An ink cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink cartridge relates to printing technical field to solve the problem of ink cartridge grounding failure. The ink cartridge is detachably installed in the installation portion of printer, the installation portion includes the accommodation cavity formed by the support portion and the grounding component of at least partial control unit electric connection with the printer, the grounding component includes at least one fastener, at least one fastener penetrates the support portion and exposes the inside of the accommodation cavity, and its characterized in that, the ink cartridge includes chip and electric connection assembly, the chip has grounding contact, and the grounding contact is electrically connected through electric connection assembly and at least one fastener.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The chips on consumable cartridges of printing equipment such as printers are typically grounded through contact pins via grounding terminals to prevent damage from excessive current. However, the above grounding scheme is prone to failure due to contact pin deformation, grounding terminal wear, or oxidation. The commonly used grounding scheme using metal plates in mounting units still has problems such as communication interruptions caused by connection point detachment due to vibration, and electromagnetic interference caused by increased impedance due to extended grounding paths. Furthermore, it is not suitable for equipment with non-metallic mounting units or metal plates with insulating layers, resulting in the consumable cartridges failing to function properly. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an ink cartridge that can be detachably installed in the mounting part of a printer. The mounting part includes a receiving cavity formed by a support part and a grounding component that is electrically connected to at least a part of the control unit of the printer. The grounding component includes at least one fastener that passes through the support part and is exposed inside the receiving cavity. The ink cartridge includes a chip and an electrical connection assembly. The chip has a ground contact, which is electrically connected to the at least one fastener via the electrical connection assembly.

[0004] Compared with the prior art, the ink cartridge provided by this utility model has an electrical connection component that is electrically connected to at least one fastener in the accommodating cavity of the mounting part. The chip's grounding contact is electrically connected to the electrical connection component, thereby enabling the chip's grounding contact to be electrically connected to at least one fastener in the accommodating cavity through the electrical connection component. This ensures stable grounding of the chip and prevents excessive current from damaging the printing device. Furthermore, in the grounding method of this utility model, the chip's grounding contact can be directly grounded to the fastener through the electrical connection component, avoiding the grounding signal flowing through the metal plate of the mounting unit. This avoids the extension of the grounding loop path between the chip and the printing device, which would increase the grounding impedance between the chip and the printing device, leading to electromagnetic interference, decreased communication quality, or even communication anomalies, thus affecting the normal use of the consumable cartridge.

[0005] In some embodiments, the electrical connection component includes an access portion electrically connected to the at least one fastener, which is used to transmit a grounding signal. By providing an access portion electrically connected to at least one fastener on the electrical connection component, the connection stability between the fastener and the electrical connection component can be improved, thereby achieving reliable grounding of the cartridge.

[0006] In some embodiments, the above-described electrical connection assembly further includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion for electrical connection, the first connection portion being electrically connected to the grounding contact, the second connection portion being electrically connected to the at least one fastener, and the access portion being disposed on the second connection portion.

[0007] By setting a first connection part and a second connection part for electrical connection, wherein the first connection part is connected to the ground contact of the chip to realize the conduction of the ground contact of the chip and the second connection part; and the second connection part is electrically connected to at least one fastener to realize the conduction of the ground contact of the chip and at least one fastener, the structure of the electrical connection component can be simplified by setting the first connection part and the second connection part, and the reliable grounding of the ink cartridge can be ensured.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first connection portion includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element that are electrically connected, the first conductive element being electrically connected to the grounding contact, and the second conductive element being electrically connected to the second connection portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first conductive element includes an electrically connected continuous section and a second external section. The continuous section is electrically connected to the grounding contact, and the second external section is electrically connected to the second conductive element. By providing the second external section, the problem of chip grounding failure caused by the failure of some fasteners can be avoided.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second conductive element includes a bend that is electrically connected to the second connecting portion. By providing the bend, the access portion of the electrical connection assembly can be positioned closer to the fastener, thereby improving the connection stability between the electrical connection assembly and the fastener.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion further includes a fixed end fixedly connected to the grounding contact, and the second connecting portion further includes a movable end detachably connected to the at least one fastener. The movable end is deformable along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is the direction in which the ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting portion, and the second direction is the direction of gravity. The access portion is disposed on the movable end.

[0012] By setting a fixed end, the connection between the chip and the first connection part can be ensured to be stable; by setting a movable end, the second connection part can be in a compressed state when connected to the fastener, thereby ensuring a tight connection between the second connection part and the fastener and ensuring the grounding effect of the chip.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aforementioned active end includes an active portion and a limiting portion, the active portion and the limiting portion being connected, and the active portion abutting against the at least one fastener.

[0014] In some embodiments, along the direction of gravity, the support includes a top wall and / or a bottom wall, the fasteners are disposed on the top wall and / or the bottom wall, and the chip and the electrical connection assembly are disposed on the side of the ink cartridge near the top wall and / or the bottom wall. In this case, the path of the ground loop between the chip and the printing device is shortened, thereby reducing the ground impedance between the chip and the printing device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion is fixedly disposed within the accommodating cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the ink cartridge further includes a housing and an outlet portion disposed on the housing, the outlet portion engaging with an ink supply portion within the accommodating cavity; The fastener is an assembly screw provided on the support portion; The chip also has a plurality of terminals that abut against the contact pins of the mounting portion; the plurality of terminals include a data terminal, a clock terminal, and a power terminal; The electrical connection assembly includes a cross section, a conductive section, a first external section electrically connecting the cross section and the conductive section to the fastener, and an abutting section; the first external section is capable of elastic deformation and stably abutting against the cross section. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a mounting section for a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a mounting section for a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the mounting section of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ; Figure 4 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in this embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 7A schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in this embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ; Figure 9 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 ; Figure 10 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the mounting section of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 ; Figure 11 The present invention provides an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of region A in the middle; Figure 12 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 ; Figure 13 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the mounting section of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 ; Figure 14 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 ; Figure 15 The present invention provides an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of region B in the middle; Figure 16 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 ; Figure 17 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 ; Figure 18 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 ; Figure 19 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 ; Figure 20 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the mounting section of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 ; Figure 21 This illustration shows a structural diagram of the mounting section of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 .

[0018] Figure label: Ink cartridge 100; Chip 110; Ground contact 111; Multiple terminals 112; First terminal 1121; Second terminal 1122; Third terminal 1123; Fourth terminal 1124; Wafer 113; Electrical connection assembly 120; Access portion 121; Bending portion 1211; First connection portion 122; First conductive element 1221; Conducting section 12211; Second external section 12212; Second conductive element 1222; Fixed end 1223; Second connection portion 123; Protrusion 1231; Movable end 1232; Movable part 1232a; Restricting part 1232b; Connecting element 124 (equivalent to electrical connection assembly 120); Horizontal connecting part 1241 ; Conducting part 1242; First external section 1243; Abutting part 1244; Conductive section corresponding to the inverted V-shaped structure 1245; Horizontal section 1246; Bending section 1247; Housing 130; Notch 131; Recessed part 132; Groove 133; Ink bag 134; Outlet part 140; Locked part 150; Printing device 200; Mounting part 210; Support part 211; Base plate 2111; Side rib 2112; Top wall 2113; Bottom wall 2114; Conductive side wall 2115; Receiving cavity 212; Electrical connection part 2121; Ink supply part 2122; Locking mechanism 2123; Swing rod 21231; Spring 21232; Fastener 220. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] Printers and other printing devices are common office equipment, providing convenience for modern offices. Printers contain replaceable consumable cartridges. A chip mounted on the cartridge is typically grounded via a grounding terminal that contacts a corresponding pin, preventing damage to the printer from excessive current. However, this grounding method can fail or become unstable due to bending and deformation of the pins over time, or wear and oxidation of the grounding terminal.

[0025] Currently, mounting units are typically incorporated into printing equipment to address the aforementioned issues. These mounting units are constructed as spaces at least partially enclosed by metal plates (top and / or bottom walls), and are connected to a grounding unit within the printing equipment to transmit grounding signals. During use, the user inserts a consumable cartridge into the mounting unit. One end of a conductive component on the consumable cartridge is electrically connected to a grounding terminal located on the back of the chip, and the other end is electrically connected to the metal plate of the mounting unit.

[0026] However, during the use of the aforementioned chip structure, since the metal plate is typically electrically connected to the electrical unit (grounding unit) in the printing device via soldering or wire connectors, vibration, impact, or changes in temperature and humidity during transportation or use may cause the solder joints between the metal plate and the electrical unit to detach, or the wire connectors to loosen or detach, leading to communication interruptions between the chip and the printing device. Furthermore, in this chip grounding method, the grounding signal flows from the printing device's grounding unit through the metal plate of the mounting unit before being transmitted to the chip. This prolongs the grounding loop path between the chip and the printer, increasing the grounding impedance between the chip and the printing device. This can easily cause electromagnetic interference, decreased communication quality, or even communication anomalies, affecting the normal use of the consumable cartridge.

[0027] Furthermore, for certain types of printing devices corresponding to specific consumable cartridges, if the mounting unit is made of non-conductive or non-metallic materials, or if the metal plate constituting the mounting unit is coated with an insulating medium (such as insulating oil) to prevent wear or oxidation, the above-mentioned chip structure solution is not applicable. This will cause the chip on such consumable cartridges to be unable to obtain the device's ground signal, ultimately rendering the consumable cartridges unusable.

[0028] To overcome the above problems, this utility model provides an ink cartridge that, by optimizing the structural design of the electrical connection components, solves the problems of communication interruption between the chip and the printing device caused by solder joint detachment, increased grounding impedance caused by extended grounding loop path, and chip inability to obtain grounding signal from the printing device due to non-metallic mounting unit.

[0029] In some embodiments, see Figures 1-21 The ink cartridge 100 provided in the embodiment of this utility model can be inserted into the receiving cavity 212 of the printing device 200, wherein the printing device 200 can be an inkjet printer. The receiving cavity 212 corresponding to the ink cartridge 100 provided in this utility model is briefly described below.

[0030] To better illustrate the various components of the accommodating cavity 212 and the ink cartridge 100, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system is established, consisting of three mutually orthogonal spatial axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In the attached diagram, the Z-axis represents the direction of the plumb bob (gravity direction), the X-axis represents the installation direction of the ink cartridge 100, and the Y-axis represents the arrangement direction of a group of multiple ink cartridges 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, see Figures 1-3The mounting portion 210 of the printing device 200 includes a receiving cavity 212 formed by a support portion 211 for accommodating an ink cartridge 100, and a grounding component electrically connected to at least a portion of a control unit (not shown) of the printing device 200. The grounding component includes at least one fastener 220 that penetrates the support portion 211 and is exposed inside the receiving cavity 212, such that when the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the receiving cavity 212, the chip of the ink cartridge 100 can be electrically connected to the at least one fastener 220 exposed inside the receiving cavity 212. This allows the chip of the ink cartridge 100 to be grounded via the at least one fastener 220, preventing damage to the printing device 200 due to excessive current. It should be understood that at least one fastener 220 exposed inside the accommodating cavity 212 means that at least one fastener 220 is exposed in the area of ​​the accommodating cavity 212 that accommodates the ink cartridge 100. The number and specific arrangement of the fasteners 220 can be set according to the position of the electrical connection component 120 connected to the fastener 220 in the ink cartridge 100 after the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 212, so as to ensure that the electrical connection component 120 of the ink cartridge 100 can contact the fastener 220 after the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the accommodating cavity 212, thereby realizing the grounding of the chip 110. Here, the accommodating cavity 212 can be an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating one ink cartridge 100, or an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating a group of ink cartridges 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is for accommodating one set of four ink cartridges 100, the accommodating cavity 212 may be provided with an electrical connection part 2121, an ink supply part 2122, and a movable locking mechanism 2123. The number of the electrical connection part 2121, the ink supply part 2122, and the locking mechanism 2123 in the accommodating cavity 212 matches the number of ink cartridges 100 installed in the accommodating cavity 212. The electrical connection part 2121 is used to electrically connect with the ink cartridges 100 to achieve communication interaction, the ink supply part 2122 is used to supply ink to the printing device 200, and the locking mechanism 2123 is used to fix the ink cartridges 100 in the accommodating cavity 212. The locking mechanism 2123 includes a rocker arm 21231 that can swing in the Y-axis direction and a reset member (not shown in the figure) that resets the rocker arm 21231. Here, a spring 21232 that can deform in the X-axis direction is used as the reset member. At least one conductive fastener 220 passes through the support portion 211 of the receiving cavity 212 and is exposed inside the receiving cavity 212. The at least one fastener 220 can be an assembly screw provided on the support portion 211. The fastener 220 can also be a screw or a bolt.

[0033] In another embodiment, see Figure 3When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating one ink cartridge 100, and the accommodating cavity 212 does not have a conductive sidewall 2115, the mounting portion 210 of the printing device 200 may include multiple accommodating cavities 212 as in this embodiment, wherein each accommodating cavity 212 is used to accommodate the same or different ink cartridges 100. The mounting portion 210 has a base plate 2111 formed by a support portion 211 and two side ribs 2112. The two side ribs 2112 are respectively arranged at both ends of the base plate 2111 in the X-axis direction. The base plate 2111 and the two side ribs 2112 enclose and form the accommodating cavity 212. The accommodating cavity 212 extends along the Y-axis direction. An electrical connection portion 2121 is provided in the base end region (+Y-axis end) of the accommodating cavity 212. The electrical connection portion 2121 is used to engage with the chip 110 on the ink cartridge 100 and achieve electrical connection. The electrical connection part 2121 has a certain amount of room for movement in the XYZ directions, so that it can still maintain a stable contact with the chip 110 when the external environment changes.

[0034] See Figures 1-3 At least one of the fasteners 220 can be made of metal and electrically connected to the metal inner frame of the printing device 200 that is connected to the grounding line. The grounding of the electrical component can be achieved by connecting the specific electrical component to the fastener 220.

[0035] In one embodiment, see Figures 4-21 The ink cartridge 100 may include a housing 130. The housing 130 has a connecting end at its X-axis end, which includes a chip 110 that engages with the electrical connection part 2121, an outlet part 140 that engages with the ink supply part 2122, and a locked part 150 that engages with the locking mechanism 2123 (i.e., the ink cartridge 100 also includes the housing 130 and the outlet part 140 provided on the housing 130). During installation and removal, the ink cartridge 100 can be moved by the locking mechanism 2123 via the locked part 150. In the Z-axis direction, the outlet part 140 is located between the chip 110 and the locked part 150; in the Y-axis direction, the chip 110, the outlet part 140, and the locked part 150 overlap. The housing 130 contains an ink pouch 134 for storing ink, which communicates with the outlet part 140. The housing 130 also has an empty space inside that does not contain the ink pouch 134.

[0036] If the ink cartridge 100 is grounded by contacting the grounding contact 111 on the chip 110 with the corresponding pin on the electrical connection part 2121, grounding failure or instability may occur due to bending and deformation of the pin after long-term use, wear and oxidation of the grounding contact 111, etc. In this case, grounding can be achieved by connecting the chip 110 on the ink cartridge 100 side with the immovable fastener 220 in the accommodating cavity 212 through the electrical connection assembly 120, making the grounding of the chip 110 more stable and reliable.

[0037] Based on this, see Figures 4-21 The ink cartridge 100 may further include a chip 110, which has a ground contact 111. The ink cartridge 100 also includes an electrical connection component 120 that connects the ground contact 111 to the fastener 220. The electrical connection component 120 is used to connect the ground contact 111 of the corresponding ink cartridge 100 to the fastener 220. The electrical connection part 2121 may be a stylus holder with multiple stylus pins. The chip 110 also has a terminal group that can abut against the stylus pins and achieve electrical connection. The terminal group includes multiple terminals 112. The chip 110 also has a wafer 113 that is electrically connected to the multiple terminals 112 and the ground contact 111. The ink cartridge 100 realizes communication interaction with the printing device 200 through the electrical connection between the chip 110 and the electrical connection part 2121. Chip 110 has a terminal group that abuts against the contact pins on one of its larger surfaces. Ground contact 111 can be located at any position on the surface of chip 110 opposite to the surface where the terminal group is located. There can be more than one ground contact 111 on chip 110; in the following embodiments, chip 110 contains two ground contacts 111. Alternatively, the ground contact 111 can be located on the same surface as the terminal group, but it must be positioned away from the contact pins originally used for grounding chip 110.

[0038] First terminal (data terminal) 1121: used for transmitting or receiving data signals, and also used for detecting a short circuit between the first terminal 1121 and at least one of the second terminal 1122, the third terminal 1123 or the fourth terminal 1124; Second terminal (clock terminal) 1122: Used to receive clock signals; Third terminal (power terminal) 1123: used to receive a power potential different from the ground potential, through which power is provided for the operation of the memory (not shown in the figure, which is an electrical device on the wafer 113); The fourth terminal (reset terminal) 1124 is used to receive a reset signal from the printer. For example, when a high reset voltage is received, the internal state of the chip will be initialized or reset in preparation to receive a new request signal or to perform subsequent operations.

[0039] As can be seen from the above, the ink cartridge provided in this embodiment of the present invention has an electrical connection component, which is electrically connected to at least one fastener in the accommodating cavity of the mounting part. The grounding contact of the chip is electrically connected to the electrical connection component, so that the grounding contact of the chip can be electrically connected to at least one fastener in the accommodating cavity through the electrical connection component, thereby ensuring stable grounding of the chip and preventing excessive current from damaging the printing device. In addition, in the grounding method of this invention, the grounding contact of the chip can be directly grounded to the fastener through the electrical connection component, avoiding the grounding signal flowing through the metal plate of the mounting unit, which would prolong the grounding loop path between the chip and the printing device, increase the grounding impedance between the chip and the printing device, and thus cause electromagnetic interference, communication quality degradation, or even communication abnormalities, affecting the normal use of the consumable cartridge.

[0040] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21 Along the direction of gravity, the support portion 211 forming the accommodating cavity 212 may include a top wall 2113 and / or a bottom wall 2114, and fasteners 220 are disposed on the top wall 2113 and / or the bottom wall 2114. In this case, in order to shorten the grounding loop path and reduce the grounding impedance between the chip 110 and the printing device 200, the chip 110 and the electrical connection assembly 120 may be disposed on the side of the ink cartridge 100 near the top wall 2113 and / or the bottom wall 2114.

[0041] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating a group of 4 ink cartridges 100, the supporting portion 211 forming the accommodating cavity 212 may include a top wall 2113 and a bottom wall 2114, that is, the accommodating cavity 212 has a top wall 2113 and a bottom wall 2114 disposed opposite to each other in the Z-axis direction, and the fastener 220 includes at least one mounting screw disposed on the top wall 2113 and / or the bottom wall 2114.

[0042] In another embodiment, see Figure 3 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating an ink cartridge 100, the support portion 211 forming the accommodating cavity 212 may include a bottom wall 2114, that is, the accommodating cavity 212 has a bottom wall 2114 (i.e., the bottom plate 2111 mentioned above) disposed opposite to each other in the -Z axis direction. The fastener 220 includes at least one mounting screw provided on the bottom wall 2114. Using the mounting screw as a grounding member helps to control the volume and size of the electrical connection assembly 120, and facilitates the miniaturization of the electrical connection assembly 120.

[0043] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21The aforementioned electrical connection assembly 120 includes an access portion 121, which is electrically connected to at least one fastener 220. The at least one fastener 220 is used to transmit a grounding signal. By providing the access portion 121 on the electrical connection assembly 120 that is electrically connected to at least one fastener 220, the connection stability of the at least one fastener 220 and the electrical connection assembly 120 can be improved, thereby achieving reliable grounding of the ink cartridge 100.

[0044] In one embodiment, see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 10-15 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating a group of four ink cartridges 100, and the mounting portion 210 of the printing device 200 is a mounting portion 210 having two conductive sidewalls 2115, the access portion 121 can be the part where the electrical connection component 120 contacts the two conductive sidewalls 2115; the access portion 121 can also be a protrusion 1231 that contacts the fastener 220. Since the two conductive sidewalls 2115 are close to the two outermost ink cartridges 100 in the ink cartridge group, it is inconvenient for the two ink cartridges 100 in the middle position to have a separate conductive component to bypass the outermost ink cartridge 100 and directly connect to the conductive sidewall 2115 to ground the chip 110. Similarly, when the assembly positions of multiple fasteners 220 are located near the two side walls of the top wall 2113 and bottom wall 2114, the two ink cartridges 100 in the middle of the ink cartridge group are far from the multiple fasteners 220 on the top wall 2113 and bottom wall 2114, making it difficult to individually set a conductive element to directly connect the multiple fasteners 220. Therefore, by providing an electrical connection assembly 120 with an access portion 121 electrically connected to the fastener 220, the grounding contacts 111 of the four ink cartridges 100 in one group can be connected in series, and then the grounding contacts 111 can be connected to the fasteners 220 through the access portion 121. This enables reliable grounding of the entire group of ink cartridges 100, solving the problem that it is difficult to directly connect the grounding contacts 111 to the fasteners 220 of a specific ink cartridge 100 in the same group by individually setting a conductive element.

[0045] In another embodiment, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating an ink cartridge 100, and the accommodating cavity 212 does not have a conductive sidewall 2115, the access portion 121 can be a part of the electrical connection assembly 120 that is close to at least one fastener 220 and electrically connected to at least one fastener 220. For example, the access portion 121 can be a bent portion 1211 or a movable end 1232.

[0046] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21The aforementioned electrical connection assembly 120 further includes a first connection portion 122 and a second connection portion 123 for electrical connection. The first connection portion 122 is electrically connected to the ground contact 111, and the second connection portion 123 is electrically connected to at least one fastener 220. An access portion 121 is disposed on the second connection portion 123. By setting the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 123 for electrical connection, wherein the first connection portion 122 is connected to the ground contact 111 of the chip 110 to realize the conduction between the ground contact 111 of the chip 110 and the second connection portion 123; and the second connection portion 123 is electrically connected to at least one fastener 220 to realize the conduction between the ground contact 111 of the chip 110 and at least one fastener 220, the structure of the electrical connection assembly 120 can be simplified by setting the first connection portion 122 and the second connection portion 123, ensuring reliable grounding of the ink cartridge 100.

[0047] In one embodiment, see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 10-15 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating a group of four ink cartridges 100, the electrical connection assembly 120 may include a first connecting portion 122 disposed on the ink cartridge 100 and a second connecting portion 123 disposed within the accommodating cavity 212; wherein, the first connecting portion 122 is used to connect the grounding contact 111 of the corresponding ink cartridge 100 to the second connecting portion 123. In the Y-axis direction, the second connecting portion 123 overlaps with each ink cartridge 100 within the mounting portion 210, and the access portion 121 is located on the second connecting portion 123. The second connecting portion 123 is electrically connected to at least one fastener 220 and / or conductive sidewall 2115 through the access portion 121. Introducing the second connecting portion 123, which is fixedly disposed within the accommodating cavity 212, into the electrical connection assembly 120 can reduce the grounding difficulty of the two centrally located ink cartridges 100 in a group of four ink cartridges 100, and also helps to simplify the structure and reduce the size of the first connecting portion 122.

[0048] For example, see Figure 5 and Figures 10-12 When the mounting part 210 of the printing device 200 is a mounting part 210 including two conductive sidewalls 2115, the second connecting part 123 is fixedly disposed on the top wall 2113. The second connecting part 123 is a conductive component extending along the Y-axis direction. The two ends of the second connecting part 123 abut against the corresponding conductive sidewalls 2115 respectively. The parts of the two ends of the second connecting part 123 that contact the conductive sidewalls 2115 can also be regarded as access parts 121. The second connecting part 123 is also provided with a protrusion 1231 that contacts the fastener 220 on the top wall 2113 as an access part 121.

[0049] See Figure 5 and Figures 10-12The second connecting part 123 can be fixedly installed in the accommodating cavity 212 in various ways. For example, it can be attached to the top wall 2113 by pasting, or it can be installed on the top wall 2113 by providing a through hole that mates with the fastener 220. The former is relatively easier to implement and has higher user acceptance. In addition, the second connecting part 123 can also be provided with magnetic parts at both ends in the Y-axis direction to achieve magnetic fixation and electrical connection with the conductive sidewall 2115, which is also convenient to install.

[0050] See Figure 5 and Figures 10-12 It should be noted that the extension direction of the second connecting part 123 does not need to be parallel to the Y-axis direction, but only needs to have a Y-axis component. Similarly, the extension direction of the first connecting part 122 does not need to be parallel to the X-axis direction, but only needs to have an X-axis component. Both can be flexibly configured according to the specific grounding method. The electrical connection assembly 120 can be made of a flexible metal material or other known materials with elastic and conductive properties.

[0051] For example, see Figures 13-15 When the mounting portion 210 of the printing device 200 is made of a non-conductive or non-metallic material, unlike the above embodiment, the second connecting portion 123 of the electrical connection assembly 120 is only electrically connected to two fasteners 220 on the top wall 2113, and overlaps with a group of four ink cartridges 100 in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the access portion 121 can be the protrusion 1231 on the second connecting portion 123 that abuts against the two fasteners 220. Figure 13 The positions of the two protrusions 1231 are marked with dashed lines. The second connecting part 123 here can also reduce the grounding difficulty of the two centrally located ink cartridges 100 in a group of four ink cartridges 100, and is also conducive to the simplification of the structure and miniaturization of the first connecting part 122. Moreover, its length is shorter than that of the second connecting part 123 in the embodiment. The second connecting part 123 can also be set on the top wall 2113 by adhesive bonding, and can also be provided with through holes that cooperate with fasteners 220 and installed on the top wall 2113 by means of fasteners 220.

[0052] See Figures 13-15 The chip 110 can be grounded using two fasteners 220 on the -X-axis side of the top wall 2113. Alternatively, it can also be grounded using two fasteners 220 on the +X-axis side of the top wall 2113. This arrangement shortens the length of the first connecting portion 122, thus facilitating the miniaturization of the electrical connection assembly 120. Furthermore, the second connecting portion 123 only needs to be electrically connected to at least one fastener 220 to meet the grounding requirements of the chip 110.

[0053] In another embodiment, see Figures 16-19 Unlike the above embodiments, the electrical connection assembly 120 can be a guide member 124 disposed on a group of four ink cartridges 100 within the mounting portion 210. The guide member 124 can include a horizontal connecting portion 1241, a conductive portion 1242, a first external segment 1243 that electrically connects the horizontal connecting portion 1241 and the conductive portion 1242 to the fastener 220, and an abutting portion 1244. The horizontal connecting portion 1241, the conductive portion 1242, and the first external segment 1243 constitute the first connecting portion 122, the conductive segment 1245 corresponding to the inverted V-shaped structure where the abutting portion 1244 is located is the second connecting portion 123, and the abutting portion 1244 is the access portion 121. The conductor 124 is located near the chip 110. As an electrical connection component 120, it is positioned closer to the -Z direction side in the mounting part 210. The distance between the conductor 124 and the bottom wall 2114 is greater than the distance between the conductor 124 and the top wall 2113.

[0054] See Figures 16-19 The housing 130 is generally rectangular box-shaped. A notch 131 is provided at one corner corresponding to the +X and -Z axes. A recess 132 is also provided at the corner on the +Z axis side of the notch 131, communicating with the notch 131. The chip 110 is located within the recess 132. An upper groove 133 communicating with the notch 131 is provided on the -Z axis side of the housing 130.

[0055] See Figures 16-19 The first outer segment 1243 is mostly located within the upper groove 133, thus it is protected by the upper groove 133 to prevent deformation or damage to the first outer segment 1243 caused by impacts on the Y-axis side of the housing 130. The first outer segment 1243 extends approximately along the X-axis direction. The first outer segment 1243 is electrically connected to the -Z-axis end of the conductive part 1242 and the transverse segment 1246 at the +X-axis end, and electrically connected to the mounting screw at the -X-axis end.

[0056] In another embodiment, see Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 When the aforementioned accommodating cavity 212 is an accommodating cavity 212 for accommodating an ink cartridge 100, and the accommodating cavity 212 does not have a conductive sidewall 2115, the first connecting portion 122 can be a conductive segment in the electrical connection assembly 120 that is connected to the ground contact 111 of the chip 110, that is, a conductive segment in the electrical connection assembly 120 other than the movable end 1232, and the second connecting portion 123 can be the movable end 1232.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21The first connection portion 122 includes a first conductive element 1221 and a second conductive element 1222 that are electrically connected. The first conductive element 1221 is electrically connected to the grounding contact 111, and the second conductive element 1222 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 123.

[0058] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 and Figure 11 The first connecting part 122 extends along the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The first conductive member 1221 can be a conductive segment on the ink cartridge 100 that is connected to the ground contact 111 of the chip 110, that is, a conductive segment other than the conductive segment in area A in the figure. The second conductive member 1222 can be the conductive segment in area A in the figure.

[0059] In another embodiment, see Figures 16-19 When the first connecting part 122 includes a cross section 1241, a conductive part 1242 and a first external section 1243, the first conductive element 1221 can be the cross section 1241 and the conductive part 1242, and the second conductive element 1222 can be the first external section 1243. The first external section 1243 can undergo elastic deformation and stably abut against the cross section 1241.

[0060] See Figures 16-19 To ensure that all four ink cartridges 100 in a set are grounded via mounting screws, at a minimum, only a first external segment 1243 needs to be introduced on the guide member 124 of the outermost ink cartridge 100 in the Y-axis direction. The first external segment 1243 can be integrally formed with the conductive part 1242. In this case, the corresponding integral part must be able to undergo elastic deformation in the Z-axis direction to ensure stable contact with the horizontal connecting part 1241. Alternatively, the first external segment 1243, the conductive part 1242, and the horizontal connecting part 1241 can be manufactured separately and then assembled into one unit by welding or other methods.

[0061] In another embodiment, see Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 When the first connecting portion 122 is a conductive segment in the electrical connection assembly 120 that is connected to the ground contact 111 of the chip 110, that is, a conductive segment in the electrical connection assembly 120 other than the movable end 1232, the first conductive member 1221 can be a conductive segment connected to the ground contact 111 of the chip 110, and the second conductive member 1222 can be a conductive segment electrically connected to the second connecting portion 123, that is, a conductive segment extending along the -Y axis direction.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21The first conductive element 1221 includes a conductive section 12211 and a second external section 12212, which are electrically connected. The conductive section 12211 is electrically connected to the grounding contact 111, and the second external section 12212 is electrically connected to the second conductive element 1222. By providing the second external section 12212, the problem of chip 110 grounding failure caused by the failure of some fasteners 220 can be avoided.

[0063] In one embodiment, see Figures 16-19 When the first conductive element 1221 consists of a horizontal connecting part 1241 and a conductive part 1242, the conductive section 12211 can be the conductive part 1242, and the second external connecting part 12212 can be the horizontal connecting part 1241. The corresponding grounding contact 111 is electrically connected to the horizontal connecting part 1241 through the conductive part 1242, so that the connecting parts 124 of adjacent ink cartridges 100 are electrically connected through the horizontal connecting part 1241.

[0064] See Figures 16-19 The transverse connecting portion 1241 is elastically deformable in the Y-axis direction. The transverse connecting portion 1241 includes a transverse section 1246 located within the notch 131. The notch 131 provides some protection for the transverse section 1246, preventing deformation or damage to the transverse section 1246 caused by impacts to the housing 130 in the -Z-axis direction. The transverse section 1246 extends along the Y-axis direction and has bent sections 1247 at both ends in the Y-axis direction. The bent sections 1247 have a C-shaped structure and extend approximately towards the -X-axis direction, at least partially protruding from the Y-axis side of the housing 130.

[0065] See Figures 16-19 Since the spacing between adjacent ink cartridges 100 in the Y-axis direction is small in the installed state, and the spacing between the two outermost ink cartridges 100 in the Y-axis direction and the corresponding conductive sidewall 2115 is small, the horizontal connecting parts 1241 of adjacent ink cartridges 100 can be connected in series through the mutual abutment of the bending sections 1247. On this basis, the bending section 1247 of at least one outermost ink cartridge 100 in the Y-axis direction can be electrically connected to the conductive sidewall 2115 by abutting with the conductive sidewall 2115. With the help of the conductive part 1242, the grounding contacts 111 of the four ink cartridges 100 can be connected to the conductive sidewall 2115. The abutting part of the bending section 1247 and the conductive sidewall 2115 is the access part 121 of the electrical connection assembly 120. Furthermore, the size of the portion of the bent section 1247 protruding from the Y-axis side of the corresponding housing 130 does not need to be set too large to ensure stable contact between the bent sections 1247 and between the bent section 1247 and the conductive sidewall 2115.

[0066] See Figures 16-19The conductive portion 1242 is located within the notch 131 and the recess 132, thus the notch 131 and the recess 132 also provide some protection for the conductive portion 1242, preventing deformation or damage to the conductive portion 1242 caused by impacts on the housing 130 in the -Z axis direction and the Y axis direction, respectively. The conductive portion 1242 extends along the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The conductive portion 1242 is electrically connected to the grounding contact 111 at its +Z axis direction end, and electrically connected to the transverse section 1246 at its -Z axis direction end.

[0067] See Figures 16-19 The aforementioned cross bracing 1241 and conductive part 1242 can be set separately or as one piece. In the former case, the conductive part 1242 needs to be able to undergo elastic deformation in the Z-axis direction to ensure stable contact with the cross bracing 1241. In the latter case, the conductive part 124 can be a sheet metal part that is punched and bent into shape.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21 The second conductive element 1222 may include a bent portion 1211 electrically connected to the first conductive element 1221, and the bent portion 1211 is electrically connected to the second connecting portion 123. By providing the bent portion 1211, the access portion 121 of the electrical connection assembly 120 can be located closer to the fastener 220, thereby improving the connection stability between the electrical connection assembly 120 and the fastener 220.

[0069] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 and Figures 10-12 When the second conductive element 1222 is the conductive segment in region A of the figure, the bending part 1211 can be a part that is provided at the end in the -X axis direction and can undergo elastic deformation in the Z axis direction. Introducing the bending part 1211 can ensure the stable contact between the first connecting part 122 and the second connecting part 123, thereby ensuring the reliable grounding of the corresponding chip 110.

[0070] See another example. Figures 16-19 The aforementioned bending portion 1211 may also be a conductive segment that extends from the second conductive member 1222 toward the fastener 220 and bends toward the -Z axis direction, i.e., a conductive segment connecting the second conductive member 1222 and the access portion 121.

[0071] See another example. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 When the second conductive member 1222 is a conductive segment electrically connected to the second connecting portion 123, that is, a conductive segment extending along the -Y axis direction, the bending portion 1211 can be a conductive segment extending and bending along the -Z axis direction.

[0072] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21 The first connecting portion 122 further includes a fixed end 1223 fixedly connected to the grounding contact 111, and the second connecting portion 123 further includes a movable end 1232 detachably connected to the at least one fastener 220. The movable end 1232 can deform along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is the direction in which the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the mounting portion 210, and the second direction is the direction of gravity. The access portion 121 is provided on the movable end 1232. By setting the fixed end 1223, the connection stability between the chip 110 and the first connecting portion 122 can be ensured. By setting the movable end 1232, when the second connecting portion 123 is connected to the fastener 220, the second connecting portion 123 is in a compressed state, thereby ensuring a tight connection between the second connecting portion 123 and the fastener 220 and ensuring the grounding effect of the chip 110.

[0073] In one example, see Figures 16-19 When the first connecting part 122 is composed of a horizontal connecting part 1241, a conductive part 1242 and a first external segment 1243, the end of the conductive part 1242 near the ground contact 111 of the chip 110 is a fixed end 1223; when the second connecting part 123 is the conductive segment 1245 corresponding to the inverted V-shaped structure where the abutting part 1244 is located, the movable end 1232 can be the open end of the inverted V-shaped structure, that is, the end away from the first external segment 1243.

[0074] See another example. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 The electrical connection assembly 120 has a fixed end 1223 connected to the grounding contact 111 and a movable end 1232 connected to the connecting screw. Furthermore, the movable end 1232 can deform along a first direction and a second direction. By introducing the movable end 1232, which can deform along the mounting direction of the ink cartridge 100, and the fixed end 1223 connected to the grounding contact 111, into the electrical connection assembly 120, the functions of different parts of the electrical connection assembly 120 can be differentiated, optimizing the cooperation between the electrical connection assembly 120, the grounding contact 111, and the grounding member.

[0075] In addition, the mounting section 210 has a small tolerance for the offset of the ink cartridge 100 in the mounting direction (which may be the first direction or the second direction) under the mounting posture. The movable end 1232 can undergo elastic deformation in at least one mounting direction of the ink cartridge 100 as the posture of the ink cartridge 100 changes during the installation process, which is beneficial to the control of its deformation amplitude and helps to ensure stable contact between the electrical connection component 120 and the grounding component.

[0076] In some embodiments, see Figures 4-21The aforementioned active end 1232 includes an active part 1232a and a limiting part 1232b, the active part 1232a and the limiting part 1232b are connected, and the active part 1232a abuts against the at least one fastener 220.

[0077] In one example, see Figure 9 and Figure 21 The aforementioned movable end 1232 includes a movable part 1232a and a limiting part 1232b. The movable part 1232a is capable of elastic deformation along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The limiting part 1232b extends approximately along the Y-axis and continues to the free end of the bent part 1211. The limiting part 1232b can limit the deformation range of the bent part 1211. Specifically, after the bent part 1211 is subjected to pressure, it deforms along the Z-axis direction, specifically by reducing its size in the Z-axis direction. After the bent part 1211 deforms along the Z-axis to a certain extent, the limiting part 1232b can abut against the bottom wall 2114 of the box, specifically the surface of the adapter on the -Z-axis side, thereby limiting the deformation range of the bent part 1211 in the first and second directions and improving the overall structural strength of the movable end 1232.

[0078] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge detachably mounted in a mounting portion of a printer, the mounting portion including a receiving cavity formed by a support portion and a grounding component electrically connected to at least a portion of a control unit of the printer, the grounding component including at least one fastener penetrating the support portion and exposed inside the receiving cavity, characterized in that, The ink cartridge includes a chip and an electrical connection assembly. The chip has a ground contact, which is electrically connected to the at least one fastener via the electrical connection assembly.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connection assembly includes an access portion that is electrically connected to the at least one fastener, which is used to transmit a grounding signal.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical connection assembly further includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion for electrical connection. The first connection portion is electrically connected to the grounding contact, and the second connection portion is electrically connected to the at least one fastener. The access portion is disposed on the second connection portion.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connection portion includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element that are electrically connected. The first conductive element is electrically connected to the grounding contact, and the second conductive element is electrically connected to the second connection portion.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first conductive element includes a conductive section and a second external section that are electrically connected. The conductive section is electrically connected to the grounding contact, and the second external section is electrically connected to the second conductive element.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second conductive element includes a bent portion, which is electrically connected to the second connecting portion.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connecting part further includes a fixed end that is fixedly connected to the grounding contact, and the second connecting part further includes a movable end that is detachably connected to the at least one fastener. The movable end can deform along a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is the direction in which the ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting part, and the second direction is the direction of gravity. The access part is provided on the movable end.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The movable end includes a movable part and a limiting part, the movable part and the limiting part are connected, and the movable part abuts against the at least one fastener.

9. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Along the direction of gravity, the support includes a top wall and / or a bottom wall, the fasteners are disposed on the top wall and / or the bottom wall, and the chip and the electrical connection assembly are disposed on the side of the ink cartridge near the top wall and / or the bottom wall.

10. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that, The second connecting part is fixedly disposed inside the accommodating cavity.

11. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ink cartridge also includes a housing and an outlet portion disposed on the housing, the outlet portion engaging with an ink supply portion within the accommodating cavity; The fastener is an assembly screw provided on the support portion; The chip also has a plurality of terminals that abut against the contact pins of the mounting portion; the plurality of terminals include a data terminal, a clock terminal, and a power terminal; The electrical connection assembly further includes a cross section, a conductive section, a first external section electrically connecting the cross section and the conductive section to the fastener, and an abutting section, wherein the first external section is capable of elastic deformation and stably abutting against the cross section.

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