Substrate and liquid container

Abstract

To detect whether short-circuiting has occurred between terminals in contact with a plurality of device side terminals.SOLUTION: A device outputs a first low voltage to a first terminal at a first timing during a period when a voltage input to a second terminal is high, outputs a second high voltage to the first terminal at a second timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is low after the first low voltage has been output, and outputs a second low voltage to the first terminal at a third timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high after the second high voltage has been output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technologies of devices, substrates, liquid storage containers, printing systems, and the use of substrates or liquid storage containers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for an ink cartridge detachably attached to a printing device, a technique for detecting the attachment of the ink cartridge using attachment detection terminals included in a terminal group is known (Patent Document 1). The terminal group is composed of four attachment detection terminals including a terminal to which a high voltage higher than the power supply voltage is applied and five memory terminals, and the attachment detection terminals are arranged at the four corners of the terminal group so as to surround the memory terminals. In Patent Document 1, when it is detected that the attachment detection terminals are electrically connected to the device-side terminals, the printing device determines that the ink cartridge is attached to the printing device.

[0003] Also, for an ink cartridge detachably attached to a printing device, a technique for detecting the attachment of the ink cartridge using memory terminals is known (Patent Document 2). A storage device such as a memory provided in the ink cartridge outputs a response signal for notifying that it is connected to a host device such as a printing device to the host terminal via any one of the reset terminal, clock terminal, and data terminal. The host device determines whether or not the storage device is connected to the host device based on the response signal from the storage device without using a dedicated connection detection terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not address the detection of short circuits between memory terminals. Patent Document 1 states that if a short circuit occurs between memory terminals, even if the printer determines that the ink cartridge is installed, the printer may not function properly, or reading and writing to the memory of the ink cartridge may not be possible. Patent Document 2 states that if a short circuit occurs between memory terminals, the memory may not be able to output its intended signal to the printer, and the printer may not be able to determine that the memory is properly connected to the printer.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a technology that can detect whether a short circuit has occurred between terminals in a liquid container such as an ink cartridge. Alternatively, it aims to provide a technology that can detect whether a liquid container is installed. Alternatively, it aims to provide a technology that can detect a short circuit even if one has occurred between terminals. Alternatively, it aims to provide a technology that can suppress short circuits between terminals. This disclosure achieves at least one of the above multiple objectives. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a device is provided which is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of a liquid storage container mounted in the storage portion of a printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction portion for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage portion provided with the liquid introduction portion, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage portion. The device is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV. I: A first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, are output to the first terminal included in the plurality of terminals. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals included in the plurality of terminals other than the first terminal are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. III: The first signal is output to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, the second signal is output to the first terminal. IV: A clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage alternate and repeat at a predetermined period is input to a second terminal included in the other terminals. At a first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal.

[0008] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a substrate that is mounted on a printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage unit for housing a liquid storage container and provided with the liquid introduction unit, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage unit, and configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals. The substrate comprises a base material, a device provided on the base material, and a plurality of terminals provided on the base material and electrically connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the circuit board is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal to the first terminal. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage alternate and repeat at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At the first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, at the second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, at the third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

[0009] A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid storage container to be attached to the housing of a printing apparatus, which comprises a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, a housing unit on which the liquid introduction unit is provided, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the housing unit. The liquid storage container comprises a liquid housing capable of containing liquid, a liquid supply unit attached to the liquid introduction unit of the printing apparatus and having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid housing unit to the liquid introduction unit of the printing apparatus, a device, and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing device, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing device. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal consisting of alternating low voltage and high voltage repeating at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At the first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After the first low voltage is output, at the second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After the second high voltage is output, at the third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

[0010] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printing system. The printing system comprises a printing apparatus, a liquid container capable of containing liquid, a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply port, a device, a plurality of terminals connected to the device, and a substrate on which the device and the plurality of terminals are provided, wherein the printing apparatus comprises a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid to the print head, and a plurality of device-side terminals, the liquid supply port of the liquid container supplies liquid from the liquid container to the liquid introduction unit of the printing apparatus, the substrate is mounted on the printing apparatus and configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals, the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the circuit board is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing device, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing device. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal consisting of alternating low voltage and high voltage repeating at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At a first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the first low voltage to the printing device as a first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the first terminal outputs the second high voltage to the printing device as a second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the second low voltage to the printing device as a third expected value.

[0011] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printing system. The printing system comprises a printing apparatus and a liquid container mounted on the printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus comprises a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, and a plurality of apparatus-side terminals, and the liquid container comprises a liquid container capable of containing liquid, a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid introduction unit of the printing apparatus, a device, and a plurality of terminals connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV. I: The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing device, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing device. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal consisting of alternating low voltage and high voltage repeating at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At a first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the first low voltage to the printing device as a first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the first terminal outputs the second high voltage to the printing device as a second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first terminal outputs the second low voltage to the printing device as a third expected value.

[0012] A sixth embodiment of the present disclosure provides the use of a substrate that is mounted on a printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction section for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage section provided with the liquid introduction section and housing a liquid storage container, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage section, and configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals. The use of this substrate comprises a base material, a device provided on the base material, and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device outputs a first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the circuit board is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing device, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing device. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage alternate and repeat at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At the first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, at the second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, at the third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value.

[0013] A seventh embodiment of the present disclosure provides the use of a liquid containment container attached to the housing of a printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, a housing unit on which the liquid introduction unit is provided, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the housing unit. The use of this liquid containment container comprises a liquid housing capable of containing liquid, a liquid supply unit attached to the liquid introduction unit of the printing apparatus and having a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid housing unit to the liquid introduction unit, a device, and a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device outputs, from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, a first signal including a first low voltage, a second low voltage, and a second signal including a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage. II: The first signal and the second signal are used for the printing apparatus to determine that the first terminal and the other terminal are not short-circuited and that the liquid storage container is attached to the printing apparatus. III: The device outputs the first signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminal are not short-circuited, a clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage are repeated alternately and at a predetermined period is input from the printing apparatus to the second terminal. At a first timing during a period in which the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, as a first expected value, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during a period in which the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, as a second expected value, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus. After the second high voltage is output, at a third timing during a period in which the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, as a third expected value, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the hardware configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2] Explanatory drawing showing the schematic configuration of the printing system. [Figure 3] First perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid storage container. [Figure 4] Second perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid storage container. [Figure 5] First diagram showing the configuration of the substrate. [Figure 6] Second diagram showing the configuration of the substrate. [Figure 7A]A diagram showing how a liquid container is attached to the carriage. [Figure 7B] Figure 1 shows the connection mechanism. [Figure 7C] The second diagram shows the connection mechanism. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing system. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the functional configuration of a printing device along with a liquid container. [Figure 10A] A flowchart of the processes performed by the printing device during the connection status determination process. [Figure 10B] A flowchart of the processes executed by the device during the connection status determination process. [Figure 11A] A timing chart showing when a printing device outputs a request signal. [Figure 11B] Timing chart showing when the device outputs the first and second response signals. [Figure 11C] A diagram showing details of the first response signal. [Figure 11D] A diagram showing details of the second response signal. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit. [Figure 13A] The first timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 13B] The second timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 14A] The third timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 14B] The fourth timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 15] Fifth timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 16A] The sixth timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 16B] The seventh timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 17] The eighth timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 18A]The ninth timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 18B] The 10th timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 19] The 11th timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 20A] The 12th timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 20B] The 13th timing chart for the connection status determination process. [Figure 20C] A diagram illustrating other specific examples of the connection status determination process. [Figure 21A] A diagram illustrating a substrate as another embodiment 1. [Figure 21B] This figure shows examples of the arrangements shown in No. 2 and No. 3 of Figure 21A. [Figure 22] A diagram showing two patterns of substrates as another embodiment 2. [Figure 23] A diagram showing two patterns of substrates as another embodiment 3. [Figure 24] A diagram showing two patterns of substrates as another embodiment 4. [Figure 25] A diagram showing two patterns of substrates as another embodiment 4. [Figure 26] A diagram illustrating a substrate as another embodiment 5. [Figure 27] A diagram showing two other substrate patterns as embodiment 6. [Figure 28] A diagram showing a substrate as another embodiment 7. [Figure 29] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 1. [Figure 30] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 2. [Figure 31] Enlarged view of the area around the substrate of the liquid container. [Figure 32] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 3. [Figure 33] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 4. [Figure 34]A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 5. [Figure 35] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 6. [Figure 36] A diagram showing a liquid container as another embodiment 7. [Figure 37] A diagram showing a liquid container as another embodiment 8. [Figure 38] A perspective view showing a liquid container as another embodiment 9. [Figure 39] Enlarged view of the area around the circuit board. [Figure 40] Figure 1 illustrates the process of installing a liquid container into the storage section of a printing device. [Figure 41] Figure 2 illustrates the process of installing a liquid container into the housing section of a printing device. [Figure 42] A diagram showing the completed installation of the liquid container. [Figure 43] A diagram showing a printing system as another embodiment 1. [Figure 44] A diagram showing a printing system as another embodiment 2. [Figure 45] A diagram showing a printing system as another embodiment 3. [Figure 46] A diagram showing a printing system as another embodiment 4. [Figure 47A] A first timing chart for a printing system with six liquid containers. [Figure 47B] A second timing chart for a printing system with six liquid containers. [Figure 48] A schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing system equipped with six liquid containers. [Figure 49] A diagram showing a device as another embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] A. First Embodiment: A1. Hardware configuration: The overview of the printing system 1000 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the hardware configuration of the printing system 1000. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing system 1000. Figure 1 includes mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The arrows on the X, Y, and Z axes point in the positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to those pointed out by the arrows on the X, Y, and Z axes are the negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction, respectively. Regardless of whether the directions are positive or negative, the directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are called the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the figures and explanations shown hereafter. The X, Y, and Z axes depicted in other figures correspond to the X, Y, and Z axes in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the front direction of the printing system 1000 in its normal operating orientation is defined as the +Y direction. The +Z direction is defined as the direction of gravity, and the -Z direction is defined as the direction of anti-gravity.

[0016] The printing system 1000 comprises a printing device 20 and a plurality of liquid storage containers 100. Specifically, the printing device 20 is an inkjet printer. Specifically, the liquid storage containers 100 are ink cartridges. The printing device 20 comprises a head drive mechanism, a main scanning feed mechanism, and a sub-scanning feed mechanism.

[0017] The head drive mechanism includes a carriage 30. The carriage 30 includes a housing 4 and a print head 5. The housing 4 is configured to detachably accommodate four liquid containers 100. In this disclosure, "the liquid containers 100 are mounted on the printing device 20" means that the liquid containers 100 are physically attached to the printing device 20 and that the contact portion cp of the terminal 290 (described later) is electrically connected to the device-side terminal 490 (described later). Each of the four liquid containers 100 is housed in a predetermined position in the housing 4. In this disclosure, each of the four liquid containers 100 contains a liquid of a different color. The liquid is specifically ink, and will be referred to as ink hereafter. When the four liquid containers 100 are to be distinguished, they will be referred to as liquid containers 100A to 100D. The carriage 30 is configured to move between a replacement position where the liquid containers 100 can be replaced and a standby position where the liquid containers 100 cannot be replaced.

[0018] The print head 5 is located on the +Z-direction surface of the carriage 30. The +Z-direction surface of the print head 5 is provided with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink droplets. Each nozzle is connected to one of the liquid containers 100A to 100D mounted on the housing unit 4 via a flow path within the carriage 30. The housing unit 4 is provided with a liquid introduction unit 6 (described later) and a connection mechanism 400 (described later). The liquid introduction unit 6 is configured to be detachable from the liquid supply port 104op (described later) of the liquid container 100. The liquid introduction unit 6 receives ink from the liquid container 100 and introduces the ink to the print head 5 via a flow path within the carriage 30. The connection mechanism 400 has multiple device-side terminals 490 (described later).

[0019] The main scanning feed mechanism comprises a drive belt 36, a carriage motor 32, a sliding shaft 34, and a pulley 38. The drive belt 36 is an endless belt and is stretched between the carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38. The carriage 30 is fixed to the drive belt 36. The sliding shaft 34 is provided parallel to the axis of the paper feed roller 26, which will be described later, and holds the carriage 30 in a slidable manner. As the carriage motor 32 rotates, the carriage 30, which is fixed to the drive belt 36, moves along the sliding shaft 34 in the +X and -X directions.

[0020] The sub-scanning feed mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a paper feed roller 26. As the paper feed motor 22 rotates, the paper feed roller 26 transports the printing medium PA in the Y direction.

[0021] The printing apparatus 20 further includes a main control unit 40. The main control unit 40 is connected to the carriage 30 by a cable 31. A bus 46 is formed on the cable 31, and the main control unit 40 is electrically connected to a sub-control board 500 of the carriage 30, which will be described later, via the bus 46.

[0022] The main control unit 40 controls each of the above mechanisms to realize the printing process. For example, the main control unit 40 receives a user's print job from the computer 90 via the connector 80 and executes printing based on the content of the received print job. The printing medium PA is transported in the +Y direction by the paper feed roller 26, and the print head 5 provided on the carriage 30 moves in the +X and -X directions by the drive belt 36. As a result, ink ejected from the print head 5 in the +Z direction lands at any location on the printing medium PA, and an image is formed. In this disclosure, "image" includes characters and symbols. In this disclosure, the +X and -X directions in which the carriage 30 moves are collectively referred to as the "main scanning direction". The -Y and +Y directions in which the printing medium PA is fed are collectively referred to as the "sub-scanning direction".

[0023] The printing device 20 further includes an operating unit 70. The user uses the operating unit 70 to make various settings of the printing device 20 and to check the status of the printing device 20.

[0024] As described above, the printing apparatus 20 includes a print head 5, a liquid introduction unit 6 for introducing liquid to the print head 5, a storage unit 4 that houses the liquid storage container 100 and is provided with the liquid introduction unit 6, and a plurality of device-side terminals 490. The print head 5 is provided in the printing apparatus 20. The print head 5 is not provided in the liquid storage container 100. A configuration in which the print head 5 is provided in the liquid storage container 100 is outside the scope of the art and is not part of this disclosure.

[0025] The configuration of the liquid container 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a first perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100. Figure 4 is a second perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid container 100. The orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes of the liquid container 100 is based on the state in which the printing device 20 is positioned on a horizontal plane parallel to the X and Y directions, and the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20, as in Figure 1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the external shape of the liquid container 100 is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 3, the liquid container 100 comprises a liquid container 101 capable of containing ink as a liquid, a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120.

[0027] The liquid container 101 forms the outer shell of the liquid container 100. The liquid container 101 has a first wall 101wf, a second wall 101wr, a third wall 101wb, a fourth wall 101wu, a fifth wall 101wsa, and a sixth wall 101wsb. These six walls 101wf, 101wr, 101wb, 101wu, 101wsa, and 101wsb partition the ink chamber 150 for containing ink inside the liquid container 101. The first wall 101wf is the wall on the +Y direction side and constitutes the front wall. The front wall faces the front side of the printing system 1000. The second wall 101wr is opposite the first wall 101wf. The second wall 101wr is the wall on the -Y direction side and constitutes the rear wall. The rear wall faces the rear side of the printing system 1000. The third wall 101wb intersects with the first wall 101wf and the second wall 101wr, and in this embodiment is substantially orthogonal. The third wall 101wb is the wall on the +Z side and constitutes the bottom wall. The fourth wall 101wu intersects with the first wall 101wf and the second wall 101wr, and in this embodiment is substantially orthogonal. The fourth wall 101wu faces the third wall 101wb. The fourth wall 101wu is the wall on the -Z side and constitutes the top wall. The fifth wall 101wsa intersects with the first wall 101wf to the fourth wall 101wu, and in this embodiment is substantially orthogonal. The fifth wall 101wsa is the wall on the -X side and constitutes the right side wall. The sixth wall 101wsb intersects with the first wall 101wf to the fourth wall 101wu, and in this embodiment, is substantially orthogonal. The sixth wall 101wsb faces the fifth wall 101wsa. The sixth wall 101wsb is the wall on the +X direction side and constitutes the left side wall.

[0028] The liquid supply unit 104 is a cylindrical member protruding from the third wall 101wb. The liquid supply port 104op is located at the tip of the liquid supply unit 104. The liquid supply port 104op communicates with the ink chamber 150 of the liquid container 101 and supplies ink to the liquid introduction section 6 of the carriage 30 (described later) when the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20. The liquid supply port 104op is sealed by a film 104f. The liquid supply port 104op is configured to be detachable from the liquid introduction section 6. When the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30, the film 104f is broken by the liquid introduction section 6. The ink contained in the ink chamber 150 is supplied to the print head 5 of the printing device 20 via the liquid introduction section 6. As the ink in the ink chamber 150 is consumed, air is introduced into the ink chamber 150 from an atmospheric vent (not shown).

[0029] The mounting direction MD is the direction in which the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20. The mounting direction MD is also the direction in which the substrate 120 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the +Z direction. Two mutually orthogonal directions are denoted as the first direction FD and the second direction SD. The first direction FD is the direction that includes the component of the mounting direction MD. In this embodiment, the first direction FD is the Z direction, and the second direction SD This is the X direction. The first direction FD is the direction substantially aligned with the front surface 120fa of the substrate 120.

[0030] The first direction FD can also be defined as follows. For example, the first direction FD is the direction perpendicular to the virtual plane containing the liquid supply port 104op. For example, the first direction FD is the terminal described later when the liquid container 100 and the substrate 120 are mounted on the carriage 30. 290 The direction in which the device-side terminals 490 of the printing device 20, described later, pass is the direction in which the device-side terminals 490 of the printing device 20 pass. For example, the first direction FD is perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple device-side terminals 490 of the printing device 20 are arranged. In other embodiments, if the front surface 120fa is inclined with respect to the mounting direction MD, the first direction FD will be a different direction from the mounting direction MD.

[0031] The substrate 120 is used in the liquid container 100. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the substrate 120 is provided on the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. Details of the substrate 120 will be described later.

[0032] Two protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 are formed on the second wall 101wr. These protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 project in the -Y direction. The substrate 120 has a hole 122 and a notch 121 formed therein to receive these protrusions Pr1 and Pr2, respectively. The hole 122 is formed in the center of the end of the substrate 120 on the side of the liquid supply section 104, and the notch 121 is formed in the center of the end of the substrate 120 on the side opposite to the liquid supply section 104. When the substrate 120 is fixed to the second wall 101wr, the protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 are inserted into the hole 122 and the notch 121, respectively. After the substrate 120 is inserted into the second wall 101wr, the tips of these protrusions Pr1 and Pr2 are crushed. This fixes the substrate 120 to the second wall 101wr. r The means of securing it are not limited to these.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the liquid container 100 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second wall 101wr on which the substrate 120 is provided, the substrate 120 is positioned such that the central axis of the liquid supply port 104op coincides with the first imaginary line C1, which will be described later. The contact portion cp, which will be described later, is not located on the central axis of the liquid supply port 104op.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid container 100 further includes a liquid detection member 110. The liquid detection member 110 is fixed inside the liquid container 101. The liquid detection member 110 is a component used by the printing device 20 to detect the amount of ink remaining in the liquid container 100. The liquid detection member 110 may be, for example, a prism for optically detecting the amount of ink remaining, a piezoelectric element in which a piezoelectric body is sandwiched between two opposing electrodes, or two electrodes that detect the amount of ink remaining by the difference in resistance between the electrodes. Note that the liquid detection member 110 is not required.

[0035] The details of the substrate 120 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a first diagram showing the configuration of the substrate 120. Figure 6 is a second diagram showing the configuration of the substrate 120. As shown in Figure 6, the substrate 120 comprises a base material 120bd, a plurality of terminals 290, a device 130, and wiring (not shown). The substrate 120 may include other components. The base material 120bd has a front surface 120fa and a back surface 120fb. In this embodiment, the front surface 120fa and the back surface 120fb are both planar. The base material 120bd may be made of a material that constitutes a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, etc. The terminals 290 are formed of a conductor such as gold foil.

[0036] In this disclosure, "surface" is defined, for example, as follows: For example, "surface" is the surface of the base material 120bd that faces the device-side terminal 490, described later, when the liquid container 100 or substrate 120 is mounted on the printing device 20. For example, "surface" is the surface of the base material 120bd that faces the device-side terminal 490, described later, when the liquid container 100 or substrate 120 is mounted on the printing device 20, as well as the surface on which the terminal 290 is formed. For example, "surface" is the surface of the base material 120bd that includes the contact portion cp, described later. In this embodiment, "surface" is the front surface 120fa. In other embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "surface" is the front surface 120fa.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple terminals 290 include a data terminal 210, a clock terminal 220, a power terminal 230, a reset terminal 240, and a ground terminal 250. Each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is connected to the device 130. Each terminal 210 to 250 is electrically connected to the device 130 via wiring pattern layers provided on the front surface 120fa and back surface 120fb of the substrate 120bd, or via through-holes provided inside the substrate 120bd. The data terminal 210 is used to send and receive data signals SDA between the device 130 and the printing apparatus 20. Here, "signal" refers to a change in voltage. The signals transmitted and received via the data terminal 210 include, for example, signals indicating various data stored in the memory unit 138 (described later), signals controlled by the processing unit 136 (described later) and not stored in the memory unit 138, and signals controlled by the main control unit 40 and sub-control unit 50 of the printing device 20 and not stored in the memory unit 138. The clock terminal 220 is used to transmit a clock signal SCK from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The power terminal 230 is used to supply the power supply voltage VDD from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The reset terminal 240 is used to transmit a reset signal RST from the printing device 20 to the device 130. The ground terminal 250 is grounded via the device-side terminal 450 of the printing device 20 (described later). The voltages supplied to the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 are voltages that the device 130 can accept. The voltage range supplied to each terminal 210-240 is the same, and in this embodiment, it is approximately 0V to approximately 3.3V. A voltage acceptable to device 130 is, for example, a voltage lower than the voltage used to drive the print head 5, a voltage similar to the power supply voltage VDD, a voltage lower than the withstand voltage of device 130, a voltage that does not damage device 130, or a voltage that does not cause device 130 to malfunction. Here, check terminals used for shipping inspection are not included in terminal 290 of this disclosure. A check terminal is a terminal that does not come into contact with the device-side terminal 490 of the printing device 20 when the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20. The check terminal does not form a contact portion cp, which will be described later.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 includes a contact portion cp that should contact the corresponding device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 of the multiple device-side terminals 490 of the connection mechanism 400 of the printing device 20 when the liquid container 100 is mounted in the storage section 4. The contact portion cp of the data terminal 210 is also called the data contact portion cpd. The contact portion cp of the clock terminal 220 is also called the clock contact portion cpc. The contact portion cp of the power terminal 230 is also called the power contact portion cpvd. The contact portion cp of the reset terminal 240 is also called the reset contact portion cpr. The contact portion cp of the ground terminal 250 is also called the ground contact portion cpvs. The contact area cp is a portion of each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 that should contact the device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 when the liquid container 100 is mounted in the container 4, and is an area that can be recognized even when the liquid container 100 is mounted alone. The substrate 120 has a data contact area cpd, a clock contact area cpc, a power contact area cpvd, a reset contact area cpr, and a ground contact area cpvs. The connection between terminal 290 and the device-side terminal 490 of the printing device 20 will be described later. Terminal 290 and its corresponding contact area cp may be located in addition to the terminals 210 to 250 mentioned above.

[0039] The data terminal 210 is used to detect whether the data terminal 210 is short-circuited to at least one of the clock terminal 220, the power terminal 230, and the reset terminal 240. Specifically, the data terminal 210 is used to detect whether the data terminal 210 is short-circuited to at least one of the clock terminal 220, the power terminal 230, and the reset terminal 240 as described later. The data terminal 210 is used to detect whether the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20. Specifically, the data terminal 210 is used to detect whether the liquid container 100 is in the mounted state described later or the unmounted state described later.

[0040] Hereafter, the substrate 120 will be viewed in plan view. As shown in Figure 5, the two orthogonal lines are denoted as the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2. In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 is in the first direction FD. Extending line Therefore, the second virtual line C2 is in the second direction SD. Extending line In this embodiment, two orthogonal lines substantially aligned with the surface 120fa of the substrate 120bd are defined as the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2.

[0041] Assume that all contact points cp of all terminals 290 provided on the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 are projected onto the second virtual line C2. In this embodiment, assume that the data contact point cpd, clock contact point cpc, power supply contact point cpvd, reset contact point cpr, and ground contact point cpvs are projected onto the second virtual line C2. Regarding the projection positions of the contact points cp, let swd be the projection position of the data contact point cpd, swc be the projection position of the clock contact point cpc, swvd be the projection position of the power supply contact point cpvd, swr be the projection position of the reset contact point cpr, and swvs be the projection position of the ground contact point cpvs. Each projection position swd, swc, swvd, swr, and swvs are orthogonal projections obtained by projecting each contact point cpd, cpc, cpvd, cpr, and cpvs perpendicularly onto the second virtual line C2. In this case, all contact points cp are projected to different positions. The data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact cpvd, reset contact cpr, and ground contact cpvs are arranged such that their respective virtual lines along the first virtual line C1 passing through each contact cp are parallel to each other and do not overlap or intersect. In this case, the first virtual line C1 passes through MP, which is the midpoint between the two furthest projection positions of all the contact cps. In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 passes through MP, which is the midpoint between the projection position of the contact furthest from the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs, and the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs, among the projection positions swd, swc, swvd, swr of the data contact cpd, clock contact cpc, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr. In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 passes midway between the projection position swc of the clock contact cpc and the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs.

[0042] With respect to the first virtual line C1, one region of the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 is designated as the first region Rg1, and the other region of the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 is designated as the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, the first region Rg1 is the region on the -X side, which is the negative direction of the second direction SD, relative to the first virtual line C1, and the second region Rg2 is the region on the +X side, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD, relative to the first virtual line C1. The first region Rg1 is also one region of the substrate 120 that straddles the first virtual line C1, and the second region Rg2 is also the other region of the substrate 120 that straddles the first virtual line C1. Of all the contact parts cp, some contact parts cpa are located in the first region Rg1, and the remaining contact parts cpb are located in the second region Rg2. Some of the contacts cpa located in the first region Rg1 include a data contact cpd, a clock contact cpc, a power supply contact cpv, and a reset contact cpr. The remaining contacts cpb located in the second region Rg2 include a ground contact cpvs. On one side of the first virtual line C1 are the clock contact cpc, data contact cpd, reset contact cpr, and power supply contact cpvd, while on the other side are the ground contact cpvs. Some of the contacts cpa and the remaining contacts cpb are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first virtual line C1. No contacts cp are provided on the first virtual line C1.

[0043] The ground contact cpvs is located at the outermost end of the multiple contacts cp in the +X direction, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD. One of the clock contacts cpc, data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr, one of the multiple contacts cp, is located at the outermost end of the multiple contacts cp in the -X direction, which is the negative direction of the second direction SD. This one of the multiple contacts cp is located on the outermost side of the second direction SD. The ground contact cpvs is located on the outermost side of the second direction SD. In the first region Rg1, the distance between the contact cp that is projected to the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2, and the ground contact cpvs located in the second region Rg2, along the second virtual line C2, is Wa. In this embodiment, the distance between the projected position swc of the clock contact portion cpc and the projected position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs in the direction along the second virtual line C2 is Wa. In this embodiment, the distance between the clock contact portion cp and the ground contact portion cpvs in the second direction SD is the distance Wa.

[0044] It is preferable that the data contact portion cpd, clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr be positioned away from the ground contact portion cpvs. For example, in the first region Rg1, the distance in the direction along the second virtual line C2 between the contact portion cp (excluding the ground contact portion cpvs) that is projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2, and the ground contact portion cpvs provided in the second region Rg2, is Wa / 2 or more. In this embodiment, in the first region Rg1, the distance in the second direction SD between the reset contact portion cpr (located on the positive side of the second direction SD) and the ground contact portion cpvs provided in the second region Rg2, excluding the ground contact portion cpvs, is Wa / 2 or more. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the contact parts cp excluding the ground contact part cpvs, there are no other contact parts cp connected to the device 130 via terminal 290 between the contact part cp that is projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs of the ground contact part cpvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2, and the ground contact part cpvs provided in the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, there are no other contact parts cp connected to the device 130 via terminal 290 in the region between the reset contact part cpr provided at the furthest end on the +X side, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD, in the first region Rg1, and the ground contact part cpvs provided in the second region Rg2. For example, other contact parts cpd, cpc, cpvd, cpr and the ground contact part cpvs arranged on the substrate 120 are not provided on the first virtual line C1.

[0045] On the substrate 120, at least one contact portion cp from among the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr is projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. Preferably, on the substrate 120, two or more contact portions cp from among the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr are projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. In this embodiment, on the substrate 120, the power supply contact portion cpvd and the reset contact portion cpr are projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs.

[0046] On the substrate 120, the data contact portion cpd is positioned so as to be projected between the projection positions of any two contact portions cp, which are the power supply contact portion cpvd, the reset contact portion cpr, and the clock contact portion cpc. The data contact portion cpd is not the contact portion projected at the very edge on the second virtual line C2. In this embodiment, the data contact portion cpd is positioned so as to be projected between the projection position of the clock contact portion cpc and the power supply contact portion cpvd.

[0047] On the substrate 120, the data contact portion cpd and the reset contact portion cpr, or both, are projected between the projection position swvd of the power supply contact portion cpvd and the projection position swc of the clock contact portion cpc. Furthermore, the reset contact portion cpr is positioned such that its projection position swr is adjacent to the projection position swvd of the power supply contact portion cpvd. In this embodiment, the substrate 120 is positioned such that the data contact portion cpd is projected between the projection position swvd of the power supply contact portion cpvd and the projection position swc of the clock contact portion cpc. "Arranged adjacent to" does not necessarily mean that one contact portion is the closest to another. Other configurations may be arranged between one contact portion and another without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0048] On the substrate 120, the power supply contact portion cpvd is positioned such that its projected position swvd is adjacent to the projected position swd of the data contact portion cpd.

[0049] In this embodiment, the clock contact portion cpc is positioned on the substrate 120 so as to be projected at the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. The data contact portion cpd, the power supply contact portion cpvd, and the reset contact portion cpr are positioned so as to be projected sequentially from the projection position swc of the clock contact portion cpc on the second virtual line C2 toward the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. The clock contact portion cpc is located at the very end in the negative direction -X of the second direction SD. The contact portions cp other than the clock contact portion cpc are positioned in the order of data contact portion cpd, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr, moving from the negative direction -X of the second direction SD toward the positive direction +X. The multiple contact portions cp are positioned such that their respective projection positions are in the order of clock contact portion cpc, data contact portion cpd, power supply contact portion cpvd, reset contact portion cpr, and ground contact portion cpvs, moving from the -X direction toward the +X direction.

[0050] The clock contact portion cpc, data contact portion cpd, power supply contact portion cpvd, reset contact portion cpr, and ground contact portion cpvs are arranged to form multiple columns. These columns are parallel to the second virtual line C2 and perpendicular to the first virtual line C1. In this embodiment, the multiple contact portions cp are arranged to form two columns perpendicular to the first direction FD, and the direction of these two columns is parallel to the second direction SD. The direction in which the two columns align is along the first virtual line C1, which in this embodiment is along the first direction FD. The two columns are referred to as the first column R1 and the second column R2. The first column R1 is formed by the clock contact portion cpc, the power supply contact portion cpvd, and the ground contact portion cpvs. The second column R2 is formed by the data contact portion cpd and the reset contact portion cpr. The data contact portion cpd and reset contact portion cpr that form the second column R2, and the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd and ground contact portion cpvs that form the first column R1, are arranged alternately so that their respective contact portions cp do not align in the direction of the first virtual line C1, forming a so-called staggered arrangement. Two contact portions cp on the substrate 120bd that are projected adjacently when projected onto the second virtual line C2 form different columns. The data contact portion cpd and the ground contact portion cpvs are arranged in different columns. Between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs, one of the contact portion cp among the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr is projected. In this embodiment, between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs, the reset contact portion cpr and the power supply contact portion cpvd are projected. In this embodiment, the contact portions cp of each terminal 210-250 are arranged to form a first row R1 and a second row R2, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the contact portions cp of each terminal 210-250 may be arranged to form three or four rows. A row can also be formed by a single contact portion cp.

[0051] Let distance Dan be the distance between the ground contact cpvs and the reset contact cpr. Let distance Dbn be the distance between the data contact cpd and the clock contact cpc. Let distance Dcn be the distance between the data contact cpd and the ground contact cpvs. Let distance Ddn be the distance between the data contact cpd and the reset contact cpr. Let distance Den be the distance between the data contact cpd and the power contact cpvd. In this case, distance Dcn is longer than distance Dbn. Distance Dcn is longer than distance Den. Distance Dcn is longer than distance Ddn. In this embodiment, distance Dbn and distance Den are the same. The distance between the data contact cpd and the contact cp furthest from the data contact cpd among the multiple contacts cp excluding the ground contact cpvs is distance Dbn and distance Den. In this case, distance Dan is longer than distance Dbn and distance Den.

[0052] The clock contact portion cpc, the reset contact portion cpr, and the power supply contact portion cpvd are positioned adjacent to the data contact portion cpd, surrounding it between the data contact portion cpd and the ground contact portion cpvs. The data contact portion cpd is positioned inside a virtual circle Vcr that passes through the clock contact portion cpc, the reset contact portion cpr, and the power supply contact portion cpvd, so that the clock contact portion cpc, the reset contact portion cpr, and the power supply contact portion cpvd surround the data contact portion cpd.

[0053] Let the virtual line segment connecting the clock contact cpc and the data contact cpd be the first line segment FL, the virtual line segment connecting the reset contact cpr and the data contact cpd be the second line segment SL, and the virtual line segment connecting the power contact cpvd and the data contact cpd be the third line segment TL. On the first line segment FL, there are no contact points cp of terminals 290 other than the clock contact cpc and the data contact cpd. On the second line segment SL, there are no contact points cp of terminals 290 other than the reset contact cpr and the data contact cpd. On the third line segment TL, there are no contact points cp of terminals 290 other than the power contact cpvd and the data contact cpd.

[0054] In this embodiment, the five terminals 210 to 250 have the same positional relationship as the contact parts cpd, cpc, cpvd, cpr, and cpvs described above. That is, the first region Rg1 has the data terminal 210, the clock terminal 220, the reset terminal 240, and the power terminal 230. The second region Rg2 has the ground terminal 250. No other terminals 290 different from the clock terminal 220 and the data terminal 210 are located on the first line segment FL. No other terminals 290 different from the reset terminal 240 and the data terminal 210 are located on the second line segment SL. No other terminals 290 different from the power terminal 230 and the data terminal 210 are located on the third line segment TL.

[0055] As described above, the data terminal 210 is used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220, reset terminal 240, and power terminal 250, and whether the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20. At least a portion of the arrangement of the contact portion cp in this disclosure is determined to enable such detection.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the device 130 is configured to be mounted on the substrate 120bd. The device 130 includes a processing unit 136. In this embodiment, the device 130 includes the processing unit 136 and a storage unit 138. The device 130 is molded (sealed) with resin 139. The device 130 may be mounted on the substrate 120bd by another method.

[0057] The processing unit 136 is, for example, composed of a circuit. The processing unit 136 is connected to terminals 210 to 250 and controls the signals and voltages input and output to terminals 210 to 250. The processing unit 136 may also be a circuit with advanced arithmetic processing capabilities, such as a CPU. Details of the processing unit 136 will be described later.

[0058] The storage unit 138 is composed of, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The storage unit 138 stores information about the liquid container 100. This information includes, for example, the amount of ink consumed, the color of the ink, the manufacturing date of the liquid container 100, and identification information for the liquid container 100. In this embodiment, the liquid containers 100A to 100D are each assigned the identification information "1" to "4".

[0059] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, the configuration of the carriage 30 and how the liquid container 100 is attached to the carriage 30 will be explained. Figure 7A shows how the liquid container 100 is attached to the carriage 30. Figure 7B is the first diagram showing the connection mechanism 400. Figure 7C is the second diagram showing the connection mechanism 400.

[0060] The carriage 30 comprises a housing section 4 and a print head 5. The housing section 4 is positioned on top of the print head 5 and is configured to detachably accommodate a plurality of liquid storage containers 100. Inside the housing section 4, mounting chambers 65 are formed into which the liquid storage containers 100 are installed. In this embodiment, four mounting chambers 65 are provided, corresponding to the number of liquid storage containers 100A to 100D. The print head 5 includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and ejects ink droplets from each nozzle according to the voltage applied to each piezoelectric element, forming dots on the printing medium PA. The housing section 4 is provided with a liquid introduction section 6, a sub-control board 500, and a connection mechanism 400. The liquid introduction section 6 is positioned on top of the print head 5 in the normal operating position of the printing system 1000 and introduces ink to the print head 5 from the liquid supply port 104op of the liquid storage container 100. In this embodiment, four liquid introduction sections 6 are provided, corresponding to the number of liquid storage containers 100A to 100D. The sub-control board 500 is equipped with multiple sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550, and a sub-control unit 50. When the multiple sub-control board terminals 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550 are used without distinction, the reference numeral 590 is used. Multiple sub-control board terminals 590 are provided for each mounting chamber 65. Multiple sub-control board terminals 590 are electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50 via wiring on the sub-control board 500. The sub-control unit 50 is configured, for example, as a carriage circuit and works in cooperation with the main control unit 40 shown in Figure 2 to perform control related to the liquid container 100.

[0061] The liquid container 100 is inserted in the mounting direction MD, thereby allowing the printing device 20 to... Detention area The liquid container 100 is attached to the 4. The liquid container 100 is removed from the container 4 by being pulled out in the opposite direction to the attachment direction MD. In this way, the liquid container 100 is detachably attached to the printing device 20. When the liquid container 100 is attached to the container 4, the device 130 is electrically connected to the main control unit 40 via the terminal 290, the connection mechanism 400, the sub-control board 500, and the bus 46 shown in Figure 2.

[0062] As shown in Figures 7B and 7C, the connection mechanism 400 comprises a terminal holding portion 405 and a plurality of contact-forming members 403 held by the terminal holding portion 405. The connection mechanism 400 is provided for each liquid container 100A to 100D, i.e., for each mounting chamber 65. As shown in Figure 7B, the terminal holding portion 405 has a plurality of slits 301. The contact-forming members 403 are conductive and elastic. The contact-forming members 403 are fitted into the slits 301. In this embodiment, five contact-forming members 403 are provided for each connection mechanism 400, the same number as the terminals 290. As shown in Figure 7B, when distinguishing between the five contact-forming members 403, the reference numerals "403A", "403B", "403C", "404D", and "404E" are used. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 400 has nine slits 301, which are arranged at regular intervals, but the number of slits may be the same as the number of contact portion forming members 403.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7C, the contact portion forming member 403 is ,end This is a component that electrically connects the child 290 and the sub-control board terminal 590 of the sub-control board 500. Of the contact portion forming member 403, the portion facing the mounting chamber 65 side forms the device-side terminal 490. The device-side terminal 490 includes a contact portion dcp of the device-side terminal 490 that should contact terminal 290. In this embodiment, of the device-side terminal 490, the portion of the contact portion forming member 403 that faces the mounting chamber 65 side, i.e., the portion that protrudes the most toward the mounting chamber 65 side, contacts terminal 290 and forms the contact portion dcp of the device-side terminal 490. The contact portion dcp of the device-side terminal 490 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, terminal 290 may contact a portion of the device-side terminal 490 other than the portion that protrudes the most toward the mounting chamber 65 side. Of the contact portion forming member 403, the portion that protrudes toward the sub-control board 500 side forms a relay terminal 439 that contacts the sub-control board terminal 590.

[0064] When distinguishing between the device-side terminals 490, the designations "410", "420", "430", "440", and "450" ​​are used. When distinguishing between the relay terminals 439, the designations "431", "432", "433", "434", and "435" are used. The device-side terminal 410 and relay terminal 431 are formed on the contact-forming member 403A. The device-side terminal 420 and relay terminal 432 are formed on the contact-forming member 403B. The device-side terminal 430 and relay terminal 433 are formed on the contact-forming member 403C. The device-side terminal 440 and relay terminal 434 are formed on the contact-forming member 403D. The device-side terminal 450 and relay terminal 435 are formed on the contact-forming member 403E. Terminal 410 on the device side is also called the device side data terminal, terminal 420 on the device side clock terminal, terminal 430 on the device side power terminal, terminal 440 on the device side reset terminal, and terminal 450 on the device side ground terminal.

[0065] Contact-forming member 403A electrically connects the data terminal 210 and the sub-control board terminal 510. The device-side terminal 410 contacts the data terminal 210, and the relay terminal 431 contacts the sub-control board terminal 510. Contact-forming member 403B electrically connects the clock terminal 220 and the sub-control board terminal 520. The device-side terminal 420 contacts the clock terminal 220, and the relay terminal 432 contacts the sub-control board terminal 520. Contact-forming member 403C electrically connects the power terminal 230 and the sub-control board terminal 530. The device-side terminal 430 contacts the power terminal 230, and the relay terminal 433 contacts the sub-control board terminal 530. Contact-forming member 403D electrically connects the reset terminal 240 and the sub-control board terminal 540. The device-side terminal 440 contacts the reset terminal 240, and the relay terminal 434 contacts the sub-control board terminal 540. The contact-forming member 403E electrically connects the ground terminal 250 and the sub-control board terminal 550. The device-side terminal 450 contacts the ground terminal 250, and the relay terminal 435 contacts the sub-control board terminal 550.

[0066] Terminals 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are electrically connected by contact with the device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 when the liquid container 100 is mounted in the storage section 4. The device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 of the connection mechanism 400 are electrically connected by contact with the sub-control board terminals 590 on the sub-control board 500. The sub-control board terminals 590 of the sub-control board 500 are electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50 by wiring. As a result, each terminal 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is electrically connected to the sub-control unit 50.

[0067] Furthermore, the positional relationship between each contact point cp in the liquid container 100 and other elements, such as the first virtual line C1, also applies similarly to the contact points dcp of the device-side terminals 410 to 450. The arrangement of each contact point cp in the liquid container 100 and the arrangement of the contact points dcp of the device-side terminal 490 are mirror images of each other. As shown in Figure 7B, the contact point dcp of the device-side data terminal 410 is also called the device-side data contact point dcpd. The contact point dcp of the device-side clock terminal 420 is also called the device-side clock contact point dcpc. The contact point dcp of the device-side power terminal 430 is also called the device-side power contact point dcpvd. The contact point dcp of the device-side reset terminal 440 is also called the device-side reset contact point dcpr. The contact point dcp of the device-side ground terminal 450 is also called the device-side ground contact point dcpvs.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7B, the connection mechanism 400 is viewed from above. Two orthogonal lines are designated as the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2. In Figure 7B, the first virtual line C1 is in the direction along the first direction FD, and the second virtual line C2 is in the direction along the second direction SD. In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2 are two orthogonal lines that substantially align with the surface of the terminal holding portion 405.

[0069] Assume that the contact points dcp of all device-side terminals of the connection mechanism 400 are projected onto the second virtual line C2. In this embodiment, assume that the device-side data contact point dcpd corresponding to the data terminal 210, the device-side clock contact point dcpc corresponding to the clock terminal 220, the device-side power contact point dcpvd corresponding to the power terminal 230, the device-side reset contact point dcpr corresponding to the reset terminal 240, and the device-side ground contact point dcpvs corresponding to the ground terminal 250 are projected onto the second virtual line C2. Regarding the projection positions of the contact points dcp of the device-side terminals, the projection position of the device-side data contact point dcpd is denoted as swd, the projection position of the device-side clock contact point dcpc is denoted as swc, the projection position of the device-side power contact point dcpvd is denoted as swvd, the projection position of the device-side reset contact point dcpr is denoted as swr, and the projection position of the device-side ground contact point dcpvs is denoted as swvs. Each projection position swd, swc, swvd, swr, swvs is an orthogonal projection perpendicular to the second virtual line C2 from the contact portion dcp of each device-side terminal. In this case, the contact portion dcp of all device-side terminals is projected to a different position. The device-side data contact portion dcpd, device-side clock contact portion dcpc, device-side power contact portion dcpvd, device-side reset contact portion dcpr, and device-side ground contact portion dcpvs are projected to a different position. The device-side data contact portion dcpd, device-side clock contact portion dcpc, device-side power contact portion dcpvd, device-side reset contact portion dcpr, and device-side ground contact portion dcpvs are arranged such that their respective virtual lines along the first virtual line C1 passing through the contact portion dcp of each device-side terminal are parallel to each other without overlapping or intersecting. Also, in this case, the first virtual line C1 passes through MP, which is the midpoint between the two furthest projection positions of the contact portion dcp of all device-side terminals. In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 passes through the midpoint MP between the projection position of the contact located furthest from the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs, and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs, among the projection positions swd, swc, swvd, swr of the device-side data contact dcpd, device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, respectively.In this embodiment, the first virtual line C1 passes midway between the projected position swc of the device-side clock contact portion dcpc and the projected position swvs of the device-side ground contact portion dcpvs.

[0070] With respect to the first virtual line C1, one region of the connection mechanism 400 is designated as the first region Rg1, and the other region of the connection mechanism 400 is designated as the second region Rg2. In this case, device-side terminals 410, 420, 430, and 440 are located in the first region Rg1, and device-side terminal 450 is located in the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, the first region Rg1 is the region on the -X direction side, which is the negative direction of the second direction SD, relative to the first virtual line C1, and the second region Rg2 is the region on the first virtual line C1 This region is on the +X side, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD. The first region Rg1 is also one region of the connection mechanism 400 that straddles the first virtual line C1, and the second region Rg2 is also the other region of the connection mechanism 400 that straddles the first virtual line C1. Of the contact parts dcp of all device-side terminals, some contact parts dcpa ​​are located in the first region Rg1, and the remaining contact parts dcpb are located in the second region Rg2. The part of contact parts dcpa ​​located in the first region Rg1 includes the device-side data contact part dcpd, the device-side clock contact part dcpc, the device-side power contact part dcpv, and the device-side reset contact part dcpr. The remaining contact parts dcpb located in the second region Rg2 include the device-side ground contact part dcpvs. On one side of the first virtual line C1 are the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side reset contact dcpr, and device-side power contact dcpvd, while on the other side is the device-side ground contact dcpvs. Some contacts dcpa ​​and the remaining contacts dcpb are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first virtual line C1. No device-side terminal contacts dcp are provided on the first virtual line C1.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7B, the device-side ground contact dcpvs is located at the outermost end of the multiple device-side terminal contacts dcp in the +X direction, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD. The contact dcp of any one of the device-side terminals among the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr is located at the outermost end of the multiple device-side terminal contacts dcp in the -X direction, which is the negative direction of the second direction SD. This one device-side terminal contact dcp is located on the one side of the second direction SD among the multiple device-side terminal contacts dcp. The device-side ground contact dcpvs is located on the other side of the second direction SD among the multiple device-side terminal contacts dcp. In the first region Rg1, among the contact parts dcp of the device-side terminals excluding the device-side ground contact parts dcpvs, the distance between the contact part dcp that is projected to the position furthest from the projection position swvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2 and the device-side ground contact parts dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2, in the direction along the second virtual line C2, is Wa.

[0072] It is preferable that the device-side data contact dcpd, device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpd, and device-side reset contact dcpr be positioned away from the device-side ground terminal contact dcpvs. For example, in the first region Rg1, the distance in the direction along the second virtual line C2 between the contact dcp of the device-side terminal 490, excluding the device-side ground contact dcpvs, that is projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2, and the device-side ground contact dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2, is Wa / 2 or more. For example, in the first region Rg1, among the contact parts dcp of device-side terminals excluding the device-side ground contact part dcpvs, there are no other contact parts dcp of device-side terminals between the contact part dcp of the device-side terminal that is projected to the position closest to the projection position swvs when projected onto the second virtual line C2 and the device-side ground contact part dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2. In this embodiment, there are no other contact parts dcp of device-side terminals in the region between the device-side reset contact part dcpr, which is provided at the furthest end on the +X direction side, which is the positive direction of the second direction SD, in the first region Rg1, and the device-side ground contact part dcpvs provided in the second region Rg2. For example, the contact parts dcp of device-side terminals 410 to 440 and the device-side ground contact part dcpvs are not provided on the first virtual line C1.

[0073] The device-side data contact dcpd is projected between the projection position swd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs, such that the contact dcp of at least one device-side terminal, selected from the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, is projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs, such that the contact dcp of two or more device-side terminals, selected from the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr, is projected between the projection position swd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0074] The device-side data terminal dcpd is positioned so as to be projected between the projection positions of the contacts dcp of any two of the device-side terminals: the device-side clock contact dcpc, the device-side power contact dcpvd, and the device-side reset contact dcpr. The device-side data contact dcpd is not the contact that is projected at the very end on the second virtual line C2. In this embodiment, the device-side data contact dcpd is positioned so as to be projected between the projection positions of the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side power contact dcpvd.

[0075] Between the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd and the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc, either or both of the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr are projected. Furthermore, the device-side reset contact dcpr is positioned such that its projection position swr is adjacent to the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd. In this embodiment, the device-side data contact dcpd is projected between the projection position swvd of the device-side power contact dcpvd and the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc.

[0076] The device-side power contact dcpr is positioned such that its projection position swvd is adjacent to the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd.

[0077] In this embodiment, the device-side clock contact dcpc is positioned to be projected at the position furthest from the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. Furthermore, the device-side data contact dcpd, the device-side power contact dcpvd, and the device-side reset contact dcpr are positioned to be projected sequentially from the projection position swc of the device-side clock contact dcpc on the second virtual line C2 toward the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. The device-side clock contact dcpc is located at the very end in the -X direction, which is the negative direction of the second direction SD. The contacts dcp of the device-side terminals other than the device-side clock contact dcpc are located in the negative direction of the second direction SD. That isThe device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr are arranged in that order from the -X direction toward the positive +X direction. The contact dcp of multiple device-side terminals are arranged such that their respective projected positions are in that order from the -X direction toward the +X direction toward the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, device-side reset contact dcpr, and device-side ground contact dcpvs.

[0078] The device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side data contact dcpd, device-side power contact dcpvd, device-side reset contact dcpr, and device-side ground contact dcpvs are arranged to form multiple columns. These columns are parallel to the second virtual line C2 and perpendicular to the first virtual line C1. In this embodiment, the contacts dcp of the multiple device-side terminals are arranged to form two columns perpendicular to the first direction FD, and the direction of the two columns is parallel to the second direction SD. The direction in which the two columns are aligned is along the first virtual line C1, which in this embodiment is along the first direction FD. The two columns are referred to as the first column R1 and the second column R2. The first column R1 is formed by the device-side clock contact dcpc, the device-side power contact dcpvd, and the device-side ground contact dcpvs. The second column R2 is formed by the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr. The device-side data contact dcpd and device-side reset contact dcpr forming the second column R2, and the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side ground contact dcpvs forming the first column R1, are arranged alternately so that their contact dcps do not align in the direction of the first virtual line C1, forming a so-called staggered arrangement. The contact dcps of the device-side terminals two positions away that are projected onto the second virtual line C2 form different columns. The device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side ground contact dcpvs are arranged in different columns. Between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs, the contact dcp of one of the device-side terminals among the device-side clock contact dcpc, device-side power contact dcpvd, and device-side reset contact dcpr is projected. In this embodiment, the device-side reset contact dcpr and the device-side power contact dcpvd are positioned so that they are projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact dcpvs. In this embodiment, the contact dcp of each device-side terminal 410 to 450 is arranged to form a first column R1 and a second column R2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the contact dcp of each device-side terminal 410 to 450 may be arranged to form columns such as 3 or 4.The row can also be formed by the contact portion dcp of a single device-side terminal.

[0079] Let distance DAn be the distance between the device-side ground contact dcpvs and the device-side reset contact dcpr. Let distance DBn be the distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side clock contact dcpc. Let distance DCn be the distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side ground contact dcpvs. Let distance DDn be the distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side reset contact dcpr. Let distance DEn be the distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the device-side power contact dcpvd. In this case, distance DCn is longer than distance DBn. ​​Distance DCn is longer than distance DEn. Distance DCn is longer than distance DDn. In this embodiment, distance DBn and distance DEn are the same. The distance between the device-side data contact dcpd and the contact dcp of the device-side terminal that is furthest from the device-side data contact dcpd, excluding the device-side ground contact dcpvs, is distance DBn and distance DEn. In this case, distance DAn is longer than distance DBn and distance DEn.

[0080] Let the first line segment fL be the virtual line segment connecting the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side data contact dcpd, the second line segment sL be the virtual line segment connecting the device-side reset contact dcpr and the device-side data contact dcpd, and the third line segment tL be the virtual line segment connecting the device-side power contact dcpvd and the device-side data contact dcpd. On the first line segment fL, there are no contact points dcp of other device-side terminals other than the device-side clock contact dcpc and the device-side data contact dcpd. On the second line segment sL, there are no contact points dcp of other device-side terminals other than the device-side reset contact dcpr and the device-side data contact dcpd. On the third line segment tL, there are no contact points dcp of other device-side terminals other than the device-side power contact dcpvd and the device-side data contact dcpd.

[0081] The data terminal 210 can also be called the first terminal. The clock terminal 220 can also be called the second terminal, which is included in the other terminals. The reset terminal 240 can also be called the third terminal, which is included in the other terminals. The power terminal 230 can also be called the fourth terminal, which is included in the other terminals. The ground terminal 250 can also be called the fifth terminal, which is included in the other terminals. The data contact cpd can also be called the first contact. The clock contact cpc can also be called the second contact. The reset contact cpr can also be called the third contact. The power contact cpvd can also be called the fourth contact. The ground contact cpvs can also be called the fifth contact. In addition, terminals other than the first terminal can also be called the other terminal group. Terminals 210 to 250, etc., which are provided on the circuit board 120 or the liquid container 100, can also be called circuit board side terminals or container side terminals.

[0082] The device-side terminal 410 can also be called the first device-side terminal. The device-side terminal 420 can also be called the second device-side terminal. The device-side terminal 430 can also be called the third device-side terminal. The device-side terminal 440 can also be called the fourth device-side terminal. The device-side terminal 450 can also be called the fifth device-side terminal. The projected position of the first device-side terminal 410 can be called the first projected position. The projected position of the second device-side terminal 420 can be called the second projected position. The projected position of the third device-side terminal 430 can be called the third projected position. The projected position of the fourth device-side terminal 440 can be called the fourth projected position. The projected position of the fifth device-side terminal 450 can be called the fifth projected position.

[0083] A2. Explanation of various printing system statuses: In this disclosure, “mounted state” means the state in which the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20 and no short circuit occurs between the terminals 290. As described above, in this disclosure, “the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20” means that the liquid container 100 is physically attached to the printing device 20 and the contact portion cp of the terminal 290 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal 490. The mounted state is a state in which communication is possible between the printing device 20 and the device 130. “Not mounted state” means the state in which the liquid container 100 is not mounted in the housing 4 of the printing device 20, or the state in which the liquid container 100 is attached to the housing 4 of the printing device 20, but there is a poor contact between the device-side terminal 490 and the contact portion cp. “Short circuit state” means the state in which the liquid container 100 is mounted in the housing 4 of the printing device 20, but a short circuit occurs between the terminals 290. For example, if the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, this is described as "the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited."

[0084] "Connection state" refers to one of the following: (i) installation complete state, (ii) non-installation complete state, or (iii) short-circuit state. "Determination of connection state" means determining which of the above states (i) to (iii) the liquid container 100 is in.

[0085] A3. Electrical and software configuration: A3-1. Electrical configuration: Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system 1000. In Figure 8, the substrates 120 and devices 130 of the four liquid containers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are distinguished by the suffixes "A", "B", "C", and "D". Each device 130A to 130D stores identification information for the liquid containers 100A to 100D. For example, each device 130A to 130D stores information about the liquid contained in the liquid containers 100A to 100D. In Figure 8, the identification information is represented by ID=1 to 4. The main control unit 40 and the sub-control unit 50 constitute the control unit 39 that controls the operation of the printing device 20.

[0086] The sub-control unit 50 and the liquid containers 100A to 100D are electrically connected by multiple wires. These multiple wires include a reset wire LRST, a clock wire LSCK, a power supply wire LVDD, a data wire LSDA, and a ground wire LVSS. The reset wire LRST, the clock wire LSCK, the power supply wire LVDD, and the data wire LSDA are provided independently for each of the liquid containers 100A to 100D. The ground wire LVSS is provided in common for the liquid containers 100A to 100D. To distinguish between the reset wire LRST, the clock wire LSCK, the power supply wire LVDD, and the data wire LSDA that are electrically connected to the corresponding liquid containers 100A to 100D, the numbers "1" to "4" are added to the end. These "1" to "4" correspond to the identification information "1" to "4" for the liquid containers 100A to 100D.

[0087] In the sub-control unit 50, the terminal that outputs the reset signal RST is designated as the host terminal HRST, the terminal that outputs the clock signal SCK is designated as the host terminal HSCK, the terminal that outputs the power supply voltage VDD is designated as the host terminal HVDD, and the terminal that outputs and inputs the data signal SDA is designated as the host terminal HSDA. The host terminal HVSS is grounded. For the host terminals HSDA, HRST, HSCK, and HVDD, the numbers "1" to "4" are added to the end to distinguish the terminals connected to the corresponding liquid containers 100A to 100D. These "1" to "4" correspond to the identification information "1" to "4" for the liquid containers 100A to 100D. The sub-control unit 50 and the main control unit 40 are electrically connected via bus 46. The sub-control unit 50 transmits various signals and voltages individually to the devices 130A to 130D of the liquid containers 100A to 100D via connection bus 45, which includes lines LRST, LSCK, LVDD, LSDA, and LVSS.

[0088] The reset line LRST is a conductive line used by the control unit 39 to send a reset signal RST to the device 130. The reset signal RST is a signal that makes the device ready to receive the request signal RS, which will be described later. When the reset signal RST that the control unit 39 sends to the device 130 changes from a high level to a low level, the part of the processing unit 136 that receives the request signal RS enters its initial state, and when the reset signal RST changes from a low level to a high level, the device becomes ready to receive a new request signal RS. The clock line LSCK is a conductive line used by the control unit 39 to send a clock signal SCK to the device 130. The clock signal SCK is a signal that alternates between low and high levels at a predetermined period. The data line LSDA is a conductive line used to send and receive the data signal SDA between the control unit 39 and the device 130. The data signal SDA is sent and received in synchronization with the clock signal SCK in order to synchronize between the control unit 39 and the device 130. For example, the data signal SDA is sent and received triggered by the rising or falling edge of the clock signal SCK. The reset signal RST, data signal SDA, and clock signal SCK can take either a high or low level. In the following, a high level is also represented by the sign "H" or "1", and a low level is also represented by the sign "L" or "0". The host terminal HSDA, which is connected to the data line LSDA, is grounded within the sub-control unit 50 via a pull-down resistor. As a result, when no data signal SDA is being transmitted or received between the sub-control unit 50 and the device 130, the drive state of the host terminal HSDA in the sub-control unit 50 is maintained at a low level.

[0089] The grounding wire LVSS is a conductive wire that determines the grounding potential VSS of device 130. The grounding potential VSS is set to, for example, 0V. The power supply wire LVDD is a conductive wire used by the control unit 39 to supply the power supply voltage VDD, which is the operating voltage, to device 130. The power supply voltage VDD is a voltage higher than a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage VDD is set to a potential of, for example, about 3.3V relative to the grounding potential VSS. Note that the potential used for the power supply voltage VDD may differ depending on the type of device 130.

[0090] Figure 9 shows the functional configuration of the printing device 20 together with a liquid container 100. The printing device 20 includes a display panel 495, a power supply 441, a main control unit 40, and a sub-control unit 50. The display panel 495 is used to notify the user of the operating status of the printing device 20, errors in liquid containers 100A to 100D, ink consumption stored in device 130, ink color, manufacturing date, etc. When the liquid container 100 is installed, the display panel 495 displays, for example, an indication to the user that the liquid container 100 has been installed, an indication that the printing system 1000 is ready to print, and an indication of the remaining amount of ink contained in the liquid container 100. The display panel 495 is provided, for example, on the operation unit 70 in Figure 2. The power supply 441 is a standard power supply used for logic circuits and has a rating of 3.3V. The voltage from power supply 441 is supplied to sub-control unit 50 and to other circuits as needed.

[0091] The main control unit 40 includes a CPU 415 and a device-side first storage unit 416. The CPU 415 controls the operation of the printing device 20 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first storage unit 416. For example, the main control unit 40 controls the operation of the display panel 495 and the operation of the sub-control unit 50. The CPU 415 functions as a determination unit 411 by executing various programs stored in the device-side first storage unit 416. The determination unit 411 includes a mounting determination unit 412 and a short-circuit determination unit 414. The mounting determination unit 412 determines whether or not the liquid container 100 is mounted. The short-circuit determination unit 414 determines whether or not a short circuit has occurred between the terminals 290. The sub-control unit 50 comprises a switching unit 511 and a device-side second storage unit 516. The switching unit 511 consists of a register (not shown) and an analog switch (not shown) connected to the register. When the CPU 415 writes "1" to the register, the analog switch becomes conductive. This switches the CPU 415 to a connected state with the circuit board 120. When the CPU 415 writes "0" to the register, the analog switch becomes non-conductive. This switches the CPU 415 to a disconnected state with the circuit board 120.

[0092] The device-side second storage unit 516 stores determination information. This determination information is used in the connection status determination process described later. The determination information is information in which the voltage output from the data terminal 210 is used as the detection value in response to the request signal RS described later. When the determination unit 411 executes the connection status determination process, it reads the determination information from the device-side second storage unit 516.

[0093] The sub-control unit 50 transmits a request signal RS to each device 130A to 130D of the liquid containers 100A to 100D via the connection bus 45. The request signal RS is output from the host terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 and input to each data terminal 210 of the liquid containers 100A to 100D. For each device 130A to 130D, the request signal RS includes a command that identifies the liquid container 100A to 100D to which the request signal RS should be responded to. The determination unit 411 uses the voltage output from each data terminal 210 of the liquid containers 100A to 100D in response to the request signal RS to determine the connection status of the liquid containers 100A to 100D. Details of the request signal RS will be described later.

[0094] The processing unit 136 of device 130 communicates with the printing device 20 via the data line LSDA in synchronization with the clock signal SCK input to the clock terminal 220 from the printing device 20. For example, signals are sent and received triggered by the rising or falling edge of the clock signal SCK. The processing unit 136 controls the signals and voltages input and output to terminals 210 to 250. For example, in response to the request signal RS, it outputs response signals FS and SS to the data terminal 210 via the data line LSDA. The processing unit 136 includes a three-state buffer. The three-state buffer has three operating states: a state that outputs a low-level voltage, a state that outputs a high-level voltage, and a high-impedance state. The three-state buffer is connected to the data terminal 210. Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the terms "low-level," "high-level," and "high-impedance" are used to indicate the operating states of the data terminal 210. The storage unit 138 is composed of a memory cell array in which multiple memory cells are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. The processing unit 136 and the storage unit 138 are connected by bit lines and word lines. The processing unit 136 is electrically connected to terminals 210-250 and the storage unit 138.

[0095] A3-2. Overview of the software configuration (connection status determination process): The connection status determination process performed by the printing system 1000 will be explained with reference to Figures 10A and 10B. Figure 10A is a flowchart of the process performed by the printing device 20 as part of the connection status determination process. Figure 10B is a flowchart of the process performed by the device 130 as part of the connection status determination process.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10A, in the connection status determination process, the printing device 20 performs the following processes. In step S301, the sub-control unit 50 sends a request signal RS to the device 130 of the liquid container 100. Subsequently, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100. Specifically, in step S302, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 at a predetermined first timing t1. In step S303, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 at a predetermined second timing t2. In step S304, the sub-control unit 50 detects the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 at a predetermined third timing t3. The first timing t1 to the third timing t3 are all different timings. The voltage detected by the sub-control unit 50 during the first timing t1 to the third timing t3 is stored as a detected value in the device-side second storage unit 516 of the sub-control unit 50. In step S305, the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 reads the detected value from the device-side second storage unit 516. In step S306, the main control unit 40 determines the connection status based on the detected value detected by the sub-control unit 50 during the first timing t1 to the third timing t3.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10B, in the connection status determination process, device 130 performs the following process. In step S101, the processing unit 136 of device 130 determines whether or not a request signal RS has been input to the data terminal 210 from the printing device 20. If it is determined that a request signal RS has been input to the data terminal 210, step SIn step 102, the processing unit 136 of device 130 determines whether it is requested to respond to the printing device 20. If it determines that it is requested to respond to the printing device 20, the processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs a first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 in step S103. After outputting the first response signal FS, the processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in step S104. The first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20. If it determines in step S102 that it is not requested to respond to the printing device 20, the processing unit 136 of device 130 terminates processing.

[0098] Referring to Figures 11A to 11D, the overview and output timing of the request signal RS, the first response signal FS, and the second response signal SS will be explained. Figure 11A is a timing chart when the printing device 20 outputs the request signal RS to the data terminal 210. Figure 11B is a timing chart when the device 130 outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. Figure 11C is a diagram showing the details of the first response signal FS. Figure 11D is a diagram showing the details of the second response signal SS. The timing chart in Figure 11B is executed following the timing chart in Figure 11A. In Figures 11A to 11D, "H" indicates that the signal is at a high level, and "L" indicates that the signal is at a low level. The dotted line indicates that the drive state of terminal 290 is high impedance, and that no signal is output from terminal 290. Note that the host terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 is grounded via a pull-down resistor. Therefore, the control unit 39 cannot distinguish between the drive state of terminal 290 being high impedance and no signal being output from terminal 290, and the output of a low-level voltage from terminal 290. However, for example, by using a pull-up resistor connecting the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230, it can be confirmed that the drive state of data terminal 290 is high impedance. VDD, RST, SCK, and SDA1~SDA4 shown in Figure 11A, etc., represent the signals transmitted or received or the voltages supplied via the corresponding terminal 290 by the corresponding lines LVDD, LRST, LSCK, and LSDA1~LSDA4. Cycles D1~D9 in the command period CMT, the first response period RT1, and the second response period RT2 represent a unit period in which the low and high levels of the clock signal SCK are repeated in each period. The clock signal SCK in this unit period is called the "period".

[0099] The timing charts shown in Figures 11A and 11B are executed at predetermined timings. These predetermined timings include, for example, the timing when the printer 20 is started and the power supply 441 is turned ON, the timing when the liquid container 100 is replaced, the timing when instructions are received from the user, and the timing when the printer 20 is not printing and the carriage 30 is in the home position. Below, we will explain an example of execution triggered by the timing when the power supply 441 is turned ON.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11A, the control unit 39 first sets the power supply voltage VDD to a high level. After the power supply voltage VDD has reached a high level, the control unit 39 sets the reset signal RST from a low level to a high level after a predetermined time has elapsed. After setting the reset signal RST to a high level, the control unit 39 sends a clock signal SCK to the device 130. After setting the reset signal RST to a high level, the control unit 39 sends a request signal RS to the device 130. The request signal RS includes a first execution command BCC1, first identification data DB1, first parity data P1, second execution command BCC2, second identification data DB2, and second parity data P2.

[0101] The request signal RS will be explained in detail. After setting the reset signal RST to a high level, the control unit 39 sends the first execution command BCC1 to devices 130A to 130D during cycles D1 and D2 of the command period CMT. The first execution command BCC1 is a 2-bit data command that indicates that the main control unit 40 will perform connection status determination processing. The control unit 39 generates the first execution command BCC1 by setting the voltage to a high level in cycle D1 and to a low level in cycle D2.

[0102] Following the first execution command BCC1, the control unit 39 transmits the first identification data DB1 to devices 130A to 130D in cycles D3 to D8. The first identification data DB1 is 6 bits of data that identify the liquid containers 100A to 100D requesting a response. In the first identification data DB1, each device 130A to 130D is assigned a corresponding bit. The first bit in cycle D3 and the second bit in cycle D4 can be used in other embodiments when the printing apparatus 20 is equipped with six liquid containers 100. In the first identification data DB1, the third bit in cycle D5 corresponds to liquid container 100D, the fourth bit in cycle D6 corresponds to liquid container 100C, the fifth bit in cycle D7 corresponds to liquid container 100B, and the sixth bit in cycle D8 corresponds to liquid container 100A. The first identification data DB1 transmitted to device 130A of liquid container 100A is high level in the 6th bit, cycle D8, and the remaining bits are low level. The first identification data DB1 transmitted to device 130B of liquid container 100B is high level in the 5th bit, cycle D7, and the remaining bits are low level. The first identification data DB1 transmitted to device 130C of liquid container 100C is high level in the 4th bit, cycle D6, and the remaining bits are low level. The first identification data DB1 transmitted to device 130D of liquid container 100D is high level in the 3rd bit, cycle D5, and the remaining bits are low level. The request signal RS has a different waveform for each device 130A to 130D of liquid containers 100A to 100D.

[0103] Following the first identification data DB1, the control unit 39 transmits the first parity data P1 to devices 130A to 130D in cycle D9. The first parity data P1 is a 1-bit data. In this embodiment, the first parity data P1 is odd parity.

[0104] Following the first parity data P1, the control unit 39 sends a 2-bit second execution command BCC2 to devices 130A to 130D. The second execution command BCC2 is the same data as the first execution command BCC1, but without inversion. Following the second execution command BCC2, the control unit 39 sends a 6-bit second identification data DB2 to devices 130A to 130D. The second identification data DB2 is the same data as the first identification data DB1, but without inversion. Following the second identification data DB2, the control unit 39 sends a 1-bit second parity data P2 to devices 130A to 130D.

[0105] The first execution command BCC1, the first identification data DB1, and the first parity data P1 are collectively referred to as the first command. The second execution command BCC2, the second identification data DB2, and the second parity data P2 are collectively referred to as the second command. The period during which the control unit 39 transmits the first command to the device 130 within the command period CMT is also referred to as the first command period. The period during which the control unit 39 transmits the second command to the device 130 within the command period CMT is also referred to as the second command period. The first command and the second command are identical data that has not been inverted. In other embodiments, the first command and the second command may be inverted relative to each other.

[0106] As described above, the power supply voltage VDD is first input to the power terminal 230 from the printer 20 to the device 130. After the power supply voltage VDD is input to the power terminal 230 from the printer 20 to the device 130, the reset signal RST changes from a low reset voltage to a high reset voltage, and the high reset voltage is input to the reset terminal 240 from the printer 20 to the device 130. After the high reset voltage is input to the reset terminal 240 from the printer 20 to the device 130, the clock signal SCK is input to the clock terminal 220 from the printer 20 to the device 130. After the high reset voltage is input to the reset terminal 240 from the printer 20 to the device 130, the request signal RS is input to the data terminal 210 from the printer 20. Here, the power supply voltage VDD is a voltage as a high level that is higher than the threshold. The reset signal RST is a signal that includes a low reset voltage as a low level and a high reset voltage as a high level that is higher than the low reset voltage. The low reset voltage is a voltage lower than the reference reset voltage as a threshold, and the high reset voltage is a voltage higher than the reference reset voltage as a threshold. The reference reset voltage is the voltage used as a reference to determine high and low levels. The clock signal SCK is a signal in which a low clock voltage (low level) and a high clock voltage (higher than the low clock voltage) alternate and repeat at a predetermined period. The low clock voltage is a voltage lower than the reference clock voltage (threshold), and the high clock voltage is a voltage higher than the reference clock voltage (threshold). The reference clock voltage is the voltage used as a reference to determine high and low levels. Each threshold is set, for example, between the potential of power supply 441 and the ground potential.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11B, after the request signal RS is sent from the control unit 39 to the device 130, the device 130, which has been requested to respond to the printing device 20, outputs a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. FS and second response signal SSThis signal is used by the printing device 20 to determine that the data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and reset terminal 240 are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container 100 is mounted on the printing device 20. The request signal RS has a waveform that individually specifies the liquid containers 100A to 100D in the first identification data DB1. When a device 130A to 130D receives the request signal RS to which it is specified from the printing device 20, it outputs a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. The first response signal FS is output during the first response period RT1. The second response signal SS is output during the second response period RT2, which is the period following the first response period RT1.

[0108] In the first response period RT1, the direction switching process for the signals transmitted and received by the printing device 20 via the data line LSDA is first performed in cycles D1 and D2. After the control unit 39 sends the request signal RS to the device 130, in cycle D1, it decharges the data line LSDA by setting its potential to 0V. Then, in cycle D2, the control unit 39 sets the drive state of the host terminal HSDA of the sub-control unit 50 to high impedance. This makes the printing device 20 ready to receive signals. Meanwhile, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 receives the request signal RS in synchronization with the clock signal SCK, and in cycle D1, sets the drive state of each data terminal 210 to high impedance. This is to prevent signals from being output from the data terminals 210 while the data line LSDA is being decharged by the control unit 39 of the printing device 20. Similarly, in cycle D2, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 sets the drive state of the data terminals 210 to high impedance. The first two bits of this first response period RT1 also function as dummy bits to ensure that the number of bits in the request signal RS and the signal in the first response period RT1 are the same. The number of cycles of the clock signal SCK that constitutes the first response period RT1 is the same as the number of cycles of the clock signal SCK that the request signal RS is synchronized with.

[0109] Next, cycle D5 ~In cycle D8, the processing unit 136 of each device 130 outputs a first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 at a predetermined timing. The first response signal FS is output from different processing units 136A to 136D for each period of the clock signal SCK. The first response signal FS includes a low-level voltage. As shown in Figure 11C, the first response signal FS is the signal output to the data terminal 210 during the period when the clock signal SCK is high-level. The first response signal FS is low-level during the period when the clock signal SCK is high-level. The processing unit 136 of device 130 outputs a low-level voltage to the data terminal 210 when the voltage input to the clock terminal 220 changes from a low level to a high level.

[0110] As described above, the first response signal FS includes a low first response voltage as a low level, which is lower than the reference first response voltage as a threshold. The reference first response voltage is a reference voltage for determining low and high levels, and is set, for example, between the voltage of power supply 441 and the voltage of ground potential.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11B, the first timing t1 is the cycle of the first response period RT1. D5 ~In each of the eight cycles D8, the clock signal SCK is set to a high level for a period of time. The first timing t1 is set to a low level for a period of time when the first response signal FS is low level. As shown in Figure 11C, in one cycle of the clock signal SCK, the device 130 outputs a low-level voltage to the data terminal 210 before the first timing t1, during the period when the clock signal SCK is high level.

[0112] As shown in Figure 11B, cycle D9 of the first response period RT1 functions as a dummy bit to make the number of bits in the first command period and the first response period RT1 the same.

[0113] In the second response period RT2, as shown in Figure 11B, the control unit 39 removes the charge from the data line LSDA by setting its potential to 0V. In cycle D1, the processing unit 136 of device 130 sets the drive state of the data terminal 210 to high impedance. In cycle D2, the processing unit 136 of device 130 also sets the drive state of the data terminal 210 to high impedance. The first two bits of this second response period RT2 also function as dummy bits to make the number of bits in the request signal RS and the signal of the second response period RT2 the same. The number of cycles of the clock signal SCK that constitutes the second response period RT2 is the same as the number of cycles of the clock signal SCK that the request signal RS is synchronized with.

[0114] Next, cycle D5 ~In cycle D8, the processing unit 136 of each device 130 outputs a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 at a predetermined timing. The second response signal SS is output from different processing units 136A to 136D for each period of the clock signal SCK. The second response signal SS includes a low-level voltage and a high-level voltage. As shown in Figure 11D, the waveform of the second response signal SS is in opposite phase to the waveform of the clock signal SCK input to the clock terminal 220. The second response signal SS includes a high level during the period when the clock signal SCK is low level, and includes a low level during the period when the clock signal SCK is high level.

[0115] As described above, the second response signal SS includes a low second response voltage as a low level and a high second response voltage as a high level that is higher than the low second response voltage. The low second response voltage is a voltage lower than the reference second response voltage as a threshold, and the high second response voltage is a voltage higher than the reference second response voltage as a threshold. The reference second response voltage is a reference voltage for determining low and high levels, and is set, for example, between the voltage of the power supply 441 and the voltage of ground potential. The reference second response voltage may be the same as or different from the reference first response voltage. The waveform of the second response signal SS is different from the waveform of the first response signal FS.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11B, the second timing t2 is the cycle of the second response period RT2. D5 ~In each of the cycles D8, the clock signal SCK is set to a low level. The second timing t2 is set to a high level period for the second response signal SS. The third timing t3 is the cycle of the second response period RT2. D5 ~In each of the eight cycles, the clock signal SCK is set to a high level for a period of time. The third timing t3 is set to a low level for a period of time when the second response signal SS is low. As shown in Figure 11D, in one cycle of the clock signal SCK, the device 130 outputs a high-level voltage to the data terminal 210 before the second timing t2 during the period when the clock signal SCK is low level. In one cycle of the clock signal SCK, the device 130 outputs a low-level voltage to the data terminal 210 before the third timing t3 during the period when the clock signal SCK is high level.

[0117] As shown in Figure 11B, cycle D9 of the second response period RT2 functions as dummy bit data to make the number of bits in the second command period and the second response period RT2 the same.

[0118] For each device 130A to 130D of the liquid containers 100A to 100D, the output periods of the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS differ. In this embodiment, device 130 outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS in one period of the clock signal SCK corresponding to the identification information. As shown in Figure 11B, liquid container 100A outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in each cycle D8 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. Liquid container 100B outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in each cycle D7 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. Liquid container 100C outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in each cycle D6 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. The liquid container 100D outputs the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during each cycle D5 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2.

[0119] As shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK having a predetermined number of periods is input to the clock terminal 220, device 130 outputs a first response signal FS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from high impedance to low level. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK is input to the clock terminal 220 during cycles D1 to D7 in the first response period RT1, device 130A outputs a first response signal FS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from high impedance to low level. Drive The output of the first response signal FS is terminated by switching the state from low level to high impedance. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, after the device 130A outputs the first response signal FS in cycle D8 of the first response period RT1, it terminates the output of the first response signal FS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 to high impedance.

[0120] As shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK having a predetermined number of periods is input to the clock terminal 220, device 130 outputs a second response signal SS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from high impedance to high level. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, when a clock signal SCK is input to the clock terminal 220 in cycles D1 to D7 of the second response period RT2, device 130A outputs a second response signal SS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from high impedance to high level. Device 130 terminates the output of the second response signal SS by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from low level to high impedance. For example, as shown in Figure 11B, in cycle D8 of the second response period RT2, device 130A outputs a second response signal SS After outputting the signal, the output of the second response signal SS is terminated by switching the drive state of the data terminal 210 from low level to high impedance.

[0121] As described above, after the request signal RS is input to the data terminal 210, device 130 outputs a first response signal FS to the data terminal 210, and after outputting the first response signal FS, outputs a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. When the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with the clock terminal 220, the power terminal 230, and the reset terminal 240, device 130 performs the following: As shown in Figure 11C, device 130 outputs the clock terminal 220 At a predetermined first timing t1 during the period when the input voltage is a high clock voltage, a low first response voltage is output to the data terminal 210 as a first expected value. As shown in Figure 11D, after outputting the low first response voltage, the device 130 outputs to the clock terminal 220 At the second timing t2, when the input voltage is the low clock voltage, a high second response voltage is output to the data terminal 210 as the second expected value. As shown in Figure 11D, after outputting the high second response voltage, the device 130 outputs to the clock terminal 220At the third timing t3, when the input voltage is a high clock voltage, a low second response voltage is output to the data terminal 210 as the third expected value.

[0122] The first response signal FS consists of a low level. The low level of the first response signal FS indicates that the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than the data terminal 210. The second response signal SS consists of a high level and a low level. The high level of the second response signal SS indicates that the liquid container 100 is attached to the printing device 20. The low level of the second response signal SS indicates that the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 other than the data terminal 210.

[0123] A3-3. Details of the software configuration (connection status determination process): Referring to Figure 12, the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit 40 will be explained. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an overview of the connection status determination process performed by the main control unit 40. As shown in Figure 12, the main control unit 40 determines the connection status using a combination of voltages output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 at the first timing t1 to the third timing t3. The first timing t1 to the third timing t3 are assigned to periods of cycle D5 to D8 according to the liquid containers 100A to 100D, as explained using Figure 11B above. The expected value of the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 at each of the first timing t1 to the third timing t3 is the voltage output from the data terminal 210 when the liquid container 100 is in the installed state, and is low level at the first timing t1, high level at the second timing t2, and low level at the third timing t3. Determination unit of the main control unit 40 411 In the first case, when the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 is the same as the expected value, it is determined that the liquid container 100 is installed and that "container present".

[0124] If the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 is low level at each of the first timing t1 to the third timing t3, the determination unit of the main control unit 40 411 The liquid container 100 is not attached, and the system determines that there is "no container".

[0125] If the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 is high level at the first timing t1, low level at the second timing t2, and high level at the third timing t3, the determination unit of the main control unit 40 411 This indicates that the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, and is therefore determined to be "short-circuited". When the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, the voltage at the data terminal 210 will be approximately the same as the voltage at the clock terminal 220. Similar to the clock signal SCK in Figure 11B, the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 will be high level at the first timing t1, low level at the second timing t2, and high level at the third timing t3. Thus, among the data terminal 210, power terminal 230, reset terminal 240, and clock terminal 220, when the data terminal 210 and clock terminal 220 are short-circuited, the data terminal 210 connected to the device 130 is output to the control unit 39 of the printing device 20 during the first timing t1 to the third timing t3. Voltage The system is configured as follows: The voltage output from the data terminal 210 differs from the first expected value at the first timing t1, from the second expected value at the second timing t2, and from the third expected value at the third timing t3.

[0126] If the voltage output from the data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 is high at each of the first timing t1 to the third timing t3, the determination unit of the main control unit 40 411This is determined to be "short circuit present" if at least one of the following is the case: data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 are short-circuited. When data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or when data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, the voltage at data terminal 210 will be approximately the same as the voltage at power terminal 230 or reset terminal 240. As shown in Figure 11B, in the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2, the power terminal 230 and reset terminal 240 are at a high level, so the voltage output from data terminal 210 of the liquid container 100 will be at a high level in each of the first timings t1 to the third timing t3. Thus, among the data terminal 210, power terminal 230, reset terminal 240, and clock terminal 220, when the data terminal 210 and power terminal 230 are short-circuited, and when the data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, the voltage output from the data terminal 210 connected to the device 130 to the control unit 39 of the printing device 20 during the first timing t1 to the third timing t3 is configured as follows: Voltage At the first timing t1, it differs from the first expected value; at the second timing t2, it is the same as the second expected value; and at the third timing t3, it differs from the third expected value.

[0127] As described above, the printing device 20 first detects at the first timing t1 that the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with the other terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250. Then, at the second timing t2, it detects that the liquid container 100 is installed in the printing device 20. Furthermore, at the third timing t3, it confirms again that the data terminal 210 is not short-circuited with the other terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250. By detecting the voltage output from the data terminal 210 at timings t1 to t3, it is confirmed that the liquid container 100 is fully installed. As will be described later, the data terminal 210 and the other terminals 220, 230, and 240 ,250Short circuits may occur within the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. By detecting that there is no short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the other terminals 220, 230, 240, and 250 at the first timing t1, which is before the second timing t2, and at the third timing t3, which is after the second timing t2, it can be accurately confirmed that the liquid container 100 is fully installed. Thus, the installation detection mechanism for the liquid container 100 and the short-circuit detection mechanism between terminals 290 can be considered as independent configurations.

[0128] When the printing device 20 detects that the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited, it is necessary to be able to distinguish between the voltage detected by the printing device 20 when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited and the voltage detected by the printing device 20 when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited. One cycle of the clock signal SCK has a low-level period and a high-level period. In a configuration where device 130 outputs the same voltage to the data terminal 210 as the high-level voltage during the low-level period in one cycle when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited, device 130 will also output the same voltage as the high-level voltage when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited. As a result, the printing device 20, which detects the output from the data terminal 210, will not be able to distinguish whether the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited or whether they are short-circuited. During the first timing t1 to the third timing t3, the device 130 outputs a voltage to the data terminal 210 that is different from the voltage of the clock signal SCK. This allows the printing device 20 to distinguish between the voltage detected by the printing device when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited and the voltage detected by the printing device when the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are not short-circuited. The same applies when the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, and when the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited.

[0129] Figures 13A to 20 B Refer to the following to explain specific examples of the connection status determination process. In the following examples 1 to 9, a single liquid container 100A is used as an example. In examples 2 to 9, the waveforms shown in Figures 13A to 20B schematically show examples of the voltage at terminal 290 that is actually observed. The control unit 39 recognizes the voltage output from the data terminal 210 as either high level or low level based on a predetermined threshold.

[0130] (First example) The first specific example describes the case where the liquid container 100A is in the installed state. Figure 13A is the first timing chart of the connection state determination process. Figure 13B is the second timing chart of the connection state determination process. As shown in Figure 13A, the sub-control unit 50 sends a request signal RS to the device 130A of the liquid container 100A during the command period CMT. The request signal RS sent to the device 130A has a high level bit in cycle D8 to specify the target liquid container 100A. As shown in Figure 13B, in the installed state, the sub-control unit 50 detects a low level at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, a high level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and a low level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2 from the data terminal 210. In this case, the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines that the liquid container 100A has a container because the expected value and the detected value are the same at each of the first timing t1 to the third timing t3.

[0131] (Second specific example) The second specific example describes the connection status determination process when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220. Figure 14A is the third timing chart for the connection status determination process. Figure 14B is the fourth timing chart for the connection status determination process. In Figure 14A, assume that a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 of the liquid container 100A at timing ta before the command period CMT. As shown in Figure 14B, the change in voltage output from the data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from the clock terminal 220. The sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and a high level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are in a short circuit state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit determines that "short circuit present".

[0132] (Third specific example) The third specific example describes the process for determining the connection status when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220. In the third specific example, device 130 receives a request signal RS This differs from the second specific example in that a short circuit occurred between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 after receiving the signal. Figure 15 is the fifth timing chart of the connection status determination process. Assume that a short circuit occurred between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 of the liquid container 100A at timing tb of the first response period RT1. In this case, the signal output from the data terminal 210 will be the same as the signal from the clock terminal 220. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and a high level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are in a short-circuit state for the liquid container 100A, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0133] (Fourth specific example) The fourth specific example describes the connection status determination process when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230. Figure 16A is the sixth timing chart for the connection status determination process. Figure 16B is the seventh timing chart for the connection status determination process. In Figures 16A and 16B, it is assumed that a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 of the liquid container 100A at timing ta before the command period CMT. As shown in Figure 16B, the change in voltage output from the data terminal 210 becomes the same as the signal from the power terminal 230. The sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, a high level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and a high level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 of the liquid container 100A are in a short-circuit state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0134] (Fifth specific example) The fifth specific example describes the connection status determination process when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230. The fifth specific example differs from the fourth specific example in that the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 occurs after the device 130 receives the request signal RS. Figure 17 is the eighth timing chart of the connection status determination process. Assume that a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 of the liquid container 100A at timing tb of the first response period RT1. In this case, the signal output from the data terminal 210 will be the same as the signal from the power terminal 230. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 outputs a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, and a high level at cycle D8 in the second response period. ofA high level is detected at the second timing t2, and another high level is detected at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 of the liquid container 100A are in a short-circuit state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0135] (Specific example #6) The sixth specific example describes the connection status determination process when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240. Figure 18A is the ninth timing chart for the connection status determination process. Figure 18B is the tenth timing chart for the connection status determination process. In Figures 18A and 18B, it is assumed that a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 of the liquid container 100A at timing ta before the command period CMT. As shown in Figure 18B, the change in voltage output from the data terminal 210 is the same as the signal from the reset terminal 240. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period, a high level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period, and a high level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are in a short-circuit state for the liquid container 100A, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0136] (7th specific example) The seventh specific example describes the connection status determination process when a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240. The seventh specific example differs from the sixth specific example in that the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 occurs after the device 130 receives the request signal RS. Figure 19 is the eleventh timing chart of the connection status determination process. Assume that a short circuit occurs between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 of the liquid container 100A at timing tb of the first response period RT1. In this case, the signal output from the data terminal 210 will be the same as the signal from the reset terminal 240. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 detects a high level from the data terminal 210 at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period, a high level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period, and a high level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period. In this case, the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 of the liquid container 100A are in a short-circuit state, and the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0137] (Example 8) The eighth specific example describes the case where the liquid container 100A is in an uninstalled state. More specifically, the eighth specific example describes the case where the liquid container 100A is removed from the housing 4 before the device 130A receives the request signal RS. Figure 20A is the twelfth timing chart of the connection state determination process. When the liquid container 100A is not installed in the housing 4, the drive state of the host terminal HSDA1 of the sub-control unit 50 becomes low level due to the connected pull-down resistor. Therefore, the sub-control unit 50 is low level at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, low level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and cycle in the second response period RT2. D8 A low level is detected at the third timing t3. In this case, the liquid container 100A is in an unattached state, and the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines that "no container".

[0138] (Specific example #9) The ninth specific example describes the case where the liquid container 100A is removed from the container 4 during the first response period RT1. Figure 20B is the 13th timing chart of the connection status determination process. The sub-control unit 50 detects a low level at the first timing t1 of cycle D8 in the first response period RT1, a low level at the second timing t2 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2, and a low level at the third timing t3 of cycle D8 in the second response period RT2. In this case, the liquid container 100A is in a non-installation state, and the determination unit 421 of the main control unit 40 determines "no container".

[0139] (Other specific examples) Other specific examples will explain various connection states and the determination results by the determination unit 421 for each connection state. Figure 20C is a diagram illustrating another specific example of the connection state determination process. In the connection state determination process, if at least one of the detected values ​​at the first timing t1 and the third timing t3 differs from the expected value, the determination unit 411 of the main control unit 40 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0140] In case No. 1, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited at a timing t prior to the first timing t1. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, a low-level voltage at the second timing t2 that is different from the second expected value, and a high-level voltage at the third timing t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0141] In case No. 2, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited at a timing t between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a low-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is the same as the first expected value, at the second timing t2 that is a low-level voltage different from the second expected value, and at the third timing t3 that is a high-level voltage different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0142] In case No. 3, the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 are short-circuited at a timing t between the second timing t2 and the third timing t3. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a low-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is the same as the first expected value, a high-level voltage at the second timing t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and a high-level voltage at the third timing t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0143] In case No. 4, the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 is resolved at a timing t between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, at the second timing t2 that is the same high-level voltage as the second expected value, and at the third timing t3 that is the same low-level voltage as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0144] In case No. 5, the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the clock terminal 220 is resolved at a timing t between the second timing t2 and the third timing t3. In this case, the board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, a low-level voltage at the second timing t2 that is different from the second expected value, and a low-level voltage at the third timing t3 that is the same as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that "a short circuit exists".

[0145] In the case of No. 6, at a timing t prior to the first timing t1, at least one of the following occurs: the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, at the second timing t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and at the third timing t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0146] In the case of No. 7, at least one of the following occurs: either the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited, at a timing t between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a low-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is the same as the first expected value, a high-level voltage at the second timing t2 that is the same as the second expected value, and a high-level voltage at the third timing t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0147] In the case of No. 8, at a timing t between the second timing t2 and the third timing t3, at least one of the following occurs: the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 are short-circuited, or the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 are short-circuited. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a low-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1, a high-level voltage at the second timing t2, the same as the second expected value, and a high-level voltage at the third timing t3 that is different from the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0148] In the case of No. 9, the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 is resolved at a timing t between the first timing t1 and the second timing t2, and the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 is resolved. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, at the second timing t2 that is the same high-level voltage as the second expected value, and at the third timing t3 that is the same low-level voltage as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0149] In case No. 10, the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the power terminal 230 is resolved at a timing t between the second timing t2 and the third timing t3, and the short circuit between the data terminal 210 and the reset terminal 240 is resolved. In this case, the circuit board 120 outputs a high-level voltage from the data terminal 210 to the printing device 20 at the first timing t1 that is different from the first expected value, at the second timing t2 that is the same high-level voltage as the second expected value, and at the third timing t3 that is the same low-level voltage as the third expected value. In this case, the determination unit 411 determines that there is a short circuit.

[0150] A3-4. Other software configurations: In the first embodiment described above, if device 130 receives a request signal RS and the printing device 20 receives a second print instruction while printing based on a first print instruction, device 130 may output a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 after printing based on the first print instruction is completed and before printing based on the second print instruction is started. If device 130 receives a request signal RS and the printing device receives a cleaning instruction for the print head 5, device 130 may output a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 before performing cleaning. If device 130 receives a request signal RS and the carriage 30 is in a replacement position where it can replace the liquid container 100, device 130 may output a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210, and further output a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 when the carriage 30 moves from the replacement position to a standby position where it cannot replace the liquid container 100. The replacement position is, for example, the position of the carriage 30 when it is in the home position.

[0151] The first response signal FS can also be called the first signal. The second response signal SS can also be called the second signal. The low first response voltage can also be called the first low voltage. The high first response voltage can also be called the first high voltage. The low second response voltage can also be called the second low voltage. The high second response voltage can also be called the second high voltage. The low clock voltage can also be called the low voltage. The high clock voltage can also be called the high voltage. The low reset voltage can also be called the low voltage. The high reset voltage can also be called the high voltage.

[0152] A4. Other embodiments of the first embodiment: A4-1. Other Embodiments Regarding the Substrate 1: Figure 21A is a diagram illustrating a substrate as another embodiment 1. Figure 21A shows examples of combinations of arrangements of multiple contact parts cp. The arrangement of the data contact part cpd, clock contact part cpc, power contact part cpvd, reset contact part cpr, and ground contact part cpvs is not limited to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 21A.21A Other arrangements are also possible, as shown in combinations No. 1 to No. 24. In combinations No. 1 to No. 24, the clock contact cpc, data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr are arranged in the first region Rg1, and the ground contact cpvs is arranged in the second region Rg2.

[0153] In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, for No. 1 to No. 18, at least one contact portion cp from among the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr is projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, for No. 1 to No. 12, at least two contact portions cp from among the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr are projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, for No. 1 to No. 6 and No. 13 to No. 18, the data contact portion cpd is projected between the projection positions of any two contact portions cp from among the power supply contact portion cpvd, reset contact portion cpr, and clock contact portion cpc. In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, in No. 1, 3, 8, 11, 14, 15, 20, and 23, the data contact portion cpd and the reset contact portion cpr, or both, are projected between the power supply contact portion cpvd and the clock contact portion cpc, and the reset contact portion cpr is positioned such that its projected position swr is adjacent to the projected position swvd of the power supply contact portion cpvd. In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, in No. 1, 2, 6~8, 13, 14, 16, 23, and 24, the power supply contact portion cpvd is positioned such that its projected position swvd is adjacent to the projected position swd of the data contact portion cpd. In the above combinations of contact portion cp arrangements, in No. 1, the clock contact portion cpcThe ground contact cpvs is positioned to be projected to the position furthest from its projection position swvs, and the data contact cpd, power contact cpvd, and reset contact cpr are positioned to be projected sequentially from the projection position swc of the clock contact cpc on the second virtual line C2 toward the projection position swvs of the ground contact cpvs.

[0154] Figure 21B shows the arrangement examples shown in No. 2 and No. 3 of Figure 21A. Substrate 120b is shown in Figure 21A This is an example of the arrangement shown in No. 2, and the difference from the substrate 120 shown in Figure 5 is that the positional relationship between the clock contact portion cpc and the reset contact portion cpr is reversed. Substrate 120c is shown in Figure 21A This is an example of the arrangement shown in No. 3, and the difference from the circuit board 120 shown in Figure 5 is that the positional relationship between the power contact cpvd and the reset contact cpr is reversed.

[0155] The combinations of contact point cp arrangements shown in Figure 21A can also be applied to the combinations of data terminal 210, clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, reset terminal 240, and ground terminal 250. The combinations of contact point cp arrangements shown in Figure 21A can also be applied to the combinations of device-side terminal 490.

[0156] In the first embodiment described above and in Figures 21A and 21B, the ground contact portion cpvs is located in the second region Rg2, but contact portions other than the ground contact portion cpvs may also be located in the second region Rg2. For example, data contact portion cpd The power contact section cpvd, the reset contact section cpr, and the ground contact section cpvs may be placed in the first region Rg1, and the clock contact section cpc may be placed in the second region Rg2. For example, the data contact section cpd The clock contact section cpc, power supply contact section cpvd, and ground contact section cpvs may be placed in the first region Rg1, and the reset contact section cpr may be placed in the second region Rg2. For example, the data contact section cpdAlternatively, the clock contact portion cpc, the reset contact portion cpr, and the ground contact portion cpvs may be arranged in the first region Rg1, and the power supply contact portion cpvd may be arranged in the second region Rg2. For example, the clock contact portion cpc, the power supply contact portion cpvd, the reset contact portion cpr, and the ground contact portion cpvs may be arranged in the first region Rg1, and the data contact portion cpd may be arranged in the second region Rg2. In these embodiments as well, the arrangement relationship between the contact portion cp arranged in the first region Rg1 and the contact portion cp arranged in the second region Rg2 is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0157] A4-2. Other Embodiments Regarding the Substrate 2: Figure 22 shows two patterns of substrates 120d and 120e as another embodiment 2. The arrangement of the ground contact portion 250 is not limited to the first embodiment and may be in other arrangements. In substrate 120d, the arrangement of the ground contact portion cpvs differs from that of substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. The ground contact portion cpvs of substrate 120d are arranged to form a second row R2. When substrate 120d is used, the connection mechanism 400 shown in Figures 7A and 7B is provided with device-side terminals corresponding to the ground contact portion cpvs of substrate 120. The number of ground contact portion cpvs is not limited to the first embodiment and may be two or more. In substrate 120e, the number of ground contact portion cpvs differs from that of substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. Substrate 120e is provided with two ground terminals 250a and 250b, each containing a ground contact portion cpvs. When board 120e is used, the connection mechanism 400 shown in Figures 7A and 7B has two device-side terminals corresponding to the two grounding terminals 250a and 250b. Data contact section cpd, clock contact section cpc, power contact section of board 120e cpvd The arrangement of the reset contact portion CPR is the same as that of the substrate 120 shown in Figure 5. The ground contact portions CPVS of ground terminal 250a and ground contact portions CPVS of ground terminal 250b are located at different positions in the direction along the first virtual line C1. The ground contact portions CPVS of one ground terminal 250a are arranged to form a second row R2. The ground contact portions CPVS of the other ground terminal 250b are arranged to form a first row R1.

[0158] A4-3. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 3: Figure 23 shows two patterns of substrates 120f and 120g as another embodiment 3. The size of the grounding terminal 250 is not limited to the first embodiment described above and may be of other sizes. The grounding terminal 250c of substrate 120f and the grounding terminal 250d of substrate 120g are larger than the grounding terminal 250 shown in Figure 5. The grounding terminal 250c is formed across the first row R1 and the second row R2. The grounding terminal 250c is positioned across the central part CMP of substrate 120f in the direction along the first virtual line C1. The grounding terminal 250d of substrate 120g is further formed across the first region Rg1 and the second region Rg2. The grounding terminal 250d is positioned across the first virtual line C1.

[0159] A4-4. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 4: Figure 24 shows two patterns of substrates 120ab and 120ac as another embodiment 4. Figure 25 shows two patterns of substrates 120ad and 120ae as another embodiment 4. The shape of terminals 210 to 250 is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and may be other shapes. As shown in Figure 24, terminals 210 to 250 of substrate 120ab are formed to span the first row R1 and the second row R2 and have an elongated shape along the first virtual line C1. Terminals 210 to 250 of substrate 120ac have a rectangular portion like terminals 210 to 250 of substrate 120, as well as an elongated portion along the first virtual line C1. The data terminal 210 of substrate 120ad has a portion that is bent in the direction along the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2. The data terminal 210 of the substrate 120ae has a portion that is bent in the direction along the first virtual line C1 and the second virtual line C2 so as to surround a part of the power terminal 230. Even in this case, the positional relationship of the contact portions cp of terminals 210 to 250 is the same as the positional relationship of the contact portions cp shown in Figure 5 of the first embodiment described above.

[0160] A4-5. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 5: Figure 26 illustrates a substrate 120Td as another embodiment 5. The upper part of Figure 26 shows the substrate 120Td. The lower part of Figure 26 schematically shows a connection mechanism 400Td corresponding to the substrate 120Td. In the substrate 120 in the first embodiment described above, the multiple contact portions cp were arranged to form two rows, but are not limited thereto. In the substrate 120Td, the contact portions are arranged to form three rows. The data contact portion cpd and the ground contact portion cpvs are third row This is formed. Thus, even if the arrangement of the contact portion cp differs from that of the contact portion cp in the first embodiment in the direction along the first virtual line C1, the projection position onto the second virtual line C2 remains unchanged. When the substrate 120Td is mounted in the direction along the direction of gravity, the clock contact portion cpc, power supply contact portion cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr are arranged on the +Z direction side, which is on the direction of gravity side, than the data contact portion cpd. Furthermore, at least one of the contact portions cpc, cpvd, and reset contact portion cpr is arranged so that when the contact portion cp is projected onto the second virtual line C2, it is projected between the projection position swd of the data contact portion cpd and the projection position swvs of the ground contact portion cpvs. cpd Other contact parts cp besides the ground contact part cpvs are also data contact parts of this embodiment. cpdSimilar to the ground contact portion cpvs, the contact portion cp may be positioned differently from the contact portion cp in the first embodiment in the direction along the first virtual line C1. The positional relationship of each contact portion cp described above also applies to each contact portion cp of the device-side terminal 490. When the substrate 120Td is mounted in a direction along the direction of gravity, the device-side clock contact portion dcpc, the device-side power contact portion dcpvd, and the device-side reset contact portion dcpr are positioned on the +Z direction side, which is closer to the direction of gravity than the device-side data contact portion dcpd. Furthermore, at least one of the contact portions dcpc, dcpvd, and dcpr is positioned such that when the contact portion dcp is projected onto the second virtual line C2, it is projected between the projection position swd of the device-side data contact portion dcpd and the projection position swvs of the device-side ground contact portion dcpvs.

[0161] A4-6. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 6: Figure 27 shows two patterns of substrates 120U and 120V as another embodiment 6 of the substrate. The form of the base material 120bd of substrate 120 is not limited to the first embodiment described above. Substrate 120U is used in common for four liquid containers 100A to 100D. In this case, the four liquid containers 100A to 100D may be formed integrally. Substrate 120U comprises a first substrate region 120UA, a second substrate region 120UB, a third substrate region 120UC, and a fourth substrate region 120UD. The first substrate region 120UA is used for liquid container 100A and is the region where the terminals 290 are located. The second substrate region 120UB is used for liquid container 100B and is the region where the terminals 290 are located. The third substrate region 120UC is used for liquid container 100C and is the region where the terminals 290 are located. The fourth substrate region 120UD is the region where terminals 290 used for the liquid container 100D are located. The first substrate region 120UA to the fourth substrate region 120UD may each be considered as independent substrates. On the back surface 120fb of substrate 120U, four devices 130A to 130D used for the four liquid containers 100A to 100D are provided. The terminals 290 of each substrate region 120UA to 120UD are connected to the corresponding devices 130A to 130D via wiring pattern layers (not shown) and through-holes located on substrate 120U. Here, each device 130A to 130D is supplied with a power supply voltage VDD via a common power supply terminal 230. In this embodiment, the common power supply terminal 230 is located on terminal 290 of the first substrate region 120UA. Therefore, on substrate 120U, the power supply terminal 230 is located on the second substrate region 120UB to 4th board area Terminal 290 of 120UD is not provided. As described above, some of the terminals of terminal 290 may be used in common for multiple devices 130A to 130D.

[0162] In the first embodiment described above, the substrate 120bd of the substrate 120 was composed of a single material, but it is not limited to this and may be composed of multiple substrates. In the substrate 120V, the device 130 and the terminal 290 are not on a single substrate, but are arranged on separate substrates 124a and 124b. The substrate 120V has a first substrate 124a and a second substrate 124b. The first substrate 124a and the second substrate 124b are electrically connected by a conductive wire EL or the like. The first substrate 124a and the second substrate 124b are made of different materials. The first substrate 124a is, for example, a rigid substrate, and the second substrate 124b is a sheet-like substrate. The device 130 is molded by resin 139 on the front surface 120faa of the first substrate 124a. The terminal 290 is arranged on the front surface 120fab of the second substrate 124b.

[0163] A4-7. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 7: Figure 28 shows a circuit board 120X of another embodiment 7 relating to the circuit board. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 5, there were five types of terminals 290: a data terminal 210, a clock terminal 220, a power terminal 230, a reset terminal 240, and a ground terminal 250. However, the number of terminals is not limited to these, and there may be fewer than five types. For example, the circuit board 120X has a data terminal 210, a clock terminal 220, a power terminal 230, and a ground terminal 250. The circuit board 120X does not have a reset terminal 240. In this case, the reset signal RST is generated, for example, in the processing unit 136 of the device 130 using the clock signal SCK. For example, the circuit board 120X does not need to have a power terminal 230. In this case, the power supply voltage VDD is generated, for example, in the processing unit 136 of the device 130 using the clock signal SCK. For example, the circuit board 120X may have a power terminal 230 but not a reset terminal 240. Thus, the terminal 290 of the first embodiment described above does not necessarily have to include at least one of the reset terminal 240 and the power terminal 230. In this embodiment, the terminals 290 of the circuit board 120 other than the ground terminal 250 are referred to as the "other terminal group". In this embodiment, the ground terminal 250 can also be called the first terminal. The data terminal 210 can also be called the second terminal. The clock terminal 220 can also be called the third terminal. Ground contact portion cpvs This can also be called the first contact part. Data contact part cpd This can also be called the second contact point. Clock contact point cpc This can also be called the third contact point.

[0164] A4-8. Other embodiments relating to the substrate 8: In embodiments of this disclosure, the arrangement of terminals 290 and contact portions cp may be swapped across the first virtual line C1. The arrangement may also be swapped between the terminals constituting the first row and the terminals constituting the second row.

[0165] A4-9. Other Embodiments of Liquid Container 1: The liquid container of this disclosure is not limited to the liquid container 100 shown in Figure 3, but may have other configurations. Other embodiments of the liquid container 100 are described below. Similar components in the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, and in other embodiments of the liquid container, are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Note that the configuration of the printing device 20, such as the storage section 4 shown in Figure 4, is modified to correspond to the configuration of the liquid container.

[0166] Figure 29 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100p as another embodiment 1 of the liquid container. The liquid container 100p comprises a liquid container 101, a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. The liquid container 101 forms an ink chamber 150 for containing ink inside. The liquid supply unit 104 is formed in the bottom wall 101wb and communicates with the ink chamber 150. The substrate 120 is provided at the corner portion 89 where the third wall 101wb and the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101 intersect. The liquid container 100p engages the protruding second container engaging portion 320 of the first wall 101wf with the recess of the container 4, and then uses the second container engaging portion 320 as a fulcrum for the liquid container 100p The container is mounted in the housing section 4 by rotating it in the rotational mounting direction RD. When mounted, the protruding first container engaging portion 310 of the second wall 101wr engages with the lever of the housing section 4. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD includes components in the +Z direction and the -Y direction, and the first direction F D is Z direction Both positive and negative values ​​and Y Direction Both positive and negative Contains ingredients.

[0167] A4-10. Other Embodiments of Liquid Containing Vessels 2: Figure 30 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100q as another embodiment 2 of the liquid container. Figure 31 is an enlarged view of the area around the substrate 120 of the liquid container 100q. As shown in Figure 30, the liquid container 100q comprises a liquid container 101, a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. Inside the liquid container 101 is a liquid container bag (not shown) for containing ink. The liquid container bag is flexible and functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply unit 104 is provided in the liquid container bag and is located in an opening 424 formed in the front wall 101wf of the liquid container 101. The substrate 120 is provided at the corner portion 89a where the second wall 101wr and the fourth wall 101wu of the liquid container 101 intersect. The corner portion 89a is a recessed area inward of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is Y direction Both positive and negative values ​​and Z direction Both positive and negative It contains the following ingredients.

[0168] A4-11. Other embodiments of liquid containers 3: Figure 32 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100r as another embodiment 3 of the liquid container. The liquid container 100r has the -Y direction as the mounting direction MD. The liquid container 100r comprises a liquid container 101, a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. A liquid container bag (not shown) for containing ink is arranged inside the liquid container 101. This liquid container bag is flexible and functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply unit 104 is provided in the liquid container bag and is located in an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. The substrate 120 is provided at the corner portion 89a where the second wall 101wr and the fourth wall 101wu of the liquid container 101 intersect. The corner portion 89a is a recessed area inward of the liquid container 101. A groove-shaped container-side engagement structure 425 is formed on the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101. When the liquid container 100r is fully installed, the container-side engagement structure 425 engages with the protruding device-side engagement structure of the storage section 4, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid container 100 in the +Y direction, which is the removal direction. In this embodiment, the installation direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is Y direction Both positive and negative values ​​and Z direction Both positive and negative It contains the following ingredients.

[0169] A4-12. Other embodiments of liquid containers 4: Figure 33 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100s as another embodiment 4 of the liquid container. The liquid container 100s is detachably housed in a case 61 that is retractably provided on the printing device 20, and is then mounted on the printing device 20 together with the case 61. The liquid container 100s includes a liquid container bag 111 and a connecting member 112 attached to one end of the liquid container bag 111 on the -Y side. In this embodiment, the liquid container bag 111 and the connecting member 112 function as a liquid container. The liquid container bag 111 is flexible. A liquid supply section 104 having a liquid supply port 104op is provided on the -Y side of the liquid container bag 111, which functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply section 104 is located in an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the connecting member 112. The substrate 120 is located in a corner portion 89a, which is a recess formed in the second wall 101wr of the connecting member 112. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is Y direction Both positive and negative values ​​and Z direction Both positive and negative It contains the following ingredients.

[0170] A4-13. Other embodiments of liquid containers 5: Figure 34 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100w as another embodiment 5 of the liquid container. In the liquid container 100w, the substrate 120 is positioned on the fourth wall 101wu, which is a horizontal surface when the mounting is complete. The fourth wall 101wu constitutes the upper wall when the mounting is complete. The liquid container 100w, like the liquid container 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, comprises a liquid container 101 and a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op. Inside the liquid container 101 is a flexible liquid container bag (not shown) for containing ink. This liquid container bag functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply unit 104 is provided in the liquid container bag and is positioned in an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is Y Direction Both positive and negative be.

[0171] A4-14. Other embodiments of liquid containers 6: Figure 35 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100x as another embodiment 6 of the liquid container. In the liquid container 100x, the substrate 120 is positioned on the fifth wall 101wsa, which is a vertical surface when the mounting is complete. The fifth wall 101wsa constitutes a side wall when the mounting is complete. The liquid container 100x, like the liquid container 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, comprises a liquid container 101 and a liquid supply unit 104 having a liquid supply port 104op. Inside the liquid container 101 is a flexible liquid container bag (not shown) for containing ink. This liquid container bag functions as an ink chamber 150. The liquid supply unit 104 is provided in the liquid container bag and is positioned in an opening 424 formed in the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD is the -Y direction, and the first direction FD is Y direction Both positive and negative be.

[0172] A4-15. Other embodiments of liquid containers 7: Figure 36 shows a liquid container 100y as another embodiment 7 of the liquid container. In the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment described above, the liquid container 101 and the substrate 120 were integrally constructed as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but are not limited thereto. For example, the liquid container 100y has a liquid container 101ya that forms an ink chamber 150 and an adapter 101yb to which the substrate 120 is attached. The liquid supply unit 104 is formed in the liquid container 101ya. The liquid container 101ya is removably housed in the concave adapter 101yb. The adapter 101yb functions as a case for housing the liquid container 101ya. An opening 134 is formed in the third wall 101wb of the adapter 101yb through which the liquid supply unit 104 is inserted. The liquid container 101ya may be fixed to the adapter 101yb using a fixing member (not shown). The liquid container 101ya does not need to be fixed to the adapter 101yb.

[0173] A4-16. Other embodiments of liquid containers 8: Figure 37 shows liquid containers 100g and 100h as another embodiment 8 of the liquid container. In the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the plurality of terminals 290 and the device 130 were arranged on the base material 120bd, but it is not limited to this. In the liquid container 100g, the plurality of terminals 290 and the device 130 are arranged directly on the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101 without going through the base material 120bd. The plurality of terminals 290 and the device 130 are electrically connected by a wiring pattern (not shown) or the like. Thus, the liquid container 101, the plurality of terminals 290 and the device 130 may be configured as an integral part of the liquid container 100g.

[0174] In the liquid container 100h, the multiple terminals 290 are directly positioned on the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101 without going through the base material 120bd. The device 130 is positioned on the mounting base material 120h and is positioned on the second wall 101wr of the liquid container 101 via the mounting base material 120h. The multiple terminals 290 and the device 130 are electrically connected by a wiring pattern (not shown). In this way, the liquid container 101 and the multiple terminals 290 are configured as a single unit as the liquid container 100h, while the device 130 may be configured as a separate unit.

[0175] A4-17. Other embodiments of liquid containers 9: Figure 38 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 100z as another embodiment 9 of the liquid container. Figure 39 is an enlarged view of the area around the substrate 120 of the liquid container 100z. The XYZ axes shown in each figure of the other embodiment 9 are based on the state when the liquid container 100z has been inserted into the storage section of the printing device, which will be described later. When the liquid container 100z is mounted on the printing device, two mounting operations are performed. In this embodiment, the first direction FD has a Y-direction component and a Z-direction component, and the second direction SD is the X-direction. As shown in Figure 38, the liquid container 100z comprises a liquid container 101z, a liquid supply section 104 having a liquid supply port 104op, and a substrate 120. The liquid container 101z has a storage body 101za capable of containing liquid and a cover member 101zb attached to the storage body 101za. The liquid supply unit 104 is located in an opening 424 formed in the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101z, which is formed by the cover member 101zb. The substrate 120 is provided at the corner portion 89z where the second wall 101wr and the third wall 101wb of the liquid container 101z intersect. The corner portion 89z is a recessed area inward of the liquid container 101z.

[0176] As shown in Figure 39, the board 120 is oriented differently from that in Figure 5, with the data terminal 210 and reset terminal 240 located on the -Z side compared to the clock terminal 220, power terminal 230, and ground terminal 250.

[0177] Figure 40 is the first diagram illustrating the process of mounting the liquid container 100z into the housing section 4z of the printing device. Figure 41 is the second diagram illustrating the process of mounting the liquid container 100z into the housing section 4z of the printing device. Figure 42 is a diagram showing the completed state of mounting the liquid container 100z. The housing section 4z is located in a different location from the print head (not shown). The housing section 4z and the print head are connected by a liquid flow pipe (not shown). Liquid container mounted in housing section 4z 100z The liquid is supplied to the print head through a liquid flow tube.

[0178] As shown in Figure 40, the liquid container 100z is inserted into the mounting chamber 65 of the storage section 4z via the attachment / detachment opening 474 of the storage section 4z by moving the liquid container 100z in the first mounting direction MD1, which is horizontal. The first mounting direction MD1 is - This is in the Y direction.

[0179] As shown in Figure 41, the liquid container 100z is pushed forward in the first mounting direction MD1, and contact is completed between the device-side terminal 490 of the connection mechanism 400 of the housing section 4z and the terminal 290 of the substrate 120. By pushing down the second wall 101wr side of the liquid container 100z shown in Figure 41, the liquid container 100z rotates in the second mounting direction MD2, which has a gravity component, around the pivot point Rp provided in the housing section 4z. The second mounting direction MD2 has a +Z direction and + Y-direction It has a directional component.

[0180] As shown in Figure 42, when the rotational movement of the liquid container 100z in the second mounting direction MD2 is completed, the liquid supply section 104 of the liquid container 100z and the liquid introduction section 6 of the container 4z are connected. In this embodiment, either the first mounting direction MD1 or the second mounting direction MD2 is the mounting direction MD.

[0181] A4-18. Other embodiments of liquid containers 10: In the first embodiment and other embodiments described above, the liquid container 100 was an ink cartridge, but it is not limited thereto. The liquid container 100 may be, for example, a waste liquid container. The waste liquid container is, for example, a container that holds waste liquid discharged from the nozzles of the print head 5 when the printing device 20 performs cleaning of the print head 5.

[0182] A4-19. Other Embodiments of the Printing System 1: The printing system of this disclosure is not limited to the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1. Figure 43 shows a printing system 1000A as another embodiment 1 of the printing system. In the first embodiment described above, the liquid container 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 in a configuration called on-carriage, as shown in Figure 1, but the system is not limited to this. The liquid container 100 may be mounted in a location other than the carriage 30 in a configuration called off-carriage. The printing system 1000A is an off-carriage type printing system and comprises a printing device 20A and a liquid container 100T. The printing device 20A has a carriage 30 equipped with a print head 5. The liquid container 100T is detachably mounted on a container mounting section 600 located at a location different from the carriage 30. The liquid container 100T also comprises a liquid container, a liquid container section having an ink supply port, and a substrate, similar to the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment. For example, liquid containers 100q to 100x, as shown in Figures 30 to 35, are attached to the printing device 20A. The printing device 20A performs connection status determination processing, similar to the printing device 20.

[0183] A4-20. Other Embodiments of the Printing System 2: Figure 44 shows a printing system 1000C as another embodiment 2 of the printing system. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, a housing section 4 for detachably mounting a liquid container 100 was located inside the main body of the printing device 20, but the location of the housing section 4 is not limited to this. In the printing system 1000C shown in Figure 45, the housing section 4C of the printing device 20C is located outside the main body 201 of the printing device 20C. As shown in Figures 7A and 7C, the housing section 4C includes a liquid introduction section 6, a connection mechanism 400, and a sub-control board 500. The liquid introduction section 6 and the print head 5 located inside the main body 201 are connected by a flexible liquid flow tube 105. Multiple liquid flow tubes 105 are provided according to the number of liquid introduction sections 6. Multiple liquid flow tubes 105 are housed in a single protective tube 106. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 20C has a bus 107 that connects the sub-control board 500 and a main control unit 40 (not shown) located inside the main body 201, and transmits and receives various signals. 44 The liquid container 100 shown also comprises a liquid container, a liquid supply unit having a liquid supply port, and a substrate, similar to the liquid container 100 of the first embodiment described above. The printing device 20C performs connection status determination processing, similar to the printing device 20.

[0184] A4-21. Other Embodiments of the Printing System 3: Figure 45 shows a printing system 1000D as another embodiment 3 of the printing system. The printing system 1000D comprises four liquid containers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D, similar to the first embodiment, and a printing device 20 as shown in Figure 1. The liquid containers 100A to 100D may be formed as a single unit or each may be formed individually. The printing system 1000D Through an externally located liquid reservoir 814 and liquid flow pipe 812 ,liquid The body is replenished. In Figure 45, the elements of the liquid storage section 814 and the liquid flow pipe 812 that correspond to each liquid storage container 100A to 100D are denoted with "A" to "D" at the end.

[0185] A4-22. Other Embodiments of the Printing System 4: Figure 46 shows a printing system 1000E as another embodiment 4 of the printing system. The printing system 1000E comprises an adapter 101E having a substrate 120, a liquid container 824 capable of containing liquid, a liquid flow pipe 822, and a printing device 20 as shown in Figure 1. The adapter 101E can be detachably attached to the container 4. The liquid flow pipe 822 connects the liquid container 824 and the liquid introduction section 6 and functions as a liquid supply section. The portion of the liquid flow pipe 822 connected to the liquid introduction section 6 functions as a liquid supply port. There are four adapters 101E, four liquid flow pipes 822, and four liquid containers 824. In the printing system 1000E, "completed mounting state" means that the adapter 101E having the substrate 120 is attached to the printing device 20 This refers to a state in which the substrate is mounted and no short circuit occurs between terminals 290. In this embodiment, "the substrate 120 is mounted on the printing device 20" means that the substrate 120 is physically attached to the printing device 20 and the contact portion cp of terminal 290 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal 490. The data terminal 210 of the substrate 120 is used to detect whether or not the substrate 120 is mounted on the printing device 20. The mounting determination unit 412 of the printing device 20 determines whether or not the substrate 120 is mounted. The first response signal RT1 and the second response signal RT2 are signals used by the printing device 20 to determine whether or not the substrate 120 is mounted on the printing device 20.

[0186] A4-23. Other embodiments relating to electrical and software configurations: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the four liquid storage containers 100A to 100D were detachably attached to the storage unit 4. However, the number of liquid storage containers 100 detachably attached to the storage unit 4 is not limited to this. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 47A and 47B, a timing chart of the connection state determination process in the printing system 1000 in which six liquid storage containers 100 are detachably attached to the storage unit 4 will be described. For example, different colored inks are stored in the six liquid storage containers 100. FIGS. 47A and 47B are timing charts schematically showing signals input and output to and from the terminal 290 of the liquid storage container 100 in the mounted state. FIG. 47A is a first timing chart in the printing system 1000 including six liquid storage containers 100A to 100F. FIG. 47B is a second timing chart in the printing system 1000 including six liquid storage containers 100A to 100F. FIG. 47A corresponds to FIG. 11A, and FIG. 47B corresponds to FIG. 11B. FIG 47A and FIG 47B The VDD, RST, SCK, SDA1 to SDA6 shown in FIGS., mean signals transmitted and received or voltages supplied through the corresponding terminals 290 by the corresponding lines LVDD, LRST, LSCK, and LSDA1 to LSDA6.

[0187] The difference between the request signal RS shown in FIG. 47A and the request signal RS shown in FIG. 11A is that the bits of the cycle D4, D3 of the command period CMT shown in FIG. 47A are assigned to specify the fifth liquid storage container 100E and the sixth liquid storage container 100F. For the request signal RS transmitted through the data line LSDA5 connected to the device 130E of the liquid storage container 100E, the second bit of the first identification data DB1 is at a high level, and the remaining bits are at a low level. For the request signal RS transmitted through the data line LSDA6 connected to the device 130F of the liquid storage container 100F, the first bit of the first identification data DB1 is at a high level, and the remaining bits are at a low level.

[0188] The difference between the timing chart shown in Figure 47B and the timing chart shown in Figure 11B is that the waveforms of the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS corresponding to the liquid containers 100E and 100F have been added. Device 130E of liquid container 100E outputs the first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 in cycle D4 of the first response period RT1, and outputs the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in cycle D4 of the second response period RT2. Device 130F of liquid container 100F outputs the first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 in cycle D3 of the first response period RT1, and outputs the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 in cycle D3 of the second response period RT2.

[0189] Figure 48 schematically shows the electrical configuration of a printing system 1000 equipped with six liquid containers 100A to 100F. In Figure 48, components similar to those in Figure 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations are omitted as appropriate. The difference between the electrical configuration in Figure 48 and that in Figure 8 is that in Figure 8, the lines LSDA, LRST, LSCK, and LVDD, excluding the grounding line LVSS, were independently provided corresponding to the four liquid containers 100A to 100D, whereas in Figure 48, the lines LRST, LSCK, and LVDD, excluding the data line LSDA, are used in common for multiple devices 130. In Figure 48, the grounding line LVSS is also used in common for devices 130A to 130F of the six liquid containers 100A to 100F.

[0190] As shown in Figure 48, the power line LVDD2, electrically connected to the host terminal HVDD2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130E when the installation is complete. The reset line LRST2, electrically connected to the host terminal HRST2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130C when the installation is complete. The clock line LSCK2, electrically connected to the host terminal HSCK2 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130B and 130D when the installation is complete. The power line LVDD4, electrically connected to the host terminal HVDD4 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130C and 130D when the installation is complete. The reset line LRST4, electrically connected to the host terminal HRST4 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130D and 130E when the installation is complete. The clock line LSCK4, electrically connected to the host terminal HSCK4 of the sub-control unit 50, is electrically connected to two devices 130C and 130E when the installation is complete. The lines LSDA1, LVDD1, LRST1, LSCK1, electrically connected to device 130A, and the lines LSDA6, LVDD6, LRST6, LSCK6, electrically connected to device 130F are used independently without being used in conjunction with other devices 130.

[0191] Regarding the electrical configuration of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 48, some of the configuration may be applied to the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1, which has four liquid containers 100A to 100D. For example, the liquid containers 100B to 100E shown in Figure 48 may be replaced with the liquid containers 100A to 100D of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1. For example, the liquid containers 100A, 100B, 100E, and 100F shown in Figure 48 may be replaced with the liquid containers 100A to 100D of the printing system 1000 shown in Figure 1.

[0192] A4-24. Other Embodiments of the Device 1: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 6, device 130 comprises a processing unit 136 and a storage unit 138, but is not limited to this. Figure 49 shows devices 130a and 130b as other embodiments 1 of device 130. Device 130a comprises a processing unit 136 but does not have a storage unit 138. The storage unit 138 and device 130 may be separate entities. In this case, the storage unit 138 is electrically connected to the processing unit 136 of device 130b. Device 130b comprises a first processing unit 136a, a second processing unit 136b, and a storage unit 138. The first processing unit 136a is connected to the storage unit 138. The second processing unit 136b is connected to the first processing unit 136a It is connected to terminals 210-250. In this configuration, the first processing unit 136a and the second processing unit 136b function as a processing unit together. Thus, the device 130b may have multiple processing units 136a, 136b.

[0193] A4-25. Other Embodiments of the Device 2: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 11C, the first response signal FS was output for the entire period during which the clock signal SCK was at a high level, but this is not limited to this. For example, device 130 may output the first response signal FS to the data terminal 210 for a portion of the period during which the clock signal SCK is at a high level. For example, after outputting the first response signal FS during the period during which the clock signal SCK is at a high level, device 130 may set the drive state of the data terminal 210 to high impedance. For example, in one cycle of the clock signal SCK, device 130 may output the first response signal FS, which includes a low level, during the period when the clock signal SCK is at a low level and the period when the clock signal is at a high level.

[0194] A4-26. Other Embodiments of the Device 3: In the first embodiment described above, the frequency of the clock signal SCK was constant in the connection state determination process, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, but it does not have to be constant. For example, the frequency of the clock signal SCK in the second response period RT2 may be set lower than the frequency of the clock signal SCK in the first response period RT1. The second response signal SS contains different voltages. In the second response period RT2, the frequency of the clock signal SCK may be set lower than in the first response period RT1, and the second response signal SS may be output for a longer period than the first response signal FS.

[0195] A4-27. Other embodiments of the device 4: In the first embodiment described above, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 may repeatedly output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS by repeatedly providing the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2 in that order while the reset signal RST is high level. After outputting a low-level voltage of the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210, the processing unit 136 of the device 130 may output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 if the request signal RS is input to the data terminal 210 again.

[0196] A4-28. Other embodiments of the device 5: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 11B, the rising and falling edges of the clock signal SCK were at the same time as the rising and falling edges of signals such as the first response signal FS in the first response period RT1 and the second response signal SS in the second response period RT2. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the rising and falling edges of signals such as the first response signal FS in the first response period RT1 and the second response signal SS in the second response period RT2 may be delayed from the rising and falling edges of the clock signal SCK.

[0197] A4-29. Other Embodiments of the Device 6: In the first embodiment described above, the processing units 136A to 136D of devices 130A to 130D output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 at different periods of the clock signal SCK, but this is not limited to this. For example, the processing units 136A to 136D of devices 130A to 130D may output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS at the same period of the clock signal SCK. In the connection status determination process, the printing apparatus 20 transmits and receives signals via individual data lines LSDA1 to LSDA4 electrically connected to each device 130A to 130D. Therefore, the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output from devices 130A to 130D to the data terminal 210 at the same cycle during the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. to Even if output is generated, the sub-control unit 50 of the printing device 20 can detect the voltage output from the data terminal 210 at each of the first timings t1 to the third timing t3. In this case, the request signal RS is set to a high level in the corresponding bit of the command period CMT.

[0198] For example, the processing units 136A to 136D of devices 130A to 130D may output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 for all cycles D3 to D8 of the first response period RT1 and the second response period RT2. In this case, a first timing t1 may be provided for all cycles D3 to D8 of the first response period RT1. A second timing t2 and a third timing t3 may be provided for all cycles D3 to D8 of the second response period RT2.

[0199] A4-30. Device S Other Embodiments 7: In the first embodiment described above, the processing units 136A to 136D of devices 130A to 130D output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during cycles D8 to D5 of the first response period, but are not limited to this. For example, the processing units 136A to 136D of devices 130A to 130D may output the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS to the data terminal 210 during cycles D5 to D8 of the first response period. In this case, the request signal RS is set to a high level in the corresponding bit of the command period CMT.

[0200] A4-31. Other embodiments of the device 8: In the first embodiment described above, the device 130 receives a request signal RS at the data terminal 210 and outputs a first response signal FS and a second response signal SS to the data terminal 210. However, the terminal to which the request signal RS is input may be a terminal other than the data terminal 210. Similarly, the terminal to which the first response signal FS and the second response signal SS are output may be a terminal other than the data terminal 210. In that case, the device 130 is connected to that terminal.

[0201] B. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the embodiments described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate to solve some or all of the above problems or to achieve some or all of the above objectives. Furthermore, if the technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate. Each of the embodiments below does not need to have all the configurations of this disclosure. Each of the embodiments below only needs to have the minimum configuration necessary to solve the above problems or to achieve the above objectives. Unless otherwise specified, the effects corresponding to one embodiment are independent of the effects corresponding to other embodiments. In a combined embodiment, the effects corresponding to that combined embodiment are produced.

[0202] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a device is provided which is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of a liquid storage container mounted in the storage of a printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage unit provided with the liquid introduction unit, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage unit. The device is configured to satisfy the following I, II, III, and IV. I: A first signal including a first low voltage, a second signal including a second low voltage and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage, are output to the first terminal included in the plurality of terminals. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals included in the plurality of terminals other than the first terminal are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. III: The first signal is output to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, the second signal is output to the first terminal. IV: A clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage alternate and repeat at a predetermined period is input to a second terminal included in the other terminals. At a first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output to the first terminal. According to this embodiment, at a predetermined first timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is a high voltage, a first low voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is a low voltage, a second high voltage is output to the first terminal. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is a high voltage, a second low voltage is output to the first terminal. Thereby, the device can output a signal used to determine that the first terminal of the liquid storage container is not short-circuited with other terminals and that the liquid storage container is mounted on the printing apparatus. Even though it is determined that the liquid storage container is mounted on the printing apparatus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the printing apparatus does not operate normally and the possibility that reading and writing to the device of the liquid storage container cannot be performed normally. The device in this embodiment has improvements beyond the prior art.

[0203] (2) In the above embodiment, when the first terminal and the other terminal are not short-circuited, within one cycle of the clock signal, during the period of the high voltage, the first low voltage may be output to the first terminal before the first timing. Generally, the voltage is output more stably after a certain time has elapsed since the output than immediately after the output. According to this embodiment, within one cycle of the clock signal, by outputting the first low voltage to the first terminal before the first timing during the period of the high voltage, the device can output a signal to the printing apparatus at the first timing with the first low voltage output to the first terminal in a stable state.

[0204] (3) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, the second high voltage may be output to the first terminal during the low voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal, before the second timing. In this configuration, by outputting the first high voltage to the first terminal during the low voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal, before the second timing, the device can output a signal to the printing apparatus at the second timing while the first high voltage output to the first terminal is stable.

[0205] (4) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, the second low voltage may be output to the first terminal during the high-voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal, before the third timing. According to this configuration, by outputting the second low voltage to the first terminal during the high-voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal, before the third timing, the device can output a signal to the printing apparatus at the third timing with the second low voltage output to the first terminal in a stable state.

[0206] (5) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, if the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the high voltage to the low voltage during one period of the clock signal, the second high voltage may be output to the first terminal, and if the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, the second low voltage may be output to the first terminal. In this configuration, the voltage output to the first terminal and the voltage input to the second terminal are different. When the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, the voltage at the first terminal becomes the same as the voltage at the second terminal, so it is possible to distinguish between the case where the first terminal and the second terminal are not short-circuited and the case where they are short-circuited. Therefore, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is attached to the printing device.

[0207] (6) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, if the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, the first low voltage may be output to the first terminal. In this configuration, the voltage output to the first terminal and the voltage input to the second terminal are different. When the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, the voltage at the first terminal becomes the same as the voltage at the second terminal, so it is possible to distinguish between the case where the first terminal and the second terminal are not short-circuited and the case where they are short-circuited. Therefore, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is attached to the printing device.

[0208] (7) In the above configuration, steps III and IV may be performed multiple times. Due to the effects of static electricity, etc., the first signal may not be correctly input from the printing device. In this configuration, by performing steps III and IV multiple times, the device can output signals indicating that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited and that a liquid container is installed, even if there are effects of static electricity, etc.

[0209] (8) In the above configuration, if the printing device receives a second printing instruction while printing based on a first printing instruction, the first signal and the second signal may be output to the first terminal after the printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction is started. In this configuration, by outputting the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal after the printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction is started, the device can output signals indicating that the first terminal and other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is attached to the printing device, even during continuous printing.

[0210] (9) In the above configuration, if the printing device receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, it may output the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal before performing the cleaning. In this configuration, if the printing device receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, the device outputs a signal indicating that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is attached to the printing device, thereby suppressing cleaning failures due to communication problems.

[0211] (10) In the above configuration, when the storage unit is at a replacement position in which the liquid storage container can be replaced, the first signal and the second signal are output to the first terminal, and when the storage unit moves from the replacement position to a standby position in which the liquid storage container cannot be replaced, the first signal and the 2nd A signal may be output to the first terminal. In this configuration, immediately after replacing the liquid container, the mounting position of the liquid container may be unstable. The mounting position of the liquid container may change while moving to the standby position. Due to the change in mounting position, there is a possibility of a short circuit between the first terminal and other terminals, or a poor contact between the liquid container and the printing device. Therefore, by outputting the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal at the replacement position, and also at the standby position immediately afterward, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal and other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. Alternatively, at the replacement position, the user may move to the standby position before the replacement of the liquid container is complete. In such cases, by outputting the first signal and the second signal to the first terminal when moving to the standby position, the device can output a signal indicating that the first terminal and other terminals are not short-circuited and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device.

[0212] (11) In the above configuration, the first terminal may be a data terminal, the second terminal may be a clock terminal, the first signal may be a first response signal in response to the printing device, and the second signal may be a second response signal in response to the printing device.

[0213] (12) In the above embodiment, the device may store information about the liquid contained in the liquid container.

[0214] (13) In the above configuration, a reset signal including a low voltage and a high voltage may be input to the third terminal included in the other terminals, and a power supply voltage may be input to the fourth terminal included in the other terminals.

[0215] (14) In the above configuration, after the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, so that the high voltage is input to the third terminal, after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal, and after the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the first signal is input to the first terminal.

[0216] (15) In the above embodiment, the power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal may be used to drive the device.

[0217] (16) In the above configuration, the third terminal may be a reset terminal and the fourth terminal may be a power terminal.

[0218] (17) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a substrate is provided which is mounted on a printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction section for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage section provided with the liquid introduction section and housing a liquid storage container, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage section, and which is configured to contact the plurality of device-side terminals. The substrate comprises a base material, a device provided on the base material, and a plurality of terminals provided on the base material and electrically connected to the device, wherein the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and other terminals including a second terminal, and is configured to satisfy I, II, III, and IV below. I: The device includes a first signal including a first low voltage, a second low voltage, and a second high voltage higher than the second low voltage. 2nd The signals and are output from the first terminal to the printing device. II: The first signal and the second signal are used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the circuit board is mounted on the printing device. III: The device outputs the first signal to the first terminal, and after outputting the first signal, outputs the second signal to the first terminal. IV: When the first terminal and the other terminals are not short-circuited, a clock signal in which a low voltage and a high voltage alternate and repeat at a predetermined period is input from the printing device to the second terminal. At the first timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the first expected value. After outputting the first low voltage, at the second timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the low voltage, the second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the second expected value. After outputting the second high voltage, at the third timing during the period when the voltage input to the second terminal is the high voltage, the second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device as the third expected value. In this configuration, at a predetermined first timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a first low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. After outputting the first low voltage, at a second timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is low, a second high voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. After outputting the second high voltage, at a third timing during a period when the voltage input to the second terminal is high, a second low voltage is output from the first terminal to the printing device. This allows the device to output a signal used to determine that the first terminal of the liquid container is not short-circuited to the other terminals and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. The circuit board then outputs this signal from the first terminal to the printing device. This reduces the possibility that the printing device may not operate normally or that reading and writing to the device of the liquid container may not be performed correctly, even if it has been determined that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device. The circuit board in this configuration represents an improvement over the prior art.

[0219] (18) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited, at the first timing, a voltage different from the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; at the second timing, a voltage different from the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; and at the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device. According to this configuration, a voltage indicating that a short circuit has occurred can be output from the board.

[0220] (19) In the above configuration, if the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited between the first timing and the second timing, the first terminal may output a voltage equal to the first expected value to the printing device at the first timing, a voltage different from the second expected value may output from the first terminal to the printing device at the second timing, and a voltage different from the third expected value may output from the first terminal to the printing device at the third timing. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0221] (20) In the above configuration, if the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited between the second timing and the third timing, the first terminal may output a voltage equal to the first expected value to the printing device at the first timing, the first terminal may output a voltage equal to the second expected value to the printing device at the second timing, and the first terminal may output a voltage different from the third expected value to the printing device at the third timing. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0222] (21) In the above configuration, if the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is resolved between the first timing and the second timing, a voltage different from the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the first timing, a voltage the same as the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the second timing, and a voltage the same as the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the third timing. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0223] (22) In the above configuration, if the short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal is resolved between the second timing and the third timing, a voltage different from the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the first timing, a voltage different from the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the second timing, and a voltage the same as the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device at the third timing. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0224] (23) In the above embodiment, the first terminal may be a data terminal, the second terminal may be a clock terminal, the first signal may be a first response signal in response to the printing device, and the second signal may be a second response signal in response to the printing device.

[0225] (24) In the above configuration, the other terminals may include a third terminal and a fourth terminal, the third terminal may be input to a reset signal including a low voltage and a high voltage, and the fourth terminal may be input to a power supply voltage. In this configuration, the printing device can use the device to determine that the first terminal and the second, third, and fourth terminals included in the other terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is mounted on the printing device.

[0226] (25) In the above configuration, when the first terminal and the third terminal are short-circuited, and when the first terminal and the fourth terminal are short-circuited, at least one of these conditions may be met, at the first timing, a voltage different from the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; at the second timing, a voltage the same as the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; and at the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0227] (26) In the above configuration, at least one of the following states between the first timing and the second timing, when the first terminal and the third terminal are short-circuited and when the first terminal and the fourth terminal are short-circuited, at the first timing, a voltage equal to the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; at the second timing, a voltage equal to the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; and at the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0228] (27) In the above configuration, at least one of the following states between the second timing and the third timing, when the first terminal and the third terminal are short-circuited and when the first terminal and the fourth terminal are short-circuited, at the first timing, a voltage equal to the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; at the second timing, a voltage equal to the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device; and at the third timing, a voltage different from the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0229] (28) In the above configuration, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is resolved and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is resolved between the first timing and the second timing, at the first timing, a voltage different from the first expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device, at the second timing, a voltage the same as the second expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device, and at the third timing, a voltage the same as the third expected value may be output from the first terminal to the printing device. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration of (18) above.

[0230] (29) According to the above configuration, when the short circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal is resolved and the short circuit between the first terminal and the fourth terminal is resolved between the second timing and the third timing, at the first timing, a value different from the first expected value Voltage The output is sent from the first terminal to the printing device, and at the second timing, the same as the second expected value. Voltage The output is sent from the first terminal to the printing device, and at the third timing, the same as the third expected value. Voltage The output may be sent from the first terminal to the printing device. This configuration provides the same effects as the configuration described in (18) above.

[0231] In addition to the above-described forms, this disclosure can also be implemented in the form of liquid containers, systems, substrates or the use of liquid containers, devices, substrates, systems, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 4, 4C, 4z… Housing section, 5… Print head, 6… Liquid introduction section, 20, 20A, 20C… Printing device, 22… Motor, 26… Roller, 30… Carriage, 31… Cable, 32… Carriage motor, 34… Sliding shaft, 36… Drive belt, 38… Pulley, 39… Control unit, 40… Main control unit, 45… Connection bus, 46… Bus, 50… Sub-control unit, 61… Case, 65… Mounting chamber, 70… Operation section, 80… Connector, 89, 89a… Corner section, 90… Computer, 100, 100A~100F, 100T, 100g, 100h, 100p~100s, 100 w, 100x, 100y, 100z… Liquid container, 101… Liquid containment, 101wf… First wall, 101wr… Second wall, 101wb… Third wall, 101wu… Fourth wall, 101wsa… Fifth wall, 101wsb… Sixth wall, 101ya… Liquid containment, 101yb… Adapter, 104… Liquid supply unit, 104f… Film, 104op… Liquid supply port, 105… Liquid flow tube, 106… Protective tube, 107… Bath, 110… Liquid detection member, 111… Liquid containment bag, 112… Connecting member, 120, 120A, 120Td, 120U, 120V, 120X, 120ab, 120 ac, 120ad, 120ae, 120c, 120d, 120f, 120g, 120j, 120k... Substrate, 120UA... First substrate area, 120UB... Second substrate area, 120UC... Third substrate area, 120UD... Fourth substrate area, 120a... First protrusion, 120fa... Front surface, 120fb... Back surface, 122... Hole, 123... Slit, 124a... First substrate, 124b... Second substrate, 127... Battery, 130, 130A~130F... Device, 134... Opening, 136, 136A... Processing unit, 136a... First processing unit, 136b... Second processing unit, 138... Memory unit, 139... Resin, 1 50...Ink chamber, 201...Main unit, 210...Data terminal, 220...Clock terminal, 230...Power terminal, 240...Reset terminal, 250, 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d,...Grounding terminal, 290...Terminal, 301...Slit, 310...First cartridge engagement part, 320...Second cartridge engagement part, 400...Connection mechanism, 403~403E...Contact part forming member, 405...Terminal holding part, 410...Device side terminal, 411...Determination part, 412...Determination part, 412...Installation determination part, 414...Short circuit determination part, 415...CPU, 416...Device side first memory part, 420, 430, 440,450, 490... Device-side terminals, 421... Judgment unit, 424... Opening, 425... Container-side engagement structure, 431~434, 439... Relay terminals, 441... Power supply, 474... Attachment / detachment opening, 495... Display panel, 500... Sub-control board, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 590... Sub-control board terminals, 511... Switching unit, 516... Device-side second memory unit, 600... Cartridge mounting unit, 812, 822... Liquid flow tube, 814... Liquid storage Retaining part, 824... Liquid container, 990... Substrate holding part, 1000, 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D, 1000E... Printing system, BCC1... First execution command, BCC2... Second execution command, C1... First virtual line, C2... Second virtual line, CMP... Center part, CMT... Command period, D1~D9... Cycle, DB1... First identification data, DB2... Second identification data, HSDA, HSDA1~HSDA6, H VDD, HVDD1~HVDD4, HVDD6, HRST, HRST1~HRST4, HRST6, HSCK, HSCK1~HSCK4, HSCK6, HVSS…Host terminal, LSDA, LSDA1~LSDA6…Data line, LVDD, LVDD1~LVDD4, LVDD6…Power line, LRST, LRST1~LRST4, LRST6…Reset line, LSCK, LSCK1~LSCK4, LSCK6…Clock LVSS...Grounding wire, MD...Mounting direction, MD1...First mounting direction, MD2...Second mounting direction, MP...Midpoint, P1...First parity data, P2...Second parity data, PA...Printing medium, R1...First column, R2...Second column, RD...Rotation mounting direction, RS...Request signal, RST...Reset signal, Rg1...First area, Rg2...Second area, Rp...Center of rotation, SCK...Clock signal, FD...First direction, SD...Second direction, SDA,SDA1~SDA6…Data signal, SL…Second line segment, SS…Second response signal, TL…Third line segment, VDD…Power supply voltage, VSS…Ground potential, Vcr…Virtual circle, Wa…Distance, cp…Contact point, cp1…First contact point, cp2…Second contact point, cp3…Third contact point, cp4…Fourth contact point, cp5…Fifth contact point, cpc…Clock contact point, cpd…Data contact point, cpr…Reset contact point, cpvd…Power supply contact point, cpvs…Ground contact point, dcpc…Device-side clock contact point, dcpd…Device-side data contact point, dcpr…Device-side reset contact point, dcpvd…Device-side power supply contact point, dcpvs…Device-side ground contact point, t1…First timing, t2…Second timing, t3…Third timing, ta,tb…Timing

Claims

1. A substrate to be mounted on a printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction unit for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage unit for housing a liquid storage container provided with the liquid introduction unit, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage unit, The device and The device comprises a plurality of device-side terminals that are electrically connected to the device and configured to contact each of the plurality of device-side terminals, When a clock signal alternating between low and high voltages at a predetermined interval is used, a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to a second terminal included in the plurality of device-side terminals is the high voltage is defined as the first timing, a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to the second terminal by the clock signal is the low voltage, which is later than the first timing, is defined as the second timing, and a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to the second terminal by the clock signal is the high voltage, which is later than the second timing, When the first terminal included in the plurality of device-side terminals is not short-circuited with the other plurality of device-side terminals, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device shall, at the first timing, the second timing, and the third timing, set the combination of voltages detected by the printing device at the first terminal as the first voltage combination. The first voltage combination is a combination of voltages detected by the printing device, where a first low voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage at the first timing, a second high voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage at the second timing, and a third low voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage at the third timing. The first voltage combination is used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is installed in the container. substrate.

2. A substrate according to claim 1, A circuit board in which, when the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the first low voltage to the first terminal before the first timing during the high voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

3. A substrate according to claim 1 or claim 2, A circuit board wherein, when the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the second high voltage to the first terminal before the second timing during the low voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

4. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A circuit board in which, when the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the third low voltage to the first terminal before the third timing during the high voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

5. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, The device, in one period of the clock signal, When the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal. A circuit board that outputs the third low voltage to the first terminal when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage.

6. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, When the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device is a circuit board that outputs a first low voltage to the first terminal when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage.

7. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The device is a substrate that, in order for the determination to be made by the printing apparatus multiple times, sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination each time the determination is made.

8. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A substrate that, when the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction while printing based on a first printing instruction, sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination so that the printing apparatus can make the determination after the printing based on the first printing instruction is completed and before printing based on the second printing instruction is started.

9. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, When the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, the device sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination in order for the printing apparatus to make the determination before performing the cleaning.

10. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The device is a substrate in which the voltage combination is set to the first voltage combination so that the determination is made by the printing device at a replacement position in which the housing can replace the liquid housing container.

11. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first terminal is a data terminal, The second terminal is a clock terminal on the circuit board.

12. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The device includes a substrate that stores information about the liquid contained in the liquid container.

13. A substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The third terminal, which is included in the other multiple device-side terminals, is a reset terminal to which a reset signal including low voltage and high voltage is input. The fourth terminal, which is included among the other multiple device-side terminals, is a power supply terminal to which the power supply voltage is input, on the circuit board.

14. A substrate according to claim 13, After the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, so that the high voltage is input to the third terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the device is a circuit board that sets the combination of voltages to the first combination of voltages so that the determination can be made by the printing apparatus.

15. A substrate according to claim 13 or claim 14, The power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal is used to drive the device, and is a circuit board.

16. A liquid storage container to be attached to the storage section of a printing apparatus comprising a print head, a liquid introduction section for introducing liquid into the print head, a storage section provided with the liquid introduction section, and a plurality of device-side terminals provided in the storage section, A liquid container capable of holding liquid, A liquid supply unit is attached to the liquid introduction section of the printing apparatus and has a liquid supply port for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid introduction section of the printing apparatus, The device and The device comprises a plurality of device-side terminals that are electrically connected to the device and configured to contact each of the plurality of device-side terminals, When a clock signal alternating between low and high voltages at a predetermined interval is used, a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to a second terminal included in the plurality of device-side terminals is the high voltage is defined as the first timing, a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to the second terminal by the clock signal is the low voltage, which is later than the first timing, is defined as the second timing, and a predetermined timing within the period when the voltage input to the second terminal by the clock signal is the high voltage, which is later than the second timing, When the first terminal included in the plurality of device-side terminals is not short-circuited with the other plurality of device-side terminals, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device shall, at the first timing, the second timing, and the third timing, set the combination of voltages detected by the printing device at the first terminal as the first voltage combination. The first voltage combination is a combination of voltages detected by the printing device, where a first low voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage at the first timing, a second high voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage at the second timing, and a third low voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage at the third timing. The first voltage combination is used by the printing device to determine that the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and that the liquid container is installed in the container. Liquid container.

17. A liquid container according to claim 16, A liquid container in which, when the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the first low voltage to the first terminal before the first timing during the high voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

18. A liquid container according to claim 16 or claim 17, A liquid container wherein, when the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the second high voltage to the first terminal before the second timing during the low voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

19. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 18, When the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs the third low voltage to the first terminal before the third timing during the high voltage period in one cycle of the clock signal.

20. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 19, When the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device, in one period of the clock signal, When the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the high voltage to the low voltage, the second high voltage is output to the first terminal. A liquid container that outputs the third low voltage to the first terminal when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage.

21. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 20, When the first terminal and the other plurality of device-side terminals are not short-circuited, and the liquid container is mounted in the container, the device outputs a first low voltage to the first terminal when the voltage input to the second terminal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage.

22. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 21, The device is a liquid container in which, for the determination to be made by the printing device multiple times, the voltage combination is set to the first voltage combination each time the determination is made.

23. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 22, A liquid container wherein, when the printing apparatus receives a second printing instruction while printing based on a first printing instruction, the device sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination so that the determination can be made by the printing apparatus after the completion of printing based on the first printing instruction and before the start of printing based on the second printing instruction.

24. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 23, When the printing apparatus receives a cleaning instruction for the print head, the device sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination in order for the printing apparatus to make the determination before performing the cleaning.

25. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 24, The device described above, A liquid container in which, at a replacement position where the storage section can replace the liquid container, the voltage combination is set to the first voltage combination so that the determination can be made by the printing device.

26. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 25, The first terminal is a data terminal, The second terminal is a clock terminal for the liquid container.

27. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 26, A liquid container, wherein the device stores information about the liquid contained in the liquid container.

28. A liquid container according to any one of claims 16 to 27, The third terminal, which is included in the other multiple device-side terminals, is a reset terminal to which a reset signal including low voltage and high voltage is input. The fourth terminal, which is included among the other multiple device-side terminals, is a power terminal to which the power supply voltage is input, and is a liquid container.

29. A liquid container according to claim 28, After the power supply voltage is input to the fourth terminal, the reset signal changes from the low voltage to the high voltage, so that the high voltage is input to the third terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the clock signal is input to the second terminal. After the high voltage of the reset signal is input to the third terminal, the device sets the voltage combination to the first voltage combination so that the determination can be made by the printing apparatus.

30. A liquid container according to claim 28 or claim 29, The power supply voltage supplied to the fourth terminal is used to drive the liquid container.

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