JP7844754B2 - Ink cartridges and their usage instructions - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to the technical field of printing consumables, and more particularly to ink cartridges.

An image forming apparatus is a device that forms an image on a medium using image forming processing technology, and comprises a printing device and multiple ink cartridges. The printing device includes an image forming assembly, and the ink cartridges are typically insertable into the printing device and can supply ink for printing to the image forming assembly.

In related technologies, an ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body and a chip, the chip being equipped with a group of terminals. The ink cartridge makes contact with the corresponding contact pins of the printing device's contact pin assembly via a communication terminal, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the printing device and the ink cartridge. Furthermore, the chip is grounded via a grounding terminal, which contacts the corresponding grounding contact pin, transmitting a grounding signal to the printing device and preventing damage to the chip and the printing device due to excessive current.

However, unstable contact between the grounding terminal and the grounding contact pin may prevent the chip from being grounded or result in unstable grounding. This could affect the stability of the chip's grounding and its safety during use, potentially preventing the printing device from accurately identifying the ink cartridge.

In view of the above issues, the present invention provides an ink cartridge that can improve the stability of chip grounding and the safety of use.

To achieve the above objective, the embodiments of this application provide the following inventions.

The ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present application is an ink cartridge that is detachably mounted to a printing apparatus having a mounting chamber, a mounting portion provided inside the mounting chamber, and a grounding member. The mounting portion comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly, the grounding member is provided at a position other than the position where the contact pin assembly is provided, the ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body, a chip, and a conductive member, the chip is provided on the ink cartridge body, at least a portion of the ink cartridge body and the chip is located inside the housing chamber, the chip is provided with a group of communication terminals and a grounding terminal, the group of communication terminals is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly, the conductive member is provided inside the mounting chamber, and the conductive member is configured to electrically connect the grounding terminal and the grounding member.

Compared to related technologies, the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of this application has the following advantages.

The ink cartridge according to the embodiment of this application comprises a conductive member and a chip. The grounding terminal of the chip is electrically connected to the conductive member, and via the conductive member, is electrically connected to a grounding member located in the mounting chamber of the printing device. With this configuration, when the ink cartridge is inserted into the printing device, the chip is electrically connected to the grounding member via its grounding terminal and the conductive member, thus grounding the chip and enabling it to transmit and receive grounding signals.

Compared to related technologies where the chip's grounding terminal and the corresponding grounding contact pin in the contact pin assembly are electrically connected, the ink cartridge of this embodiment connects the chip's grounding terminal and the grounding member via a conductive member. This prevents situations where the chip cannot be grounded or grounding becomes unstable due to unstable contact between the grounding terminal and the grounding contact pin, thereby improving the reliability of chip grounding, preventing damage to the chip and printing device due to excessive current, improving the safety of using the ink cartridge and printing device, and reducing the occurrence of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge.

In one feasible configuration, the mounting portion is fixed inside the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided inside the housing chamber.

In one feasible configuration, at least a portion of the wall of the containment chamber is configured as the grounding member, and the electrical connection point between the grounding member and the conductive member is above the chip.

In one feasible embodiment, the conductive member comprises a first conductive piece and a first conductive transmission medium; the ink cartridge body comprises an ink storage section; the ink storage section comprises an ink storage chamber surrounded by a film layer structure; the film layer structure comprises an insulating outer film, a conductive interlayer, and an insulating inner film sequentially laminated from the outside to the inside; the conductive interlayer constitutes the first conductive transmission medium; and at least a portion of the conductive interlayer is used to electrically connect the first conductive piece and the grounding member.

In one feasible embodiment, the insulating outer film comprises a first perforation and a second perforation, wherein a portion of the conductive interlayer exposed within the first perforation forms a first electrical connection, and a portion of the conductive interlayer exposed within the second perforation forms a second electrical connection. The first electrical connection is electrically connected to one end of the first conductive piece, the other end of the first conductive piece is electrically connected to the grounding terminal, and the second electrical connection is electrically connected to the grounding member.

In one feasible configuration, the conductive member comprises a first conductive piece, a conductive oscillating rod is provided inside the housing chamber, the conductive oscillating rod is located at the bottom of the ink cartridge body and can restrict the position of the ink cartridge body, the conductive oscillating rod is configured as the grounding member, the conductive oscillating rod is electrically connected to the first conductive piece, and the electrical connection point between the conductive oscillating rod and the first conductive piece is below the tip.

In one feasible configuration, the mounting portion is movably mounted inside the mounting chamber, the grounding member is provided outside the mounting portion, a portion of the conductive member is provided inside the housing chamber and electrically connected to the grounding terminal, and another portion of the conductive member is provided outside the mounting portion and electrically connected to the grounding member.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member comprises a grounding rail, the grounding rail is located inside the mounting chamber, and the mounting portion is slidably attached to the grounding rail.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding rail has a conductive wall plate on the mounting side, the conductive wall plate's longitudinal direction coincides with the rail's extension direction, the conductive wall plate intersects the horizontal plane, and the end of the conductive member contacts and is electrically connected to the conductive wall plate.

In one feasible embodiment, the conductive member has a first curved region extending toward the conductive wall plate and a second curved region connected to the first curved region and extending upward, with the contact point between the conductive member and the conductive wall plate located in the second curved region.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member further comprises a conductive support plate, the mounting portion is slidably mounted on a rail, a barrier plate is provided between the rail and the conductive support plate, the conductive support plate is provided on the side of the barrier plate opposite to the mounting portion, the conductive member has a bridge connection portion, the bridge connection portion straddles the barrier plate, contacts the surface of the conductive support plate and is electrically connected to it.

In one feasible embodiment, the conductive member comprises a second conductive piece, a second conductive transmission medium, and a mounting member. The mounting member is provided at one end of the ink cartridge body away from the rail, one end of which is electrically connected to the grounding terminal, and the other end of which extends into the ink storage chamber of the ink cartridge body. Inside the ink storage chamber is a liquid medium for printing, which is configured as the second conductive transmission medium. The second conductive transmission medium is electrically connected to the mounting member. A portion of the second conductive piece forms the bridge connection, and the end of the second conductive piece away from the bridge connection extends into the ink storage chamber and is electrically connected to the second conductive transmission medium.

In one feasible configuration, the conductive member has a contact portion at one end closest to the grounding member, which is configured as a ball or ball bearing, and the ball or ball bearing is electrically connected to the conductive member.

In one feasible configuration, the mounting portion slides linearly with respect to the grounding member, the conductive member comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member is used to connect the second connecting member and the grounding member, at least a portion of the first connecting member is configured to be synchronously and dynamically displaced in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion, the second connecting member is provided on the mounting portion and does not displace relative to the mounting portion, and the second connecting member is used to connect to the grounding terminal.

In one feasible configuration, the first connecting member comprises a conductive carrier, a portion of which is configured as a deformable portion, and the deformable portion is configured to be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion.

In one feasible embodiment, the second connecting member comprises a main body and at least one extension, the extension being configured such that one end is connected to the main body and the other end extends in a third direction and is electrically connected to the grounding terminal.

In one feasible configuration, the first connecting member is provided on the second connecting member, the first connecting member is configured as a contact member capable of relative motion with respect to the second connecting member, and the first connecting member is capable of displacement along the surface of the grounding member.

In one feasible embodiment, the second connecting member comprises a housing portion, a mounting shaft provided inside the housing portion, the second connecting member is mounted on the mounting shaft, and at least a portion of the first connecting member has an electrical contact portion for electrically connecting to the grounding member while rotating.

In one feasible embodiment, the mounting portion comprises a first support portion for supporting and positioning the second connecting member, the second connecting member further comprises a third electrical connection portion that abuts the first support portion, and the third electrical connection portion is used for electrical connection with the grounding terminal.

In one feasible configuration, the ink cartridge further comprises a handle, the bottom of which is located below the third electrical connection, and the conductive member further comprises an auxiliary connecting member used for electrical connection between the grounding terminal and the third electrical connection.

The auxiliary connecting member includes a contact portion that electrically connects to the grounding terminal, and the projections of the contact portion and the handle partially overlap on the first projection plane, or the projections of the contact portion and the handle do not overlap on the first projection plane.

In one feasible configuration, the contact point between the conductive member and the conductive wall plate is a spherical projection.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member is configured as the upper wall of the housing chamber, the conductive member has an initial state before the ink cartridge is installed in the printing device and a contact state after the ink cartridge is installed in the printing device, and the conductive member is switchable between the initial state and the contact state.

In one feasible configuration, during the process of installing the ink cartridge into the printing device, contact between the conductive member and the grounding member occurs earlier than contact between the chip and the contact pin assembly.

In one feasible configuration, the contact pins of the contact pin assembly are deformable, the grounding member is not deformable, at least one of the contact pins deforms when the tip and the contact pins come into contact, and the grounding member does not deform when the conductive member and the grounding member come into contact.

In one feasible configuration, the communication terminal group comprises a data terminal, a reset terminal, a power terminal, and a clock terminal. In the direction in which the ink cartridge is mounted to the printing device, each terminal of the communication terminal group has two rows of contact portions that contact the contact pin assembly.

In one feasible configuration, in the mounting direction, the contact portions of the data terminal and the reset terminal are located on the upstream side, while the contact portions of the power terminal and the clock terminal are located on the downstream side.

In one feasible configuration, the chip comprises a substrate, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other, the first surface being the surface of the substrate closest to the contact pin assembly, the communication terminals being provided on the first surface, the grounding terminal being provided on either the second surface or the first surface, the grounding terminal being electrically connected to the conductive member and constituting the grounding point of the chip.

In one feasible embodiment, the first surface has a first and second orthogonal direction, the first direction being configured as the direction of extension of the projection line onto the first surface in the mounting direction in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing device; the communication terminal group comprises a plurality of communication terminals, each of which has a first contact portion that engages with the contact pin assembly; a first region is formed by being surrounded by a first projection onto the first surface of the plurality of first contact portions; and the ground terminal forms a second projection on the first surface.

In one feasible embodiment, in the second direction, at least a portion of the second projection lies outside the first region, and the distance between one side of the second projection closer to the first region and the first region is less than the length of the first region.

In one feasible configuration, there exists an overlap between the second projection and the first region in the second direction.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member and the contact pin assembly are configured as two distinct components.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member does not belong to the contact pin assembly.

The chip according to the embodiment of the present application is detachably mounted on a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprises a mounting chamber, a mounting portion provided inside the mounting chamber, and a grounding member, the mounting portion comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly, the grounding member is provided at a position other than the position where the contact pin assembly is provided, the chip comprises a group of communication terminals, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and a memory, the group of communication terminals is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly, and the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding member and the memory.

In one feasible configuration, the grounding member and the contact pin assembly are two distinct components.

In one feasible configuration, the chip is provided in the ink cartridge body, at least a portion of the ink cartridge body and the chip may be located inside the housing chamber, and the conductive member is provided inside the mounting chamber.

In one feasible configuration, the mounting portion is fixed inside the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided inside the housing chamber.

In one feasible configuration, at least a portion of the wall of the containment chamber is configured as the grounding member, and the electrical connection point between the grounding member and the conductive member is above the chip.

The method of using an ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present application is as follows: The ink cartridge is detachably mounted on a printing device; the printing device has a mounting chamber, a mounting portion provided inside the mounting chamber, and a grounding member; the mounting portion comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly; the grounding member is provided at a position other than where the contact pin assembly is located; the ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body and a chip; the chip comprises a group of communication terminals, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and a memory; the group of communication terminals is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly; and the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding member and the memory.

The method of using the chip according to the embodiment of the present application is as follows: The chip is detachably mounted on a printing device, and comprises the printing device, a mounting chamber, a mounting portion provided inside the mounting chamber, and a grounding member. The mounting portion comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly. The grounding member is provided at a position other than the position where the contact pin assembly is located. The chip comprises a group of communication terminals, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and a memory. The group of communication terminals is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly, and the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding member and the memory.

In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure described above, the technical features constituting the invention, and the beneficial effects achieved by these inventions, other technical problems that can be solved by the ink cartridges provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, other technical features included in the invention, and the beneficial effects achieved by these technical features will be described in more detail in embodiments for carrying out the invention.

To further clarify embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below. Clearly, the description of the following drawings represents only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these without any creative effort.

This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present application is installed in the mounting section. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a conductive member and a grounding member according to an embodiment of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the insertion of an ink cartridge into the mounting section according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a contact pin assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first contact pin in Figure 4. This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the chip. This is a schematic front view diagram of a modified example 1 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic front view diagram of a modified example 1 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a modified example 1 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a modified example 1 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application and an exploded view of the connecting member. This is a schematic diagram 1 of the arrangement of a modified example 2 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application (the chip has five terminals). This is a schematic diagram 2 of the arrangement of a modified example 2 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application (the chip has five terminals). This is a schematic diagram 1 of the arrangement of a modified example 3 of the chip according to Embodiment 1 of the present application (the chip has nine terminals). This is a schematic diagram showing the chip of Embodiment 1 of the present application when mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contact between the chip and the contact pin assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure when the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting section of Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge. This is an exploded schematic diagram of the conductive member in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of the conductive member in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the handle in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of an ink cartridge and printing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is an exploded view of an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the chip according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the chip of Embodiment 2 of the present application is mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the ink cartridge of Embodiment 2 of the present application is installed in the mounting section. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the conductive member and the grounding member in Embodiment 2 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the chip of Embodiment 1 of Embodiment 3 of the present application is mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a schematic diagram showing the case when the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting section of Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the mounting part. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the connection between the chip and the conductive member in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is schematic diagram 2 of the connection between the chip and the conductive member in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram showing the chip of Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram showing the chip of Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a schematic diagram showing the case when the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting section of Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram showing the case when the ink cartridge in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application is mounted in the tray. Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive member. This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the ink cartridge and mounting part in Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the chip in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the chip in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive member in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the contact between the ink cartridge and the mounting portion in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram 1 of the structure of the chip holder in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram 2 of the structure of the chip holder in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the print head structure in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the print head and the connecting member in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram 1 of the loading of the ink cartridge into the tray in Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the loading of the ink cartridge into the tray in Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the tray and the locking mechanism in Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive member in Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the connection between the ink cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the connection between the ink cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the connection with the grounding member in the installed state of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 3 showing the connection between the ink cartridge and the tray in Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the connection with the grounding member in the ink cartridge installed state in Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge of Embodiment 6 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge of Embodiment 7 of Embodiment 3 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the chip according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive member according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the ink cartridge of Embodiment 4 of the present application is installed in the mounting section. This is an exploded schematic diagram showing the ink cartridge of Embodiment 4 of the present application when it is installed in the mounting section. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rear side wall of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the chip of Embodiment 4 of the present application is mounted on an ink cartridge. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the connection between the conductive member and the grounding member in Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conductive member according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conductive member according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a magnified schematic diagram of location A in Figure 73. This is a magnified schematic diagram of area B in Figure 73. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the ink cartridge and the chip according to Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is schematic diagram 2 of the connection between the conductive member and the grounding member in Embodiment 4 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the ink cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 5 of the present application when it is installed in a printing device. This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a printing device and a connecting assembly according to Embodiment 5 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chip in the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present application. This is a magnified schematic diagram of location C in Figure 80. Figure 79 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting part. This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting member as seen from one angle in Figure 79. This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting member in Figure 79, viewed from a different angle. This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the ink cartridge assembly according to Embodiment 5 of the present application when it is installed in a printing device. Figure 85 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the second connecting member and the first connecting member located thereon. Figure 86 is a schematic diagram of the detailed structure of the first and second connecting members. This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the arrangement of auxiliary connecting members according to Embodiment 5 of the present application. Figure 88 shows a schematic diagram 1 of the connection between the auxiliary connecting member and the tip. Figure 88 shows a schematic diagram 2 of the connection between the auxiliary connecting member and the tip. This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the arrangement of the auxiliary connecting member according to Embodiment 5 of the present application. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the third electrical connection part and the second connecting member according to Embodiment 5 of the present application. Figure 91 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positioning of the auxiliary connecting member and the handle. Figure 91 shows a schematic diagram 1 of the connection between the auxiliary connecting member and the tip. Figure 91 shows a schematic diagram 2 of the connection between the auxiliary connecting member and the tip.

As described in the background art, the image forming apparatus comprises an ink cartridge and a printing device. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the printing device, the ink cartridge's chip may not be able to make proper contact with the ground, or the grounding may be unstable, affecting the stability of the chip's grounding and the safety of use. According to the inventor's research, the cause of this problem was found to be as follows:

During the ink cartridge installation process, the contact pins of the printing device are exposed within the installation area. If the ink cartridge or foreign object unexpectedly falls into the installation area and collides with the ground contact pins, the pins may bend unexpectedly, the contact points may be damaged by friction, or their position may become unstable. This could result in unstable contact with the chip's ground terminal, potentially preventing the chip from grounding properly or causing unstable grounding. Therefore, if excessive current flows through the ink cartridge, there is a risk of damage to the chip and the printing device, and the printing device may be unable to correctly identify the ink cartridge.

To address the above technical challenges, the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of this application comprises a conductive member and a chip. The grounding terminal of the chip is electrically connected to the conductive member, and via the conductive member, is an electrical connection to a grounding member located in the mounting chamber of the printing device. With this configuration, when the ink cartridge is inserted into the printing device, the chip is electrically connected to the grounding member via its grounding terminal and the conductive member. This ensures that the chip is stably grounded.

By configuring the ink cartridge in this embodiment of the present invention, the chip's grounding terminal and the grounding member are connected via a conductive member, thereby preventing situations where the chip cannot be grounded or grounding becomes unstable due to unstable contact between the grounding terminal and the grounding contact pin. Therefore, the reliability of chip grounding can be improved, damage to the chip and printing device due to excessive current can be prevented, the safety of using the ink cartridge and printing device can be improved, and the occurrence of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge can be reduced.

To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer and easier to understand, the invention relating to the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below based on the drawings of the embodiments. Of course, the embodiments described are only a subset of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Any other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could obtain without creative work based on the embodiments of this application all fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the ink cartridge 10 according to the embodiment of this application is one of the consumable components of a printing device. While consumable components include the ink cartridge 10, they are not limited to this; for example, they may also include toner cartridges, ribbons, etc. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge will be described as an example.

Since the ink cartridge 10 needs to be replaced once it is used up, the ink cartridge 10 is usually detachably mounted on the printing device. For example, the printing device in this embodiment is also called a printer, and the printer has a mounting chamber, which contains a mounting section 90 for housing the ink cartridge and a grounding member for grounding the printer (also called a printing device). The ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting section and electrically connected to the printer's mounting section to establish communication between the ink cartridge and the printer.

Specifically, the printing device has a mounting chamber, and the mounting section is located within the mounting chamber. The mounting section comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly, and the grounding member is located at a position other than where the contact pin assembly is located. At least one ink cartridge is inserted into the housing chamber. At least a portion of the contact pin assembly is exposed within the housing chamber and is electrically connected to the ink cartridge's chip. The grounding member and the contact pin assembly are two distinct components. In other words, the grounding member does not belong to the contact pin assembly.

The ink cartridge is detachably mounted to the printing device. The printing device has a mounting section and a grounding member located within a mounting chamber. The mounting section comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly. The grounding member is located at a position other than where the contact pin assembly is located. The ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body, a chip, and a conductive member. The chip is located on the ink cartridge body. At least a portion of the ink cartridge body and chip may be located within the housing chamber. The chip is provided with a group of communication terminals and a grounding terminal, the group of communication terminals being electrically connected to the contact pin assembly. The conductive member is located within the mounting chamber. The conductive member is configured to electrically connect the grounding terminal and the grounding member.

The contact pins in the contact pin assembly are deformable, while the grounding member is not. When the tip contacts a contact pin, at least one contact pin deforms. When the conductive member contacts the grounding member, the grounding member does not deform. Since the contact surface deforms when two objects come into contact with each other, it should be noted that in this embodiment, "the grounding member does not deform" refers to the minute deformation that occurs when the grounding member and conductive member come into contact, which is generally invisible to the naked eye, compared to the large deformation of the contact pins.

The ink cartridge 10 comprises an ink cartridge body 50 for storing ink, a chip 20 provided on the surface of the ink cartridge body 50, and a conductive member. The chip 20 is used to store information such as the ink cartridge manufacturer, ink quantity, ink cartridge type, and ink color. The chip is provided with multiple terminals. Depending on the purpose of the terminals, these are divided into communication terminals and grounding terminals; that is, the chip is provided with a group of communication terminals and a group of grounding terminals, and the group of communication terminals includes multiple communication terminals.

Furthermore, the communication terminals are configured to contact and electrically connect to each contact pin of the contact pin assembly. The grounding terminal is connected to one end of a conductive member, and the other end of the conductive member may be connected to the grounding member. This allows the grounding signal from the chip to be transmitted to the grounding member via the conductive member, completing the grounding process.

When the ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the housing, each communication terminal of the chip 20 contacts the corresponding contact pin assembly and is electrically connected, enabling data transmission, confirmation, and exchange between the ink cartridge 10 and the printer. Simultaneously, the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding member, thereby grounding both the ink cartridge and the printer.

Compared to related technologies in which the grounding terminal of the chip 20 and the corresponding grounding contact pin of the contact pin assembly are electrically connected, the ink cartridge of the embodiment of the present invention connects the grounding terminal of the chip and the grounding member via a conductive member, thereby avoiding situations where the chip cannot be grounded or grounding becomes unstable due to unstable contact between the grounding terminal and the grounding contact pin. Therefore, the reliability of the chip's grounding can be improved, damage to the chip and printing device due to excessive current can be prevented, the safety of using the chip and printing device can be improved, and the occurrence of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge can be reduced.

Based on the above embodiment, the mounting portion of the present invention may be fixed within the mounting chamber or movably provided within the mounting chamber. For example, the mounting portion may be slidably provided within the mounting chamber. However, because the arrangement of the mounting portion within the mounting chamber differs, the method of mounting the ink cartridge to the mounting portion is affected, and the arrangement of the chip on the ink cartridge, as well as the electrical connection method between the conductive member and the grounding member, also differ. This will be explained in detail using different embodiments in this invention.

Embodiment 1.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion is provided within the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided within the housing chamber of the mounting portion. Specifically, the mounting portion is movably provided within the mounting chamber.

Embodiment 1, Example 1.
Embodiment 1 provides an antenna-type conductive member. A metal member provided in the mounting chamber is configured as a grounding member, that is, the metal member is grounded. One end of the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the chip 20, and the other end is connected to the grounding member, with the electrical connection point between the two being above the chip.

Referring to Figure 3, the mounting section is a component of the printing device and is used to mount one or more ink cartridges. The ink cartridges are detachably mounted in the mounting section along the mounting direction P. When an ink cartridge is used up, it needs to be replaced with a new one.

The ink cartridge 10 comprises a tip 20, a handle 30, an ink outlet 41, and an ink cartridge body 50. The mounting section 90 has a contact pin assembly 91, an ink supply section 92, an opening 95, and a bottom wall 90a. The ink cartridge 10 is mounted into the mounting section 90 through the opening 95 along the mounting direction P (-Z axis direction). The handle 30 is used to secure the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting section 90 and prevent it from detaching.

Ink is stored inside the case 50 (also referred to as the ink cartridge body 50). The ink reaches the ink supply unit 92 via the ink outlet 41, allowing the ink supply unit 92 to provide ink to the printer's print head for printing.

As shown in Figure 4, the contact pin assembly 91 comprises contact pins 91a and a base portion 910. The contact pins 91a are provided on the base portion 910. The chip 20 is provided with a group of communication terminals. These communication terminals can be electrically connected by contacting the contact pins of the contact pin assembly and are used to transmit electrical signals.

In this embodiment, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, i.e., an XYZ axis coordinate system, is established. The three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of the ink cartridge coincides with the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of the mounting section. If the direction in which the ink cartridge 10 is mounted into the mounting section is the -Z axis direction, then the direction in which the ink cartridge is removed from the mounting section is the +Z axis direction. The opening is located in the +Z axis direction, and the bottom wall 90a is located in the -Z axis direction. Generally, the printer is placed flat on an office desk or printer stand, with the opening 95 located above the mounting section 90 and the bottom wall 90a located at the bottom of the mounting section 90. This arrangement facilitates the mounting or removal of the ink cartridge by the user.

Furthermore, the mounting section 90 can accommodate multiple or one ink cartridge. The mounting section has multiple or one mounting positions. For example, the mounting section 90 has four mounting positions, each capable of holding one ink cartridge. The four ink cartridges can store four different colors of ink (e.g., black, yellow, cyan, and magenta).

The mounting portion in this embodiment is a component that is approximately rectangular or square in shape and has an opening. The inner wall and bottom wall 90a of the mounting portion constitute the mounting position. The contact pin assembly 91 is attached to the first side wall 90c of the mounting portion, and the mounting positions are arranged sequentially in the Y-axis direction, with the four mounting positions arranged sequentially in the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis is the X-axis direction, and here, the direction from the inside of the mounting portion 90 toward the contact pin assembly 91 is the +X-axis direction. The +X-axis is perpendicular to the first side wall 90c, and when observed along the +X-axis direction, if the +Z-axis is located upwards on the YZ plane, the +Y-axis direction is located to the left.

Referring to Figure 4, the contact pin assembly 91 has a base portion 910 and a plurality of contact pins provided on the base portion 910. For example, the base portion 910 is provided with five contact pins, which are the first contact pin 911 to the fifth contact pin 915. Each contact pin is a thin, plate-like metal piece, is conductive, and resistant to wear. Accordingly, the base portion 910 has a plurality of slits 981 to 985 corresponding to the contact pins. Here, slits 981, 982, 983, 984, and 985 correspond to contact pins 911, 912, 913, 914, and 915, respectively. Each of the plurality of slits 981 to 985 is U-shaped and has a slit opening in the +Z axis direction. The plurality of contact pins 911 to 915 are attached to the slits 981 to 985, respectively, through the slit openings along the -Z axis direction.

Specifically, the first contact pin 911 is attached to the first slit 981 through the slit opening along the -Z axis. The attachment method for the second to fifth contact pins 912 to 915 is the same as for the first contact pin 911, so a detailed explanation is omitted here. Each contact pin in the first to fifth contact pins 915 has one side connected to the printer's main circuit via the internal circuitry of the mounting section, and the other side exposed within the housing chamber of the mounting section 90. When an ink cartridge is inserted into the housing chamber, it can be electrically connected to the respective communication terminals of the chip 20.

The first to fifth contact pins 915 in the embodiment of this application have the same structure. In this embodiment, the structure of each contact pin will be described using the first contact pin 911 as an example. As shown in Figure 5, the first contact pin 911 is divided into a first portion 911a, a second portion 911b, and a third portion 911c. The first portion 911a is electrically connected to the communication terminal of the chip 20 and is used to form the first contact portion. The second portion 911b is connected to the internal circuit of the printer.

The third portion 911c is connected to the first portion 911a and the second portion 911b, and the third portion 911c is located in the +Z axis direction of the first contact pin 911, and the first contact pin 911 is fixed to the first slit 981 by the third portion 911c or a portion of the third portion 911c (for example, the horizontal portion 911h of the third portion 911c). The first portion 911a and the second portion 911b are provided at the -Z axis end of the first contact pin 911. This allows the first portion 911a and the second portion 911b to be elastically deformable and to easily return to their original state after deformation. The first portion 911a of the first contact pin 911 is provided in the -X axis direction, and the second portion 911b is provided in the +X axis direction. The first portion 911a and the second portion 911b protrude from the base portion 910, while the third portion 911c does not protrude from the base portion 910.

Furthermore, the first portion 911a and the second portion 911b protrude from the base portion 910 in the X-axis direction, and the base portion 910 is located between the first portion 911a and the second portion 911b. The first portion 911a is closer to the mounting position than the second portion 911b. That is, the first portion 911a can be electrically connected to the chip 20.

The third portion 911c has a first vertical portion 911k and a second vertical portion 911j perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and a horizontal portion 911h parallel to the X-axis direction. The horizontal portion 911h connects the first vertical portion 911k and the second vertical portion 911j. The first vertical portion 911k and the second vertical portion 911j extend vertically along the Z-axis direction. The first vertical portion 911k is closer to the mounting position than the second vertical portion 911j, the end of the first vertical portion 911k is connected to the first portion 911a, the end of the second vertical portion 911j is connected to the second portion 911b, and the horizontal portion 911h or the first vertical portion 911k and the second vertical portion 911j are fixed to the first slit 981 in the +Z-axis direction.

Referring to Figure 5, the first portion 911a comprises a first surface portion 911a1, a second surface portion 911a2, a third surface portion 911a3, and a fourth surface portion (not shown). The third surface portion 911a3 is positioned opposite the fourth surface portion along the X direction. The region enclosed by the first surface portion 911a1 and the second surface portion 911a2 forms a protruding region, and the first vertical portion 911k is a vertical region. The second portion 911b is another protruding region, and the second vertical portion 911j is another vertical region. The second contact pins 912 to the fifth contact pins 915 have the same arrangement and structure as the first contact pin 911, so their description is omitted.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the chip 20 according to this embodiment has a memory 100, a substrate 120, and a plurality of terminals 130 (communication terminal group). The substrate 120 has a front surface 120a, a rear surface 120b, a left surface 120c, a right surface 120d, a top surface 120e (not shown), and a bottom surface 120f.

Here, the front surface 120a faces the rear surface 120b, and the front surface 120a is located on the +X side of the rear surface 120b. The left surface 120c faces the right surface 120d, and the left surface 120c is located on the -Y axis side of the right surface 120d. The top surface 120e faces the bottom surface 120f, and the top surface 120e is located on the +Z axis side of the bottom surface 120f.

Furthermore, since multiple terminals 130 are provided on the front surface 120a, the front surface 120a is also referred to as the first terminal surface. For example, the front surface 120a is provided with a first terminal 131, a second terminal 132, a third terminal 133, and a fourth terminal 134. The first terminal 131, the second terminal 132, the third terminal 133, and the fourth terminal 134 each have different positions on the Y-axis, the first terminal 131 and the fourth terminal 134 have the same position on the Z-axis, the second terminal 132 and the third terminal 133 have the same position on the Z-axis, and the first terminal 131 and the third terminal 133 have different positions on the Z-axis.

Furthermore, the first terminal 131, the second terminal 132, the third terminal 133, and the fourth terminal 134 are each configured as communication terminals. The first terminal 131 (data terminal) is configured for transmitting or receiving data signals. The second terminal 132 (clock terminal) is configured as a clock terminal for receiving clock signals. The third terminal 133 (power terminal) is configured to provide operating voltage to the memory 100. The fourth terminal 134 (reset terminal) is used to reset the data inside the memory 100.

Each communication terminal has one contact point C, which is indicated by a circle. Multiple contact points C on multiple communication terminals are designated as the first contact point C1 to the fourth contact point C4. The contact point C is the area on terminal 130 that is most likely to contact the contact pins when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer.

The communication terminal group includes a data terminal (first terminal 131), a reset terminal (fourth terminal 134), a power terminal (third terminal 133), and a clock terminal (second terminal 132). Along the mounting direction P in which the ink cartridge 10 is installed on the printing device, the contact portions C1 to C4 that contact the contact pin assembly of each terminal in the communication terminal group are arranged in two rows.

In the mounting direction P (i.e., the Z-axis direction as shown in the diagram), the contact portion C1 of the data terminal and the contact portion C4 of the reset terminal are located on the upstream side, while the contact portion C3 of the power terminal and the contact portion C2 of the clock terminal are located on the downstream side.

In this embodiment, the memory 100 and the communication terminal are each provided on the circuit board 120. The memory 100 needs to be grounded and can be considered a "grounding terminal." The memory 100 needs to transmit grounding signals and interact with the printing device in order to ensure that the ink cartridge is properly installed in the printing device and that the corresponding job is executed.

Please note that memory 100 is used to store information such as manufacturer information, ink level information, ink cartridge type information, and ink color. When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer's mounting section, data transmission, verification, and data interaction occur between memory 100 and the printer. The connection between the two is achieved by connecting the communication terminal to the printer's contact pins.

Furthermore, the memory 100 may be provided on one or more of the surfaces from the front 120a to the bottom 120f. It is preferable that the memory 100 be provided on the rear surface 120b. The specific shape and structure of the substrate 120 are not limited and can be set according to the specific design requirements of those skilled in the art. The chip 20 may have, for example, a rectangular structure, a rounded rectangular structure, a T-shaped structure, a trapezoidal structure, or a parallelogram structure.

The placement of the memory 100 on the substrate 120 is not limited. For example, the memory 100 may be located on the rear end of the chip 20, closer to the -Z axis direction, or on the front end of the chip 20, closer to the +Z axis direction, or in the center of the chip 20. Those skilled in the art can arrange it according to specific design requirements; therefore, further explanation is omitted here.

Referring to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the memory 100 is located on the rear surface 120b, near the right surface 120d and the top surface 120e. The connecting member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) is made of a conductive material with a certain hardness and is connected to the conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) by solder. The conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) is connected to the memory 100 via a circuit/wire built into the substrate 120. Thus, the connecting member 135 and the memory 100 are connected.

The conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) may be considered a part of the chip 20. Specifically, the conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) may be a copper coating on the chip 20 (achieved by electroplating technology), and can electrically connect the conductive member 135 and the memory 100. The contact method between the connecting member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) and the conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) may be welding, contact, or other methods, as long as an electrical connection can be made.

The connecting member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) is provided within the mounting chamber. The connecting member 135 is configured to electrically connect the conductive piece 135a (also referred to as the grounding terminal) to the grounding member. Furthermore, a grounding signal is transmitted between the ink cartridge 10 and the printing device via the grounding terminal 135a, the conductive member 135, and the grounding member. Optionally, a grounding signal is transmitted between the ink cartridge 10 and the printing device via the memory 100 on the chip, the conductive member 135, and the grounding member. Furthermore, a grounding signal is transmitted between the ink cartridge 10 and the printing device via the memory 100 on the chip, the grounding terminal 135a, the conductive member 135, and the grounding member.

Since the connecting member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) is electrically connected to the memory 100 and the grounding terminal 135a on the chip, the connecting member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) may be considered as part of the chip 20. That is, the chip 20 comprises the memory 100, the circuit board 120, the communication terminal group 130, the conductive member 135, and the grounding terminal 135a.

The contact pins 911-914 of the contact pin assembly 91 are deformable, while the grounding member is not. When the chip 20 contacts the contact pins 911-914, at least one contact pin deforms. When the conductive member 105 contacts the grounding member, the grounding member does not deform, and even minute deformations invisible to the naked eye fall under the category of non-deformability. This structure is advantageous for ensuring the stability of the transmission of electrical signals from the chip 20, particularly grounding signals.

Note that, typically, the grounding signal is output by the main CPU of the printing device, and this signal is then output from the main CPU to the grounding contact pins and grounding components of the contact pin assembly. When an ink cartridge is installed in the printing device, it is necessary to ensure communication of the grounding signal between the ink cartridge and the printing device. In related technologies, the grounding signal is transmitted sequentially between the ink cartridge and the printing device via the grounding terminals and grounding contact pins of the chip's terminal group.

However, in this application, the grounding signal is transmitted by a grounding terminal, a conductive member, and a grounding member. Optionally, in this application, the grounding signal is transmitted by memory, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and a grounding member in the chip. Optionally, in this application, the grounding signal is transmitted by memory, a grounding terminal, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and a grounding member in the chip, thereby improving the stability of grounding signal transmission.

In this embodiment, the layout of the communication terminals and grounding terminals on the chip substrate will be described in detail.

As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the chip 20 comprises a substrate 120, which has two opposing surfaces: a first surface 120a and a second surface 120b. Of these two surfaces, the first surface 120a is the front surface of the substrate 120, and the second surface 120b is the rear surface of the substrate. The first surface 120a is configured as the surface of the substrate closest to the printer's contact pin assembly 91, and a group of communication terminals is provided on the first surface 120a. This group of communication terminals comprises multiple communication terminals 131 to 134.

The chip further includes a grounding terminal 135a. The grounding terminal 135a is provided on either the first surface 120a or the second surface 120b. The grounding terminal 135a is electrically connected to the conductive member 135, forming the grounding point of the chip.

In one embodiment, the first surface 120a has a first and second orthogonal direction, with the first direction being configured as the mounting direction for the ink cartridge 10 to be mounted on the printing device. Each of the above communication terminals has a first contact portion due to contact with a contact pin. The first contact portion has a first projection onto the first surface 120a, and the first region is formed by being surrounded by the first projections of the multiple first contact portions onto the first surface 120a. The ground point formed by the conductive member and the grounding terminal has a second projection onto the first surface 120a.

In the second direction, at least a portion of the second projection lies outside the first region. In other words, in the second direction, a portion of the second projection lies within the first region, and at least a portion of the second projection lies outside the first region. For example, if a portion of the second projection lies outside the first region, in the second direction, the second projection is close to one side of the first region, and its distance from the first region is less than the length of the first region. Optionally, in the second direction, there is an overlap between the second projection and the first region.

The chip 20 may have the following variations. Each of these different variations of the chip can be mounted on the ink cartridge 10.

Chip variation 1.
As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the difference between this modified example and the chip of Embodiment 1 is that the chip 20 of this modified example has a memory 100, a substrate 120, and a group of terminals (corresponding to the group of communication terminals of Embodiment 1).

The memory 100 and the terminal group (corresponding to the communication terminal group in Embodiment 1) are provided on the chip board 120. The memory 100 is used to store information such as manufacturer information, ink quantity information, consumable cartridge type information, and ink color. When the consumable cartridge 10 is installed in the printer's mounting section 90, data transmission, verification, and data interaction occur between the memory 100 and the printer. The connection between the two is achieved by connecting the terminal group to the printer's contact pins. Furthermore, the shape of each terminal in the terminal group may be other shapes, such as a rectangle, square, circle, trapezoid, or other irregular shape.

In this modified example, a group of terminals is provided on the front surface 120a, and the terminal group comprises multiple terminals (131 to 139). Of course, the memory 100 may be provided on one or more of the surfaces from the front surface 120a to the bottom surface 120f. The top surface 120e and the bottom surface 120f are positioned opposite each other in the Z-axis direction. The specific shape and structure of the chip 20 are not limited and can be provided according to the specific design requirements of those skilled in the art. The chip 20 may, for example, have a rectangular structure, a rounded rectangular structure, a T-shaped structure, a trapezoidal structure, or a parallelogram structure.

The placement of the memory 100 is not limited. For example, the memory 100 may be located near the rear end of the chip 20 in the mounting direction, or near the front end of the chip 20 in the mounting direction, or in the center of the chip 20. Those skilled in the art can arrange it according to specific design requirements; therefore, further explanation is omitted here.

In this embodiment, the terminal group comprises nine terminals, the function and operation of each terminal are as follows: The first terminal 131 and the second terminal 132 (reset terminals) are used to reset the data inside the wafer. The third terminal 133 (clock terminal) is used to receive a clock signal. The fourth terminal 134, the fifth terminal 135, and the sixth terminal 136 (power terminals) receive a power supply potential different from the ground potential (e.g., 3.6V) and are used to supply power to the operation of the memory 100. The seventh terminals 137a, 137b, 137c, and 137d (ground terminals) are used to indirectly receive the ground potential. The eighth terminal 138 (data terminal) is used to transmit or receive data signals. A ninth terminal 139 is further provided.

In this embodiment, the third terminal group includes the first terminal 131 and the fourth terminal 134, and the second terminal group includes the fifth terminal 135 and the ninth terminal 139. Both the third and second terminal groups are mounting detection terminals, and the first terminal 131 and the fourth terminal 134 may be short-circuit detection terminals. The other terminals are included in the first terminal group. When the consumable cartridge 10 is mounted in the printer, an electrical signal is transmitted between the mounting detection terminals and the printer to detect whether or not the consumable cartridge 10 is mounted. The fifth terminal 135 and the ninth terminal 139 are also referred to as high-voltage terminals and receive a mounting detection voltage (e.g., 42V) to perform a mounting detection function related to the mounting of the consumable cartridge to the mounting section.

For example, a high resistance (e.g., 62 kΩ) is provided between the fifth terminal 135 and the ninth terminal 139, and by detecting changes in current or voltage, it is determined whether or not the consumable cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting section. The first terminal 131 and the fourth terminal 134 are also referred to as short-circuit detection terminals, and by detecting changes in voltage on these terminals, the presence or absence of a short circuit on the chip 20 can be detected. Furthermore, it may be determined whether or not the consumable cartridge 10 is installed in the printer based on whether or not these two terminals are connected.

Furthermore, the first terminal 131 and the fourth terminal 134 are used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the terminals. Specifically, they are used to detect whether a short circuit has occurred between the fifth terminal 135/ninth terminal 139 and the first terminal 131/fourth terminal 134. If a short circuit occurs between the fifth terminal 135/ninth terminal 139 and the first terminal 131/fourth terminal 134, the printer will detect an increase in voltage on the first terminal 131/fourth terminal 134, and then display short-circuit information, thereby avoiding the risk of the chip or printer being damaged by the short circuit.

Each terminal in the terminal group has its own contact portion, which is indicated by a circle in Figure 8. The contact portion is the area on the terminal that is most likely to come into contact with the contact pin when the consumable cartridge 10 is mounted in the printer. When observed along the direction perpendicular to the P direction of mounting, the arrangement is ground terminal (seventh terminal 137a, 137b, 137c, 137d), one second contact portion, one third contact portion, a first contact portion, another third contact portion, another second contact portion, or (as shown in Figure 8) the ground terminal and the fifth terminal 135 are in a straight line along the Z direction. Of course, the ground terminal may be provided on the front surface 120a or the rear surface 120b of the chip. For example, the ground terminal may be provided at the four positions 137a, 137b, 137c, and 137d shown in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, preferably, the grounding terminals 137a, 137b, 137c, and 137d are provided on the front surface 120a or the rear surface 120b, and the grounding terminals are arranged to be on the +Z side or off-center from the +Z direction to the -Y direction compared to the fifth terminal 135.

Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) is in a straight line with the first terminal 131. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the first terminal 131 and the fifth terminal 135. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the first terminal 131. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the fifth terminal 135. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the fourth terminal 134 and the ninth terminal 139. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the fourth terminal 134. Optionally, along the Z-direction, the grounding terminal (the seventh terminal) overlaps with at least a portion of the ninth terminal 139. The grounding terminal (the seventh terminal) is electrically connected to the memory 100 and the conductive member 140.

As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the memory 100 is provided on the rear surface 120b. On the rear surface 120b of the substrate 120, near the right surface 120d and the top surface 120e, the connecting member 140 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1 and made of a conductive material with a certain hardness) is connected to a conductive piece 140a (corresponding to the ground terminal in Embodiment 1) by soldering/contact. The conductive piece 140a is a contact pre-provided on the rear surface 120b of the substrate, and this contact is connected to the memory 100 via a conductor provided inside the substrate 120. This achieves an electrical connection between the connecting member 140 and the memory 100.

Chip variation 2.
This modified version differs from the chip of Embodiment 1 in the following ways. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the terminal group 130 on the substrate has four communication terminals, each of which is a first terminal 131, a second terminal 132, a third terminal 133, and a fourth terminal 134. The first terminal 131 (data terminal) is used to transmit or receive data signals, the second terminal 132 (clock terminal) is used to receive clock signals, the third terminal 133 (power terminal) is used to receive a power supply potential different from the ground potential (e.g., 3.6V/3.3V) and to provide power to the memory operation via this terminal, and the fourth terminal 134 (reset terminal) is used to reset data inside the wafer or to adjust the processing unit to a responsive state.

Each contact portion C1 to C4 has a first projection onto the first surface. The first surface has a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. The first direction is the mounting direction P of the ink cartridge to the printing device, in which case the first surface is parallel to the first direction (i.e., the mounting direction P). Alternatively, the first direction is the direction in which the projection line of the mounting direction P of the ink cartridge to the printing device extends onto the first surface, and the first surface may be inclined with respect to the first direction. That is, the substrate may be provided on the ink cartridge body so as to be inclined.

For example, the Z-axis direction in the illustration is the first direction, and the X-axis direction is the second direction, with the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. In this case, the first surface may be the front surface 120a or the rear surface 120b of the substrate.

The first projection of each contact portion onto the first surface encloses the first region M. For example, the substrate has regions Q1 and Q2 provided along the center line of the substrate, the first region M is within region Q1, the first to fourth terminals are within region Q1, each formed contact portion is within the first region M, and of course, the first region is also within region Q1.

Furthermore, a grounding terminal is provided on the rear surface of the circuit board. This grounding terminal is also referred to as a fifth terminal/additional terminal. The grounding terminals 135a, 135b, 135c, and 135d (corresponding to the grounding terminals in Embodiment 1) are connected to a conductive member and a memory. A grounding point is formed by the connection between the grounding terminals and the conductive member. The grounding terminals may be arranged at four positions: 135a, 135b, 135c, and 135d.

For example, the first to fourth terminals are located within region Q1. Furthermore, region Q2 may or may not be provided, or it may be provided as small as possible. In this way, the dimensions of the chip can be reduced, enabling miniaturization of the chip, ink cartridge, and printer. If region Q2 is not provided, or is provided as small as possible, region Q1 refers to the chip region where the first to fourth terminals 131 to 134 are located. The contact portions of the first to fourth terminals 131 to 4 are located within the first region M.

The positions of the grounding terminals 135a, 135b, 135c, and 135d may be in region Q1 on the rear surface 120b, for example, as shown in Figure 13, at the position indicated by the first additional terminal 135a or the second additional terminal 135b. In this case, the formed grounding point has a second projection onto the first surface that is within region Q1, and the second projection partially overlaps with the first region M. Alternatively, the position of the fifth terminal 135 may be in region Q1 on the front surface 120a, for example, at the position indicated by the fourth additional terminal 135d. In this case, the formed grounding point has a second projection onto the first surface that is within region Q1, i.e., the second projection is outside the first region M.

In some other embodiments, the position of the fifth terminal 135 may be in the second region Q2 on the rear surface 120b, for example, at the position shown by the third additional terminal 135c in Figure 13. In this case, the formed contact point is such that the second projection onto the first surface is outside the first region Q1, i.e., the second projection is outside the first region M. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width of region Q2 in the X-axis direction may be made smaller than the width of region Q1, and the distance between one side of the second projection closer to the first region M and the first region may be made smaller than the length of the first region.

Chip variation 3.
This modified example 3 is similar to modified example 1 of the chip, with the following differences. As shown in Figures 14 and 64, in other embodiments, eight terminals are provided on the front surface 120a of the substrate of this embodiment. On the rear surface 120b of the substrate 120, seventh terminals 137a and 137b are provided as ground terminals. The seventh terminals may be provided at other locations on the rear surface 120b and are used to receive the ground potential. Furthermore, it is sufficient to provide the seventh terminals on the rear surface 120b, and their number and shape are not limited. The chip 20 of this modified example includes two substantially rectangular seventh terminals.

The grounding terminal may be located within region Q1, for example, at the location where grounding terminal 137a is provided as shown in Figure 64. Alternatively, the grounding terminal may be located within region Q2, for example, at the location where grounding terminal 137b is provided as shown in Figure 64.

Note that the contact pin assembly contains eight contact pins, each contacting a terminal on the front surface to form its own contact area (indicated by circles in Figure 14). The contact area is the region most likely to come into contact with the contact pins when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the printer.

As shown in Figure 64, the first region M is formed by being surrounded by the first projection formed by each contact portion on the first surface, and a grounding point is formed by the connection between the grounding terminal and the conductive member. The projection of the grounding point onto the first surface is the second projection. When the grounding terminal 137a forms the grounding point, at least a portion of the second projection is within the first region M, and at least a portion is outside the first region M; that is, the second projection and the first region M overlap at least partially. When the grounding terminal 137b forms the grounding point, at least a portion of the second projection is within the first region M, and at least a portion is outside the first region M; that is, the second projection and the first region M overlap at least partially.

As shown in Figures 7 and 15, the tip 20 has a positioning hole, and the ink cartridge body 50 is provided with a positioning column that fits into the positioning hole. Once the positioning column is inserted into the positioning hole of the tip 20, the tip 20 is positioned. Furthermore, the tip 20 may be fixed to the ink cartridge body 50 by welding.

Specifically, the chip 20 of this embodiment has a first hole 121 and a second hole 122. The first hole 121 and the second hole 122 are through-holes in the substrate 120, both penetrating the front surface 120a and the rear surface 120b of the substrate 120.

The first hole 121 is a rectangular recess formed by recessing from the top surface to the bottom surface 120f of the substrate, and the second hole 122 is a through-hole located on the side closer to the bottom surface 120f in the surface 120a/120b of the substrate 120. Correspondingly, the ink cartridge corresponding to this chip is provided with a chip mounting section. The chip mounting section includes a first positioning column 601 that fits into the first hole 121 and a second positioning column 602 that fits into the second hole 122. The first positioning column 601 and the second positioning column 602 are inserted into the first hole 121 and the second hole 122, respectively, and joined together. The chip 20 is then fixed to the case 50 (also referred to as the ink cartridge body 50) by welding with a heat welding head. This configuration prevents misalignment of the chip 20 during the installation or use process. Specifically, positioning in three directions—the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis—can be achieved.

The number of positioning holes is not limited; specifically, one positioning hole (for example, the first hole 121) may be provided, or two or more positioning holes may be provided. Furthermore, the shape of the positioning holes is not limited; they may be round, square, or irregularly shaped. Similarly, the specific shape and number of positioning columns and limiting parts are not limited.

Based on the above embodiment, the ink cartridge body of the present embodiment has a fixing assembly 603 provided on the -Y axis side of the handle 30. The fixing assembly 603 comprises a first fixing member 603a, a second fixing member 603b, and a third fixing member 603c. The third fixing member 603c restricts the connecting member 135 (also referred to as a conductive member) to the ink cartridge body 50. The first fixing member 603a and the second fixing member 603b are arranged opposite each other, clamping the connecting member 135, allowing the connecting member 135 to be bent at a right angle and bent away from the ink cartridge body 50.

This configuration ensures the connection member 135 (also referred to as the conductive member) is fixed, preventing poor contact between the connection member 135 and the printer's grounding member (not shown) due to the connection member 135's movement. Furthermore, because the connection member 135 is bent at a right angle, it is advantageous to adjust it to extend toward the printer's grounding member, facilitating electrical contact with the printer's grounding member, preventing excessive current, and reducing the risk of electric shock due to unstable grounding.

As shown in Figure 16, during the process of mounting the ink cartridge 10 having the chip 20 of this embodiment onto the mounting section 90, electrical connections are established between each of the first terminals 131 to the fourth terminals 134 and the corresponding second surface portions 911a2 to 914a2 of the first portions 911a to 914a of the first contact pins 9111 to the fourth contact pins 914.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting section, one end of the connecting member 135 is connected to a grounding terminal provided on the rear surface 120b of the circuit board. The grounding terminal is electrically connected to the memory 100. The connecting member 135 extends from the rear surface 120b of the circuit board, closely adheres to the ink cartridge body 50, and extends in the +Z axis direction. The first fixing member 603a and the second fixing member 603b act on the right-angle bent portion of the connecting member 135, bending the connecting member 135 toward the metal member (also referred to as the grounding member) of the printer. In this embodiment, the metal member may be a part of the grounding member, or it may be the grounding member itself. The metal member is provided within the mounting chamber of the printer, the metal member (also referred to as the grounding member) is grounded, and a grounding signal is transmitted over the metal member.

Furthermore, the connecting member 135 is electrically connected to the printer's grounding member and grounded via the grounding member. This configuration ensures that the electrical connection point between the grounding member and the conductive member is above the chip, resulting in improved chip grounding stability, enhanced safety during chip use, and reduced occurrences of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge. The connecting member 135 (conductive member) is electrically connected to the conductive wall plate 81 at its end 135e (as shown in Figure 15). Specifically, the +X-axis end 135e of the connecting member 135 (conductive member) (as shown in Figure 15) is electrically connected to the conductive wall plate 81.

In this embodiment, the mounting portion 90 is movably mounted within the mounting chamber, the grounding member is provided outside the mounting portion, and a portion of the conductive member is provided within the housing chamber of the mounting portion and electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the chip. A portion of the conductive member is provided outside the mounting portion and is used for electrically connecting to the grounding member. That is, the grounding terminal of the ink cartridge chip is electrically connected to the grounding member via the conductive member to enable the transmission of a grounding signal.

Any type of chip can be applied to ink cartridges of different embodiments and different examples.

Furthermore, since the mounting portion is slidably attached to the grounding rail, in order to ensure smooth sliding of the mounting portion, in the embodiment of this application, the contact position between the conductive member and the grounding member may be configured as a ball or a ball bearing. The ball and ball bearing are electrically connected to the conductive member as part of the conductive member. This configuration reduces the frictional force with the conductive member at the contact position, ensuring smooth sliding of the mounting portion and the ink cartridge on the grounding rail.

The conductive member may be considered as part of the chip. When the conductive member is considered as part of the chip, the chip is detachably mounted on a printing device, the printing device having a mounting chamber, a mounting section provided within the mounting chamber, and a grounding member. The mounting section comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly, and the grounding member is located at a position other than where the contact pin assembly is provided. The chip has a group of communication terminals, a conductive member (also referred to as a connecting member), and memory. The group of communication terminals is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly. The conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding member and memory. The chip can also achieve the beneficial effects of this invention.

Note that the grounding member and the contact pin assembly are two distinct components. Furthermore, the chip is provided on the ink cartridge body, and at least a portion of the ink cartridge body and the chip may be located within the housing chamber, while the conductive member is provided within the mounting chamber.

Embodiment 2 of Embodiment 1.
The differences between the embodiment of this application and the previously described embodiment are as follows.
As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the grounding member according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a grounding rail 80, and the grounding rail 80 is grounded. The grounding rail 80 is provided in a mounting chamber, and the mounting portion 90 is slidably mounted on the grounding rail 80. That is, the grounding rail 80 functions not only as a mounting member for the mounting portion 90, but also as a grounding member that transmits grounding signals.

In one embodiment, the grounding rail 80 has a conductive wall plate 81 on the side facing the mounting portion, and the conductive wall plate 81 is connected to the grounding member. The two may be an integrated structure, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. The lengthwise direction of the conductive wall plate 81 coincides with the lengthwise direction of the grounding rail 80, and the conductive wall plate 81 intersects with the horizontal plane. For example, the conductive wall plate 81 may be perpendicular to the horizontal plane or inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 10 further comprises a connecting member 135 (corresponding to a conductive member). The connecting member 135 is used to connect the chip 20 to other metal parts of the printing device (corresponding to a grounding member) and functions to achieve grounding of the chip 20. That is, the connecting member 135 is configured as a conductive member. For example, the connecting member 135 comprises a connecting body 135bb and a conductor 135cc. The connecting body 135bb and the conductor 135cc may be provided integrally or separately, but are not limited to this embodiment. The connecting member 135 may be a metal member such as copper, aluminum, or steel, or it may be a member made of conductive silicone, conductive plastic, or the like.

The connecting member 135 has one end, closer to the chip, electrically connected to a conductive piece 135a (corresponding to a grounding terminal). The conductive piece 135a is provided on the substrate 120 and electrically connected to the memory of the chip 20. The memory needs to be grounded, and the connection method between the conductive piece 135a and the memory is not limited. For example, the conductive piece 135a can be connected to the memory via a conductor, thereby connecting the connecting member 135 to the memory. The position of the conductive piece 135a on the substrate 120 is not limited; in this embodiment, the conductive piece 135a is provided on the rear surface 120b of the chip, on a different surface from the surface of the chip 20 where other terminals are provided. This prevents short circuits between the conductive piece 135a and other terminals, ensuring stable grounding of the chip and improving the safety of chip use. The conductive piece 135a (corresponding to a grounding terminal) is a copper coating formed on the chip 20 by a process such as electroplating.

The conductor 135cc is provided in the ink cartridge body 50 and contacts other metal parts of the printer (corresponding to the grounding member). Preferably, the conductor 135cc is provided inside the ink cartridge body 50. This prevents damage to the conductor 135cc due to contact with external objects and ensures stable grounding of the connecting member 135. In this embodiment, the conductor 135cc is provided inside the handle 30. The connecting body 135bb is used to connect the conductive piece 135a and the conductor 135cc.

Specifically, the connecting body 135bb has a first portion 135b1, a second portion 135b2, and a connecting portion 135b3. The first portion 135b1 is used for connection to the conductive piece 135a. The material of the first portion 135b1 and the connection method to the conductive piece 135a are not limited; for example, the first portion 135b1 may be made of a conductive material having a certain hardness and connected to the conductive piece 135a by solder.

In other embodiments, the connecting member 135 (corresponding to the conductive member) may not be provided with a conductive piece 135a. That is, the first portion 135b1 is directly connected to the memory (not shown) of the chip 20. The connection configuration between the first portion 135b1 and the memory is not limited; for example, the first portion 135b1 may be directly connected to a conductor connected to the memory by solder. The connecting portion 135b3 is used to connect to the conductor 135cc. The second portion 135b2 is used to connect the first portion 135b1 and the connecting portion 135b3 . Preferably, the second portion 135b2 and/or the connecting portion 135b3 are provided in corresponding grooves in the ink cartridge body 50. This prevents the second portion 135b2 from being damaged by external objects and affecting the conductive function of the connecting member 135, while also providing a fixing function.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in this embodiment, the conductor 135cc is provided within the handle 30. The handle 30 comprises a main body 301, an extending portion 302, a limiting portion 303, an engaging portion 304, and a connecting portion 305. The extending portion 302, limiting portion 303, engaging portion 304, and connecting portion 305 are each provided on the main body 301, and their arrangement on the main body 301 is not limited; for example, they may be detachable or fixed connections.

The extension portion 302 has one end connected to the main body 301 in the X-axis direction, and the other end in contact with another metal part of the printer (corresponding to the grounding member). In this embodiment, the other end of the extension portion 302 contacts the conductive wall plate 81 of the printer, thereby bringing the conductor 135cc into contact with the conductive wall plate 81 and forming an electrical connection. The extension portion 302 serves to protect the conductor 135cc from damage, breakage, displacement, etc., caused by collisions.

The contact area between the conductive wall plate 81 and the connecting member 135 in this embodiment is larger than the contact area between the contact pins and the grounding terminal of the chip in conventional ink cartridge mounting sections. This ensures a stable electrical connection between the connecting member 135 and the grounding rail 80, resulting in correct contact and stable grounding of the chip 20. This prevents excessive current and reduces the risk of electric shock due to unstable grounding.

Based on the above embodiment, the extension portion 302 of the present invention is further provided with a color identification portion 302a for indicating the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge. The ink color indication form of the color identification portion 302a is not limited; for example, the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge can be indicated by color, pattern, character, or a combination thereof.

The limiting portion 303 engages with the limiting projection 502 provided on the ink cartridge to restrict the range of movement of the handle 30 in the X-axis direction. The position and shape of the limiting projection 502 on the ink cartridge body 50 are not limited; for example, the limiting projection 502 may be cylindrical, conical, or have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the limiting projection 502 is cylindrical.

The engaging portion 304 engages with the fixing portion 90d provided on the mounting portion 90 to fix the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting portion 90 and is used to prevent the ink cartridge 10 from detaching from the mounting portion 90. The connecting portion 305 is used to connect the handle 30 to the ink cartridge body 50 of the ink cartridge. The connection method between the connecting portion 305 and the ink cartridge body 50 is not limited and may be, for example, a detachable connection or a fixed connection. In other embodiments, the handle 30 may not be provided with a connecting portion 305, and the main body 301 may be directly connected to the ink cartridge body 50.

When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting section, one end of the connecting member 135 is a conductive piece 135a, which connects to the memory in the ink cartridge chip 20 and receives the current output from the chip 20. The conductive piece 135a transmits the received current to the conductor 135cc via the connecting body 135bb. The other end of the connecting member 135 is a conductor 135cc, which connects to another metal part of the printer and transmits the current received from the connecting body 135bb to the other metal part of the printer, thereby grounding the chip.

Specifically, the conductor 135cc is routed through the handle 30. The conductor 135cc is routed through the main body 301, the extended portion 302, and the connecting portion 305 of the handle 30. The engaging portion 304 provided on the main body 301 of the handle engages with the fixing portion 90d provided on the mounting portion 90 and is used to fix the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting portion 90. The conductor 135cc is routed through the handle 30, and its distance from the engaging portion 304 in the handle 30 is relatively close. This ensures stable and accurate contact between the connecting member 135 and other metal parts of the printer, ensuring stable grounding of the chip 20, preventing excessive current, and reducing the risk of electric shock due to unstable grounding. Good grounding stability of the chip is ensured, improving the safety of chip use and reducing the occurrence of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge.

Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1.
Figures 23 to 26 are schematic diagrams relating to Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present application. The differences between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 are as follows. As shown in Figures 23 to 26, Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the mounting of the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting section 90, the grounding member is provided with a grounding rail, the grounding rail is provided with a conductive wall plate 81, and the conductive member 105 contacts the conductive wall plate 81 and transmits a grounding signal. A stopper 84 is provided in the +Z axis direction of the conductive wall plate 81.

Generally, the stopper 84 is made of plastic and a non-conductive material. In the X-axis direction, the end of the stopper 84 is closer to the mounting portion 90 than the end of the conductive wall plate 81 (i.e., the end of the stopper 84 is closer to the +Z axis and -X axis than the conductive wall plate 81). Therefore, in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 10 into the printing device, the conductive member 105 needs to pass over the stopper 84 before contacting the conductive wall plate 81.

In this embodiment, the conductive member 105 has one end in contact with the grounding terminal 135a on the chip 20, and the other end in contact with the conductive wall plate 81 of the grounding member. The transmission path of the grounding signal passes sequentially through the memory of the chip 20, the grounding terminal 135a, the conductive member 105, and the conductive wall plate 81 of the grounding member.

The handle 30 has a main body 301, an extended portion 302, an engaging portion 304, a first gap 308, and a second gap 309. The ink cartridge is further provided with a fixing portion 307 for fixing the conductive member 105. The extended portion 302 comprises a horizontal extended portion 3025, a first curved portion 3021, a second curved portion 3022, a contact housing portion 3023, and a fixing hole 3024. The purpose of providing the extended portion 302 is to fix the conductive member 105, to ensure that the conductive member 105 extends beyond the stopper 84, and to bring the conductive member 105 into contact with the conductive wall plate 81. The horizontal extended portion 3025 extends in the +X axis direction and aims to ensure that the conductive member 105 is reliably brought into contact with the conductive wall plate 81.

The first curved portion 3021 extends from the horizontally extending portion 3025, and the first curved portion 3021 extends in the +X axis direction (direction of the conductive wall plate 81) and the +Z axis direction (upward). The second curved portion 3022 extends from the first curved portion 3021, and the second curved portion 3022 extends in the -X axis direction (direction away from the conductive wall plate 81/direction towards the case) and the +Z axis direction (upward). By designing the structure in this way, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 10 into the printing device, the extending portion 302 and the conductive member 105 are guided to pass over the stopper 84. Furthermore, when removing the ink cartridge 10 from the printing device, the second curved portion 3022 guides the deformation/compression of the handle 30, making it easier to remove the ink cartridge 10.

The contact housing 3023 is used to house the contact portion 1057 of the conductive member 105, and the contact portion 1057 is used to bring the conductive member 105 into contact with the conductive wall plate 81. The contact housing 3023 is relatively a single recess, which can provide some protection for the contact portion 1057 and reduce damage. The contact housing 3023 is located at the intersection of the first curved portion 3021 and the second curved portion 3022, positioning the contact portion 1057 closest to the +X axis of the ink cartridge 10, allowing the conductive member 105 and the conductive wall plate 81 to easily come into contact.

Furthermore, by fitting the fixing hole 3024 and the elastic portion 1056, the conductive member 105 can be stably fixed to the ink cartridge 10, preventing the conductive member 105 from detaching from the ink cartridge 10. The handle 30 extends from the ink cartridge body 50, has a certain elasticity, can contract in the -X axis direction, and can return to its original position. Because the extended portion 302 is located on the handle 30, the extended portion 302 also has a certain elasticity and can move in the -X axis direction, allowing the conductive member 105 to pass over the stopper 84. Since the handle 30 tends to move in the +X axis when compressed, pressure can be applied to the contact portion 1057 to ensure that the contact portion 1057 is reliably brought into contact with the conductive wall plate 81. The contact portion 1057 is located at the intersection of the first curved portion 3021 and the second curved portion 3022.

The conductive member 105 comprises a first portion 1051a, a second portion 1051b, and a third portion 1051c. The first portion 1051a is fixed to the ink cartridge body 50, specifically, the engagement of the through-hole 1053 with the fixing portion 307 prevents the conductive member 105 from detaching from the ink cartridge body 50. The through-hole 1053 and the fixing portion 307 are tightly fitted together.

Optionally, after fitting the through-hole 1053 and the fixing portion 307, the portion of the through-hole 1053 protruding from the fixing portion 307 may be laid on the first portion 1051a by welding or hot melt. This prevents the conductive member 105 from detaching from the ink cartridge body 50. The second portion 1051b fits the main body 301 of the handle 30, and a first gap 308 is provided on the -X-axis side of the engaging portion 304 and on the +X-axis side of the main body 301, with the first gap 308 accommodating a portion of the second portion 1051b. Since the third portion 1051c is shaped to match the extension portion 302, the conductive member 105 can be reliably brought into contact with the conductive wall plate 81.

The third portion 1051c is provided with a contact portion 1057 and an elastic portion 1056. The contact portion 1057 is located within the contact housing portion 3023. The elastic portion 1056 is an elastic, sheet-like member extending from the conductive member 105, and fits into the fixing hole 3024 to fix the conductive member 105 to the handle 30. The conductive member 105 has a first curved region AA extending toward the conductive wall plate 41, and a second curved region BB connecting to the first curved region AA and extending upward (in the +Z axis direction). The contact position between the conductive member 105 and the conductive wall plate 81 is located in the second curved region BB; that is, the contact portion 1057 is located in the second curved region BB.

The first curved region AA coincides with the direction of the first curved portion 3021 of the extending portion 302, and the first curved region AA extends in the +X axis direction (direction of the conductive wall plate 81) and the +Z axis direction (upward). The second curved region BB is a portion housed within the contact housing portion 3023, and is connected to the first curved region AA and extends upward (in the +Z axis direction). Such a structure is advantageous for contact between the conductive member 105 and the conductive wall plate 81. The contact portion 1057 is a projection in the second curved region BB, and the contact portion 1057 may be an arc-shaped, spherical, linear, or point-shaped projection, preferably a spherical projection (shown in Figure 26), which can easily contact the conductive wall plate 81, and reduces the frictional force between the contact portion 1057 and the conductive wall plate 81 when the ink cartridge 10 slides against the mounting portion 90, thereby ensuring smooth sliding of the ink cartridge 10.

Because the handle 30 is elastic, it can be retracted and returned to its original state. The handle 30 differs in its natural state from its state when mounted on the printing device. The conductive member 105 also has two states: an initial state and a contact state. The conductive member 105 can be switched between the initial state and the contact state. In the initial state, the conductive member 105 is further from the ink cartridge body 50 than in the contact state. The contact portion 1057 is further from the ink cartridge body 50 in the initial state than in the contact state. When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted on the printing device, the contact portion 1057 of the conductive member 105 applies pressure to the conductive wall plate 81, allowing the contact portion 1057 and the conductive wall plate 81 to come into more secure contact.

The conductive member 105 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, conductive silicone, or conductive plastic. Optionally, the conductive member 105 may be made of metal and bent to form the structure shown in Figures 23 to 25. The contact portion 1057 may be made by hot pressing (a spherical projection is formed on the surface of a flat metal plate by hot pressing). The elastic portion 1056 may be made by stamping (a suspended elastic portion 1056 is formed by punching out one end of the elastic portion 1056). The through hole 1053 may be made by stamping (a through hole is formed by punching).

Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 1.
Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 4. In this embodiment, the description of the ink cartridge is the same as in Embodiment 1, and the chip is either Modification 1 or Modification 3 of the chip, which will not be described here.

Embodiment 2
In this embodiment, the method of inserting the ink cartridge into the mounting section differs from that of Embodiment 1, and the structure of the printer's mounting section is also different. In Embodiment 2, the mounting section 90 is fixed inside the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided inside the housing chamber.

The ink cartridge of Embodiment 2 can be fitted to some of the ink cartridges of Embodiment 1. The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that in Embodiment 2, an antenna-type conductive member is provided, and at least a portion of the wall forming the mounting chamber is configured as a grounding member. One end of the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the chip, and the other end is electrically connected to at least a portion of the upper wall of the mounting chamber, with the electrical connection point of both located above the chip.

Based on the above embodiment, the conductive piece 135a of the conductive member in this embodiment may be omitted, the connecting member 135 may be directly connected to the conductor by solder, and the position of the positioning hole provided in the chip differs from that of Embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 28 to 31, in this embodiment, the chip 20 has a first hole 121 and a second hole 122. The first hole 121 and the second hole 122 are through-holes in the substrate 120, penetrating the front surface 120a and rear surface 120b of the substrate 120. Here, the first hole 121 is a semicircular recess formed by recessing from the left surface 120c to the right surface 120d, and the second hole 122 is a semicircular recess formed by recessing from the right surface 120d to the left surface 120c.

Accordingly, the ink cartridge is provided with a chip mounting section. The chip mounting section comprises a first positioning column 601 and a second positioning column 602. The first and second positioning columns 601 and 602 are connected to a first hole 121 and a second hole 122, respectively, so as to protrude from them. The chip 20 is then fixed to the ink cartridge body 50 by welding using a heat welding head. This configuration prevents misalignment of the chip 20 during the mounting process or during use after mounting is complete.

As shown in Figures 30 and 31, when the consumable cartridge 10 is mounted on the mounting section 90, one end of the connecting member 135 is connected to the grounding terminal 135a of the memory 100/rear surface 120b provided on the rear surface 120b of the substrate. The connecting member 135 extends from the rear surface 120b of the substrate and adheres closely to the case 50 (ink cartridge body 50) in a direction away from the chip 20 of the case 50. Near the end of the connecting member 135, the connecting member 135 is bent away from the surface of the case 50 and connected to the metal member 96 in the printing apparatus (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1). A beneficial effect of this design is that the stability of the chip's grounding is good, and the safety of using the chip is improved.

When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting section 90, the connecting member 135 connected to the memory 100 adheres closely to (or may even touch) the rear surface 120b of the chip 20, extends to the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, and then extends along the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, beyond the upper end of the chip 20 and the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, entering the gap in the mounting section, and the end of the connecting member 135 is bent at a right angle. The end 135e of the connecting member 135 (the end that separates from the ink cartridge body) touches the metal member 96 (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1).

The connecting member 135 (the conductive member in Embodiment 1) is bent away from the surface of the ink cartridge body 50 and toward the metal member 96 of the printer (the space housing the ink cartridge 10). This metal member 96 is the first side wall 90c of the mounting portion in this embodiment; that is, at least a portion of the wall forming the housing chamber is configured as a grounding member, and the electrical connection position between the grounding member and the conductive member is above the chip. This configuration ensures good grounding stability of the chip and improves the safety of using the chip.

The connecting member 135 has one end connected to the rear surface 120b of the substrate 120 and the other end connected to the metal member 96 of the printing device. The metal member 96 of the printing device is not limited and may be any metal in the printing device that is in contact with the connecting member 135.

Embodiment 3.
In this embodiment, the method of inserting the ink cartridge into the mounting section differs from that of Embodiment 1, and the structure of the printer's mounting section is also different. In Embodiment 3 , the mounting section 90 is fixed inside the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided inside the housing chamber.

In this embodiment, another antenna-type conductive member is provided, where at least a portion of the wall forming the mounting chamber is configured as a grounding member. The conductive member has one end electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the chip and the other end electrically connected to at least a portion of the wall of the mounting chamber.

Embodiment 3, Example 1.
As shown in Figure 32, the front surface 120a of the chip 20 is provided with first terminals 131 to fourth terminals 134. The position and arrangement of each contact portion C, the memory 100, the connecting member 135, and the second positioning hole 122 of the substrate are the same as in Embodiment 2, and will not be described here.

The connecting member 135 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1) that connects to the memory 100 adheres closely to (may even touch) the rear surface 120b of the chip 20, extends to the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, and then extends along the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, beyond the upper end of the chip 20 and the upper surface of the ink cartridge 10, and enters the gap in the mounting portion. The end 135e of the connecting member 135 (the end that moves away from the ink cartridge body) touches the grounding member. The connecting band 135 (also referred to as connecting member 135) (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1) has an extended portion that is bent away from the surface of the case 50 and toward the metal member of the printing device (the space housing the ink cartridge 10) (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1). This realizes electrical connection with the metal member of the printing device.

Embodiment 3, Example 2.
In Embodiment 2, another antenna-type conductive member is provided, wherein at least a portion of the wall forming the mounting chamber is configured as a grounding member, and one end of the conductive member is electrically connected to the grounding terminal of the chip, and the other end is electrically connected to at least a portion of the wall of the mounting chamber.

In this embodiment, the method of inserting the ink cartridge into the mounting section differs from that of Embodiment 1, and the structure of the printer's mounting section is also different. Therefore, the direction represented by the three-dimensional coordinate system in this embodiment also differs from that of Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 3 , the mounting section 90 is fixed within the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided within the housing chamber.

As shown in Figure 33, the printer in this embodiment comprises a printing unit 4 and a base 5. The base 5 comprises a bracket and one or more mounting parts 90.

Furthermore, one mounting section 90 can accommodate one ink cartridge 10. If there are four mounting sections 90 (as shown in Figure 33), four different colors of ink (e.g., black, yellow, cyan, and magenta) can be stored inside the four ink cartridges 10. Alternatively, if, for example, six ink cartridges 10 can be mounted in the base 5, there are six mounting sections 90, and each of the six ink cartridges 10 stores black, yellow, cyan, magenta, light cyan, and light magenta ink. Furthermore, multiple mounting sections 90 may store ink of the same color (e.g., black).

The ink cartridge 10 is first mounted on the tray 97 along direction D1, and then the assembly of the ink cartridge 10 and tray 97 is mounted on the mounting section 90 along direction D2. When the printer is printing, the base 5 supplies ink to the printing operation of the printing unit 4, ensuring that the printing operation of the printing unit 4 is performed normally. When the printer is placed in its natural position, the printing unit 4 is located directly above the base 5.

Figure 33 shows a three-dimensional orthogonal XYZ axis coordinate system, where the X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. When the printer is in its natural state, the direction of gravity is the +Z direction, the direction D2 (direction D2) for mounting the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting section 90 is the +Y direction, and the arrangement direction of the mounting section 90 is the +X direction . Direction D1 is the +Z direction. When mounting the ink cartridge 10 to the mounting section 90, first the ink cartridge 10 is mounted on the tray 97 along direction D1, and then the assembly of the ink cartridge 10 and the tray 97 is mounted on the mounting section 90 along mounting direction D2.

As shown in Figure 34, this structure is the portion of the base 5 in the +Y direction. When the ink cartridge 10 (or an assembled unit) is mounted to the mounting portion 90 along the mounting direction D2, the front end of the ink cartridge 10 in the +Y direction contacts the structure shown in Figure 34, ensuring proper connection between the ink cartridge 10 (or an assembled unit) and the mounting portion 90.

The internal structure of the mounting section 90 includes a fixing frame. The fixing frame is provided with a contact pin assembly 91, an ink supply section 92 (ink injection tube), columnar positioning sections 93f and 93s , and a locking section 94. The locking section 94 is a rod-shaped member that can be swung and reset, that is, the locking section 94 is configured as the conductive swung rod of this application. The rod-shaped member is provided with a projection extending in the -Z axis direction at its movable end. The projection is configured to engage with a groove at the bottom of the tray 97 to fix the assembly of the ink cartridge 10 and the tray 97.

The contact pin assembly 91 can be electrically connected to the tip of the ink cartridge 10 when the assembly is mounted in the mounting section 90. The contact pin assembly 91 comprises a plurality of contact pins (not shown) made of an elastic conductive steel sheet. The contact pin assembly 91 is positioned at an angle within the mounting section 90; the specific structure of the contact pin assembly 91 is omitted from this description, but its structure can be seen in Figure 4. Specifically, the assembly is mounted or removed along the +Y and -Y directions shown in the figure, and the assembly physically engages with the mounting section 90 by its case, and is electrically connected to the contact pin assembly 91 via the tip of the ink cartridge.

As shown in Figures 35 to 38, the ink cartridge 10 comprises a chip 20, a connecting member 60, a print head 40, and an ink pouch 10a. The chip 20 is located on the front end side of the ink cartridge 10 in the mounting direction D2. The connecting member 60 is configured as a conductive member; it is made of a conductive material, and one part of the connecting member 60 is connected to the chip 20, while the other part is connected to the grounding member.

An ink outlet 41 is provided on the +Y axis side of the print head 40. Ink is stored in the ink bag 10a, and the ink outlet 41 communicates with the liquid inside the ink bag 10a, allowing the ink to reach the ink injection tube 92 via the ink outlet 41. The ink injection tube 92 can supply ink to the print head. This allows the print head to be used to perform printing operations.

According to the above invention, a grounding signal is transmitted to the chip 20 by a metal member or conductive member, improving stability and reducing situations where grounding is not possible or unstable. The substrate does not have a grounding terminal, and the connecting member improves the stability of the chip's grounding, preventing excessive current. This reduces the risk of electric shock due to unstable contact between the grounding terminal on the chip and the contact pins in the printer, improving the safety of chip use and reducing the occurrence of situations where the printing device cannot identify the ink cartridge.

In the above configuration, the metal member of the mounting portion 90 (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1) may be the outer casing of the mounting portion 90 (the outer casing in the +Z axis, -Z axis, +X axis, -X axis, and +Y axis directions) or a part of the outer casing. For user safety, all metal members of the mounting portion 90 are grounded, and the grounding signal between the mounting portion 90 and the printer is common. Preferably, in this embodiment, another part of the connecting member 60 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1) is connected to a part of the metal member 96 in the -Z axis direction of the mounting portion 90. That is, at least a part of the wall of the housing chamber forms the grounding member. As shown in Figure 33, the metal member 96 is provided in the -Z axis direction of the base 5, and the grounding signal between the metal member 96 (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1) and the printer 1 is common.

As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the chip 20 according to this embodiment comprises a memory 100, a substrate 120, and a plurality of terminals 130. The substrate 120 comprises a front surface 120a, a rear surface 120b, a left surface 120c, a right surface 120d, a top surface 120e, and a bottom surface 120f. Here, the front surface 120a and the rear surface 120b are positioned opposite each other, the left surface 120c and the right surface 120d are positioned opposite each other, and the top surface 120e and the bottom surface 120f are positioned opposite each other.

Furthermore, the chip 20 includes a first hole 121, a second hole 122, a third hole 123, and a fourth hole 124. Each of the first hole 121, second hole 122, third hole 123, and fourth hole 124 is a through-hole in the substrate 120, penetrating the front surface 120a and rear surface 120b of the substrate 120.

Here, the first hole 121 is a recess formed by recessing from the upper surface 120e to the bottom surface 120f, the second hole 122 is a recess formed by recessing from the bottom surface 120f to the upper surface 120e, the third hole 123 is a recess formed by recessing from the left surface 120c to the right surface 120d, and the fourth hole 124 is a recess formed by recessing from the right surface 120d to the left surface 120c.

With this configuration, the ink cartridge 10 capable of mounting the chip 20 of this embodiment is provided with a chip mounting section. The chip mounting section comprises multiple positioning columns, each of which is connected to a first hole 121, a second hole 122, a third hole 123, and a fourth hole 124, protruding from the respective columns. The chip 20 is then fixed to the print head 40 by welding using a heat welding head. This prevents misalignment of the chip 20 along the Y-axis or Z-axis during the mounting process or during use after mounting is complete.

Similar to Embodiment 1 described above, the terminals 131 to 134 provided on the front panel in this embodiment are communication terminals. The purpose of each communication terminal and its arrangement on the front panel are the same as in Embodiment 1, therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

The connecting member 60 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1) and the memory 100 may be connected via the fifth terminal/additional terminal 135a (corresponding to the grounding terminal in Embodiment 1) and its wiring. Of course, in this embodiment, the fifth terminal 135a may not be provided, and the connecting member 60 may be directly connected to the memory 100. Preferably, the fifth terminal 135a is used to more effectively connect the connecting member 60 and the memory 100 and to make the contact more stable.

Furthermore, the conductive member and the fifth terminal/additional terminal 135a may be connected by soldering or fixing. Each terminal 130 has one contact portion, which is the first to fourth contact portion. The contact portion is the area of the terminal 130 that is most likely to come into contact with the contact pin when the ink cartridge is installed in the printer.

In this embodiment, the connecting member 60 is a conductive member, made of a conductive material, and the printer's grounding signal is connected to the memory via the conductive member and the fifth terminal/additional terminal (corresponding to the grounding terminal). As a result, both the ink cartridge chip and the grounding member are grounded.

As shown in Figures 37 to 42, the connecting member 60 comprises a first portion 60a and a second portion 60b. The first portion 60a is used to connect the second portion 60b and the fifth terminal/additional terminal 135a of the tip 20. The second portion 60b is used to connect the metal member 96 and the first portion 60a.

The chip 20 is connected to the first portion 60a. When the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting portion 90, each communication terminal of the chip 20 is connected to the first contact pins 911 to the fourth contact pins 914 of the contact pin assembly 52. The shapes of the first portion 60a and the second portion 60b are not limited and may be designed as regular shapes such as rectangles, or as zigzag shapes or other irregular shapes. The first portion 60a may be formed integrally or by joining together multiple metal pieces.

Furthermore, the connecting member 60 may be an integrated structure without the first portion 60a and the second portion 60b. If the conductive member includes the first portion 60a and the second portion 60b, the structure of the first portion 60a may be simplified, while the second portion 60b may have a more complex structure.

For example, the second portion 60b may be used as the ink cartridge handle 30, functioning as a handle for loading and unloading the ink cartridge during the loading process into the ink cartridge tray 97, thereby facilitating the user's loading and unloading of the ink cartridge. This configuration not only enables the transmission of a grounding signal but also simplifies the structure of the ink cartridge (reducing the production, manufacturing, and assembly of the handle component). Therefore, this structure reduces the number of parts, simplifies part of the ink cartridge structure, and reduces costs.

Furthermore, the first portion 60a of the connecting member 60 comprises a first connecting portion 60aa and a second connecting portion 60ab. The first connecting portion 60aa is used to connect to the fifth terminal or additional terminal 135 of the chip 20. The second connecting portion 60ab is used to connect to the second portion 60b.

The second portion 60b comprises a first connecting portion 60ba and a second connecting portion 60bb. The second connecting portion 60bb is used to connect to the second connecting portion 60ab. The first connecting portion 60ba is used to contact the metal member 96.

Specifically, the first connection portion 60ba contacts the surface of the metal member 96 along the +Z axis to transmit the grounding signal. The first connection portion 60ba does not necessarily have to be at the end of the second portion 60b. As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the first connection portion 60ba is provided in the central part of the second portion 60b. The first connection portion 60ba may be located in one or a combination of multiple positions.

As shown in Figure 41, the first connecting portion 60ba may be in three different positions. Because the second portion 60b contacts the metal member 96 and also functions as a handle, in the Z-axis direction, the first connecting portion 60ba is located more towards the -Z-axis direction than the second portion 60b. In the Z-axis direction, the first connecting portion 60ba is located more towards the -Z-axis direction than the second connecting portion 60bb. The second portion 60b is located more towards the -Z-axis direction than the first portion 60a. The first portion 60a is located more towards the -Z-axis direction than the tip 20. That is, the portion that contacts the metal member 96 is located at the uppermost position.

In the Y-axis direction, the first connection portion 60ba is located on the -Y-axis side of the second connection portion 60bb, the second portion 60b is located on the -Y-axis side of the first portion 60a, and the first portion 60a is located on the -Y-axis side of the tip 20. That is, the first connection portion 60ba is located on the -Z-axis and -Y-axis side of the second connection portion 60bb, the second portion 60b is located on the -Z-axis and -Y-axis side of the first portion 60a, and the first portion 60a is located on the -Z-axis and -Y-axis side of the tip 20.

Furthermore, the metal member 96 that the second portion 60b contacts may be a conductive metal member located at any point on the printer. Preferably, along the Z-axis, the metal member 96 that the second portion 60b contacts is located at the uppermost part of the ink cartridge 10.

As shown in Figures 34 and 37, when the ink cartridge is mounted in the mounting section 90, the position of the assembly in the mounting section is restricted by the engagement of the columnar positioning sections 93f and 93s with the positioning holes 97a and 97b in the tray 97 and the holes 42a and 42b in the ink cartridge. The ink injection tube 92 (corresponding to the ink supply section 92 in Embodiment 1) fits into the ink outlet 41 and can supply ink for printing by the printer. The contact pin assembly 91 contacts the chip 20 and provides signal transmission with the chip.

The projection on the locking portion 94 engages with the groove at the bottom of the tray 97 to secure the assembly consisting of the ink cartridge and the tray 97. The connecting member 60 contacts the metal member 96 to transmit a grounding signal. The connecting member 60 functions as a handle for mounting and removing the ink cartridge during the process of loading it into the tray 97, facilitating the user's operation of mounting and removing the ink cartridge.

The number and shape of the positioning holes 97a/97b in the tray 97 and the holes 42a/42b in the ink cartridge are not limited. For example, the number of positioning holes may be one or more, and their shape may be circular, square, or other irregular shapes, as long as they can be used to ensure stable mounting to the printer and stable attachment to the ink cartridge.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 37 to 40, the ink cartridge in this embodiment has a print head 40 and an ink bag 10a in which ink is stored. Here, the chip 20 and connecting member 60 are provided on the print head 40. An ink outlet 41 is provided on the +X side of the print head 40. The ink outlet 41 communicates with the ink bag 10a via an internal outflow passage, allowing the ink stored inside the ink bag 10a to be supplied to the printer via the ink outlet 41.

As shown in Figure 40, a shaft hole is provided on the -Z axis side of the print head 40, and the shaft of the second portion 60b is mounted so as to fit into the shaft hole. Further on the -Z axis side of the print head 40, a support member 102 is provided, located on the +Z axis side of the second portion 60b and the -Y axis side of the shaft hole, to support at least a portion of the second portion 60b.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the support member 102 is a projection extending from the upper surface of the print head 40 in the -Z axis direction, and along the -Z axis direction, the support member 102 is higher than the axis, and in the state in which the ink cartridge is installed, at least a portion of the second portion 60b is in contact with the support member 102 and is located on the -Z axis side of the support member 102.

Therefore, in the installed state, the second portion 60b is tilted toward the -Y axis and -Z axis by the action of the support member 102, and the -Z axis end of the second portion 60b contacts the metal member 96 above the ink cartridge, thereby achieving electrical connection. Thus, the first connection portion 60ba can be positioned toward the -Z axis and -Y axis side of the second connection portion 60bb, and the second portion 60b can be positioned toward the -Z axis and -Y axis side of the first portion 60a.

This configuration reduces the risk of electric shock due to unstable grounding, improves the stability of the chip's grounding, and enhances the safety of chip use. Furthermore, it makes it easier for users to install and remove ink cartridges.

The number and shape of the support members 102 are not limited. Specifically, one or more support members 102 may be provided, and they may be in the shape of a rectangular prism, cylinder, triangular prism, or other regular or irregular shapes, as long as they support the second portion 60b and stabilize contact with the metal member 96.

Preferably, along the X-axis direction, the contact area between the second portion 60b and the metal member 96 is closer to the left surface 120c of the chip substrate 120 than to the right surface 120d of the chip substrate 120. Preferably, the contact area between the second portion 60b and the metal member 96 may be located within the range of the first region R1, rather than at the first connection portion 60ba shown in Figure 41.

As shown in Figure 41, the connection between the second portion 60b and the metal member 96 is the third connection portion 60bc. The third connection portion 60bc is located in the first region R1, and in the X-axis direction, the second portion 60b is inclined (the inclination is achieved by the difference in height of the multiple support members 102). The third connection portion 60bc is located at the +Z-axis end of the second portion.

Furthermore, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 10 into the printing device, first, the connecting member 60 (conductive member) and the grounding member come into contact, and then, the tip 20 and the contact pin assembly 91 come into contact.

Embodiment 3 of Embodiment 3.
In Embodiment 3, a new conductive member is provided based on Embodiment 2. This conductive member has one end electrically connected to the ground terminal of the chip and the other end electrically connected to at least a portion of the wall of the mounting chamber, with both electrical connection points located above the chip.

As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the chip according to this embodiment differs from the above embodiment 2 in that the chip 20 is provided with a recess 21. The function of the recess 21 is to avoid the fifth contact pin 915 and prevent the fifth contact pin 915 from coming into contact with or touching the chip 20. That is, when the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting part of the printer, a portion of the fifth contact pin 915 is located within the recess 21, but the fifth contact pin 915 does not come into contact with or touch the chip 20.

Furthermore, the chip 20 does not necessarily have to have the recess 21. If there is no terminal/contact portion in the X-axis direction of the chip that can be connected to the fifth contact pin 915, even if the chip 20 and the fifth contact pin 915 come into contact, they will not be electrically connected, and the ground signal will not be transmitted.

As shown in Figures 45 to 51, the ink cartridge 10 comprises a chip 20, a connecting member 70 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1), a print head (also referred to as a base) 40, and an ink pouch 10a. The chip 20 is located at the front end in the mounting direction D2 of the ink cartridge 10. The connecting member 70 is configured as a conductive member, made of a conductive material, with one portion connected to the chip 20 and the other portion connected to the metal member 96 of the mounting portion 90 (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1). For example, the connecting member 70 is connected to the lower surface 96a of the metal member 96 in the +Z axis direction. That is, the connecting member 70 is connected to the lower surface 96a of the metal member 96 (corresponding to the grounding member in Embodiment 1) facing the mounting portion 90.

The grounding signal between the chip 20 and the printer is transmitted by the connecting member 70 and the metal member 96. According to the above invention, the grounding signal is transmitted to the chip 20 by the metal member 96 and the connecting member 70, improving stability and reducing situations where grounding is not possible or unstable.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first terminals 131 to the fourth terminals 134 are provided on the front surface 120a of the chip 20, and the fifth terminal 135 is provided on the rear surface 120b of the chip 20. The multiple terminals 130 (the first terminals 131 to the fifth terminals 135) are provided within a first region R1 on the -X axis of the chip 20. Because the first region R1 is located on the -X axis side of the chip, the terminals on the chip 20 are compactly arranged. Since the fifth terminal 135, which transmits the ground signal, and the communication terminals (the first terminals 131 to the fourth terminals 134), which transmit the high-level signal, are located on different surfaces of the chip 20, the possibility of short circuits between them is reduced, and electromagnetic interference between them is avoided.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 45 and 46, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in that the connecting member 70 is a single integrally molded member. The material may be a metal profile made of low-carbon steel or high-carbon steel, and the surface may be nickel-plated or chromium-plated to prevent rust. The material may also be a metal profile made of stainless steel.

The cross-section of the connecting member 70 may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, or other shapes. The manufacturing process may be hot forming or cold forming. For example, a conductive member as shown in Figure 45 is manufactured by thermally deforming a metal wire of 82B high-carbon steel with a diameter of 0.6 mm and a nickel-plated surface using a spring machine. In this embodiment, the material, mold, and manufacturing process of the conductive member are not limited; it is sufficient that stable transmission of the grounding signal is ensured.

For example, if the cross-section of the molded material is circular, a metal wire with a diameter of 0.3 to 2.5 mm may be used. Preferably, the conductive member is a metal wire with a diameter of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and the elasticity and shape stability of the metal wire must meet certain conditions. If the diameter of the metal wire's cross-section is relatively small, it may not be able to stably maintain its original shape, and after the ink cartridge 10 has been installed several times, it may no longer be able to maintain its original shape, potentially affecting the smooth transmission of the ground signal. If the diameter of the metal wire is relatively large, the installation or removal of the ink cartridge 10 may not be performed smoothly.

If the metal wire is not circular, the conductive member may be a metal profile with a width of 0.3 to 2.5 mm, preferably a metal profile with a width of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. If the cross-section of the profile is circular, elliptical, etc., and the main surface is arc-shaped, a contact plane may be formed at the position of the fourth portion 704 (for example, the position shown by the dotted line in Figure 45) by polishing, such that the portion connected to the lower surface 96a of the +Z axis of the metal member 96 becomes the first contact portion 70a.

The contact surface 70a' can be polished around the original first contact portion 70a. Specifically, by polishing a small plane with a grinding machine (for example, at the position indicated by the dotted line in Figure 45), the portion that connects to the metal member 96 can be made into the first contact portion 70a. Since the contact between the connecting member 70 and the metal member 96 is surface contact rather than point contact, the influence of vibrations generated during printer operation or external vibrations on the contact stability between the connecting member 70 (corresponding to the conductive member in Embodiment 1) and the metal member 96 can be reduced, which is advantageous for improving contact stability and stable transmission of the grounding signal. The contact surface 70a' may also be a small plane (referred to as the first contact portion 70a) pushed out from the original first contact portion 70a.

In this embodiment, the connecting member 70 comprises a first contact portion 70a, a second contact portion 70b, a semi-closed ring 70c, a first curved space 70d, a second curved space 70e, a third curved space 70f, and a fourth curved space 70g. Depending on the bending state of the molded material, the connecting member 70 is sequentially divided into a first portion 701, a second portion 702, a third portion 703, a fourth portion 704, a fifth portion 705, a sixth portion 706, a seventh portion 707, an eighth portion 708, a ninth portion 709, a tenth portion 710, and an eleventh portion 711.

Here, the second portion 702, the fourth portion 704, the sixth portion 706, the seventh portion 707, the eighth portion 708, and the tenth portion 710 are curved regions. The first contact portion 70a is located in the fourth portion 704, and when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the first contact portion 70a is located at the -Z-axis end of the connecting member 70 and abuts against the +Z-axis lower surface 96a of the metal member 96. The first contact portion 70a is located further in the -Z-axis direction than the second contact portion 70b.

The fourth portion 704 is located on the -Z axis side of the connecting member 70 compared to the other portions. The semi-closed ring 70c is located on the -Y axis side of the connecting member 70, and the semi-closed ring 70c is the space formed by the first portion 701, the second portion 702, the third portion 703, the fourth portion 704, and the fifth portion 705. The third portion 703 and the fifth portion 705 have different inclination directions; when observed along the Y axis, the third portion 703 is inclined in the -Z axis direction, and the fifth portion 705 is inclined in the +Z axis direction.

Specifically, the third portion 703 is inclined in the +Y axis and -Z axis directions, and the fifth portion 705 is also inclined in the +Y axis and +Z axis directions. The third portion 703, the fourth portion 704, and the fifth portion 705 all form a single peak shape, with the fourth portion 704 located furthest towards the -Z axis. At least a portion of the fifth portion 705 is located on the -Z axis side of the sixth portion 706 to the eleventh portion 711.

When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting section 90, the fifth portion 705 first contacts the metal member 96 (and simultaneously, if a mounting section protective member is provided in the printer in the -Y axis direction of the metal member 96, the fifth portion 705 first contacts the mounting section protective member, and after passing the mounting section protective member, the fifth portion 705 contacts the metal member 96). As the ink cartridge 10 moves along the mounting direction D2, the -X axis side of the connecting member 70 and the semi-closed ring 70c are compressed and deformed to some extent until the entire connecting member 70 enters the interior of the mounting section 90 (at this time, the first contact portion 70a abuts against the lower surface 96a of the metal member 96). During the above installation process, the fifth portion 705 guides the installation of the connecting member 70 into the mounting section 90, guides the deformation of the connecting member 70, and ultimately brings the first contact portion 70a into contact with the metal member 96.

When the ink cartridge 10 separates from the mounting portion 90, and the chip 20 attempts to separate from the printer's contact pin assembly 91, the first contact portion 70a does not separate from the metal member 96. When the ink cartridge 10 is completely separated from the mounting portion 90, the first contact portion 70a separates from the metal member 96.

Furthermore, as the ink cartridge 10 is removed along the opposite direction of the mounting direction D2 before the first contact portion 70a separates from the metal member 96, the third portion 703 acts as a guide and buffer, preventing the connecting member 70 from getting caught on the protective member on the metal member 96 during the process of the ink cartridge 10 separating from the mounting portion 90. As a result, the ink cartridge 10 can be removed smoothly.

With this configuration, when the ink cartridge 10 separates from the mounting portion 90, the connecting member 70 returns to its initial state due to its own elastic force. The connecting member 70 has an initial state (when the connecting member 70 is not mounted on the mounting portion 90) and a contact state (when the connecting member 70 is mounted inside the mounting portion 90), ensuring good contact between the connecting member 70 and the metal member 96, and preventing situations where the contact becomes unstable.

The seventh portion 707 and the eighth portion 708 are each bent to form a U-shaped structure that opens in the +Z axis direction, and can be joined to the first edge 403 and the second edge 404 of the print head 40 to perform the function of fixing the conductive member. This allows the connecting member 70 to withstand pressure from the metal member 96 to the -Y axis side portion of the conductive member 70, and pressure from the tip 20 to the second contact portion 70b, and also ensures the elastic recovery force of the connecting member 70 and ensures the switching between the initial state and the contact state of the connecting member 70.

A third curved space 70f, having a U-shaped structure and opening in the direction of the -Z axis, is formed between the seventh portion 707 and the eighth portion 708. The print head 40 may be provided with several movable locking devices, which, by engaging with the third curved space 70f, can prevent the connecting member 70 from detaching from the print head 40.

The second contact portion 70b is formed on the tenth portion 710, and the second contact portion 70b abuts against the fifth terminal 135 of the tip 20. The tip 20 can apply a certain amount of pressure to the second contact portion 70b to improve contact between the second contact portion 70b and the fifth terminal 135. The tenth portion 710 can be formed by polishing the bent corner to create a small flat surface, thereby forming the second contact portion. This further stabilizes the contact between the connecting member 70 and the tip 20.

As shown in Figures 43 to 46, when the ink cartridge 10 is observed in a position where the connecting member 70 is not misaligned in the X-axis direction, i.e., along the -Y-axis direction, the projection of the connecting member 70 is in a straight line perpendicular to the X-axis. Therefore, the projection of the first contact portion 70a onto the tip 20 is located on the fifth terminal 135, the projection of the first contact portion 70a onto the tip 20 is located within the first region R1, and the projection of the first contact portion 70a onto the tip 20 is located on the -X-axis side of the tip 20. Because of the presence of the eleventh portion 711, it is possible to prevent the connecting member 70 from damaging the fifth terminal 135 during the manufacturing process, thereby avoiding damage to the fifth terminal 135.

As shown in Figures 47 and 48, the ink cartridge 10 further includes a chip mounting section 201. The chip mounting section 201 is used to mount the chip 20. The chip 20 is fixed to the ink cartridge 10 via the chip mounting section 201. The chip mounting section 201 includes a through groove 2011, a housing section 2012, a flat surface 2013, a positioning column 2014, and a fixing section 2015.

The flat surface 2013 is used to position the chip 20, and to ensure that the chip 20 is in close contact with the rear surface 120b of the chip 20. The housing portion 2012 is used to house the memory 100. The positioning column 2014 fits into the first to fourth holes of the chip 20, thereby ensuring that the chip 20 is fixed to the chip mounting portion 201. The connecting member 70 passes through the through groove 2011 and contacts the fifth terminal 135 of the chip 20. As shown in Figure 31, all or at least a portion of the ninth portion 709, the tenth portion 710, and the eleventh portion 711 of the connecting member 70 are housed within the through groove 2011.

The fixing portion 2015 is a projection provided on the chip mounting portion 201 and is used to fix the chip mounting portion 201 by fitting into the fixing groove 451 in the print head 40. The fixing portion 2015 may be provided with several locking devices, which can engage with the fixing groove 451. This configuration reduces the likelihood of the chip mounting portion 201 detaching from the print head 40 due to the elastic force of the connecting member 70.

The print head 40 has an upper surface 40a on the -Z axis side, a projection, and a mounting portion 45. The projection is located on the -Y axis side of the upper surface 40a. The projection may have only a first projection 43 (as shown in Figure 50), or it may have a first projection 43 and a second projection 44 (as shown in Figure 50). When the projection has a first projection 43 and a second projection 44, the first projection 43 and the second projection 44 can function as gripping portions when the user installs the ink cartridge 10 into the tray 97 along the installation direction D1, or when removing the ink cartridge 10 along the opposite direction of the installation direction D1. By gripping the sides of the first projection 43 and the second projection 44, the user can move the ink cartridge 10, making installation and removal of the ink cartridge 10 easier.

The print head 40 further includes a first projection 401, a second projection 402, a first ridge 403, a second ridge 404, and a fixing groove 451. The fixing groove 451 is used to secure the chip mounting section 201. When the connecting member 70 is attached to the print head 40, the first projection 401 is located within the semi-closed ring 70c of the connecting member 70, reducing the likelihood of the connecting member 70 detaching from the print head 40.

The second projection 402 is located within the first curved space 70d of the connecting member 70, reducing the occurrence of the connecting member 70 detaching from the print head 40. The first ridge 403 and the seventh portion 707 engage, and may be in a tight fit, further reducing the occurrence of the connecting member 70 detaching from the print head 40. The second ridge 404 and the eighth portion 708 engage, and may be in a tight fit, further reducing the occurrence of the connecting member 70 detaching from the print head 40. The print head 40 may be provided with several movable locking devices, which engage with the third curved space 70f to prevent the connecting member 70 from detaching from the print head 40.

The first projection 401 has an inclined surface 401a on the -Z axis side. The second projection 402 has an inclined surface 402a on the -Z axis side. The first ridge 403 has an inclined surface 403a on the -Z axis side. The second ridge 404 has an inclined surface 404a on the -Z axis side. These inclined surfaces serve as guides when attaching the connecting member 70 to the print head 40.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 52, in this embodiment, the print head 40 of the ink cartridge 10 is provided with widening members 46 on the +X axis side and the -X axis side. This increases the width of the ink cartridge 10 in the X axis direction, which is advantageous for increasing the width of the ink bag 10a and the ink capacity of the ink bag 10a. Of course, the tray 97 also becomes wider in the X axis direction. In this embodiment, during the process of mounting the ink cartridge 10 to the printing device, first the connecting member 70 (conductive member) contacts the grounding member, and then the tip 20 contacts the contact pin assembly 91.

Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3.
In Embodiment 4, a ground wire type conductive member is provided based on the above embodiment. One end of the conductive member is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the chip, and the other end extends downward and is electrically connected to a conductive oscillating rod. The electrical connection point between the two is located below the chip, and is further connected to a ground member via the conductive oscillating rod.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 53 and 54, the ink cartridge body 50 further comprises a bottom housing 51 (corresponding to the print head 40 in Examples 2 and 3). In the mounting direction D2 (+Y axis direction), at least a portion of the connecting member 70 is provided on the front end side of the front surface 51a, and a space Q is formed between the connecting member 70 (corresponding to the conductive member) and the front surface 51a. This space Q can accommodate a portion of the mounting portion 90. At least a portion of the connecting member 70 is below the bottom surface 51b of the ink cartridge 10.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 55, the connecting member 70 is configured as a first conductive piece, and a conductive oscillating rod is provided at the bottom of the housing chamber. The conductive oscillating rod is located at the bottom of the ink cartridge body and can position the ink cartridge body. In this embodiment, the locking part 94 is a rod-shaped member that can be oscillated and reset; that is, the locking part 94 is configured as a conductive oscillating rod. The upper surface of the locking part 94 can be electrically connected to the first conductive piece. The electrical connection point between the two is below the tip.

According to the above invention, by utilizing the space Q between the connecting member 70 and the front surface 51a to restrict the position of the mounting portion 90, the connecting member 70 and the locking portion 94 can only come into contact when the space Q and the mounting portion 90 are properly assembled. Furthermore, the grounding signal of the chip 20 is transmitted normally only when the connecting member 70 and the locking portion 94 are in contact.

Furthermore, space Q can also accommodate a portion of the connecting member 70. For example, one side of the connecting member 70 may be arranged in an "n" shape, with a portion of the connecting member 70 positioned within space Q. As shown in Figure 56, the connecting member 70 further includes an extended portion 710, which is positioned within space Q and between space Q and the front surface 51a. In such a structure, space Q is still provided between the connecting member 70 and the front surface 51a. As long as a portion of the connecting member 70 fits this description, it can be said to conform to the characteristic that space Q is formed between the connecting member 70 and the front surface 51a.

The space Q formed between the connecting member 70 and the front surface 51a can accommodate the front wall 97aa of the tray 97. The position is restricted by space Q and the front wall 97aa, and the conductive member itself contacts the grounding member. Furthermore, there is a bottom wall 97bb at the bottom of the storage chamber, and the grounding member may be the bottom wall 97bb of the storage chamber.

Furthermore, referring to Figures 53 to 56, the connecting member 70 is connected in part to the chip 20 and in part to the grounding member of the mounting section 90. The connecting member 70, acting as both a mechanical means and a chip signal detection means, ensures that the ink cartridge is accurately mounted on the printer's mounting section 90.

The space Q between the connecting member 70 and the front surface 51a engages with the front wall 97aa of the tray 97, ensuring that the tray 97 and ink cartridge 10 are accurately mounted and secured only when the front wall 97aa is within space Q. When the assembly is mounted on the mounting section 90, the connecting member 70 contacts the upper surface of the locking section 94, triggering chip model number detection and ensuring that the ink cartridge 10 is correctly detected by the chip signal detection means. The integration of the mechanical means and the chip signal detection means further ensures that the ink cartridge is accurately mounted in the printer.

Furthermore, the ink cartridge 10 includes a chip 20, a bottom housing 51, an ink pouch 10a, a connecting member 70, holes 220 and 210, a front surface 51a located in the +Y axis direction, a bottom surface 51b located in the +Z axis direction, and an ink outlet 41. The tray 97 includes a front wall 97aa and positioning holes 971 and 972.

The locking portion 94 has an upper surface 94a in the -Z axis direction. When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted in the mounting portion 90, the ink supply portion 92 (ink injection tube) fits into the ink outlet 41 and can supply ink for printing. The printer's contact pin assembly 91 contacts the communication terminals of the chip 20 and provides transmission of chip signals.

The columnar positioning portions 93f and 93s, the positioning holes 971 and 972 in the tray 97, and the holes 220 and 210 in the ink cartridge engage to restrict the position of the assembly at the mounting portion. The projection 941 in the locking portion 94 engages with the groove at the bottom of the tray 97 to fix the assembly consisting of the ink cartridge 10 and the tray 97. The connecting member 70 engages with the front wall 97aa of the tray 97 and contacts the upper surface 94a of the locking portion 94, thereby transmitting a grounding signal.

Embodiment 5 of Embodiment 3.
Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment provides another antenna-type conductive member. Here, the conductive member consists of a conductive piece and a portion of the conductive film of an ink bag. Specifically, it is as follows.

The conductive member according to this embodiment comprises a first conductive piece 71 and a first conductive transmission medium. The ink cartridge body includes an ink storage section, which comprises an ink storage chamber surrounded by a film layer structure. The film layer structure includes an insulating outer film, a conductive interlayer, and an insulating inner film, stacked sequentially from the outside to the inside. The conductive interlayer is configured as the first conductive transmission medium, and at least a portion of the conductive interlayer is used to electrically connect the first conductive piece and the upper wall of the storage chamber.

As an example, as shown in Figures 57 and 58, the ink cartridge in this embodiment includes an ink storage section provided within the ink cartridge body, which is configured as an ink bag 10a. The ink bag 10a comprises an ink storage chamber surrounded by a film layer structure, and this ink storage chamber is used for storing ink.

For example, the ink pouch has an upper and lower surface, which are the outer surfaces of the film layer structure. The film layer structure includes an insulating outer film, a conductive interlayer, and an insulating inner film, arranged in order from the outside to the inside. The insulating outer film forms the outer surface of the ink pouch, and this outer surface includes the aforementioned upper and lower surfaces. The insulating inner film forms the inner surface of the ink pouch and is in contact with the ink. The conductive interlayer is provided between the insulating outer film and the insulating inner film, and at least a portion of the conductive interlayer functions as a first conductive transmission medium and is considered part of the conductive member. Furthermore, a portion of the conductive interlayer can be electrically connected to a grounding member.

In the embodiment of this application, a portion of the conductive interlayer is exposed on the outer surface of the film layer structure, forming a first electrical connection portion. The first electrical connection portion can be electrically connected to a first conductive piece, and the other end of the first conductive piece is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the chip. For example, the insulating outer film includes a first perforation, the first perforation is positioned close to the first conductive piece, and a portion of the conductive interlayer is exposed to the first perforation to form the first electrical connection portion.

A portion of the conductive interlayer is exposed on the outer surface of the film layer structure, forming a second electrical connection. This second electrical connection faces the first electrical connection and is electrically connected to it via the unexposed conductive interlayer between them. The second electrical connection is electrically connected to the grounding member.

For example, the insulating outer film has a second perforation, and at least a portion of the conductive interlayer is exposed within the second perforation, forming a second electrical connection. The second electrical connection is electrically connected to the first electrical connection via a portion of the conductive interlayer to transmit a grounding signal. That is, the grounding signal between the chip and the printer is transmitted via the first conductive piece, the interlayer conductive film, and the grounding member. This configuration improves the grounding stability of the ink cartridge and reduces situations of poor or unstable grounding.

Based on the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the grounding member may be the outer casing of the mounting portion 90 (the outer casing in the +Z axis, -Z axis, +X axis, -X axis, and +Y axis directions) or a part of the outer casing. For example, the wall of the storage chamber is formed as the grounding member, the first electrical connection is provided on one side of the Y axis of the ink bag 10a, the second electrical connection is located on one side of the -Y axis of the ink bag, and the second electrical connection is located on the -Z axis side of the first electrical connection; that is, the second electrical connection is closer to the wall of the storage chamber than the first electrical connection.

Furthermore, the film layer structure in a portion of the surface of the ink bag 10a has four layers. Along the direction from the outside to the inside of the ink bag 10a, the first layer is made of PET and is therefore also called the PET film, i.e., an insulating outer film. The second layer is made of Al and is conductive, and is also called the aluminum film, metal film, or intermediate conductive film 10a1. The third layer is a nylon film, and the fourth layer is made of PET 140 and is therefore also called the PET 140 film.

The other areas of the surface of the ink bag 10a are provided with only three layers of film. These areas are exposed to the outer surface of the film layer structure, and the conductive film 10a1, nylon film, and PET 140 film are arranged in order along the direction from the outside to the inside of the ink bag 10a. In these areas, the conductive film 10a1 is located as the outermost layer, and therefore these areas are also referred to as the conductive areas of the ink bag 10a. In other words, these conductive areas form electrical connections. Here, the conductive film 10a1 in all areas of the ink bag 10a is interconnected; that is, the ink bag 10a has the same conductive film 10a1 whether it is an area with three layers of film or an area with four layers of film. At the same time, the conductive film 10a1 is isolated from the ink stored inside the ink bag 10a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ink does not participate in the transmission of the ground signal.

In this embodiment, a portion of the first conductive piece 71 is connected to the chip 20, and the other portion is connected to the conductive film (first electrical connection portion) of the conductive region A of the ink bag 10a. The first conductive piece 71 has a first portion 71a and a second portion 71b. The first portion 71a is connected to the chip 20, and the second portion 71b is connected to the conductive film.

After the conductive film in conductive region A and the first conductive piece 71 are connected, covering the -Z axis side of the connection portion with a PET film can make the appearance of the ink cartridge 10 more aesthetically pleasing. Alternatively, fixing the connection portion with an adhesive material (such as tape) can make the connection between the first conductive piece 71 and the first electrical connection portion more stable.

As shown in Figure 59, in this embodiment, the -Y-axis end of the ink bag 40 extends in the -Z-axis direction, and a conductive region B exists on the -Z-axis surface of this end. This conductive region is a second electrical connection point. The conductive film 10a1 of the conductive region B is connected to the metal member 96 of the outer housing on the +Z-axis side of the mounting portion 90, and this metal member 96 further forms the wall of the housing chamber. This enables the transmission of a grounding signal between the chip 20 and the printer 1.

Furthermore, conductive regions can be provided at any location on the ink bag 10a. The conductive film in these regions is connected to the metal member 96 of the mounting portion 90. For example, in addition to the -Y-axis end of the ink bag 10a, conductive films located on the +Y-axis, +X-axis, -X-axis, -Z-axis, or +Z-axis sides of the ink bag 10a can also be connected to the metal member 96 of the mounting portion 90.

As shown in Figures 60 and 61, based on the above embodiment, the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present application further includes a second conductive piece 72, and the second conductive piece 72 and the first conductive piece 71 are spaced apart. The second conductive piece 72 has a first portion 72a and a second portion 72b. The first portion 72a is connected to the conductive film in the conductive region C of the ink bag 10a, and the second portion 72b is connected to the metal member 96 of the mounting portion 90. The grounding signal is transmitted to the chip 20 via the metal member 96, the second conductive piece 72, the conductive film, and the first conductive piece 71. Note that the -Y-axis end of the ink bag 40 does not directly contact the metal member of the mounting portion 90.

Optionally, after the conductive film in conductive region C and the second conductive piece 72 are connected, the -Z axis side of the connection portion can be covered with a PET film to improve the appearance of the ink cartridge 10. Alternatively, the connection between the second conductive piece 72 and the conductive film 10a1 can be made more stable by fixing the connection portion with an adhesive material (e.g., tape).

In the above configuration, the metal components of the mounting portion 90 may be the outer casing of the mounting portion 90 (the outer casing in the +Z axis, -Z axis, +X axis, -X axis, and +Y axis directions) or a part of the outer casing. For user safety, all metal components of the mounting portion 90 are grounded, and all grounding signals with the printer are common.

In this embodiment, the second conductive piece 72 first extends in the -Z axis direction from the conductive region C of the ink bag 10a, then extends to the -X axis or +X axis direction to cross the tray 97, and then extends in the +Z axis direction to connect to the outer casing on the +Z axis side of the mounting portion 90.

The number of the second conductive pieces 72 is not limited; for example, there may be one or more. Furthermore, the placement position on the ink bag 10a is not limited; for example, they may be placed on the top or bottom surface of the ink bag 10a, or on the +X axis side, -X axis side, +Y axis side, or -Y axis side of the ink bag 10a.

Embodiment 6 of Embodiment 3.
Figure 62 is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge of Embodiment 6 according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. The description of the ink cartridge of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 4 of Embodiment 3, and the chip is either Modification 1 or Modification 3 of the chip, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

Embodiment 7 of Embodiment 3.
Figure 63 is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge of Embodiment 7 according to Embodiment 3 of the present application. The description of the ink cartridge of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiments 1 to 3 of Embodiment 3, and the chip is Modification 1 of the chip or Modification 3 of the chip, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

Embodiment 4.
Based on Embodiment 1 described above, the embodiment of the present application further includes a conductive support plate 82, and the mounting portion 90 is slidably provided on the rail 86. A barrier plate 85 is provided between the rail 86 and the conductive support plate 82. The conductive support plate 82 is provided on the side opposite to the mounting portion of the barrier plate 85, and the longitudinal direction of the conductive support plate 82 coincides with the extending direction of the rail 86. For example, the conductive support plate 82 is provided parallel to the horizontal plane, and the conductive support plate 82 is arranged on both sides of the grounding rail 80 so as to face the conductive wall plate 81. Correspondingly, the conductive member includes a bridge connection portion, and the conductive member straddles the barrier plate 85. That is, the bridge connection portion straddles the barrier plate 85, and the portion of the bridge connection portion closest to the conductive support plate contacts the conductive support plate and can be electrically connected.

As shown in Figure 66, the rail 86 may be a conductive member having a grounding signal, or a non-conductive member not having a grounding signal. If the rail 86 has a grounding signal, its conductive support plate 82 may be a part of the rail, and the rail 86 and the conductive support plate 82 may be two different members. Since the barrier plate 85 is a non-conductive member not having a grounding signal (for example, the barrier plate 85 is made of non-conductive plastic), in this embodiment, the conductive member must straddle the barrier plate 85 in order to contact the conductive support plate 82 and achieve the beneficial effects of this application.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 64 and 65, in this embodiment, the chip 20 is provided on the front end side in the mounting direction of the ink cartridge 10, and the memory 100 is provided on the rear surface 120b of the chip 20. A conductive piece 140a is provided between the chip 20 and the ink cartridge 10. The shape of the conductive piece 140a substantially matches the shape of the chip 20, and an opening 111 matching the shape of the memory 100 is provided in the center of the conductive piece 140a. The opening 111 is just large enough for the protrusion of the memory 100 to pass through, and the grounding terminals 137a and 137b are connected so as to be tightly attached after the installation of the chip 20 and the conductive piece 140a is complete.

The connecting member 140 is configured as a conductive member, and the connecting member 140 (corresponding to the conductive member) is made of a conductive material having a certain hardness. One end of the connecting member 140 (corresponding to the conductive member) is connected to the conductive piece 140a via solder. Of course, the connecting member 140 and the conductive piece 140a may be integrally molded sheet metal parts, or they may be a structure composed of multiple connected parts. Optionally, in this embodiment, the conductive piece 140a may not be provided, and the transmission of the ground signal can be achieved similarly by directly connecting the connecting member 140 (corresponding to the conductive member) to the ground terminal.

As shown in Figures 66 to 70, the other end of the connecting member 140 extends away from the chip 20 to the rear side wall of the ink cartridge 10, along the first side wall 50a in the -Y-axis direction of the ink cartridge body 50, or along the second side wall in the +Y-axis direction of the ink cartridge body (located opposite the first side wall 50a and not shown), or along the upper wall 50d in the +Z direction of the ink cartridge body. Near the end of the connecting member 140, it is bent away from the surface of the ink cartridge 10, forming a bridge connection portion 140b, which is connected to the conductive support plate 82 of the grounding rail. Furthermore, the grounding signal between the chip 20 and the printer is transmitted by the conductive piece 140a, the connecting member 140, and the conductive support plate 82.

Furthermore, the rail 86 is a component for supporting the mounting portion 90, and for the safety of the user, the grounding signal between the rail 86 and the printing device is common. The conductive support plate 82 is a metal component of the printing device, and for the safety of the user, the grounding signal between the conductive support plate 82 and the printing device is common. With this configuration, according to the above invention, the grounding signal is transmitted to the chip 20 by the conductive support plate 82 and the connecting member 140, improving stability, reducing situations where grounding is not possible or grounding is unstable, and achieving the beneficial effects of this application.

Based on the above embodiment, in the embodiment of the present application, a contact portion is provided at one end of the conductive member closest to the grounding member. The contact portion is configured to contact the conductive support plate 82, thereby electrically connecting the conductive member to the conductive support plate 82 and the conductive wall plate.

Furthermore, since the mounting portion is slidably mounted on the rail, in order to ensure smooth sliding of the mounting portion, the contact portion in this embodiment may be configured as a ball or a ball bearing. The ball and ball bearing are configured as part of a conductive member and are electrically connected to the conductive member. This configuration reduces the frictional force between the contact portion and the conductive support plate or conductive wall plate, ensuring that the mounting portion and the ink cartridge 10 slide smoothly on the grounding rail.

In other embodiments, the conductive member comprises not only a second conductive piece, but also a second conductive transmission medium electrically connected to the second conductive piece, and a mounting member electrically connected to the second conductive transmission medium. That is, in this embodiment, the conductive member consists of a conductive piece, a conductive transmission medium, and a mounting member.

Furthermore, the mounting member is positioned near the chip; that is, it is located at one end away from the rails of the ink cartridge body. One end of the mounting member is connected to the grounding terminal of the chip, and the other end of the mounting member extends into the ink storage chamber of the ink cartridge body and is electrically connected to the printing liquid medium within the ink storage chamber. For example, if this printing liquid medium is ink, and the ink is connected to the mounting member as a conductive medium, the grounding signal from the grounding terminal is transmitted to the ink via the mounting member.

Furthermore, the second conductive piece has one end extending into the ink reservoir and capable of contacting the ink, while the other end forms a bridge connection. The second conductive piece straddles the barrier plate 85 via the bridge connection. Since the bridge connection can be electrically connected to the conductive support plate, a ground signal is transmitted from the ink to the conductive support plate via the second conductive piece.

As an example, as shown in Figure 71, the connecting member 140 is configured as the second conductive piece and as a part of the conductive member. The connecting member 140 may be made of a conductive material having a certain hardness and may be a integrally molded sheet metal member, or it may be a structure composed of multiple connected parts. The embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

The connecting member 140 further includes a fixing member 141. The fixing member 141 may be made of silicone. A through-hole is provided in the center of the fixing member 141, through which the curved portion 1402 of the connecting member 140 can pass. The method for attaching the connecting member 140 is as follows: First, the fixing member 141 is inserted into the connecting member 140. Next, the vertical portion 1401 of the connecting member 140, through which the fixing member 141 is inserted, is passed through the through-hole at the top of the rear wall 50b of the ink cartridge 10. Then, the position of the fixing member 141 is adjusted to close the through-hole, and the connecting member 140 is positioned relative to the ink cartridge 10 in a predetermined position and orientation.

As shown in Figure 73, when the connecting member 140 is installed, the vertical portion 1401 of the connecting member 140 is in close contact with the inside of the rear wall 50b of the ink cartridge 10, extending from the end near the ink outlet 41 at the bottom of the rear wall 50b along the +Z axis to the top of the rear wall 50b, and is fixed to the ink cartridge 10 by the fixing member 141. The fixing member 141 not only seals the rear wall 50b and prevents ink leakage, but also fixes the connecting member 140. The curved portion 1402 of the connecting member 140 extends to the outside of the ink cartridge 10 through the through hole of the fixing member 141, is bent away from the surface of the ink cartridge 10, and is connected to a metal member of the printer. This metal member is the conductive support plate 82.

As shown in Figures 72 and 75, the conductive member 140a is configured as the mounting member described above, and is entirely made of conductive silicone rubber. It is embedded in the mounting surface of the ink cartridge 10, enabling sealing of the ink cartridge 10 and contact with the ink. Specifically, the conductive member 140a is located behind the chip 20, and the memory 100 is provided on the rear surface 120b of the chip 20. The conductive member 140a is provided with an opening 111. The opening 111 is provided to fit the memory 100, and is sized to fit the memory 100 just right.

In the installed state, the chip 20 is in close contact with at least a portion of the conductive member 140a on the side corresponding to the rear surface 120b. The seventh terminals 137a and 137b (ground terminals in this application) each abut against the conductive member 140a. The first surface 140b of the conductive member 140a is used to connect to the chip 20, and the second surface 140c (the surface facing the internal housing chamber of the ink cartridge 10) contacts the ink and is electrically connected.

As shown in Figures 76 and 77, the connecting member 140 is located in the -X-axis direction of the ink cartridge 10, and the conductive member 140a is located in the +X-axis direction of the ink cartridge 10. Since the ink in the ink cartridge 10 is conductive, in this embodiment, the grounding signal between the chip 20 and the printer can be transmitted by the conductive member 140a, the ink, the connecting member 140, and the conductive support plate 82.

Of course, the grounding method for the ink cartridge according to this embodiment can also be applied to other types of chips. For example, if the chip 20 has four terminals on its front and a grounding terminal (not shown) on its back, the grounding terminal can similarly transmit a grounding signal between the chip and the printer via the conductive member 140a, ink, connecting member 140, and conductive support plate 82 (member 1401 is located inside the ink cartridge and is electrically connected to the ink).

According to the above invention, the conductive support plate 82, connecting member 140, ink, and conductive member 140a transmit a grounding signal to the chip 20, improving stability and reducing situations where grounding is not possible or unstable. When the ink in the ink cartridge 10 is used up or nearly used up, the grounding signal on the chip 20 can no longer be transmitted to the printer, and a message indicating that no ink cartridge is installed is displayed in the printer. This serves to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge, similar to the printer's own message indicating that the ink is low.

Embodiment 5
In describing the embodiments of the present application, the coordinate system of the drawings will be explained first. The X-axis indicates a third direction. The Y-axis indicates a second direction. The second direction is defined as the reciprocating sliding direction of the mounting portion. The Z-axis indicates a first direction. The first direction is defined as the direction in which the ink cartridge assembly is inserted into the mounting portion. The third direction is defined as the normal direction of the plane formed by the second and first directions.

As shown in Figures 78 and 79, the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, based on the above-described embodiment 1, further comprises a conductive unit 300 and a mounting portion 90. The conductive unit 300 is configured as a grounding member for the printing apparatus. For example, the conductive unit 300 may be the grounding rail or the conductive support plate, or it may be another metal member that transmits a grounding signal; however, the present embodiment is not limited to these.

In this embodiment, the conductive unit 300 is provided outside the mounting portion 90 and can be used for transmitting a ground signal. The lengthwise direction of the conductive unit 300 coincides with the second direction. In the printing apparatus, a track (not shown) is provided near the conductive unit 300, and the mounting portion 90 is slidably mounted on this track. During operation of the printing apparatus, the mounting portion 90 can slide along the track, and the lengthwise direction of the track coincides with the lengthwise direction of the conductive unit 300. That is, the mounting portion 90 is linearly slidable relative to the conductive unit 300 along the second direction.

The printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application further includes an ink cartridge assembly, which is detachably mounted on the printing apparatus. The mounting portion 90 includes a case and a contact pin assembly 91 provided within the case. The case is provided with a storage chamber 995 into which the ink cartridge assembly is inserted, and the contact pin assembly 91 is located within the storage chamber 995.

A portion of the contact pin assembly 91 is located within the storage chamber 995 and is used to electrically connect to the ink cartridge assembly. The other portion of the contact pin assembly 91 is connected to the printing circuit of the printing device, thereby enabling communication with the printing device via the contact pin assembly 91 when the ink cartridge assembly is inserted into the case.

To transmit the grounding signal from the conductive unit 300 to the ink cartridge assembly, the ink cartridge assembly according to this embodiment further includes a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly is configured as a conductive member. The ink cartridge assembly receives the grounding signal transmitted from the conductive unit 300 via the conductive member.

Specifically, the ink cartridge assembly comprises at least one ink cartridge 10, each of which is inserted into a storage chamber 995 and electrically connected to a corresponding contact pin assembly 91. The number of contact pin assemblies 91 corresponds to the number of ink cartridges 10.

As shown in Figures 80 and 81, each ink cartridge 10 comprises a case 50 and a chip 20 provided on the case 50. The chip 20 comprises a substrate 21, a plurality of contacts provided on the substrate 21, and a memory element 24 (the memory element 24 is provided on the back of the substrate 21 and may be arranged as shown in Figure 95). Each of these plurality of contacts is electrically connected to the memory element 24.

Exemplary, the multiple contacts include one grounding contact 23, which is used to transmit a grounding signal. The grounding contact 23 is configured to contact the above-mentioned connection assembly (to electrically contact the conductive member). That is, the grounding contact 23 does not contact any other contact pins. Furthermore, the other contacts 22 are configured as one or more of the following: memory element contacts, high-voltage contacts, or detection contacts (e.g., short-circuit detection between contacts or ink cartridge installation detection), and the other contacts 22 contact and electrically connect to each contact pin of the corresponding contact pin assembly 91.

In the embodiment of this application, the memory element contacts and/or detection contacts are electrically connected to the memory element 24, which stores communication and data processing programs, ink level information of the ink cartridge, and/or product information related to the ink cartridge. Alternatively, a high-voltage device is provided on the ink cartridge chip 20, and the high-voltage contacts are electrically connected to the high-voltage device and used to detect short circuits between the contacts. Alternatively, a detection device is provided on the ink cartridge chip 20, and the detection contacts are electrically connected to the detection device and used to detect short circuits between the contacts or to detect the installation of the ink cartridge.

In the embodiment of this application, the ground contact 23 and the memory element 24 are located on different surfaces of the substrate 21, while the ground contact 23 and the other contacts 22 are located on the same surface of the substrate 21. For example, the ground contact 23 and the other contacts 22 are located on a first surface of the substrate 21, the other contacts 22 have a first projection onto the first surface of the substrate 21, the first region is formed by being surrounded by the first projections of the multiple other contacts 22, the ground contact has a second projection onto the first surface, and the second projection is located outside the first region. In the second direction (Y-axis direction), there is an overlapping portion between the second projection and the first region.

Furthermore, when the grounding contact 23 and the other contacts 22 are located on the same plane of the substrate 21, a gap 25 can be provided between the grounding contact 23 and the other contacts 22 in this embodiment. With this configuration, if ink or other foreign matter adheres to the chip 20 during use, these foreign matter will be contained within the gap 25, preventing the foreign matter from adhering to the chip 20 and causing a short circuit between the grounding contact 23 and the other contacts 22.

Referring to Figure 79, the connection assembly includes a first connecting member 61 and a second connecting member 62, each capable of transmitting a ground signal. The first connecting member 61 is used to connect the conductive unit 300 to the second connecting member 62, with a portion of the first connecting member 61 connecting to the conductive unit 300 and forming an external contact of the chip. For example, a portion of the first connecting member 61 is fixedly connected to the surface of the conductive unit 300 and configured to not undergo relative displacement with respect to the conductive unit 300.

A portion of the first connecting member 61 is positioned to be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion 90. That is, a portion of the first connecting member 61 forms an external contact point with the conductive unit 300, and sliding friction between the external contact point and the surface of the conductive unit 300 can be avoided.

The second connecting member 62 is provided on the mounting portion 90 and does not undergo relative displacement relative to the mounting portion 90. For example, the second connecting member 62 is provided in the storage chamber 995 and fixed to the case of the mounting portion 90. One end of the second connecting member 62 is electrically connected to the ground contact 23 of the chip 20, and the other end of the second connecting member 62 is connected to the first connecting member 61. As a result, the ground signal from the conductive unit 300 is transmitted to the ground contact 23 of the chip 20 via the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62.

In related technologies, an external conductor is directly electrically connected to the conductive unit, and the external conductor slides along the surface of the conductive unit, following the movement of the mounting portion in the direction of operation of the mounting portion. Compared to these related technologies, in the embodiment of this application, a portion of the first connecting member 61 is dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion 90. As a result, the external contact formed by the fixed connection of the other portion of the first connecting member 61 to the conductive unit 300 does not experience sliding friction with the conductive unit 300, thus avoiding the generation of significant noise during the reciprocating sliding process of the external contact along the surface of the conductive unit 300, which would otherwise affect the user experience.

Furthermore, a portion of the first connecting member 61 can be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion 90, thereby preventing the outer contact (which is the connection portion of the first connecting member 61 to the conductive unit 300) from detaching from the surface of the conductive unit 300 due to vibration or other causes. Additionally, this prevents deformation of the outer contact due to prolonged sliding friction with the conductive unit 300, thereby improving the grounding stability of the tip 20.

As shown in Figure 82, when the second connecting member 62 is installed in the storage chamber 995, the mounting portion 90 according to the embodiment of the present application further includes a first support portion 991 to facilitate the positioning and support of the second connecting member 62. Along the first direction, the first support portion 991 is provided above the contact pin assembly 91. For example, the first support portion 991 may be a partial support plane formed on the upper part of the case. Along the third direction, the support plane is located on one side of each contact pin assembly 91. Along the first direction, the support plane is located above each contact pin assembly 91.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 79 and 80, the second connecting member 62 is inserted into the storage chamber 995, and a portion of the second connecting member 62 abuts against the first support portion 991. Furthermore, a portion of the second connecting member 62 extends along the first direction to one side of the contact pin assembly 91 toward the tip 20. Additionally, when the ink cartridge assembly is inserted into the storage chamber 995, the portion of the second connecting member 62 extending to the contact pin assembly 91 contacts the ground contact 23 of the tip 20, thereby making an electrical connection.

As shown in Figures 83 and 84, in this embodiment, the second connecting member 62 includes a main body 621 and at least one extending portion 622. The main body 621 can abut against the first support portion 991 so that the second connecting member 62 can be inserted into the case. The length-extending direction of the main body 621 is the same as the length-extending direction of the first support portion 991, and both extend along the second direction. The main body 621 can be in close contact with the support surface of the first support portion 991.

The second connecting member 62 includes a plurality of extensions 622, the number of which corresponds to the number of contact pin assemblies 91 (or the number of chips 20). That is, each extension 622 corresponds to one chip 20. The plurality of extensions 622 are arranged on the main body 621 at intervals along the second direction.

Each extension portion 622 is tooth-shaped, one end of which is connected to the main body 621, and the other end of which is configured to extend along the first direction. The extension portion 622 can also extend to the outside of the contact pin assembly 91. An electrical contact portion 6221 is provided on one side of the extension portion 622 that faces the chip 20. The electrical contact portion 6221 is electrically connected to the ground contact 23 of the chip 20.

Furthermore, the main body 621 is provided with a first positioning portion 6211, and along the third direction, the extending portion 622 and the first positioning portion 6211 are spaced apart from the main body 621. Along the first direction, the first positioning portion 6211 may be provided on the upper part of the second connecting member 62.

For example, the first positioning portion 6211 is a horizontal plate, one end of which is connected to the main body 621, and the other end of which extends away from the main body 621 along a third direction. That is, the horizontal plate has a horizontal surface that engages with the first support portion 991, and when the second connecting member 62 is inserted into the mounting portion 90, the first positioning portion 6211 is in close contact with the support surface of the first support portion 991, and the position of the second connecting member 62 can be restricted in at least the first direction.

Based on the above embodiment, the main body 621 is further provided with a second positioning portion 6212, the main body 621 has an inclined surface, and a plurality of positioning grooves are provided on the inclined surface, each positioning groove being configured as the second positioning portion 6212. The positioning grooves extend along the first direction, and their upper parts are provided near the first positioning portion 6211.

Exemplary, the positioning groove is configured as a second positioning portion 6212, with the first positioning portion 6211 located above the upper part of the positioning groove and positioned in the extending direction of the positioning groove. An opening is present at the bottom of the positioning groove, located at the bottom of the inclined surface and near the upper part of the extending portion 622. For example, the opening of the positioning groove may be positioned between two adjacent extending portions 622.

Referring to Figure 82, the mounting portion 90 is provided with a spacing member 992 that fits into the positioning groove described above. That is, a plurality of spacing members 992 are arranged at intervals along the second direction within the storage chamber 995, and the spacing members 992 extend along the first direction, with a space for one contact pin assembly 91 formed between each of two adjacent spacing members 992. For example, the spacing members 992 may be partition plates for separating each contact pin assembly 91.

Along the first direction, at least a portion of the spacing member 992 protrudes from the contact pin assembly 91, forming a second support portion 992a. The second support portion 992a engages with a positioning groove, and when the second connecting member 62 is inserted into the storage chamber 995, the positioning groove engages with the second support portion 992a. That is, the second positioning portion 6212 is inserted into the second support portion 992a. This allows the position of the second connecting member 62 to be restricted in at least the third and second directions.

Furthermore, when the first positioning portion 6211 is in close contact with the first support portion 991, the second positioning portion 6212 is inserted into the second support portion 992a. That is, the second connecting member 62 can be detachably attached within the mounting portion 90 through the combined action of the first positioning portion 6211 and the second positioning portion 6212. Moreover, since the grounding contact 23 of the chip 20 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 300 via the electrical contact portion 6221, the extension portion 622, the main body 621, and the first connecting member 61, grounding of the chip 20 is achieved.

Referring to Figure 81, in this embodiment, the first connecting member 61 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a conductive carrier. The conductive carrier extends along a third direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the conductive carrier coincides with the sliding direction of the mounting portion 90.

The conductive carrier may be a flexible and deformable conductive metal piece. The conductive carrier is positioned between the case and the conductive unit 300, with at least a portion of one end fixed to the conductive unit 300. The other end of the conductive carrier extends above the case and is electrically connected to the body 621 of the second connecting member 62 or to a contact portion provided on the body 621.

Furthermore, the length of the conductive carrier has a certain margin, which forms a deformable portion 613. This margin is designed to accommodate the displacement of the conductive unit 300 within the mounting portion 90, allowing the deformable portion 613 to expand and contract as the conductive carrier slides along the mounting portion 90. In other words, the deformable portion 613 can synchronously and dynamically displace in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion 90.

With this configuration, the outer contact formed by the contact between the first connecting member 61 and the conductive unit 300 does not experience sliding friction against the conductive unit 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of significant noise during the reciprocating sliding motion of the outer contact of the tip 20 along the surface of the conductive unit 300. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the deformation of the outer contact due to prolonged frictional motion against the conductive unit 300, thereby improving the grounding stability of the tip 20. Moreover, by connecting a portion of the first connecting member 61 to the conductive unit 300, it is possible to prevent the outer contact from detaching from the surface of the conductive unit 300, further improving the grounding stability of the tip 20.

Based on the above embodiment, the conductive carrier according to the embodiment of the present application includes a conductive portion and an insulating portion. The insulating portion encloses a part of the conductive portion, and the portions of the conductive portion exposed from both ends of the insulating portion are configured as a first contact portion 611 and a second contact portion 612, respectively. Here, the first contact portion 611 is fixedly connected to the conductive unit 300, and the second contact portion 612 is electrically connected to the second connecting member 62.

Exemplary, the conductive portion is configured as a conductive core or conductive piece, and the insulating portion is configured as an insulating layer enclosing the conductive core. For example, the conductive core includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite each other, and the insulating layer includes the intermediate portion of the conductive core. Since the first and second ends of the conductive core are exposed from the insulating layer, the first end of the conductive core is configured as a first contact portion 611, and the second end of the conductive core is configured as a second contact portion 612. Here, the first contact portion 611 is connected to the side surface of the conductive unit 300, and the second contact portion 612 is electrically connected to the second connecting member 62.

Furthermore, to improve the connection reliability between the second contact portion 612 and the second connecting member 62, a third contact portion 623 is provided on the second connecting member 62. The third contact portion 623 is located on the main body 621 of the second connecting member 62 and is provided in the vicinity of the second contact portion 612. For example, the third contact portion 623 may be a conductive projection (conductive terminal) provided on the main body 621. The second contact portion 612 can be in close contact with the conductive projection and electrically connected.

Furthermore, the second connecting member 62, in whole or at least in part, is made of a conductive material, thereby enabling the ground contact of the chip 20 to be electrically connected to the conductive unit 300 via the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62. For example, if safety of use is ensured, the surfaces of the second connecting member 62, excluding the third contact portion 623 and the electrical contact portion 6221 provided on the extended portion 622, may be coated with an insulating material or have an insulating layer provided. This prevents the second connecting member 62 from coming into contact with other electrical components and improves the reliability of ground signal transmission.

The printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a communication member 200, at least a portion of which is deformable. For example, the communication member 200 may be a flat cable or a ribbon cable. One end of the communication member 200 is connected to the mounting portion 90, and the other end is connected to the conductive unit 300. The central portion of the communication member 200 is deformable. A relay board is provided within the mounting portion 90. The relay board communicates with the control unit in the conductive unit 300 via the communication member 200.

Furthermore, the deformable portion 613 of the first connecting member 61 may be provided on the main body 621 of the communication member 200. That is, the deformable portion 613 of the conductive carrier is attached to the communication member 200. This configuration allows for appropriate restriction of the position of the first connecting member 61 within the printing apparatus, preventing interference or entanglement with other internal components, and consequently avoiding damage to the first connecting member 61.

As shown in Figures 85 and 86, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member 61 is provided on the second connecting member 62. The first connecting member 61 is configured as a contact member capable of relative movement with respect to the second connecting member 62, and the first connecting member 61 can be displaced along the surface of the conductive unit 300.

As shown in Figure 87, the second connecting member 62 in this embodiment includes a third positioning portion 624 and a fourth positioning portion 625, and the third positioning portion 624 and the fourth positioning portion 625 may be an integral structure. The third positioning portion 624 is located above the fourth positioning portion 625. The third positioning portion 624 extends horizontally along the second and third directions. The third positioning portion 624 can be positioned parallel to the conductive unit 300. When the second connecting member 62 is installed in the mounting portion 90, the third positioning portion 624 can contact the upper surface of the mounting portion 90.

Continuing to refer to Figure 82, the mounting portion 90 is provided with a third support portion 993 that engages with the third positioning portion 624. The third support portion 993 may be a part of the upper surface of the case. In the embodiment of the present invention, the third support portion 993 is a part of the upper surface on the side closer to the conductive unit 300. The third support portion 993 is located on the side of the first support portion 991 away from the ink cartridge assembly along the third direction, and is positioned to protrude more than the first support portion 991 along the first direction. That is, the height of the third support portion 993 is greater than that of the first support portion 991.

The fourth positioning portion 625 is positioned at an inclination below the third positioning portion 624, and along the first direction, one side of the fourth positioning portion 625 is connected to the bottom of the third positioning portion 624. These connection points are located on the side of the third positioning portion 624 facing the ink cartridge assembly. The other side of the fourth positioning portion 625 extends downward while inclined toward the ink cartridge assembly side along the third direction. That is, the fourth positioning portion 625 may be a positioning slope provided on the second connecting member 62.

Correspondingly, the mounting portion 90 is provided with a fourth support portion 994 that engages with the fourth positioning portion 625. The fourth support portion 994 is located along the third direction, between the first support portion 991 and the third support portion 993. The fourth support portion 994 may be a support slope formed on the upper surface of the case. This support slope engages with the positioning slope.

Furthermore, when the second connecting member 62 is inserted into the storage chamber 995 of the case, the third positioning portion 624 is in close contact with the third support portion 993, thereby limiting the position of the second connecting member 62 in at least the first direction. Also, since the fourth positioning portion 625 is in close contact with the fourth support portion 994, it is possible to limit the position of the second connecting member 62 in at least the third direction.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second connecting member 62 further includes a third electrical connection portion 626 that abuts against the first support portion 991. The third electrical connection portion 626 is located on the side of the fourth positioning portion 625 away from the third positioning portion 624. One side of the third electrical connection portion 626 is connected to the fourth positioning portion 625, and the third electrical connection portion 626 extends horizontally toward the ink cartridge assembly side along the third direction.

For example, the third electrical connection portion 626 may be provided parallel to the third positioning portion 624. Therefore, along the third direction, the third positioning portion 624 and the third electrical connection portion 626 are arranged parallel to both sides of the fourth positioning portion 625, and the three constitute a stepped structure or a Z-shaped structure.

Furthermore, the entirety or at least a portion of the third electrical connection portion 626 is made of a conductive material. The third electrical connection portion 626 is used to electrically connect to the ground contact 23. As a result, the ground signal in the conductive unit 300 is transmitted to the ground contact 23 of the chip 20 via the first connecting member 61, the third positioning portion 624, the fourth positioning portion 625, and the third electrical connection portion 626.

Based on the above embodiment, the second connecting member 62 according to the embodiment of the present application further includes a housing portion 627, the housing portion 627 being provided above the third positioning portion 624 in the first direction. A mounting shaft 629 is provided inside the housing portion 627, and the first connecting member 61 is positioned on the mounting shaft 629. The mounting shaft 629 is made of a conductive material.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the first connecting member 61 is provided with an electrical contact portion for electrically connecting to the conductive unit 300 while rotating. As a result, the grounding signal in the conductive unit 300 is transmitted to the grounding contact 23 of the chip 20 via the first connecting member 61, the mounting shaft 629, the third positioning portion 624, the fourth positioning portion 625, and the third electrical connection portion 626.

Specifically, the housing portion 627 is provided parallel to the third positioning portion 624 above, and in the third direction, the projections of the housing portion 627 and the conductive unit 300 overlap at least partially. This ensures that the first connecting member 61 provided on the housing portion 627 contacts the conductive unit 300.

The housing section 627 is equipped with a housing groove, which is formed in an elongated shape. Furthermore, the length of the housing groove coincides with the length of the conductive unit 300, and the opening of the housing groove is provided facing the conductive unit 300. A mounting shaft 629 is provided inside the housing groove, and the axial direction of the mounting shaft 629 extends along the first direction. The first connecting member 61 is attached to the mounting shaft 629 and is rotatable relative to the mounting shaft 629.

At least a portion of the first connecting member 61 is provided with an electrical contact portion, which is electrically connected to the conductive unit 300 while rotating. For example, the first connecting member 61 is configured as a conductive roller, which is rotatably connected to the mounting shaft 629, and the outer circumferential surface of the conductive roller is capable of contacting the conductive unit 300. That is, as the mounting portion 90 moves relative to the conductive unit 300, the conductive roller continuously rotates, bringing its outer circumferential surface at different positions into contact with the conductive unit 300. In other words, a portion of the first connecting member 61 can be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion 90 (the conductive roller continuously rotates).

With this configuration, the outer contact formed by the contact between the first connecting member 61 and the conductive unit 300 does not experience relative displacement or sliding friction in the direction of extension of the conductive unit 300. As a result, the generation of significant noise during the reciprocating sliding process of the outer contact of the tip 20 along the surface of the conductive unit 300 is avoided. Furthermore, the phenomenon of deformation of the outer contact due to heat from friction with the conductive unit 300 over a long period of time is also prevented. This improves the grounding stability of the tip 20. In addition, as a portion of the first connecting member 61 rotates while contacting the conductive unit 300, detachment from the surface of the conductive unit 300 due to wear of the outer contact is effectively reduced, further improving the grounding stability of the tip 20.

As shown in Figures 88 to 90, based on the above embodiment, the connection assembly according to the embodiment of the present application further includes an auxiliary connection member 63. The auxiliary connection member 63 is used to electrically connect the ground contact 23 and the third electrical connection part 626. By configuring it in this way, the applicability of the second connection member 62 and the reliability of the electrical connection can be improved.

Specifically, the auxiliary connecting member 63 can be configured as a conductor or a conductive piece. The tip 20 is positioned below the handle 11 of the ink cartridge, and the two maintain a certain distance from each other in the first direction. Furthermore, the tip 20 is below the third electrical connection portion 626, and the third electrical connection portion 626 is positioned opposite the handle 11 and partially overlapping it.

For example, in one embodiment, the auxiliary connecting member 63 is configured as a conductive piece. The conductive piece is positioned between the tip 20 and the third electrical connection portion 626 and is used to electrically connect the ground contact 23 of the tip 20 to the third electrical connection portion 626. The conductive piece extends along a first direction, with its first end connected to the ground contact 23 of the tip 20, and its second end extending upward along the first direction. The second end of the conductive piece extends to the position of the handle 11 and is electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 626.

A fourth contact portion 631 is provided at the second end of the conductive piece, thereby forming a contact portion. The fourth contact portion 631 may be a conductive terminal arranged on the conductive piece. The conductive terminal is electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 626. The fourth contact portion 631 partially overlaps with the handle 11 in the first direction. Exemplarily, if the plane formed by the second and first directions is defined as the first projection plane, then when observed along the third direction, the projection of the fourth contact portion 631 onto the first projection plane and the projection of the handle 11 onto the first projection plane partially overlap.

As shown in Figures 91 to 95, in other embodiments, the auxiliary connecting member 63 is configured as a conductive plate. The conductive plate can be formed integrally with the substrate 21 of the chip 20. That is, the conductive plate is considered to be a part of the substrate 21. In other words, a portion of the substrate 21 can be extended along the first direction to form the auxiliary connecting member 63.

In the first direction, the upper end of the conductive plate is located below the handle 11 and below the third electrical connection portion 626. The grounding contact 23 and the fourth contact portion 631 are provided at the upper end of the conductive plate and may be arranged on both sides of the conductive plate. The fourth contact portion 631 is located below the handle 11 and is positioned close to the handle 11. The grounding contact 23 and the fourth contact portion 631 may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern or through-hole.

In order to electrically connect the third electrical connection portion 626 to the grounding contact 23 and realize the transmission of a grounding signal, the second connecting member 62 according to this embodiment further comprises a second electrical connection portion 628. The second electrical connection portion 628 has clearance space for the handle 11, and a portion of the second electrical connection portion 628 is electrically connected to the third electrical connection portion 626, while the other portion is positioned below the handle 11 and is electrically connected to the fourth contact portion 631. The fourth contact portion 631 is positioned below the handle 11, and the two do not overlap. That is, when observed along the third direction, the projection of the fourth contact portion 631 onto the first projection plane and the projection of the handle 11 onto the first projection plane do not overlap.

For example, the second electrical connection 628 is L-shaped and includes a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion. The first horizontal portion is positioned below the handle 11 and extends along the second direction. The first vertical portion extends along the first direction and is positioned on one side of the handle 11, and is provided to avoid the handle 11. The first vertical portion is connected to the third electrical connection 626.

Furthermore, the auxiliary connecting member 63 is made entirely or in part of a conductive material, so that the ground contact 23 of the chip 20 is electrically connected to the conductive unit 300 via the first connecting member 61, the second connecting member 62, and the auxiliary connecting member 63. For example, if safety of use is ensured, the portion of the auxiliary connecting member 63 other than the fourth contact portion 631 in this embodiment is coated with an insulating material or insulating layer. This prevents the auxiliary connecting member 63 from coming into contact with other electrical components and improves the reliability of ground signal transmission.

In this embodiment, the grounding contact 23 may be located on the same surface of the substrate 21 as the memory element 24, while the other contacts 22 may be located on a different surface of the substrate 21 than the grounding contact 23. The grounding contact 23 and the other contacts 22 may each be electrically connected to the memory element 24 via conductive patterns.

For example, the substrate 21 has a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and each of the other contacts 22 is located on the first surface of the substrate 21. The ground contact 23 is located on the second surface of the substrate 21. The other contacts 22 have a first projection with respect to the first surface of the substrate 21, and the first region is formed by being surrounded by the first projections of the multiple other contacts 22. The ground contact 23 has a second projection with respect to the second surface, and the second projection is located outside the first region. In the second direction (Y-axis direction), there is an overlapping portion between the second projection and the first region.

In this specification, each embodiment or example is described step by step. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, while common or similar parts can be understood by cross-referencing.

In this specification, expressions such as "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and "several embodiments" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be present, but not all embodiments necessarily possess that feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Specific features, structures, or characteristics described in one embodiment can be realized in combination with other embodiments described explicitly or implicitly, and this is within the scope of knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Generally, terminology should be interpreted, at least partially, based on context. For example, the expression "one or more" may, at least partially, refer to a singular feature, structure, or characteristic, or at least partially, based on context, refer to a combination of features, structures, or characteristics. Similarly, at least partially, based on context, the terms "one" or "the aforementioned" may be interpreted as corresponding to both a singular and a plural meaning.

Furthermore, expressions such as "above," "on top of," and "above" should be interpreted in their broadest sense. "Above" includes not only cases where something is directly above it, but also cases where it is above it via some intermediate layer or feature. Similarly, "above" and "above" include not only cases where something is above or above something else, but also cases where it is directly above it without any intermediate layer or feature in between.

For convenience of explanation, this specification uses spatially relative terms such as "below," "downward," "above," and "upward." These terms are used to describe the positional relationship between one element or feature and another, based on the illustrated relationships. These spatially relative terms include different orientations of the device during use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (e.g., a 90-degree rotation or other orientations). Similarly, spatially relative terms used in this specification should be interpreted in the same way.

Finally, the embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited thereto. While detailed descriptions have been provided based on the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art may modify the inventions described in these embodiments or make equivalent substitutions of some or all of their technical features. Such modifications or substitutions shall not depart from the essence of the invention within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Claims (27)

An ink cartridge that is detachably mounted to a printing device having a mounting chamber, a mounting portion provided inside the mounting chamber, and a grounding member,
The mounting portion comprises a housing chamber and a contact pin assembly, and the grounding member is provided at a position other than the position where the contact pin assembly is provided.
The ink cartridge comprises an ink cartridge body, a chip, and a conductive member, the chip being provided on the ink cartridge body, at least a portion of the ink cartridge body and the chip being located inside the housing chamber, the chip being provided with a group of communication terminals and a ground terminal, the group of communication terminals being electrically connected to the contact pin assembly.
The conductive member is provided inside the mounting chamber, and is configured to electrically connect the grounding terminal and the grounding member.
An ink cartridge characterized by the following features. The mounting portion is fixed inside the mounting chamber, and the grounding member is provided inside the housing chamber.
The ink cartridge according to feature 1. At least a portion of the wall of the containment chamber is configured as the grounding member, and the electrical connection position between the grounding member and the conductive member is above the chip.
The ink cartridge according to feature 2. The conductive member comprises a first conductive piece and a first conductive transmission medium.
The ink cartridge body comprises an ink storage section, the ink storage section comprises an ink storage chamber surrounded by a film layer structure, and the film layer structure comprises an insulating outer film, a conductive interlayer, and an insulating inner film, which are sequentially laminated from the outside to the inside.
The conductive interlayer is configured as the first conductive transmission medium, and at least a portion of the conductive interlayer is used to electrically connect the first conductive piece and the grounding member.
The ink cartridge according to feature 3. The insulating outer film comprises a first perforation and a second perforation, the portion of the conductive interfilm exposed inside the first perforation forming a first electrical connection, and the portion of the conductive interfilm exposed inside the second perforation forming a second electrical connection.
The first electrical connection portion is electrically connected to one end of the first conductive piece, the other end of the first conductive piece is electrically connected to the grounding terminal, and the second electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the grounding member.
The ink cartridge according to feature 4. The conductive member comprises a first conductive piece, and a conductive oscillating rod is provided inside the housing chamber. The conductive oscillating rod is located at the bottom of the ink cartridge body and can restrict the position of the ink cartridge body.
The conductive oscillating rod is configured as the grounding member, and the conductive oscillating rod is electrically connected to the first conductive piece, and the electrical connection position between the conductive oscillating rod and the first conductive piece is below the tip.
The ink cartridge according to feature 2. The mounting portion is movably mounted inside the mounting chamber.
The grounding member is provided outside the mounting portion, a portion of the conductive member is provided inside the housing chamber and electrically connected to the grounding terminal, and the other portion of the conductive member is provided outside the mounting portion and electrically connected to the grounding member.
The ink cartridge according to feature 1. The grounding member comprises a grounding rail, and the grounding rail is located inside the mounting chamber.
The mounting portion is slidably attached to the grounding rail.
The ink cartridge according to feature 7. The grounding rail has a conductive wall plate provided on the mounting portion side,
The conductive wall plate has a longitudinal direction that coincides with the extending direction of the rail, and the conductive wall plate intersects with the horizontal plane.
The end of the conductive member contacts and is electrically connected to the conductive wall plate.
The ink cartridge according to feature 8. The conductive member has a first curved region extending toward the conductive wall plate and a second curved region connected to the first curved region and extending upward.
The contact position between the conductive member and the conductive wall plate is located in the second curved region.
The ink cartridge according to feature 9. The conductive member has a contact portion at one end closest to the grounding member for contacting the grounding member.
The contact portion is configured as a ball or a ball bearing, and the ball or ball bearing is electrically connected to the conductive member.
The ink cartridge according to feature 7. The mounting portion slides linearly with respect to the grounding member.
The conductive member comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member being used to connect the second connecting member and the grounding member, and at least a portion of the first connecting member being configured to be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion.
The second connecting member is provided on the mounting portion and does not displace relative to the mounting portion, and the second connecting member is used to connect to the grounding terminal.
The ink cartridge according to feature 7. The first connecting member comprises a conductive carrier,
A portion of the conductive carrier is configured as a deformable portion, and the deformable portion is configured to be dynamically displaced synchronously in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the mounting portion.
The ink cartridge according to feature 1 or 2 . The second connecting member comprises a main body and at least one extending portion,
The extending portion is configured such that one end is connected to the main body and the other end extends in a third direction and is electrically connected to the grounding terminal.
The ink cartridge according to feature 1 or 2 . The first connecting member is provided on the second connecting member.
The first connecting member is configured as a contact member capable of relative movement with respect to the second connecting member, and the first connecting member is capable of displacing along the surface of the grounding member.
The ink cartridge according to feature 1 or 2 . The second connecting member is provided with a housing portion,
A mounting shaft is provided inside the housing, the second connecting member is provided on the mounting shaft, and at least a portion of the first connecting member has an electrical contact portion for electrically connecting with the grounding member while rotating.
The ink cartridge according to feature 15 . The mounting portion includes a first support portion for supporting and positioning the second connecting member.
The second connecting member further comprises a third electrical connection portion that abuts against the first support portion, and the third electrical connection portion is used to electrically connect to the grounding terminal.
The ink cartridge according to feature 16 . The ink cartridge further comprises a handle, the bottom of which is located below the third electrical connection part.
The conductive member further comprises an auxiliary connecting member used for electrical connection between the grounding terminal and the third electrical connection portion.
The auxiliary connecting member has a contact portion that electrically connects to the grounding terminal, and the contact portion and the handle partially overlap in projection onto the first projection plane, or
The contact portion and the handle are such that their projections onto the first projection plane do not overlap.
The ink cartridge according to feature 17 . The grounding member is configured as the upper wall of the storage chamber.
The conductive member has an initial state before the ink cartridge is installed in the printing device and a contact state after the ink cartridge is installed in the printing device, and the conductive member is switchable between the initial state and the contact state.
The ink cartridge according to feature 3 . During the process of installing the ink cartridge into the printing device, contact between the conductive member and the grounding member occurs earlier than contact between the chip and the contact pin assembly.
The ink cartridge according to feature 19 . The contact pins in the aforementioned contact pin assembly are deformable, while the grounding member is not deformable.
When the chip and the contact pin come into contact, at least one of the contact pins deforms, and when the conductive member and the grounding member come into contact, the grounding member does not deform.
An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20 . The aforementioned group of communication terminals includes a data terminal, a reset terminal, a power terminal, and a clock terminal.
In the direction in which the ink cartridge is installed into the printing device, each terminal of the communication terminal group has two rows of contact portions that contact the contact pin assembly.
An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20 . In the aforementioned mounting direction, the contact portion of the data terminal and the contact portion of the reset terminal are provided on the upstream side.
The contact portion of the power terminal and the contact portion of the clock terminal are provided on the downstream side.
The ink cartridge according to feature 2.2 . The chip comprises a substrate, and the substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface provided opposite to each other.
The first surface is provided on the surface of the substrate closest to the contact pin assembly, and the group of communication terminals is provided on the first surface.
The grounding terminal is provided on the second surface or the first surface, and is electrically connected to the conductive member, constituting the grounding point of the chip.
The ink cartridge according to feature 2.2 . The first surface has a first and second orthogonal direction, the first direction being configured as the direction of extension of the projection line onto the first surface in the mounting direction in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the printing device.
The group of communication terminals comprises a plurality of communication terminals, each of which has a first contact portion that engages with the contact pin assembly.
A first region is formed by being surrounded by a first projection of a plurality of the first contact portions onto the first surface, and the grounding terminal forms a second projection on the first surface.
The ink cartridge according to feature 24 . In the second direction, at least a portion of the second projection is located outside the first region.
The distance between the side of the second projection closest to the first region and the first region is less than the length of the first region.
The ink cartridge according to feature 25 . In the second direction, there exists an overlapping portion between the second projection and the first region.
The ink cartridge according to feature 2.6 .