A method of recycling ink cartridges and a recycled ink cartridge

Abstract

The application relates to a recycling method of an ink cartridge and a recycled ink cartridge. The existing ink cartridge has a cartridge body, a first light shielding part and an ink amount detection part are arranged on the top surface of the cartridge body; the recycling method comprises the following steps: cutting the first light shielding part to form a third light shielding part, and a light transmission area is arranged between the third light shielding part and the ink amount detection part along the length direction of the ink cartridge. In the application, the third light shielding part can block the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge, and the light transmission area can allow the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through, so that the recycled ink cartridge can be matched with a printer II, the recycling of the ink cartridge I is realized, and the pollution to the environment and the waste of resources caused by the unrecoverable ink cartridge I are prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ink cartridge recycling technology, and more particularly to a method for recycling ink cartridges and a method for recycling ink cartridges. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are installed in the printer's mounting cavity to supply ink to the printer. Currently, there is a type of ink cartridge with low market demand, resulting in its disposal without recycling, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for recycling ink cartridges and a method for recycling ink cartridges. The method for recycling ink cartridges can modify waste ink cartridges to solve the problems of ink cartridges being wasted and polluting the environment due to lack of recycling.

[0004] This application provides a method for recycling ink cartridges, used to recycle existing ink cartridges. The existing ink cartridge has a casing, and the top surface of the casing is provided with a first light-shielding part and an ink level detection part. The recycling method includes:

[0005] The first light-shielding part is cut to form a third light-shielding part, and there is a light-transmitting area between the third light-shielding part and the ink volume detection part along the length direction of the ink cartridge.

[0006] In one possible design, the first light-shielding portion includes a body, a first reinforcing portion, and a second reinforcing portion, wherein the first reinforcing portion is located between the body and the top surface, and the second reinforcing portion is located between the body and the ink level detection portion; the step of cutting the first light-shielding portion to form the third light-shielding portion includes:

[0007] Cut at least a portion of the second reinforcing part;

[0008] Cut the main body and the first reinforcing part.

[0009] In one possible design, the front surface of the box is further provided with a color recognition part. After the first light-shielding part is cut to form a third light-shielding part, the recycling method further includes: cutting the color recognition part.

[0010] In one possible design, the existing ink cartridge has a chip disposed on the cartridge body. After the first light-shielding part is cut to form a third light-shielding part, the recycling method further includes: rewriting or replacing the chip.

[0011] Alternatively, a mounting bracket may be provided on the housing, and the chip may be mounted on the mounting bracket. After the first light-shielding portion is cut to form the third light-shielding portion in the step, the recycling method further includes:

[0012] Remove the chip and cut the mounting bracket;

[0013] Install the new mounting bracket onto the housing;

[0014] The new chip is installed in the mounting bracket.

[0015] In one possible design, the cartridge body is provided with an ink injection hole, and after the first light-shielding part is cut to form the third light-shielding part, the recycling method further includes:

[0016] The box body is cleaned;

[0017] Ink is injected into the ink storage cavity of the cartridge through the ink injection hole;

[0018] Seal the ink injection hole.

[0019] This application provides a recyclable ink cartridge, which is processed by the ink cartridge recycling method described above. The recyclable ink cartridge is used to be installed into the mounting cavity of an imaging device along the insertion direction. An optical sensor is disposed in the mounting cavity. The recyclable ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, a third light-shielding part, and an ink level detection part. The cartridge body has a top surface. The third light-shielding part and the ink level detection part are disposed on the top surface. A light-transmitting area is formed between the third light-shielding part and the ink level detection part along the width direction of the ink cartridge.

[0020] When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity, the top surface faces upward, the third light-shielding part can block the passage of light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge, and the light-transmitting area can allow the passage of light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge.

[0021] In one possible design, the ink level detection unit has a front wall near the third light-shielding part, and the light-transmitting area is the gap between the front wall and the third light-shielding part and / or the portion of the front wall not blocked by the third light-shielding part.

[0022] In one possible design, the recycled ink cartridge has a front surface, which faces the insertion direction when the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity; along the length of the recycled ink cartridge, the distance from the third light-shielding part to the front surface is less than the distance from the ink level detection part to the front surface, and the distances increase sequentially.

[0023] In one possible design, the thickness of the third light-shielding portion is less than the thickness of the ink volume detection portion along the width direction of the ink cartridge.

[0024] In one possible design, the cartridge body also has an ink storage cavity for storing ink. When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the cavity and the amount of ink in the ink storage cavity is greater than a set amount, the ink level detection unit can block light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge. The ink level detection unit is provided with an ink filling hole for filling ink into the ink storage cavity. The recycled ink cartridge also includes a sealing element that can seal the ink filling hole.

[0025] In this application, the third light-shielding part can block the passage of light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge, while the light-transmitting area can allow light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through, so that the recycled ink cartridge can be adapted to printer II, thereby realizing the recycling of ink cartridge I and preventing the pollution of the environment and waste of resources caused by the inability to recycle ink cartridge I.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of ink cartridge I;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the first light-shielding section;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the recyclable ink cartridge provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the third light-shielding section in the middle;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Exploded view of part of the structure of the recycled ink cartridge;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket and the chip.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] a-front surface;

[0035] b-back surface;

[0036] c - Top surface;

[0037] d - Bottom surface;

[0038] e - Left surface;

[0039] f - Right surface;

[0040] 10 - First shading section;

[0041] 11-Ontology;

[0042] 12-First Reinforced Section;

[0043] 13-Second Reinforced Section;

[0044] 20 - Third shading section;

[0045] 30 - Box body;

[0046] 31-Chip;

[0047] 311-Electrical Interface

[0048] 32-Liquid Supply Department;

[0049] 321 - Ink outlet;

[0050] 33 - Locking surface;

[0051] 34-Unlocking section;

[0052] 35 - Ink Quantity Detection Department;

[0053] 351 - Anterior wall;

[0054] 352-Ink injection hole;

[0055] 36 - Color recognition unit;

[0056] 37 - Mounting bracket;

[0057] 38 - Protrusion;

[0058] 40 - Seal.

[0059] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0064] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0065] Ink cartridges supply ink to printers. Printers have mounting cavities into which the ink cartridges can be detachably installed in an upright position. Inside the cartridge are consumables (such as ink) used for developing the ink onto the printing medium (such as paper).

[0066] Specifically, the mounting cavity is roughly rectangular in shape with an opening, through which the ink cartridge is installed. The mounting cavity has multiple ink cartridge mounting positions, one for each cartridge, allowing the cavity to hold one or more ink cartridges. When the cavity contains multiple ink cartridges, they are arranged side-by-side, and the consumables in each cartridge can be of the same color or different colors.

[0067] More specifically, each cartridge mounting position in the mounting cavity includes a stylus, an ink supply needle, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver.

[0068] There are two common types of ink cartridges: Ink Cartridge I and Ink Cartridge II. Printer I, which is compatible with Ink Cartridge I, has two sets of optical sensors in the ink cartridge mounting position, while printer II, which is compatible with Ink Cartridge II, has only one set of optical sensors in the ink cartridge mounting position.

[0069] The following describes the identical structure on ink cartridge I and ink cartridge II, using ink cartridge I as an example. Figure 1As shown, ink cartridge I has a cartridge body 30, which has a front surface a, a rear surface b, a top surface c, a bottom surface d, a left surface e, and a right surface f. The rear surface b is opposite to the front surface a, the top surface c intersects with the front surface a and the rear surface b, the bottom surface d is opposite to the top surface c, the left surface e intersects with the front surface a, the rear surface b, and the top surface c, and the right surface f is opposite to the left surface e. The front surface a, the rear surface b, the top surface c, the bottom surface d, the left surface e, and the right surface f are connected to each other to form a roughly rectangular parallelepiped structure for the cartridge body 30.

[0070] To better illustrate the components of the ink cartridge, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (XYZ axes) is established. In the usage state (when installed upright in the mounting cavity), the vertical direction (direction of gravity) of the cartridge 30 is set as the Z-axis. The direction from the top surface c to the bottom surface d is the -Z direction (direction of gravity). The horizontal direction is the X-axis, i.e., the direction from the rear surface b to the front surface is the +X direction, which is also the insertion direction of the ink cartridge and the length direction of the cartridge 30. The -X direction is the removal direction of the ink cartridge. The width direction of the cartridge 30 is the Y-axis, and the direction from the left surface e to the right surface f is the -Y direction. The +X-axis is "front," the -X-axis is "back," the +Z-axis is "up," the -Z-axis is "down," the +Y-axis is "left," and the -Y-axis is "right." Movement in the forward / backward or up / down directions, or movement along the X, Y, and Z axes in this embodiment, is not limited to vertical, horizontal, or parallel movements; movement with an angle of inclination is also acceptable, as long as there is a component of movement in that direction. It should be noted that the three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system established for ink cartridge I and ink cartridge II is the same.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Ink cartridge I includes a chip 31, which has four electrical interfaces 311, each corresponding to a different function. Chip 31 records information such as ink level and usage count. When the ink cartridge is installed in printer I, chip 31 is electrically connected to printer I via the electrical interfaces 311, transmitting information from the ink cartridge to printer I and / or printer I inputting data parameters to chip 31. Specifically, chip 31 is located on the top surface c, and in the ink cartridge insertion direction, chip 31 is positioned in front of the top surface c, i.e., close to the front surface a.

[0072] The cartridge body 30 has an ink reservoir cavity for holding ink, and a liquid supply section 32 is provided on the cartridge body 30, which communicates with the ink reservoir cavity. When the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity, the ink supply needle in the mounting cavity is inserted into the liquid supply section 32 to supply ink to the printer I.

[0073] Specifically, the liquid supply section 32 extends along its length (X-axis direction) and has an ink outlet 321 facing forward along its length, i.e., the ink outlet 321 faces the +X direction. The liquid supply section 32 is provided with a liquid channel that connects the ink storage chamber and the ink outlet 321, and the liquid channel is configured to allow ink in the ink storage chamber to flow out of the cartridge body 30 through the ink outlet 321. When the ink cartridge is installed vertically into the mounting cavity, the ink supply needle in the mounting cavity is inserted into the liquid supply section 32 from the ink outlet 321, achieving communication with the ink storage chamber, thereby supplying the ink in the ink cartridge to the printer I.

[0074] In addition, a locking part is provided inside the mounting cavity, and a locking surface 33 and an unlocking part 34 are provided on the cartridge body 30. The locking surface 33 is located near the rear surface b of the cartridge body 30 and is used to cooperate with the locking part to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge when it is installed in the printer I, preventing the ink cartridge from accidentally detaching from the mounting cavity. When the user needs to remove the ink cartridge, simply press the unlocking part 34 in the -X direction to disengage the locking surface 33 and the locking part, thereby removing the ink cartridge from the printer I.

[0075] The following describes the different structures on ink cartridge I and ink cartridge II.

[0076] The ink cartridge mounting position of the printer I that is compatible with ink cartridge I is provided with two sets of optical sensors, namely a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor. There is a first gap between the light emitter and the light receiver of the first optical sensor.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the cartridge body 30 of ink cartridge I is also provided with a first light-shielding part 10 and an ink volume detection part 35. The width of the first light-shielding part 10 is smaller than the width of the first gap, so that during the ink cartridge installation process, the first light-shielding part 10 can pass through the first gap and cooperate with the first optical sensor to complete the detection. At the same time, the ink volume detection part 35 cooperates with the second optical sensor.

[0078] Specifically, the first light-shielding part 10 protrudes upward from the top surface c and extends into the first gap during the installation of ink cartridge I into printer I, blocking the first optical sensor in the mounting cavity and indicating that the ink cartridge of printer I is installed in place. The ink level detection part 35, in conjunction with the second optical sensor, can detect the remaining ink in the ink reservoir. When the remaining ink in the ink reservoir exceeds the set amount, the ink level detection part 35 blocks the light emitted by the light emitter of the second optical sensor, preventing it from being received by the light receiver of the second optical sensor. When the remaining ink in the ink reservoir is less than the set amount, the ink level detection part 35 no longer blocks the light emitted by the light emitter of the second optical sensor, allowing it to be received by the light receiver of the second optical sensor. At this time, printer I sends a message to the user indicating that the ink is low.

[0079] More specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first light-shielding portion 10 includes a body 11, a first reinforcing portion 12, and a second reinforcing portion 13. The first reinforcing portion 12 is located between the body 11 and the top surface c, and the second reinforcing portion 13 is located between the body 11 and the ink level detection portion 35, thereby improving the strength of the first light-shielding portion 10. Furthermore, the length of the first reinforcing portion 12 in the X direction is greater than its length in the Z direction, and the length of the second reinforcing portion 13 in the Z direction is greater than its length in the X direction.

[0080] The printer II compatible with ink cartridge II has only one set of optical sensors in its cartridge mounting position, with a second gap between the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical sensor. The intensity of the signal output by the optical sensor changes positively with the intensity of the light received by the light receiver.

[0081] The cartridge body 30 of ink cartridge II is provided with a second light-shielding part and an ink level detection part 35. The second light-shielding part and the ink level detection part 35 are arranged at intervals along the X direction, that is, there is a gap between the second light-shielding part and the ink level detection part 35 in the X direction.

[0082] Specifically, during the installation of ink cartridge II into printer II, the second light-shielding part first extends into the second gap, blocking the light transmission between the light emitter and light receiver of the optical sensor. At this time, printer II receives a low-level signal. Then, ink cartridge II continues to move in the X direction, and the gap between the second light-shielding part and the ink level detection part 35 corresponds to the second gap. The light receiver of the optical sensor can then receive the light emitted by the light emitter, and printer II receives a high-level signal. Finally, the ink level detection part 35 extends into the second gap. During this process, the signal output by the optical sensor to printer II is: low-high-low (level), and printer II sends a message to the user indicating that the ink cartridge has been installed and that the ink reservoir of the ink cartridge contains ink and is ready for printing.

[0083] When recycling ink cartridges, the market share of printer I, which is compatible with ink cartridge I, is relatively small, resulting in few or no ink cartridges being recycled. The market share of printer II, which is compatible with ink cartridge II, is higher than that of printer I, meaning ink cartridge II has a larger market share than ink cartridge I. Therefore, the market demand for ink cartridge I is less than that for ink cartridge II. Consequently, when recycling ink cartridges, there is a preference for producing cartridges compatible with printer II. Because the structures of ink cartridge I and ink cartridge II are different, recycled ink cartridges of type I cannot be directly used with printer II.

[0084] This application provides a method for recycling ink cartridges and a recycled ink cartridge. The method for recycling ink cartridges involves processing ink cartridge I to obtain a recycled ink cartridge, which is compatible with printer II.

[0085] The recycling method includes: Step S1: Cutting the first light-shielding part 10 to form a third light-shielding part 20. Along the length of the ink cartridge, there is a light-transmitting area between the third light-shielding part 20 and the ink level detection part 35.

[0086] When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity, the top surface c faces upward. The third light-shielding part 20 can block the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge from passing through, while the light-transmitting area can allow the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through. This allows the third light-shielding part 20 and the light-transmitting area to cooperate with the optical sensor in the printer II, thereby enabling the recycled ink cartridge to be matched with the printer II.

[0087] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ink level detection unit 35 has a front wall 351 near the third light-shielding part 20, and the light-transmitting area is the gap between the front wall 351 and the third light-shielding part 20 or the part of the front wall 351 that is not blocked by the third light-shielding part 20.

[0088] In this embodiment, a detection element is provided inside the ink storage cavity. The ink level detection unit 35 is a housing made of a light-transmitting material, and the housing has a groove communicating with the ink storage cavity. Wherein, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the front wall 351 and the other walls of the ink level detection unit 35 together form a groove. Therefore, when the ink level in the ink reservoir is greater than the set amount, the detection element prevents light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge from passing through the ink level detection unit 35; when the ink level in the ink reservoir is less than the set amount, the detection element allows light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through the ink level detection unit 35. Since the front wall 351 is made of a light-transmitting material, light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge can pass through the front wall 351.

[0089] Specifically, along the width direction of the ink cartridge, the projection of the third light-shielding part 20 onto the ink level detection unit 35 does not cover or partially covers the front wall 351. Therefore, the third light-shielding part 20 can block the passage of light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge, while the gap between the front wall 351 and the third light-shielding part 20, or the portion of the front wall 351 not blocked by the third light-shielding part 20, allows light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through.

[0090] When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity and the ink level in the ink storage cavity is greater than the set amount, the ink level detection unit 35 can block the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge. As a result, during the process of installing the recycled ink cartridge into the printer II (i.e., the third light-shielding part 20, the light-transmitting area, and the ink level detection unit 35 pass through the second gap in sequence, and finally the ink level detection unit 35 stops in the second gap), the signal strength output by the optical sensor is: low-high-low (level). That is, the printer II can recognize that the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity and that the ink storage cavity of the ink cartridge contains ink and can perform printing work, thereby enabling the recycled ink cartridge to be compatible with the printer II.

[0091] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, along the length of the recycled ink cartridge, the distances from the third light-shielding part 20, the light-transmitting area, and the ink level detection part 35 to the front surface increase sequentially, so that when the recycled ink cartridge is installed into the mounting cavity, the third light-shielding part 20, the light-transmitting area, and the ink level detection part 35 can pass through the second gap in sequence, completing the installation and testing of the recycled ink cartridge by printer II.

[0092] In one specific embodiment, step S1: cutting the first light-shielding portion 10 to form the third light-shielding portion 20 includes:

[0093] S11: Cut at least a portion of the second reinforcing part 13.

[0094] S12: Cut the main body 11 and the first reinforcing part 12.

[0095] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, along the width direction of the ink cartridge, the projection of the second reinforcing part 13 onto the ink level detection unit 35 completely covers the front wall 351. Therefore, by cutting the second reinforcing part 13, the projection of the resulting third light-shielding part 20 onto the ink level detection unit 35 does not cover or partially covers the front wall 351, thereby forming a light-transmitting area between the second reinforcing part 13 and the ink level detection unit 35. Since the relative positions of the first light-shielding part 10 and the second light-shielding part on the cartridge body 30 are slightly different, cutting the body 11 and the first reinforcing part 12 can reduce the possibility of interference between the resulting third light-shielding part 20 and the mounting cavity of the printer II.

[0096] Specifically, in step S12, the first light-shielding part 10 is cut along the boundary line between the body 11 and the second reinforcing part 13, and the cutting stops at the top surface of the ink cartridge. Then, the cutting is performed along the boundary line between the first reinforcing part 12 and the top surface c.

[0097] Furthermore, to avoid damage to the top surface c of the ink cartridge due to improper cutting range during the cutting process, it is preferable to first cut along the boundary line between the first reinforcing part 12 and the top surface c, and then cut along the boundary line between the body 11 and the second reinforcing part 13. When using this cutting method, the first cut can slightly exceed the boundary line between the body 11 and the second reinforcing part 13, cutting off a portion of the second reinforcing part 13 near the front surface a, as long as the second reinforcing part 13 remains intact. This allows for better compatibility between the recycled ink cartridge and printer II, enabling the recycling of ink cartridge I and preventing environmental pollution and resource waste caused by low recycling rates of ink cartridge I.

[0098] This recycling method also boasts advantages such as simplicity, speed, and high efficiency. Furthermore, the processing method in this step can also include milling or other methods.

[0099] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the thickness of the third light-shielding part 20 is less than the thickness of the ink volume detection part 35, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the third light-shielding part 20 and the mounting cavity.

[0100] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the front surface a of the box 30 is also provided with a color recognition part 36. After step S1: cutting the first light-shielding part 10 to form the third light-shielding part 20, the recycling method further includes:

[0101] S21: Cut the color recognition section 36.

[0102] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, after the ink cartridge is inserted into the mounting cavity, the printer can determine the color of the ink in the ink storage cavity of the ink cartridge by recognizing the color recognition unit 36, that is, the color recognition unit 36 ​​carries information about the color of the ink in the ink cartridge.

[0103] Specifically, a cavity is provided at the junction of the front surface a and the top surface c of the cartridge 30, and the color recognition part 36 is a plate-like structure within the cavity. When recycling the ink cartridge, the color of the ink refilled into the ink reservoir may not correspond to the information carried by the color recognition part 36. Therefore, cutting the color recognition part 36 can remove its restriction on ink cartridge recycling, allowing the recycled ink cartridge to hold ink of different colors. Furthermore, after refilling ink into the ink reservoir, a new color recognition part 36 can be installed in the original position of the original color recognition part 36.

[0104] More specifically, during processing, the ink cartridge is rotated until the front surface a faces upward, and the milling cutter extends into the cavity to mill away the plate-like structure that constitutes the color recognition part 36.

[0105] In addition, the cartridge body is provided with a protrusion 38. The structure of the protrusion 38 may be different for cartridges containing different colors of ink, so the protrusion 38 needs to be cut when recycling the cartridge.

[0106] Furthermore, after step S1: cutting the first light-shielding part 10 to form the third light-shielding part 20, the recycling method further includes:

[0107] S22: Rewrite or replace chip 31.

[0108] Since chip 31 records information such as the ink volume and number of times the ink cartridge has been used, when recycling the ink cartridge, it is necessary to rewrite the information stored in chip 31 or directly replace it with a new chip 31.

[0109] After removing chip 31 from the housing 30 and before reinstalling chip 31 on the housing 30, replace the chip on chip 31, write new chip information, and then reinstall chip 31 with the replaced chip on the housing 30 to update the ink cartridge storage information.

[0110] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the housing 30 is provided with a mounting bracket 37 for mounting the chip 31. After step S1: cutting the first light-shielding part 10 to form the third light-shielding part 20, the recycling method further includes:

[0111] S23: Remove chip 31 and cut mounting bracket 37; install new mounting bracket 37 into housing 30; install new chip 31 into mounting bracket 37.

[0112] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the color recognition part 36 on the cartridge body 30 is positioned near or directly on the mounting bracket 37. Therefore, the color recognition part 36 can be cut by directly cutting the mounting bracket 37, thereby improving the recycling efficiency of the ink cartridge. In addition, the new mounting bracket 37 can be detachably connected to the cartridge body 30.

[0113] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cartridge 30 is provided with an ink filling hole 352. After step S1: cutting the first light-shielding part 10 to form the third light-shielding part 20, the recycling method further includes:

[0114] S3: Clean the cartridge 30; inject ink into the ink storage chamber of the cartridge 30 through the ink injection hole 352; seal the ink injection hole 352.

[0115] In this embodiment, cleaning the cartridge body 30 removes residual ink or impurities from the cartridge, ensuring the quality of the recycled cartridge. After cleaning and drying the cartridge body 30, ink is injected into the ink storage chamber through the ink filling hole 352, and then the ink filling hole 352 is sealed, thereby completing the recycling of the cartridge and realizing its reuse. This prevents the inability to recycle cartridges from causing environmental pollution and resource waste.

[0116] Specifically, the ink filling hole 352 can be located on the ink volume detection unit 35, or it can be located at other positions on the cartridge 30.

[0117] Specifically, the recycled ink cartridge also includes a seal 40, which can seal the ink filling hole 352 to prevent ink in the ink storage chamber from leaking out of the ink filling hole 352.

[0118] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for recycling ink cartridges, used to recycle existing ink cartridges, characterized in that, The existing ink cartridge has a cartridge body (30), and the top surface (c) of the cartridge body (30) is provided with a first light-shielding part (10) and an ink quantity detection part (35). The recycling method includes: The first light-shielding part (10) is cut to form a third light-shielding part (20). Along the length direction of the ink cartridge, there is a light-transmitting area between the third light-shielding part (20) and the ink quantity detection part (35). The first light-shielding part (10) includes a body (11), a first reinforcing part (12) and a second reinforcing part (13). The first reinforcing part (12) is located between the body (11) and the top surface (c), and the second reinforcing part (13) is located between the body (11) and the ink quantity detection part (35). The step of cutting the first light-shielding part (10) to form the third light-shielding part (20) includes: Cut at least a portion of the second reinforcing part (13); Cut the main body (11) and the first reinforcing part (12).

2. The ink cartridge recycling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front surface (a) of the box (30) is also provided with a color recognition part (36). After the first light-shielding part (10) is cut to form the third light-shielding part (20) in the step, the recycling method further includes: Cut the color recognition section (36).

3. The ink cartridge recycling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The existing ink cartridge has a chip (31) disposed on the cartridge body (30). After the first light-shielding part (10) is cut to form a third light-shielding part (20) in the step, the recycling method further includes: The chip (31) may be rewritten or replaced; Alternatively, a mounting bracket (37) may be provided on the housing (30), and the chip (31) may be mounted on the mounting bracket (37). After the first light-shielding part (10) is cut to form the third light-shielding part (20) in the step, the recycling method further includes: Remove the chip (31) and cut the mounting bracket (37). Install the new mounting bracket (37) onto the housing (30); The new chip (31) is mounted on the mounting bracket (37).

4. The method for recycling ink cartridges according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The box body (30) is provided with an ink injection hole (352). After the first light-shielding part (10) is cut to form the third light-shielding part (20) in the step, the recycling method further includes: The box body (30) is cleaned; Ink is injected into the ink storage cavity of the cartridge through the ink injection hole (352); Seal the ink injection hole (352).

5. A recyclable ink cartridge, processed by the ink cartridge recycling method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the recyclable ink cartridge is used to be installed into the mounting cavity of an imaging device along the insertion direction, and an optical sensor is disposed in the mounting cavity, characterized in that... The recycled ink cartridge includes a cartridge body (30), a third light-shielding part (20), and an ink level detection part (35). The cartridge body (30) has a top surface (c). The third light-shielding part (20) and the ink level detection part (35) are disposed on the top surface (c). Along the width direction of the ink cartridge, there is a light-transmitting area between the third light-shielding part (20) and the ink level detection part (35). When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity, the top surface (c) faces upward, the third light-shielding part (20) can block the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge from passing through, and the light-transmitting area can allow the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge to pass through.

6. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ink level detection unit (35) has a front wall (351) near the third light-shielding part (20), and the light-transmitting area is the gap between the front wall (351) and the third light-shielding part (20) and / or the part of the front wall (351) that is not blocked by the third light-shielding part (20).

7. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The recycled ink cartridge has a front surface (a), which faces the insertion direction when the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the mounting cavity; Along the length of the recycled ink cartridge, the distance from the third light-shielding part (20) to the front surface (a) is less than the distance from the ink quantity detection part (35) to the front surface (a).

8. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, Along the width direction of the ink cartridge, the thickness of the third light-shielding part (20) is less than the thickness of the ink quantity detection part (35).

9. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cartridge (30) also has an ink storage cavity for storing ink. When the recycled ink cartridge is installed in the installation cavity and the amount of ink in the ink storage cavity is greater than a set amount, the ink quantity detection unit (35) can block the light propagating along the width direction of the ink cartridge. The ink quantity detection unit (35) is provided with an ink injection hole (352) for injecting ink into the ink storage cavity. The recycled ink cartridge also includes a seal (40) that can seal the ink filling hole (352).

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