Ink cartridge

Abstract

An ink cartridge (100) detachably mounted in an ink cartridge mounting part (300) of an imaging device. The ink cartridge mounting part (300) is provided with a plurality of insertion spaces (350), and the different insertion spaces (350) are used for accommodating ink cartridges (100) having ink of different colors. The ink cartridge mounting part (300) comprises an electrical contact pin (340) and acting members (303a1, 303a2, 303a3, 303a4) provided therein. Each ink cartridge (100) is mounted to the imaging device in a forward direction. Each ink cartridge (100) comprises: a cartridge body (1), comprising a first housing (101a), a second housing (101b) and an ink cavity (106) formed between the first housing (101a) and the second housing (101b); a chip component (104), comprising a chip (104a) and a combination part (104b), the chip (104a) comprising an electric contact part (104a1) used for electrically connecting to the electric contact pin (340), and the combination part (104b) being slidably arranged in the vertical direction relative to the cartridge body (1); and a trigger mechanism (6), comprising a lever-shaped trigger member (61), the trigger member (61) comprising a force receiving part (614) and a trigger part (611), and the trigger member (61) being configured to be movable between a protruding position and a trigger position. In the protruding position, the chip (104a) is not in contact with the electric contact pin (340); in the trigger position, the chip (104a) is in contact with the electric contact pin (340). The force receiving part (614) and the trigger part (611) are located at two ends of the trigger member (61).

Description

ink cartridge Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of inkjet imaging, and in particular to an ink cartridge detachably installed in an imaging device. Background Art

[0002] An ink cartridge is an ink container that can be detachably installed in an imaging device and is used to provide ink for the imaging device. Generally, in order for the ink cartridge to be used normally in the imaging device, at least a locking device, a detection device and a chip component need to be provided in the ink cartridge. The locking device is used to lock the ink cartridge in the imaging device, the detection device is used to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed, the model of the ink cartridge and at least one of the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge, and the chip component is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge and the imaging device so that the imaging device can obtain parameter information of the ink cartridge.

[0003] The locking device, detection device and chip component are all fixedly arranged in the ink cartridge, and the relative positions of the components in the ink cartridge are also limited. On the one hand, this design makes the components easily damaged when the ink cartridge is hit or dropped, and on the other hand, it reduces the design freedom of the ink cartridge.

[0004] Patent EP3628499B1 discloses an ink cartridge that, when installed in an ink cartridge mounting portion of an imaging device, abuts the mounting portion, causing the cartridge to tend to disengage from the mounting portion. The ink cartridge has a rearwardly facing locking surface 151. When the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting portion, the inclined surface on the top of the cartridge abuts a locking shaft 145, causing the cartridge to rotate in one direction (the direction in which the front of the cartridge flips upward). This compresses and deforms an elastic sealing member within the ink outlet of the cartridge, generating a spring force that forces the cartridge to disengage from the mounting portion. Once the cartridge is fully installed and the inclined surface on the top of the cartridge passes over the locking shaft 145, the elastic sealing member within the ink outlet returns to its original position, pulling the cartridge upward, causing the cartridge to rotate in the other direction (the direction in which the rear of the cartridge flips upward) until the cartridge returns to a horizontal position. At this point, the locking surface 151 abuts the locking shaft 145 of the mounting portion, counteracting the spring force that would otherwise cause the cartridge to disengage from the mounting portion, thereby locking the cartridge. In addition, after the ink cartridge is unlocked, the elastic force generated by the elastic sealing component is mainly used to drive the ink cartridge out of the ink cartridge installation portion.

[0005] With this locking method for the ink cartridge, the elastic seal inside the ink outlet of the ink cartridge will be deformed by force during rotation. Repeated installation / disassembly will easily shorten the life of the elastic sealing component. Once the elasticity of the elastic sealing component is poor, it will affect the sealing of the ink outlet. Therefore, this locking method has higher performance requirements for the elastic sealing component.

[0006] The ink cartridge is used to be detachably installed in an imaging device having an ink cartridge installation portion. A chip component is provided on the top wall of the ink cartridge. The chip component includes a chip and a chip fixing seat. The chip is fixed on the chip fixing seat. The chip is provided with an electrical contact portion for electrically connecting to an electrical contact pin in the imaging device. Referring to the patent application with application publication number CN112848689A, when the ink cartridge is installed in the imaging device along the installation direction, the imaging device can drive the chip fixing seat to move linearly along the top surface of the ink cartridge body. Through the linear movement of the ink cartridge, a stable electrical connection can be formed between the electrical contact portion and the electrical contact pin.

[0007] In the prior art, the ink cartridge is provided with an elastic component connected to the chip fixing seat. The electrical contact portion contacts the electrical contact pin through the elastic force released by the elastic component, thereby establishing a communication connection between the ink cartridge and the imaging device. However, as the ink cartridge is used for a longer time, the elastic component is prone to fatigue, which will cause the electrical connection between the chip and the contact pin to be unstable, resulting in the ink cartridge being unable to be recognized and the imaging device being unable to work normally.

[0008] The ink cartridge is used to be detachably installed in an inkjet imaging device having an ink cartridge installation portion. The ink cartridge includes an ink chamber for containing ink and for supplying ink to the imaging device; the ink cartridge is also provided with an air hole, which is directly or indirectly connected to the ink chamber so that the ink chamber is connected to the atmosphere, and the ink can be supplied to the imaging device through the ink outlet portion.

[0009] In the prior art, before using an ink cartridge, a seal, such as a sealing film, is usually provided to prevent ink from leaking from the pores, so that the ink chamber is not connected to the atmosphere. When the user uses the ink cartridge, the sealing film needs to be removed first and then installed. The ink cartridge provided in this way requires manual operation by the user, and the steps are cumbersome, which affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, the present invention provides an ink cartridge adopting the following technical solution to solve at least one of the above technical problems, specifically:

[0011] The ink cartridge is detachably installed in the ink cartridge installation portion of the imaging device, the ink cartridge installation portion has a plurality of insertion spaces, different insertion spaces are used to accommodate ink cartridges with different colors of ink, the ink cartridge installation portion includes an electric contact pin and an action member arranged therein, when the ink cartridge is in the installed state, the gravity direction of the ink cartridge is downward, the direction opposite to the downward direction is upward, the direction intersecting the up and down directions of the ink cartridge is the front-to-back direction, the ink cartridge is installed to the imaging device along the forward direction, the electric contact pin and the action member are both located above the insertion space, and in the front-to-back direction, the action member is located behind the electric contact pin, the ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body including a first shell, a second shell and an ink cavity formed between the first shell and the second shell for accommodating ink; a chip structure A component, including a chip and a coupling part, the chip including an electrical contact part for electrically connecting to the electric contact pin, the coupling part being used to install the chip, and the coupling part being slidably arranged in the up and down directions relative to the box body; a trigger mechanism, including a lever-shaped trigger component, the trigger component including a force receiving part having a force receiving surface and a trigger part, the force receiving part being used to receive an external force, the trigger part being used to push the coupling part to move upward, the trigger component being configured to be movable between a protruding position and a trigger position, in the protruding position, the chip is not in contact with the electric contact pin, and in the trigger position, the chip is in contact with the electric contact pin, the force receiving part and the trigger part are located at both ends of the trigger component, and the trigger component can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the left and right directions, and the left and right directions are perpendicular to the up and down directions.

[0012] The ink cartridge installation portion also includes a blocking portion arranged therein, and in the up and down directions, the blocking portion is located above the insertion space; the ink cartridge also includes a locking portion, which is movable relative to the cartridge body, and at least a portion of the locking portion is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; when in the locked position, the locking portion abuts against the active member, or the locking portion abuts against the blocking portion, the ink cartridge is locked in the ink cartridge installation portion, and the electrical contact portion contacts the electrical contact pin; when in the unlocked position, the locking portion is disengaged from the abutment with the active member, or the locking portion is disengaged from the abutment with the blocking portion, the ink cartridge is unlocked, and the electrical contact portion is disengaged from the electrical contact pin.

[0013] The locking portion includes an abutment portion having a locking surface, and the ink cartridge is locked by frictionally abutting the locking surface with the actuator at the rear side of the cartridge body. In the front-to-back direction, the locking surface is located behind the electrical contact portion.

[0014] The locking portion includes an abutting portion having a locking surface. When the ink cartridge is installed to a predetermined position toward the ink cartridge installation portion, a position where the locking surface abuts against the blocking portion is located in front of the electric contact pin in the front-to-back direction.

[0015] A accommodating cavity is further formed between the first shell and the second shell. In the up-down direction, the accommodating cavity is located above the ink cavity. The accommodating cavity has an exposure opening facing upward. The trigger member is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is exposed upward through the exposure opening. When the ink cartridge is not installed to the ink cartridge installation part, at least the force receiving part is located above the exposure opening.

[0016] The locking portion is arranged on the trigger member, the locking surface is a force receiving surface, and the action member includes a second interference portion. In the up and down directions, the second interference portion is located above the insertion space. During the installation of the ink cartridge toward the ink cartridge installation portion, the locking surface abuts against the second interference portion to receive the external force and move downward; when the ink cartridge is installed to the predetermined position, the ink cartridge is locked by the friction abutment between the locking surface and the second interference portion.

[0017] The ink cartridge also includes a limiting portion protruding upward on the rear side of the cartridge body, and the active member also includes a fourth interference portion. In the up and down directions, the fourth interference portion is located above the insertion space, and along the direction from the back to the front, the fourth interference portion and the second interference portion are arranged in sequence; when the ink cartridge is installed, the forward movement of the ink cartridge is restricted by the abutment between the fourth interference portion and the limiting portion.

[0018] The ink cartridge further includes a lower side wall facing downward, the lower side wall is provided with a locking portion, the insertion space has a mounting portion bottom wall, the mounting portion bottom wall is provided with a groove portion, the locking portion is engaged with the groove portion to lock the ink cartridge.

[0019] The locking portion is configured as a cantilever located on the first housing / the second housing and extending upward.

[0020] The abutment portion includes an extrusion surface and a locking surface, the extrusion surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to receive the extrusion force, at least a portion of the abutment portion is elastically deformed downward so that the locking portion can pass over the blocking portion, and the locking surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to lock the ink cartridge.

[0021] The ink cartridge also includes an ink outlet portion combined with the cartridge body, the ink outlet portion having an ink outlet port facing forward, the ink outlet port being used to supply ink to an imaging device; the ink outlet portion also includes a sealing plug arranged inside the ink outlet portion, an outer cover arranged outside the ink outlet portion, and an adsorbent arranged between the outer cover and the sealing plug, the outer cover being used to fix the sealing plug, and when the ink cartridge is taken out of the ink cartridge mounting portion to the rear, the adsorbent is used to adsorb ink on the outer side wall of the ink suction needle; a portion of the adsorbent is located inside the ink outlet port to be combined with the sealing plug, and the other portion is located outside the ink outlet port; the cartridge body is also provided with an elastic arm that interacts with the outer cover to fix the outer cover.

[0022] The ink cartridge also includes an air guide member, which can be switched between a sealing position and an unsealing position. In the sealing position, the ink chamber is not connected to the atmosphere, and in the unsealing position, the ink chamber is connected to the atmosphere. The locking portion is configured as a cantilever located on the air guide member and extending upward. The abutting portion includes an extrusion surface and a locking surface. When the extrusion surface abuts against the blocking portion and receives the extrusion force, at least a portion of the abutting portion undergoes elastic deformation downward, so that the locking portion can pass over the blocking portion. The locking surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to lock the ink cartridge.

[0023] A color recognition component is provided in the ink cartridge installation portion, and the color recognition component is used to identify ink cartridges containing inks of different colors. In the up-down direction, the color recognition component is located above the insertion space, and in the front-to-back direction, the color recognition component is located in front of the electric contact pin. The ink cartridge also includes an air guide port, an air circulation channel and an air guide component. The air guide component is movably arranged relative to the cartridge body, the air guide port is connected to the atmosphere, and the gas circulation channel is used to connect the ink chamber and the air guide port; during the installation process of the ink cartridge, the end of the color recognition component acts on the air guide component, so that the air guide component moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position; when the air guide component is in the sealing position, the ink chamber is not connected to the atmosphere; when the air guide component is in the unsealing position, the ink chamber is connected to the atmosphere.

[0024] A accommodating chamber is further formed between the first shell and the second shell, and an intermediate partition is provided between the ink chamber and the accommodating chamber. In the up and down directions, the accommodating chamber is located above the ink chamber, at least a portion of the air guide component is located in the accommodating chamber, and the air guide port is located on the intermediate partition.

[0025] The middle partition is provided with a fifth groove which is recessed downward and is used to accommodate a part of the air guide component. The side wall of the fifth groove has at least a first air inlet and a second air inlet connected to the gas communication channel. The first air inlet and the second air inlet are connected to each other, and the first air inlet is connected to the air guide port.

[0026] The air guide member at least includes a seal member for sealing the air guide port; the seal member includes a first abutting portion for abutting against the color recognition member and causing the seal member to move from a sealing position to an unsealing position.

[0027] The front end of the sealing member is provided with a third through hole capable of connecting the atmosphere and the air guide port. In the unsealing position, the air guide port is no longer sealed by the sealing member, and the air guide port is connected to the atmosphere through the third through hole.

[0028] The air guide component is further provided with sealing silicone, which is accommodated in the fifth groove. When in the sealing position, the seal and the sealing silicone are pressed against each other.

[0029] The ink cartridge also includes an operating portion, which is located at the rear of the cartridge body in the front-to-back direction and at the top of the cartridge body in the top-to-bottom direction. A groove facing upward is provided in front of the operating portion in the front-to-back direction, and the groove is used to allow a user to apply force to the operating portion to achieve installation and removal of the ink cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1A is a state diagram showing an ink cartridge according to the present invention after being separated from an ink cartridge mounting portion of an imaging device.

[0031] FIG1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB direction in FIG1A.

[0032] FIG2 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to the present invention after the first shell is hidden.

[0033] FIG3A is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the present invention, taken along the BB direction in FIG1A , before being installed in a predetermined position of the ink cartridge installation portion.

[0034] FIG3B is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to the present invention after being installed in a predetermined position of the ink cartridge installation portion, taken along the BB direction in FIG1A .

[0035] FIG4 is a diagram showing the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where the locking portion is separated from the second shell after the first shell is hidden.

[0036] 5A , 5B and 5C are side views of the process of installing the ink cartridge toward a predetermined position of the ink cartridge installation portion when viewed from left to right after the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention is hidden in the first shell.

[0037] FIG6 is a perspective view of the electrical contact pin assembly involved in the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge involved in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge involved in the second embodiment of the present invention after being installed in the ink cartridge installation portion, taken along the BB direction in FIG1A .

[0040] FIG9 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG10 is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG11 is a state diagram of the ink cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the sealing member is located at the unsealing position.

[0043] FIG12 is a top view of the ink cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the sealing member is located at the unsealing position.

[0044] FIG13 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge involved in the third embodiment of the present invention after being installed in the ink cartridge installation portion, taken along the BB direction in FIG1A .

[0046] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of an ink cartridge according to the present invention when installed in an ink cartridge installation portion.

[0047] 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams of an ink cartridge mounting portion according to the present invention.

[0048] 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams of an ink cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 17C is a side view of the ink cartridge involved in Example 4 of the present invention when viewed from left to right.

[0050] FIG18A is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when installed in the ink cartridge installation portion, when cut along the direction indicated by CC in FIG20 .

[0051] FIG. 18B is a side view of the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 18A when viewed from left to right.

[0052] Figure 19 is an exploded schematic diagram of some components of the ink cartridge involved in Example 5 of the present invention.

[0053] FIG20A is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention before being installed in the ink cartridge installation portion.

[0054] 20B and 21 are schematic diagrams showing the ink cartridge according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention after being installed in the ink cartridge installation portion.

[0055] Figure 22 is a three-dimensional diagram of the ink cartridge involved in Example 6 of the present invention.

[0056] Figures 23 and 24 are three-dimensional views of the ink cartridge installation portion involved in Example 6 of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 25 is an exploded view of the ink cartridge involved in Example 6 of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 26 is a three-dimensional view of the ink cartridge involved in Example 6 of the present invention after the first shell is hidden.

[0059] Figure 27 is a state diagram of the ink cartridge involved in Example 6 of the present invention after being installed in the imaging device.

[0060] FIG28 is a diagram showing a state in which the ink cartridge according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is installed in an imaging device and the first housing is hidden.

[0061] Figures 29A and 29B are three-dimensional views of the ink cartridge installation portion involved in this embodiment.

[0062] Figure 30 is an exploded view of some components of the ink cartridge involved in Example 7 of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 31 is a state diagram of the ink cartridge involved in Example 7 of the present invention when the sealing member is in the unsealing position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] The ink cartridge 100 is used to be detachably installed in the ink cartridge installation portion 300 of the imaging device, and the ink cartridge installation portion 300 has a plurality of insertion spaces 350, and different insertion spaces 350 are used to accommodate ink cartridges 100 with different colors of ink. When the ink cartridge 100 is placed in the posture shown in Figure 1A or Figure 15 or Figure 22, the ink cartridge 100 has a front, a rear, a left, a right, a top and a bottom, wherein the front and the rear are opposite, the left and the right are opposite, and the top and the bottom are opposite, the front-to-back direction is the first direction / length direction / longitudinal direction of the ink cartridge 100, the left-to-right direction is the second direction / width direction / transverse direction of the ink cartridge 100, the up-down direction is the third direction / height direction / vertical direction of the ink cartridge 100, the downward direction is the gravity direction of the ink cartridge 100, and the upward direction is the direction opposite to the downward direction, the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction and the up-down direction intersect with each other, and preferably, the front-to-back direction, the left-to-right direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other, and the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the front and removed / taken out toward the rear.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 15, the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 has the same direction as the ink cartridge 100, and includes a mounting frame 301 and multiple side panels 302. The mounting frame 301 has an ink cartridge mounting port 300a open to the rear, and insertion spaces 350 are formed between the side panels 302 and the mounting frame 301, as well as between two adjacent side panels 302. Each insertion space 350 is provided with an ink suction needle 310, a limit member 320 and an electric contact needle assembly 300b / contact needle seat 370 (as shown in Figure 29A). The ink cartridge 100 is installed from the ink cartridge mounting port 300a toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300.

[0067] The electric contact needle assembly 300b includes a carrier body 300c, a first protrusion 300d, a second protrusion 300e and an electric contact needle 340. The first protrusion 300d and the second protrusion 300e both protrude in the same direction from the carrier body 300c, and the first protrusion 300d protrudes farther than the second protrusion 300e. In the front-to-back direction, the first protrusion 300d is located in front of the second protrusion 300e, and the first protrusion 300d and the second protrusion 300e are spaced apart, forming a contact cavity 300f therebetween. The electric contact needle 340 is located in the contact cavity 300f, and the electric contact needle 340 is configured to move in the up-down direction relative to the carrier body 300c. In the front-to-back direction, the electric contact needle assembly 300b / the electric contact needle 340 is located in front of the limit member 320, and in the up-down direction, the electric contact needle assembly 300b is located above the ink absorbent needle 310.

[0068] In the present invention, when the ink cartridge 100 is not installed in the ink cartridge installation portion 300 , the state of the ink cartridge 100 may be referred to as an initial state, and when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the ink cartridge installation portion 300 , the state of the ink cartridge 100 may be referred to as an installed state.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1B, 2, and 17A-17C, the ink cartridge 100 includes a box body 1 and an ink outlet 2 that are combined with each other. The box body 1 is used to contain ink, and the ink outlet 2 is used to supply ink to the imaging device; the ink cartridge 100 also includes a left side wall 100a facing left, a right side wall 100b facing right, a front side wall 100c facing forward, a rear side wall 100d facing rearward, an upper side wall 100e facing upward, and a lower side wall 100f facing downward, the box body 1 includes a first shell 101a and a second shell 101b that are detachably combined, the ink cavity 106 is located between the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b, the ink outlet 2 is arranged on the first shell 101a or the second shell 101b, and the ink outlet 2 is communicated with the ink cavity 106; no limitation is imposed on the direction in which the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b are combined.

[0070] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1A and 2, Figures 17A and 17B, the left side wall 100a is located in the first shell 101a, the right side wall 100b, the front side wall 100c, the rear side wall 100d, the upper side wall 100e and the lower side wall 100f are all located in the second shell 101b, and the ink outlet portion 2 is arranged on the second shell 101b.

[0071] In one embodiment, the ink outlet portion 2 is located in front of the lower side wall 100f in the front-to-back direction, and is located between the upper side wall 100e and the lower side wall 100f in the up-down direction.

[0072] In one embodiment, the box body 1 further has a sub-front side wall 100c1 and a sub-lower side wall 100f1. Along the up-down direction, the sub-front side wall 100c1 is located between the front side wall 100c and the lower side wall 100f. Along the front-to-back direction, the sub-lower side wall 100f1 is located between the front side wall 100c and the sub-front side wall 100c1. The ink outlet portion 2 is formed to protrude forward from the sub-front side wall 100c1.

[0073] In one embodiment, in the front-to-back direction, the sub-front side wall 100c1 is located between the front side wall 100c and the rear side wall 100d, and in the top-to-bottom direction, the sub-front side wall 100c1 is connected to the sub-lower side wall 100f1, and the ink outlet portion 2 is arranged on the sub-front side wall 100c1. This arrangement can effectively protect the ink outlet portion 2.

[0074] In one embodiment, in the up and down directions, the ink outlet portion 2 is located between the lower side wall 100f and the sub-lower side wall 100f1. Specifically, the ink outlet portion 2 is located below the sub-lower side wall 100f1. The ink outlet portion 2 arranged in this way can be protected by the box body 1 and is not easily damaged.

[0075] In one embodiment, the box body 1 may not be provided with the sub-front side wall 100c1 and the sub-lower side wall 100f1, and the ink outlet portion 2 may be directly provided on the front side wall 100c. In this case, the ink outlet portion 2 protrudes forward from the front side wall 100c.

[0076] In the ink cartridge according to the present invention, the ink outlet portion 2 has an ink outlet 21 for allowing the ink suction needle 310 to enter. The ink outlet 21 faces forward and is used to supply ink to the imaging device.

[0077] In one embodiment, a accommodating chamber 107 is further formed between the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b. Along the up and down directions, the accommodating chamber 107 and the upper side wall 100e are located above the ink chamber 106, and an intermediate partition 107a is provided between the accommodating chamber 107 and the ink chamber 106.

[0078] Furthermore, the ink cartridge 100 further includes a chip component 104 and a trigger mechanism 6. The chip component 104 is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. Specifically, the chip component 104 includes a chip 104a and a bonding portion / chip fixing seat 104b that are combined with each other. The bonding portion / chip fixing seat 104b is used to install the chip 104a. The chip 104a and the bonding portion 104b are movably combined. The bonding portion 104b is connected to the cartridge body 1. The chip 104a includes a substrate 1 04a2, the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the movable portion 104a3. For example, the substrate 104a2 is movable relative to the coupling portion 104b through the movable portion 104a3. As shown in FIG1A , the chip 104a is rotatable relative to the coupling portion 104b around a rotation axis L, and the rotation axis L intersects with the up and down directions. Alternatively, the movable portion 104a3 and the coupling portion 104b are slidably coupled, or the movable portion 104a3 can both rotate and slide relative to the coupling portion 104b.

[0079] As the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is triggered, and then the trigger mechanism 6 forces the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. In the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 does not contact the electrical contact pin 340, and in the electrically connected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 contacts the electrical contact pin 340; as the user operates the operating portion 105 located behind the ink cartridge 100, the ink cartridge 100 is gradually taken out of the insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is gradually reset, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position. Therefore, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 involved in the present invention can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position.

[0080] As shown in FIG2 , the electrical contact portion 104a1 in this embodiment is disposed on a surface of a substrate 104a2, and the movable portion 104a3 is disposed at one end of the substrate 104a2. Along the length direction of the substrate 104a2, the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the movable portion 104a3 are respectively located at both ends of the substrate 104a2. In this way, when the movable portion 104a3 is rotatably coupled to the coupling portion / chip holder 104b, the electrical contact portion 104a1 can contact the electrical contact pin 340 without the substrate 104a2 being rotated a large angle. In other words, this design helps to reduce the angle at which the substrate 104a2 needs to rotate.

[0081] The trigger mechanism 6 is movably arranged relative to the cartridge body 1, and includes a trigger member 61 and a third reset member 62. The trigger member 61 is arranged to be movable between a protruding position and a trigger position. Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, or before the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 is located in the protruding position, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 is located in the electrically disconnected position; along the front-to-back direction, at least a portion of the trigger member 61 is located in front of the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1, and the third reset member 62 is used to force the trigger member 61 to move toward the protruding position.

[0082] When the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, the third reset member 62 undergoes elastic deformation, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position; when the trigger member 61 is in the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 is in the electrically connected position. At this time, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 can be kept in contact with the electrical contact pin 340 by the trigger member 61 or other components.

[0083] In one embodiment, a portion of the trigger member 61 and at least a portion of the third reset member 62 are located in the accommodating cavity 107, and another portion of the trigger member 61 is located outside the accommodating cavity 107. In the up-down direction, the trigger member 61 extends beyond the upper side wall 100e. This design not only protects the trigger mechanism 6, but also reduces the size of the ink cartridge 100 in the up-down direction.

[0084] In one embodiment, the trigger mechanism 6 may also be entirely located above the upper side wall 100e. In this case, the accommodating cavity 107 may not be necessary.

[0085] In one embodiment, the third reset member 62 is configured as an elastic member. Figure 2 shows the third reset member 62 configured as a compression spring. One end of the third reset member 62 abuts against the box body 1, and the other end abuts against the trigger member 61, forcing the trigger member 61 to move toward the protruding position.

[0086] Specifically, the trigger member 61 has a force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 for receiving external force and a force transmitting surface / force transmitting portion 612 for transmitting the force. The force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 is used to abut against the interference surface / interference portion 303 in the imaging device / insertion space 350 to receive the external force, so that the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, and the force transmitting surface / force transmitting portion 612 is used to directly or indirectly transmit the force to the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0087] Preferably, the interference surface / interference portion 303 is a certain component / group of components provided in the imaging device. During the installation process of the ink cartridge 100, as long as the component can move the trigger member 61 from the protruding position to the trigger position, the interference surface / interference portion 303 can also be called an active member. For example, the active member is a protrusion provided in the insertion space 350, or a color recognition component 200 provided in the insertion space 350, and an identification groove is provided in the color recognition component 200. Accordingly, a protruding component 3 that can enter the identification groove is provided in the ink cartridge 100. Through the cooperation of the protruding component 3 and the identification groove, it is ensured that ink cartridges with different color inks can be installed in the corresponding insertion space.

[0088] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with a retaining portion / retaining surface 613 for retaining the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 in an electrically connected position. Preferably, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 is provided on the trigger member 61. As shown in FIG2 , the force transmitting surface 612 and the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 are both provided on the trigger portion 611 of the trigger member 61. Such a setting can simplify the structure of the trigger mechanism 6 / ink cartridge 100. Along the front-to-back direction, the force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 and the trigger portion 611 are respectively located at both ends of the trigger member 61.

[0089] In one embodiment, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 may not be provided on the trigger member 61. For example, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 is provided as a component linked to the trigger mechanism 6. During the movement of the trigger member 61 toward the trigger position, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 gradually begins to contact the chip 104a / 104a1, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 can be retained by the retaining portion / retaining surface 613; or, when the trigger member 61 reaches the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 is directly retained by the retaining portion / retaining surface 613.

[0090] In one embodiment, the force transmission surface 612 is configured as an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the front-rear direction, so that the force transmission surface 612b can transmit the force more smoothly.

[0091] In one embodiment, when the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position, the force transmission portion / force transmission surface 612 maintains contact with the chip 104a / substrate 104a2 / electrical contact portion 104a1. This design can improve the efficiency of force transmission on the one hand, and on the other hand, enable the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 in the electrically disconnected position to be stably supported.

[0092] In one embodiment, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, at least a portion of the trigger member 61 is located above the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 in the up-down direction. In this way, even if the ink cartridge 100 falls, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 can be protected by the trigger member 61.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3A, the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the forward direction toward the insertion space 350, the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position, the ink suction needle 310 is aligned with the ink outlet 21 in the front-to-back direction, and the upper end of the trigger portion 611 is lower than the lower end of the second protrusion 300e in the up-down direction. The upper end of the force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 is lower than the lower end of the first protrusion 300d and the lower end of the second protrusion 300e. In this way, the ink cartridge 100 can be smoothly installed forward.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3B, as the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet portion 2 through the ink outlet port 21, the force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 abuts against the interference surface / interference portion 303, the trigger member 61 overcomes the reset force of the third reset member 62 and moves backward, the force transmission surface / force transmission portion 612 pushes the substrate 104a2, so that the substrate 104a2 rotates around the rotation axis L, when the ink cartridge 100 reaches the predetermined position, the trigger member 61 is in the trigger position, the force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 remains in abutment with the interference surface / interference portion 303, in the contact cavity 300f, the electrical contact portion 104a1 contacts the electrical contact needle 340, and at the same time, the substrate 104a2 is supported by the support portion / support surface 613 so that the electrical contact portion 104a1 maintains stable contact with the electrical contact needle 340.

[0095] When the user applies a backward pulling force to the operating portion 105, the ink cartridge 100 begins to move backward, the third reset member 62 releases the reset force, the trigger member 61 begins to move from the trigger position toward the protruding position, and at the same time, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 begins to move from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position.

[0096] As described above, since the movable part 104a3 and the electrical contact part 104a1 of the chip 104a are respectively arranged at the two ends of the substrate 104a2, when the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 is no longer supported by the support part / support surface 613, the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 can move from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position under the action of its own gravity; in other feasible embodiments, the chip 104a / electrical contact part 104a1 can also move from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position under the action of the trigger mechanism 6.

[0097] [Example 1]

[0098] This embodiment will describe the locking portion 4 of the ink cartridge 100, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion. As shown in Figure 4, the ink cartridge 100 in this embodiment is also provided with a chip component 104. Therefore, the trigger mechanism 6 involved in the above description is also applicable to this embodiment. In order to more clearly show the locking portion 4, the trigger mechanism 6 is not shown in the figure.

[0099] The locking portion 4 includes an abutting portion 42 and a fourth return member 47. The abutting portion 42 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the cartridge body 1. The fourth return member 47 is used to force the abutting portion 42 toward the locked position. In the locked position, the abutting portion 42 abuts against a blocking portion provided in the imaging device / cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, with the electrical contact portion 104a1 in the electrical connection position. In the unlocked position, the abutting portion 42 disengages from the blocking portion. The blocking portion can be any component in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350 having a forward-facing surface, such as the first protrusion 300d or the second protrusion 300e. The blocking portion is located above the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350.

[0100] In one embodiment, an accommodating cavity 107 is provided in the ink cartridge 100 , and a portion of the fourth restoring member 47 and a portion of the abutting portion 42 are both located in the accommodating cavity 107 , which helps the abutting portion 42 maintain a stable motion trajectory.

[0101] In one embodiment, the accommodating chamber 107 may not be required in the ink cartridge 100. For example, by providing a guide track on the upper side wall 100e, or by extending the guide track upward from the upper side wall 100e, etc., it can also be ensured that the abutting portion 42 has a stable movement trajectory.

[0102] Furthermore, the abutment portion 42 has an extrusion surface 421 and a locking surface 422. The extrusion surface 421 is used to receive the extrusion force by abutting against the blocking portion, thereby causing the fourth reset member 47 to deform. The abutment portion 42 moves in the up and down directions, which is conducive to the locking portion 42 smoothly crossing the blocking portion. The locking surface 422 is used to abut against the blocking portion to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0103] As shown in FIG5A , during the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 forward along the front-to-back direction, the abutting portion 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300 e and the first protrusion 300 d in sequence. When the abutting portion 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300 e, the extrusion surface 421 is squeezed by the second protrusion 300 e, and the abutting portion 42 overcomes the restoring force of the fourth restoring member 47 and moves downward. After the abutting portion 42 passes over the second protrusion 300 e, the fourth restoring member 47 releases the restoring force, and the abutting portion 42 moves upward and enters the contact cavity 300 f. As the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed, the abutting portion 42 begins to abut against the first protrusion 300 d, and the extrusion surface 421 is squeezed by the first protrusion 300 d again. , the abutment 42 overcomes the restoring force of the fourth restoring member 47 and moves downward again, the abutment 42 passes over the first protrusion 300d and reaches the front of the first protrusion 300d, the fourth restoring member 47 releases the restoring force, and the abutment 42 moves upward again. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the predetermined position of the imaging device. Along the front-to-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located in front of the first protrusion 300d, and the locking surface 422 / abutment 42 abuts against the first protrusion 300d, that is, the position where the locking surface 422 / abutment 42 abuts against the first protrusion 300d is located in front of the electric contact pin 340, the abutment 42 is in the locked position, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked in the imaging device.

[0104] In one embodiment, the abutment portion 42 can also be configured so that during the installation process of the ink cartridge 100, the abutment portion 42 does not abut against the second protrusion 300e, but only abuts against the first protrusion 300d, thereby reducing the wear of the abutment portion 42 and also reducing the number of times the fourth reset member 47 is deformed.

[0105] In one embodiment, the locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 can also be arranged behind the chip component 104 / electrical contact portion 104a1 along the front-to-back direction. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the abutment portion 42 abuts against the second protrusion 300e and moves downward, and the fourth reset member 47 undergoes elastic deformation. When the abutment portion 42 passes over the second protrusion 300e, the fourth reset member 47 releases the elastic force, and the abutment portion 42 moves upward. Finally, the abutment portion 42 locks the ink cartridge 100 by abutting against the second protrusion 300e.

[0106] In one embodiment, the fourth restoring member 47 is configured as an elastic member that can undergo elastic deformation. Specifically, the fourth restoring member 47 is configured as a compression spring, a tension spring, rubber, silicone, sponge, etc.

[0107] In one embodiment, along the up-down direction, the highest point of the abutment portion 42 is higher than the electrical contact portion 104a1. When the center line L2 of the ink outlet portion 2 is used as a reference, along the up-down direction, the distance between the highest point of the abutment portion 42 and the center line L2 is greater than the distance between the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the center line L2. Therefore, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, or when the locking portion 4 is in the unlocked position, at least the electrical contact portion 104a1 can be protected by the abutment portion 42.

[0108] The ink cartridge 100 having this structure can be installed and removed in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction. In this way, the lower side wall 100f of the ink cartridge 100 can be set to a plane, thereby simplifying the structure of the ink cartridge 100.

[0109] [Example 2]

[0110] As shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, this embodiment will continue to describe the locking portion 4 of the ink cartridge 100, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion. In this embodiment, the locking portion 4 is configured as a cantilever located on the first shell 101a or the second shell 101b. The following description will take the locking portion 4 being configured on the second shell 101b as an example.

[0111] The locking portion 4 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the abutting portion 42 abuts against a blocking portion provided in the imaging device / cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, and the electrical contact portion 104a1 is in an electrically connected position. In the unlocked position, the abutting portion 42 disengages from the blocking portion, and the electrical contact portion 104a1 is in an electrically disconnected position. The blocking portion may be any component in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350 having a forward-facing surface, such as the first protrusion 300d or the second protrusion 300e.

[0112] The locking portion 4 includes a main body 108 and an abutting portion 42 connected to each other. The main body 108 is connected to at least one of the first shell 101a, the second shell 101b and the intermediate partition 107a. The abutting portion 42 is configured as a cantilever extending upward.

[0113] The abutment portion 42 has an extrusion surface 421 and a locking surface 422. The extrusion surface 421 is used to receive the extrusion force by abutting against the blocking portion. At least a portion of the abutment portion 42 undergoes elastic deformation downward so that the locking portion 42 can smoothly pass over the blocking portion. The locking surface 422 is used to abut against the blocking portion so that the ink cartridge 100 is locked.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 into the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350 in the forward direction, the abutment position of the extrusion surface 421 and the electric contact pin assembly 300b can refer to the first embodiment. After the extrusion surface 421 abuts against the electric contact pin assembly 300b, at least a portion of the abutment portion 42 elastically deforms downward until the abutment portion 42 passes over the blocking portion, or in other words, the abutment portion 42 reaches the front of the blocking portion, the extrusion surface 421 disengages from the blocking portion, the abutment portion 42 no longer elastically deforms, the locking surface 422 abuts against the front surface of the electric contact pin assembly 300b, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked. It can be seen that when the ink cartridge 100 is installed to the predetermined position toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300, in the front-to-back direction, the position where the locking surface 422 abuts against the blocking portion is located in front of the electric contact pin 340.

[0115] In one embodiment, the abutting portion 42 is located in front of or behind the main body 108 .

[0116] In one embodiment, the abutting portion 42 is configured to have an irregular shape, which facilitates elastic deformation of the abutting portion 42 .

[0117] In one embodiment, the locking portion 4 further includes a first support member 44 extending in the up-down direction, and at least one of the main body 108, the first shell 101a, the second shell 101b and the middle partition 107a is connected to the first support member 44. The first support member 44 is used to support the abutment portion 42 so that the locking surface 422 and the forward surface of the electrical contact pin assembly 300b can abut more stably. In this way, the ink cartridge 100 can be more stably locked in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350.

[0118] As shown in Figure 8, the ink outlet 2 further includes a sealing plug 22 disposed within it, an outer cover 23 disposed outside it, and a suction member 24 disposed within the outer cover 23. Furthermore, the suction member 24 is located between the outer cover 23 and the sealing plug 22. The outer cover 23 is used to secure the sealing plug 22 to prevent it from falling out. When the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 300, the suction member 24 can absorb ink from the outer wall of the ink absorbing needle 310 to prevent residual ink from contaminating the cartridge mounting portion 300. Furthermore, a portion of the suction member 24 is located within the ink outlet 21 to engage with the sealing plug 22, while another portion is located outside the ink outlet 21. The other portion of the suction member 24 may or may not engage with the outer cover 23. The ink outlet 2 also includes a protective plug 25. During transportation of the ink cartridge 100, the protective plug 25 is located both inside and outside the ink outlet 21 to seal the entire ink outlet 2.

[0119] In some embodiments, the box body 1 is further provided with an elastic arm 101 c that interacts with the outer cover 23 to fix the outer cover 23 . Preferably, the elastic arm 101 c is engaged with the outer cover 23 .

[0120] In this embodiment, the locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 is arranged on the first shell 101a / second shell 101b instead of on the chip component 104. The locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 no longer moves with the chip component 104 / combining portion / chip fixing seat 104b, which can improve the stability of the abutment between the locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 and the electrical contact pin assembly 300b.

[0121] [Example 3]

[0122] As shown in FIG9 and FIG11 , the middle partition 107 a includes a first partition 107 a 1 , a fourth partition 107 a 2 , and a step portion 109 located between the first partition 107 a 1 and the fourth partition 107 a 2 . The step portion 109 has a step surface 107 m 1 facing upward.

[0123] As shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, the ink cartridge 100 also includes an atmospheric connecting piece and an air guiding component 110. The air guiding component 110 is movably arranged relative to the box body 1 and is used to directly or indirectly open or close the atmospheric connecting piece. The atmospheric connecting piece is used to connect the ink chamber 106 and the atmosphere. The atmospheric connecting piece includes an air guiding port 110b and a gas connecting channel 140 that are interconnected. The air guiding port 110b is used to connect the atmosphere and the gas connecting channel 140. The gas connecting channel 140 is used to connect the air guiding port 110b with the ink chamber 106. The atmosphere can enter the ink chamber 106 through the air guiding port 110b and the gas connecting channel 140.

[0124] The air guide component 110 includes a sealing member 110d, and the air guide component 110 can be switched between a sealing position and an unsealing position. The sealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b, is sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink chamber 106 is not connected to the atmosphere. The unsealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b is not sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink chamber 106 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0125] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the locking portion 4 is also configured as a cantilever. Unlike the second embodiment, the locking portion 4 is provided on the air guide member 110. Specifically, the locking portion 4 is located on the sealing member 110d of the air guide member 110. The locking portion 4 is connected to or integrally formed with the sealing member 110d. The locking portion 4 includes an abutting portion 42 having an extrusion surface 421 and a locking surface 422. During the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 to the imaging device, the movement process of the abutting portion 42 over the blocking portion in the electrical contact pin assembly 300b is consistent with that of the second embodiment. It can be seen that When the ink cartridge 100 is installed to a predetermined position toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, in the front-to-back direction, the position where the locking surface 422 abuts the blocking portion is located in front of the electric contact pin 340. After the abutting portion 42 passes over the blocking portion, the sealing member 110d abuts against the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 and moves backward relative to the second shell 101b. The sealing member 110d moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and the abutting portion 42 moves backward along with the sealing member 110d, so that the locking surface 422 abuts against the front surface of the electric contact pin assembly 300b, and the ink cartridge 100 is locked.

[0126] In one embodiment, the locking portion 4 further includes a second support member 45 protruding rearward from the locking surface 422. The second support member 45 is used to support the chip fixing seat 104b in the chip component 104, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a and the electrical contact pin 340 in the electrical contact pin assembly 300b.

[0127] In one embodiment, a third support member 46 is further provided on the first shell 101a / second shell 101b, and at least one of the step portion 109, the first shell 101a, the second shell 101b and the intermediate partition 107a is connected to the third support member 46. The third support member 46 is used to support the second support member 45. Through such a configuration, the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a and the electrical contact pin 340 can be better improved. [Beneficial Effects]

[0128] In the present invention, the ink cartridge 100 provided in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0129] First, the locking portion 4 in the ink cartridge 100 is configured as a cantilever, and the locking portion 4 is provided on the first shell 101a / the second shell 101b. The locking portion 4 / the abutment portion 42 elastically deforms itself under the action of an external force and accumulates a reset force. After the external force is removed, the reset force is released, and the locking portion 4 / the abutment portion 42 is reset. In this way, the locking portion 4 / the abutment portion 42 can move in the up and down directions, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / the ink cartridge installation portion 300 / the insertion space 350.

[0130] Alternatively, the locking portion 4 can also be arranged on the sealing member 110d in the air guide member 110. The locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 can generate elastic deformation and accumulate reset force under the action of external force. After the external force is removed, the reset force is released, and the locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 is reset. In this way, the locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 can achieve movement in the up and down directions. After that, the locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 moves backward with the sealing member 110d to achieve the abutment of the locking surface 422 with the front surface of the electric contact pin assembly 300b, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350.

[0131] The ink cartridge 100 with the above configuration has a more compact structure, which improves the design freedom of the ink cartridge 100.

[0132] Secondly, the locking portion 4 is not provided on the chip component 104, and the locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 no longer moves with the chip component 104 / chip fixing seat 104b, so that the locking portion 4 / abutting portion 42 abuts against the electrical contact pin assembly 300b more stably.

[0133] Thirdly, when the locking portion 4 is arranged on the air guide component 110, the locking portion 4 also includes a second support member 45 or a second support member 45 and a third support member 46. Through such an arrangement, the stability of the electrical connection between the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340 can be further improved.

[0134] Embodiments 4 to 7 of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0135] As shown in Figures 15, 16A, and 16B, the electric contact needle assembly 300b is located above the ink suction needle 310 in the vertical direction. The electric contact needle assembly 300b includes at least an electric contact needle 340. In the vertical direction, the electric contact needle assembly 300b does not overlap with the ink suction needle 310, and the electric contact needle assembly 300b is entirely located behind the ink suction needle 310. In different models of printers / imaging devices, the relative position of the electric contact needle assembly 300b and the ink suction needle 310 may also vary, and the corresponding structures of the ink cartridge 100 and the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 (such as the ink outlet portion 2 and the chip component 104 described later) may also undergo corresponding positional changes. For example, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the electric contact needle assembly 300b may overlap with the ink suction needle 310. For another example, in the vertical direction, the electric contact needle assembly 300b still does not overlap with the ink suction needle 310, but in the front-to-back direction, the electric contact needle assembly 300b is located in front of the ink suction needle 310.

[0136] Furthermore, each insertion space 350 is also provided with a color recognition component 200, which is used to identify the ink cartridge 100 containing different colors of ink. Specifically, the color recognition component 200 has an identification groove 201 and a first side 202. Furthermore, the identification groove 201 has openings facing rearward and up and down to allow the protruding component 3 to enter, and the first side 202 faces rearward. In each insertion space 350, the position of the identification groove 201 of the color recognition component 200 in the left and right directions is different; in the up and down direction, the ink suction needle 310 is arranged at the lower end side of the insertion space 350 and is opposite to the ink cartridge installation port 300a. The color recognition component 200 and the electric contact needle assembly 300b / electric contact needle 340 are both located on the upper end side of the insertion space 350. In the front and back direction, the color recognition component 200 is located on the front side of the electric contact needle assembly 300b / electric contact needle 340.

[0137] Furthermore, the insertion space 350 has a mounting portion front wall 350 a and a mounting portion bottom wall 350 b .

[0138] Furthermore, the insertion space 350 is also provided with a first interference surface / first interference part 303a1, a second interference surface / second interference part 303a2, a third interference surface / third interference part 303a3 and a fourth interference surface / fourth interference part 303a4. Specifically, the first interference surface / first interference part 303a1, the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2, the third interference surface / third interference part 303a3 and the fourth interference surface / fourth interference part 303a4 are all located above the insertion space 350. In the up and down direction, the third interference surface / third interference part 303a3 is located above the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2. Along the direction from back to front, the fourth interference surface / fourth interference part 303a4, the first interference surface / first interference part 303a1 and the second interference surface / second interference part 303a2 are arranged in sequence.

[0139] [Example 4]

[0140] As shown in Figures 17A to 17C, the ink outlet portion 2 is located on the lower side of the cartridge body 1 in the up and down direction. In this embodiment, an elastic seal (not shown) is further provided in the ink outlet portion 2. The elastic seal is used to seal the ink outlet 21 before the ink cartridge 100 is installed to prevent ink leakage. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 to cause the elastic seal to be elastically deformed, thereby opening the ink outlet 21 to allow ink to flow out of the ink outlet 21.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17A to 17C, in this embodiment, the lower side wall 100f is configured to be non-parallel to the front-to-back direction. For example, in the up-down direction, the front end 100f2 of the lower side wall 100f is located above the rear end 100f3. Specifically, in the up-down direction, the distance d2 between the rear end 100f3 and the axis / center line L2 of the ink outlet 21 is greater than the distance d1 between the front end 100f2 and the axis / center line L2 of the ink outlet 21. That is, the rear end 100f3 of the lower side wall 100f is configured to protrude downward. This design allows the front end 100f2 of the lower side wall 100f to not interfere with the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 when the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, thereby allowing the ink cartridge 100 to be installed forward smoothly. In other embodiments, the lower side wall 100f may also be configured to be parallel to the front-to-back direction.

[0142] Furthermore, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a protruding member 3 and a chip member 104 arranged on the upper side of the cartridge body 1. The protruding member 3 is used to be identified by the color recognition member 200. Specifically, the protruding member 3 is used to cooperate with the identification groove 201 of the color recognition member 200 so that the ink cartridge 100 can be smoothly installed into the insertion space 350. The chip component 104 is used to establish a communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. Specifically, the chip component 104 includes a chip 104a and a coupling portion / chip fixing seat 104b that are coupled to each other. The coupling portion / chip fixing seat 104b is used to install the chip 104a. The coupling portion / chip fixing seat 104b is connected to the box body 1 in an integral or separate manner. In this embodiment, the coupling portion / chip fixing seat 104b is configured to be integrally connected to the box body 1, that is, the chip 104a is directly disposed on the box body 1. The chip 104a includes a substrate 104a2 and an electrical contact portion 104a1 disposed on the substrate 104a2. Further, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is used to electrically connect to the electrical contact pin 340.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating portion 105 is arranged on the rear side of the cartridge body 1, and the operating portion 105 can be used for installing and removing the ink cartridge 100. Along the front-to-back direction, a groove 1053 is provided in front of the operating portion 105. The user can place his finger in the groove to apply force to the operating portion 105 to achieve the installation and removal of the ink cartridge 100. In the up-down direction, the operating portion 105 is located on the upper side of the cartridge body 1, or in other words, the groove is arranged to face upward.

[0144] In one embodiment, the operating portion 105 may also be configured as a groove structure that is recessed downward from the upper side wall 100e.

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a locking portion 4, which is used to lock the ink cartridge 100 after it is installed in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion 300. Specifically, the locking portion 4 includes an abutment portion 42, which is used to interact with components in the imaging device / ink cartridge installation portion 300 to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0146] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17A, the locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 is arranged on the cartridge body 1, and the locking portion 4 / abutment portion 42 is formed integrally with the cartridge body 1, and the abutment portion 42 is provided with a locking surface 422, and the locking surface 422 is used to abut against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 to generate friction, so that the ink cartridge 100 overcomes the force of withdrawing backward from the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in the ink cartridge mounting portion 300; the force that causes the ink cartridge 100 to withdraw backward from the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 comes from, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed forward to the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 and abuts against the elastic seal provided in the ink outlet portion 2, and the elastic seal generates a backward thrust force, thereby causing the ink cartridge 100 to have a tendency to withdraw backward. Furthermore, in the up-down direction, the locking surface 422 is located on the upper side of the cartridge body 1 and above the operating portion 105. In the front-to-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located on the rear side of the cartridge body 1. Specifically, in the front-to-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located in front of the operating portion 105. When the ink cartridge 100 is locked, the locking surface 422 frictionally abuts against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 / acting member at the rear side of the cartridge body 1. As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, in the front-to-back direction, the locking surface 422 is located behind the electrical contact portion 104a1, and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 / acting member is located behind the electrical contact pin 340.

[0147] As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet 21 / ink outlet portion 2 and abuts against the elastic seal. As the ink cartridge 100 is further installed, the abutting portion 42 of the locking portion 4 begins to abut against the ink cartridge installation portion 300. Specifically, the locking surface 422 of the abutting portion 42 begins to abut against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 and generate friction. At the same time, the lower The side wall 100f also abuts against the bottom wall 350b of the mounting portion and generates friction. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed to the predetermined position, the friction between the locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 and the friction between the lower side wall 100f and the bottom wall 350b of the mounting portion cause the ink cartridge 100 to be locked. At this time, the locking surface 422 / box body 1 is not in contact with the limiting member 320, that is, there is a gap between the locking surface 422 / box body 1 and the limiting member 320.

[0148] In this embodiment, during the installation of the ink cartridge 100 toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300, the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 can play a role in guiding the installation of the ink cartridge 100. Specifically, the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 is set to a surface inclined along the front-to-back direction, and its inclination direction is that, along the front-to-back direction, the front end side of the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 is closer to the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 than the rear end side.

[0149] In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed to a predetermined position of the ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350 , the locking surface 422 is located behind the limiting member 320 in the front-to-back direction.

[0150] In one embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed to a predetermined position of the ink cartridge installation portion 300 / insertion space 350 , the locking surface 422 is located above or below the limiting member 320 in the vertical direction.

[0151] In one embodiment, the locking surface 422 can also abut against the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 or the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3, for example, the friction between the locking surface 422 and the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1 or the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3 locks the ink cartridge 100.

[0152] Furthermore, as the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, the front side wall 100c of the ink cartridge 100 serving as the limiting portion 1091 abuts against the mounting portion front wall 350a of the insertion space 350 to limit the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from moving excessively forward and affecting the electrical contact between the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340, and the ink cartridge 100 is installed to a predetermined position.

[0153] Furthermore, this embodiment locks the ink cartridge 100 through the friction between the locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 302a2 and the friction between the lower side wall 100f and the bottom wall 350b of the mounting portion, without the need for the ink cartridge 100 to be rotated downward and then locked. The elastic seal provided in the ink outlet portion 2 will not produce unnecessary deformation due to the downward rotation of the ink cartridge 100, thereby reducing the loss of the elastic seal, thereby reducing the performance requirements for the elastic seal and the cost of the elastic seal.

[0154] [Example 5]

[0155] The difference between this embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that, in this embodiment, the coupling portion / chip fixing seat 104b is separately connected to the cartridge body 1, and the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with a trigger mechanism 6, as described below.

[0156] In this embodiment, the chip fixing seat 104b is configured to be movable relative to the box body 1 so that the electrical contact portion 104a1 can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position. It can be realized that the chip fixing seat 104b is configured to rotate or translate relative to the box body 1. The chip fixing seat 104b shown in this embodiment is configured to slide relative to the box body 1.

[0157] When the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is triggered, thereby forcing the chip fixing seat 104b to slide in the up and down directions, and then forcing the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. In the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 does not contact the electrical contact pin 340, and in the electrically connected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 contacts the electrical contact pin 340; as the user operates the operating portion 105 located behind the ink cartridge 100, the ink cartridge 100 is gradually taken out from the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, the trigger mechanism 6 is gradually reset, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 returns from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position. Therefore, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 involved in this embodiment can move between the electrically disconnected position and the electrically connected position.

[0158] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the chip fixing seat 104b is provided with a guided member 104b1, and the box body 1 is provided with a guiding member 107g for guiding the guided member 104b1. For example, the guided member 104b1 is set to be protruding, and the guiding member 107g is set to be groove-shaped. The guiding groove 107g can extend in a direction parallel to the up and down direction, or can be set in an inclined direction relative to the up and down direction, or can be set to be curved, but as a whole, the guiding groove 107g extends in the up and down direction; or, the guided member 104b1 is set to be groove-shaped, and the guiding member 107g is set to be protruding.

[0159] In this embodiment, the trigger mechanism 6 is movably arranged relative to the cartridge body 1, and the trigger mechanism 6 includes a trigger member 61, which is arranged to be movable between a protruding position and a trigger position. Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, or before the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 is located in the protruding position, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 is located in the electrically disconnected position; when the trigger member 61 receives an external force, the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position toward the trigger position, and the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position; when the trigger member 61 is in the trigger position, the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 is located in the electrically connected position, at which time the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 can be kept in contact with the electrical contact pin 340 by the trigger member 61 or other components.

[0160] In one embodiment, a portion of the trigger member 61 is located in the accommodating cavity 107, and another portion of the trigger member 61 is located outside the accommodating cavity 107. In the up and down directions, the trigger member 61 exceeds the upper side wall 100e. This design not only protects the trigger mechanism 6, but also reduces the size of the ink cartridge 100 in the up and down directions.

[0161] In one embodiment, the trigger mechanism 6 may also be entirely located above the upper side wall 100e. In this case, the accommodating cavity 107 may not be necessary.

[0162] Specifically, the trigger member 61 has a force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 for receiving external force and a force transmitting surface / force transmitting portion 612 for transmitting the force. The force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 is used to abut against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 in the cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350 to receive the external force, so that the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, and the force transmitting surface / force transmitting portion 612 is used to directly or indirectly transmit the force to the chip fixing seat 104b, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 moves from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0163] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with a retaining portion / retaining surface 613 for retaining the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 in an electrically connected position. Preferably, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 is provided on the trigger member 61. As shown in FIG19 , the force transmission portion / force transmission surface 612 and the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 are both provided on the trigger portion 611 of the trigger member 61. Such a setting can simplify the structure of the trigger mechanism 6 / ink cartridge 100. Along the front-to-back direction, the force receiving surface / force receiving portion 614 and the trigger portion 611 are respectively located at both ends of the trigger member 61.

[0164] In one embodiment, the trigger member 61 is configured as a movable rod that can rotate about a rotation axis L1. The direction of extension of the rotation axis L1 is not limited, as long as the trigger member 61 can be displaced in the vertical direction. Preferably, the rotation axis L1 extends in the horizontal direction. In other embodiments, the rotation axis L1 can be configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0165] Overall, the trigger member 61 in this embodiment is lever-shaped and has a rotating portion 615. The force receiving portion 614 and the trigger portion 611 are respectively located at both ends of the trigger member 61. Specifically, the force receiving portion 614 is provided with a force receiving surface 6141 for receiving external force. Preferably, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed, the force receiving surface 6141 is set to an inclined surface inclined relative to the front and rear directions, so as to facilitate more smooth reception of external force.

[0166] Preferably, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 is a certain component / group of components provided in the ink cartridge installation portion 300. During the installation process of the ink cartridge 100, as long as the component can enable the trigger member 61 to move from the protruding position to the trigger position, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 can also be called an active member. For example, the active member is a protrusion provided in the insertion space 350, or a color identification component 200 provided in the insertion space 350.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first interference surface / first interference portion 303a1, the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, the third interference surface / third interference portion 303a3 and the fourth interference surface / fourth interference portion 303a4 can all be referred to as active members, which are located above the insertion space 350.

[0168] In one embodiment, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 may not be provided on the trigger member 61. For example, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 is provided as a component linked to the trigger mechanism 6. In the process of the trigger member 61 moving toward the trigger position, the retaining portion / retaining surface 613 gradually begins to contact the chip fixing seat 104b, so that the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 can be retained by the retaining portion / retaining surface 613; or, when the trigger member 61 reaches the trigger position, the chip fixing seat 104b is directly retained by the retaining portion / retaining surface 613.

[0169] In one embodiment, when the trigger member 61 is in the protruding position, the force transmission portion / force transmission surface 612 maintains contact with the chip fixing seat 104b. This design can improve the transmission efficiency of the force on the one hand, and on the other hand, enable the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 in the electrically disconnected position to be stably supported.

[0170] As shown in Figures 20A, 20B and 21, before the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge installation portion 300, or during the process of the ink cartridge 100 being installed toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is located in the electrically disconnected position, the trigger member 61 is located in the protruding position, the lifted member 104b7 / 104b8 of the chip fixing seat 104b is supported by the trigger member 611, and the ink suction needle 310 is aligned with the ink outlet 21 along the front-to-back direction; as the ink cartridge 100 continues to be installed toward the ink cartridge installation portion 300, the ink suction needle 310 enters the ink outlet portion 2 through the ink outlet 21, and the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving portion 614 begins to contact the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 presses the force receiving surface 6141, and the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving portion 614 The receiving portion 614 abuts against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 to receive the external force and gradually moves downward, so that the trigger member 61 rotates around the rotating portion 615 / rotation axis L1 in the direction r1, so that the force transmission surface / force transmission portion 612 pushes the lifted member 104b8 upward and pushes the chip fixing seat 104b to move upward, thereby causing the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 to move upward. According to the force, or under the action of the force, the trigger portion 611 / force transmission portion 612 pushes the chip fixing seat 104b / chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 to move upward, and the trigger member 61 moves from the protruding position to the trigger position, thereby causing the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position.

[0171] As shown in Figures 20B and 21, when the ink cartridge 100 reaches the predetermined position, the trigger member 61 is located at the trigger position, the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving portion 614 remains in contact with the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, and the electrical contact portion 104a1 is in contact with the electrical contact pin 340. At the same time, the chip fixing seat 104b is supported by the holding portion / holding surface 613 so that the electrical contact portion 104a1 maintains stable contact with the electrical contact pin 340.

[0172] When the user applies a backward pulling force to the operating portion 105, the ink cartridge 100 begins to move backward, and the force receiving surface 6141 / force receiving portion 614 gradually disengages from the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2. Under the action of gravity, the trigger member 61 rotates around the rotation axis L1 in a direction opposite to the direction r1, and the trigger member 61 begins to move from the trigger position to the protruding position. At the same time, the chip fixing seat 104b begins to move from the electrically connected position to the electrically disconnected position with the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1.

[0173] Furthermore, the accommodating cavity 107 has an exposure opening 1071 facing upward, and the trigger member 61 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 107 and exposed upward through the exposure opening 1071. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is not installed in the ink cartridge installation portion 300, at least the force receiving portion 614 is located above the exposure opening 1071.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 4 is arranged on the trigger member 61, and the force receiving portion 614 serves as the abutting portion 42 to abut against the ink cartridge mounting portion 300. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is gradually installed toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, the force receiving surface 6141 serves as the locking surface 422 to gradually abut against the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2. Through the friction force between the force receiving surface 6141 / locking surface 422 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, the ink cartridge 100 is locked and cannot exit the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 backward.

[0175] In one embodiment, the locking portion 4 can also be provided on the ink cartridge 100. For example, the locking portion 4 is a protrusion provided on the cartridge body 1. Specifically, in the front-to-back direction, the locking portion 4 is located in front of the force receiving surface 6141, and the locking portion 4 is located behind the chip component 104. In this deformation mode, the trigger member 61 is pushed downward by the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2 to rotate the trigger member 61 along the direction r1, but no friction force is generated between the trigger member 61 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2. Instead, friction force is generated between the protrusion / locking portion 4 and the second interference surface / second interference portion 303a2, so that the ink cartridge 100 is locked.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a limiting portion 1091 protruding upward on the rear side of the cartridge body 1 is used to abut against the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 to limit the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the forward direction toward the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 / insertion space 350, a first limiting surface 10911 facing forward in the limiting portion 1091 abuts against the fourth interference surface / fourth interference portion 303a4 of the ink cartridge mounting portion 300, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from continuing to move forward and limiting the forward displacement of the ink cartridge 100, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 100 from moving excessively forward and affecting the electrical contact between the chip 104a / electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340.

[0177] In one embodiment, the lower side wall 100f of the cartridge body 1 is provided with a locking portion 1092, which is used to engage with a groove portion provided in the bottom wall 350b of the mounting portion to lock the ink cartridge 100.

[0178] [Example 6]

[0179] [ink cartridge]

[0180] As shown in Figures 22 and 25, the box body 1 includes a shell 101, and the shell 101 includes a first shell 101a and a second shell 101b. In some embodiments, the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b are detachably combined along the left and right directions; in this embodiment, a accommodating chamber 107 is further formed between the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b, and an intermediate partition 107a is provided between the ink chamber 106 and the accommodating chamber 107. The intermediate partition 107a includes a first partition 107a1 and a fourth partition 107a2. The first partition 107a1 and the fourth partition 107a2 are connected by a step surface 107m1. Optionally, in the up and down direction, the fourth partition 107a2 is located above the first partition 107a1; the accommodating chamber 107 includes a first accommodating chamber 107m and a fourth partition 107a2. Two accommodating chambers 107n, specifically, the first accommodating chamber 107m is located between the upper side wall 100e and the first partition 107a1, and the second accommodating chamber 107n is located between the upper side wall 100e and the fourth partition 107a2. Preferably, in the up-down direction, the first accommodating chamber 107m is located below the second accommodating chamber 107n, and in the front-to-back direction, the first accommodating chamber 107m is located in front of the second accommodating chamber 107n. This arrangement facilitates the electrical contact portion 104a1 to form a stable electrical connection with the electrical contact pin 340; the shell 101 includes at least one of a sub-left side wall 107e located on the left side of the accommodating chamber 107 and a sub-right side wall 107d located on the right side of the accommodating chamber 107, the sub-left side wall 107e is set to be a part of the left side wall 100a, and the sub-right side wall 107d is set to be a part of the right side wall 100b.

[0181] The accommodating cavity 107 has at least an opening facing upward, and the accommodating cavity 107 can be formed by at least two side walls. For example, the accommodating cavity 107 is formed by the front side wall 100c, the rear side wall 100d, the middle partition 107a, and one of the left side wall 100a and the right side wall 100b; or, the accommodating cavity 107 is formed by the front side wall 100c, the rear side wall 100d, the middle partition 107a, and one of the left side wall 100a and the right side wall 100b.

[0182] The ink cartridge 100 also includes an operating portion 105 arranged at the rear end of the cartridge body 1. Optionally, in the up and down directions, the operating portion 105 is located at the upper end of the cartridge body 1. Specifically, the operating portion 105 is arranged at the rear end of the sub-upper side wall 100e1. The operating portion 105 arranged in this way makes it easy for the operator to pick up and place the ink cartridge while avoiding touching other parts of the ink cartridge 100 when picking up and placing the ink cartridge.

[0183] In this embodiment, a trigger mechanism is provided in the ink cartridge 100, and the trigger mechanism can be triggered by an action member outside the ink cartridge 100 to move the air-guiding member 110 from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and / or to move the electrical contact portion 104a1 from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position; optionally, the action member is constructed as a certain part or a certain / group component in the imaging device, and the trigger mechanism is set as a certain / group component in the ink cartridge 100; optionally, the action member can also be constructed as a component outside the imaging device, such as triggering the trigger mechanism by the user's hand; in this embodiment, the trigger mechanism is at least a part of the air-guiding member 110, the action member is a certain / group component in the imaging device, the trigger mechanism is used to trigger the air-guiding member 110 to move from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and the trigger mechanism drives the electrical contact portion 104a1 to move from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position. In this design, the trigger mechanism can produce displacement in the installation direction / forward and backward directions.

[0184] In some embodiments, the trigger mechanism can also generate displacement in a vertical direction / up-down direction perpendicular to the installation direction.

[0185] [Chip components]

[0186] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a chip component 104 for storing basic information of the ink cartridge 100. At least a portion of the chip component 104 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 100 from the upper side wall 100e. The chip component 104 includes at least a chip 104a. The chip 104a is provided with an electrical contact portion / gold finger 104a1 for electrically connecting to the electrical contact pin 340 of the imaging device. The electrical connection / electrical contact between the electrical contact pin 340 and the electrical contact portion 104a1 establishes a communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. In the front-to-back direction, the electrical contact portion 104a1 of the chip 104a is located in front of the operating portion 105; the electrical contact portion 104a1 can move between an electrically connected position and an electrically disconnected position. In the electrically connected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is electrically connected to the electrical contact pin 340; in the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is not electrically connected to the electrical contact pin 340.

[0187] Optionally, the chip component 104 further includes a chip fixing seat 104b, and in the up-down direction, at least a portion of the electrical contact portion 104a1 overlaps with the chip fixing seat 104b. In other words, at least a portion of the projection of the electrical contact portion 104a1 is located on the chip fixing seat 104b in the up-down direction. Preferably, the entire electrical contact portion 104a1 is arranged on the chip fixing seat 104b, and more preferably, the chip 104a is fixed as a whole on the chip fixing seat 104b.

[0188] The ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a guiding assembly for guiding the chip fixing seat 104b, and the guiding assembly includes a guiding member arranged on the box body 1 and a guided member arranged on the chip fixing seat 104b; specifically, the guide member is constructed as a hole / groove 107g. In this embodiment, the guide member is constructed as a through hole 107g extending in the front-to-back direction. Optionally, the through hole 107g is arranged on the sub-right side wall 107d and / or the sub-left side wall 107e of the accommodating cavity 107, and the through hole 107g is not set to be circular. Preferably, the through hole 107g is set to be elliptical; the ink cartridge 100 also includes a connecting member 104c set as an elastic component, the connecting member 104c is connected to the chip component 104, and the connecting member 104c can be a compression spring or a tension spring or elastic rubber or sponge or silicone.

[0189] The chip fixing seat 104b includes a fixing seat body 104b6, a guided part, an extension part 104b3 and a lifted part; in this embodiment, at least the electrical contact part 104a1 of the chip 104a is fixed on the chip fixing seat 104b, and the electrical contact part 104a1 can be movably set relative to the box body 1 along with the chip fixing seat 104b.

[0190] Specifically, the guided member is constructed as a sliding portion 104b1 connected to the fixing seat body 104b6, and the sliding portion 104b1 and the fixing seat body 104b6 can be arranged integrally or separately; along the front-to-back direction, the sliding portion 104b1 can slide in the through hole 107g; the chip fixing seat 104b can pivot around the sliding portion 104b1; preferably, the sliding portion 104b1 is located at the rear end of the chip fixing seat 104b, so as to increase the displacement of the chip fixing seat 104b in the up and down directions; preferably, the guiding member and the guided member are matched through an axial hole; in some embodiments, the sliding portion 104b1 and the through hole 107g can also be interchanged.

[0191] The chip component 104 is also provided with an extension portion 104b3 extending from the fixing seat main body 104b6. In the front-to-back direction, the extension portion 104b3 is used to abut with the first abutting portion 110f described below; preferably, the chip component 104 is provided with at least two extension portions 104b3 arranged at intervals. When the extension portion 104b3 arranged in this way abuts with the first abutting portion 110f, the chip component 104 has at least two force points, which can increase the stability of force transmission between the first abutting portion 110f and the extension portion 104b3; the extension portion 104b3 can also be used to abut with a certain / group of components in the imaging device, triggering the air guide component 110, so that the air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position.

[0192] The lifted member is constructed as a first groove 104b4 located in the fixing seat main body 104b6 and opening toward the middle partition 107a, the first groove 104b4 being recessed upward, preferably, the first groove 104b4 being configured to be in an arc shape; a lifting member is provided in the box body 1 of the ink cartridge 100, specifically, the lifting member is configured to be a supporting portion 104b5 located in the accommodating cavity 107, preferably, the supporting portion 104b5 is provided on the fourth partition 107a2, the lifting member and the lifted member form a lifting assembly provided in the ink cartridge 100, and in the up and down directions, the lifting assembly is used to move the chip fixing seat 104b upward; one end of the supporting portion 104b5 is used to abut against the first groove 104b4 (the lifting member and the lifted member are mutually lifted). In one embodiment, the other end of the support portion 104b5 is used to abut against the fourth partition 107a2; in some embodiments, the lifted member is constructed as a protrusion or plane located on the fixed seat body 104b6, and the lifting member is still a protrusion located on the middle partition 107a, and the protrusion or plane on the fixed seat body 104b6 interacts with the protrusion on the middle partition 107a, so that the chip 104a can also generate an upward displacement during the backward movement; in this embodiment, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 to the imaging device, the electrical contact portion 104a1 of the chip component 104 can be moved from the electrically disconnected position to the electrically connected position through the mutual cooperation between the connecting member 104c, the guide assembly, and the lifting assembly.

[0193] [Air guide components]

[0194] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a third partition 107m3 connected to the shell 101 and an air guide port 110b arranged on the third partition 107m3, the air guide port 110b is connected to the first accommodating chamber 107m, the air guide port 110b is used to connect the ink chamber 106 with the atmosphere, and the air guide member 110 is used to open and close the air guide port 110b; optionally, a guide plate 107m2 is provided in the first accommodating chamber 107m, the guide plate 107m2 is used to guide the movement of the air guide member 110 in the front and rear directions, and can also limit the forward movement distance of the guide member 110 to avoid damage to other components of the ink cartridge 100; the guide plate 107m2 protrudes downward from the upper side wall 100e, but will not be connected to the first partition 107a1, and / or, the guide plate 107m2 can also protrude upward from the first partition 107a1, but will not be connected to the upper side wall 100e.

[0195] The air guide component 110 includes an air guide rod 110a and a sealing member 110d. The air guide rod 110a has an air guide rod body 110a1 and a first end portion 110g and a second end portion 110h located at both ends of the air guide rod body 110a1. In the front-to-back direction, the first end portion 110g extends forward from the air guide rod body 110a1 and is used to abut against the sealing member 110d, so that the sealing member 110d seals the air guide port 110b. The air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a can move from a sealing position to an unsealing position, wherein the sealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b is sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink cavity 106 is not connected to the atmosphere. The unsealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b is not sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink cavity 106 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0196] Optionally, the sealing member 110d is generally configured as an elastic member, and the size of the sealing member 110d is slightly larger than the size of the air guide port 110b.

[0197] Optionally, the ink cartridge 100 may also be provided with a retaining member for retaining the sealing member 110d. When the air guide member 110 moves toward the unsealing position, the first end portion 110g no longer abuts against the sealing member 110d. At this time, the air guide port 110b is no longer sealed, and the sealing member 110d is retained by the retaining member so that the first end portion 110g can accurately abut against the sealing member 110d again.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first end portion 110g is constructed into a cylindrical shape. When the radial dimension of the first end portion 110g is slightly larger than the air guide port 110b, the first end portion 110g does not enter the air guide port 110b, and the air guide port 110b is sealed by the first end portion 110g squeezing the sealing member 110d. Furthermore, the sealing member 110d can be constructed as a part of the first end portion 110g. In other words, the ink cartridge 100 no longer has a sealing member 110d, and the air guide port 110b is sealed by the first end portion 110g squeezing the third partition 107m3 described below.

[0199] In some embodiments, the front end of the first end portion 110g is configured to be conical, and at least a portion of the seal 110d can enter the air port 110b along with the first end portion 110g, so that the air port 110b is sealed by the seal 110d. Compared with the sealing method in which the seal 110d does not enter the air port 110b, the extrusion force required for the seal 110d to enter the air port 110b is reduced.

[0200] Optionally, in the front-to-back direction, the sealing member 110d is located in front of the guide plate 107m2, so that the air guide port 110b can be quickly sealed by the sealing member 110d.

[0201] The air-guiding member 110 is also provided with a first abutting portion 110f for abutting against the extension portion 104b3 at least. In the up-down direction, the uppermost side of the first abutting portion 110f is located above the upper side wall 100e. Specifically, the first abutting portion 110f has at least a front surface 110f1 facing forward and a rear surface 110f2 facing rearward. At least a portion of the front surface 110f1 is used to abut against the imaging device, and at least a portion of the rear surface 110f2 is used to abut against the extension portion 104b3. Optionally, the first abutting portion 110f is constructed to extend upward from the second end portion 110h. In some embodiments, the first abutting portion 110f can also be constructed to extend upward from the air-guiding rod main body 110a1.

[0202] Preferably, when the electrical contact portion 104a1 is in the electrically disconnected position, in the up and down directions, the upper end of the first abutting portion 110f is located above the upper end of the electrical contact portion 104a1, or in other words, the first abutting portion 110f is higher than the electrical contact portion 104a1. The first abutting portion 110f set in this way can effectively protect the electrical contact portion 104a.

[0203] Optionally, the air guide component 110 also has a reset member, which can be used to move the air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a toward the sealing position. Optionally, the reset member is located between the air guide rod body 110a1 and the step surface 107m1, or the reset member is located between the air guide rod body 110a1 and the first partition 107a1. Preferably, the reset member is an elastic member.

[0204] In some embodiments, the tightness of the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340 is controlled according to the required movement distance of the air guide rod 110a in the front-to-back direction, or according to the required movement distance of the electrical contact portion 104a1 of the chip component 104 in the up-down direction. To this end, the front surface 110f1 can also be set to be parallel to the up-down direction, or the front surface 110f1 can be set to be inclined forward / backward.

[0205] [Atmospheric path and ink chamber]

[0206] When the air guide member 110 / air guide rod 110a is in the unsealing position, the ink chamber 106 is connected to the atmosphere to keep the pressure in the ink chamber 106 stable; optionally, the ink cartridge 100 is further provided with an atmospheric path 120 connected to the air guide port 110b, and the atmospheric path 120 is used to connect the ink chamber 106 and the air guide port 110b. Preferably, the atmospheric path 120 is constructed into at least three sections. Specifically, at least a part of the first section 122 of the atmospheric path 120 is located in the first accommodating chamber 107m, the second section 123 of the atmospheric path 120 is located between the first partition 107a1 and the ink chamber 106, and the third section 124 is located between the fourth partition 107a2 and the ink chamber 106. Between the water chamber 106, the second section 123 is used to connect the first section 122 and the third section 124, and the third section 124 of the atmospheric path 120 is connected to the ink chamber 106. Along the up and down direction or the front and back direction of the ink cartridge 100, the first section 122 and the third section 124 are respectively located at the two ends of the ink chamber 106. Preferably, at least one of the first section 122 and the third section 124 of the atmospheric path 120 can be constructed as a curved maze shape, and the second section 123 can be constructed as a narrow and long pipe shape. Generally, the maze-shaped path occupies a larger space. Setting the atmospheric path in this way can not only extend the flow path of the atmosphere and slow down the flow speed of the atmosphere, but also make full use of the space inside the ink cartridge 100.

[0207] Optionally, a buffer zone 121 is provided between the first section 122 and the third partition 107m3. The buffer zone 121 is at least used to install a buffer component, such as a sponge. The buffer component can both filter the air and slow down the air flow rate. Furthermore, the buffer component can also prevent the ink from flowing back. Furthermore, the buffer component can form a certain negative pressure in the ink chamber 106.

[0208] In this embodiment, the ink chamber 106 of the ink cartridge 100 is divided into multiple interconnected cavities by multiple side panels. This arrangement can make the cartridge body 1 more versatile. In the actual ink cartridge production process, the factory can select the capacity of the ink chamber 106 according to the model of the ink cartridge produced. When large-capacity ink cartridges need to be produced, all cavities can be connected. When small-capacity ink cartridges need to be produced, some cavities can be closed.

[0209] [Installation of ink cartridges]

[0210] In this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 100 is in the initial state of not being installed, the air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a is located in a sealed position. Specifically, the rear surface 110f2 of the first abutting portion 110f abuts against the extension portion 104b3 of the chip component 104, and the air guide port 110b is sealed by the sealing member 110d; the electrical contact portion 104a1 is located in an electrically disconnected position, that is, the electrical contact portion 104a1 does not form an electrical connection with the electrical contact pin 340.

[0211] When the ink cartridge 100 is installed along the installation direction, the air guide member 110 is triggered by the action member, and the air guide member 110 / air guide rod 110a moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position. Specifically, the action member abuts against the front surface 110f1 of the first abutting portion 110f and forces the air guide member 110 to move backward. The first end portion 110g moves backward, causing the sealing member 110d to no longer be abutted by the first end portion 110g. The seal of the air guide port 110b is released, and the rear surface 110f2 of the first abutting portion 110f abuts against the extension portion 104 of the chip member. b3 is still in contact, and the extension portion 104b3 receives the thrust from the first abutment portion 110f, forcing the chip holder body 104b to move backward, and the connecting member 104c is elastically deformed. Under the action of the lifting assembly, the chip holder body 104b simultaneously rotates upward around the sliding portion 104b1. When the ink cartridge 100 reaches the installation state, the electrical contact portion 104a1 reaches the electrical connection position to form an electrical connection with the electrical contact pin 340; through the abutment of the front surface 110f1 with the active member, the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340 is maintained.

[0212] [Restoring the ink cartridge]

[0213] When the ink cartridge 100 moves backward and is taken out, the air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a moves from the unsealing position to the sealing position. Specifically, the front surface 110f1 of the first abutting portion 110f gradually disengages from the active member, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is electrically disconnected from the electrical contact pin 340 and reaches the electrically disconnected position, the connector 104c releases the elastic force to force the chip fixing seat 104b to rotate downward, the extension portion 104b3 of the chip component 104 abuts against the rear surface 110f2 of the first abutting portion 110f and forces the air guide component 110 to move forward until the air guide port 110b is sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the air guide component 110 / air guide rod 110a reaches the sealing position.

[0214] In some embodiments, the air guide component 110 may also be provided with an elastic member, which is used to force the air guide rod 110a to move toward the sealing position; in the process of the ink cartridge 100 moving from the initial state to the installation state, when the front surface 110f1 abuts against the active member, the air guide rod 110a moves backward from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation. At the same time, through the abutment of the rear surface 110f2 and the extension portion 104b3, the chip holder body 104b also moves backward and rotates upward around the sliding portion 104b1, and the connecting member 104c undergoes elastic deformation; in the process of the ink cartridge 100 moving from the installation state to the initial state, when the front surface 110f1 is disengaged from the abutment with the active member, the connecting member 104c releases the elastic force, forcing the chip holder body 104b to move forward and rotate downward around the sliding portion 104b1. At the same time, the elastic member also releases the elastic force, forcing the air guide rod 110a to move forward from the unsealing position to the sealing position.

[0215] When the elastic member is provided in the air guide member 110, when the ink cartridge 100 is in the initial state, the rear surface 110f2 of the air guide member 110 may not abut against the extension portion 104b3. Only when the air guide rod 110a moves backward does the rear surface 110f2 abut against the extension portion 104b3. This can prevent the front surface 110f1 from being accidentally impacted, causing the chip fixing seat 104b to rotate upward, thereby damaging the electrical contact portion 104a1.

[0216] [Beneficial Effects]

[0217] The ink cartridge 100 provided in this embodiment has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0218] First, when the ink cartridge 100 is in the initial state, in the up and down direction, the upper end of the first abutting portion 110f is located above the electrical contact portion 104a1. Such arrangement of the first abutting portion 110f can effectively protect the electrical contact portion 104a1. When the ink cartridge 100 falls or is hit, the first abutting portion 110f can be collided first, thereby protecting the electrical contact portion 104a1.

[0219] Secondly, the ink cartridge 100 is provided with an air guide component 110, which can be triggered as the ink cartridge 100 is installed, so that the air guide component 110 moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position, and the air guide port 110b is automatically opened without the need for manual operation by the user, thereby improving the user experience.

[0220] Thirdly, when the air guide port 110b of the ink cartridge 100 is opened, the chip component 104 is driven by the air guide component 110 to move upward, the electrical contact portion 104a1 forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact pin 340, and the extension portion 104b3 of the chip component 104 is always in contact with the first abutment portion 110f of the air guide component 110. This arrangement can, on the one hand, enhance the stability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion 104a1 and the electrical contact pin 340, and on the other hand, can also reduce the number of components of the ink cartridge 100 and simplify the structure of the ink cartridge 100.

[0221] [Example 7]

[0222] [Ink cartridge installation section]

[0223] As shown in Figures 29A and 29B, the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 has the same orientation as the ink cartridge 100, and each insertion space 350 includes an ink suction needle 310, a fifth protrusion 360 and a contact needle holder 370. The contact needle holder 370 is provided with an electric contact needle 340. In the front-to-back direction, the contact needle holder 370 is located behind the fifth protrusion 360. In the up-down direction, the ink suction needle 310, the fifth protrusion 360 and the contact needle holder 370 are all located on the upper side of the insertion space 350.

[0224] [ink cartridge]

[0225] As shown in Figures 9 and 30,

[0226] Furthermore, the box body 1 includes a shell 101, and the shell 101 includes a first shell 101a and a second shell 101b.

[0227] Optionally, in this embodiment, a receiving chamber 107 is further formed between the first shell 101a and the second shell 101b, and an intermediate partition 107a is provided between the ink chamber 106 and the receiving chamber 107. The intermediate partition 107a includes a first partition 107a1 and a fourth partition 107a2. The first partition 107a1 and the fourth partition 107a2 are connected by a step surface 107m1. Optionally, in the up and down directions, the first partition 107a1 is located above the fourth partition 107a2; the receiving chamber 107 includes a first receiving chamber 107m and a second receiving chamber 107n. Specifically, the first receiving chamber 107m is located on the upper side. The second accommodating chamber 107n is located between the upper side wall 100e and the first partition 107a1, and the second accommodating chamber 107n is located between the upper side wall 100e and the fourth partition 107a2. Preferably, in the up and down direction, the first accommodating chamber 107m is located above the second accommodating chamber 107n, and in the front and back direction, the first accommodating chamber 107m is located in front of the second accommodating chamber 107n; the shell 101 includes at least one of a sub-left side wall 107e located on the left side of the accommodating chamber 107 and a sub-right side wall 107d located on the right side of the accommodating chamber 107, the sub-left side wall 107e is set as a part of the left side wall 100a, and the sub-right side wall 107d is set as a part of the right side wall 100b.

[0228] The accommodating cavity 107 has at least an opening facing upward, and the accommodating cavity 107 can be formed by at least two side walls. For example, the accommodating cavity 107 is formed by the front side wall 100c, the rear side wall 100d, the middle partition 107a, and one of the left side wall 100a and the right side wall 100b; or, the accommodating cavity 107 is formed by the front side wall 100c, the rear side wall 100d, the middle partition 107a, and one of the left side wall 100a and the right side wall 100b.

[0229] The ink cartridge 100 also includes an operating portion 105 arranged at the rear end of the cartridge body 1. Optionally, in the up and down directions, the operating portion 105 is located at the upper end of the cartridge body 1. Specifically, the operating portion 105 is arranged at the upper end of the rear side wall 100d. The operating portion 105 arranged in this way is convenient for the operator to pick up and place while avoiding touching other parts of the ink cartridge 100 when picking up and placing.

[0230] [Chip components]

[0231] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a chip component 104 for storing basic information of the ink cartridge 100. At least a portion of the chip component 104 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 100 from the upper side wall 100e. The chip component 104 includes at least a chip 104a. The chip 104a is provided with an electrical contact portion / gold finger 104a1 for electrically connecting to the electrical contact pin 340 of the imaging device. Through the electrical connection / electrical contact between the electrical contact pin 340 and the electrical contact portion 104a1, a communication connection is established between the ink cartridge 100 and the imaging device. In the front-to-back direction, the electrical contact portion 104a1 of the chip 104a is located in front of the operating portion 105; the electrical contact portion 104a1 can move between an electrically connected position and an electrically disconnected position. In the electrically connected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is electrically connected to the electrical contact pin 340; in the electrically disconnected position, the electrical contact portion 104a1 is not electrically connected to the electrical contact pin 340.

[0232] Optionally, the chip component 104 further includes a chip fixing seat 104b, and in the up-down direction, at least a portion of the electrical contact portion 104a1 overlaps with the chip fixing seat 104b. In other words, at least a portion of the projection of the electrical contact portion 104a1 is located on the chip fixing seat 104b in the up-down direction. Preferably, the entire electrical contact portion 104a1 is arranged on the chip fixing seat 104b, and more preferably, the chip 104a is fixed as a whole on the chip fixing seat 104b.

[0233] The ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a guide assembly 130 for guiding the chip fixing seat 104b. The guide assembly 130 includes a connecting portion 131 connected to the box body 1 and a guide member 132 arranged in the second accommodating cavity 107n. The guide member 132 can pivot around the connecting portion 131. The guide member 132 includes a first part 1321 and a second part 1322 connected to each other. Along the front-to-back direction, at least a part of the first part 1321 is located in front of the connecting portion 131; along the up-down direction, at least a part of the second part 1322 is located above the connecting portion 131; specifically, at least a part of the chip fixing seat 104b is located on the first part 1321.

[0234] The chip holder 104b includes a holder body 104b6 and an extension portion 104b3. In this embodiment, at least the electrical contact portion 104a1 of the chip 104a is fixed to the chip holder 104b. The electrical contact portion 104a1 can be movably arranged relative to the box body 1 along with the chip holder 104b.

[0235] The upper side wall 100e includes a sub-upper side wall 100e1, which is located at the rear end of the ink cartridge 100; the extension portion 104b3 extends backward from the fixing seat main body 104b6, and in the up and down directions, the extension portion 104b3 is used to abut against the front end of the sub-upper side wall 100e1, thereby ensuring that the chip fixing seat 104b will not fall off from the ink cartridge 100.

[0236] In the electrically disconnected position, due to the gravity of the chip fixing seat 104b, the first part 1321 approaches the fourth partition 107a2 in the up and down directions and contacts the fourth partition 107a2; in the electrically connected position, as the ink cartridge 100 is installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 along the installation direction, the front end of the contact pin seat 370 abuts against the second part 1322, the second part 1322 moves backward, the guide assembly 130 pivots backward around the connecting portion 131, and the first part 1321 moves upward, causing the chip fixing seat 104b to also move upward, and further, the electrical contact portion 104a1 forms an electrical connection with the electrical contact pin 340.

[0237] [Air guide components]

[0238] The ink cartridge 100 also includes an air guide port 110b arranged on the first partition 107a1 / the fourth partition 107a2, and the air guide port 110b is connected to the first accommodating chamber 107m / the second accommodating chamber 107n. The air guide port 110b is used to connect the ink chamber 106 with the atmosphere, and the air guide component 110 is used to open and close the air guide port 110b. The air guide component 110 is movably arranged relative to the box body 1.

[0239] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a gas circulation channel 140 located in the shell 101. Optionally, at least one gas buffer zone 141 is provided in the gas circulation channel 140, which can slow down the flow rate of the gas; at least one connecting port is also provided in the gas circulation channel 140, and the connecting port enables the gas to flow in different gas buffer zones 141; the gas circulation channel 140 includes at least a first connecting port 142 and a second connecting port 143 that are connected to each other, the first connecting port 142 is connected to the air guide port 110b, so that the gas circulation channel 140 is connected to the atmosphere, and the second connecting port 143 is connected to the ink chamber 106, so that the gas circulation channel 140 is connected to the ink chamber 106.

[0240] The air guide component 110 includes a sealing member 110d, and the air guide component 110 can move from a sealing position to an unsealing position. The sealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b, is sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink cavity 106 is not connected to the atmosphere. The unsealing position, i.e., the air guide port 110b is not sealed by the sealing member 110d, and the ink cavity 106 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0241] Optionally, the size of the sealing member 110d is slightly larger than the size of the air guide port 110b.

[0242] As shown in Figures 9 and 30, the first partition 107a1 has a fifth groove 107a3 that is concave downward. In this embodiment, the air guide port 110b is located on the bottom plate of the fifth groove 107a3. The ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a first air inlet 110b1 and a second air inlet 110b2 on the said bottom plate. The air guide port 110b, the first air inlet 110b1 and the second air inlet 110b2 are all connected to the gas circulation channel 140.

[0243] Optionally, the fifth groove 107a3 is also used to accommodate the sealing silicone 107a4. When the sealing member 110d is in the sealing position, the sealing member 110d and the sealing silicone 107a4 are squeezed against each other, thereby improving the sealing effect of the ink cartridge 100. The sealing silicone 107a4 is also provided with through holes corresponding to the air guide port 110b, the first air inlet 110b1 and the second air inlet 110b2, respectively. In the up and down directions, the through holes on the sealing silicone 107a4 coincide with the air guide port 110b, the first air inlet 110b1 and the second air inlet 110b2, respectively.

[0244] The ink cartridge 100 includes a first side wall 100e3 located between the upper side wall 100e and the first partition 107a1. The ink cartridge 100 also has an extension wall 100e4 extending rearward from the first side wall 100e3. A portion of the seal 110d is located below the extension wall 100e4, thereby limiting the movement of the seal 110d in the up and down directions. The ink cartridge 100 has a first protrusion 100e5 protruding downward from the downward surface of the extension wall 100e4. The first protrusion 100e5 is used to abut against the seal 110d, so that the seal 110d remains in a sealed position, limiting the movement of the seal 110d in the front and back directions.

[0245] The first accommodating chamber 107m includes a limiting groove for accommodating the sealing member 110d. The limiting groove is formed by at least one of the first side wall 100e3 and the step surface 107m1, and the first partition 107a, and at least one of the left side wall 100a and the right side wall 100b, so as to limit the movement of the sealing member 110d in the left and right directions.

[0246] The sealing member 110d can move in the front-to-back direction, so that the sealing member 110d moves from the sealing position to the unsealing position; the sealing member 110d includes a sealing portion 110d1 and a first abutting portion 110f that are connected to each other, and a sixth groove 110d3 is provided at the front end of the sealing portion 110d1, and the sixth groove 110d3 is used to cooperate with the first protrusion 100e5. Optionally, the sixth groove 110d3 and the first protrusion 100e5 can be interchangeably provided; a third through hole 110d4 that can connect the atmosphere and the air guide port 110b is provided at the front end of the sealing portion 110d1, and in the unsealing position, the third through hole 110d4 is connected to the air guide port 110b; the first abutting portion 110f is formed by extending upward from the end of the sealing portion 110d1.

[0247] The sealing portion 110d1 has a second protrusion 110d5 formed leftward from the left side surface of the sealing portion 110d1 and a third protrusion 110d6 formed rightward from the right side surface of the sealing portion 110d1. At least one of the second protrusion 110d5 and the third protrusion 110d6 is provided.

[0248] The air guide component 110 also includes at least one of a first guide portion 110i and a second guide portion 110j for guiding the seal 110d. The first guide portion 110i and the second guide portion 110j are constructed as holes / grooves extending in the front-to-back direction. Optionally, the second guide portion 110j is arranged on the sub-right side wall 107d of the accommodating cavity 107, and the first guide portion 110i is arranged on the sub-left side wall 107e of the accommodating cavity 107. The first guide portion 110i and the second guide portion 110j are not arranged to be circular. Preferably, the first guide portion 110i and the second guide portion 110j are arranged to be elliptical; in the front-to-back direction, the second protrusion 110d5 can move in the first guide portion 110i, and the third protrusion 110d6 can move in the second guide portion 110j.

[0249] As shown in FIG9 , when the sealing member 110d is in the sealing position, the sealing member 110d is fixed at the front end of the limiting groove by the cooperation between the first protrusion 100e5 and the sealing member 110d. At this time, the sealing portion 110d1 seals the air guide port 110b, and the gas flow channel 140 is not connected to the atmosphere.

[0250] In this embodiment, the fifth protrusion 360 / color identification component 200 serves as a force-applying portion for applying a force to the ink cartridge 100. As shown in Figures 32 and 12, as the ink cartridge 100 is installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion 300 along the installation direction, the rear end of the fifth protrusion 360 abuts against the first abutting portion 110f and forces the first abutting portion 110f / seal 110d to move backward until the first abutting portion 110f abuts against the forward-facing surface of the step surface 107m1. At this time, the seal 110d is located in the unsealing position, and the third through hole 110d4 is connected to the air guide port 110b. The gas reaches the ink chamber 106 via the air guide port 110b, the first connecting port 142, the first air inlet 110b1, the second air inlet 110b2 and the second connecting port 143, and the ink chamber 106 is connected to the atmosphere.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge is detachably installed in an ink cartridge mounting portion of an imaging device. The ink cartridge mounting portion has a plurality of insertion spaces for accommodating ink cartridges containing inks of different colors. The ink cartridge mounting portion includes electric contact pins and actuating members disposed therein. When the ink cartridge is in the installed state, the direction of gravity of the ink cartridge is the downward direction, the direction opposite to the downward direction is the upward direction, and the direction intersecting the up-and-down direction of the ink cartridge is the front-back direction. The ink cartridge is installed in the imaging device along the forward direction. Both the electric contact pins and the actuating members are located above the insertion space. In the front-back direction, the actuating member is located behind the electric contact pins. It is characterized in that, The ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body including a first housing, a second housing, and an ink chamber formed between the first housing and the second housing for containing ink; a chip member including a chip and a coupling portion, the chip including an electrical contact portion for electrically connecting with an electrical contact pin, the coupling portion for mounting the chip, and the coupling portion being slidably disposed relative to the cartridge body in the vertical direction; a triggering mechanism including a triggering member in a lever shape, the triggering member including a force receiving portion having a force receiving surface and a triggering portion, the force receiving portion for receiving an external acting force, the triggering portion for pushing the coupling portion to move upward, the triggering member being configured to be movable between a protruding position and a triggering position, in the protruding position, the chip is not in contact with the electrical contact pin, in the triggering position, the chip is in contact with the electrical contact pin, the force receiving portion and the triggering portion are located at two ends of the triggering member, and the triggering member is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction, the left - right direction being perpendicular to the vertical direction; 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The ink cartridge mounting portion further includes a blocking portion disposed therein, and in the vertical direction, the blocking portion is located above the insertion space; The ink cartridge further includes a locking portion, the locking portion being movable relative to the cartridge body, and at least a part of the locking portion being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position; In the locking position, the locking portion abuts against the acting member, or the locking portion abuts against the blocking portion, the ink cartridge is locked in the ink cartridge mounting portion, and the electrical contact portion is in contact with the electrical contact pin; In the unlocking position, the locking portion is disengaged from abutting against the acting member, or the locking portion is disengaged from abutting against the blocking portion, the ink cartridge is unlocked, and the electrical contact portion is disengaged from contact with the electrical contact pin; 3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking portion includes an abutting portion having a locking surface, and the ink cartridge is locked by frictionally abutting the locking surface against the acting member at the rear side of the cartridge body, and in the front - rear direction, the locking surface is located behind the electrical contact portion; 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein The locking portion includes an abutting portion having a locking surface, and when the ink cartridge is installed to a predetermined position in the ink cartridge mounting portion, in the front - rear direction, the position where the locking surface abuts against the blocking portion is located in front of the electrical contact pin; 5. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein An accommodation chamber is further formed between the first housing and the second housing, and in the vertical direction, the accommodation chamber is located above the ink chamber, the accommodation chamber has an exposed opening facing upward, the triggering member is disposed in the accommodation chamber and is exposed upward through the exposed opening, and when the ink cartridge is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion, at least the force receiving portion is located above the exposed opening; 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking portion is disposed on the triggering member, the locking surface is the force receiving surface, the acting member includes a second interference portion, and in the vertical direction, the second interference portion is located above the insertion space, and during the process of the ink cartridge being installed into the ink cartridge mounting portion, the locking surface abuts against the second interference portion to receive an external acting force and move downward; When the ink cartridge is installed to the predetermined position, the ink cartridge is locked by frictionally abutting the locking surface against the second interference portion.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ink cartridge further includes a limiting portion protruding upward at the rear side of the cartridge body. The acting member further includes a fourth interference portion. In the up-down direction, the fourth interference portion is located above the insertion space. Along the direction from the rear to the front, the fourth interference portion and the second interference portion are arranged in sequence. When the ink cartridge is installed, the forward movement of the ink cartridge is restricted by the abutment of the fourth interference portion and the limiting portion.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein, The ink cartridge further includes a lower side wall facing downward. The lower side wall is provided with a clamping portion. The insertion space has a bottom wall of the installation portion. The bottom wall of the installation portion is provided with a groove portion. The clamping portion is clamped with the groove portion to lock the ink cartridge.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking portion is provided as a cantilever located on the first housing / second housing and extending upward.

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The abutting portion includes a pressing surface and a locking surface. The pressing surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to receive a pressing force. At least a part of the abutting portion elastically deforms downward, so that the locking portion can cross over the blocking portion. The locking surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to lock the ink cartridge.

11. The ink cartridge according to claim 10, wherein, The ink cartridge further includes an ink outlet portion combined with the cartridge body. The ink outlet portion has an ink outlet facing forward. The ink outlet is used to supply ink to the imaging device. The ink outlet portion further includes a sealing plug provided inside thereof, an outer cover provided outside thereof, and an adsorbing member provided between the outer cover and the sealing plug. The outer cover is used to fix the sealing plug. When the ink cartridge is taken out from the ink cartridge installation portion backward, the adsorbing member is used to adsorb the ink on the outer side wall of the ink sucking needle. A part of the adsorbing member is located inside the ink outlet to be combined with the sealing plug, and the other part is located outside the ink outlet. The cartridge body is further provided with an elastic arm that interacts with the outer cover to fix the outer cover.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ink cartridge further includes a gas guiding member. The gas guiding member can be switched between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the sealed position, the ink chamber is not in communication with the atmosphere. In the unsealed position, the ink chamber is in communication with the atmosphere. The locking portion is provided as a cantilever located on the gas guiding member and extending upward. The abutting portion includes a pressing surface and a locking surface. When the pressing surface abuts against the blocking portion to receive a pressing force, at least a part of the abutting portion elastically deforms downward, so that the locking portion can cross over the blocking portion. The locking surface is used to abut against the blocking portion to lock the ink cartridge.

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A color identification member is provided in the ink cartridge installation portion. The color identification member is used to identify ink cartridges containing different colors of ink. In the up-down direction, the color identification member is located above the insertion space. In the front-rear direction, the color identification member is located in front of the electrical contact pins. The ink cartridge further includes a gas guiding port, a gas flow passage, and a gas guiding member. The gas guiding member is movably arranged relative to the cartridge body. The gas guiding port is connected to the atmosphere. The gas flow passage is used to communicate the ink chamber and the gas guiding port. During the installation of the ink cartridge, the end of the color identification member acts on the gas guiding member, causing the gas guiding member to move from the sealed position to the unsealed position. When the gas guiding member is in the sealed position, the ink chamber is not in communication with the atmosphere. When the gas guiding member is in the unsealed position, the ink chamber is in communication with the atmosphere.

14. The ink cartridge according to claim 13, wherein, An accommodation cavity is further formed between the first housing and the second housing. An intermediate partition is provided between the ink cavity and the accommodation cavity. In the up-down direction, the accommodation cavity is located above the ink cavity. At least a part of the air guiding member is located in the accommodation cavity, and the air guiding port is located on the intermediate partition.

15. The ink cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, A fifth groove formed by downward depression and used for accommodating a part of the air guiding member is provided on the intermediate partition. At least the side wall of the fifth groove has a first air inlet and a second air inlet connected to the gas communication channel. The first air inlet and the second air inlet communicate with each other, and the first air inlet communicates with the air guiding port.

16. The ink cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that, The air guiding member at least includes a sealing member for sealing the air guiding port. The sealing member includes a first abutting portion for abutting against the color recognition member and moving the sealing member from the sealing position to the unsealed position.

17. The ink cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that, A third through hole capable of communicating the atmosphere with the air guiding port is provided at the front end of the sealing member. In the unsealed position, the air guiding port is no longer sealed by the sealing member, and the air guiding port is connected to the atmosphere through the third through hole.

18. The ink cartridge according to claim 16, characterized in that, The air guiding member is further provided with a sealing silica gel accommodated in the fifth groove. In the sealing position, the sealing member and the sealing silica gel are mutually extruded.

19. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, The ink cartridge further includes an operation portion which is located behind the cartridge body in the front-rear direction and above the cartridge body in the up-down direction. In the front-rear direction, a groove facing upward is provided in front of the operation portion. The groove is used to allow the user to apply a force to the operation portion to realize the installation and disassembly of the ink cartridge.

Images