Control device, low ink level detection mechanism, ink cartridge, and method for detecting low ink level.

Abstract

This application discloses a control device, an ink shortage detection mechanism, an ink cartridge and its ink shortage detection method, the control device is used for controlling a printer, the control device includes a chip and a control unit, the control unit and the chip are electrically connected and / or communicatively connected, the control unit can control the operation state of the chip to control the electrical connection and / or communication connection between the chip and the printer. The ink shortage detection mechanism includes a trigger element and a control device, the trigger element can move according to the change in the ink remaining amount, when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or gone, the trigger element can approach or abut the control unit and control the operation state of the control unit, further controlling the electrical connection and / or communication connection between the chip and the printer to make the printer stop printing, thereby avoiding the waste of paper and the waste of resources in the printer caused by the printer not being able to print normally or always working.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of printing devices, and particularly to a control device, an ink remaining amount shortage detection mechanism, an ink cartridge, and a method for detecting a shortage of the ink remaining amount thereof.

Background Art

[0002] An ink cartridge is used to store ink, can be attached to a printer to provide ink to the printer, and as the printer is used, the ink in the ink cartridge gradually decreases, that is, the remaining ink amount gradually decreases. When the ink in the ink cartridge runs out or becomes insufficient, the printer may not be able to print normally, and the printed document may become unusable, resulting in wasted paper. Also, if the printer continues to operate when it cannot print normally, the resources in the printer may be wasted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] This application discloses a control device, an ink remaining amount shortage detection mechanism, an ink cartridge, and a method for detecting a shortage of the ink remaining amount thereof in order to solve the problem that when the ink in the ink cartridge of a printer runs out or becomes insufficient, the paper is wasted and the resources in the printer are wasted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To solve the above problems, this application adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] A control device for controlling a printer, comprising a chip and a control unit, wherein the control unit and the chip are electrically connected and / or communicably connected, and the control unit can control the operating state of the chip to control the electrical connection and / or communication connection between the chip and the printer.

[0006] Selectively, the control unit is an inductive element, which is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the chip, which can change a voltage / current signal according to external conditions and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip, and when the chip determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip enters an ink level low operation mode, and further terminates the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection to the printer, causing the printer to stop printing.

[0007] Selectively, the control unit is a switching element, When the switching element is turned on, the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer can be stopped, and the printer stops printing. Alternatively, turning off the switching element can stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer, causing the printer to stop printing. Alternatively, by turning the switching element on or off, the chip can be controlled to enter an ink level low operation mode, and further, the chip can be stopped from making electrical and / or normal communication connections with the printer, causing the printer to stop printing.

[0008] Selectively, the chip includes at least two connection terminals, the switching element is provided between the two connection terminals, the switching element can conduct or interrupt the electrical connection between the two connection terminals, when the two connection terminals are interrupted, the chip can establish an electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer, and when the two connection terminals are conducted, the chip is short-circuited and can terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer.

[0009] Selectively, the switching element, the chip, and the printer are connected in series, and the switching element is provided between the chip and the printer, and when the switching element is conductive, the chip can establish an electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer, and when the switching element is turned off, the chip can open up and terminate the electrical connection and / or the normal communication connection with the printer.

[0010] Selectively, the chip includes a decision module, a signal transmission terminal, and a signal reception terminal, and the inductive element can change the voltage / current signals of the signal transmission terminal and the signal reception terminal according to external conditions, and when the decision module determines that the voltage / current signals have reached a preset condition, the chip enters an ink level low operation mode, and the chip stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer.

[0011] Selectively, the chip includes a decision module, a signal transmission terminal, and a signal reception terminal, and the switching element can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal and the signal reception terminal. When the switching element conducts or disconnects the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal and the signal reception terminal, the decision module determines that the chip has entered low ink operation mode, and the chip stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer.

[0012] Selectively, the chip may enter a low ink operation mode and terminate its electrical and / or normal communication connection with the printer, at least Control the chip to short-circuit any two connection terminals, thereby causing the chip to stop its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer. The chip controls the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals and the printer, and causes the chip to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer. The chip controls the printer to transmit low ink data, and the printer, after receiving the low ink data transmitted by the chip, disconnects the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the chip. This includes controlling the chip to send incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer, causing the printer to report a malfunction, and further disrupting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer.

[0013] An ink level low detection mechanism, comprising a trigger element and the control device described above, The trigger element can move in response to changes in the ink level, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can approach or come into contact with the control unit and control the operating state of the control unit.

[0014] Selectively, the control unit is an inductive element, and the trigger element can approach the inductive element, change the voltage / current signal of the inductive element, and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip. When the chip determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip enters an ink level low operation mode, and further causes the chip to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer, and the printer stops printing.

[0015] Selectively, the control unit is a switching element, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can contact the switching element to trigger the switching element to turn on or off.

[0016] Selectively, the switching element includes a switch contact and a conductive member, and the trigger element is a floating member, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the floating member can press the conductive member against the switch contact, thereby triggering the switching element to turn on.

[0017] Selectively, the switching element includes a switch contact and a conductive member, and the trigger element includes a floating member and a connecting member, the floating member can move in response to a change in the ink level, the floating member can abut against or connect to the connecting member, the floating member moves the connecting member, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the connecting member can disconnect the conductive member and the switch contact, thereby triggering the switching element to turn off.

[0018] Selectively, the switching element includes a first contact and a second contact, and the trigger element is a conductive floating member, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive floating member can conduct the first contact and the second contact, thereby triggering the switching element to turn on.

[0019] Selectively, the switching element includes a first contact, a second contact, and a conductive member, the trigger element is a floating member, the floating member can move in response to changes in the ink level, the floating member can contact or connect to the conductive member, the floating member moves the conductive member, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive member can conduct or disconnect the first contact and the second contact, thereby triggering the switching element to turn on or off.

[0020] Selectively, the control unit is a switching element, and the switching element is an inductive switching element, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can move to the induction range of the switching element to trigger the switching element to turn on or off.

[0021] Optionally, the switching element further includes a signal receiving unit and a controller. The signal receiving unit is used to receive the signal of the trigger element, and the controller is used to control the on or off of the switching element based on the signal of the trigger element.

[0022] Optionally, the switching element is a Hall sensor switching element, a pressure sensor switching element or a position sensor switching element.

[0023] An ink cartridge including a casing and the above ink remaining amount shortage detection mechanism. The casing is provided with a cavity for accommodating ink. The trigger element is provided in the cavity, and the chip is provided on the casing.

[0024] Optionally, a limiting portion is provided in the casing. When the remaining amount of ink is greater than the second default value, the limiting portion can limit the movement of the trigger element, and the second default value is greater than the first default value.

[0025] Optionally, the trigger element is provided in the cavity, at least An attachment plate is provided in the casing. The attachment plate is provided with a guide hole. The trigger element is a columnar trigger element. The trigger element extends into the guide hole and can be in a form that fits slidably with the guide hole. A guide groove is provided in the casing. The trigger element is a block-shaped or spherical trigger element. The trigger element is provided in the guide groove and can be in a form that fits slidably with the inner wall of the guide groove. A guide post is provided in the casing. The trigger element is a sheet-shaped trigger element. The trigger element is provided with an attachment hole, and the attachment hole can be in a form that fits slidably with the guide post. A pivot is provided within the casing, the trigger element is a rod-shaped trigger element, and the trigger element is provided with a hinge connection portion, the hinge connection portion includes one configuration in which it can be gap-fitted with the pivot.

[0026] A method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is the above-described ink cartridge, and the control unit is an inductive element. The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element triggers a change in the voltage / current signal of the inductive element and transmits the voltage / current signal to the chip. If the chip determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip enters an ink level low operation mode and further terminates the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer, causing the printer to stop printing.

[0027] A method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is the above-described ink cartridge, and the control unit is a switching element. The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element triggers the switching element to turn off or on, and the switching element controls the operating state of the chip to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer, causing the printer to stop printing.

[0028] Selectively, the switching element controls the operating state of the chip to suspend the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer. The switching element is turned on to conduct two connection terminals of the chip, short-circuiting the chip and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer; the switching element is turned off to open the chip and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer; or the chip enters an ink level low operation mode and stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer.

[0029] Selectively, the chip may enter a low ink operation mode and terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer, at least Control the chip to short-circuit any two connection terminals, thereby causing the chip to stop its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer. The chip controls the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals and the printer, and causes the chip to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer. The chip controls the printer to transmit low ink data, and the printer, after receiving the low ink data transmitted by the chip, disconnects the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the chip. This includes controlling the chip to send incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer, causing the printer to report a malfunction, and further disrupting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The technical solution adopted in this application can achieve the following beneficial effects.

[0031] In the control device, ink level low detection mechanism, ink cartridge, and ink level low detection method according to the present invention, the control device is used to control a printer and includes a chip and a control unit, the control unit can control the operating state of the chip and control the electrical connection and / or communication connection between the chip and the printer, the ink level low detection mechanism includes a trigger element and the control device described above, the trigger element can move in response to changes in the ink level, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can approach or come into contact with the control unit and control the operating state of the control unit to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer.Therefore, when there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge, the printer can print normally, and when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out, the printer stops printing by stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip and the printer, thereby avoiding the waste of paper and resources in the printer that would result from the printer not being able to print normally or constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out.

[0032] The drawings described herein are used to further understand the present application and constitute part of the present application, and the exemplary embodiments and descriptions thereof are used to interpret the present application and do not unduly limit the present application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the control device in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a control device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a control device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a control device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a control device in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart of the method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge in an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Hereinafter, in order to further clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the technical solution will be clearly and completely described with reference to specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Clearly, the embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain without creative effort based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] The technical solutions disclosed in each embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] This application provides a control device 100, an ink level low detection mechanism, an ink cartridge, and a method for detecting the ink level low. The control device 100, the ink level low detection mechanism, the ink cartridge, and the method for detecting the ink level low will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 16.

[0037] Embodiments of the present application provide a control device 100 used to control a printer 500, which can control the printer 500 to print normally or to stop printing. The control device 100 includes a chip 110 and a control unit, the chip 110 being connected to the control unit, for example, the control unit and the chip 110 being electrically and / or communicatively connected. The control unit can control the operating state of the chip 110, thereby controlling the electrical and / or communication connections between the chip 110 and the printer 500, which can then control the printer 500 to print normally or to stop printing.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit may be an inductive element 130, which is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the chip 110, and can change a voltage / current signal according to external conditions and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip 110. When the chip 110 determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, it can stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, and the printer 500 stops printing. The inductive element 130 may be an element for controlling a continuous change in the voltage / current signal, such as a pressure sensor or a slide resistor, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the type of inductive element 130.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this application, "the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition" may mean that the voltage / current value has reached a threshold, or that the voltage / current change value has reached a threshold. Here, the "threshold" is a voltage / current value preset according to the operating environment of the chip 110. For example, the chip 110 is provided in ink, which is a consumable material, and the consumable material includes an inductive element 130. As the ink is consumed, the inductive element 130 changes its voltage / current signal and transmits the voltage / current signal to the chip 110. When the chip 110 consumes the ink to a specific critical condition, the voltage / current value transmitted to the chip by the inductive element 130 is set as the "threshold" of the chip. This critical condition may be the depletion or absence of ink, or other conditions that prevent normal printing. Here, the inductive element 130 can control the operating state of the chip 110 by changing the voltage / current signal between it and the chip 110. In this application, the inductive element 130 controlling the operating state of the chip 110 specifically means that the inductive element 130 controls the chip 110 to enter the low ink level operating mode.

[0040] The chip 110 includes a decision module 114, a signal transmission terminal 111, and a signal reception terminal 112. The inductive element 130 can change the voltage / current signal between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112 according to external conditions. Specifically, in this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the voltage / current signal controlled by the inductive element 130 is higher than the threshold of the chip 110. As the ink is consumed, the ink level gradually decreases, and the inductive element 130 controls the voltage / current signal to decrease continuously. When the ink level decreases to the first default value and the decision module 114 determines that the voltage / current signal controlled by the inductive element 130 is below / lower than the threshold of the chip 110, the chip 110 enters the low ink level operation mode, and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. The arrows and waveforms shown in Figure 1 indicate that the signal transmission terminal 111 transmits a high-level or low-level signal.

[0041] Alternatively, the chip 110 includes a decision module 114, a signal transmission terminal 111, and a signal reception terminal 112, and the inductive element 130 can change the voltage / current signal between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112 according to external conditions. Specifically, in this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the voltage / current signal controlled by the inductive element 130 is lower than the threshold of the chip 110. As the ink is consumed, the ink level gradually decreases, and the inductive element 130 controls the voltage / current signal to increase continuously. When the ink level decreases to the first default value and the decision module 114 determines that the voltage / current signal controlled by the inductive element 130 is greater than / higher than the threshold of the chip 110, the chip 110 enters an insufficient ink operation mode, and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500.

[0042] The first default value in this specification may be zero, meaning that if the ink level is greater than zero, the printer 500 will print normally, and if the ink level is zero, the printer 500 will stop printing. Of course, the first default value may be slightly greater than zero, meaning that the printer 500 can be controlled to stop printing when the ink level is low, rather than being controlled to stop printing until the ink is completely depleted. Of course, the first default value may be any other value set as needed.

[0043] The chip 110 entering the low ink level mode and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 may be controlled to short-circuit any two connection terminals of the chip 110, thereby causing the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500.

[0044] Selectively, the chip 110 may enter an insufficient ink operation mode and terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 by controlling the chip 110 to disconnect the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals 113 and the printer 500, thereby causing the chip 110 to terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. Selectively, the chip 110 entering low ink operation mode and the chip 110 suspending its electrical and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 may be controlled to send low ink data to the printer 500, and the printer 500 disconnecting its electrical and / or communication connection with the chip 110 after receiving the low ink data sent by the chip 110. Selectively, the chip 110 may enter an insufficient ink level mode, and the chip 110 may stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, which may involve controlling the chip 110 to send incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer 500, causing the printer 500 to report a malfunction, and further interrupting the electrical connection and / or communication connection with the printer 500.

[0045] Furthermore, the above method by which the chip 110 enters low ink operation mode and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 is selectable depending on the structure of the ink cartridge, and two or more methods can be used in combination.

[0046] In the control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present application, the control device 100 is used to control the printer 500, and the control device 100 includes a chip 110 and a control unit, the control unit and the chip 110 are electrically and / or communicatively connected, and the control unit can control the operating state of the chip 110 and control the electrical and / or communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, and further can control the printer 500 to print normally or to stop printing.Therefore, when there is enough ink in the ink cartridge, the control device 100 controls the printer 500 to print normally, and when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out, the control device 100 controls the printer 500 to stop printing, thereby avoiding the waste of paper and resources in the printer 500 that would result from the printer 500 not being able to print normally or constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out.

[0047] In the embodiments of this invention, a normal communication connection refers to accurate data exchange between the printer 500 and the chip 110 when the printer 500 is printing normally. In other words, if there is a normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, accurate data exchange can be performed between the printer 500 and the chip 110, and the printer 500 can print normally.

[0048] In other embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the control unit may be a switching element 120, which is an element for turning a signal on or off. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of switching element 120, which has two states, on or off. The on or off state of the switching element 120 can control the operating state of the chip 110, which in turn can control the electrical and / or communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, and can also control whether the printer 500 prints normally or stops printing.

[0049] Here, the ability of the switching element 120 to control the operating state of the chip 110 may be that the switching element 120 directly controls the short circuit or open circuit of the chip 110, or that the switching element 120 controls the chip 110. For example, the chip 110 includes a decision module 114, and the decision module 114 of the chip 110 controls the chip 110 to be short-circuited, open circuitred, or enter the low ink level operating mode.

[0050] In one feasible embodiment of the present invention, turning on the switching element 120 can disable the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500. For example, referring to Figure 2, turning on the switching element 120 can short-circuit the chip 110, thereby disabling the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500.

[0051] Selectively, turning off the switching element 120 can stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500. For example, referring to Figure 3, turning off the switching element 120 can open the circuit of the chip 110, thereby stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500.

[0052] Selectively, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, switching the switching element 120 on or off allows the chip 110 to be controlled to enter the low ink operation mode, and further causes the chip 110 to stop its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500.

[0053] Therefore, by turning the switching element 120 on or off, it is possible to control the electrical and / or communication connections between the chip 110 and the printer 500, and further control whether the printer 500 prints normally or stops printing.

[0054] In one case, if the ink level is greater than the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on. In another case, if the ink level is greater than the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the chip 110 includes at least two connection terminals 113, and the switching element 120 is provided between the two connection terminals 113. The switching element 120 can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the two connection terminals 113. When the two connection terminals 113 are disconnected, the chip 110 can establish an electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer 500. When the two connection terminals 113 are conducted, the chip 110 is short-circuited, and the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 can be terminated. In this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the switching element 120, the chip 110, and the printer 500 are connected in series, and the switching element 120 is provided between the chip 110 and the printer 500. When the switching element 120 is conductive, the chip 110 can establish an electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer 500. When the switching element 120 is turned off, the chip 110 opens up and can terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. In this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off.

[0057] In another feasible embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, the chip 110 includes a decision module 114, a signal transmission terminal 111, and a signal reception terminal 112, and a switching element 120 can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112. When the switching element 120 disconnects the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112, the decision module 114 determines that the chip 110 has entered the low ink operating mode, and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. In this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off. The arrows and waveforms shown in Figure 4 indicate that the signal transmission terminal 111 transmits a high-level signal or a low-level signal.

[0058] Alternatively, the chip 110 includes a decision module 114, a signal transmission terminal 111, and a signal reception terminal 112, and the switching element 120 can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112. When the switching element 120 conducts the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal 111 and the signal reception terminal 112, the decision module 114 determines that the chip 110 has entered the low ink operating mode, and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. In this case, if the ink level is greater than a first default value, the switching element 120 is turned off, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, the switching element 120 is turned on.

[0059] In this specification, the signal transmission terminal 111 may be a signal transmission pin of the chip 110. Of course, as shown in Figure 5, the signal transmission terminal 111 may be a ground terminal or a power terminal (GND / VDD), where GND can provide a low-level signal and VDD can provide a high-level signal. Of course, the signal transmission terminal 111 may also be the signal transmission terminal 111 of a separate signal transmission element, and the signal is transmitted via the separate signal transmission element.

[0060] The chip 110 entering the low ink level mode and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 may be controlled to short-circuit any two connection terminals of the chip 110, thereby causing the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500.

[0061] Selectively, the chip 110 may enter an insufficient ink operation mode and terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 by controlling the chip 110 to disconnect the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals 113 and the printer 500, thereby causing the chip 110 to terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500. Selectively, the chip 110 entering low ink operation mode and the chip 110 suspending its electrical and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 may be controlled to send low ink data to the printer 500, and the printer 500 disconnecting its electrical and / or communication connection with the chip 110 after receiving the low ink data sent by the chip 110. Selectively, the chip 110 may enter an insufficient ink level mode, and the chip 110 may stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, which may involve controlling the chip 110 to send incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer 500, causing the printer 500 to report a malfunction, and further interrupting the electrical connection and / or communication connection with the printer 500.

[0062] Furthermore, the above method by which the chip 110 enters low ink operation mode and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 is selectable depending on the structure of the ink cartridge, and two or more methods can be used in combination.

[0063] In the control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present application, the control device 100 is used to control the printer 500, and the control device 100 includes a chip 110 and a control unit, the control unit and the chip 110 are electrically and / or communicatively connected, and the control unit can control the operating state of the chip 110 and control the electrical and / or communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, and further can control the printer 500 to print normally or to stop printing.Therefore, when there is enough ink in the ink cartridge, the control device 100 controls the printer 500 to print normally, and when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out, the control device 100 controls the printer 500 to stop printing, thereby avoiding the waste of paper and resources in the printer 500 that would result from the printer 500 not being able to print normally or constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge is low or runs out.

[0064] The embodiment of the present application further provides an ink level shortage detection mechanism, the ink level shortage detection mechanism including a trigger element and a control device 100, the control device 100 being the above-described control device 100.

[0065] The trigger element can move in response to changes in the ink level. For example, the trigger element may have a structure that allows it to float in the ink and descend as the ink level decreases. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can approach or contact the control unit to control the operating state of the control unit, and the control device 100 can control the printer 500 to stop printing based on the operating state of the control unit. The operating state of the control unit includes the on / off state of the switching element and a voltage / current signal that changes according to external conditions of the inductive element 130.

[0066] If the ink level is higher than the first default value, that is, if there is a lot of ink remaining, the control device 100 can control the printer 500 to print normally via the control unit.

[0067] Accordingly, in the ink level low detection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, when there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge, the trigger element and the control device 100 can work together to control the printer 500 to print normally, and when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, the trigger element and the control device 100 can work together to control the printer 500 to stop printing, thereby avoiding the waste of paper and resources within the printer 500 that would result from the printer 500 being unable to print normally or constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out.

[0068] In one feasible embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be an inductive element 130, and the trigger element can approach / contact the inductive element 130 to change the voltage / current signal of the inductive element 130 and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip 110. When the judgment module 114 of the chip 110 determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip enters an ink level low operation mode, and further causes the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, and the printer 500 stops printing. The inductive element 130 in the present invention may be an element for controlling the continuous change of the voltage / current signal, such as a pressure sensor or a slide resistor, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the type of inductive element 130.

[0069] Specifically, this embodiment uses a pressure sensor as an example. As the ink is consumed, the trigger element moves in the direction of gravity and gradually contacts the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor controls the voltage / current signal to gradually change based on the gravity applied by the trigger element. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the voltage / current signal controlled by the pressure sensor becomes lower than the threshold of the chip 110, and the voltage / current signal is transmitted to the chip 110. Simultaneously, the decision module 114 of the chip 110 determines that the voltage / current signal is lower than the threshold of the chip 110, and the chip 110 enters low ink operation mode. Furthermore, the chip 110 terminates the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, and the printer 500 stops printing. Of course, in other embodiments, when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the pressure sensor may control the voltage / current signal to be higher than the threshold of the chip 110, and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip 110. Simultaneously, after the chip 110's judgment module 114 determines that the voltage / current signal transmitted to the chip 110 is higher than the chip 110's threshold, the chip 110 enters an ink level low operation mode, and further causes the chip 110 to terminate its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, causing the printer 500 to stop printing. Here, "the trigger element moving in the direction of gravity and gradually coming into contact with the pressure sensor" is an "external condition" described in this application.

[0070] In one feasible embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be a switching element 120, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the movement of the trigger element can trigger the switching element 120 to turn on or off. That is, the movement of the trigger element directly triggers the switching element 120 to turn on or off, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element moves to a position where it can trigger the switching element 120 to turn on or off along with the ink level, thereby directly triggering the switching element 120 to turn on or off.

[0071] Specifically, the switching element 120 includes a switch contact 121 and a conductive member 122. When the conductive member 122 is separated from the switch contact 121, the switching element 120 is turned off, and when the conductive member 122 contacts the switch contact 121, the switching element 120 is turned on.

[0072] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the trigger element may be a floating member 210, which moves in response to changes in the ink level, specifically, it can descend as the ink level decreases, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the floating member 210 presses the conductive member 122 against the switch contact 121, bringing the conductive member 122 into contact with the switch contact 121, and turning on the switching element 120. The floating member 210 may also be a structural member that can float in the ink, such as a floating ball, floating piece, floating block, or floating rod.

[0073] The switching element 120 may be integrated on a flexible substrate (PCB), and the switch contact 121 may be a contact on the flexible substrate (PCB). The floating member 210 moves the conductive member 122 to turn the switching element 120 on or off. This structure allows the switching element 120 to be turned on when the ink level is low or zero, and it has a simple structure with few required components.

[0074] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the switching element 120 includes a switch contact 121 and a conductive member 122, and the trigger element includes a floating member 210 and a connecting member 220. The floating member 210 can move in response to changes in the ink level, and can contact or connect to the connecting member 220. The floating member 210 moves the connecting member 220, for example, by being directly connected to the connecting member 220 and moving the connecting member 220, or by contacting the connecting member 220 and pushing it to move. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the connecting member 220 can disconnect the conductive member 122 and the switch contact 121. Selectively, one end of the connecting member 220 may be in contact with or connected to the floating member 210, and the other end may face the conductive member 122. The floating member 210 descends as the ink level decreases, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the floating member 210 descends, the other end of the connecting member 220 rises, the conductive member 122 is flicked away, and the conductive member 122 is separated from the switch contact 121, thereby turning off the switching element 120. This structure makes it possible to turn off the switching element 120 when the ink level is low or zero. The switch contact 121 may be a spring-loaded terminal (POGOpin).

[0075] Selectively, as shown in Figure 13, the switching element 120 includes a first contact 123 and a second contact 124, and the trigger element is a conductive floating member, which is conductive and can move in response to changes in the ink level, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive floating member can make the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 conductive. The conductive floating member moves in response to changes in the ink level, specifically, it can descend as the ink level decreases, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive floating member descends between the first contact 123 and the second contact 124, making the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 conductive, thereby turning on the switching element 120. This structure makes it possible to turn on the switching element 120 when the ink level is low or zero, and the structure is simple and requires few parts. The switching element 120 may be integrated on a flexible circuit board (PCB), and the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 may be contacts on the flexible circuit board (PCB). When the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 are conductive, the switching element 120 is turned on, and when the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 are disconnected, the switching element 120 is turned off. The first contact 123 and the second contact 124 may be spring-loaded terminals (POGOpin).

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the switching element 120 includes a first contact 123, a second contact 124, and a conductive member 122, and the trigger element is a floating member 210, which can move in response to changes in the ink level, can contact or connect to the conductive member 122, and moves the conductive member 122, for example, the floating member 210 may be directly connected to the conductive member 122 to move the conductive member 122, or the floating member 210 may contact the conductive member 122 and push the conductive member 122 to move it. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive member 122 can make the first contact 123 and the second contact 124 conductive or disconnected. The floating member 210 descends as the ink level decreases, and the conductive member 122 can descend or rise depending on the connection method between the conductive member 122 and the floating member. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive member 122 descends to a position where it makes contact between the first contact 123 and the second contact 124, thereby turning on the switching element 120, or the conductive member 122 rises to a position where it blocks contact between the first contact 123 and the second contact 124, thereby turning off the switching element 120. This structure makes it possible to turn the switching element 120 on or off when the ink level is low or zero. The conductive member 122 may be a metallic conductive member.

[0077] Of course, in other embodiments, the trigger element may be ink directly, and when the ink level is greater than the first default value, the ink can conduct between the first contact 123 and the second contact 124. As the ink level is gradually consumed, the ink continues to descend in the direction of gravity, and when the ink level decreases to the first default value, for example, when the ink level is depleted, i.e., when the first default value is zero, the switching element 120 is turned off.

[0078] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the trigger element is ink, which is conductive and has a constant resistance, and can conduct between the first contact 123 and the second contact 124. As the ink level gradually decreases, the ink continues to descend in the direction of gravity, and as the ink level continues to decrease, its resistance changes continuously. Here, the switching element 120 may be used as an inductive element 130, that is, the continuous change in the ink resistance changes the voltage / current signal transmitted to the chip 110. At the same time, when the judgment module 114 of the chip 110 determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip 110 enters an ink level shortage operation mode, and further causes the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, causing the printer 500 to stop printing. Here, "the ink resistance changes continuously as the ink level decreases" is an "external condition" as described in this application.

[0079] In one feasible embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be a switching element 120, and as shown in Figures 14-15, the switching element 120 may be an inductive switching element. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element moves to the induction range of the switching element 120, triggering the switching element 120 to turn on or off. That is, the trigger element can control the on or off of the switching element 120 by moving to the induction range of the switching element 120 without directly triggering the switching element 120. This structure allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the switching element 120, and it does not necessarily have to be located below the trigger element.

[0080] Furthermore, the switching element 120 further includes a signal receiving unit and a controller, the signal receiving unit being used to receive signals from the trigger element, and the controller being used to control the switching element 120 to be on or off based on the signals from the trigger element.

[0081] For example, the switching element 120 may be a Hall sensor switching element, a pressure sensor switching element, or a position sensor switching element. Of course, the switching element 120 is not limited to a Hall sensor switching element, a pressure switching element, or a position sensor switching element, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the type of switching element 120. Any element that can turn a signal on or off may be included in the range of the switching element 120.

[0082] When the switching element 120 is a Hall sensor switching element, the trigger element may be a magnetic floating member 210, which can move in response to changes in the ink level, or a magnetic member 240 may be provided on the floating member 210, and the magnetic member 240 and the floating member 210 can move in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the Hall sensor switching element detects the magnetic floating member 210 or the magnetic member 240 and generates a feedback signal, thereby controlling the switching element 120 to turn on or off.

[0083] When the switching element 120 is a pressure sensor switching element, the trigger element may be a floating member 210, which can move in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the pressure sensor switching element detects the pressure of the floating member 210 and generates a feedback signal, thereby controlling the switching element 120 to turn on or off.

[0084] When the switching element 120 is a position sensor switching element, the trigger element may be a floating member 210, which can move in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level decreases to a first default value, the position sensor switching element detects that the floating member 210 has moved to a preset position and generates a feedback signal, thereby controlling the switching element 120 to turn on or off.

[0085] In the low ink level detection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, the trigger element is provided inside the ink cartridge and moves directly in response to changes in the ink level, enabling accurate detection of the ink level in real time. By employing the low ink level detection mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, the trigger element can approach or come into contact with the control unit, and control the operating state of the control unit, allowing the control device 100 to control the printer 500 to stop printing. This prevents the printer 500 from being unable to print normally or from constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, thus avoiding waste of paper and waste of resources within the printer 500.

[0086] As shown in Figures 6 to 15, embodiments of the present invention further provide an ink cartridge comprising a casing 600 and an ink level low detection mechanism, the ink level low detection mechanism being the above-described ink level low detection mechanism, the casing 600 being provided with a cavity 650 for housing ink, a trigger element being provided in the cavity 650, and a chip 110 being provided in the casing 600, which may also store further information about the ink cartridge. The casing 600 may include a casing body and a casing cover, the casing body and casing cover being jointly enclosed as a cavity 650.

[0087] The ink cartridge includes the above-described low ink level detection mechanism, and the low ink level detection mechanism includes the above-described control device 100. Specifically, the low ink level detection mechanism, through its trigger element and the control device 100, enables detection of the ink level in the ink cartridge and control of the printer 500.

[0088] When there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge, the trigger element and the control device 100 work together to control the printer 500 so that it prints normally. When the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, the trigger element and the control device 100 work together to control the printer 500 so that it stops printing. This prevents the printer 500 from being unable to print normally or from constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, thus avoiding waste of paper and waste of resources within the printer 500.

[0089] Specifically, when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, the trigger element can approach or contact the control unit, control the operating state of the control unit, and further control the printer 500 to stop printing.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present invention, a limiting section is provided within the casing 600, and when the ink level is greater than a second default value, the limiting section can restrict the movement of the trigger element, and the second default value is greater than the first default value. When the ink level is greater than the second default value, that is, there is a lot of ink in the ink cartridge, and the situation in which the ink becomes low or runs out does not occur at this point or within a certain period thereafter, the limiting section can restrict the movement of the trigger element, thereby avoiding a larger range of movement of the trigger element. The limiting section may be part of the casing or it may be a separate component.

[0091] The trigger element is provided within the cavity 650 and may be provided within the cavity 650 in various forms, including, for example, one or more of the following installation configurations.

[0092] As shown in Figures 7 and 13, a mounting plate 610 is provided inside the casing 600, and a guide hole is provided in the mounting plate 610. The trigger element is a columnar trigger element, and the trigger element extends into the guide hole and can slide-fit with the guide hole, enabling the trigger element to be installed in the cavity 650 via the mounting plate 610. One of the mounting plates 610 may also be used as the limiting portion 660. When the trigger element rises to a preset height, the mounting plate 610 can prevent the trigger element from continuing to rise. For example, if the trigger element has a step, and the dimensions of the step are larger than the dimensions of the guide hole, and the step and the mounting plate 610 come into contact, the mounting plate 610 can prevent the step from continuing to rise, thereby preventing the trigger element from continuing to rise. The guide hole in the mounting plate 610 can also act as a guide during the movement of the trigger element.

[0093] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, a guide groove 620 is provided inside the casing 600, the trigger element is a block-shaped or spherical trigger element, the trigger element is provided inside the guide groove 620 and can slide-fit with the side wall of the guide groove 620, enabling the trigger element to be provided inside the cavity 650 via the guide groove 620, and a limiting portion 660 may be provided at the top of the guide groove 620, for example, a baffle may be provided as the limiting portion 660, or the top wall of the guide groove 620 may be used as the limiting portion 660. The side wall of the guide groove 620 can act as a guide during the movement of the trigger element.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, a guide column 630 is provided inside the casing 600, the trigger element is a sheet-shaped trigger element, and the trigger element is provided with a mounting hole, which can be slide-fitted with the guide column 630, thereby enabling the trigger element to be installed inside the cavity 650 via the guide column 630. Furthermore, the guide column 630 may be provided with a projection, which acts as a limiting part, preventing the trigger element from continuing to rise once it has risen to a preset height. The guide column 630 can also act as a guide during the movement of the trigger element.

[0095] As shown in Figure 10, a pivot 640 is provided inside the casing 600, the trigger element is a rod-shaped trigger element, and the trigger element is provided with a hinge connection portion, which can be fitted into the pivot 640, thereby enabling the trigger element to be installed inside the cavity 650 via the pivot 640.

[0096] As shown in Figure 16, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for detecting insufficient ink in an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge described above.

[0097] If the control unit is an induction element 130, The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level drops to the first default value, the trigger element triggers a change in the voltage / current signal of the inductive element 130 and transmits the voltage / current signal to the chip 110. If the chip 110 determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip 110 enters the low ink operation mode and further terminates the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500, causing the printer 500 to stop printing.

[0098] If the control unit is a switching element 120, The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. When the ink level drops to the first default value, the trigger element triggers the switching element 120 to turn off or on, and the switching element 120 controls the operating state of the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, thereby controlling the printer 500 to stop printing.

[0099] Furthermore, if the ink level is greater than the first default value, the trigger element triggers the switching element 120 to turn off or on, and the switching element 120 controls the operating state of the chip 110 to establish an electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, allowing the printer to print normally.

[0100] In the above-described method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge, the switching element 120 controls the operating state of the chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500, which includes turning on the switching element 120 to conduct two connection terminals of the chip 110, short-circuiting the chip 110 and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500; turning off the switching element 120 to open the chip 110 and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500; or the chip 110 entering an insufficient ink level operating mode and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500.

[0101] The chip 110 entering the low ink level mode and terminating the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip 110 and the printer 500 may be controlled to short-circuit any two connection terminals of the chip 110, thereby causing the chip 110 to terminate the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500.

[0102] When chip 110 enters low ink operation mode and stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between chip 110 and printer 500, this may also be done by controlling chip 110 to disconnect the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals and printer 500, thereby causing chip 110 to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with printer 500. When chip 110 enters low ink operation mode and stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between chip 110 and printer 500, this may also involve controlling chip 110 to send low ink data to printer 500, and then, after printer 500 receives the low ink data sent by chip 110, disconnecting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with chip 110. When chip 110 enters low ink level mode and stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between chip 110 and printer 500, this may be controlled to cause chip 110 to send incorrect ink cartridge information / data to printer 500, causing printer 500 to report a malfunction, and further interrupting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between chip 110 and printer 500.

[0103] Furthermore, the above method by which the chip 110 enters low ink operation mode and the chip 110 stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer 500 is selectable depending on the structure of the ink cartridge, and two or more methods can be used in combination.

[0104] According to the ink cartridge low ink detection method of the embodiment of the present invention, when there is sufficient ink in the ink cartridge, the trigger element, control unit, and chip 110 work together to control the printer 500 so that it prints normally. When the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, the trigger element, control unit, and chip 110 work together to control the printer 500 so that it stops printing. This prevents the printer 500 from being unable to print normally or from constantly operating when the ink in the ink cartridge becomes low or runs out, thus avoiding waste of paper and waste of resources within the printer 500.

[0105] In the above embodiments of this application, the focus is on explaining the differences between each embodiment. As long as the different optimization features of each embodiment are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a more preferable embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0106] The foregoing are merely embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art will know that the present application can be modified and altered in various ways. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present application should be included within the scope of protection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100-Control device, 110-Chip, 111-Signal transmission terminal, 112-Signal reception terminal, 113-Connection terminal, 114-Decision module, 120-Switching element, 121-Switch contact, 122-Conductive member, 123-First contact, 124-Second contact, 130-Inductive element, 210-Floating member, 220-Connecting member, 240-Magnetic member, 500-Printer, 600 - Casing, 610 - Mounting plate, 620 - Guide groove, 630 - Guide column, 640 - Pivot, 650 - Cavity, 660 - Restriction section.

Claims

1. A control device (100) for controlling a printer (500), comprising a chip (110) and a control unit, wherein the control unit and the chip (110) are electrically and / or communicatively connected, and the control unit can control the operating state of the chip (110) and control the electrical and / or communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500), The control unit is a switching element (120), When the switching element (120) is turned on, the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500) can be stopped, and the printer (500) stops printing. Alternatively, by turning off the switching element (120), the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500) can be stopped, and the printer (500) will stop printing. Alternatively, by turning the switching element (120) on or off, the chip (110) can be controlled to enter the low ink level mode, and further, the chip (110) can be stopped from having an electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500), causing the printer (500) to stop printing. The chip (110) includes a decision module (114), a signal transmission terminal (111), and a signal reception terminal (112). The switching element (120) can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal (111) and the signal reception terminal (112). When the switching element (120) conducts or disconnects the electrical connection between the signal transmission terminal (111) and the signal reception terminal (112), the decision module (114) determines that the chip (110) has entered the low ink operation mode, and the chip (110) stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500). A control device (100) characterized by the following:

2. The control unit is an inductive element (130), the inductive element (130) is electrically connected to and / or communicatively connected to the chip (110), the inductive element (130) can change a voltage / current signal according to external conditions and transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip (110), and when the chip (110) determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip (110) enters an ink level low operation mode, and further causes the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500), and the printer (500) stops printing, characterized in that the control device (100) according to claim 1.

3. The control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the chip (110) includes at least two connection terminals, the switching element (120) is provided between the two connection terminals, the switching element (120) can conduct or disconnect the electrical connection of the two connection terminals, when the two connection terminals are disconnected, the chip (110) can establish an electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer (500), and when the two connection terminals are conducted, the chip (110) is short-circuited and can stop the electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer (500).

4. The control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching element (120), the chip (110), and the printer (500) are connected in series, and the switching element (120) is provided between the chip (110) and the printer (500), and when the switching element (120) is conductive, the chip (110) can establish an electrical connection and / or a normal communication connection with the printer (500), and when the switching element (120) is turned off, the chip (110) opens up and can stop the electrical connection and / or the normal communication connection with the printer (500).

5. The control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the chip (110) includes a decision module (114), a signal transmission terminal (111), and a signal reception terminal (112), and the inductive element (130) can change the voltage / current signals of the signal transmission terminal (111) and the signal reception terminal (112) according to external conditions, and when the decision module (114) determines that the voltage / current signals have reached a preset condition, the chip (110) enters an ink level low operation mode, and the chip (110) stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500).

6. The chip (110) entering the low ink level mode and the chip (110) suspending its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500) is at least: Control the chip (110) to short-circuit any two connection terminals, thereby causing the chip (110) to stop its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500). The chip (110) controls the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals and the printer (500), and causes the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500). The chip (110) is controlled to transmit low ink data to the printer (500), and the printer (500), after receiving the low ink data transmitted by the chip (110), disconnects the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the chip (110). The control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes controlling the chip (110) to transmit incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer (500), causing the printer (500) to report a malfunction, and further disconnecting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500).

7. An ink level low detection mechanism comprising a trigger element and a control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An ink level shortage detection mechanism characterized in that the trigger element can move in response to changes in the ink level, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can approach or come into contact with the control unit and control the operating state of the control unit.

8. The control unit is an inductive element (130), the trigger element approaches the inductive element (130), changes the voltage / current signal of the inductive element (130), and can transmit the voltage / current signal to the chip (110), and when the chip (110) determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip (110) enters an ink level low operation mode, and further causes the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500), causing the printer (500) to stop printing, characterized in that the ink level low detection mechanism according to claim 7.

9. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is a switching element (120), and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element can contact the switching element (120) to trigger the switching element (120) to turn on or off.

10. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the switching element (120) includes a switch contact (121) and a conductive member (122), the trigger element is a floating member (210), and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the floating member (210) can press the conductive member (122) against the switch contact (121) to trigger the switching element (120) to turn on.

11. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the switching element (120) includes a switch contact (121) and a conductive member (122), the trigger element includes a floating member (210) and a connecting member (220), the floating member (210) can move in accordance with changes in the ink level, the floating member (210) can abut against or connect to the connecting member (220), the floating member (210) moves the connecting member (220), and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the connecting member (220) can disconnect the conductive member (122) and the switch contact (121) to trigger the switching element (120) to turn off.

12. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the switching element (120) includes a first contact (123) and a second contact (124), the trigger element is a conductive floating member, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive floating member can conduct electricity between the first contact (123) and the second contact (124), thereby triggering the switching element (120) to turn on.

13. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the switching element (120) includes a first contact (123), a second contact (124), and a conductive member (122), the trigger element is a floating member (210), the floating member (210) can move in accordance with changes in the ink level, the floating member (210) can contact or connect to the conductive member (122), the floating member (210) moves the conductive member (122), and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the conductive member (122) can conduct or disconnect the first contact (123) and the second contact (124), thereby triggering the switching element (120) to be turned on or off.

14. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is a switching element (120), and the switching element (120) is an inductive switching element, and when the ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element moves to the induction range of the switching element (120) and can trigger the switching element (120) to turn on or off.

15. The ink level low detection mechanism according to claim 14, wherein the switching element (120) further includes a signal receiving unit and a controller, the signal receiving unit is used to receive a signal from the trigger element, and the controller is used to control the switching element (120) to be on or off based on the signal from the trigger element.

16. The ink level shortage detection mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that the switching element (120) is a Hall sensor switching element, a pressure sensor switching element, or a position sensor switching element.

17. An ink cartridge comprising a casing (600) and an ink level low detection mechanism as described in claim 7, An ink cartridge characterized in that the casing (600) is provided with a cavity (650) for housing ink, the trigger element is provided in the cavity (650), and the chip (110) is provided in the casing (600).

18. The ink cartridge according to claim 17, wherein a limiting portion is provided within the casing (600), and when the remaining ink amount is greater than a second default value, the limiting portion can restrict the movement of the trigger element, and the second default value is greater than a first default value.

19. The trigger element is provided within the cavity (650), and at least, A mounting plate (610) is provided inside the casing (600), a guide hole is provided in the mounting plate (610), the trigger element is a columnar trigger element, the trigger element extends into the guide hole and is configured to slide-fit with the guide hole, A guide groove (620) is provided inside the casing (600), the trigger element is a block-shaped or spherical trigger element, the trigger element is provided inside the guide groove (620) and is configured to slide-fit with the inner wall of the guide groove (620), A guide column (630) is provided inside the casing (600), the trigger element is a sheet-shaped trigger element, the trigger element is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole is configured to slide-fit with the guide column (630). The ink cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that a pivot (640) is provided inside the casing (600), the trigger element is a rod-shaped trigger element, the trigger element is provided with a hinge connecting portion, and the hinge connecting portion includes one configuration in which it can be gap-fitted with the pivot (640).

20. A method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge described in claim 17, and the control unit is an inductive element (130), The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. A method for detecting insufficient ink in an ink cartridge, characterized in that when the remaining ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element triggers a change in the voltage / current signal of the inductive element (130) and transmits the voltage / current signal to the chip (110), and when the chip (110) determines that the voltage / current signal has reached a preset condition, the chip (110) enters an insufficient ink operation mode, and further causes the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500), and the printer (500) stops printing.

21. A method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge described in claim 17, and the control unit is a switching element (120), The trigger element moves in response to changes in the ink level. A method for detecting insufficient ink in an ink cartridge, characterized in that when the remaining ink level decreases to a first default value, the trigger element triggers the switching element (120) to turn off or on, the switching element (120) controls the operating state of the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500), and the printer (500) stops printing.

22. The switching element (120) controls the operating state of the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500). The method for detecting insufficient ink in an ink cartridge according to claim 21, characterized in that the switching element (120) is turned on to conduct two connection terminals of the chip (110), short-circuiting the chip (110) and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500); or the switching element (120) is turned off to open the chip (110) and stopping the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500); or the chip (110) enters an insufficient ink operating mode and stops the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500).

23. The chip (110) entering the low ink level mode and suspending the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection between the chip (110) and the printer (500) is at least: Control the chip (110) to short-circuit any two connection terminals, thereby causing the chip (110) to stop its electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500). The chip (110) controls the electrical connection between any of its connection terminals and the printer (500), and causes the chip (110) to stop the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500). The chip (110) is controlled to transmit low ink data to the printer (500), and the printer (500), after receiving the low ink data transmitted by the chip (110), disconnects the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the chip (110). The method for detecting insufficient ink level in an ink cartridge according to claim 20, characterized in that it includes controlling the chip (110) to transmit incorrect ink cartridge information / data to the printer (500), causing the printer (500) to report a malfunction, and further disconnecting the electrical connection and / or normal communication connection with the printer (500).

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