Consumable cartridges

Abstract

This invention solves the problem of the connection between the chip and the image forming apparatus being interrupted when external environmental factors cause the contact between the connecting member and the contact pin to be lost. [Solution] A consumable cartridge is provided in an image forming apparatus so as to be removable along the mounting direction, and the image forming apparatus has a plurality of mounting positions. At least one contact pin component is provided at each mounting position. The contact pin component includes a contact pin holder and a plurality of contact pins. The consumable cartridge comprises a case, a chip mounted in the case, a connecting member including a first portion connected to the chip electrically and a second portion for electrical connection to one of the plurality of contact pins, and an auxiliary member, one portion of which is connected to the second portion of the connecting member and the other portion which extends into the interior of the contact pin component and is used to at least partially overlap the contact pin component along the length of the consumable cartridge.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing, and in particular to a consumable cartridge. [Background Art]

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a printer is a common office equipment that provides convenience to modern office work. A replaceable consumable cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The consumable cartridge is filled with ink. In order to record the remaining amount of ink in the consumable cartridge and the characteristics of the consumable cartridge, the consumable cartridge is provided with a chip for communicative connection with contact pins of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] In the related art, the image forming apparatus has a plurality of contact pins, each contact pin includes a first end and a second end, and in the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the second end is higher than the first end. The consumable cartridge comprises a chip and a connecting member. A part of the connecting member is electrically connected to the chip, and another part is electrically connected to the second end of one of the plurality of contact pins.

[0004] However, when the consumable cartridge is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, the contact between the connecting member and the contact pin may be disengaged, and the connection between the chip and the image forming apparatus may be interrupted.

[0005] In addition, when the consumable cartridge is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, sliding friction occurs between the connecting member and the second end of the contact pin, which makes the electrical connection between the connecting member and the contact pin unstable, and may affect the communication quality between the chip and the image forming apparatus.

[0006] Furthermore, the stability and reliability of electrical connection cannot be ensured.

[0007] In conventional related technologies, there is a technique in which the target contacts on the chip are provided on the back surface of the chip substrate, and the contact pins and connecting members are connected via a pressing arm. However, if the force applied to the pressing arm is too large, the target contact pins slide directly to the front surface of the chip, and the target contact pins cannot make stable contact with the connecting member. On the other hand, if the force applied to the pressing arm is too small, the deformation of the target contact pins is insufficient, and similarly, contact with the connecting member becomes impossible or poor contact occurs. As a result, the chip and the image forming apparatus cannot communicate properly, or some functions of the chip cannot be realized, which affects the normal use of the chip. [Overview of the project]

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a consumable cartridge that solves the problem of the connection between the connecting member and the contact pin being interrupted when the consumable cartridge is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, causing the connection between the chip and the image forming apparatus to be interrupted.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a consumable cartridge that solves the problem that when a consumable cartridge is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, sliding friction occurs at the second end of the connecting member and the contact pin, causing the electrical connection between the connecting member and the contact pin to become unstable and affecting the communication quality between the chip and the image forming apparatus.

[0010] The consumable cartridge according to the present invention is provided in an image forming apparatus so as to be removable along the mounting direction, the image forming apparatus having a plurality of mounting positions, each of which is provided with at least a contact pin component, the contact pin component including a contact pin holder and a plurality of contact pins. The consumable cartridge comprises a case, a chip provided in the case, a connecting member including a first portion electrically connected to the chip and a second portion electrically connected to one of the plurality of contact pins, and an auxiliary member, one portion of which is connected to the second portion of the connecting member and the other portion which extends into the interior of the contact pin component and is used to at least partially overlap the contact pin component along the length direction of the consumable cartridge.

[0011] According to the present invention, even if the consumable cartridge is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, contact separation between the connecting member and the contact pin is avoided, and normal communication between the chip and the image forming apparatus is established. Furthermore, the auxiliary member can restrain the position of the consumable cartridge along its length. This prevents sliding friction from occurring at the second end of the connecting member and the contact pin, stabilizes the electrical connection between the connecting member and the contact pin, and improves the communication quality between the chip and the image forming apparatus. In addition, the auxiliary member can reliably protect the connection position between the connecting member and the contact pin. This ensures the stability and reliability of the electrical connection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] Hereinafter, in order to further clarify embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described. Clearly, the description of the following drawings represents only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention mounted on the mounting section of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting section of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3a] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting section of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3b] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of area A in Figure 3a. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the contact pins in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the consumable cartridge mounted in the mounting section of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the consumable cartridge and the contact pin component. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the consumable cartridge and the contact pin. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the chip and the first connection layer. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the consumable cartridge with the tip removed. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting member in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention mounted in the mounting section of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the consumable cartridge and the contact pin component. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the consumable cartridge and the contact pin. [Figure 14] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the consumable cartridge with the tip removed. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting member in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure in which a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is mounted in a mounting holder of a printing device. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mounting holder and contact pin components of the printing device. [Figure 18]FIG. 1 is a front view of a consumable cartridge and a contact pin component according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is an enlarged structural view of the portion AA in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 5 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a chip and a connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 6 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a case of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 7 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 8 is another schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a chip and a connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 9 is a front view of a chip, a connecting member and a contact pin component of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a chip, a connecting member and a contact pin component of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a case of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 12 is an enlarged structural view of the portion B in FIG. 28. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a case, a connecting member and a first contact pin of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 14 is an enlarged structural view of the portion C in FIG. 30. [Figure 32] FIG. 15 is another schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a case of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 16 is an enlarged structural view of the portion D in FIG. 32. [Figure 34]This is a front view of the consumable cartridge, first contact pin, and second contact pin according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram of the local structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 35 is a magnified view of the structure of location AAA. [Figure 37] This is a front view of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of the BB-BB section. [Figure 39] Figure 38 is a magnified view of the structure of the CC section. [Figure 40] This is a rear view of the chip of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 41] This is a front view of the chip of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 42] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip, connecting member, first contact pin, and second contact pin of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 43] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the connecting member for a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 44] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the case and receiving portion of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 45] This is an enlarged view of the structure of the DD section in Figure 44. [Figure 46] This is a schematic diagram of another local three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 47] This is a magnified view of the structure at point E in Figure 46. [Figure 48] This is a schematic diagram of another local three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 49] This is a front view of a consumable cartridge, a first contact pin, and a second contact pin according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 50] This is an exploded view of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 51]This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 52] This is a schematic diagram of another three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion and connecting member of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 53] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 54] This is a schematic diagram of another three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 55] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the chip of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 56] This is a front view of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 57] This is a schematic diagram of the local structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 58] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 59] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the receiving portion of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 60] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 61] This is a rear view of the chip of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 62] This is a front view of the chip of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 63] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the connecting member for a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 64] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge and contact pin component according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 65] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 66]This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the case and connecting member of the consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 67] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 68] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 69] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip, connecting member, and first contact pin of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 70] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a contact pin component that engages with a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 71] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge and contact pin component according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 72] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 73] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. [Figure 74] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 75] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the case of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 76] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip and connecting member of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 77] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the tip, connecting member, and first contact pin of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Figure 78] This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the chip, connecting member, and contact pin component of a consumable cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] To further clarify the purpose, technology, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. Of course, the embodiments described are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. Any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain without creative work based on the embodiments of the present invention all fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] The terms "First" and "Second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and should be understood as not intended to express or imply relative importance or the number of technical features being described. Therefore, features identified in "First" and "Second" may express or imply that they comprise at least one feature. In the description of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two (e.g., two, three, etc.) unless otherwise explicitly limited.

[0016] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined or limited, terms such as “attached,” “connected,” and “fixed” should be understood broadly, for example, and may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or connections that can communicate with each other; direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediary; internal communication between two elements; or a relationship between them. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention from the context of the specific situation.

[0017] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly stated or limited, the fact that the first feature is "above" or "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the contact is mediated between the first and second features. Furthermore, the fact that the first feature is "above," "above," and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, and may only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. The fact that the first feature is "below," "below," and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, and may only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0018] In the foregoing description, any reference to the terms “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “example,” “specific example,” or “several examples” means that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not need to relate to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, a person skilled in the art can combine or link different embodiments or examples described herein with features of different embodiments or examples, provided that they do not conflict with each other.

[0019] The consumable cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0020] Embodiment 1 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge 200. The consumable cartridge 200 is detachably mounted in a mounting section of an image forming apparatus (also called a printing apparatus). The mounting section is provided with a mounting holder 60 and a contact pin component 50.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3a, the mounting holder 60 includes at least a main control board 11A and a plurality of mounting positions 61 (also called housing positions 61). The main control board 11A is provided with a plurality of device-side terminal groups, and each device-side terminal group corresponds to each mounting position 61. A contact pin component 50 is housed in each mounting position 61.

[0022] When setting a Cartesian coordinate system for the consumable cartridge 200, the Z-axis direction is the length direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the consumable cartridge 200, and the Y-axis direction is the height direction (also called the mounting direction) of the consumable cartridge 200.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 3b, the contact pin component 50 includes at least a contact pin holder 53 and a plurality of contact pins 51, 52. A gap 14A is provided between the contact pin holder 53 and the mounting position 61. The contact pin holder 53 is provided with a plurality of contact pin grooves 531. Each contact pin is located in one contact pin groove 531. Each contact pin is electrically connected to the corresponding device-side terminal on the main control board 11A.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, each contact pin includes a first end 13a, a second end 13b, and a third end 13c. In the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the second end 13b is higher than the first end 13a. The third end 13c of the contact pin is located on the side of the main control board 11A.

[0025] In some examples, the contact pins of the contact pin component 50 include at least one first contact pin 51 and a number of second contact pins 52 (see Figure 2).

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the consumable cartridge 200 includes a case 10. The case 10 has a bottom wall 201 and a top wall 202 in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200, with the bottom wall 201 and the top wall 202 facing each other. Specifically, the case 10 has the bottom wall 201 on the -Y axis side and the top wall 202 on the +Y axis side. An ink outlet 205 is provided in the bottom wall 201.

[0027] Case 10 has a front wall 203 and a rear wall 204 along the length of the consumable cartridge 200, with the front wall 203 and the rear wall 204 facing each other. Specifically, case 10 has the rear wall 204 on the -Z axis side and the front wall 203 on the +Z axis side.

[0028] The consumable cartridge 200 further includes a tip 20. The tip 20 is mounted in the case 10. In some examples, the tip 20 is mounted in the rear wall 204 of the case 10.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the chip 20 includes a substrate 21. The substrate 21 has a front surface 213 on the side opposite to the case 10 and a rear surface 214 facing the case 10 side.

[0030] The chip 20 further includes a memory element 23. The memory element 23 stores information related to the consumable cartridge 200, such as manufacturer information, ink quantity information, consumable cartridge type information, and ink color.

[0031] The chip 20 further includes at least one first terminal 22 (also referred to as the first contact 22) and at least one second terminal 24 (also referred to as the second contact 24). The first terminal 22 is provided on the rear surface 214 of the substrate 21, and the second terminal 24 is provided on the front surface 213 of the substrate 21. At least one of the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 is electrically connected to the memory element 23.

[0032] The number of first terminals 22 is equal to the number of first contact pins 51.

[0033] The number of second terminals 24 is equal to the number of second contact pins 52. When the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting section of the image forming apparatus, the second terminals 24 are electrically connected to the second contact pins 52.

[0034] In some examples, a first terminal 22 is provided on the rear surface 214 of the substrate 21, and a second terminal 24 is provided on the front surface 213 of the substrate 21. If the chip 20 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, and a data terminal, the first terminal 22 may be one of the ground terminal, power terminal, reset terminal, clock terminal, and data terminal. The remaining terminal of the chip 20 is the second terminal 24. In other examples, the first terminal 22 and the second terminal 24 may be provided on the front surface 213 of the substrate 21. In some examples, the number of first terminals 22 is not equal to the number of first contact pins 51, and the number of second terminals 24 is not equal to the number of second contact pins 52.

[0035] The grounding terminal is used to receive the ground potential. The power supply terminal receives a power supply potential different from the ground potential (e.g., 3.6V or 3.3V) and is used to supply the power necessary for the operation of the memory element 23. The reset terminal is used to receive the reset signal. The clock terminal is used to receive the clock signal. The data terminal is used to transmit or receive data signals, and to detect whether the data terminal is short-circuited to at least one of the clock terminal, reset terminal and power supply terminal, and / or to detect whether the consumable cartridge is correctly installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0036] In some examples, the first terminal 22 may be one of the following: a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a data terminal, a high-voltage terminal, and a detection terminal, and the remaining terminal of the chip 20 is the second terminal 24. The high-voltage terminal is used to detect whether the consumable cartridge is properly installed in the image forming apparatus. The detection terminal is used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the high-voltage terminal of the chip and at least one of the other terminals (i.e., low-voltage terminals).

[0037] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the consumable cartridge 200 further includes a connecting member 40A. The connecting member 40A is made of a conductive material.

[0038] The connecting member 40A has a first portion 401 and a second portion 402. The first portion 401 is used to electrically connect to the tip 20, and the second portion 402 is used to electrically connect to the second end 13b of one of the multiple contact pins.

[0039] The connecting member 40A and the tip 20 may be connected by methods such as contact, welding, bonding, or fitting.

[0040] For example, in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200, at least a portion of the connecting member 40A is higher than the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51.

[0041] The number of connecting members 40A is equal to the number of first terminals 22, that is, each connecting member 40A corresponds to one first terminal 22. In this embodiment, the number of connecting members 40A is 1, and the number of first terminals 22 is also 1. The first portion 401 of the connecting member 40A is electrically connected to the first terminal 22. The second portion 402 of the connecting member 40A is electrically connected to the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51 corresponding to the first terminal 22.

[0042] As an example, the connecting member 40A is made of a flexible conductive material and includes a base end 41A, a connecting portion 42A, an arm portion 43A, and a bypass portion 44. The connecting portion 42A connects the base end 41A and the arm portion 43A, and the base end 41A is configured such that at least a portion of it is helical with respect to the connecting portion 42A. The connecting portion 42A is configured to be at an angle with the arm portion 43A. The bypass portion 44 is connected to the arm portion 43A and is configured to have a bypass structure with respect to the arm portion 43A. The bypass structure can be understood as being composed of multiple bent portions. One end of the bypass portion 44 is wrapped around the case 10 of the consumable cartridge 200. The base end 41A is also wrapped around the case 10 of the consumable cartridge 200. In the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge 200, at least a portion of the arm portion 43A protrudes from the case 10.

[0043] The first portion 401 of the connecting member 40A is located at the base end 41A, and the second portion 402 is located at the arm portion 43A. The second portion 402 of the connecting member 40A contacts the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51 corresponding to the first terminal 22 to form an auxiliary contact portion 403 (see Figure 7).

[0044] The second terminal 24 of the chip 20 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 13a of the corresponding second contact pin 52.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the consumable cartridge 200 further comprises an auxiliary member 50A. A portion of the auxiliary member 50A is connected to the case 10. The other portion of the auxiliary member 50A extends toward the main control board 11A side of the contact pin component and is used to apply a contact force to at least a portion of the contact pin component. The auxiliary member 50A does not exchange electrical signals with the image forming apparatus and is positioned along the length of the consumable cartridge 200 so as to at least partially overlap the contact pin component. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary contact portion 403 of the connecting member 40A of the consumable cartridge 200 is in contact with the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51, and the auxiliary member 50A of the consumable cartridge 200 can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 by applying a contact force to at least a portion of the contact pin component. This ensures that even if the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, the consumable cartridge 200 remains stably fixed to the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, preventing contact separation between the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40A and the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51, and establishing normal communication between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 50A can restrain the position of the consumable cartridge 200 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the occurrence of sliding friction between the connecting member 40A and the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51 is prevented, the electrical connection between the connecting member 40A and the contact pin is stabilized, and the communication quality between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus is improved.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, at least a portion of the auxiliary member 50A is positioned to shield the auxiliary contact portion 403 in the longitudinal and height directions of the consumable cartridge 200. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 50A can protect the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40A in the longitudinal and height directions of the consumable cartridge 200. This prevents contaminants such as dust from adhering to the body of the second portion 402 and causing poor contact with the contact pins, ensuring stable contact between the connecting member 40A and the contact pins, and improving the communication quality between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus.

[0047] The first portion 401 of the connecting member 40A is used to abut against the first terminal 22. The second portion 402 is used to abut against the first contact pin 51 to form a first contact. The auxiliary member 50A shields the first contact (i.e., auxiliary contact 403) formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 402 and one of the multiple contact pins. This prevents dust, foreign matter, ink, etc. from entering the first contact and affecting the contact between the connecting member 40A and the first contact pin 51, providing reliable protection and ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, a portion of the auxiliary member 50A extends into the gap 14A and is used to abut the contact pin holder 53 on the side opposite to the tip 20. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, a portion of the auxiliary member 50A is located within the gap 14A, and the auxiliary member 50A can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction by applying a contact force to the side of the contact pin holder 53 opposite to the tip 20. This ensures the stability of the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction even if the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use. Furthermore, the contact force between the contact pin holder 53 and the auxiliary member 50A on the side opposite to the tip 20 can also restrain the consumable cartridge 200 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. This ensures the stability of the consumable cartridge 200 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions even if the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use.

[0049] Here, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting section of the image forming apparatus, the second terminal 24 of the tip 20 of the consumable cartridge 200 is in contact with the first end 13a of the corresponding second contact pin 52, thereby constraining the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction. This ensures the stability of the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction even when the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 50A includes a support portion 501 and a first extension portion 502 (see Figures 5 and 6). One end of the support portion 501 is connected to the case 10. The other end of the support portion 501 is connected to the first extension portion 502. The first extension portion 502 extends into the gap portion 14A. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting portion of the image forming apparatus, the first extension portion 502 of the auxiliary member 50A is located in the gap portion 14A, and the first extension portion 502 can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions by applying a contact force to the side of the contact pin holder 53 opposite to the tip 20.

[0051] Here, the support portion 501 may be connected to the rear wall 204 of the case 10. The support portion 501 may be connected at an angle to the first extension portion 502.

[0052] In some examples, in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the support portion 501 is further from the ink outlet 205 than the connecting member 40A. With this configuration, in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the support portion 501 of the auxiliary member 50A is higher than the connecting member 40A, so the support portion 501 can shield the second portion 402 and the auxiliary contact portion 403 of the connecting member 40A in the height direction of the consumable cartridge 200.

[0053] A housing portion 503 may be formed between the first extension portion 502 and the rear wall 204 (see Figure 9). The housing portion 503 is used to house a portion of the contact pin holder 53. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting portion of the image forming apparatus, a portion of the contact pin holder 53 is located within the housing portion 503, so that the first extension portion 502 of the auxiliary member 50A is located within the gap portion 14A. As a result, the first extension portion 502 can apply a contact force to the side of the contact pin holder 53 opposite to the tip 20.

[0054] In some cases, in the width direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the width of the housing portion 503 is less than or equal to the width of the contact pin holder 53.

[0055] In some examples, the first extension 502 may be provided on two side walls in the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge 200. That is, the first extension 502 may be provided on the front wall 203 and the rear wall 204, respectively, so as to abut against the side wall of the mounting portion facing the contact pin holder 53 in the Z-axis direction.

[0056] In some examples, the auxiliary member 50A may have other structures to accommodate different consumable cartridges and image forming apparatuses. The auxiliary member 50A may be connected to the tip 20 by methods such as welding, bonding, or fitting.

[0057] In one possible embodiment, the projection of the first extension 502 of the consumable cartridge 200 does not overlap with the projection of the main control board 11A in the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge 200. This configuration prevents interference between the first extension 502 of the auxiliary member 50A and the main control board 11A when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus.

[0058] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 50A is provided with a first connecting layer 51A (see Figures 7 and 8). The first connecting layer 51A is used to increase the contact force between the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin component. This contact force may be a frictional force. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part, the first connecting layer 51A on the auxiliary member 50A is in contact with the contact pin holder 53, thereby increasing the frictional force between the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin holder 53 and stabilizing the contact between the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin holder 53. It also prevents the auxiliary member 50A from sliding away from the contact pin holder 53. Furthermore, the first connecting layer 51A can protect the contact area between the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin holder 53. This prevents wear between the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin holder 53 and extends the service life of the auxiliary member 50A and the contact pin holder 53.

[0059] Here, the first connecting layer 51A may cover at least a portion of the chip 20, at least a portion of the case 10, and the surface of the auxiliary member 50A on the contact pin holder 53 side. In some examples, the first connecting layer 51A may cover at least a portion of the surface of the chip 20, at least a portion of the case 10, and the surface of the auxiliary member 50A on the housing portion 503 side.

[0060] At least a portion of the first connecting layer 51A may be in contact with the side of the contact pin holder 53 opposite to the tip 20.

[0061] In the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge 200, the auxiliary contact portion 403 is shielded by at least a portion of the first connecting layer 51A.

[0062] In some examples, the first connecting layer 51A may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0063] In some examples, the first connection layer 51A is provided with at least one third terminal (not shown). Each third terminal is electrically connected to one second terminal 24 of the chip 20. For example, the number and location of the third terminals correspond to the second terminals 24 on the chip 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second terminal 24 and the third terminal may be connected by welding, and the second contact pin 52 is electrically connected to the second terminal 24 via the third terminal. The remaining portion of the first connection layer 51A may be connected to the tip 20 by means of bonding, mating, or abutment.

[0065] In some examples, the first connection layer 51A does not have a third terminal. The first connection layer 51A has at least one through-hole (not shown), each through-hole corresponding to each second terminal 24, and the second terminal 24 is exposed to the outside through the corresponding through-hole. For example, the number and position of the through-holes correspond to the second terminals 24 on the chip 20, and the second contact pin 52 is electrically connected to the second terminals 24 through the through-holes.

[0066] Embodiment 2 As shown in Figures 11 to 15, the consumable cartridge 200 of Embodiment 2 differs from the consumable cartridge 200 of Embodiment 1 in that a portion of the auxiliary member 50B is connected to the connecting member 40B, rather than to the case 10. The other portion of the auxiliary member 50B extends to the contact pin component and is used to apply a contact force to at least a portion of the contact pin component. The auxiliary member 50B does not exchange electrical signals with the image forming apparatus and is positioned along the length of the consumable cartridge 200 so as to at least partially overlap the contact pin component. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 50B of the consumable cartridge 200 can apply a contact force to at least a portion of the contact pin component, thereby restraining the consumable cartridge 200. As a result, even when the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use, the consumable cartridge 200 is stably fixed to the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, preventing the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40B from detaching from contact with the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51, and establishing normal communication between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus. In addition, the auxiliary member 50B restrains the position of the consumable cartridge 200 along its longitudinal direction, preventing sliding friction between the connecting member 40B and the second end 13b of the contact pin, stabilizing the electrical connection between the connecting member 40B and the contact pin, and improving the communication quality between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus.

[0067] In Embodiment 2, the connecting member 40B is not provided with a bypass portion.

[0068] At least a portion of the auxiliary member 50B is positioned along the length of the consumable cartridge 200 to shield the second portion 402 and the auxiliary contact portion 403 of the connecting member 40B. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary member 50B can protect the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40B along the length of the consumable cartridge 200. This prevents contaminants such as dust from adhering to the body of the second portion 402 and causing poor contact between the connecting member 40B and the contact pins, ensuring stable contact between the connecting member 40B and the contact pins, and improving the communication quality between the chip 20 and the image forming apparatus.

[0069] In one possible embodiment, a portion of the auxiliary member 50B extends into the contact pin groove 531 and is used to abut the contact pin on the side opposite to the tip 20. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting section of the image forming apparatus, a portion of the auxiliary member 50B is located within the contact pin groove 531, and the auxiliary member 50B can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction by applying a contact force to the side opposite to the tip 20 of the contact pin. This ensures the stability of the consumable cartridge 200 in the Z-axis direction even if the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 50B can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 in the +Y-axis and -Y-axis directions by applying a contact force (i.e., frictional force) to the side opposite to the tip 20 of the contact pin. This ensures the stability of the consumable cartridge 200 in the +Y-axis and -Y-axis directions even if the consumable cartridge 200 is affected by external environmental factors such as vibration or shaking during use.

[0070] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 50B includes a bent portion 504 and a second extended portion 505. The bent portion 504 is connected between the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40B and the second extended portion 505. The second extended portion 505 extends into the contact pin groove 531. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the second extended portion 505 of the auxiliary member 50B is located within the contact pin groove 531, and the second extended portion 505 can restrain the consumable cartridge 200 by applying a contact force to the side opposite the tip 20 of the contact pin.

[0071] Here, the bent portion 504 is connected to the second portion 402 of the connecting member 40B. The bent portion 504 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0072] In some examples, along the length of the consumable cartridge 200, the bent portion 504 extends beyond the second end 13b of the contact pin.

[0073] Along the height of the consumable cartridge 200, the bent portion 504 is further away from the ink outlet 205 than the auxiliary contact portion 403. With this configuration, the bent portion 504 does not directly contact the contact pins.

[0074] The second extension 505 is connected to the bent portion 504 by intersecting it.

[0075] For example, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting section of the image forming apparatus, the auxiliary contact portion 403 of the connecting member 40B of the consumable cartridge 200 abuts against the second end 13b of the first contact pin 51, and the second extension portion 505 of the auxiliary member 50B enters the contact pin groove 531 corresponding to the first contact pin 51 and abuts against the third end 13c of the first contact pin 51. There is no signal exchange between the second extension portion 505 and the first contact pin 51.

[0076] In one possible embodiment, at least a portion of the auxiliary member 50B is covered with a second connecting layer (not shown) that extends into the contact pin groove 531 and is configured to abut the contact pin on the side opposite to the tip 20. The second connecting layer is used to increase the contact force between the auxiliary member 50B and the contact pin.

[0077] In some examples, the second connecting layer may be provided on the second extension 505. In other words, the second extension 505 is covered by the second connecting layer. With this configuration, when the consumable cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting part of the image forming apparatus, the second connecting layer on the second extension 505 of the auxiliary member 50B abuts against the first contact pin 51, thereby increasing the contact force between the auxiliary member 50B and the first contact pin 51, stabilizing the contact between the auxiliary member 50B and the first contact pin 51, and preventing the auxiliary member 50B from sliding away from the first contact pin 51. In addition, the second connecting layer can protect the contact area between the auxiliary member 50B and the first contact pin 51. This prevents wear between the auxiliary member 50B and the first contact pin 51 and extends the lifespan of the auxiliary member 50B and the first contact pin 51.

[0078] The second connecting layer may be formed of an insulating material such as rubber, silicone rubber, or non-slip plastic.

[0079] In some examples, the auxiliary member 50B may have a different structure to accommodate different consumable cartridges and image forming apparatuses. The auxiliary member 50B may be connected to the connecting member 40B by welding, bonding, or fitting. With respect to other structures and effects, Embodiment 2 is the same as Embodiment 1.

[0080] Embodiment 3 Embodiment 3 provides a consumable cartridge that is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a contact pin component. The contact pin component includes a first contact pin. The consumable cartridge includes a case with a receiving portion on its outer wall surface, a tip including a first contact having a first contact portion and at least a portion of which is provided on the receiving portion, a connecting member including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being used to abut with the first contact portion and the second portion being used to abut with the first contact pin, and an auxiliary member provided on the case. When the consumable cartridge and the printing apparatus are in the process of being mounted, the first contact pin is located between the tip and the second portion, and the auxiliary member is configured to displace or deform the second portion toward the first contact pin under external force so that the second portion abuts with the first contact pin, and the auxiliary member shields the contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion and the first contact pin.

[0081] As shown in Figures 1 to 3b and Figures 16 to 18, an embodiment of the present invention provides a consumable cartridge that is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus (corresponding to the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1). The printing apparatus includes a contact pin component 50, which includes a first contact pin 51. As shown in Figures 18, 19 and 20, the consumable cartridge includes a case 10, a chip 20, a connecting member 30, and an auxiliary member 40, and a receiving portion 11 is provided on the outer wall surface of the case 10. The chip 20 is provided on the receiving portion 11.

[0082] As shown in Figures 18, 21, and 22, the tip 20 includes a first contact 22 (also called a first terminal 22), and the first contact 22 includes a first contact portion 221. The connecting member 30 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32, the first portion 31 and the first contact portion 221 are in contact with each other, and the second portion 32 is used to contact the first contact pin 51. The auxiliary member 40 is provided on the case 10.

[0083] When the consumable cartridge and printing device are being installed, the first contact pin 51 is positioned between the tip 20 and the second portion 32, and the auxiliary member 40 is configured to displace or deform the second portion 32 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51 under external force, thereby causing the second portion 32 to come into contact with the first contact pin 51. The auxiliary member 40 also shields the contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51.

[0084] In the consumable cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the consumable cartridge and the printing device are in the installation process, the first contact pin 51 is located between the chip 20 and the second portion 32, so the auxiliary member 40 and the second portion 32 are located on the same side of the first contact pin 51. When an action is applied to the auxiliary member 40, the auxiliary member 40 is displaced in a direction toward the first contact pin 51, applying an action to the second portion 32, deforming the second portion 32 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51, and achieving electrical connection between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51. In this example, the first contact pin 51 is a symmetric contact pin, and the first contact 22 is a symmetric contact.

[0085] Because the auxiliary member 40 and the second part 32 are located on the same side of the first contact pin 51, the displacement path of the auxiliary member 40 can be significantly shortened compared to conventional techniques where the auxiliary member 40 and the second part 32 are located on both sides of the first contact pin 51, and the target contact pin is pressed by a pressing arm, causing it to deform significantly and make an electrical connection with the second part of another member. As a result, the force that must be applied to the auxiliary member 40 is reduced, the amount of deformation of the first contact pin 51 is also reduced, and it is possible to prevent the first contact pin 51 from unexpectedly riding up onto the upper surface of the chip 20. In addition, it is possible to effectively avoid situations such as deformation, deterioration, breakage, or unexpected bending of the first contact pin 51 that may occur due to the first contact pin 51 maintaining a large amount of deformation for a long period of time. This ensures contact stability between the second part 32 and the first contact pin 51, improves the communication quality between the chip 20 and the printing device, and ensures the accuracy of reading and processing information from the chip 20 by the printing device.

[0086] Furthermore, since the force that needs to be applied to the auxiliary member 40 is reduced, the difficulty of operation or processing is lowered. In other words, even if there is some variation in the force applied to the auxiliary member 40, it does not significantly affect the normal operation of the printing device, reducing the requirement for precise control of the magnitude of the force applied to the auxiliary member 40, improving ease of operation, and lowering the complexity of processing.

[0087] The auxiliary member 40 shields the contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51, thereby solving the problem of foreign matter easily adhering to the second portion 32, the first contact pin 51, or other first contacts 22 of the chip 20. This prevents malfunctions such as short circuits, burnout, or failure to be recognized by the printing device of the chip 20, reduces the failure rate of the chip during use, stabilizes the communication quality between the consumable cartridge and the printing device, and improves safety during use.

[0088] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, the printing apparatus is provided with a mounting holder 60, which can accommodate one or more consumable cartridges. The mounting holder 60 is provided with one or more storage positions 61, which are used to accommodate consumable cartridges, and each storage position 61 is provided with a contact pin component 50. For example, the mounting holder 60 has four storage positions 61, and the mounting holder 60 can accommodate four consumable cartridges, and the four consumable cartridges can store four different colors of ink or toner, such as black, yellow, cyan, and magenta.

[0089] The contact pin component 50 further includes a contact pin holder 53 and a plurality of second contact pins 52, the contact pin holder 53 being provided with a plurality of contact pin grooves. The first contact pin 51 and each of the second contact pins 52 are each located in their respective contact pin grooves.

[0090] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 16, 17, and 18, a support member 62 is further provided on the inner wall of the housing position 61, and the support member 62 is located on both sides of the contact pin holder 53. The support member 62 includes at least one alignment portion 621, and when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing device, the alignment portion 621 of the support member 62 abuts against at least a portion of the auxiliary member 40, applying a force to the auxiliary member 40 along the -X direction, deforming the auxiliary member 40 toward the first contact pin 51.

[0091] A main control board 11A is further provided in the housing position 61. A gap 14A is provided between the inner wall of the housing position 61 and the contact pin holder 53. The ends of the first contact pin 51 and each second contact pin 52 opposite to the chip 20 are all electrically connected to the main control board 11A (see Figure 2).

[0092] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, a storage space for toner or ink is provided inside the case 10, and an ink outlet 205 is provided at the bottom of the case 10. The toner or ink stored inside the case 10 flows out from the ink outlet 205 and is supplied to the printing device.

[0093] Positioning columns 16 are further provided on the outer wall of the case 10, and the positioning columns 16 may be adjacent to the receiving portion 11. Positioning holes 211 are further formed in the substrate 21. By extending the positioning columns 16 into the positioning holes 211, a positioning effect is achieved when mounting the chip 20.

[0094] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, there may be two or more positioning holes 211, and they may be located on the upper and lower edges of the substrate 21. The positioning columns 16 and the positioning holes 211 are numbered and their positions correspond to each other. There may be two or more positioning columns 16.

[0095] As shown in Figure 23, a handle 17 is further provided on the outer wall of the case 10, and the handle 17 is located on the side wall of the case 10 where the tip 20 is provided. An engaging projection 171 is provided on the side of the handle 17 opposite to the case 10. During the process of mounting the consumable cartridge to the printing device, the elastic engagement between the engaging projection 171 and the printing device facilitates the fixing and mounting of the consumable cartridge.

[0096] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 40 is provided in the case 10 in a position close to the support portion 11. The auxiliary member 40 includes a mounting portion 41, and the second portion 32 extends into the mounting portion 41.

[0097] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 40 may be integrally molded with the case 10, or it may be detachably connected to the case 10.

[0098] In one possible embodiment, when the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the second part 32 and the auxiliary member 40 are both located on the same side of the first contact pin 51, and at least a portion of the second part 32 and the auxiliary member 40 are further away from the tip 20 than the first contact pin 51. This significantly shortens the displacement path of the auxiliary member 40, reduces the force that must be applied to the auxiliary member 40, decreases the amount of deformation of the first contact pin 51, and improves the durability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0099] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, a notch 212 is formed on the auxiliary member 40 side of the tip 20. When the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the first contact pin 51 extends into the notch 212.

[0100] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 18, 24, 25, and 26, the second portion 32 includes a bent portion 321 and an extended portion 322, with the bent portion 321 connected between the first portion 31 and the extended portion 322. When the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the extended portion 322 is located on the same side of the first contact pin 51 together with the auxiliary member 40, and the second portion 32 is further away from the tip 20 than the first contact pin 51.

[0101] With this structure, when the consumable cartridge and printing device are being installed, the first contact pin 51 extends between the second part 32 and the tip 20, and the auxiliary member 40 deforms the second part 32 when subjected to external force, thereby achieving electrical connection with the first contact pin 51. As a result, the amount of deformation of the first contact pin 51 is reduced, preventing not only the first contact pin 51 from shifting and sliding out toward the front surface 213 side of the tip 20, but also preventing the first contact pin 51 from deforming over a long period of time, which could lead to deformation, deterioration, breakage, or unexpected bending. Consequently, the stability of the electrical connection between the second part 32 and the first contact pin 51 is ensured, and the communication stability between the tip 20 and the printing device is improved.

[0102] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 23, 24, and 25, the first portion 31 includes a base portion 311 and a connecting portion 312, the connecting portion 312 being connected between the base portion 311 and the second portion 32. By providing a bent portion 321, an angle can be formed between the stretching direction of the extended portion 322 and the stretching direction of the connecting portion 312. This facilitates the elastic deformation of the extended portion 322 when it is pressed.

[0103] In this embodiment, the extended portion 322 may be a projection structure that protrudes in a direction away from the case 10 along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 (i.e., the -Z axis direction).

[0104] In one possible embodiment, the mounting portion 41 is provided with a protruding portion 411. The extending portion 322 abuts against the protruding portion 411. The protruding portion 411 is configured to apply force to the extending portion 322 under external force, deforming the extending portion 322 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51 and bringing it into contact with the first contact pin 51.

[0105] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 28, 29, 30, and 31, the protruding portion 411 is a projection structure that protrudes from the mounting portion 41, and may be, for example, a rib-shaped projection protruding from the mounting portion 41. When the extending portion 322 and the protruding portion 411 come into contact with each other, when the auxiliary member 40 is subjected to an external force, the force is effectively transmitted to the extending portion 322 via the protruding portion 411, causing the extending portion 322 to be displaced or deformed, thereby ensuring the force transmission effect and the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0106] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the projection 411 may be straight or cross-shaped. Since the edge of the projection 411 is connected to the inner wall of the mounting portion 41, the projection 411 can make stable contact with the extension portion 322.

[0107] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 27, 29, 30, and 31, the mounting portion 41 is a recessed structure formed inside the auxiliary member 40, and the mounting portion 41 has an opening toward the receiving portion 11. The extension portion 322 enters the interior of the mounting portion 41 through this opening.

[0108] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 40 further includes a shielding portion 42, which is positioned on the side wall of the mounting portion 41 away from the receiving portion 11 (i.e., the side wall on the -Z axis side). When the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing device, the shielding portion 42 abuts against the first contact pin 51 and shields the contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51. The shielding portion 42 shields the contact position between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 (i.e., the contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51). The shielding portion 42 protects the contact position between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51, ensuring that the electrical contact area between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 is not affected by the external environment (e.g., dust, foreign matter, or other factors that may cause poor contact), and ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0109] In one possible embodiment, the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51 come into contact to form an outer contact portion 3221, which is used to contact the first contact pin 51. In the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge, the projection of the outer contact portion 3221 lies within the projection range of the shielding portion 42. With this structure, in the longitudinal direction of the case 10 (i.e., in the Z-axis direction), the shielding portion 42 can effectively shield the contact position between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51, thereby preventing dust, foreign matter, or other external factors from interfering with the contact between the outer contact portion 3221 and the first contact pin 51, and effectively protecting the contact between the outer contact portion 3221 and the first contact pin 51 to ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0110] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 24, 29, 30, and 31, the case 10 further includes a fixing portion 12 and a housing portion 15, both of which are provided on the receiving portion 11. The base end portion 311 of the connecting member 30 extends into the housing portion 15, and the fixing portion 12 abuts against the connecting portion 312 of the connecting member 30.

[0111] A fixing column 151 is provided inside the housing section 15. The fixing column 151 is connected to the outer wall of the case 10. A fixing space 3111 is formed inside the base end portion 311, which can be fitted into the fixing column 151. This allows the base end portion 311 to be fitted into the outer surface of the fixing column 151. By fitting the fixing space 3111 into the outer surface of the fixing column 151, mutual connection between the first portion 31 of the connecting member 30 and the case 10 is achieved. When pressure from the auxiliary member 40 acts on the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30, the problem of the connecting member 30 shifting can be prevented.

[0112] In one possible embodiment, the base end 311 is a ring-shaped columnar structure formed by spirally winding a metal wire (e.g., copper wire), with a fixed space 3111 formed in the center of the base end 311. The base end 311 may have other structures to accommodate different connecting members 30 or consumable cartridges.

[0113] In one possible embodiment, the connecting member 30 is a single piece formed by bending a metal wire. The connecting member 30 may have other structures to accommodate different consumable cartridges.

[0114] In one possible embodiment, the fixing portion 12 may be a projection structure that protrudes from the receiving portion 11. The fixing portion 12 can prevent the connecting portion 312 from moving along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10 and enhance the stability of the fixing of the connecting portion 312.

[0115] In one possible embodiment, there may be two fixing parts 12, which may be spaced apart along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10. The connecting part 312 abuts against the two fixing parts 12, thereby preventing the connecting part 312 from detaching from the receiving part 11 and improving the stability of the fixing of the connecting part 312.

[0116] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 24, 29, 30, and 31, the case 10 further includes a retaining portion 13, which is connected to a fixing portion 12, and a first anti-detachment groove 131 is formed between the retaining portion 13 and the receiving portion 11. The connecting portion 312 extends into the first anti-detachment groove 131, and the retaining portion 13 and the connecting portion 312 are in contact with each other. The retaining portion 13 can prevent the connecting portion 312 from moving along the length direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the case 10. This reduces the problem of loosening or detachment of the connecting member 30 due to vibration or external force. By restricting the movement of the connecting portion 312, the overall stability of the connecting member 30 can be improved, and the stability and reliability of communication between the connecting member 30 and the tip 20 and the first contact pin 51 can be ensured.

[0117] In one possible embodiment, the retaining portion 13 may be a projection structure that protrudes from the fixing portion 12 along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10.

[0118] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 31, 32, and 33, the case 10 further includes a retaining portion 14, which is provided on the auxiliary member 40 side of the fixing portion 12, and a second anti-detachment groove 141 is formed between the retaining portion 14 and the auxiliary member 40. The bent portion 321 extends into the second anti-detachment groove 141. The bent portion 321 is configured to deform under external force, so that both sides of the bent portion 321 come into contact with the retaining portion 14 and the protruding portion 411, respectively.

[0119] The function of the blocking part 14 is to provide additional fixing and restricting action to the bent part 321. The combined blocking action of the blocking part 14 and the auxiliary member 40 ensures that the bent part 321 is securely restrained within the second anti-detachment groove 141, and the position of the bent part 321 is more effectively fixed. This prevents the problem of the bent part 321 loosening or falling off due to factors such as vibration, and improves the stability and reliability of communication between the connecting member 30, the tip 20, and the first contact pin 51.

[0120] At least a portion of the auxiliary member 40 abuts against the alignment portion 621 (see Figure 17) of the housing position 61, and when the force applied by the alignment portion 621 to the auxiliary member 40 displaces or deforms the auxiliary member 40 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51, the bent portion 321 can stably abut against the blocking portion 14. As a result, the deformation of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is maintained within a certain range, preventing a situation in which the amount of deformation or displacement of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is too large, making it impossible to establish a stable electrical connection with the first contact pin 51. Furthermore, the problem of deformation deterioration and damage to the second portion 32 caused by the first contact pin 51 maintaining a large amount of deformation for a long period of time is prevented.

[0121] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 25, 26, and 27, the contact pin component 50 further includes a second contact pin 52. The chip 20 further includes a substrate 21, a memory element 23, and a second contact 24 (corresponding to the second terminal in Embodiment 1). The substrate 21 has a rear surface 214 facing the case 10 and a front surface 213 on the opposite side. The second contact 24 is provided on the front surface 213, and the memory element 23 and the first contact 22 are provided on the rear surface 214. At least one of the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 is electrically connected to the memory element 23, or each of the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 is electrically connected to the memory element 23. The second contact 24 is used to make electrical contact with the second contact pin 52.

[0122] The memory element 23 may be used to store data information such as ink capacity, chip authentication, and communication, as well as related processing programs and communication programs.

[0123] In one possible embodiment, there may be multiple second contacts 24. Multiple second contacts 24 may be arranged in at least one row or column on the front surface 213 of the substrate 21. The second contact pins 52 are electrically connected in correspondence with the second contacts 24.

[0124] In one possible embodiment, along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the consumable cartridge, one or more projections of the second contact 24 at least partially overlap with the projection of the first contact 22. This structure optimizes space utilization, reduces the overall dimensions of the substrate 21 of the chip 20, and lowers the material cost of the substrate 21.

[0125] In one possible embodiment, the first portion 31 and the first contact portion 221 make electrical contact to form an internal contact, and the second contact 24 and the second contact pin 52 make electrical contact to form an external contact. Along the length of the consumable cartridge, the projections of one or more internal and external contacts overlap at least partially. This structure optimizes space utilization.

[0126] In one possible embodiment, if the chip 20 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, and a data terminal, the first contact 22 may be one or more of the ground terminal, power terminal, reset terminal, clock terminal, and data terminal. The second contact 24 includes the remaining contacts other than the first contact 22. Here, in some examples, the first contact 22 has the function of short-circuit detection and consumable cartridge installation detection.

[0127] In some examples, if the chip 20 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a data terminal, a high-voltage terminal, and a short-circuit detection terminal, the first contact 22 may be one or more of the ground terminal, power terminal, reset terminal, clock terminal, data terminal, high-voltage terminal, and short-circuit detection terminal. The second contact 24 includes the remaining contacts other than the first contact 22.

[0128] The grounding terminal is used to receive the ground potential. The power supply terminal receives a power supply potential different from the ground potential (e.g., 3.6V or 3.3V) and is used to supply the power necessary for the operation of the memory element 23. The reset terminal is used to receive the reset signal. The clock terminal is used to receive the clock signal. The data terminal is used to transmit or receive data signals and to detect whether the data terminal is short-circuited to at least one of the clock terminal, reset terminal, and power supply terminal.

[0129] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the auxiliary member 40 further includes a force receiving portion 43. The force receiving portion 43 is located on the opposite side of the auxiliary member 40 from the bearing portion 11 and is used to receive forces acting from inside the printing device.

[0130] In one possible embodiment, the force receiving portion 43 may be a protruding structure, which may be a protruding structure that extends from the auxiliary member 40 along the X-axis direction. By providing the force receiving portion 43, the forces acting inside the printing device are transmitted to the auxiliary member 40, causing the auxiliary member 40 to deform or displace the second portion 32 of the chip 20.

[0131] During the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the storage position 61 of the printing device, the first contact pin 51 moves between the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 and the tip 20. The alignment portion 621 of the storage position 61 of the printing device comes into contact with the force receiving portion 43 of the auxiliary member 40, applying a contact force to the force receiving portion 43 in the -X axis direction. This contact force acts on the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 via the auxiliary member 40, causing the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 to be pressed by the auxiliary member 40 and deform in the -X axis direction, so that the extended portion 322 of the second portion 32 comes into contact with the first contact pin 51 and an electrical connection is established.

[0132] When the consumable cartridge is fully inserted into the storage position 61, the shielding portion 42 shields the contact point between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the extension portion 322, the first contact pin 51, or other first contacts 22 of the chip 20, which could cause problems such as short circuits, burnout, or failure to be recognized by the printing device of the chip 20. This reduces the failure rate when using the chip, ensures stable communication quality between the consumable cartridge and the printing device, and improves safety during use.

[0133] In some examples, along the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge (i.e., the Z-axis direction), the force-receiving portion 43 is positioned on a different surface of the auxiliary member 40 from the shielding portion 42. That is, in the Z-axis direction, the force-receiving portion 43 is closer to the consumable cartridge than the shielding portion 42. A recess is formed between the force-receiving portion 43 and the main body of the auxiliary member 40. This improves the mechanical strength of the auxiliary member 40 and prevents damage to the auxiliary member 40.

[0134] Embodiment 4 Embodiment 4 provides a consumable cartridge that is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus along the mounting direction. The printing apparatus includes a contact pin component. The contact pin component includes at least two first contact pins. The consumable cartridge includes a case body and a receiving portion provided on the outer wall surface of the case body; a chip that includes a substrate and first contacts provided on the substrate, with at least a portion of it provided on the receiving portion, wherein the number of first contacts matches in the regions on both sides of the center line of the substrate; a connecting member for electrically connecting the first contacts and the corresponding first contact pins, which includes a first portion and a second portion that are connected to each other, the first portion being used to abut the first contacts and the second portion being used to abut each other with the first contact pins to form a first contact portion; and at least two sets of auxiliary members provided on the receiving portion and located on opposite sides of the chip, corresponding to the first contact pins and the second portion. When the consumable cartridge and printing device are being installed, the auxiliary members displace or deform the second portion so that it approaches the corresponding first contact pin, causing the second portion to contact the corresponding first contact pin, and the directions of the forces from the two sets of auxiliary members to the two second portions are opposite to each other in order to balance the forces acting on the tip, and the auxiliary members shield the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion and the first contact pin.

[0135] As shown in Figures 34, 37, 38, and 39, the consumable cartridge according to this embodiment differs from Embodiment 3 in that it includes at least two sets of connecting members 30 and at least two sets of auxiliary members 40. As shown in Figures 35, 36, and 37, the case 10 includes a case body 18 and a receiving portion 11 provided on the outer wall surface of the case body 18, and the chip 20 is provided on the receiving portion 11. As shown in Figure 40, the chip 20 includes a substrate 21 and two first contacts 22 provided on the substrate 21, the number of first contacts 22 being the same in the regions on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21. There may be three or more first contacts 22. The number of connecting members 30 matches the number of first contacts 22. The first contacts 22 may be configured as contacts that perform the same function, or they may be configured as contacts that perform different functions. In this embodiment, there are two first contacts 22, and the two first contacts 22 are used as contacts that perform different functions.

[0136] As shown in Figures 41, 42, and 43, the connecting member 30 is used to electrically connect the first contact 22 to the corresponding first contact pins 51 (which differ from Embodiment 3 in that there are at least two), and the connecting member 30 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 which are connected to each other, the first portion 31 in contact with the first contact 22 and the second portion 32 in contact with the first contact pins 51 to form a first contact portion.

[0137] As shown in Figures 42 and 44, all auxiliary members 40 are provided on the receiving portion 11 and are positioned on opposite sides of the tip 20, with the auxiliary members 40 corresponding to the first contact pin 51 and the second portion 32. As shown in Figures 36 and 39, the auxiliary members 40 are positioned to displace or deform the corresponding second portion 32 so that it approaches the corresponding first contact pin 51 during the process of the consumable cartridge being mounted on the printing device. This causes the corresponding second portion 32 to contact the corresponding first contact pin 51. In addition, in order to balance the forces acting on the tip 20, the directions of the forces from the two sets of auxiliary members 40 to the two second portions 32 are opposite to each other. The auxiliary members 40 shield the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51.

[0138] As shown in Figure 39, the force applied by the auxiliary member 40 located on the left side (i.e., the -X-axis side) to the second portion 32 provided on the -X-axis side is in the direction of the +X-axis direction, and the force applied by the auxiliary member 40 located on the right side (i.e., the +X-axis side) to the second portion 32 provided on the +X-axis side is in the direction of the -X-axis direction. As a result, the forces transmitted to the tip 20 by the second portions 32 of the two connecting members 30 pressing against the first contact pin 51 are in opposite directions and are approximately the same or the same in magnitude, so the forces acting on the tip 20 are balanced.

[0139] The consumable cartridge according to the present invention is provided with two sets of auxiliary members 40 located on opposite sides of the chip 20, and by making the direction of the force from the two sets of auxiliary members 40 to the two second parts 32 opposite to each other, the forces acting from the second parts 32 to both sides of the chip 20 can be made to be in a state of near equilibrium, thereby preventing displacement of the chip 20, preventing problems such as poor contact, contact detachment, or short circuits caused by misalignment between the second contact pin and the second contact part, and improving the communication quality between the chip 20 and the printing device.

[0140] As shown in Figures 39, 40, 41, and 42, the number of first contacts 22 is consistent across the regions on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21. When the connecting member 30 is positioned to electrically connect the first contact 22 to the corresponding first contact pin 51, the number of second parts 32 of the corresponding connecting member 30 matches in the regions on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21. Therefore, when the pressure from the auxiliary member 40 is transmitted to both sides of the chip 20 via the first contact pin 51 and the second part 32, the forces on both sides of the chip 20 are almost balanced. This contributes to resolving the problem of misalignment caused by an imbalance in the forces acting on the chip 20, further balancing the forces acting on both sides of the center line C1 of the chip 20, preventing misalignment of the chip 20 at the mounting position in the case 10, and further balancing the contact force between the second contact portion of the chip 20 and the second contact pin of the printing device. This avoids contact failure, contact detachment, or short circuits caused by misalignment due to insufficient contact force between the two, as well as wear or damage to the terminal surface and deformation of the terminals due to excessive contact force between the two, thereby ensuring the quality of communication between the chip 20 and the printing device.

[0141] As shown in Figures 39, 44, and 45, the auxiliary member 40 shields the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the second portion 32, the first contact pin 51, or other first contacts 22 of the chip 20, which can cause problems such as short circuits, burnout, or failure to be recognized by the printing device of the chip 20. This reduces the failure rate of the chip 20 during use, ensures stable communication quality between the consumable cartridge and the printing device, and improves safety during use.

[0142] In Embodiment 4, as shown in Figures 41, 42, and 45, there are two connecting members 30, and the two connecting members 30 may be spaced apart along the mounting direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). There are two corresponding first contact pins 51, and two sets of auxiliary members 40, with one auxiliary member 40 in each set. Since the second portions 32 of the two connecting members 30 are located on opposite sides of the tip 20, the magnitude of the force applied by the two sets of auxiliary members 40 to the two connecting members 30 is approximately the same, and the forces acting on both sides of the tip 20 are approximately balanced. This ensures that the force acting on the tip 20 is uniform during use, reducing problems such as misalignment and damage due to poor electrical contact caused by imbalances in the forces acting on the tip 20.

[0143] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 17 and 34, the contact pin component 50 further includes a contact pin holder 53 and a plurality of second contact pins 52, the contact pin holder 53 being provided with a plurality of contact pin grooves 531, and the first contact pin 51 and each second contact pin 52 are each located in the corresponding contact pin groove 531.

[0144] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the printing apparatus is provided with a mounting holder 60, which can accommodate one or more consumable cartridges. The mounting holder 60 is provided with one or more storage positions 61, which are used to accommodate consumable cartridges, and each storage position 61 is provided with a contact pin component 50. For example, the mounting holder 60 has four storage positions 61, and can therefore accommodate four consumable cartridges. The four consumable cartridges can store four different colors of ink or toner, such as black, yellow, cyan, and magenta.

[0145] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 16, 17, and 34, a support member 62 is further provided on the inner wall of the housing position 61, and the support member 62 is located on both sides of the contact pin holder 53. The support member 62 includes two sets of alignment parts 621, and when the consumable cartridge is mounted on the printing device, the two sets of alignment parts 621 each abut against two sets of auxiliary members 40 and apply force to the auxiliary members 40, deforming them in the direction of the first contact pin 51.

[0146] A main control board 11A is located inside the housing position 61, and a gap 14A is provided between the inner wall of the housing position 61 and the contact pin holder 53. The first contact pin 51 and one end of each second contact pin 52 opposite to the chip 20 are both electrically connected to the main control board 11A (see Figure 2).

[0147] In the consumable cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first contact pin 51 is located between the tip 20 and the second portion 32, so the auxiliary member 40 and the second portion 32 are located on the same side of the first contact pin 51. When the consumable cartridge and the printing device are being installed, the two sets of alignment parts 621 each apply force to the two sets of auxiliary members 40, causing the auxiliary members 40 to be displaced in a direction toward the first contact pin 51, and applying force to the second portion 32 to deform the second portion 32 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51, thereby achieving electrical connection between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51. In this example, the first contact pin 51 is a symmetric contact pin, and the first contact 22 is a symmetric contact.

[0148] Because the auxiliary member 40 and the second part 32 are located on the same side of the first contact pin 51, the displacement path of the auxiliary member 40 can be significantly shortened compared to conventional techniques where the auxiliary member 40 and the second part 32 are located on both sides of the first contact pin 51, respectively, and the target contact pin is pressed by a pressing arm, causing it to deform significantly and make an electrical connection with the second part of another member. As a result, the force that must be applied to the auxiliary member 40 is reduced, the amount of deformation of the first contact pin 51 is also reduced, and the first contact pin 51 is prevented from unexpectedly riding up onto the upper surface of the chip 20. Furthermore, it is possible to effectively avoid situations such as deformation, deterioration, breakage, or unexpected bending of the first contact pin 51 that may occur due to the first contact pin 51 maintaining a large amount of deformation for a long period of time. This ensures contact stability between the second part 32 and the first contact pin 51, improves the communication quality between the chip 20 and the printing device, and ensures the accuracy of information reading and processing of the chip 20 by the printing device.

[0149] Furthermore, the difficulty of operation is reduced because the force that needs to be applied to the auxiliary member 40 is decreased. Even if there is some variation in the force applied to the auxiliary member 40, it does not significantly affect the normal operation of the printing device, reducing the requirement for precise control of the magnitude of the force that needs to be applied to the auxiliary member 40, thereby improving ease of operation and lowering the complexity of processing.

[0150] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 41 and 42, the first virtual line L1 is defined as extending along the width direction of the case 10. The chip 20 further includes a plurality of second contacts 24 provided on the substrate 21, the second contacts 24 and the first contacts 22 located on opposite sides of the substrate 21, respectively. When the consumable cartridge is fully mounted in the printing device, the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 make electrical contact to form a first contact portion, which is shielded by the auxiliary member 40, and the second contact 24 and the second contact pin 52 make electrical contact to form a second contact portion 241. In a plan view where the second contact portion 241 exists, the first virtual line L1 and the second virtual line L2 are defined as being orthogonal to each other, and the first virtual line L1 is defined as extending along the width direction of the case 10.

[0151] When the second contact portion 241 is projected onto the first virtual line L1 along the mounting direction to form projection points, the perpendicular bisector between the two furthest projection points is defined as the second virtual line L2, one side of the second virtual line L2 is defined as the first region, and the other side of the second virtual line L2 is defined as the second region. The number of projection points in the first region and the second region are the same. The second virtual line L2 is parallel to the center line C1 of the substrate 21, and the extension direction of the second virtual line L2 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first virtual line L1.

[0152] In this example, the projection points formed by projecting the second contact portion onto the first virtual line L1 along the mounting direction are T1 and T2, respectively, and the perpendicular bisector between the two furthest projection points T1 and T2 is the second virtual line L2. The second virtual line L2 passes through the center point between projection points T1 and T2 on the first virtual line L1. By arranging the second contacts 24 symmetrically, the forces acting on the first and second regions can be more evenly balanced, preventing misalignment of the chip 20 caused by different forces acting from the contact pins in the first and second regions of the chip 20 due to the number of second contacts 24 in the first and second regions not matching, and preventing problems such as poor contact, contact detachment, or short circuits caused by misalignment between the second contact pins and the second contact portion.

[0153] The second contact 24 and the first contact 22 are located on opposite sides of the substrate 21, respectively. That is, in a plan view where multiple second contacts 24 exist, the first contact 22 is not visible, or the first contact portion is not visible, or the first contact 22 does not have a projection point on the first imaginary line L1.

[0154] In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, by arranging the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 symmetrically on both sides of the tip 20, the forces acting on the first and second regions located on both sides of the second virtual line L2 can be more evenly balanced. This prevents misalignment of the tip 20 caused by different forces acting on the tip 20 from the contact pins due to the mismatch in the number of first contact portions in the first and second regions, and prevents problems of poor or unstable contact between the second contact pin 52 and the second contact 24.

[0155] This chip structure allows for a smaller chip size, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the chip 20, facilitating its manufacturing process, and improving the flexibility in positioning the second contact 24 and the first contact 22 on the substrate 21. Users can change the positioning of the second contact 24 and the first contact 22 according to the contact pin placement characteristics of different printing devices. This improves the compatibility of the chip 20.

[0156] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 40, 41, and 42, the chip 20 further includes a memory element 23. The substrate 21 has a rear surface 214 facing the case 10 and a front surface 213 on the opposite side. The second contact 24 is provided on the front surface 213, and the memory element 23 and the first contact 22 are provided on the rear surface 214. At least one of the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 is electrically connected to the memory element 23, or each of the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 is electrically connected to the memory element 23. The second contact 24 is used to make electrical contact with the second contact pin 52.

[0157] The memory element 23 may be used to store data information such as ink capacity, chip authentication, and communication, as well as related processing programs and communication programs.

[0158] In one possible embodiment, there may be multiple second contacts 24. Multiple second contacts 24 may be arranged in at least one row or column on the front surface 213 of the substrate 21. The second contact pins 52 are electrically connected to the second contacts 24.

[0159] In one possible embodiment, along the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the chip 20, one or more projections of the second contacts 24 at least partially overlap with the projection of the first contacts 22. This structure optimizes space utilization, reduces the overall dimensions of the substrate 21 of the chip 20, and lowers the material cost of the substrate 21.

[0160] In one possible embodiment, the first portion 31 and the first contact portion 221 make electrical contact to form an internal contact, and the second contact 24 and the second contact pin 52 make electrical contact to form an external contact. Along the length direction of the consumable cartridge (i.e., the Z-axis direction), the projections of one or more of the internal and external contacts overlap at least partially. Such a structure optimizes space utilization.

[0161] In one possible embodiment, if the chip 20 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, and a data terminal, the first contact 22 may be one or more of the ground terminal, power terminal, reset terminal, clock terminal, and data terminal. The second contact 24 includes the remaining contacts other than the first contact 22. Here, in some examples, the first contact 22 has the function of short-circuit detection and consumable cartridge installation detection.

[0162] In some examples, if the chip 20 includes a ground terminal, a power terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a data terminal, a high-voltage terminal, and a short-circuit detection terminal, the first contact 22 may be one or more of the ground terminal, power terminal, reset terminal, clock terminal, data terminal, high-voltage terminal, and short-circuit detection terminal. The second contact 24 includes the remaining contacts other than the first contact 22.

[0163] The grounding terminal is used to receive the ground potential. The power supply terminal receives a power supply potential different from the ground potential (e.g., 3.6V or 3.3V) and is used to supply the power necessary for the operation of the memory element 23. The reset terminal is used to receive the reset signal. The clock terminal is used to receive the clock signal. The data terminal is used to transmit or receive data signals and to detect whether the data terminal is short-circuited to at least one of the clock terminal, reset terminal, and power supply terminal.

[0164] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figure 35, a storage space for storing toner or ink is provided inside the case body 18, and an ink outlet 205 is provided at the bottom of the case body 18. The toner or ink stored inside the case body 18 flows out from the ink outlet 205 and is supplied to the printing device.

[0165] As shown in Figures 36, 37, and 41, the receiving portion 11 further includes a positioning column 16, and the substrate 21 further has a positioning hole 211 formed therein. The positioning column 16 extends into the positioning hole 211, thereby achieving a positioning effect when mounting the chip 20.

[0166] As shown in Figures 37 and 40, there may be two or more positioning holes 211, and they may be located on the upper and lower edges of the substrate 21. The number of positioning columns 16 and the positioning holes 211 are the same, and their positions correspond to each other. There may be two or more positioning columns 16.

[0167] As shown in Figure 44, a handle 17 is further provided on the outer wall of the case 10. The handle 17 may be connected to the outer wall surface of the case body 18. The handle 17 is located on the side wall of the case 10 where the tip 20 is provided. An engaging projection 171 is provided on the side of the handle 17 opposite to the case 10. In the process of mounting a consumable cartridge to the printing device, the elastic engagement between the engaging projection 171 and the printing device facilitates the fixing and mounting of the consumable cartridge.

[0168] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 41 and 42, a notch 212 is formed in the substrate 21 of the chip 20, the notch 212 faces the sides of two sets of auxiliary members 40, and the first contact pin 51 extends into the notch 212.

[0169] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 39, 41, and 42, when the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the second part 32 extends between the tip 20 and the auxiliary member 40, and the first contact pin 51 extends between the side of the tip 20 and the second part 32. This ensures that when the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the second part 32 and the auxiliary member 40 are located on the same side as the first contact pin 51, and that at least a portion of the second part 32 and the auxiliary member 40 are further away from the tip 20 than the first contact pin 51. This significantly shortens the displacement path of the auxiliary member 40, reduces the force required to be applied to the auxiliary member 40, decreases the deformation of the first contact pin 51, and improves the durability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0170] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 36, 44, and 45, the auxiliary member 40 includes a mounting portion 41, which is a recessed structure formed toward the interior of the auxiliary member 40, and the mounting portion 41 has an opening toward the tip 20. The second portion 32 extends into the interior of the mounting portion 41, and the extended portion 322 enters the interior of the mounting portion 41 through the opening. The mounting portion 41 may be used to accommodate the extended portion 322 and to provide a certain protective effect to the extended portion 322.

[0171] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 43, 45, and 48, the first portion 31 includes at least a connecting portion 312, the connecting portion 312 is connected to the second portion 32. The side of the receiving portion 11 opposite to the case body 18 is the receiving surface 111.

[0172] In one possible embodiment, the first portion 31 further includes a base portion 311, and a connecting portion 312 is connected between the base portion 311 and the second portion 32. As shown in Figures 36, 43, 45, and 48, the receiving portion 11 further includes a housing portion 15, the housing portion 15 having a housing groove formed inside, and the base portion 311 extends into the housing groove of the housing portion 15.

[0173] A fixing column 151 is provided inside the housing section 15. The fixing column 151 is located in the housing groove, and one end is connected to the receiving surface 111. A fixing space 3111 is formed inside the base end 311, which can be fitted into the fixing column 151. This allows the base end 311 to be fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the fixing column 151. By fitting the fixing space 3111 into the outer circumferential surface of the fixing column 151, interconnection between the first portion 31 of the connecting member 30 and the case 10 is achieved. When a pressing force from the auxiliary member 40 acts on the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30, the problem of the connecting member 30 shifting can be prevented.

[0174] In one possible embodiment, the base end 311 is a ring-shaped columnar structure formed by spirally winding a metal wire (e.g., copper wire), with a fixed space 3111 formed in the center of the base end 311. The base end 311 may have other structures to accommodate different connecting members 30 or consumable cartridges.

[0175] In one possible embodiment, the connecting member 30 is a single piece formed by bending a metal wire. The connecting member 30 may have other structures to accommodate different consumable cartridges.

[0176] In this embodiment, the extended portion 322 may be a projection structure that protrudes in a direction away from the case 10 along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 (i.e., the -Z axis direction).

[0177] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 36, 43, 45, and 48, the receiving portion 11 includes a fixing portion 12 and a pressing portion 13, the fixing portion 12 is provided on the receiving surface 111 and abuts against the connecting portion 312. The pressing portion 13 is connected to the fixing portion 12, and a first anti-detachment groove 131 is formed between the pressing portion 13 and the receiving surface 111. The connecting portion 312 extends into the first anti-detachment groove 131, and the pressing portion 13 abuts against the connecting portion 312.

[0178] In one possible embodiment, the fixing portion 12 may be a projection structure that protrudes from the receiving portion 11. The fixing portion 12 can prevent the connecting portion 312 from moving along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10 and enhance the stability of the fixing of the connecting portion 312.

[0179] In one possible embodiment, there may be two fixing parts 12, which may be spaced apart along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10. The connecting part 312 can prevent detachment from the receiving part 11 by abutting between the two fixing parts 12, thereby improving the stability of the fixation.

[0180] In one possible embodiment, the retaining portion 13 can prevent the connecting portion 312 from moving along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the case 10, thereby reducing the problem of loosening or detachment of the connecting member 30 due to vibration or external force. By restricting the movement of the connecting portion 312, the overall stability of the connecting member 30 is improved, ensuring the stability and reliability of communication between the connecting member 30 and the tip 20 and the first contact pin 51.

[0181] In one possible embodiment, the retaining portion 13 may be a projection structure that protrudes from the fixing portion 12 along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10.

[0182] In one possible embodiment, the second portion 32 includes a bent portion 321 and an extended portion 322, the bent portion 321 being connected between the first portion 31 and the extended portion 322. When the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the extended portion 322 is located on the same side of the first contact pin 51 together with the corresponding auxiliary member 40, and the second portion 32 is further away from the tip 20 than the first contact pin 51.

[0183] With this structure, as the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the first contact pin 51 extends between the second portion 32 and the tip 20, as shown in Figures 36, 41, 42, and 43. The auxiliary member 40 deforms the second portion 32 due to the action of an external force, thereby achieving electrical connection through contact with the first contact pin 51. This reduces the amount of deformation of the first contact pin 51, preventing it from shifting and sliding out towards the front surface 213 of the tip 20. It also prevents deformation, deterioration, damage, or unexpected bending that may occur due to the first contact pin 51 being deformed over a long period of time. As a result, the stability of the electrical connection between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 is ensured, and the communication stability between the tip 20 and the printing device is improved.

[0184] By providing the bent portion 321 such that the stretching direction of the stretched portion 322 and the stretching direction of the connecting portion 312 form an angle, the elastic deformation of the stretched portion 322 when pressed can be facilitated.

[0185] In one possible embodiment, a protrusion 411 is provided inside the mounting portion 41. The extension portion 322 abuts against the protrusion 411, and the protrusion 411 is configured to apply force to the extension portion 322 under external force, deforming the extension portion 322 in a direction toward the first contact pin 51 and bringing it into contact with the first contact pin 51.

[0186] In one possible embodiment, the protrusion 411 is a projection structure that protrudes from the mounting portion 41, and may be, for example, a rib-shaped projection that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the mounting portion 41. When the extension portion 322 and the protrusion 411 come into contact with each other, when the auxiliary member 40 is subjected to an external force, the force is effectively transmitted to the extension portion 322 via the protrusion 411, causing the extension portion 322 to be displaced or deformed, thereby ensuring the force transmission effect and the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0187] In one possible embodiment, the projection 411 may be straight or cross-shaped. The projection 411 can make stable contact with the extension 322 because its edge is connected to the inner wall of the mounting portion 41.

[0188] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 36, 41, 43, and 45, the auxiliary member 40 further includes a shielding portion 42, which is positioned on the side wall of the mounting portion 41 away from the receiving surface 111. The shielding portion 42 abuts against the first contact pin 51 and shields the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51. The shielding portion 42 shields the contact position between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51. That is, the first contact portion formed by the electrical contact between the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51 is shielded by the shielding portion 42. The shielding portion 42 protects the contact position between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51, ensuring that the electrical contact area between the second portion 32 and the first contact pin 51 is not affected by the external environment (e.g., dust, foreign matter, or other factors that may cause poor contact), thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0189] In this example, the shielding portion 42 is located on a side wall of the mounting portion 41 that is away from the receiving surface 111 (i.e., a side wall of the mounting portion 41 along the -Z axis direction).

[0190] In one possible embodiment, the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51 come into contact to form an outer contact portion 3221, which is used to contact the first contact pin 51. In the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge, the projection of the outer contact portion 3221 lies within the projection range of the shielding portion 42. With this structure, in the longitudinal direction of the case 10 (i.e., in the Z-axis direction), the shielding portion 42 can effectively shield the contact position between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51, thereby preventing dust, foreign matter, or other external factors from interfering with the contact between the outer contact portion 3221 and the first contact pin 51, and effectively protecting the contact between the outer contact portion 3221 and the first contact pin 51 to ensure the stability and reliability of the electrical connection. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the second part 32, the first contact pin 51, or between the second part 32 and the second contact 24, which could cause communication failures, short circuits, chip burnout, or failure to be recognized by the image forming apparatus, as well as damage to the second part 32. This reduces the failure rate of the chip 20 during use and improves safety during operation.

[0191] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 45, 46, and 47, the receiving portion 11 further includes a blocking portion 14, which is provided on the auxiliary member 40 side of the fixing portion 12, and a second fall prevention groove 141 is formed between the blocking portion 14 and the auxiliary member 40. The bent portion 321 extends into the second fall prevention groove 141, and the bent portion 321 is configured to deform under external force so that both sides of the bent portion 321 come into contact with the blocking portion 14 and the protruding portion 411, respectively.

[0192] The function of the blocking part 14 is to provide additional fixing and restraining action to the bent part 321. The combined blocking action of the blocking part 14 and the auxiliary member 40 ensures that the bent part 321 is securely restrained within the second anti-detachment groove 141, thereby better fixing the position of the bent part 321. This prevents problems of loosening or detachment of the bent part 321 due to factors such as vibration, and improves the stability and reliability of communication between the connecting member 30, the tip 20, and the first contact pin 51.

[0193] During the process of installing the consumable cartridge into the storage position 61 of the printing device, at least a portion of the auxiliary member 40 abuts against the alignment portion 621 of the storage position 61. When the alignment portion 621 acts on the auxiliary member 40, causing the auxiliary member 40 to displace or deform the second portion 32 toward the corresponding first contact pin 51, the bent portion 321 and the blocking portion 14 can stably contact each other. This ensures that the deformation of the second portion 32 is maintained within a certain range, preventing a situation where the amount of deformation or displacement of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 becomes too large, preventing a stable electrical connection with the first contact pin 51. Furthermore, it prevents the problem of deformation, deterioration, and damage to the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 caused by the first contact pin 51 maintaining a large amount of deformation for a long period of time.

[0194] As shown in Figures 34, 35, and 36, the auxiliary member 40 further includes a force receiving portion 43. The force receiving portion 43 is located on the opposite side of the auxiliary member 40 from the receiving portion 11 and is used to receive forces acting from inside the printing device.

[0195] In one possible embodiment, the force-receiving portion 43 may be a protruding structure. The force-receiving portion 43 is a protruding structure that extends from the auxiliary member 40 along the X-axis direction. By providing the force-receiving portion 43, the force acting from inside the printing device can be easily transmitted to the auxiliary member 40, causing the auxiliary member 40 to deform or displace the second portion 32 of the chip 20.

[0196] As shown in Figures 17, 34, and 36, during the process of loading the consumable cartridge into the storage position 61 of the printing device, the first contact pin 51 moves between the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 and the tip 20. The alignment portion 621 of the storage position 61 of the printing device abuts against the force receiving portion 43 of the auxiliary member 40, applying a contact force in the X-axis direction to the force receiving portion 43. This contact force acts on the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 via the auxiliary member 40, causing the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 to deform under pressure from the auxiliary member 40, so that the extended portion 322 of the second portion 32 contacts the first contact pin 51 and establishes an electrical connection.

[0197] When the consumable cartridge is fully inserted into the storage position 61, the shielding portion 42 shields the contact point between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the extension portion 322, the first contact pin 51, or other first contacts 22 of the chip 20, which could cause problems such as short circuits, burnout, or failure to be recognized by the printing device of the chip 20. This reduces the failure rate when using the chip, ensures stable communication quality between the consumable cartridge and the printing device, and improves safety.

[0198] In some examples, along the longitudinal direction of the consumable cartridge (i.e., the Z-axis direction), the force-receiving portion 43 is positioned on a different plane in the auxiliary member 40 from the shielding portion 42. That is, in the Z-axis direction, the force-receiving portion 43 is closer to the consumable cartridge than the shielding portion 42. A recess is formed between the force-receiving portion 43 and the main body of the auxiliary member 40. This improves the mechanical strength of the auxiliary member 40 and prevents damage to the auxiliary member 40.

[0199] In one possible embodiment, the case body 18 and the receiving portion 11 are integrally connected in a single structure. This integral structure can be realized by a plurality of manufacturing methods, such as injection molding or other suitable methods. By designing the case body 18 and the receiving portion 11 as an integrally connected structure, the assembly steps can be reduced, thereby improving the overall structural strength and durability.

[0200] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 40 may be a single-piece structure integrally molded with the receiving portion 11, or it may be detachably connected to the receiving portion 11. For example, the auxiliary member 40 may be connected to the receiving portion 11 by screws, bolts, or the like.

[0201] In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, since the auxiliary member 40 and the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 are located on the same side of the first contact pin 51, the displacement path of the auxiliary member 40 can be significantly shortened. As a result, the force that must be applied to the auxiliary member 40 is reduced, and because the force that the auxiliary member 40 applies to the first contact pin 51 via the second portion 32 is small, the first contact pin 51 does not deform significantly. This effectively avoids situations such as deformation, deterioration, breakage, or unexpected bending of the first contact pin 51 that may occur due to the first contact pin 51 maintaining a large amount of deformation over a long period of time, and ensures the realization of information exchange and related functions between the chip 20 and the printing device.

[0202] In Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is configured to come into contact with the pressing portion 13 provided on the fixing portion 12 when at least a part of it is deformed. This ensures that the deformation of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is maintained within a certain range, avoiding the problem of unstable electrical connection with the first contact pin 51 due to excessive deformation or displacement of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30, as well as the problem of deformation, deterioration, and damage to the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 caused by maintaining a large deformation for a long period of time.

[0203] In one possible embodiment, the two fixed columns 151 may be distributed at diagonal positions on the tensioning surface 111, i.e., the two fixed columns 151 may be diagonally positioned. Since the base ends 311 of the two connecting members 30 are fitted onto the fixed columns 151, it can be understood that the base ends 311 of the two connecting members 30 are diagonally positioned. Such a structure allows for a more even distribution of the load when subjected to external mechanical forces such as instantaneous vibrations and impact forces, and avoids the problem of excessive stress on one side or in one location causing deformation or fracture of the connecting member 30.

[0204] Embodiment 5 Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiment 4 in that the case body 18 and the receiving portion 11 are detachably connected, as shown in Figures 49 and 50.

[0205] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 50, 51, and 52, a housing space 181 is formed on the outer wall surface of the case body 18, and the receiving portion 11 is positioned in the housing space 181. A locking portion 1811 is provided on the inner wall surface of the housing space 181, and a receiving portion 112 is provided on the side wall of the receiving portion 11, which is used to lock with the locking portion 1811. This ensures a secure connection between the receiving portion 11 and the case body 18 during use, while the receiving portion 11 has a modular configuration, allowing for removal and maintenance as needed if the case body 18 or the receiving portion 11 is damaged, without the need to discard the entire unit.

[0206] The structure of the locking portion 1811 and the locked portion 112 can be realized in multiple ways, such as the engagement of a projection and a groove, or the engagement of a screw, bolt and screw hole. These locking structures ensure the stability of the receiving portion 11 in the housing space 181 and prevent the entire receiving portion 11 from loosening or falling off. This allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the receiving portion 11, and facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0207] In one possible embodiment, locking portions 1811 are provided on the inner walls of the housing space 181 on both sides in the Y-axis direction, and the locked portions 112 are positioned corresponding to the positions of the locking portions 1811, and their number is also the same. This allows the receiving portion 11 to be stably attached to the housing space 181 through the mutual engagement of the locking portions 1811 and the locked portions 112.

[0208] For example, the locking portion 1811 may be a groove, and the locked portion 112 may be a projection.

[0209] In one possible embodiment, the accommodation space 181 may be a rectangular or elliptical space, and the shape of the receiving portion 11 conforms to the shape of the accommodation space 181.

[0210] In Embodiment 5, since the case body 18 and the receiving unit 11 are detachably connected, if the case body 18 or the receiving unit 11 malfunctions, they can be easily removed and replaced, eliminating the need to replace the entire device and reducing costs. Furthermore, if the consumable cartridge is changed, the user can replace it with a different case body 18 or receiving unit 11 as needed to accommodate different functions or applications.

[0211] As shown in Figures 52, 53, and 54, the two fixed columns 151 are positioned diagonally opposite each other on the receiving surface 111, so that the second portions 32 of the two connecting members 30 are located on opposite sides of the tip 20. As a result, the magnitude of the force applied by the two sets of auxiliary members 40 to the two connecting members 30 is approximately the same, and the forces acting on both sides of the tip 20 are approximately balanced. This ensures that the force acting on the tip 20 during use is uniform, reducing problems such as movement of the tip 20, poor electrical contact, and damage due to uneven force distribution on the tip 20.

[0212] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 55, the number of first contacts 22 is the same in the regions on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21, and they are arranged asymmetrically on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21. The base ends 311 of the two connecting members 30 each abut in relation to the two first contacts 22.

[0213] The other configurations of Embodiment 5 are the same as those of Embodiment 4, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0214] Embodiment 6 In Embodiment 6, as shown in Figures 56, 57, and 58, there are two connecting members 30, and correspondingly two first contact pins 51. There are two sets of auxiliary members 40, with one auxiliary member 40 in each set.

[0215] Embodiment 6 differs from Embodiment 4 in that the two connecting members 30 are spaced apart along a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), and the distance from the centers of the two connecting members 30 to the ink outlet 205 is the same in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 64). This configuration makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of each connecting member 30 in the X-axis direction, shorten the length of the connecting portion 312 of the first part 31, reduce the dimensions of the connecting members 30, and contribute to reducing material costs.

[0216] Correspondingly, the receiving portion 11 includes two housing portions 15, which are spaced apart along the X-axis direction. Housing grooves are formed inside the housing portions 15, and the base ends 311 of the two connecting members 30 extend into the housing grooves of the two housing portions 15.

[0217] In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a fixing column 151 inside the housing section 15.

[0218] In Embodiment 6, the case body 18 and the receiving portion 11 may be detachably connected, or they may be an integrated structure with an integral connection.

[0219] As shown in Figures 59 and 60, the second portions 32 of the two connecting members 30 are positioned on opposite sides of the tip 20. By symmetrically positioning the second portions 32 of the two connecting members 30 on opposite sides of the tip 20, the magnitude of the forces applied by the two sets of auxiliary members 40 to the two connecting members 30 is approximately the same, the torques received by the tip 20 in the Y-axis direction are canceled out, the force received by the tip 20 becomes uniform during use, problems such as movement, poor electrical contact, and damage caused by uneven force distribution on the tip 20 are reduced, and the reliability of the communication connection between the consumable cartridge and the printing device is improved.

[0220] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 61 and 62, the number of first contacts 22 is the same in the regions on both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21, and they may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C1 of the substrate 21 as the axis of symmetry. The base ends 311 of the two connecting members 30 each abut in relation to two first contacts 22.

[0221] On both sides of the center line C1 of the substrate 21, the number of auxiliary members 40 corresponds to the number of first contact pins 51. When the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the auxiliary members 40 positioned on both sides of the chip 20 deform toward their respective first contact pins 51 under external force, so that at least a portion of the auxiliary members 40 abuts against the first contact pins 51. At the same time, at least a portion of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 also deforms toward its corresponding first contact pins 51 under the force of this deformation, and abuts against the first contact pins 51. This forms a first contact area, which is shielded and effectively protected by the shielding portion 42 of the corresponding auxiliary member 40.

[0222] The other configurations of Embodiment 6 are the same as those of Embodiment 4, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0223] Embodiment 7 Embodiment 7 differs from Embodiment 4 in that, as shown in Figures 64, 65, 66, and 67, two connecting portions are spaced apart along the X-axis, at least a portion of the first portion 31 is configured to extend along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10, the first portion 31 includes a connecting portion 312, the connecting portion 312 is connected to the second portion 32, the first portion 31 further includes a base end portion 311, the connecting portion 312 is connected between the base end portion 311 and the second portion 32, and the connecting portion 312 extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0224] As shown in Figures 68, 69, and 70, the second portion 32 includes a bent portion 321 and an extended portion 322, the extended portion 322 may extend along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the case 10 toward the first contact pin 51.

[0225] As shown in Figures 64, 69, and 70, the first contact pin 51 includes a first end 511 and a second end 512, and in the height direction (i.e., Y-axis direction) of the case 10, the second end 512 is further away from the ink outlet 205 at the bottom of the case body 18 than the first end 511. The extension 322 is used to make electrical contact with the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, and the position where the extension 322 makes electrical contact with the second end 512 is formed as the outer contact portion 3221.

[0226] In this embodiment, the outer contact portion 3221 is located at the end of the extended portion 322 that is away from the bent portion 321. That is, in the longitudinal direction of the case 10 (i.e., in the Z-axis direction), the outer contact portion 3221 and the bent portion 321 are located at both ends of the extended portion 322, respectively. The outer contact portion 3221 may have a linear or arc-shaped structure.

[0227] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 64, 65, and 66, the case 10 further includes an auxiliary member 50A and a fixing part 101, both of which are provided on the outer wall surface of the case body 18. In the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10, the fixing part 101 is positioned between the auxiliary member 50A and the support part 11.

[0228] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary member 50A and the fixing part 101 may be a single-piece structure integrally molded with the case body 18, or they may be a separate structure that can be separated from the case body 18.

[0229] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 66 and 67, the connecting member 30 further includes a stopper 33, which is connected to the end of the second portion 32 that is separated from the first portion 31. A stopper space 331 into which a fixing portion 101 can be fitted is formed inside the stopper 33. The fixing portion 101 can be formed as a columnar structure, for example, cylindrical or prismatic. The fixing portion 101 extends into the stopper space 331, thereby improving the stability when the connecting member 30 is fixed to the case 10.

[0230] In one possible embodiment, the stopper portion 33 may be formed by spirally winding a metal wire (for example, a copper wire).

[0231] In one possible embodiment, the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the fastening portion 33 of the connecting member 30 may be formed as a single, integrated structure. For example, the integrated connecting member 30 may be manufactured by bending or pressing a single metal wire. This ensures the structural strength of the connecting member 30, simplifies the assembly process of the connecting member 30, and improves the reliability and consistency of the connection.

[0232] As shown in Figures 65, 66, and 67, in the height direction (i.e., Y-axis direction) of the case 10, the auxiliary member 50A is positioned above the receiving portion 11, and the auxiliary member 50A plays a role in shielding and protecting the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30. A protective space is formed inside the auxiliary member 50A, and the auxiliary member 50A can effectively shield the contact position between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51. This prevents dust, foreign matter, and other external factors from interfering with the contact between the outer contact portion 3221 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, ensuring long-term cleanliness of the contact position between the extension portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the outer contact portion 3221 of the extension portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51.

[0233] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 65, 66, and 70, the auxiliary member 50A includes a support portion 501 and an extension portion 502 that are interconnected. The support portion 501 is connected at one end to the case body 18 and at the other end to the extension portion 502. The support portion 501 may extend along the length direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the case 10, and the extension portion 502 may extend along the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10. This configuration creates a protective space between the extension portion 502, the support portion 501, and the case body 18. The support portion 501 and the extension portion 502 function as physical barriers, shielding and protecting the contact position between the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51 in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. This effectively blocks external mechanical interference, prevents accidental short circuits due to the intrusion of dust and foreign matter, and ensures the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0234] In one possible embodiment, a housing groove 183 is formed on the outer wall surface of the case body 18, and the connecting portion 312 of the first portion 31 is positioned within the housing groove 183. The housing groove 183 is recessed inward from the case body 18, and the extended portion 322 extends toward the first contact pin 51.

[0235] As shown in Figures 69 and 70, the contact pin component 50 includes a contact pin holder 53, the contact pin holder 53 having a plurality of contact pin grooves 531 formed therein. When a consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the extension portion 322 extends into the corresponding contact pin groove 531 and contacts the corresponding first contact pin 51, thereby achieving electrical contact.

[0236] In Embodiment 7, when observed along the Z-axis direction, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 does not protrude beyond the side of the contact pin groove 531 that is away from the case 10.

[0237] When the consumable cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 extends into the corresponding contact pin groove 531 of the contact pin holder 53, and the extending portion 322 is in electrical contact with the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51 to form a corresponding first contact portion. The first contact portion is shielded by the auxiliary member 50A. This prevents dust, foreign matters or other external factors from interfering with the contact between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of electrical connection.

[0238] Other configurations of Embodiment 7 are the same as those of Embodiment 4, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0239] Embodiment 8 In Embodiment 8, as shown in FIGS. 71, 72 and 73, different from Embodiment 7, the auxiliary member 50A of Embodiment 7 is not provided on the outer wall surface of the case main body 18, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 includes a bent portion 321 and an extending portion 322, the bent portion 321 is connected between the first portion 31 and the extending portion 322, and a protection portion (also referred to as an auxiliary member) 323 is connected to the extending portion 322 of the connecting member 30. The connecting member 30 and the protection portion 323 may be formed as separate structures or may be formed as an integrated structure. In this embodiment, the protection portion 323 and the connecting member 30 are integrally formed, and when the consumable cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus, the protection portion 323 protrudes from one end of the contact pin holder 53.

[0240] The protection portion 323 shields the contact position between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51 (also referred to as the first contact portion, which corresponds to the auxiliary contact portion 403 in Embodiment 1 or the first contact portion in Embodiment 3), and serves to protect the contact position between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51. In this way, the electrical contact position between the extending portion 322 and the first contact pin 51 can be reliably protected, and the stability and reliability of electrical connection can be ensured.

[0241] In the present embodiment, in the lengthwise direction of the case 10 (that is, the Z-axis direction), the external contact portion 3221 is located between the bent portion 321 and the protection portion 323. The protection portion 323 may be formed in a detoured shape, for example, an arc shape.

[0242] In Embodiment 8, along the Z-axis direction, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 protrudes beyond the side of the contact pin groove 531 that is away from the case 10, and the protection portion 323 is further formed. Thereby, the external contact portion 3221 is shielded within the contact pin groove 531, reducing the problem that contaminants in the environment enter the contact pin groove 531 from the side of the contact pin groove 531 away from the case 10, causing accumulation of contaminants and corrosion of the external contact portion 3221 of the extending portion 322. The problem that the external contact portion 3221 causes poor contact due to contamination or corrosion is significantly suppressed, and the stability of the electrical connection between the first contact pin 51 and the connecting member 30 is improved.

[0243] In one possible embodiment, the protection portion 323 may be formed integrally with the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30, or may be formed separately.

[0244] In one possible embodiment, the protection portion 323, as a part of the constituent elements of the connecting member 30, may be an integrated structure integrally connected with the first portion 31, the second portion 32 and the stopper portion 33. For example, the connecting member 30 and the protection portion 323 of the integrated structure are manufactured by bending or pressing a single metal wire. By this means, the structural strength of the connecting member 30 and the protection portion 323 can be ensured, the assembly process of the connecting member 30 and the protection portion 323 can be simplified, and the reliability and consistency can be improved.

[0245] In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 71, 72 and 73, the case 10 further includes a fixing portion 101, and the fixing portion 101 is provided on an outer wall surface of the case body 18. In the height direction of the case 10 (that is, the Y-axis direction), the fixing portion 101 is arranged on the upper side of the receiving portion 11.

[0246] In one possible embodiment, the fixing portion 101 may be a single-piece structure integrally molded with the case body 18, or it may be a separate structure that can be separated from the case body 18.

[0247] In one possible embodiment, the connecting member 30 further includes a stopper 33, which is connected to the end of the second portion 32 that is separated from the first portion 31. A stopper space 331 into which a fixing portion 101 can be fitted is formed inside the stopper 33. The fixing portion 101 is formed as a columnar structure, for example, cylindrical or rectangular, and the connecting member 30 is stably fixed to the case 10 by the fixing portion 101 extending into the stopper space 331.

[0248] In one possible embodiment, the stopper portion 33 may be formed by spirally winding a metal wire (for example, a copper wire).

[0249] When a consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 passes through the corresponding contact pin groove 531 of the contact pin holder 53, and the extended portion 322 makes electrical contact with the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, forming a corresponding first contact portion. The protective portion 323 protrudes from the side of the contact pin groove 531 away from the case 10, and the first contact portion is shielded by the protective portion 323 in the +Y axis direction and the -Z axis direction. This prevents dust, foreign matter, or other external factors from interfering with the contact between the extended portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the first contact pin 51 and the connecting member 30.

[0250] The other configurations of Embodiment 8 are the same as those of Embodiment 4, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0251] When a consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, at least a portion of the protective part 323 is located in the gap 14A, improving the design flexibility of the protective part 323. Compared to the case where the gap 14A is not provided, interference between the protective part 323 and other components is reduced, and the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the first contact pin 51 and the connecting member 30 are improved.

[0252] Embodiment 9 Embodiment 9 differs from Embodiments 7 and 8 in that, as shown in Figures 74, 75, and 76, the case 10 further includes a support portion 19 and a fixing portion 101, both of which are provided on the outer wall surface of the case body 18, and the fixing portion 101 is located between the support portion 19 and the tensioning portion 11. In the height direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the case 10, the support portion 19 is closer to the handle 17 than the tensioning portion 11, and the support portion 19 is used to enhance the stability of the connecting member 30.

[0253] In one possible embodiment, the support portion 19 and the fixing portion 101 may be integrally molded with the case body 18, or they may be separate from the case body 18.

[0254] In one possible embodiment, the connecting member 30 further includes a stopper portion 33, which is connected to the end of the second portion 32 that is separated from the first portion 31. The stopper portion 33 has a stopper space 331 into which a fixing portion 101 can be fitted. The fixing portion 101 extends into the stopper space 331, thereby improving the stability when the connecting member 30 is fixed to the case 10.

[0255] In one possible embodiment, the stopper portion 33 can be formed by spirally winding a metal wire (for example, a copper wire).

[0256] In one possible embodiment, the support portion 19 includes a receiving portion 191 and a folded portion 192 that are connected to each other. One end of the receiving portion 191 is connected to the case body 18, and the other end of the receiving portion 191 is connected to the folded portion 192. A positioning groove 1911 is formed in the receiving portion 1911, and a portion of the bent portion 321 extends into the positioning groove 1911, while the extended portion 322 extends toward the first contact pin 51 while in contact with the folded portion 192.

[0257] In one possible embodiment, the dimensions of the folded portion 192 may be smaller than the dimensions of the receiving portion 191 in the X-axis direction. Positioning grooves 1911 may be provided on both sides of the folded portion 192. The positioning grooves 1911 penetrate both the upper and lower surfaces of the receiving portion 191 and extend along the Z-axis direction.

[0258] In one possible embodiment, the number of positioning grooves 1911 corresponds to the number of bent portions 321.

[0259] The positioning groove 1911 acts as a visual and physical guide, facilitating the quick and accurate placement of the bent portion 321 in place during assembly. This reduces the difficulty of assembly and the skill requirements for the worker. Furthermore, because the assembled geometric state of the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is always consistent, it is ensured that the extended portion 322 always faces the first contact pin 51 accurately.

[0260] The folded portion 192 provides a lateral support point to the extended portion 322, significantly suppressing micro-vibrations and deformation of the extended portion 322. This prevents the extended portion 322 from excessively elastically deforming or oscillating when subjected to force from the first contact pin 51, effectively ensuring the stability of the electrical connection.

[0261] A portion of the bent portion 321 may extend into the positioning groove 1911, and the bent portion 321 and the positioning groove 1911 may be connected by interference fitting. This interference fitting alters the deformation curve of the bent portion 321 when subjected to force, delaying the occurrence of metal fatigue and improving the overall service life of the connecting member 30.

[0262] As shown in FIG. 75, FIG. 77 and FIG. 78, in the present embodiment, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 includes a bent portion 321 and an extending portion 322. The bent portion 321 is connected between the first portion 31 and the extending portion 322. The contact pin component 50 further includes a contact pin holder 53, and a plurality of contact pin grooves 531 are formed in the contact pin holder 53. When the consumable cartridge is installed in the printing apparatus, the extending portion 322 extends into the corresponding contact pin groove 531 and abuts against the corresponding first contact pin 51.

[0263] The protection portion 323 is formed integrally with the connecting member 30, and is provided at an end of the extending portion 322 protruding from the contact pin holder 53. The protection portion 323 shields the contact position (also referred to as a first contact portion) between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51, and functions to protect the contact position between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51. This ensures the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51.

[0264] In the present embodiment, in the length direction of the case 10 (that is, the Z-axis direction), the external contact portion 3221 is located between the bent portion 321 and the protection portion 323, or between the protection portion 323 and the stop portion 33. The protection portion 323 may be formed in a detour shape, for example, an arc shape.

[0265] In Embodiment 9, along the Z-axis direction, the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30 protrudes from a side of the contact pin groove 531 opposite to the case 10 to form the protection portion 323. Thereby, the external contact portion 3221 is protected within the contact pin groove 531, which effectively prevents ash dust, moisture and other contaminants from directly entering from the side of the contact pin groove 531 away from the case 10. This suppresses problems such as corrosion of the external contact portion 3221 caused by accumulation of contaminants, and improves the stability of the electrical connection between the extending portion 322 and the second end 512 of the first contact pin 51.

[0266] As a possible embodiment, the protection portion 323 may be formed integrally with the second portion 32 of the connecting member 30, or may be formed separately.

[0267] In one possible embodiment, the protective portion 323 may be an integral structure in which it is integrally connected with the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the fastening portion 33 of the connecting member 30, as part of the connecting member 30.

[0268] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 76, 77, and 78, the substrate 21 of the chip 20 does not have the notch 212 in Embodiment 7, and the substrate 21 is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0269] When a consumable cartridge is installed in the printing device, the extension portion 322 of the connecting member 30 extends into the corresponding contact pin groove 531, and a portion of the extension portion 322 protrudes from the side of the contact pin groove 531 opposite the case 10 to form a protective portion 323, at least a portion of the extension portion 322 makes electrical contact with the corresponding first contact pin 51 to form a first contact portion, and the protective portion 323 protruding from the contact pin groove 531 is located outside the first contact portion. This provides mechanical shielding and protection to the first contact portion, effectively protecting the first contact portion from external interference or physical damage, and improving the stability and durability of the electrical connection between the extension portion 322 and the first contact pin 51.

[0270] The protective portions 323 of the two connecting members 30 are spaced apart along the X-axis direction, and the folded portion 192 is inserted into this space, further enhancing the support effect of the folded portion 192 on the connecting members 30.

[0271] The other configurations of Embodiment 9 are the same as those of Embodiment 7, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0272] Finally, the embodiments described above are for illustrating the technical content of the present invention and do not limit it. Although detailed descriptions have been made based on the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art can modify the inventions described in these embodiments or make equivalent substitutions of some or all of their technical features. Such modifications or substitutions shall not depart from the essence of the invention and the scope of the inventions relating to the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A consumable cartridge is provided in an image forming apparatus so as to be removable along the mounting direction, wherein the image forming apparatus has a plurality of mounting positions, and each of the mounting positions is provided with at least a contact pin component, and the contact pin component includes a contact pin holder and a plurality of contact pins. The aforementioned consumable cartridge is The case and A chip that is attached to the aforementioned case, A connecting member including a first portion that is electrically connected to the chip, and a second portion that is electrically connected to one of the plurality of contact pins, An auxiliary member is used, with one portion connected to the second portion of the connecting member and the other portion extending into the interior of the contact pin component and at least partially overlapping the contact pin component along the length of the consumable cartridge. Equipped with, Consumable cartridges.

2. Each of the contact pins includes a first end and a second end, and in the height direction of the consumable cartridge, the second end is higher than the first end, and the second portion of the connecting member is used to be electrically connected to the second end of one of the plurality of contact pins. The consumable cartridge according to claim 1.

3. A gap is provided between the contact pin holder and the mounting position, and a portion of the auxiliary member extends into the gap and is used to abut against the side of the contact pin holder opposite to the tip. The consumable cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The chip includes a substrate and a first terminal provided on the substrate, the plurality of contact pins include at least one first contact pin, the first portion is used to contact the first terminal, the second portion is used to contact the first contact pin with each other to form a first contact portion, and the auxiliary member is used to shield the first contact portion. The consumable cartridge according to claim 2.

5. The plurality of contact pins include at least two first contact pins, the connecting members are at least two, the two connecting members are spaced apart along the mounting direction, the second portions of the two connecting members are located on opposite sides of the tip, and the two first contact portions of the two connecting members are provided on opposite sides of the tip. The consumable cartridge according to claim 4.

6. The second portion includes a bent portion and an extended portion, the bent portion is connected between the first portion and the extended portion, the extended portion contacts a first contact pin to form a first contact portion, and the first contact portion is located between the bent portion and the auxiliary member. The consumable cartridge according to claim 5.

7. The auxiliary member is located at the end of the extended portion that protrudes from the contact pin holder. The consumable cartridge according to claim 6.

8. The auxiliary member is configured to be at least partially covered by a connecting layer and to extend into the interior of the contact pin holder. A consumable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The case includes a support portion, and the support portion is provided on the outer wall surface of the case. The support portion includes a receiving portion and a folded portion that are connected to each other, one end of the receiving portion is connected to the case, the other end of the receiving portion is connected to the folded portion, a positioning groove is provided inside the receiving portion, a portion of the bent portion extends into the positioning groove, the extended portion abuts against the folded portion and extends toward the first contact pin. The consumable cartridge according to claim 6 or 7.

10. The contact pin holder is provided with a plurality of contact pin grooves, and when the consumable cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the extended portion is located inside the contact pin groove and is in contact with the corresponding first contact pin. The consumable cartridge according to claim 6 or 7.

11. A first virtual line is defined that extends along the width direction of the case, The chip further includes contacts, the plurality of contact pins further include second contact pins, the second contact pins contact the plurality of contacts to form a second contact portion, and if the perpendicular bisector between the two furthest projection points obtained by projecting the second contact portion onto a first imaginary line along the mounting direction is defined as the second imaginary line, one side of the second imaginary line is defined as the first region, and the other side of the second imaginary line is defined as the second region, then the number of projection points in the first region is the same as the number of projection points in the second region. The second virtual line is parallel to the center line of the substrate of the chip, and the extension direction of the second virtual line is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first virtual line. The consumable cartridge according to claim 4.

Images