A method of recycling an ink cartridge having a control assembly and a recycled ink cartridge

Abstract

The application relates to a recycling method of an ink cartridge with a control assembly and a recycled ink cartridge. The ink cartridge comprises a cartridge body with an ink storage cavity and an ink outlet communicating with the ink storage cavity. The cartridge body is provided with a ventilation hole communicating between the ink storage cavity and the external environment. The cartridge body is further provided with a control assembly for opening or closing the ventilation hole. The recycling method comprises the following steps: injecting cleaning liquid into the ink storage cavity through the ink outlet; discharging the cleaning liquid in the ink storage cavity through the ink outlet, wherein the ventilation hole is in an open state; and injecting ink into the ink storage cavity through the ink outlet. The recycling method can inject the cleaning liquid into the ink storage cavity, discharge the cleaning liquid and inject the ink through the original ink outlet of the ink cartridge, so that an additional hole and a corresponding sealing structure are not needed on the cartridge body, the structure of the ink cartridge is simple, the production difficulty of the ink cartridge is reduced, and the production cost of the ink cartridge is reduced. Meanwhile, the recycling method is simple and easy to implement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ink cartridge technology, and in particular to a method for recycling ink cartridges with control components and a method for recycling and regenerating ink cartridges. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges that have run out of ink are often structurally intact, and refilling them does not affect their reuse. Therefore, recycling, cleaning, and refilling them helps reduce waste. Existing ink cartridges typically have a connecting hole on the surface of the rear or top of the cartridge body, through which ink is injected, thus enabling cartridge reuse. However, creating a connecting hole in the cartridge requires designing a corresponding sealing structure, which increases the production cost of the cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for recycling ink cartridges with control components and a method for recycling and regenerating ink cartridges. This method for recycling ink cartridges with control components can solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] This application provides a method for recycling an ink cartridge with a control component. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, the cartridge body has an ink storage cavity and an ink outlet communicating with the ink storage cavity, the cartridge body is provided with a vent hole communicating with the ink storage cavity and the external environment, and the cartridge body is also provided with a control component for opening or closing the vent hole.

[0005] The recycling method includes the following steps:

[0006] Cleaning fluid is injected into the ink storage chamber through the ink outlet;

[0007] The cleaning fluid in the ink storage chamber is discharged through the ink outlet, and the vent is in the open state at this time.

[0008] Ink is injected into the ink storage chamber through the ink outlet.

[0009] In one possible design, the pressure of the cleaning fluid injected into the ink storage chamber is greater than atmospheric pressure and / or the pressure of the ink injected into the ink storage chamber is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0010] In one possible design, the air pressure inside the ink storage chamber is lower than atmospheric pressure, and the step of injecting cleaning fluid or ink into the ink storage chamber through the ink outlet includes:

[0011] Seal the vent;

[0012] Part of the gas in the ink storage chamber is discharged through the ink outlet;

[0013] Cleaning fluid or ink is injected into the ink storage chamber through the ink outlet.

[0014] In one possible design, the recycling method further includes:

[0015] Seal the vent;

[0016] Clean the outer surface of the box.

[0017] In one possible design, the recycling method includes:

[0018] The vent can be opened or closed by the control component.

[0019] This application embodiment also provides a recyclable ink cartridge, which can be recycled and regenerated by the above-described ink cartridge recycling method with vent and control components; the recyclable ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, the cartridge body has an ink storage cavity, the cartridge body is provided with a vent communicating with the ink storage cavity and the external environment, and the cartridge body is also provided with a control component for opening or closing the vent.

[0020] The box body is also provided with an ink outlet that connects to the ink storage chamber.

[0021] In one possible design, the control component includes: a main body, a sealing element, an elastic element, and a moving element. The sealing element is connected to the main body and is used to open or close the vent. One end of the elastic element is connected to the main body, and the other end is connected to the housing. The moving element can abut against the main body and is used to drive the main body to move the sealing element.

[0022] In one possible design, the moving part is rotatably connected to the housing.

[0023] In one possible design, the moving part includes a driving part and a contact part, the contact part being able to abut against the main body, the length of the driving part being longer than the length of the contact part, the main body being provided with a guide surface, and the contact part being able to abut against the guide surface.

[0024] In one possible design, the housing further includes an air guide cavity communicating with the external environment, the air guide cavity being connected to the ink storage cavity through the vent hole; a partition is provided inside the air guide cavity, the partition being provided with a plurality of connecting holes for at least a portion of the main body to pass through the partition; the partition is provided with a receiving groove, at least a portion of the elastic member being disposed in the receiving groove.

[0025] In this application, the recycling method utilizes the original ink outlet of the ink cartridge to inject cleaning fluid into the ink storage chamber, discharge the cleaning fluid, and inject ink, thus eliminating the need for additional openings and corresponding sealing structures on the cartridge body. This simplifies the cartridge structure, reduces manufacturing difficulty, and lowers production costs. Furthermore, the recycling method is simple and easy to implement.

[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 the ink cartridge provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the vents open;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing that the vent is closed;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0032] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the cartridge recycling method provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the cartridge recycling method provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the cartridge recycling method provided in this application.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 1-Box body;

[0037] 11-Ink outlet;

[0038] 12-Ventilation holes;

[0039] 13-Partition;

[0040] 131 - Connecting hole;

[0041] 132 - Receiving tank;

[0042] 14-Ink storage chamber;

[0043] 15-Air delivery chamber;

[0044] 2-Control components;

[0045] 21-Main Body;

[0046] 211-Guide surface;

[0047] 22-Sealing component;

[0048] 23-Elastic element;

[0049] 24-Moving parts;

[0050] 241-Drive Unit;

[0051] 242-Contact Department;

[0052] 3-Sealing valve.

[0053] 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

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] This application provides a method for recycling and regenerating ink cartridges, such as... Figures 1-3As shown, the recyclable ink cartridge includes a cartridge body 1, which has an ink storage chamber 14. The cartridge body 1 is provided with a vent 12 connecting the ink storage chamber 14 to the external environment. The cartridge body 1 is also provided with a control component 2 for opening or closing the vent 12. The cartridge body 1 is also provided with an ink outlet 11 connecting the ink storage chamber 14.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ink storage chamber 14 can store ink. After the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the ink in the ink storage chamber 14 can flow out through the ink outlet 11 to achieve ink supply. The vent 12 connects the ink storage chamber 14 to the external environment, and gas can flow out of or into the ink storage chamber 14 through the vent 12. The control component 2 can open or close the vent 12. When the vent 12 is closed, the air pressure in the ink storage chamber 14 can be made greater or less than atmospheric pressure. During the process of ink cartridge recycling and reuse, liquid can be injected into or discharged from the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11 while the vent 12 is open or closed. This eliminates the need for additional holes and corresponding sealing structures on the cartridge body 1, thereby simplifying the ink cartridge structure, reducing the production difficulty of the ink cartridge, and reducing the production cost of the ink cartridge.

[0061] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 3 To control the state of vent 12 of component 2, Figure 5 To control the state of the vent 12 closed by the control component 2, the control component 2 includes: a main body 21, a sealing member 22, an elastic member 23, and a moving member 24. The sealing member 22 is connected to the main body 21 and is used to open or close the vent 12. One end of the elastic member 23 is connected to the main body 21 and the other end is connected to the box 1. The moving member 24 can abut against the main body 21 and is used to drive the main body 21 to move.

[0062] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, one end of the elastic element 23 is connected to the main body 21, and the other end is connected to the housing 1, thus supporting the main body 21 and creating a certain distance between the sealing element 22 and the vent 12. When the vent 12 is opened, the ink storage chamber 14 can exchange gas with the outside through the vent 12. Figure 5 As shown, the moving part 24 can drive the main body 21 to move, compressing the elastic part 23. The main body 21 squeezes the sealing part 22, which deforms and blocks the vent hole 12, thereby sealing the ink storage chamber 14. When the moving part 24 no longer restricts the position of the main body 21, the main body 21 moves under the action of the elastic part 23, causing the sealing part 22 to move away from the vent hole 12, thereby reopening the vent hole 12.

[0063] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the moving part 24 is rotatably connected to the box body 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a rotating shaft is provided on the box body 1, and the moving part 24 is connected to the rotating shaft. The moving part 24 drives the main body 21 to move by rotating, thereby controlling the sealing part 22 to open or close the vent hole 12.

[0065] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the moving part 24 includes a driving part 241 and a contact part 242. The contact part 242 can abut against the main body 21. The length of the driving part 241 is longer than the length of the contact part 242.

[0066] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive unit 241 is relatively long, which facilitates operation. Furthermore, when the point of application is at the end of the drive unit 241, a small force can produce a large torque, thus making the movement of the moving part 24 more sensitive. Since the sealing member 22 can close or open the vent 12 with a small range of movement of the main body 21, a shorter length of the contact part 242 can drive the main body 21, while reducing the space required to install the moving part 24, making the moving part 24 easier to install.

[0067] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the main body 21 is provided with a guide surface 211, and the contact part 242 can abut against the guide surface 211.

[0068] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, on the one hand, the guide surface 211 avoids the contact part 242, which facilitates the installation of the moving part 24 and reduces the volume of the control component 2. On the other hand, when the moving part 24 is driven to rotate by the drive part 241, the force exerted by the contact part 242 on the guide surface 211 is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface 211, thereby making the driving effect of the moving part 24 on the main body 21 better and the control component 2 more sensitive.

[0069] In one specific implementation, the sealing element 22 is made of an elastic material.

[0070] In this embodiment, the sealing element 22 is made of an elastic material, which makes it easy to deform when the main body 21 squeezes the sealing element 22 to seal the vent 12, and to return to its original shape when the main body 21 stops squeezing the sealing element 22. At the same time, the sealing element 22 is relatively soft, so after deformation, the sealing element 22 can fit well with the end face and inner wall of the vent 12, resulting in a good sealing effect.

[0071] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 also includes an air guide cavity 15 that communicates with the external environment. The air guide cavity 15 is connected to the ink storage cavity 14 through a vent hole 12. A partition 13 is provided inside the air guide cavity 15. A plurality of connecting holes 131 are provided on the partition 13 for at least a portion of the main body 21 to pass through the partition 13. The partition 13 is provided with a receiving groove 132, and at least a portion of the elastic member 23 is provided in the receiving groove 132.

[0072] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the control component 2 is installed inside the air guide cavity 15. The air guide cavity 15 protects the control component and prevents ink leakage caused by accidental opening of the vent 12 during ink cartridge transportation. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, with the vent 12 open, the baffle 13 inside the air guide cavity 15 supports the main body 21 via the elastic element 23, thus creating a certain gap between the sealing element 22 and the vent 12. At this time, gas from the outside in the air guide cavity 15 can enter the ink storage cavity 14 through the vent 12, or gas in the ink storage cavity 14 can flow to the outside through the vent 12 and the air guide cavity 15. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, with the vent 12 closed, one end of the elastic element 23 is connected to the main body 21, and the other end is connected to the partition 13, thus placing the elastic element 23 in a compressed state. When the moving element 24 does not restrict the position of the main body 21, the main body 21 can move away from the vent 12 under the elastic force of the elastic element 23. The connecting hole 131 on the partition 13 can restrict the movement direction of the main body 21, serving as a guide for the main body 21. The partition 13 is provided with a receiving groove 132, and at least a portion of the elastic element 23 is located within the receiving groove 132. The receiving groove 132 restricts the movement direction of the elastic element 23, and the elastic element 23 is not easily dislodged from the receiving groove 132, making the control component 2 more reliable.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the main body 21 includes a guide part and an abutment part. The abutment part is provided with a groove. A part of the guide part is disposed in the groove of the abutment part, and the other part passes through the connecting hole 131 and is connected to the sealing member 22. The elastic member 23 is sleeved on the outside of the guide part, which further restricts the movement of the elastic member 23, making the control component 2 more reliable.

[0074] This application also provides a method for recycling an ink cartridge with control components, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the recycling method includes:

[0075] S1: Inject cleaning fluid into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11.

[0076] In this step, the cleaning fluid is injected through the ink outlet 11, which is convenient and quick. The rapidly flowing cleaning fluid can clean the ink storage chamber 14.

[0077] S2: The cleaning fluid in the ink storage chamber 14 is discharged through the ink outlet 11.

[0078] In this step, the cleaning fluid is discharged through the ink outlet 11, which is convenient and quick. After being cleaned by the cleaning fluid, there is no residual ink or impurities in the ink storage chamber.

[0079] S3: Inject ink into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11.

[0080] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, this recycling method utilizes the original ink outlet 11 of the ink cartridge to inject cleaning fluid into the ink storage chamber 14, discharge the cleaning fluid, and inject ink, thus eliminating the need for additional openings and corresponding sealing structures on the cartridge body. This simplifies the cartridge structure, reduces the difficulty of cartridge production, and lowers production costs. Furthermore, the recycling method is simple and easy to implement.

[0081] In addition, the ink outlet 11 is equipped with a sealing valve 3, so that the ink injected into the ink storage chamber 14 will not flow out or leak from the ink outlet 11.

[0082] In one specific implementation, the pressure of the ink injected into the ink storage chamber 14 is greater than the atmospheric pressure.

[0083] In this embodiment, the pressure of the ink injected into the ink storage chamber 14 is greater than the atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing the ink to flow smoothly into the ink storage chamber 14. At the same time, after the cleaning fluid is discharged in step S2, the vent 12 is generally in the open state, so the gas pressure in the ink storage chamber 14 will not increase with the injection of ink, thus ensuring the smooth injection of ink.

[0084] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, step S3: injecting ink into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11 includes:

[0085] S31: Close vent 12.

[0086] S32: Part of the gas in the ink storage chamber 14 is discharged through the ink outlet 11.

[0087] In this step, by venting some of the gas in the ink storage chamber 14, the gas pressure in the ink storage chamber 14 is made lower than the atmospheric pressure, thereby facilitating the flow of ink from the ink outlet 11 into the ink storage chamber 14.

[0088] S33: Inject ink into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11.

[0089] S34: Open vent 12.

[0090] In this step, opening the vent 12 allows outside gas to enter the ink storage chamber 14, thereby making the air pressure inside the ink storage chamber 14 close to the atmospheric pressure.

[0091] In this embodiment, a low-pressure state is created in the ink storage chamber 14 through step S32, so that ink flows into the ink storage chamber 14 under the action of air pressure, which is convenient and quick.

[0092] In one specific embodiment, the pressure of the cleaning fluid injected into the ink storage chamber 14 is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pressure of the cleaning fluid injected into the ink storage chamber 14 is greater than atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing the cleaning fluid to flow smoothly into the ink storage chamber 14. Meanwhile, during ink cartridge recycling, the vent 12 is generally open, so the gas pressure inside the ink storage chamber 14 does not increase with the injection of cleaning fluid, thus ensuring smooth injection of the cleaning fluid.

[0094] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, step S1: Injecting cleaning fluid into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11 includes:

[0095] S11: Close vent 12.

[0096] S12: Part of the gas in the ink storage chamber 14 is discharged through the ink outlet 11.

[0097] In this step, by venting some of the gas in the ink storage chamber 14, the gas pressure in the ink storage chamber 14 is made lower than the atmospheric pressure, thereby facilitating the flow of cleaning fluid from the ink outlet 11 into the ink storage chamber 14.

[0098] S13: Inject cleaning fluid into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11.

[0099] S14: Open vent 12.

[0100] In this step, opening the vent 12 allows outside gas to enter the ink storage chamber 14, thereby making the air pressure inside the ink storage chamber 14 close to the atmospheric pressure.

[0101] In this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a low-pressure state is created in the ink storage chamber 14 through step S12, so that the cleaning fluid flows into the ink storage chamber 14 under the action of air pressure, which is convenient and quick.

[0102] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, after injecting ink into the ink storage chamber 14 through the ink outlet 11 in step S3, the recycling method further includes:

[0103] S4: Sealed box body 1.

[0104] In this step, the sealing of the cartridge body 1 is achieved by sealing the vent hole 12, which is convenient and quick, thereby preventing ink leakage during the transportation of the ink cartridge.

[0105] S5: Clean the outer surface of box 1.

[0106] In this step, the outer surface of cartridge 1 is cleaned so that there is no residual ink, cleaning fluid or stains on the surface of cartridge 1, thereby giving users a better experience in using the ink cartridge.

[0107] In one specific implementation, the recovery method includes: opening or closing the vent 12 via the control component 2.

[0108] In this embodiment, the control component 2 allows for convenient and quick opening and closing of the vent 12, resulting in a simple ink cartridge structure that is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the control component 2 is located within the air guide cavity 15, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation and thus ensuring high reliability.

[0109] 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 an ink cartridge with control components, characterized in that, The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body (1), the cartridge body (1) has an ink storage cavity (14) and an ink outlet (11) communicating with the ink storage cavity (14), the cartridge body (1) is provided with a vent (12) communicating with the ink storage cavity (14) and the external environment, and the cartridge body (1) is also provided with a control component (2) for opening or closing the vent (12). The control component (2) includes: Main body (21); A sealing element (22) is connected to the main body (21) and is used to open or close the vent (12). An elastic element (23) is connected at one end to the main body (21) and at the other end to the box body (1); The moving part (24) is capable of abutting against the main body (21) and is used to drive the main body (21) to move the sealing part (22); The housing (1) also includes an air guide cavity (15) that communicates with the external environment. The air guide cavity (15) is connected to the ink storage cavity (14) through the air vent (12). A partition (13) is provided inside the air guide cavity (15), and a plurality of connecting holes (131) are provided on the partition (13) for at least a portion of the main body (21) to pass through the partition (13). The partition (13) is provided with a receiving groove (132), and at least a portion of the elastic member (23) is provided in the receiving groove (132). The recycling method includes the following steps: Cleaning fluid is injected into the ink storage chamber (14) through the ink outlet (11); The cleaning fluid in the ink storage chamber (14) is discharged through the ink outlet (11), and the vent (12) is in the open state at this time. Ink is injected into the ink storage chamber (14) through the ink outlet (11).

2. The method for recycling an ink cartridge with a control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure of the cleaning fluid injected into the ink storage chamber (14) is greater than atmospheric pressure and / or the pressure of the ink injected into the ink storage chamber (14) is greater than atmospheric pressure.

3. The method for recycling an ink cartridge with a control component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air pressure inside the ink storage chamber (14) is lower than atmospheric pressure. The step of injecting cleaning fluid or ink into the ink storage chamber (14) through the ink outlet (11) includes: Seal the vent (12); Part of the gas in the ink storage chamber (14) is discharged through the ink outlet (11); Cleaning fluid or ink is injected into the ink storage chamber (14) through the ink outlet (11).

4. The method for recycling an ink cartridge with a control component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The recycling method further includes: Seal the vent (12); Clean the outer surface of the box (1).

5. The method for recycling an ink cartridge with a control component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The recycling method includes: The vent (12) is opened or closed by the control component (2).

6. A recyclable ink cartridge, characterized in that, The recyclable ink cartridge can be recycled and regenerated using the ink cartridge recycling method with control components as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The recyclable ink cartridge includes a cartridge body (1), the cartridge body (1) has an ink storage cavity (14), the cartridge body (1) is provided with a vent (12) that connects the ink storage cavity (14) and the external environment, and the cartridge body (1) is also provided with a control component (2) for opening or closing the vent (12). The box body (1) is also provided with an ink outlet (11) that connects to the ink storage cavity (14).

7. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The moving part (24) is rotatably connected to the box body (1).

8. The recyclable ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The moving part (24) includes a driving part (241) and a contact part (242), the contact part (242) being able to abut against the main body (21), and the length of the driving part (241) being longer than the length of the contact part (242); The main body (21) is provided with a guide surface (211), and the contact part (242) can abut against the guide surface (211).

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