An expanded capacity ink cartridge and a method for manufacturing the expanded capacity ink cartridge.

Abstract

This application relates to an expanded capacity ink cartridge and a method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge. The expanded capacity ink cartridge includes: a cartridge body and an expansion component. The cartridge body has an ink storage cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity. The third cavity communicates with the ink storage cavity through a second connecting hole. A third partition is provided between the third cavity and the fourth cavity. The cartridge body also has a first opening communicating with the third cavity and the fourth cavity. The expansion component is disposed at the first opening, connected to the third partition, and together separating the third cavity and the fourth cavity. The expansion component has a receiving cavity communicating with the third cavity, at least a portion of which is located within the fourth cavity. The third cavity communicates with the ink storage cavity through the second connecting hole, thereby enabling the third cavity to also be used to store ink, improving the ink storage capacity of the expanded capacity ink cartridge. The receiving cavity can also be used to hold ink, further improving the ink storage capacity of the expanded capacity ink cartridge to meet users' needs for large-capacity ink cartridges and improve the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming apparatus technology, and more particularly to an expanded capacity ink cartridge and a method for manufacturing the expanded capacity ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are the implementers of the output function of image forming devices (such as printers). They passively receive instructions and work. Their quality problems have no impact on the printer's motherboard or printer software. However, discarded ink cartridges cause significant environmental pollution. This is mainly due to three aspects: white pollution caused by the non-biodegradable plastic casing, water pollution caused by colored inks, and air particulate pollution caused by black and colored powders.

[0003] To reduce the environmental pollution caused by discarded ink cartridges, they can be recycled and reused. However, recycled cartridges have a limited ink capacity and cannot meet users' demand for high-capacity cartridges. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an expanded capacity ink cartridge and a method for manufacturing the expanded capacity ink cartridge, which is used to solve the problem of poor ink holding capacity of recycled ink cartridges.

[0005] This application provides an expanded capacity ink cartridge, the expanded capacity ink cartridge comprising:

[0006] The box body has an ink storage cavity, a third cavity and a fourth cavity. The third cavity is connected to the ink storage cavity through a second connecting hole. A third partition is provided between the third cavity and the fourth cavity. The box body also has a first opening that communicates with the third cavity and the fourth cavity.

[0007] An expansion member is disposed at the first opening. The expansion member is connected to the third partition and together separates the third cavity and the fourth cavity. The expansion member has a receiving cavity communicating with the third cavity, and at least a portion of the receiving cavity is located within the fourth cavity.

[0008] In one possible design, the expansion member has a body and a limiting part, the bottom wall of the body abutting against the third partition, and the limiting part engaging with the third partition.

[0009] In one possible design, the expansion member is sealed to the third partition.

[0010] In one possible design, the main body is provided with a protruding arm that abuts against the inner wall of the box; the protruding arm extends from the side wall of the main body to the bottom wall of the main body, and the limiting part is a groove formed by the protruding arm.

[0011] In one possible design, the expansion member is provided with a second opening, and the protruding arm is provided with a connecting groove, one end of which is connected to the second opening and the other end of which is connected to the limiting part.

[0012] In one possible design, the expanded ink cartridge further includes a cover plate that covers the ink storage cavity and at least part of the third cavity, with the first opening between the cover plate and the cartridge body.

[0013] In one possible design, the expansion member has a first boss that abuts against the surface of the cover plate facing the third cavity.

[0014] In one possible design, the expansion member has a second boss that abuts against the top wall of the housing.

[0015] In one possible design, the second boss has a protrusion extending toward the cover plate, and a third opening is formed between the body, the first boss, the protrusion, and the cover plate.

[0016] In one possible design, the first boss and the second boss are distributed circumferentially along the body.

[0017] In one possible design, the body is provided with an expansion groove, which is located inside the third cavity and communicates with the receiving cavity.

[0018] In one possible design, the ink storage cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity, a second partition is provided between the second cavity and the third cavity, and the second connecting hole is located at the connection between the second partition and the housing.

[0019] In one possible design, the expanded ink cartridge further includes a second sealing membrane that seals the second through hole.

[0020] This application provides a method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge, used to modify an original ink cartridge to manufacture the expanded capacity ink cartridge described above. The original ink cartridge has a body and a top cover. The body has a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity. The top cover is disposed on the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, and the fourth cavity. A second partition is provided between the second cavity and the third cavity. The manufacturing method includes:

[0021] Cut the top cover of the original ink cartridge to form a cover plate and a first opening;

[0022] Install expansion components;

[0023] Create the second connecting hole.

[0024] In one possible design, the expansion member has a second opening, and a third opening is provided between the expansion member and the cover plate;

[0025] Steps: Installing the expansion component includes:

[0026] The body of the expansion component abuts against the third partition, and the limiting part of the expansion component engages with the third partition.

[0027] Inject sealant into the second opening and the third opening.

[0028] In one possible design, the step of creating the second connecting hole specifically includes: creating the second connecting hole on the second partition or creating the second connecting hole at the connection between the second partition and the box body.

[0029] In one possible design, the manufacturing method includes:

[0030] Cut the top cover of the original ink cartridge to form a cover plate and a first opening, the first opening being located between the cover plate and the cartridge body;

[0031] The expansion component is installed into the box body through the first opening;

[0032] The body of the expansion component abuts against the third partition, and the limiting part of the expansion component engages with the third partition.

[0033] Inject sealant into the second opening, so that the sealant flows at least between the protruding arm of the expansion member and the inner wall of the box body, between the limiting part and the third partition, and between the second boss and the box body;

[0034] Inject sealant into the third opening, allowing the sealant to flow at least between the first boss of the expansion member and the cover plate;

[0035] The second connecting hole is opened;

[0036] Seal the second connecting hole;

[0037] Ink is injected into the expanded ink cartridge.

[0038] In this application, the third cavity is connected to the ink storage cavity via the second connecting hole, thus enabling the third cavity to also store ink and improving the ink storage capacity of the expanded capacity ink cartridge. The expansion component and the third partition are connected and together separate the third cavity and the fourth cavity, preventing ink entering the third cavity from flowing into the fourth cavity. The receiving cavity can also be used to hold ink, further improving the ink storage capacity of the expanded capacity ink cartridge to meet users' needs for high-capacity ink cartridges and improve the user experience.

[0039] 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

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the expanded capacity ink cartridge provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view;

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the expanded ink cartridge after removing the expansion component;

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the expansion component in the middle;

[0044] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the expansion component in the middle;

[0045] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0046] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the expanded capacity ink cartridge provided in this application.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 1-Box body;

[0049] 1a - First cavity;

[0050] 1b - Second cavity;

[0051] 1c - Third cavity;

[0052] 1d - Fourth cavity;

[0053] 11-First partition;

[0054] 111 - First connecting hole;

[0055] 12 - Second partition;

[0056] 121 - Second connecting hole;

[0057] 13-Third partition;

[0058] 14 - Ink outlet;

[0059] 15 - Mounting column;

[0060] 2-Cover plate;

[0061] 21-Ink injection hole;

[0062] 3-Expansion components;

[0063] 31-Ontology;

[0064] 311 - Expansion tank;

[0065] 32 - Receiving cavity;

[0066] 33-Limiting part;

[0067] 34-Protruding arm;

[0068] 341 - Connecting slot;

[0069] 35 - Second opening;

[0070] 36 - First protrusion;

[0071] 37 - Second boss;

[0072] 371 - Bump;

[0073] 38 - Clearance groove;

[0074] 4-First opening;

[0075] 5-First sealing membrane;

[0076] 6-Second sealing membrane;

[0077] 7-The third opening.

[0078] 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

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, this application embodiment provides an expanded capacity ink cartridge, which is obtained by modifying an existing ink cartridge. The original ink cartridge is an existing type of ink cartridge. For ease of understanding, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is established, defining the length direction of the expanded capacity ink cartridge as the X-direction, the width direction as the Y-direction, and the height direction as the Z-direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are mutually perpendicular. It should be understood that the X, Y, and Z directions are only set for ease of understanding; when the expanded capacity ink cartridge is placed in different orientations, its direction and corresponding position will also change accordingly.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the expanded ink cartridge includes a cartridge body 1. Along the X-direction, the cartridge body 1 contains, sequentially arranged, a first cavity 1a, a second cavity 1b, a third cavity 1c, and a fourth cavity 1d. The first cavity 1a and the second cavity 1b are separated by a first partition 11, the second cavity 1b and the third cavity 1c are separated by a second partition 12, and the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d are separated by a third partition 13. The first cavity 1a and the second cavity 1b are ink storage chambers. The first cavity 1a contains a sponge for absorbing ink, and the bottom of the first cavity 1a has an ink outlet 14. The first cavity 1a and the second cavity 1b are connected by a first connecting hole 111 on the first partition 11. The second cavity 1b and the third cavity 1c are connected by a second connecting hole 121 on the second partition 12, thus allowing the third cavity 1c to also be used to store ink, improving the ink storage capacity of the expanded ink cartridge.

[0086] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the expanded ink cartridge also includes an expanded component 3, and the cartridge body 1 also has a first opening 4 communicating with the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d. The expanded component 3 is installed inside the cartridge body 1 through the first opening 4. The expanded component 3 is connected to the third partition 13 and together separates the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d, so that the ink entering the third cavity 1c will not flow into the fourth cavity 1d.

[0087] Furthermore, the expansion component 3 has a receiving cavity 32 that communicates with the third cavity 1c. The receiving cavity 32 can also be used to hold ink, which further improves the ink storage capacity of the expansion ink cartridge to meet the user's demand for large-capacity ink cartridges and improve the user experience.

[0088] In addition, at least a portion of the receiving cavity 32 is located within the fourth cavity 1d, meaning that the volume occupied by the expansion member 3 in the third cavity 1c is relatively small, resulting in a larger total volume of the third cavity 1c and the receiving cavity 32, thus providing a stronger capacity for ink holding.

[0089] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the expansion member 3 has a body 31 and a limiting part 33. The bottom wall of the body 31 abuts against the third partition 13, and the limiting part 33 is engaged with the third partition 13. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall of the main body 31 abuts against the third partition 13, meaning the main body 31 and the third partition 13 are in surface contact. This ensures a more stable connection between the expansion member 3 and the third partition 13, and also prevents ink in the third cavity 1c from flowing into the fourth cavity 1d from the contact point between the main body 31 and the third partition 13. The limiting part 33 engages with the third partition 13, making the connection between the expansion member 3 and the third partition 13 more reliable, and thus preventing the expansion member 3 from moving relative to the third partition 13.

[0090] Furthermore, the main body 31 is provided with a protruding arm 34, which abuts against the inner wall of the box 1; the protruding arm 34 extends from the side wall of the main body 31 to the bottom wall of the main body 31, and the limiting part 33 is a groove formed by the protruding arm 34. The protruding arm 34 is provided on both sides of the main body 31, so that it can abut against the two inner walls of the box 1 respectively.

[0091] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the expansion member 3 is provided with a second opening 35, and the protruding arm 34 is provided with a connecting groove 341. One end of the connecting groove 341 is connected to the second opening 35, and the other end is connected to the limiting part 33. Sealant is injected into the second opening 35, allowing it to flow from the second opening 35 into the connecting groove 341, and then into the limiting part 33. The sealant flowing into the connecting groove 341 can bond the protruding arm 34 to the inner wall of the box body 1, and the sealant flowing into the limiting part 33 can bond the protruding arm 34 to the third partition 13. Simultaneously, the limiting part 33 is also bonded to the third partition 13 through the sealant. Prior to this, sealant can also be applied to the bottom wall of the body 31 to bond the body 31 to the third partition 13, achieving a stable connection between the expansion member 3 and the box body 1, thereby sealing the expansion member 3 and the third partition 13.

[0092] Understandably, expansion component 3 and box 1 can also be connected by welding.

[0093] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the expanded ink cartridge also includes a cover plate 2, which covers the ink storage cavity and at least part of the third cavity 1c, and has a first opening 4 between the cover plate 2 and the cartridge body 1.

[0094] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the expansion member 3 has a first boss 36, which abuts against the surface of the cover plate 2 facing the third cavity 1c. Therefore, the cover plate 2 and the expansion member 3 together cover the third cavity 1c. The first boss 36 is in contact with the surface of the cover plate 2, making it difficult for ink in the third cavity 1c to leak from the connection between the first boss 36 and the cover plate 2.

[0095] Understandably, the expansion member 3 may not have the first protrusion 36, and the body 31 of the expansion member 3 may directly abut against the surface of the cover plate 2 facing the expansion member 3.

[0096] More specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the expansion member 3 has a second boss 37, which abuts against the top wall of the box 1. The second boss 37 is distributed circumferentially along the body 31, and the first boss 36 and the second boss 37 basically surround the entire circumference of the body 31, thereby making the expansion member 3 have a better sealing performance for the first opening 4.

[0097] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the sealant injected into the second opening 35 can also flow to the space between the second protrusion 37 and the top wall of the box 1, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the expansion member 3 on the first opening 4.

[0098] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second boss 37 has a protrusion 371 extending towards the cover plate 2, and a third opening 7 is formed between the body 31, the first boss 36, the protrusion 371, and the cover plate 2. Sealant is injected into the third opening 7, which seals the gap between the cover plate 2 and the expansion member 3, as well as the gap between the expansion member 3 and the box body 1, thus more reliably ensuring the sealing effect of the expansion member 3 on the first opening 4.

[0099] Understandably, the connection between the expansion component 3 and the box body 1 and the cover plate 2 can also be achieved by welding.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first boss 36 and the second boss 37 are distributed circumferentially along the body 31, thereby enabling a more reliable seal of the first opening 4.

[0101] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the main body 31 is provided with an expansion groove 311, which is connected to the receiving cavity 32. The expansion groove 311 is located in the third cavity 1c, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the expansion component 3 in the third cavity 1c and further increasing the ink capacity of the expansion ink cartridge.

[0102] In some other implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fourth cavity 1d is a detection cavity, and a mounting post 15 is provided within the fourth cavity 1d. The detection component (not shown in the figure) is mounted within the fourth cavity 1d via the mounting post 15. The image forming apparatus can obtain information about the ink cartridge, such as the cartridge model and ink type, by detecting the detection component. For ink cartridges without a detection component, the mounting post 15 may not be provided within the fourth cavity 1d.

[0103] Specifically, in order to avoid the detection component, the main body 31 is provided with a clearance groove 38, into which the detection component can extend.

[0104] More specifically, the receiving cavity 32 is located on both sides of the relief groove 38, thereby maximizing the volume of the receiving cavity 32 so that the ink cartridge can store more ink.

[0105] Understandably, for ink cartridges that do not have a detection component or whose detection component is not located within the fourth cavity 1d, the body 31 of the expansion component 3 may not have a clearance groove 38, allowing for a further increase in the volume of the receiving cavity 32. Furthermore, ink cartridges with a clearance groove 38 have the advantage of high versatility.

[0106] In this embodiment, an expanded ink cartridge is obtained by modifying a recycled ink cartridge. The expanded ink cartridge makes reasonable use of part of the space in the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d to achieve expansion, thereby storing more ink and meeting the user's demand for large-capacity ink cartridges.

[0107] This application also provides a method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge, which is manufactured by processing the original ink cartridge.

[0108] The original ink cartridge includes a cartridge body and a top cover, with the top cover fitting over the cartridge body. The top cover has the original ink filling hole and the original air vent. The arrangement of these structures is similar to the aforementioned expanded ink cartridge, except that: before modification, the original ink cartridge did not have the expanded component 3; the top cover covers the first cavity 1a, the second cavity 1b, the third cavity 1c, and the fourth cavity 1d; the second partition 12 between the second cavity 1b and the third cavity 1c does not have a second connecting hole 121, and the second cavity 1b and the third cavity 1c are not connected; the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d are separated by a third partition 13, and the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d are connected through the gap between the third partition 13 and the top cover, and neither the third cavity 1c nor the fourth cavity 1d contains ink.

[0109] like Figure 7 As shown, the manufacturing method includes:

[0110] S1: Cut the top cover of the original ink cartridge to form the cover plate 2 and the first opening 4.

[0111] In this step, the area of ​​the top cover corresponding to the fourth cavity of the original ink cartridge and a portion of the area corresponding to the third cavity of the original ink cartridge are cut off to obtain the cover plate 2. This creates a first opening 4 between the cover plate 2 and the cartridge body 1, through which the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d communicate with the outside. Furthermore, debris generated during the cutting of the top cover can be poured out through the first opening 4, thus preventing debris from affecting the quality of the ink.

[0112] S2: Install expansion component 3.

[0113] In this step, the expansion component 3 is installed inside the box 1 through the first opening 4, thereby sealing the first opening 4 and separating the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d, so that the ink in the third cavity 1c will not leak into the fourth cavity 1d or the outside.

[0114] S3: Open the second connecting hole 121.

[0115] In this step, by opening the second connecting hole 121, the third cavity 1c and the ink storage cavity are connected, and ink can flow between the third cavity 1c and the ink storage cavity.

[0116] In this embodiment, the expanded capacity ink cartridge obtained by this manufacturing method has a simple structure and is not easily damaged. The manufacturing process is simple and easy to implement, resulting in a low cost for the expanded capacity ink cartridge.

[0117] It is understood that this application does not restrict the order of steps S2 and S3, that is, the second connecting hole 121 can be opened first and then the expansion component 3 can be installed.

[0118] In one specific implementation, step S2: installing the expansion component 3 includes:

[0119] S21: Make the body 31 of the expansion member 3 abut against the third partition 13, and make the limiting part 33 of the expansion member 3 engage with the third partition 13.

[0120] In this step, the limiting part 33 engages with the third partition 13, so that the expansion part 3 is firmly connected to the box body 1, making it less likely to shake relative to the box body 1.

[0121] In this step, a portion of the third partition 13 can be cut off, which can increase the size of the expansion member 3 and increase the volume of the receiving cavity 32 in the expansion member 3. Alternatively, a portion of the third partition 13 can be cut off so that it is flush with the mounting post 15, and the bottom wall of the body 31 can simultaneously abut against the third partition 13 and the mounting post 15, which makes the installation stability of the expansion member 3 better and the expansion member 3 less likely to shake relative to the box body 1.

[0122] S22: Inject sealant into the second opening 35 and the third opening 7.

[0123] In this step, the sealant in the second opening 35 can flow to the connecting groove 341 to bond the protruding arm 34 to the inner wall of the box body 1 and seal the gap between them; the sealant in the second opening 35 can also flow to the limiting part 33 to bond the protruding arm 34 to the third partition 13 and seal the gap between them; the sealant in the second opening 35 can also flow between the second boss 37 and the box body 1 to bond the second boss 37 to the box body 1 and seal the gap between them. The sealant in the third opening 7 can flow between the cover plate 2 and the first boss 36 to bond the first boss 36 to the cover plate 2 and seal the gap between them.

[0124] In this embodiment, steps S21 and S22 reliably install the expansion member 3 into the housing 1 through the first opening 4, sealing the first opening 4 and separating the third cavity 1c and the fourth cavity 1d. It is understood that the order in which the sealant is injected into the second opening 35 and the third opening 7 is not limited.

[0125] In one specific embodiment, step S3: opening the second connecting hole 121 specifically includes: opening the second connecting hole 121 on the second partition 12 or opening the second connecting hole 121 at the connection between the second partition 12 and the box body 1.

[0126] In this embodiment, the steps are as follows: First, opening a second connecting hole 121 on the second partition 12 means inserting the tooling through the first opening 4 into the third cavity 1c, and then opening the second connecting hole 121 on the second partition 12. Debris generated during this process can be poured out from the first opening 4. Second, opening a second connecting hole 121 at the connection between the second partition 12 and the box body 1 means drilling a hole directly on the outside of the box body 1 at the position corresponding to the second partition 12 using the tooling, thereby forming the second connecting hole 121. Debris generated during this process can be poured out directly from the second connecting hole 121 or from the first opening 4.

[0127] In this step, it is preferable to open the second connecting hole 121 at the connection between the second partition 12 and the housing 1. A second sealing film 6 can also be provided on the outside of the second connecting hole 121 to seal it. In some other embodiments, a sealing plug, sealant, or other sealing material can also be used to seal the second connecting hole 121; these are not limited to a single method. That is, before injecting ink into the expanded ink cartridge, the second sealing film 6 is applied to the second connecting hole 121 to prevent the injected ink from leaking out of the second connecting hole 121.

[0128] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cover plate 2 is provided with an ink filling hole 21, through which ink can be injected into the modified expanded ink cartridge. The ink filling hole 21 here can be the original ink filling hole on the original ink cartridge, or it can be a newly set ink filling hole on this expanded ink cartridge; there is no limitation here.

[0129] At the same time, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first sealing film 5 is also provided on the expanded ink cartridge. After ink is injected into the expanded ink cartridge, the first sealing film 5 is attached to the ink filling hole 21 to prevent ink from leaking from the ink filling hole 21.

[0130] Furthermore, the cartridge body 1 is also provided with an ink outlet 14, which is located at the bottom of the first cavity 1a, that is, on the end face opposite to the cover plate 2, for discharging ink from the cartridge body 1. That is, when the expanded capacity ink cartridge is installed into the image forming apparatus, ink can be supplied to the image forming apparatus through the ink outlet 14.

[0131] 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 capacity-expanding ink cartridge, characterized in that, The expanded capacity ink cartridge includes: The box body (1) has an ink storage cavity, a third cavity (1c) and a fourth cavity (1d). The third cavity (1c) is connected to the ink storage cavity through a second connecting hole (121). A third partition (13) is provided between the third cavity (1c) and the fourth cavity (1d). The box body (1) also has a first opening (4) that is connected to the third cavity (1c) and the fourth cavity (1d). An expansion member (3) is disposed at the first opening (4). The expansion member (3) is connected to the third partition (13) and together they separate the third cavity (1c) and the fourth cavity (1d). The expansion member (3) has a receiving cavity (32) communicating with the third cavity (1c). At least a portion of the receiving cavity (32) is located in the fourth cavity (1d). The expansion member (3) has a body (31) and a limiting part (33). The bottom wall of the body (31) abuts against the third partition (13), and the limiting part (33) is engaged with the third partition (13).

2. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion component (3) is sealed to the third partition (13).

3. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (31) is provided with a protruding arm (34), which abuts against the inner wall of the box (1); The protruding arm (34) extends from the side wall of the body (31) to the bottom wall of the body (31), and the limiting part (33) is the groove formed by the protruding arm (34).

4. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The expansion member (3) is provided with a second opening (35), and the protruding arm (34) is provided with a connecting groove (341). One end of the connecting groove (341) is connected to the second opening (35), and the other end is connected to the limiting part (33).

5. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expanded ink cartridge also includes a cover plate (2), which covers the ink storage cavity and at least part of the third cavity (1c), and the cover plate (2) and the cartridge body (1) have the first opening (4).

6. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The expansion member (3) has a first boss (36) that abuts against the surface of the cover plate (2) facing the third cavity (1c).

7. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The expansion member (3) has a second boss (37) that abuts against the top wall of the box body (1).

8. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second boss (37) has a protrusion (371) extending toward the cover plate (2), and a third opening (7) is formed between the body (31), the first boss (36), the protrusion (371) and the cover plate (2).

9. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first boss (36) and the second boss (37) are distributed circumferentially along the body (31).

10. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The main body (31) is provided with an expansion groove (311), which is located in the third cavity (1c) and is connected to the receiving cavity (32).

11. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The ink storage chamber includes a first chamber (1a) and a second chamber (1b), with a second partition (12) between the second chamber (1b) and the third chamber (1c), and the second connecting hole (121) is located at the connection between the second partition (12) and the box body (1).

12. The expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that, The expanded ink cartridge also includes a second sealing membrane (6), which seals the second connecting hole (121).

13. A method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge, characterized in that, The method is used to modify an original ink cartridge to manufacture an expanded capacity ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-12. The original ink cartridge has a body and a top cover. The body has a first cavity, a second cavity, a third cavity, and a fourth cavity. The top cover covers the first cavity, the second cavity, the third cavity, and the fourth cavity. A second partition is provided between the second cavity and the third cavity. The manufacturing method includes: Cut the top cover of the original ink cartridge to form a cover plate (2) and a first opening (4); Install expansion components (3); The second connecting hole (121) is opened.

14. The method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The expansion member (3) has a second opening (35), and a third opening (7) is provided between the expansion member (3) and the cover plate (2). Steps: Installing the expansion component (3) includes: Make the body (31) of the expansion member (3) abut against the third partition (13), and make the limiting part (33) of the expansion member (3) engage with the third partition (13); Sealant is injected into the second opening (35) and the third opening (7).

15. The method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, Step: Opening the second connecting hole (121) specifically includes: opening the second connecting hole (121) on the second partition (12) or opening the second connecting hole (121) at the connection between the second partition (12) and the box body (1).

16. The method for manufacturing an expanded capacity ink cartridge according to any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: Cut the top cover of the original ink cartridge to form a cover plate (2) and a first opening (4), the first opening (4) being located between the cover plate (2) and the cartridge body (1); The expansion component (3) is installed inside the box body (1) through the first opening (4); Make the body (31) of the expansion member (3) abut against the third partition (13), and make the limiting part (33) of the expansion member (3) engage with the third partition (13). The expansion member (3) has a second boss (37). Inject sealant into the second opening (35) so that the sealant flows at least between the protruding arm (34) of the expansion member (3) and the inner wall of the box body (1), between the limiting part (33) and the third partition (13), and between the second boss (37) and the box body (1). Inject sealant into the third opening (7) so that the sealant flows at least between the first boss (36) of the expansion member (3) and the cover plate (2); Open the second connecting hole (121); Seal the second connecting hole (121); Ink is injected into the expanded ink cartridge.

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