Ink box and ink box recovery method

Abstract

The invention discloses an ink box and an ink box recovery method. The ink box comprises an ink storage cavity; a pressure reducing valve; an ink outlet; the bottom shell comprises a main side wall, a first channel and a second channel, a concave part is arranged on the first direction side of the main side wall, and the ink storage cavity is communicated with the concave part through the first channel; the concave part is communicated with the leading-out cavity through a second channel, a first valve element is arranged in the leading-out cavity, and a second valve element is arranged in the second channel; the ink box has a filling state and a closed state, and when the ink box is in the filling state, the second valve element enables the concave part to be communicated with the leading-out cavity. The ink box comprises the ink storage cavity, the first channel, the second channel, the concave part and the leading-out cavity, the first valve element and the second valve element are arranged in the leading-out cavity and the second channel respectively, and when the ink box is in the filling state, the second valve element is controlled to enable the leading-out cavity to be communicated with the concave part; therefore, ink can be injected into the outlet cavity from the concave part through the second channel, and the ink injection difficulty is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of printing consumables, in particular to an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge recycling method. Background Art

[0002] There is a type of small-capacity ink cartridge that has a liquid channel, a pressure reducing valve, and an ink outlet for connecting with an ink supply needle on the printer side. The liquid channel includes a lead-out channel that connects the pressure reducing valve and the ink outlet and a supply channel located on the upstream side of the pressure reducing valve. The existing manufacturing process uses the existing channel structure on the ink cartridge housing for ink injection, and this type of channel structure is connected to the supply channel.

[0003] Air bubbles sucked into the ink supply needle will cause the printer to have empty spray failure. Ink filling in the outlet channel is the main means to solve this kind of failure. The existing process uses a special device to maintain the pressure relief valve in an open state to allow ink to be poured into the outlet channel, which is difficult to implement. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the original ink cartridge structure to facilitate ink filling in the outlet channel. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge recycling method to solve the problems existing in the current small-capacity ink cartridge when filling ink into the outlet channel, and to achieve ink filling into the outlet channel while filling ink into the supply channel.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ink cartridge, comprising:

[0006] Ink storage chamber;

[0007] a pressure reducing valve, the pressure reducing valve being in communication with the ink storage chamber, the ink storage chamber being located at an upstream side of the pressure reducing valve;

[0008] An ink outlet, the ink outlet is communicated with the ink storage cavity and the pressure reducing valve respectively;

[0009] A bottom shell, the bottom shell comprising a main side wall, a first channel and a second channel, the main side wall being located on a first direction side of the bottom shell, the main side wall being provided with a recessed portion on the first direction side, the ink storage cavity being located on a side opposite to the first direction of the main side wall, the ink storage cavity being connected to the recessed portion through the first channel, and the first direction being parallel to a width direction of the ink cartridge;

[0010] A lead-out chamber, the lead-out chamber is located at the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve, the ink outlet is communicated with the pressure reducing valve through the lead-out chamber, the recessed portion is communicated with the lead-out chamber through the second channel, a first valve core is provided in the lead-out chamber, the first valve core is used to control the conduction state between the lead-out chamber and the ink outlet, a second valve core is provided in the second channel, the second valve core is used to control the conduction state between the recessed portion and the lead-out chamber;

[0011] in:

[0012] The first valve core cuts off the communication between the second channel and the ink outlet by moving in a second direction, and the second valve core cuts off the communication between the recessed portion and the outlet chamber by moving in a third direction, and the second direction is orthogonal to the third direction;

[0013] The ink cartridge has a filling state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge is in the filling state, the second valve core makes the recessed portion communicate with the outlet chamber, and the first valve core abuts against the second valve core.

[0014] When the ink cartridge is in the closed state, the second valve core cuts off the communication between the recessed portion and the outlet chamber, and the first valve core cuts off the communication between the outlet chamber and the ink outlet.

[0015] In the ink cartridge as described above, preferably, the second channel is arranged on the bottom shell independently of the first channel.

[0016] An ink cartridge as described above, wherein preferably, an elastic sealing member is provided in the outlet chamber, the sealing member is provided at the second direction end of the outlet chamber, an outlet hole is penetrated through the sealing member, a tapered portion is provided at the second direction end of the first valve core, the tapered portion cooperates with the outlet hole, and when the ink cartridge is in a closed state, the outer side of the tapered portion abuts against the edge of the outlet hole.

[0017] An ink cartridge as described above, wherein preferably, a partition wall is provided on the bottom shell, the partition wall is provided between the second channel and the outlet chamber, a guide through hole is provided on the partition wall, the second valve core is arranged at the guide through hole, the second valve core has a guide column, the guide column and the guide through hole are clearance-matched, a sealing convex ring is provided on the outer side of the guide column, and the diameter of the sealing convex ring is larger than the diameter of the guide through hole;

[0018] When the ink cartridge is in the closed state, the sealing convex ring abuts against the partition wall, and the third directional end of the guide column is located in the outlet chamber.

[0019] In the ink cartridge as described above, preferably, the second direction is parallel to the partition wall, and the third direction is perpendicular to the partition wall.

[0020] An ink cartridge as described above, wherein preferably, a transmission part is provided at the opposite end of the first valve core in the second direction, the transmission part has an inclined abutment surface, the inclined abutment surface can cooperate with the guide column, and in the third direction, the edge of the inclined abutment surface in the second direction is located on the rear side of the edge of the inclined abutment surface opposite to the second direction.

[0021] An ink cartridge as described above, wherein preferably, the transmission portion further includes a vertical abutment surface, the vertical abutment surface is located on the second direction side of the oblique abutment surface, the extension direction of the vertical abutment surface is parallel to the second direction, and when the ink cartridge is in the filling state, the guide column abuts against the vertical abutment surface.

[0022] An ink cartridge as described above, wherein, preferably, the ink storage chamber includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the first channel includes a first branch and a second branch, the first branch is used to connect the recessed portion with the first sub-chamber, and the second branch is used to connect the recessed portion with the second sub-chamber.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an ink cartridge recycling method, comprising:

[0024] A process of preparing the aforementioned ink cartridge;

[0025] A process of using a first jig to push the first valve core so that the ink cartridge is in the filling state.

[0026] The ink cartridge recycling method as described above, preferably, further includes a step of using a second fixture to transport ink to the first channel and the second channel through the recessed portion.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the ink cartridge of the present invention comprises an ink storage chamber, a first channel, a second channel, a recessed portion and a lead-out chamber. A first valve core and a second valve core are respectively arranged in the lead-out chamber and the second channel. The first channel is used to connect the recessed portion with the ink storage chamber, and the second channel is used to connect the recessed portion with the lead-out chamber. When the ink cartridge is in a filling state, the second valve core can be controlled to connect the lead-out chamber with the recessed portion, and ink can be injected into the lead-out chamber from the recessed portion via the second channel, thereby reducing the difficulty of ink injection and simplifying the operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram of a bottom case provided by an embodiment of the present invention from a first viewing angle;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the part A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 5 is a stereoscopic diagram of a bottom case from a second viewing angle provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A front view of

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the part B in the middle;

[0035] Figure 8 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention in a second direction;

[0037] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A magnified view of the local C in the middle;

[0038] Fig.11 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention in a first direction;

[0039] Fig.12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink injection member and the ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention being coupled;

[0040] Fig.13 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a transmission part provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Description of reference numerals:

[0042] 100-ink cartridge, 110-partition membrane, 120-face cover, 130-chip, 140-handle, 150-transfer area;

[0043] 10- bottom shell, 11- top wall, 12- bottom wall, 13- front wall, 14- rear wall, 15- main side wall, 151- peripheral wall, 152- air inlet, 153- circulation hole, 16- first channel, 161- first branch, 162- second branch, 17- second channel, 171- second valve core, 1711- guide column, 1712- sealing convex ring, 172- second elastic member, 173- connecting channel, 18- recessed portion, 181- first recessed portion, 1811- first through hole, 1812- second through hole, 182- second recessed portion, 1821- third through hole, 1822- fourth through hole, 183- first interval, 19- partition wall, 191- guide through hole;

[0044] 20-ink storage chamber, 21-first sub-chamber, 22-second sub-chamber;

[0045] 30-pressure reducing valve;

[0046] 40- ink outlet;

[0047] 50-export chamber, 51-first valve core, 511-conical portion, 512-transmission portion, 5121-inclined abutment surface, 5122-first edge, 5123-second edge, 5124-vertical abutment surface, 52-sealing member, 521-export hole, 53-first elastic member;

[0048] 200-first fixture, 201-push piece;

[0049] 300 - second fixture, 301 - ink injection part, 3011 - main body, 3012 - sealing part, 3013 - input channel;

[0050] 400-third fixture, 401-suction piece;

[0051] 500-the fourth fixture, 501-the blocking piece;

[0052] D1-first direction, D2-second direction, D3-third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0054] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the ink cartridge 100 provided in the present application is a box-shaped structure formed by a bottom shell 10 and a face cover 120 to form a roughly rectangular parallelepiped. The bottom shell 10 has a top wall 11, a bottom wall 12, a front wall 13, a rear wall 14 and a main side wall 15. The top wall 11 and the bottom wall 12 are respectively arranged opposite to each other in the height direction of the ink cartridge 100, the front wall 13 and the rear wall 14 are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the ink cartridge 100, the main side wall 15 and the face cover 120 are arranged opposite to each other in the width direction of the ink cartridge 100, and the main side wall 15 is located on the first direction D1 side of the bottom shell 10, the direction from the face cover 120 to the main side wall 15 is the first direction D1, and the direction from the main side wall 15 to the face cover 120 is the opposite direction of the first direction D1, and the first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction of the ink cartridge 100. A partition film 110 is also provided on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15, and the partition film 110 is welded on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 to isolate all the flow paths and flow holes on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 from the outside. When the ink cartridge 100 is in use (installed in the installation cavity of the printing device in an upright posture), the vertical direction (i.e., the gravity direction) is the second direction D2, that is, the direction from the top wall 11 to the bottom wall 12, and the direction from the bottom wall 12 to the top wall 11 is the height direction of the ink cartridge 100; the direction from the rear wall 14 to the front wall 13 is the third direction D3, that is, the length direction of the ink cartridge 100.

[0055] The ink cartridge 100 further includes a chip 130 and a handle 140. Both the chip 130 and the handle 140 are arranged on the front wall 13 of the bottom shell 10. The chip 130 is arranged near the lower end of the front wall 13, and the handle 140 is arranged near the upper end of the front wall 13. The handle 140 is arranged above the chip 130. Information about the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the chip 130. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in a printing device, the terminal of the chip 130 contacts and is electrically connected with the contact pin of the printer, so that the printer can read the information of the ink cartridge 100. The handle 140 is swingably connected to the front wall 13. The handle 140 is provided with a structure that engages with the printing device, which is used to engage with the printing device to fix the position of the ink cartridge 100 in the printing device. When the ink cartridge 100 is taken out, the handle 140 is swung to disassemble the engagement between it and the printing device.

[0056] Reference Figures 3 to 13 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes an ink storage chamber 20, a pressure reducing valve 30, an ink outlet 40, a bottom shell 10 and a lead-out chamber 50, wherein:

[0057] The ink storage chamber 20, the pressure reducing valve 30 and the outlet chamber 50 are all arranged in the bottom shell 10, and the ink outlet 40 is protruded from the bottom wall 12 along the second direction D2. The ink storage chamber 20 is used to store ink, and the ink storage chamber 20, the pressure reducing valve 30 and the ink outlet 40 are connected to each other. The pressure reducing valve 30 is connected to the ink outlet 40 through the outlet chamber 50. The ink storage chamber 20 is located on the upstream side of the pressure reducing valve 30, and the outlet chamber 50 is located on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 30.

[0058] The bottom shell 10 also includes a first channel 16 and a second channel 17. A recessed portion 18 is provided on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15. The ink storage cavity 20 is located on the opposite side of the first direction D1 of the main side wall 15. The first channel 16 is used to connect the ink storage cavity 20 with the recessed portion 18, and the second channel 17 is used to connect the outlet chamber 50 with the recessed portion 18.

[0059] The ink cartridge 100 supplies ink to the printing device in the following manner: when the pressure difference between the outlet chamber 50 and the pressure reducing valve 30 (i.e., the downstream pressure) is less than the pressure difference between the ink storage chamber 20 and the pressure reducing valve 30 (i.e., the upstream pressure), and the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is greater than a preset value, the pressure reducing valve 30 is in an open state, and the ink in the ink storage chamber 20 can be discharged from the ink outlet 40 via the outlet chamber 50, thereby supplying ink to the printing device. When the downstream pressure is greater than the upstream pressure or the difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure is less than a preset value, the pressure reducing valve 30 is in a closed state, and the ink in the ink storage chamber 20 cannot flow out from the ink outlet 40.

[0060] During the ink supply process of the ink cartridge 100, when the ink supply needle of the printing device inhales air, it will cause the printing device to spray empty ink. In order to solve this problem, the production process of the ink cartridge 100 usually maintains the pressure reducing valve 30 in an open state through a special device, and then injects ink into the outlet chamber 50, but this is difficult to implement.

[0061] In order to solve the above problems, in the embodiments provided in this application, Figure 4 and Fig.10 As shown, a first valve core 51 is disposed in the outlet chamber 50, and a second valve core 171 is disposed in the second channel 17. The first valve core 51 is used to control the conduction state between the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40. When the first valve core 51 moves along the second direction D2, the conduction state between the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40 can be cut off. When the first valve core 51 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, the outlet chamber 50 can be connected to the ink outlet 40.

[0062] The second valve core 171 is used to control the conduction state between the recessed portion 18 and the outlet chamber 50. When the second valve core 171 moves along the third direction D3, the conduction state between the recessed portion 18 and the outlet chamber 50 can be cut off. When the second valve core 171 moves in the opposite direction of the third direction D3, the recessed portion 18 can be connected to the outlet chamber 50.

[0063] The ink cartridge 100 has a filling state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge 100 is in the filling state, the first valve core 51 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 to abut against the second valve core 171, and the second valve core 171 moves in the opposite direction of the third direction D3, and the recessed portion 18 is connected with the outlet chamber 50. At this time, the outlet chamber 50 can be filled with ink by filling the recessed portion 18. In this way, when the ink cartridge 100 has just been replaced, the ink supply needle can absorb the ink filled in the outlet chamber 50, and then the ink in the ink storage chamber 20 can be continuously replenished into the outlet chamber 50 through the pressure reducing valve 30 under the action of the pressure difference and absorbed by the ink supply needle, thereby preventing the printer from having a dry spray failure. When the ink cartridge 100 is in the closed state, the first valve core 51 moves in the second direction D2 to cut off the connection between the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40, and the second valve core 171 moves in the third direction D3 to cut off the connection between the recessed portion 18 and the outlet chamber 50.

[0064] Based on the above embodiments, the working principle of the ink cartridge 100 of the present application is as follows: the ink cartridge 100 is installed at the installation position of the printing device, and during the ink supply process for the printing device, the first valve core 51 is moved a distance in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 and then abuts against the second valve core 171. After the first valve core 51 abuts against the second valve core 171, the second valve core 171 can be driven to move in the opposite direction of the third direction D3, thereby connecting the recessed portion 18 with the outlet chamber 50. At the same time, ink is injected into the second channel 17 from the recessed portion 18, so that the ink can be injected into the outlet chamber 50 from the recessed portion 18 via the second channel 17. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the first valve core 51 and the second valve core 171 work together to cut off the conduction between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50. At this time, the ink cannot bypass the pressure reducing valve 30 and be discharged. Therefore, the second channel 17 and the second valve core 171 will not affect the normal function of the pressure reducing valve 30. In the process of ink supplying ink to the ink cartridge 100, there is no need to use a special device to maintain the pressure reducing valve 30 in an open state to inject ink into the outlet chamber 50, and the operation is simple.

[0065] In the embodiments provided in this application, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the second channel 17 is arranged on the bottom shell 10 independently of the first channel 16. The first channel 16 and the second channel 17 are two independent liquid flow channels arranged on the bottom shell 10. The recessed parts 18 include two. The two recessed parts 18 are arranged on the main side wall 15 at intervals along the third direction D3, and are both connected with the first channel 16 and the second channel 17. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a filled state, ink can be injected into any one of the two recessed parts 18. Here, it is preferred to inject ink into the recessed part 18 close to the chip 130 so that the filled ink can enter the ink storage cavity 20 and the outlet chamber 50 respectively through the first channel 16 and the second channel 17. The independently arranged first channel 16 and the second channel 17 are used for simultaneous filling, which is beneficial to improve the filling efficiency of the ink storage cavity 20 and the outlet chamber 50, and improve the uniformity of the ink filled in the ink storage cavity 20 and the outlet chamber 50.

[0066] When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, in order to prevent the ink from flowing out of the ink outlet 40, in the embodiment provided by the present application, Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, a sealing member 52 is provided in the outlet chamber 50, and the sealing member 52 is elastic. The sealing member 52 is provided at the second direction D2 end of the outlet chamber 50. Preferably, the sealing member 52 is provided at the ink outlet 40, and the outer wall surface of the sealing member 52 abuts against the inner wall surface of the ink outlet 40. A outlet hole 521 is penetrated through the sealing member 52, and a tapered portion 511 is provided at the second direction D2 end of the first valve core 51. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the first valve core 51 is located at the second direction D2 end of the outlet chamber 50, and the tapered portion 511 cooperates with the outlet hole 521. Since the sealing member 52 is elastic, the outer side of the tapered portion 511 can be tightly abutted against the edge of the outlet hole 521, thereby preventing ink from flowing out of the ink outlet 40.

[0067] In a feasible implementation mode, referring to Figure 4 and Fig.10 As shown, a partition wall 19 is provided on the bottom shell 10, and the extension direction of the partition wall 19 is parallel to the second direction D2 and perpendicular to the third direction D3. The partition wall 19 is arranged between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50. In order to provide a space for the second valve core 171 to move, a guide hole 191 is provided on the partition wall 19, and the second valve core 171 has a guide column 1711. The guide column 1711 can be loosely fitted in the guide hole 191, and the guide column 1711 can move along the guide hole 191 in the second direction D2 and in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, thereby realizing the movement of the second valve core 171 in the second direction D2 and in the opposite direction of the second direction D2.

[0068] In order to cut off the connection between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50, a sealing convex ring 1712 is provided on the outer side of the guide column 1711. The diameter of the sealing convex ring 1712 is larger than the diameter of the guide through hole 191. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the sealing convex ring 1712 abuts against the partition wall 19 to close the guide through hole 191, thereby cutting off the connection between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50. In addition, the third direction D3 end of the guide column 1711, that is, the end of the guide column 1711 close to the outlet chamber 50, is located in the outlet chamber 50, so that when the ink cartridge 100 is in a filling state, the first valve core 51 can abut against the second valve core 171 when moving in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, so as to push the second valve core 171 to retreat and make the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50 conduct.

[0069] Further, refer to Fig.10 and Fig.13 As shown, a transmission part 512 is provided at the opposite end of the first valve core 51 in the second direction D2, and the transmission part 512 has an inclined abutment surface 5121 and a vertical abutment surface 5124. The inclined abutment surface 5121 includes a first edge 5122 and a second edge 5123 arranged along the third direction D3. The inclined abutment surface 5121 can cooperate with the guide column 1711. In the third direction D3, the edge of the inclined abutment surface 5121 located in the second direction D2 (i.e., the first edge 5122) is located behind the edge of the inclined abutment surface 5121 in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 (i.e., the second edge 5123), that is, in the third direction D3, the first edge 5122 is closer to the guide column 1711.

[0070] The vertical abutment surface 5124 is located on the second direction D2 side of the oblique abutment surface 5121, and the extension direction of the vertical abutment surface 5124 is parallel to the second direction D2. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a filling state, the first valve core 51 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. During the movement, the second edge 5123 of the oblique abutment surface 5121 first contacts the guide column 1711. As the first valve core 51 continues to move, the oblique abutment surface 5121 has a force on the guide column 1711, which can drive the guide column 1711 to move in the opposite direction of the third direction D3, thereby connecting the second channel 17 with the outlet chamber 50. When the first valve core 51 moves to the point where the vertical abutment surface 5124 abuts against the guide column 1711, the second valve core 171 stops moving, so that the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50 maintain a stable conductive state, so as to facilitate the injection of ink into the outlet chamber 50.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 and Fig.10As shown, a second elastic member 172 is provided in the second channel 17, one end of the second elastic member 172 abuts against the side of the sealing convex ring 1712 away from the partition wall 19, and the other end of the second elastic member 172 abuts against the wall surface of the second channel 17 away from the partition wall 19. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a filled state, the second valve core 171 is subjected to the force of the inclined abutment surface 5121 and moves in the opposite direction of the third direction D3. During this process, the second elastic member 172 undergoes elastic deformation and accumulates elastic force, which makes the second valve core 171 tend to move along the third direction D3. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the first valve core 51 moves along the second direction D2, and the transmission part 512 gradually moves away from the guide column 1711. When the transmission part 512 and the guide column 1711 are no longer in abutment with each other, the elastic force accumulated in the second elastic member 172 acts on the second valve core 171, causing the second valve core 171 to move along the third direction D3 until the sealing convex ring 1712 abuts against the partition wall 19, thereby cutting off the connection between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50. The second elastic member 172 always exerts a force along the third direction D3 on the second valve core 171, so that when the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the sealing convex ring 1712 can be tightly abutted against the partition wall 19, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 As shown, an outer wall 151 is convexly provided on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15, and the outer wall 151 and the main side wall 15 are surrounded to form a recessed portion 18. The openings of the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 are both located in the recessed portion 18. The recessed portion 18 is roughly strip-shaped, preferably waist-shaped, and the length-to-width ratio of the recessed portion 18 is 2:1-4:1. The smaller length-to-width ratio of the recessed portion 18 is beneficial to improving the sealing between the ink injection part 501 during ink injection.

[0073] A first through hole 1811, a second through hole 1812, a third through hole 1821 and a fourth through hole 1822 are provided on the bottom shell 10 and penetrate the main side wall 15 along the first direction D1. The first through hole 1811 and the second through hole 1812 are spaced apart in the height direction of the ink cartridge 100. The first through hole 1811 and the second through hole 1812 are surrounded by an outer wall 151 and form a first section 183 on the inner side of the outer wall 151. The first through hole 1811, the second through hole 1812 and the first section 183 belong to the first recessed portion 181. The third through hole 1821 and the fourth through hole 1822 are spaced apart along the height direction of the ink cartridge 100 , and the third through hole 1821 and the fourth through hole 1822 are surrounded by another outer wall 151 , and another first section 183 is formed on the inner side of the outer wall 151 . The third through hole 1821, the fourth through hole 1822 and the other first section 183 belong to the second recessed portion 182 , and compared with the first recessed portion 181 , the second recessed portion 182 is closer to the chip 130 .

[0074] In the embodiments provided in this application, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.11 As shown, the ink storage chamber 20 includes a first sub-chamber 21 and a second sub-chamber 22, and the first channel 16 includes a first branch 161 and a second branch 162. The first through hole 1811 is connected to the fourth through hole 1822 through the connecting channel 173 (which is a part of the second channel 17), the second through hole 1812 is connected to the second branch 162, and the third through hole 1821 is connected to the first branch 161, so that the first recessed portion 181 and the second recessed portion 182 are connected to each other. When filling ink, the ink can be injected into the ink storage chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 50 at the same time by injecting ink from any one of the recessed portions 18. It should be noted that the above division of the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 is made based on the case of selecting the second recessed portion 182 for ink filling. If the first recessed portion 181 is selected for ink filling, the division of the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 will be different.

[0075] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an ink cartridge recycling method, comprising the following steps:

[0076] The ink cartridge 100 is prepared, specifically, the ink cartridge 100 that has run out of ink is collected, and the ink cartridge 100 is recycled and reused after pre-treatment such as cleaning and drying. The subsequent steps include:

[0077] The first fixture 200 is used to push the first valve core 51 so that the ink cartridge 100 is in a filling state.

[0078] A process of conveying ink to the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 through the recessed portion 18 using the second jig 300 .

[0079] The process also includes a process of using a third fixture 400 to suck the ink cartridge 100 and a process of using a fourth fixture 500 to block the gas passage of the ink cartridge 100. The order of description of the above processes is not the actual execution order, and the execution order shall be subject to the relevant description below.

[0080] Reference Fig.10As shown, the first fixture 200 is a push member 201, which is arranged at the ink outlet 40. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a filling state, the push member 201 is pushed from the ink outlet 40 to the opposite direction of the second direction D2, so that the opposite end of the second direction D2 of the push member 201 abuts against the first valve core 51, and the first valve core 51 is pushed to move in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, so that the first valve core 51 abuts against the second valve core 171, and the second valve core 171 is driven to retreat in the opposite direction of the third direction D3, so as to achieve the communication between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50, so as to facilitate the injection of ink from the recessed portion 18 into the outlet chamber 50. During the pushing process, the second direction D2 end of the push member 201 and the outlet hole 521 on the sealing member 52 are interference fit, so as to prevent the ink in the outlet chamber 50 from leaking from the ink outlet 40 during the filling process.

[0081] A first elastic member 53 is also provided in the outlet chamber 50, one end of the first elastic member 53 is abutted against the end of the first valve core 51 in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, and the other end of the first elastic member 53 is abutted against the wall of the outlet chamber 50 facing the ink outlet 40. In the process of the pushing member 201 pushing the first valve core 51 to move, the first elastic member 53 undergoes elastic deformation and accumulates elastic force, which has a tendency to drive the first valve core 51 to move along the second direction D2. In the process of the ink cartridge 100 entering the closed state from the filled state, the pushing member 201 moves along the second direction D2, and the elastic force accumulated by the first elastic member 53 acts on the first valve core 51, so that the first valve core 51 moves along the second direction D2 until the outer side of the tapered portion 511 of the first valve core 51 abuts against the edge of the outlet hole 521 to close the ink outlet 40.

[0082] The second fixture 300 is an ink injection part 301, referring to Figure 1 As shown, after the vacuuming is completed, ink can be injected into the ink cartridge 100, and the first valve core 51 and the second valve core 171 are opened by the first fixture 200. Since the first fixture 200 and the sealing member 52 are in interference fit, there will be no air leakage or liquid leakage during the ink injection process. Fig.12 As shown, the ink injector 301 and the ink cartridge 100 form a transfer section 150 at the side enclosure in the first direction D1 of the main side wall 15, and the transfer section 150 includes at least a portion of the first section 183, and the transfer section 150 is connected to the first channel 16 and the second channel 17, that is, the transfer section 150 includes at least a portion of the first section 183 that is connected to the first channel 16 and the second channel 17, so that the ink injector 301 can pass through the transfer section 150 (which can be understood as the first section 183 here) through the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 to simultaneously inject ink into the first sub-chamber 21 and the second sub-chamber 22.

[0083] Continue to refer to Fig.12As shown, the ink injection member 301 includes a main body 3011 and a sealing portion 3012 with elasticity, the main body 3011 is located on the first direction D1 side of the sealing portion 3012, and the ink injection member 301 has an input channel 3013 connected to the transfer zone 150, the input channel 3013 runs through the main body 3011 and the sealing portion 3012, and the input channel 3013 can be directly or indirectly connected to an external ink storage device (such as an ink storage tank, etc.). At least part of the sealing portion 3012 and the ink cartridge 100 are surrounded on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 to form the transfer zone 150.

[0084] The third fixture 400 is a suction piece 401, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the suction member 401 is connected to the ink outlet 40, and pushes the first valve core 51 to suck the inside of the ink cartridge 100 from the ink outlet 40 to suck away the air or residual ink in the ink cartridge 100. Before suction, the gas channel is first blocked by the blocking member 501, so that the outside air cannot enter the ink cartridge 100, and a negative pressure state is formed in the ink cartridge 100, that is, the pressure inside the ink cartridge 100 is lower than the external air pressure, so that the ink can flow into the ink cartridge 100 efficiently during ink filling. In the embodiment provided by the present application, the suction member 401 is a hard pipe, which pushes the first valve core 51 to open the ink outlet 40, and the suction member 401 draws vacuum from the ink outlet 40. During the suction process, the suction member 401 and the sealing member 52 are interference fit, so that the suction process can proceed smoothly. After the vacuuming is completed, the suction member 401 is removed, and the blocking member 501 is still retained on the bottom shell 10 . Under the action of the first valve core 51 , the vacuum state inside the ink cartridge 100 can be maintained.

[0085] The fourth fixture 500 is a blocking member 501, which is used to block the gas channel so that the external gas cannot enter the ink cartridge 100 during the ink filling process. The blocking member 501 is an elastic blocking portion. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, an air inlet 152 and a plurality of flow holes 153 are provided on the main side wall 15. External gas enters the interior of the ink cartridge 100 through the air inlet 152. The plurality of flow holes 153 participate in the formation of the gas channel. The blocking portion is used to be inserted into the flow hole 153 of the gas channel, thereby blocking the flow of gas upstream and downstream of the flow hole 153, thereby achieving the effect of blocking the gas channel. The blocking member 501 can block a flow hole 153 on the gas channel that is closest to the recessed portion 18.

[0086] Based on the above embodiments, the recycling method of the ink cartridge 100 of the present application is as follows: the gas passage on the ink cartridge 100 is blocked by using the fourth fixture 500, and then the inside of the ink cartridge 100 is evacuated through the ink outlet 40 by using the third fixture 400. After the evacuation is completed, the first valve core 51 is pushed by the first fixture 200 to move a distance in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. Then, the inclined abutment surface 5121 of the first valve core 51 abuts against the end of the guide column 1711 of the second valve core 171 located in the outlet chamber 50. As the first valve core 51 continues to move, the second valve core 51 is The core 171 is driven to move in the opposite direction of the third direction D3 to connect the second channel 17 with the outlet chamber 50. When the guide column 1711 abuts against the vertical abutment surface 5124 of the first valve core 51, the first valve core 51 stops moving upward, and the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50 maintain a stable conduction state. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 is in a filled state, and the second fixture 300 is then injected with ink from the second recessed portion 182. Under the action of the negative pressure inside the ink cartridge 100, the ink enters the ink storage chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 50 along the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 respectively.

[0087] After the ink filling is completed, the first fixture 200 is pulled out, the first fixture 200 and the first valve core 51 are released from the state of abutment with each other, and move along the second direction D2. The first valve core 51 moves along the second direction D2 under the action of the first elastic member 53, and the second valve core 171 moves to the third direction D3 under the action of the second elastic member 172. When the sealing convex ring 1712 of the second valve core 171 abuts against the partition wall 19, the conduction state between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50 is cut off. When the first valve core 51 moves to the outside of the tapered portion 511 and abuts against the edge of the outlet hole 521 of the sealing member 52, the ink outlet 40 is closed, so that the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state.

[0088] After removing the second fixture 300 and the fourth fixture 500, it is necessary to repair the partition wall film 110 damaged by the second fixture 300 and the fourth fixture 500, and finally weld the air guide film that closes the air inlet 152 and the sealing film that closes the ink outlet 40, and reset or replace the chip 130 to complete the recycling of the ink cartridge 100.

[0089] The above describes in detail the structure, features and effects of the present invention based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the drawings. Any changes made according to the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, which still do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, characterized in that: include: Ink storage chamber; a pressure reducing valve, the pressure reducing valve being in communication with the ink storage chamber, the ink storage chamber being located at an upstream side of the pressure reducing valve; An ink outlet, the ink outlet is communicated with the ink storage cavity and the pressure reducing valve respectively; A bottom shell, the bottom shell comprising a main side wall, a first channel and a second channel, the main side wall being located on a first direction side of the bottom shell, the main side wall being provided with a recessed portion on the first direction side, the ink storage cavity being located on a side opposite to the first direction of the main side wall, the ink storage cavity being connected to the recessed portion through the first channel, and the first direction being parallel to a width direction of the ink cartridge; A lead-out chamber, the lead-out chamber is located at the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve, the ink outlet is communicated with the pressure reducing valve through the lead-out chamber, the recessed portion is communicated with the lead-out chamber through the second channel, a first valve core is provided in the lead-out chamber, the first valve core is used to control the conduction state between the lead-out chamber and the ink outlet, a second valve core is provided in the second channel, the second valve core is used to control the conduction state between the recessed portion and the lead-out chamber; in: The first valve core cuts off the communication between the second channel and the ink outlet by moving in a second direction, and the second valve core cuts off the communication between the recessed portion and the outlet chamber by moving in a third direction, and the second direction is orthogonal to the third direction; The ink cartridge has a filling state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge is in the filling state, the second valve core makes the recessed portion communicate with the outlet chamber, and the first valve core abuts against the second valve core. When the ink cartridge is in the closed state, the second valve core cuts off the communication between the recessed portion and the outlet chamber, and the first valve core cuts off the communication between the outlet chamber and the ink outlet.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second channel is independently arranged on the bottom shell from the first channel.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic sealing member is provided in the outlet chamber, and the sealing member is provided at the second direction end of the outlet chamber. A outlet hole is penetrated through the sealing member, and a tapered portion is provided at the second direction end of the first valve core, and the tapered portion cooperates with the outlet hole. When the ink cartridge is in a closed state, the outer side of the tapered portion abuts against the edge of the outlet hole.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom shell is provided with a partition wall, the partition wall is provided between the second channel and the outlet chamber, the partition wall is provided with a guide through hole, the second valve core is arranged at the guide through hole, the second valve core has a guide column, the guide column and the guide through hole are clearance-matched, a sealing convex ring is provided on the outer side of the guide column, and the diameter of the sealing convex ring is greater than the diameter of the guide through hole; When the ink cartridge is in the closed state, the sealing convex ring abuts against the partition wall, and the third directional end of the guide column is located in the outlet chamber.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second direction is parallel to the partition wall, and the third direction is perpendicular to the partition wall.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: A transmission part is provided at the opposite end of the first valve core in the second direction, and the transmission part has an inclined abutment surface, which can cooperate with the guide column. In the third direction, the edge of the inclined abutment surface in the second direction is located on the rear side of the edge of the inclined abutment surface opposite to the second direction.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transmission part also includes a vertical abutment surface, which is located on the second direction side of the inclined abutment surface, and the extension direction of the vertical abutment surface is parallel to the second direction. When the ink cartridge is in the filling state, the guide column abuts against the vertical abutment surface.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink storage chamber includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the first channel includes a first branch and a second branch, the first branch is used to connect the recessed portion with the first sub-chamber, and the second branch is used to connect the recessed portion with the second sub-chamber.

9. A method for recycling ink cartridges, characterized in that: have: A process for preparing the ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A process of using a first jig to push the first valve core so that the ink cartridge is in the filling state.

10. The ink cartridge recycling method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method further includes a step of using a second jig to transport ink to the first channel and the second channel through the recessed portion.

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