Ink cartridge and ink cartridge recycling method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an ink cartridge and an ink cartridge recycling method, comprising: an ink storage chamber; a pressure reducing valve; an ink outlet; a bottom shell, comprising a main side wall, a first channel and a second channel, a recessed portion being provided on a first direction side of the main side wall, the ink storage chamber and the recessed portion being communicated with each other through the first channel; a lead-out chamber, the recessed portion being communicated with the lead-out chamber through a second channel, a first valve core being provided in the lead-out chamber, and a second valve core being provided in the second channel; wherein: the ink cartridge has a filled state and a closed state, and when the ink cartridge is in the filled state, the second valve core connects the recessed portion with the lead-out chamber. 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 being provided in the lead-out chamber and the second channel, respectively. When the ink cartridge is in the filled state, controlling the second valve core can connect the lead-out chamber and the recessed portion, thereby allowing ink to be injected into the lead-out chamber from the recessed portion via the second channel, thereby reducing the difficulty of ink injection.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A small-capacity ink cartridge currently includes a liquid channel, a pressure-reducing valve, and an ink outlet for engaging with an ink supply needle on the printer side. The liquid channel includes a lead-out channel connecting the pressure-reducing valve and the ink outlet, and a supply channel located upstream of the pressure-reducing valve. Existing manufacturing processes utilize existing channel structures in the cartridge housing for ink filling, and these channel structures are all connected to the supply channel.

[0003] Air bubbles drawn into the ink supply needle can cause dry ink jets in printers. Refilling the ink delivery channel is the primary solution for this problem. Existing processes require a special device to maintain the pressure relief valve open to allow ink to flow into the delivery channel, making this difficult. Therefore, it was necessary to improve the original ink cartridge structure to facilitate ink filling into the delivery 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 problem existing in the current small-capacity ink cartridge when filling ink into the outlet channel, and to achieve ink filling into the outlet channel at the same time as 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 upstream of the pressure reducing valve;

[0008] an ink outlet, the ink outlet being communicated with the ink storage chamber 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 of the main side wall opposite to the first direction, the ink storage cavity being connected to the recessed portion via 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 being located on a downstream side of the pressure reducing valve, the ink outlet being in communication with the pressure reducing valve via the lead-out chamber, the recessed portion being in communication with the lead-out chamber via a second passage, a first valve core being provided in the lead-out chamber for controlling a communication state between the lead-out chamber and the ink outlet, and a second valve core being provided in the second passage for controlling a communication 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, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the third direction;

[0013] The ink cartridge has a filled state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge is in the filled state, the second valve core connects the recessed portion with the outlet chamber, and the first valve core and the second valve core abut against each other.

[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 provided 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, and 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] In the ink cartridge described above, preferably, a partition wall is provided on the bottom shell, the partition wall being provided between the second channel and the outlet chamber, the partition wall being provided with a guide hole, the second valve core being disposed at the guide hole, the second valve core having a guide post, the guide post being loosely fitted with the guide hole, a sealing convex ring being provided on an outer side of the guide post, the diameter of the sealing convex ring being larger than the diameter of the guide 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] The 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 filled 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 includes 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, which reduces the difficulty of ink injection and facilitates operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view 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 Enlarged view of the part A in the middle;

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

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Front view of

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the middle part B;

[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] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention taken along a second direction;

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of the middle part C;

[0038] Figure 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] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection between the ink filling member and the ink cartridge provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 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-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 channel, 162 - second branch channel, 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 - outlet chamber, 51 - first valve core, 511 - tapered portion, 512 - transmission portion, 5121 - inclined abutment surface, 5122 - first edge, 5123 - second edge, 5124 - vertical abutment surface, 52 - sealing member, 521 - outlet 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, and are not to 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 relative to each other in the height direction of the ink cartridge 100, the front wall 13 and the rear wall 14 are arranged relative to each other in the length direction of the ink cartridge 100, and the main side wall 15 and the face cover 120 are arranged relative to each other in the width direction of the ink cartridge 100. 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. 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. This partition film 110 is welded to the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 to isolate all flow paths and flow holes on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 from the outside world. When the ink cartridge 100 is in use (installed upright in the mounting cavity of the printing device), the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of gravity) is the second direction D2, i.e., the direction from the top wall 11 toward the bottom wall 12. The direction from the bottom wall 12 toward the top wall 11 is the height direction of the ink cartridge 100. The direction from the rear wall 14 toward the front wall 13 is the third direction D3, i.e., the length direction of the ink cartridge 100.

[0055] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a chip 130 and a handle 140. Both are located on the front wall 13 of the bottom housing 10. The chip 130 is located near the lower end of the front wall 13, and the handle 140 is located near the upper end of the front wall 13. The handle 140 is located 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 terminals of the chip 130 contact and electrically connect with the printer's contact pins, allowing the printer to read the information about the ink cartridge 100. The handle 140 is swingably connected to the front wall 13 and is provided with a structure for engaging with the printing device to secure the ink cartridge 100 in place. When removing the ink cartridge 100, the handle 140 is swung to release its engagement with 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 an outlet 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. 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 and the ink outlet 40 are connected 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 a printing device as follows: 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 and upstream pressures is greater than a preset value, the pressure reducing valve 30 is in an open state, allowing the ink in the ink storage chamber 20 to be discharged from the ink outlet 40 through 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 and upstream pressures is less than a preset value, the pressure reducing valve 30 is in a closed state, preventing the ink in the ink storage chamber 20 from flowing out of 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 uses a special device to maintain the pressure reducing valve 30 in an open state, and then inject 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 Figure 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 communication between the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40. When the first valve core 51 moves in the second direction D2, the communication between the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40 is cut off. When the first valve core 51 moves in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, the outlet chamber 50 and the ink outlet 40 are connected.

[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 filled state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge 100 is in the filled state, the first valve core 51 moves in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 until it abuts against the second valve core 171, causing the second valve core 171 to move in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. The recessed portion 18 is now connected to the outlet chamber 50. Ink can then be injected into the recessed portion 18 to fill the outlet chamber 50. Thus, when the ink cartridge 100 has just been replaced, the ink supply needle can draw the ink filled in the outlet chamber 50. Subsequently, the ink in the ink storage chamber 20, under the action of the pressure differential, can be continuously replenished into the outlet chamber 50 through the pressure reducing valve 30 and drawn by the ink supply needle, thereby preventing dry ejection in the printer. 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 in the process of supplying ink to the printing device, the first valve core 51 is moved a distance in the opposite direction of the second direction D2 and then abutted against the second valve core 171. After the first valve core 51 and the second valve core 171 abut against each other, 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 through 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 addition, during the ink supply process of the ink cartridge 100, there is no need to use special devices to maintain the pressure reducing valve 30 in an open state to inject ink into the outlet chamber 50, which is simple to operate.

[0065] In the embodiments provided in this application, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the second channel 17 is independently arranged on the bottom shell 10 from 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 portions 18 include two, and the two recessed portions 18 are spaced apart along the third direction D3 on the main side wall 15, and are both connected to 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 portions 18. Here, it is preferred to inject ink into the recessed portion 18 close to the chip 130 so that the filled ink can enter the ink storage chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 50 respectively through the first channel 16 and the second channel 17. The use of the independently arranged first channel 16 and the second channel 17 for simultaneous filling is beneficial to improving the filling efficiency of the ink storage chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 50, and improving the uniformity of the ink filled in the ink storage chamber 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 in this application, Figure 8 and Figure 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 is abutted against the inner wall surface of the ink outlet 40. A guide 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 guide hole 521. Since the sealing member 52 is elastic, the outer side of the tapered portion 511 can be in close contact with the edge of the guide hole 521, thereby preventing ink from flowing out of the ink outlet 40.

[0067] In a feasible embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 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 provided between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50. In order to provide 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 the opposite direction of the second direction D2, thereby realizing the movement of the second valve core 171 in the second direction D2 and 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 protrusion 1712 is provided on the outer side of the guide column 1711. The diameter of the sealing protrusion 1712 is larger than the diameter of the guide hole 191. When the ink cartridge 100 is in a closed state, the sealing protrusion 1712 abuts against the partition wall 19 to close the guide 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 filled 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 back and make the second channel 17 connect with the outlet chamber 50.

[0069] Further, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 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 oblique abutment surface 5121 and a vertical abutment surface 5124. The oblique abutment surface 5121 includes a first edge 5122 and a second edge 5123 arranged along the third direction D3. The oblique abutment surface 5121 can cooperate with the guide column 1711. In the third direction D3, the edge of the oblique abutment surface 5121 located in the second direction D2 (i.e., the first edge 5122) is located behind the edge of the oblique abutment surface 5121 opposite to 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 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 Figure 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 by 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 is in abutment with 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 in abutment with the partition wall 19, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 As shown, an outer wall 151 is 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 aspect ratio of the recessed portion 18 is 2:1-4:1. The smaller aspect ratio of the recessed portion 18 is beneficial for 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 are arranged along the first direction D1 and through the main side wall 15. 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 a first section 183 is formed 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. 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. 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 Figure 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 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, thereby making the first recess 181 and the second recess 182 interconnected. When filling ink, the ink can be injected from any one of the recesses 18 to simultaneously fill the ink storage chamber 20 and the outlet chamber 50. 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 recess 182 for ink filling. If ink is filled through the first recess 181, 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 cartridges 100 are prepared, specifically, the ink cartridges 100 that have been used up are collected and recycled after being cleaned, dried, and processed. 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 filled state.

[0078] A process of supplying 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 using a third jig 400 to suck the ink cartridge 100 and using a fourth jig 500 to block the gas passage of the ink cartridge 100. The order of the above process descriptions is not the actual execution order, and the execution order shall be subject to the relevant description below.

[0080] Reference Figure 10As shown, the first fixture 200 is a pusher 201, which is located at the ink outlet 40. When the ink cartridge 100 is being filled, the pusher 201 is pushed from the ink outlet 40 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2, causing the end of the pusher 201 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 to abut against the first valve core 51, thereby pushing the first valve core 51 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2. This, in turn, causes the first valve core 51 to abut against the second valve core 171, and then drives the second valve core 171 to retreat in the direction opposite to the third direction D3, thereby achieving communication between the second channel 17 and the outlet chamber 50, thereby facilitating ink injection from the recessed portion 18 into the outlet chamber 50. During the pushing process, the end of the pusher 201 in the second direction D2 forms an interference fit with the outlet hole 521 on the sealing member 52, thereby preventing 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, and 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, causing the first valve core 51 to move 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 vacuuming is completed, ink can be added to 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 or liquid leakage during the ink filling process. Figure 12 As shown, the ink filling member 301 and the ink cartridge 100 are enclosed in the first direction D1 of the main side wall 15 to form a transfer interval 150, and the transfer interval 150 includes at least a portion of the first interval 183, and the transfer interval 150 is connected to the first channel 16 and the second channel 17, that is, the transfer interval 150 includes at least a portion of the first interval 183 that is connected to the first channel 16 and the second channel 17, so that the ink filling member 301 can pass through the transfer interval 150 (which can be understood as the first interval 183 here) through the first channel 16 and the second channel 17 to simultaneously fill ink into the first sub-chamber 21 and the second sub-chamber 22.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figure 12As shown, the ink injection member 301 includes a main body 3011 and a resilient sealing portion 3012. The main body 3011 is located on the first direction D1 side of the sealing portion 3012. The ink injection member 301 has an input channel 3013 that communicates with the transfer zone 150. The input channel 3013 runs through the main body 3011 and the sealing portion 3012 and can be directly or indirectly connected to an external ink storage device (such as an ink tank). At least a portion of the sealing portion 3012 and the ink cartridge 100 on the first direction D1 side of the main side wall 15 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, pushing the first valve core 51 to suction the interior of the ink cartridge 100 through the ink outlet 40 to remove air or residual ink from the ink cartridge 100. Before suction, the air passage is first blocked by the blocking member 501 to prevent external air from entering the ink cartridge 100, thereby forming a negative pressure state inside the ink cartridge 100, that is, the pressure inside the ink cartridge 100 is lower than the external air pressure. This allows the ink to flow efficiently into the ink cartridge 100 during ink filling. In the embodiment provided by this application, the suction member 401 is a hard tube that pushes the first valve core 51 to open the ink outlet 40. The suction member 401 draws a vacuum from the ink outlet 40. During the suction process, the suction member 401 and the sealing member 52 form an interference fit, thereby allowing the suction process to proceed smoothly. After the vacuuming is completed, the suction member 401 is removed, and the blocking member 501 remains 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 outside 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 embodiment, the recycling method of the ink cartridge 100 of the present application is as follows: use the fourth fixture 500 to block the gas channel on the ink cartridge 100, then use the third fixture 400 to vacuum the inside of the ink cartridge 100 through the ink outlet 40. After the vacuum is completed, use the first fixture 200 to push the first valve core 51 to move a distance in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. Then, the inclined 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 pushed into contact with the guide column 1711 of the second valve core 171. 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 conductive state. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 is in a filled state, and the second fixture 300 is then used to inject 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, and the first fixture 200 and the first valve core 51 are released from the state of abutment, 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 jig 300 and the fourth jig 500, it is necessary to repair the partition wall membrane 110 damaged by the second jig 300 and the fourth jig 500, and finally weld the air guide membrane that seals the air inlet 152 and the sealing membrane that seals the ink outlet 40, and reset or replace the chip 130 to complete the recycling and reuse 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 scope of implementation of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, which do not exceed the spirit covered by the description and drawings, should be within the scope of protection 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 upstream of the pressure reducing valve; ink outlet; 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 of the main side wall opposite to the first direction, the ink storage cavity being connected to the recessed portion via the first channel, and the first direction being parallel to a width direction of the ink cartridge; a lead-out chamber, the ink storage chamber, the pressure reducing valve and the ink outlet are communicated with each other, the pressure reducing valve and the ink outlet are communicated with each other through the lead-out chamber, the lead-out chamber is located on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve, the ink outlet and the pressure reducing valve are communicated with each other through the lead-out chamber, the recessed portion and the lead-out chamber are communicated with each other 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, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the third direction; The ink cartridge has a filled state and a closed state. When the ink cartridge is in the filled state, the second valve core connects the recessed portion with the outlet chamber, and the first valve core and the second valve core abut against each other. 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, wherein The second channel is independently provided on the bottom shell from the first channel.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein 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. An outlet hole is penetrated through the sealing member. 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, wherein The bottom shell is provided with a partition wall, the partition wall being provided between the second channel and the outlet chamber, the partition wall being provided with a guide hole, the second valve core being arranged at the guide hole, the second valve core having a guide post, the guide post being loosely fitted with the guide hole, a sealing convex ring being provided on the outer side of the guide post, the diameter of the sealing convex ring being larger than the diameter of the guide 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, wherein: 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, wherein: 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 behind the edge of the inclined abutment surface opposite to the second direction.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The transmission part also includes a vertical abutment surface, which 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. 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, wherein 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 and the first sub-chamber, and the second branch is used to connect the recessed portion and 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 filled state.

10. The ink cartridge recycling method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The method further includes using a second jig to transport ink to the first channel and the second channel through the recessed portion.

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