Regenerated ink cartridge and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a regenerated ink cartridge and its manufacturing method. The regenerated ink cartridge includes: a housing having an ink storage cavity for storing ink, the housing having a first groove and a second groove; a liquid supply section communicating with the ink storage cavity, the liquid supply section being partially located below the first groove and the second groove in the gravity direction perpendicular to the installation direction; the first groove and the second groove being located on opposite sides of a partition plate in the width direction perpendicular to the installation direction and the gravity direction; the side of the first groove and the second groove away from the partition plate in the width direction being open; and an expansion cavity communicating with the ink storage cavity, the expansion cavity at least partially overlapping the first groove and / or the second groove; in the gravity direction, the ink storage cavity is at least partially located above the expansion cavity, and the expansion cavity is at least partially located above the liquid supply section. The manufacturing method of this invention modifies a recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) by adding an expansion cavity, thereby increasing the capacity of the processed regenerated ink cartridge while still allowing it to be used for printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ink cartridge technology, and in particular to a regenerated ink cartridge and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] There is a type of ink cartridge that comes bundled with the printer itself. Compared to regular ink cartridges, these cartridges have a smaller capacity. If these cartridges are recycled and refilled, their smaller capacity and lower ink storage mean that users will need to replace them more frequently, which reduces the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a regenerated ink cartridge is provided, which is installed in a printer along the installation direction, comprising:

[0004] The housing has an ink storage cavity for storing ink, and the housing has a first groove and a second groove;

[0005] A liquid supply unit is connected to the ink storage cavity, and the portion of the liquid supply unit located in the gravity direction perpendicular to the installation direction is below the first and second slots;

[0006] The housing is provided with a partition plate, and the first groove and the second groove are respectively located on both sides of the partition plate in the width direction perpendicular to the installation direction and the gravity direction; the side of the first groove and the second groove away from the partition plate in the width direction is open;

[0007] It also includes an expansion cavity that communicates with the ink storage cavity, the expansion cavity at least partially overlapping with the first slot and / or the second slot;

[0008] In the direction of gravity, the ink storage cavity is at least partially located above the expansion cavity, and the expansion cavity is at least partially located above the liquid supply section.

[0009] In some embodiments, the expansion cavity is detachably installed into the first slot and / or the second slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the expansion cavity includes a first cavity installed in a first slot and / or a second cavity installed in a second slot.

[0011] In some implementations, the first cavity may be connected to or not connected to the second cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first groove and / or the second groove is provided with a first connecting hole that connects to the ink storage cavity, and the expansion cavity is provided with a connecting pipe that connects to the inside of the expansion cavity, and the connecting pipe is connected to the first connecting hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, a modified wall is also included, which closes the openings of the first and / or second slots in the width direction to form a closed expansion cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing also has a third groove, which is located below the first groove in the direction of gravity and behind the liquid supply unit in the installation direction;

[0015] The third slot has an opening on the side away from the partition plate in the width direction;

[0016] The expansion cavity at least partially overlaps with the third groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the modified wall seals the opening of the third groove in the width direction to form a closed expansion cavity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first tank and the second tank are connected; the third tank is connected to the first tank and the liquid supply unit, respectively.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first or second groove is provided with an air inlet that communicates with the ink storage cavity.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge is provided, for remanufacturing a recycled ink cartridge to obtain a regenerated ink cartridge as described in any of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

[0021] The first and / or second slots on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge are connected to the ink storage chamber and / or the liquid supply section;

[0022] An expansion cavity is provided in the first slot and / or the second slot;

[0023] Ink is injected into the ink storage chamber and the expansion chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the connection of the first and / or second slots on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber and / or liquid supply unit further includes:

[0025] A first connecting hole is made in the inner wall of the first groove and / or the second groove to connect to the ink storage cavity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the process of providing the expansion cavity within the first and / or second slots further includes:

[0027] Remove the portion of the housing located at the front end of the liquid supply section in the installation direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, providing an expansion cavity within the first and / or second groove includes:

[0029] Install the expansion cavity into the first slot and / or the second slot, and connect the connecting pipe on the expansion cavity to the first connecting hole.

[0030] In some embodiments, the step of connecting the first and / or second slots on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber and / or liquid supply unit further includes:

[0031] Connect the first and second slots on the housing;

[0032] Connect the first slot to the third slot on the shell;

[0033] Connect the third tank to the liquid supply unit or ink storage chamber.

[0034] In some embodiments, the provision of an expansion cavity within the first and / or second groove includes:

[0035] By modifying the walls to close the openings of the first, second, and / or third slots in the width direction, a sealed expansion cavity is formed.

[0036] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: By modifying and processing the recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) using the manufacturing method of the present invention, an expansion cavity is added, so that the capacity of the processed recycled ink cartridge is increased and it can still be used for the original printing. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) in the prior art from one angle.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) in the prior art from another angle;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge from one angle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another angle;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the regenerated ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after a portion of the casing has been removed at a certain angle.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge from another angle after a portion of its housing has been removed, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge of Embodiment 1 of the present invention after a portion of its housing has been removed and is viewed from another angle.

[0044] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the expansion cavity of the regenerated ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge before assembly of the housing and expansion cavity in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the housing and expansion cavity of the regenerated ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge from one angle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of the regenerated ink cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention from another angle;

[0049] Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the regenerated ink cartridge and the first modified wall in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the regenerated ink cartridge and the second modified wall in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a recycled ink cartridge (recycled ink cartridge). Recycled ink cartridges are usually used ink cartridges that have been recovered from the market and are used by end users. After being remanufactured, recycled ink cartridges can be obtained as recycled ink cartridges.

[0058] This embodiment provides a regenerated ink cartridge for supplying ink to a printer. The printer has a mounting cavity, into which the regenerated ink cartridge is detachably installed in a vertical position. The regenerated ink cartridge stores ink for development. When the printer prints, the ink in the regenerated ink cartridge is developed onto the printing medium (e.g., paper). The mounting cavity can accommodate one or more ink cartridges (which can be regenerated, included, or compatible cartridges). Multiple cartridges are arranged side-by-side in the mounting cavity, and the multiple cartridges can be cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink cartridges.

[0059] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the regenerated ink cartridge includes a housing 1, a liquid supply unit 2, a detection unit 3, and an expansion chamber 4.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the housing 1 is generally rectangular in shape and has a front wall a, a rear wall b, a top wall c, a bottom wall d, a left wall e, and a right wall f. The rear wall b is opposite to the front wall a, the top wall c intersects with the front wall a and the rear wall b, the bottom wall d is opposite to the top wall c, the left wall e intersects with the front wall a, the rear wall b, and the top wall c, and the right wall f is opposite to the left wall e. The front wall a, the rear wall b, the top wall c, the bottom wall d, the left wall e, and the right wall f are connected to each other to form a generally rectangular housing 1 structure. The housing 1 has an ink storage cavity 10 for storing ink inside.

[0061] To better illustrate the components of the ink cartridge, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (XYZ axes) is established. In the usage state (vertically installed in the mounting cavity), the vertical direction (direction of gravity) is set as the Z-axis. The direction from the top wall c to the bottom wall d is the -Z direction (direction of gravity). The horizontal direction is the X-axis, i.e., the direction from the rear wall b to the front wall a is the +X direction, which is also the installation direction of the ink cartridge. The -X direction is the removal direction of the ink cartridge. The X-axis is also the length direction of the housing 1. The width direction of the housing 1 is the Y-axis, and the direction from the left wall e to the right wall f is the +Y direction. The +X-axis is "front," the -X-axis is "rear," the +Z-axis is "up," the -Z-axis is "down," the +Y-axis is "left," and the -Y-axis is "right."

[0062] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the housing 1 is also provided with a first groove 11 and a second groove 12. The first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are arranged opposite to each other in the width direction (Y direction) of the housing 1, and the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are separated by a partition plate 13 on the housing 1. The first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are symmetrical about the partition plate 13. The partition plate 13 is located approximately in the middle of the housing 1 in the width direction, and the partition plate 13 extends in the plane defined by the Z axis and the X axis. The first groove 11 is located on the -Y axis side of the partition plate 13, and the second groove 12 is located on the +Y axis side of the partition plate 13. The side of the first groove 11 away from the partition plate 13 in the width direction is open, and this openness is formed on the left wall e, that is, the first groove 11 is a non-sealed space; the side of the second groove 12 away from the partition plate 13 in the width direction is open, and this openness is formed on the right wall f, that is, the second groove 12 is also a non-sealed space. The first groove 11 and the second groove 12 extend at one end in the +X axis direction to the front wall a position of the housing 1. There is a certain distance between the end of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the -X axis direction and the rear wall b of the housing 1. There is a certain distance between the inner walls of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the +Z axis direction and the top wall c of the housing 1. The ink storage cavity 10 is at least partially located above the first groove 11 and the second groove 12. The inner walls of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the -Z axis direction are located above the liquid supply section 2. A portion of the inner wall of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 is adjacent to the ink storage cavity 10 and also serves as a partition wall between them.

[0063] The detection unit 3 is disposed on the top wall c of the housing 1. The detection unit 3 includes a chip. When the ink cartridge is installed into the printer's mounting cavity, the chip is electrically connected to the contact pins in the mounting cavity, enabling the printer to recognize the information about the ink cartridge stored in the chip. The detection unit 3 is located approximately at the center of the top wall c in the X-axis direction. The detection unit 3 is at least partially located above the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0064] The liquid supply section 2 extends from the housing 1 along its length (X-axis) in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Part of the liquid supply section 2 is located below the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the direction of gravity. The liquid supply section 2 has a forward-facing ink outlet 21 in the length direction, i.e., the ink outlet 21 faces the +X direction. The ink outlet 21 is located behind the front wall a in the X-axis direction and is spaced apart from the front wall a. The liquid supply section 2 has a liquid channel that connects the ink outlet 21 and the ink reservoir 10. The liquid channel is configured to allow ink in the ink reservoir 10 to flow out of the housing 1 through the ink outlet 21. When the ink cartridge is installed vertically into the mounting cavity, the ink supply needle inside the mounting cavity inserts into the liquid supply section 2 from the ink outlet 21, achieving communication with the ink reservoir 10, thereby supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the printer. A self-sealing structure for sealing is also provided at the ink outlet 21.

[0065] The above structures are all existing structures on the random ink cartridges (recycled ink cartridges). The following will describe the structure of the regenerated ink cartridges that differs from the random ink cartridges.

[0066] like Figures 3 to 10 As shown, the regenerated ink cartridge also includes an expansion cavity 4, which is a sealed cavity capable of storing ink. The expansion cavity 4 communicates with the ink storage cavity 10, allowing ink in the expansion cavity 4 to replenish the ink storage cavity 10, thereby increasing the capacity of the ink cartridge. The expansion cavity 4 at least partially overlaps with the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12, meaning that the expansion cavity 4 is at least partially located within the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12. When the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, in the direction of gravity, the ink storage cavity 10 is at least partially located above the expansion cavity 4, and the expansion cavity 4 is at least partially located above the liquid supply section 2. Specifically, the expansion cavity 4 can be located only within the first slot 11, only within the second slot 12, or simultaneously within both the first slot 11 and the second slot 12. To maximize the capacity of the regenerated ink cartridge, it is preferable to simultaneously locate the expansion cavity 4 within both the first slot 11 and the second slot 12.

[0067] like Figures 3 to 10As shown, preferably, the expansion cavity 4 is detachably installed into the first groove 11 and the second groove 12. The expansion cavity 4 includes a first cavity 41 installed in the first groove 11 and a second cavity 42 installed in the second groove 12. The first cavity 41 has a shape adapted to the first groove 11, and the second cavity 42 has a shape adapted to the second groove 12. The first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 are connected at one end in the +X-axis direction, so that the interiors of the first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 are connected. There is a clearance groove 43 between the first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42. That is, except for the part where the two are connected at one end in the +X-axis direction, the clearance groove 43 separates the first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 in the Y-axis direction. The clearance groove 43 is used to avoid the partition plate 13 on the housing 1 when the expansion cavity 4 is installed.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the inner walls of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are provided with a first connecting hole 15 that connects to the ink storage cavity 10. Preferably, the first connecting hole 15 is provided on the inner wall of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the -X axis direction. The first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 are provided with a connecting pipe 44 at one end in the -X axis direction. The connecting pipe protrudes outward and connects the first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 internally. When the expansion cavity 4 is installed in the first groove 11 and the second groove 12, the connecting pipe 44 is at least partially inserted into the first connecting hole 15, thereby connecting the expansion cavity 4 with the ink storage cavity 10.

[0069] In this embodiment, the regenerated ink cartridge has an expansion cavity 4 in the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12, and the expansion cavity 4 is connected to the ink storage cavity 10. The ink in the expansion cavity 4 can be replenished to the ink storage cavity 10, thereby increasing the capacity of the ink cartridge. Furthermore, since the expansion cavity 4 is located in the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12, the overall shape of the ink cartridge remains unchanged, and the expanded capacity of the regenerated ink cartridge can still be used with the original printer.

[0070] In some other embodiments, since the first cavity 41 and the second cavity 42 are internally connected, the first connecting hole 15 can be opened only in the first groove 11 or the second groove 12, and the corresponding connecting pipe 44 can be opened in the first cavity 41 or the second cavity 42.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the expansion cavity 4 may also include two non-communicating first cavities 41 and second cavities 42, which can be separately installed into the first slot 11 and the second slot 12, respectively.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge, used to remanufacture a recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) to obtain the regenerated ink cartridge as described above. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, a method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge includes the following steps:

[0073] S10: Connect the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12 on the housing 1 of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber 10;

[0074] S20: An expansion cavity 4 is provided in the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12;

[0075] S30: Inject ink into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4.

[0076] Before step S10, there is also an acquisition step, which is to acquire random ink cartridges (recycled ink cartridges). This step includes a complete set of material preparation processes, including recycling, sorting and processing.

[0077] In step S10, the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 on the housing 1 of the recycled ink cartridge are connected to the ink storage cavity 10. Specifically, a first connecting hole 15 can be opened on the inner wall of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 adjacent to the ink storage cavity 10. After the first connecting hole 15 penetrates the inner wall, the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 is connected to the inside of the ink storage cavity 10. The first connecting hole 15 is preferably opened on the inner wall of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 in the -X axis direction.

[0078] In some other embodiments, a first connecting hole may be opened in the inner wall of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 adjacent to the liquid supply section 2, so that the ink in the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 can flow to the liquid supply section 2 and thus be supplied to the printer.

[0079] Prior to step S20, a modification step is included, which involves removing at least a portion of the housing 1 located at the front end of the liquid supply section 2 in the mounting direction. Specifically, the portion of the housing 1 located at the front end of the liquid supply section 2 in the mounting direction can be removed by various processing methods such as cutting and milling. This includes the portion of the partition plate 13 located at the front end of the liquid supply section 2 in the +X axis direction, and also includes a portion of the front wall a of the housing 1 that overlaps with the first groove 11 and the second groove 12, so that the +X axis ends of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 form openings.

[0080] Before step S20, there is also a step of preparing the expansion cavity 4. An expansion cavity 4 with a shape adapted to the shape of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 is prepared. The expansion cavity 4 includes a first cavity 41 installed into the first groove 11, a second cavity 42 installed into the second groove 12, a connecting pipe 44 communicating with the first connecting hole 15, and a clearance groove 43 for avoiding the partition plate 13. The specific structure of the expansion cavity 4 has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here. The expansion cavity 4 can be integrally molded by injection molding.

[0081] In step S20, an expansion cavity 4 is provided in the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12. Specifically, the -X-axis end of the prepared expansion cavity 4 is aligned with the openings of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 in the +X-axis direction, the clearance groove 43 is aligned with the partition plate 13, and then force is applied to move the expansion cavity 4 into the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 along the -X-axis direction. During the movement, the connecting pipe 44 on the expansion cavity 4 is at least partially inserted into the first connecting hole 15, so that the expansion cavity 4 is connected to the ink storage cavity 10. In this step, the connection between the connecting pipe 44 and the first connecting hole 15 also needs to be sealed with a rubber ring or adhesive to prevent ink leakage from the connection.

[0082] In step S30, ink is injected into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4. Specifically, an ink injection device can be inserted into the ink outlet 21 of the liquid supply unit 2 to inject ink into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4; alternatively, an ink injection port can be opened on the housing 1, and after the expansion chamber 4 and the ink storage chamber 10 are filled with ink by the ink injection device, the ink injection port can be sealed by the sealing member.

[0083] This completes the entire remanufacturing process, from smaller capacity recycled ink cartridges (the included cartridges) to larger capacity remanufactured cartridges.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] This embodiment provides another regenerated ink cartridge and its manufacturing method. Compared with the first embodiment, the expansion cavity 4 of the regenerated ink cartridge has a different structure and a different manufacturing method.

[0086] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the regenerated ink cartridge includes a housing 1, a liquid supply unit 2, a detection unit 3, and an expansion cavity 4. The expansion cavity 4 is formed by openings in the width direction of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 on the housing 1 with modified walls.

[0087] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the modified wall includes a first modified wall 51 and a second modified wall 52. The first modified wall 51 closes the opening of the first groove 11 in the width direction (-Y direction), forming a sealed expansion cavity 4 together with the first groove 11. The second modified wall 52 closes the opening of the second groove 12 in the width direction (+Y direction), forming a sealed expansion cavity 4 together with the second groove 12. Preferably, the size of the first modified wall 51 is larger than the size of the opening of the first groove 11 in the -Y direction, so that part of the first modified wall 51 can be attached and fixed to the left wall e of the housing 1, thereby closing the opening of the first groove 11. Similarly, the size of the second modified wall 52 is also larger than the size of the opening of the second groove 12 in the +Y direction, so that part of the second modified wall can be attached and fixed to the right wall f of the housing 1, thereby closing the opening of the second groove 12.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first modified wall 51 and the second modified wall 52 can be made of thin film material and can be fixed to the housing 1 by welding or adhesive application.

[0089] Furthermore, connecting holes can be made on the inner walls of the first slot 11 and the second slot 12 to connect with the ink storage cavity 10; alternatively, connecting holes can be made on the partition plate 13 to connect the first slot 11 and the second slot 12, and then a connecting hole can be made on the inner wall of the first slot 11 or the second slot 12 to connect with the ink storage cavity 10. In this way, the ink in the expansion cavity 4 can be replenished to the ink storage cavity 10, thereby increasing the capacity of the ink cartridge.

[0090] In some other embodiments, in order to further increase the capacity of the ink cartridge, the third groove 14 on the housing 1 can also be closed by a modified wall and the third groove 14 can also be connected to the ink storage cavity 10, so that the expansion cavity 4 at least partially overlaps with the third groove 14, thereby increasing the capacity of the expansion cavity 4 and storing more ink.

[0091] The third groove 14 is located below the first groove 11 in the direction of gravity, and is separated from the first groove 11 by a rib; in the installation direction, it is located behind the liquid supply section 2. The side of the third groove 14 facing away from the partition plate 13 (-Y axis side) is also open.

[0092] Since the third groove 14 is located on the same side as the first groove 11 in the width direction, it can be closed by the same modified wall. That is, the size of the first modified wall 51 is set to be larger than the total size of the first groove 11 and the third groove 14, so that the first modified wall 51 can cover the openings of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 at the same time. Alternatively, the third groove 14 and the first groove 11 can be closed by two different modified walls, as long as a sealed structure can be formed.

[0093] Furthermore, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a second connecting hole 16 can be opened on the inner wall of the third groove 14 to connect to the ink storage cavity 10. The second connecting hole 16 can be opened on the inner wall of the third groove 14 in the -X axis direction or on the partition plate 13. The second connecting hole 16 can be set close to the inner wall of the third groove 14 in the -Z axis direction. Since the position of the third groove 14 is lower than that of the first groove 11, the ink flow is smoother by setting the second connecting hole 16 on the inner wall of the third groove 14 to connect to the ink storage cavity 10. Then, a cut 19 is also opened on the rib between the first groove 11 and the third groove 14 to connect the first groove 11 and the third groove 14. The third connecting hole 17 is opened on the partition plate 13 to connect the first groove 11 and the second groove 12. That is, the ink in the first groove 11, the second groove 12 and the third groove 14 all flow to the ink storage cavity 10 through the second connecting hole 16 on the inner wall of the third groove 14.

[0094] Furthermore, ventilation holes 18 can be provided on the inner walls of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12. Preferably, the ventilation holes 18 are provided on the inner walls of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 in the +Z axis direction and the ventilation holes 18 are connected to the ink storage cavity 10, so that after the ink in the expansion cavity 4 is consumed, air can enter the expansion cavity 4 through the ventilation holes 18, maintain the air pressure balance in the expansion cavity 4, and ensure that the ink can flow stably.

[0095] This embodiment also provides another method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge, used to remanufacture a recycled ink cartridge (random ink cartridge) to obtain a regenerated ink cartridge as shown in Embodiment 2. Figures 11 to 14 As shown, a method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge includes the following steps:

[0096] S10: Connect the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12 on the housing 1 of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber 10;

[0097] S20: An expansion cavity 4 is provided in the first slot 11 and / or the second slot 12;

[0098] S30: Inject ink into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4.

[0099] Before step S10, there is also an acquisition step, which is to acquire random ink cartridges (recycled ink cartridges). This step includes a complete set of material preparation processes, including recycling, sorting and processing.

[0100] In step S10, connecting the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 on the housing 1 of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage cavity 10 further includes: connecting the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 on the housing 1; connecting the first groove 11 and the third groove 14 on the housing 1; and connecting the third groove 14 to the ink storage cavity 10. Specifically, a cut 19 is made in the rib between the first groove 11 and the third groove 14 to connect the third groove 14 to the first groove 11; a third connecting hole 17 is opened on the partition plate 13 to connect the second groove 12 to the first groove 11; and a second connecting hole 16 is opened on the inner wall of the third groove 14 to connect the third groove 14 to the ink storage cavity 10, thereby enabling each groove constituting part of the expansion cavity 4 to be directly or indirectly connected to the ink storage cavity 10. In this step, ventilation holes 18 can be opened on the inner wall of the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 in the +Z axis direction to communicate with the ink storage cavity 10, so that the air in the ink storage cavity 10 can enter the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12 to balance the internal and external air pressure.

[0101] In some other embodiments, the third tank 14 may be connected to the liquid supply unit 2, and a connecting hole may be opened on the inner wall of the third tank 14 adjacent to the liquid supply unit 2, so that the ink in the expansion chamber can flow to the liquid supply unit 2 and then be supplied to the printer.

[0102] In step S20, an expansion cavity 4 is provided within the first groove 11 and / or the second groove 12. Specifically, this involves using modified walls to close the openings of the first groove 11, the second groove 12, and / or the third groove 14 in the width direction to form a sealed expansion cavity 4. The modified walls include a first modified wall 51 and a second modified wall 52. The first modified wall 51 closes the openings of the first groove 11 and the third groove 14 in the width direction. The first modified wall 51 is attached to the left wall e of the housing 1 and then fixed by welding or adhesive application. The second modified wall 52 closes the opening of the second groove 12 in the width direction. The second modified wall 52 is attached to the right wall f of the housing 1 and then fixed by welding or adhesive application, thus completing the modification of the expansion cavity 4.

[0103] In step S30, ink is injected into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4. Specifically, an ink injection device can be inserted into the ink outlet 21 of the liquid supply unit 2 to inject ink into the ink storage chamber 10 and the expansion chamber 4; alternatively, an ink injection port can be opened on the housing 1, and after the expansion chamber 4 and the ink storage chamber 10 are filled with ink by the ink injection device, the ink injection port can be sealed by the sealing member.

[0104] This completes the entire remanufacturing process, from smaller capacity recycled ink cartridges (the included cartridges) to larger capacity remanufactured cartridges.

[0105] The manufacturing method of this invention transforms recycled ink cartridges (random ink cartridges) into regenerated ink cartridges with larger capacity, realizing the recycling of random ink cartridges. At the same time, it also solves the problem of small capacity random ink cartridges requiring frequent replacement, thus improving the user experience.

[0106] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rechargeable ink cartridge, installed in a printer along the installation direction, comprising: The housing has an ink storage cavity for storing ink, and the housing has a first groove and a second groove; A liquid supply unit is connected to the ink storage cavity, and the portion of the liquid supply unit located in the gravity direction perpendicular to the installation direction is below the first and second slots; The housing is provided with a partition plate, and the first groove and the second groove are respectively located on both sides of the partition plate in the width direction perpendicular to the installation direction and the gravity direction; the side of the first groove and the second groove away from the partition plate in the width direction is open; The feature is that it further includes an expansion cavity communicating with the ink storage cavity, the expansion cavity at least partially overlapping with the first groove and / or the second groove; In the direction of gravity, the ink storage cavity is at least partially located above the expansion cavity, and the expansion cavity is at least partially located above the liquid supply section.

2. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion cavity can be detachably installed into the first slot and / or the second slot.

3. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The expansion cavity includes a first cavity installed in a first slot and / or a second cavity installed in a second slot.

4. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first cavity may be connected to or not connected to the second cavity.

5. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the first slot and / or the second slot is provided with a first connecting hole that connects to the ink storage cavity, and the expansion cavity is provided with a connecting pipe that connects to the inside of the expansion cavity, and the connecting pipe is connected to the first connecting hole.

6. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a modified wall that closes the openings of the first and / or second slots in the width direction to form a closed expansion cavity.

7. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing also has a third groove, which is located below the first groove in the direction of gravity and behind the liquid supply unit in the installation direction; The third slot has an opening on the side away from the partition plate in the width direction; The expansion cavity at least partially overlaps with the third groove.

8. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The modified wall seals the opening in the width direction of the third groove to form a closed expansion cavity.

9. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first tank and the second tank are connected; the third tank is connected to the first tank and the liquid supply unit respectively.

10. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the first or second groove is provided with an air inlet that communicates with the ink storage cavity.

11. A method for manufacturing a regenerated ink cartridge, characterized in that, The manufacturing method for remanufacturing recycled ink cartridges to obtain the recycled ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-10 includes: The first and / or second slots on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge are connected to the ink storage chamber and / or the liquid supply section; An expansion cavity is provided in the first slot and / or the second slot; Ink is injected into the ink storage chamber and the expansion chamber.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method of connecting the first slot and / or the second slot on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber and / or the liquid supply unit further includes: A first connecting hole is made in the inner wall of the first groove and / or the second groove to connect to the ink storage cavity.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Before setting the expansion cavity in the first slot and / or the second slot, the method further includes: Remove the portion of the housing located at the front end of the liquid supply section in the installation direction.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The provision of an expansion cavity within the first slot and / or the second slot includes: Install the expansion cavity into the first slot and / or the second slot, and connect the connecting pipe on the expansion cavity to the first connecting hole.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method of connecting the first slot and / or the second slot on the housing of the recycled ink cartridge to the ink storage chamber and / or the liquid supply section further includes: Connect the first and second slots on the housing; Connect the first slot to the third slot on the shell; Connect the third tank to the liquid supply unit or ink storage chamber.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 11 or 15, characterized in that, The provision of an expansion cavity within the first slot and / or the second slot includes: By modifying the walls to close the openings of the first, second, and / or third slots in the width direction, a sealed expansion cavity is formed.

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