis component. Both can be flexibly set according to the local shape of the housing 210. The conductive component 260 can be made of a flexible metal material, or other known materials with elastic and conductive properties (such as rubber or silicone).

[0069] Furthermore, "mutual resistance" includes the following types of contact: direct contact, contact with an intermediate medium, detachable contact, adhesive contact, fixed contact, etc.

[0070] In the second direction (Z-axis direction), at least a portion of the contact portion 265 extends beyond the housing 210; the abutment portion 266 does not extend beyond the housing 210. This makes it more advantageous for the conductor 260 to contact the chip 220 and the locking mechanism 140.

[0071] Example 2 See Figures 10-14 The conductive element 260 in this embodiment is largely the same as in Embodiment 1, and is also disposed on the joint end of the housing 210. The difference is that most of the conductive element 260 is located inside the housing 210. The conductive element 260 includes two alternating first segments 261 and two second segments 262. Both second segments 262 extend along the Y-axis direction, and the two first segments 261 are staggered in the Y-axis direction, thus bypassing the lead-out portion 230. The conductive element 260 with the above-described arrangement can also effectively suppress the external force applied to the conductive element 260 by the swing arm 141 from being transmitted to the chip 220, preventing the external force of the swing arm 141 from interfering with the electrical connection between the conductive element 260 and the chip 220.

[0072] The contact portion 265 is located at the end of the first segment 261 on the +Z axis side. When the ink cartridge 200 is installed, this end stably abuts against the lever 141 to achieve a stable electrical connection. The abutment portion 266 is located at the end of the second segment 262 on the -Z axis side. This end abuts against the ground contact 221, completing the electrical connection between the conductive component 260 and the chip 220. Alternatively, the abutment portion 266 can also be located near the end or in the middle of the second segment 262. The second section 262 is fixedly attached to the outer wall of the housing 210 and does not directly interact with the movable parts on the printer side. It belongs to the fixed part 263, and its part is fixedly attached to the housing 210. The second section 262 near the +Z axis direction is suspended and located inside the slot (specifically the main slot 241) which is the locked part 240. Considering that the first section 261 on the +Z axis direction side, which is directly connected to it, is also located inside the slot and directly interacts with the swing arm 141, it can also move under the action of the swing arm 141. Therefore, the second section 262 and the first section 261 on its +Z axis direction side both belong to the movable part 264. The slot can provide a certain degree of protection for the suspended second section 262 and the first section 261 near the +Z axis direction in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, so that the accidental drop and collision of the ink cartridge 200 will not easily cause damage or deformation to the corresponding part of the conductive part 260, thereby not easily affecting the grounding of the chip 220.

[0073] The first segment 261 of the conductive element 260, located near the -Z-axis direction, is attached to the inner wall of the housing 210 and is a fixed portion 263. This first segment 261 is located in the empty area inside the housing 210 where the ink bag 250 is not accommodated and extends along the Z-axis direction. Considering that both second segments 262 extend along the Y-axis direction, the conductive element 260 has a relatively regular shape and a short total length. The first segment 261 of the conductive element 260, located near the +Z-axis direction, is suspended and has a contact portion 265 that cooperates with the lever 141. This contact portion 265 can undergo elastic deformation in the Z-axis direction, thereby ensuring stable contact with the lever 141 when the ink cartridge 200 is installed, which helps to improve the grounding stability of the chip 220.

[0074] In addition, if the empty space inside the housing 210 is large enough, the part of the conductive element 260 located inside the housing 210 can also be set in a partially suspended form. It only needs to be connected to the housing 210 at a few specific connection points, and the rest is suspended. In this case, the setting has a high degree of freedom.

[0075] Example 3 See Figure 15The conductive element 260 in this embodiment is largely the same as in Embodiment 1, and is also disposed on the joint end of the housing 210. The difference is that the conductive element 260 abuts against the reset element 142 in the locking mechanism 140. The conductive element 260 in this embodiment has three first sections 261 and three second sections 262. Only one of the first sections 261 and two sections 262 on the +Z axis direction side is different from that in Embodiment 1. Both the first section 261 and the second section 262 are suspended and can move under the action of the reset element 142. Therefore, they are both movable parts 264. Although neither of them extends into the slot that is the locked part 240, considering that the dimensions of the joint end of the housing 210 and the part located on the joint end -X axis direction side are different in the Z axis direction, the first section 261 does not protrude from the part of the housing 210 located on the joint end -X axis direction side in the Z axis direction. Therefore, the housing 210 has a certain protective effect on the first section 261.

[0076] Considering that the conductive component 260 has a higher degree of bending than in Embodiment 1, and the reset component 142 has a smaller range of motion relative to the swing arm 141, the conductive component 260 with the above configuration can more effectively suppress the force applied to the conductive component 260 by the locking mechanism 140 from being transmitted to the chip 220, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the conductive component 260 and the chip 220, thereby ensuring the reliable grounding of the chip 220.

[0077] Example 4 See Figure 16 In this embodiment, a portion of the housing 210 forming the joint end is made of conductive material, and this portion is configured as a conductive bracket 270 that can be detached from other parts of the housing 210. In this embodiment, the conductive bracket 270 can function as a conductive element 260. The conductive line on the conductive bracket 270 corresponding to the grounding of the chip 220 extends from the part of the conductive bracket 270 that contacts the grounding contact 221 to the part of the locked part 240 of the conductive bracket 270 that abuts against the protrusion 143. The conductive line extends according to the shape of the conductive bracket 270 and is the shortest path connecting the two electrical connection points. The basic trend of the conductive line is similar to that of the conductive element 260 in Embodiment 1.

[0078] Since the conductive bracket 270 abuts against the protrusion 143, there is no need to provide a movable part protruding from the outside, making the conductive bracket 270 more durable. The overall shape of the housing 210 is closer to that of a typical ink cartridge housing that uses a contact pin 121 for grounding, making it more acceptable to users.

[0079] See Figures 17-19As a variation of the above embodiment, the main body of the conductive support 270 can be made of ordinary insulating resin material, and a conductive layer 280 is formed on the surface of the resin material through processes such as electroplating and film coating. The conductive layer 280 can be roughly set with reference to the conductive component 260 in embodiments one and two. In this embodiment, the conductive layer 280 is attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the conductive support 270. The conductive layers 280 on the inner and outer surfaces of the conductive support 270 converge at the through hole 271 of the conductive support 270, and the two conductive layers 280 are connected by the conductive layer 280 set on the inner wall of the through hole 271, thereby forming a conductive line that conducts the grounding contact 221 to the bottom wall of the main groove 241. In this variation, the through hole 271 is set on the bottom wall of the main groove 241. The through hole 271 can also be set at other positions of the conductive support 270. Setting the through hole 271 on the main groove 241 helps to control the length of the conductive line and the total area of ​​the conductive layer 280. Taking into account the costs of processes and materials, this modified example has a certain cost advantage compared to the above-described embodiments.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge detachably mounted to a mounting portion of a printer, said mounting portion including a movable locking mechanism, characterized in that: The ink cartridge includes a housing, which has a connecting end in a first direction. The connecting end is provided with a chip, an output part, and a locked part that cooperates with the locking mechanism. In a second direction, the output part is located between the chip and the locked part. The chip is provided with a grounding contact, and the ink cartridge is provided with a conductive element that electrically connects the grounding contact to the locking mechanism. The conductive element includes an alternately arranged first segment and a second segment. The extension direction of the first segment has a second directional component, and the extension direction of the second segment has a third directional component. The first segment and the second segment are disposed between the grounding contact and the locking mechanism. The conductive element has a contact portion that abuts against the locking mechanism and an abutting portion that abuts against the chip. The first direction is the installation direction of the ink cartridge, the second direction is the direction of the plumb bob, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

2. The ink cartridge as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first section and the second section are disposed between the contact position of the contact portion and the locking mechanism and the contact position of the abutment portion and the chip.

3. The ink cartridge as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The contact portion and the abutting portion are located at the end of the first section or the second section; In the third direction, the projected portions of the chip, the export portion, and the locked portion overlap.

4. The ink cartridge as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The conductive element includes a fixed portion that is fixedly connected to the housing, and the fixed portion is at least partially attached to the surface of the housing.

5. The ink cartridge as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The housing contains an ink bag for storing ink, which is connected to the outlet. The housing also contains an empty space that does not contain the ink bag, and the stationary part is located at least partially within the empty space.

6. The ink cartridge as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The conductive element includes a movable portion that is movable relative to the housing, the movable portion being located on the second direction side of the housing, and the contact portion being disposed on the movable portion; the movable portion is disposed between the fixed portion and the locking mechanism, and the fixed portion and the locking mechanism are electrically connected through the movable portion.

7. The ink cartridge as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a rocker arm and a reset member. The rocker arm is capable of moving upward in the third direction. The reset member is used to reset the rocker arm and is capable of deforming in the first direction. The contact portion is capable of cooperating with the rocker arm or the reset member and is capable of elastic deformation in the second direction.

8. The ink cartridge as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a movable rocker arm with a protrusion at its movable end. The locked portion is a slot that mates with the protrusion. The slot is located on the second direction side of the engagement end. The contact portion is at least partially located inside the slot and contacts the protrusion.

9. The ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The conductive element includes at least two first segments and at least two second segments arranged alternately. The conductive element bypasses the outlet portion through the second segments, which extend along the third direction. The conductive element extends in the second direction through the first segments.

10. The ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The ink cartridge has a locked portion that is fixed to the locking mechanism; in the second direction, at least a portion of the contact portion overlaps with the main slot located on the side of the locked portion in the first direction.

11. The ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: A first section and a second section near the locking mechanism are both suspended in the air; The conductive element abuts against the locking mechanism at the second direction end; The chip also has a terminal group that can contact the pins of the mounting portion and achieve electrical connection; the terminal group and the grounding contact are respectively disposed on two opposite surfaces; In the second direction, at least a portion of the contact portion extends beyond the housing; the abutment portion does not extend beyond the housing.

12. An ink cartridge detachably mounted to a mounting portion of a printer, said mounting portion including a movable locking mechanism, characterized in that: The ink cartridge includes a housing and a conductive bracket. The conductive bracket is provided with a chip and a locked part that cooperates with the locking mechanism. The chip is provided with a grounding contact. The conductive line on the conductive bracket corresponding to the grounding of the chip extends from the part of the conductive bracket that contacts the grounding contact to the locked part.

Images