Ink adding tool for ink box and using method of ink adding tool

Abstract

A clamping protrusion is arranged on the outer side of an ink box, the ink box ink adding tool comprises an ink adding container and an adapter detachably connected with the ink box, the adapter comprises a base plate and a flow path part arranged on the base plate in a penetrating mode in the first direction, the flow path part is used for communicating the ink adding container with the ink box, and the adapter further comprises a clamping part matched with the clamping protrusion; the ink adding container is provided with an ink storage cavity for storing ink and a leading-out part for leading out the ink, the flow path part comprises a first pipe fitting and a second pipe fitting which are communicated with each other, the first pipe fitting and the second pipe fitting are located on the two opposite sides of the base plate in the first direction respectively, and the base plate is provided with a surrounding part abutting against the leading-out part in the first direction on the outer side of the first pipe fitting; the size of at least part of the enclosure part in the first direction is larger than that of the first pipe fitting in the first direction, the first pipe fitting penetrates into the leading-out part to be communicated with the ink storage cavity, and the second pipe fitting penetrates into the joint cavity to abut against the movable valve element and is communicated with the ink cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of image forming, and in particular to an ink cartridge ink-refilling tool and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] There is a type of large-capacity ink cartridge that has an outlet part with a valve structure and is relatively expensive. In order to reduce the cost of use, users have the need to add ink by themselves to achieve cartridge reuse. Relevant manufacturers have also launched product solutions that can add ink from the outlet part. However, the matching stability of the filling container and ink cartridge of this type of solution is poor. During the ink adding process, the user needs to manually straighten the filling container and ink cartridge, otherwise it is easy to cause ink leakage due to alignment deviation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, the present invention provides an ink cartridge refilling tool, the ink cartridge having an open coupling chamber and an ink chamber, the ink cartridge further having a movable valve core for changing the communication state between the ink chamber and the coupling chamber, and a locking protrusion provided on the outer side of the ink cartridge.

[0004] The ink cartridge refilling tool includes an ink refill container and an adapter detachably connected to the ink cartridge, the adapter including a base plate and a flow path portion extending through the base plate in a first direction, the flow path portion being used to conduct communication between the ink refill container and the ink cartridge, and the adapter also including a locking portion that cooperates with the locking protrusion;

[0005] The ink refill container comprises an ink storage chamber for storing ink and a discharge portion for discharging ink. The flow path portion comprises a first tube member and a second tube member that are interconnected. The first tube member and the second tube member are located on opposite sides of a substrate in a first direction. The substrate is provided with a blocking portion on the outside of the first tube member that abuts against the discharge portion in the first direction.

[0006] The dimension of at least part of the enclosing portion in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the first tube in the first direction. The first tube passes through the outlet portion and is connected to the ink storage chamber. The second tube passes through the coupling chamber, abuts against the movable valve core and is connected to the ink chamber.

[0007] The present invention provides a blocking portion on the adapter to guide the docking between the first tube and the outlet portion, thereby suppressing the inclination of the ink filling container relative to the first direction, improving the connection stability between the adapter and the ink filling container, and making the ink filling process easier to operate and less likely to leak ink.

[0008] In some embodiments, the enclosure portion includes an outer retaining ring coaxially arranged with the first pipe fitting, the lead-out portion is a stepped columnar structure, the lead-out portion includes a first step surface that abuts against the outer retaining ring in the first direction, and the size of the outer retaining ring in the first direction is larger than the size of the first pipe fitting in the first direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the enclosure portion further includes an inner retaining ring located between the outer retaining ring and the first pipe member, and in the first direction, the lead-out portion overlaps with the inner retaining ring.

[0010] In some embodiments, the guide portion and the inner retaining ring are configured such that when the guide portion is inserted into the inner retaining ring, the guide portion has a gap portion between the end portion in the first direction and the substrate, and the gap portion is limited between the first tube and the inner retaining ring to form an anti-overflow interval.

[0011] In some embodiments, the enclosure portion further includes a guide rib provided on the inner side of the outer retaining ring, and the lead-out portion further includes a second step surface abutting against the guide rib in the first direction. In the first direction, the guide rib overlaps with the first pipe fitting.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide rib extends along the first direction and is connected to the inner retaining ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the guide rib is disposed between the outer retaining ring and the inner retaining ring, and in the first direction, the lengths of the outer retaining ring, the guide rib, and the inner retaining ring decrease in sequence.

[0014] In some embodiments, the locking protrusions are located on two side walls of the ink cartridge that are opposite to each other in the second direction, an extension portion is provided at both ends of the substrate in the second direction, the locking portion is located at the end of the extension portion in the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the locking portion includes a locking arm and an operating arm that can move in the second direction. There are two locking arms and two operating arms respectively. The locking arm is arranged on the side of the extension portion facing the ink cartridge. The two locking arms are provided with protrusions that cooperate with the locking protrusion on opposite sides in the second direction. The operating arm is arranged on the side of the extension portion facing the ink filling container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the adapter further includes limit retaining rings provided on opposite sides of the outer retaining ring in the second direction, and each operating arm is located in one limit retaining ring.

[0017] In some embodiments, an outer pressure plate parallel to or coinciding with the plane where the substrate is located is provided on a side of the limiting retaining ring close to the ink cartridge in the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, a support member is further included for fixing the ink cartridge when adding ink to the ink cartridge. The support member has a flat supporting surface and at least one receiving groove for receiving part of the ink cartridge.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support member is a fixed structure, or the support member is a foldable plate-like structure.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for using an ink cartridge refilling tool, which is used to configure the ink cartridge refilling tool onto an ink cartridge. The method for using the ink cartridge refilling tool comprises the following steps:

[0021] S1: Place the ink cartridge with the engagement chamber facing upwards;

[0022] S2: inserting the second tube into the joint cavity so that it abuts against the movable valve core and communicates with the ink cavity, and engaging the engaging portion with the engaging protrusion;

[0023] S3: Insert the lead-out portion downward into the enclosure portion, and the first tube passes through the lead-out portion to communicate with the ink storage chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ink cartridge refilling tool further comprises a support member for fixing the ink cartridge when refilling the ink cartridge, the support member having a flat supporting surface and at least one receiving groove for receiving a portion of the ink cartridge;

[0025] In step S1, the ink cartridge is placed with the engaging cavity facing upward, and the end portion of the ink cartridge where the recessed portion is provided is placed in the receiving groove of the support member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the enclosure portion includes an outer retaining ring coaxially disposed with the first tube, the lead-out portion is a stepped columnar structure, the lead-out portion includes a first step surface abutting against the outer retaining ring in the first direction, and the dimension of the outer retaining ring in the first direction is greater than the dimension of the first tube in the first direction;

[0027] The enclosure portion further includes an inner retaining ring located between the outer retaining ring and the first pipe member, and in the first direction, the lead-out portion and the inner retaining ring overlap;

[0028] The enclosing portion further includes a guide rib provided on the inner side of the outer retaining ring, and the lead-out portion further includes a second step surface abutting against the guide rib in the first direction, and in the first direction, the guide rib overlaps with the first pipe member;

[0029] In step S3, when the lead-out part is inserted downward into the enclosure part, the first step surface abuts against the outer retaining ring in the first direction, the second step surface abuts against the guide rib in the first direction, and the end of the lead-out part in the first direction is inserted into the inner retaining ring. A gap portion is formed between the end of the lead-out part in the first direction and the substrate, and the gap portion is confined between the first pipe fitting and the inner retaining ring to form an anti-overflow interval. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the docking state of the ink cartridge refilling tool and the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3This is a schematic structural diagram of an adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge refilling tool and the ink cartridge in a docking state according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of point A;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a support member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of the support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0039] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a black ink cartridge placed on a support member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a color ink cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention placed on a support member;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of a support member according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic structural diagram of a supporting member according to a second embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the support member of the second embodiment of the present invention when it is laid flat;

[0044] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the folding process of the support member according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Reference numerals:

[0046] Ink cartridge 1; top wall 111; bottom wall 112; side wall 113; front wall 114; rear wall 115; recess 116; first wall 117; second wall 118; latching protrusion 119; gas-liquid exchange portion 120; engaging cavity 121; ink cavity 122; movable valve core 123; elastic member 124; ink storage member 125; adapter 126; chip 127;

[0047] Ink refill container 2; ink storage chamber 21; outlet portion 22; first step surface 221; second step surface 222; self-sealing valve 23; sealing ring 24;

[0048] Adapter 3; base plate 31; flow path 32; first pipe 321; second pipe 322; enclosure 33; outer retaining ring 331; inner retaining ring 332; guide rib 333; overflow prevention section 34; extension 35; engaging arm 361; protrusion 3611; operating arm 362; limit retaining ring 37; outer pressure plate 38;

[0049] Support member 4; supporting surface 41; accommodating groove 42; side baffle 421; first side baffle 4211; second side baffle 4212; rear baffle 422; first rear baffle 4221; second rear baffle 4222; lower support wall 423; first lower support wall 4231; second lower support wall 4232; third lower support wall 4233; first folding line 431; second folding line 432; third folding line 433; fourth folding line 434; fifth folding line 435; rectangular hollow portion 44; first cutting line 451; second cutting line 452; first insertion portion 461; second insertion portion 462; third insertion portion 463; fourth insertion portion 464. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0052] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "fix" and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "install" and "connect" can be fixed connections or movable connections, and "fix" can be non-detachable fixed connections or removable fixed connections. Among them, "non-detachable fixed connection" can be that the two are separated and then installed, or the two are directly integrated; it can be a mechanical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0054] In the above description, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0055] The present invention provides an ink cartridge refilling tool, which is used for refilling ink into an ink cartridge 1.

[0056] See Figure 1-2 The ink cartridge 1 of this embodiment has the following structure: with the height direction of the ink cartridge 1 as a first direction, the first direction is parallel to the plumb bob direction, the ink cartridge 1 has a top wall 111 and a bottom wall 112 opposite to each other in the first direction, with the width direction of the ink cartridge 1 as a second direction, the ink cartridge 1 has two side walls 113 opposite to each other in the second direction, with the length direction of the ink cartridge 1 as a third direction, the ink cartridge 1 has a front wall 114 and a rear wall 115 opposite to each other in the third direction, and the ink cartridge 1 can be moved along the third direction (specifically, Figure 1Insert the box mounting portion of the printing device horizontally (with the arrow in the third direction pointing to the right).

[0057] See Figure 1-7 The ink cartridge 1 includes an ink storage member 125 and an adapter 126. The ink storage member 125 is provided with an ink chamber 122 (, and the adapter 126 is provided with a chip 127 and a gas-liquid exchange portion 120. The gas-liquid exchange portion 120 is used to exchange fluid with the outside. In this embodiment, the top wall 111 of the ink cartridge 1 is formed on the ink storage member 125, and the bottom wall 112 is formed on the adapter 126. The front wall 114, the rear wall 115 and the side wall 113 of the ink cartridge all include a portion formed on the ink storage member 125 and a portion formed on the adapter 126. The liquid exchange portion 120 is disposed on the bottom wall 112. In the third direction, the distance from the gas-liquid exchange portion 120 to the rear wall 115 is shorter than the distance from the gas-liquid exchange portion 120 to the front wall 114. The ink cartridge 1 has a recessed portion 116 at the intersection of the top wall 111 and the rear wall 115. The recessed portion 116 includes a first wall 117 and a second wall 118 intersecting with each other. The first wall 117 is connected to the top wall 111, and the second wall 118 is connected to the rear wall 115. The two side walls 113 of the ink cartridge 1 that oppose each other in the second direction are provided with latching protrusions 119 on the portion of the adapter 126.

[0058] The gas-liquid exchange portion 120 of the ink cartridge 1 is inwardly connected to the joining chamber 121 and the ink chamber 122. The gas-liquid exchange portion 120 is an opening formed on the bottom wall 112 of the joining chamber 121 that faces the outside. The ink chamber 122 is used to store ink. The ink cartridge 1 also includes a movable valve core 123 for changing the connection between the ink chamber 122 and the joining chamber 121. An elastic member 124 is disposed between the movable valve core 123 and the ink chamber 122. For illustration purposes, assuming the bottom wall 112 of the ink cartridge 1 is facing upward, when the movable valve core 123 is moved downward by an external force, the elastic member 124 is compressed, connecting the joining chamber 121 and the ink chamber 122, allowing the ink chamber 122 to exchange gas and liquid with the outside. When the external force on the movable valve core 123 is removed, the elastic member 124 returns the movable valve core 123 to its original position, disconnecting the joining chamber 121 and the ink chamber 122, and preventing the ink chamber 122 from exchanging gas and liquid with the outside.

[0059] See Figure 1 The ink cartridge refilling tool includes an ink refilling container 2 and an adapter 3 detachably connected to the ink cartridge 1. The ink refilling container 2 has an ink storage cavity 21 for storing ink and a lead-out portion 22 for leading out ink.

[0060] See Figure 3-7The adapter 3 includes a base plate 31 and a flow path portion 32 extending through the base plate 31 along a first direction. The flow path portion 32 is oriented in the first direction and serves to connect the ink refill container 2 and the ink cartridge 1. The flow path portion 32 includes a first tube member 321 and a second tube member 322 that communicate with each other. The first tube member 321 and the second tube member 322 are located on opposite sides of the base plate 31 in the first direction. The base plate 31 is provided with a retaining portion 33 on the outside of the first tube member 321 that abuts against the outlet portion 22 in the first direction. The retaining portion 33 has at least a portion with a larger dimension in the first direction than the first tube member 321. That is, at least a portion of the retaining portion 33 has a larger dimension in the first direction than the first tube member 321. The first tube member 321 passes through the outlet portion 22 and communicates with the ink storage chamber 21. The second tube member 322 passes through the coupling chamber 121, abuts against the movable valve core 123, and communicates with the ink chamber 122. A sealing ring 24 may also be provided in the coupling cavity 121 for interference fit with the outer wall of the second tube 322 to prevent ink leakage.

[0061] Specifically, the retaining portion 33 includes an outer retaining ring 331 coaxially arranged with the first tube 321. The outlet portion 22 has a stepped columnar structure and includes a first stepped surface 221 that abuts against the outer retaining ring 331 in the first direction. The outer retaining ring 331 has a larger dimension in the first direction than the first tube 321. The retaining portion 33 also includes an inner retaining ring 332 positioned between the outer retaining ring 331 and the first tube 321. In the first direction, the outlet portion 22 and the inner retaining ring 332 overlap. The retaining portion 33 also includes a guide rib 333 disposed on the inner side of the outer retaining ring 331. The outlet portion 22 also includes a second stepped surface 222 that abuts against the guide rib 333 in the first direction. In the first direction, the guide rib 333 overlaps with the first tube 321. Specifically, the guide rib 333 extends along the first direction and is connected to the inner retaining ring 332. The guide rib 333 is arranged between the outer retaining ring 331 and the inner retaining ring 332. In the first direction, the lengths of the outer retaining ring 331, the guide rib 333 and the inner retaining ring 332 decrease in sequence.

[0062] See Figure 7 In this embodiment, the guide portion 22 and the inner retaining ring 332 are configured so that when the guide portion 22 is inserted into the inner retaining ring 332, a gap portion is provided between the end portion of the guide portion 22 in the first direction and the substrate 31, and the gap portion is limited between the first tube 321 and the inner retaining ring 332 to form an anti-overflow interval 34.

[0063] See also Figure 3-7Furthermore, in this embodiment, the substrate 31 is provided with extensions 35 at both ends in the second direction. The adapter 3 also includes a locking portion that cooperates with the locking protrusion 119. The locking portion is located at the end of the extension 35 in the second direction. Specifically, the locking portion includes a locking arm 361 and an operating arm 362 that can move in the second direction. There are two locking arms 361 and two operating arms 362, respectively. The locking arm 361 is provided on the side of the extension 35 facing the ink cartridge 1 (i.e., the downward side). The two locking arms 361 are provided with a protrusion 3611 that cooperates with the locking protrusion 119 on opposite sides in the second direction. The operating arm 362 is provided on the side of the extension 35 facing the ink refill container 2 (i.e., the upward side). The adapter 3 also includes a limiting retaining ring 37 provided on opposite sides of the outer retaining ring 331 in the second direction. Each operating arm 362 is located within a limiting retaining ring 37. The limiting retaining ring 37 is used to protect the operating arm 362 and limit its range of motion. An external pressure plate 38 is provided on the side of the limit ring 37 close to the ink cartridge 1 in the first direction (i.e., the downward side) and is parallel to the plane of the substrate 31 or coincides with the plane of the substrate 31. The external pressure plate 38 is used to provide an auxiliary force point for the user when installing the adapter 3 to the ink cartridge 1.

[0064] See Figure 6-7 When the locking cam 331 is unlocked, the locking cam 332 is unlocked, and the locking cam 333 is unlocked, so that the locking cam 333 can be unlocked. The inner retaining ring 332 serves the dual functions of alignment and forming an anti-overflow section 34. When docked, i.e., in the ink filling state, the outlet portion 22 abuts against the outer retaining ring 331 and the guide ribs 333 in the first direction, ensuring a stable connection between the adapter 3 and the ink container 2. Furthermore, a gap exists between the first-direction end of the outlet portion 22 and the base plate 31, forming the anti-overflow section 34. The abutment between the first and second step surfaces 221, 222 of the outlet portion 22, the outer retaining ring 331, and the guide ribs 333 enhances the stability of the fit between the ink container 2 and the adapter 3. The guide ribs 333 and inner retaining ring 332 suppress any tilting of the ink container 2 relative to the first direction. Even minor ink leakage due to tilting of the ink container 2 is confined to the anti-overflow section 34, making it easier to clean and less likely to contaminate other parts of the ink container 2 and the adapter 3.

[0065] See Figure 8-9 Preferably, the ink cartridge refilling tool of this embodiment further comprises a support member 4 for fixing the ink cartridge 1 when refilling the ink cartridge 1. The support member 4 has a flat support surface 41. The support surface 41 may or may not have a hollow structure. In this embodiment, the support surface 41 has a hollow structure (see Figure 9 ), in order to reduce the overall weight of the support member 4, the support member 4 has at least one accommodating groove 42 for accommodating part of the ink cartridge 1, specifically, see Figure 1 、 2 , the recessed portion 116 at least partially overlaps with the support member 4 in the first direction. In the first direction, the rear wall 115 overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, that is, in the first direction, the accommodating groove 42 exceeds the recessed portion 116 in height. Since the gas-liquid exchange portion 120 is arranged near one end of the rear wall 115 of the ink cartridge 1, arranging the support member 4 to cooperate with the end of the ink cartridge 1 near the rear wall 115 helps to improve the support stability and is conducive to the miniaturization of the support member 4. Furthermore, considering the presence of the recessed portion 116 at the above-mentioned end, the accommodating groove 42 of the support member 4 is arranged to accommodate a part of one end of the ink cartridge 1 and exceed the recessed portion 116 in height, which can further ensure the stability of the cooperation with the end of the ink cartridge 1, and is conducive to maintaining the cooperation posture between the ink container 2 and the adapter 3 and the ink cartridge 1 and preventing ink leakage.

[0066] Preferably, in the third direction, the second wall 118 at least partially overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, that is, the second wall 118 partially overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, or the second wall 118 completely overlaps with the accommodating groove 42. In this embodiment, the second wall 118 preferably overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, that is, in the third direction, the second wall 118 is completely located within the accommodating groove 42. In the third direction, the first wall 117 at least partially overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, that is, the first wall 117 partially overlaps with the accommodating groove 42, or the first wall 117 completely overlaps with the accommodating groove 42.

[0067] Preferably, in the first direction, the support surface 41 is flush with the top wall 111, that is, the support surface 41 and the top wall 111 are located on the same plane, so that the support of the ink cartridge 1 is more stable. In the third direction, the top wall 111 partially overlaps with the receiving groove 42 or does not overlap at all, that is, the top wall 111 is partially located within the receiving groove 42, or the top wall 111 is completely located outside the receiving groove 42.

[0068] See Figure 8Preferably, the inner side of the accommodating groove 42 further comprises two side walls 421 opposing each other in the second direction. The spacing between the two side walls 421 in the second direction is no less than the spacing between the two side walls 113 in the second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first and third directions. The inner side of the accommodating groove 42 further comprises a rear wall 422 that cooperates with the rear wall 115. The inner side of the accommodating groove 42 further comprises a lower support wall 423 that cooperates with the first wall 117 and / or the second wall 118. The side walls 421 cooperate with the two side walls 113 of the ink cartridge 1 to limit the ink cartridge 1 in the second direction. The rear wall 422 cooperates with the rear wall 115 of the ink cartridge 1 to limit the ink cartridge 1 in the third direction. The lower support wall 423 cooperates with the first wall 117 and / or the second wall 118 of the ink cartridge 1 to limit the ink cartridge 1 in the first direction. The above arrangement improves the support stability of the ink cartridge 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the side blocking walls 421 include two opposing first side blocking walls 4211 and two opposing second side blocking walls 4212. In the second direction, the distance between the two first side blocking walls 4211 is smaller than the distance between the two second side blocking walls 4212. The rear blocking wall 422 includes a first rear blocking wall 4221 and a second rear blocking wall 4222. In the third direction, the first rear blocking wall 4221 is connected between the two first side blocking walls 4211, and the second rear blocking wall 4222 is connected between the first side blocking wall 4211 and the second side blocking wall 4212. The lower support wall 423 includes a first lower support wall 4231, a second lower support wall 4232 and a third lower support wall 4233. In the first direction, the first lower support wall 4231 and the second lower support wall 4232 are flush, and the third lower support wall 4233 is lower than the first lower support wall 4231 and the second lower support wall 4232; the first lower support wall 4231 is connected between the first rear barrier wall 4221 and the first side barrier wall 4211, the second lower support wall 4232 is connected between the second rear barrier wall 4222 and the second side barrier wall 4212, and the third lower support wall 4233 is located between the two second lower support walls 4232.

[0070] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 1 has two sizes. The black ink cartridge and the color ink cartridge have different capacities. Therefore, the two types of ink cartridges 1 have different sizes in the second direction. Among them, the black ink cartridge has a larger thickness in the second direction. Figure 10 When the black ink cartridge is supported by the support member 4, the black ink cartridge is placed on the two second lower support walls 4232, the two side walls 113 of the black ink cartridge cooperate with the second side walls 4212, and the rear wall 115 of the black ink cartridge cooperates with the two second rear walls 4222. The thickness of the color ink cartridge in the second direction is smaller, see Figure 11When the color ink cartridge is supported by the support member 4, it is placed on the first lower support wall 4231, the two side walls 113 of the color ink cartridge engage with the first side retaining wall 4211, and the rear wall 115 of the color ink cartridge engages with the first rear retaining wall 4221. The above arrangement of the support member 4 enables it to be adapted for use with ink cartridges 1 of two sizes, increasing the versatility of the support member 4.

[0071] In this embodiment, the support member 4 is a fixed structure. Specifically, the support member 4 can be manufactured in an integral manner. The support member 4 can be a plastic member manufactured in an integral injection molding manner.

[0072] This embodiment also provides a method for using an ink cartridge refilling tool, comprising the following steps:

[0073] S1: Place the ink cartridge 1 and the support member 4: Place the ink cartridge 1 with the coupling cavity 121 facing upward, that is, place the ink cartridge 1 with the top wall 111 facing downward and the bottom wall 112 facing upward, and place the support member 4 at one end of the ink cartridge 1 where the recessed portion 116 is located to support the ink cartridge 1.

[0074] S2: Installing Adapter 3: Insert the second tube 322 of adapter 3 into the coupling chamber 121, where it abuts against the movable valve core 123 and connects with the ink chamber 122. Engage the protrusion 3611 of adapter 3 with the locking protrusion 119 of ink cartridge 1. Specifically, insert the second tube 322 of adapter 3 into the coupling chamber 121, where it abuts against the movable valve core 123 and connects with the ink chamber 122. The lower end of the second tube 322 presses the movable valve core 123, causing it to move downward, connecting the coupling chamber 121 with the ink chamber 122. At the same time, the protrusion 3611 of the adapter 3 is engaged with the locking protrusion 119 of the ink cartridge 1. Specifically, by pressing the adapter 3 downward, the protrusion 3611 on the locking arm 361 passes downward over the locking protrusion 119. During this process, the two locking arms 361 deform in the second direction and move away from each other. After the protrusion 3611 completely passes over the locking protrusion 119, the locking arms 361 recover and move closer to each other in the second direction, so that the protrusion 3611 engages with the locking protrusion 119. During the above force application process, the user can press a finger on the outer pressure plate 38 to apply downward force, thereby pressing the adapter 3 downward, so that the protrusion 3611 engages with the locking protrusion 119.

[0075] S3: Installing the ink refill container 2: Insert the outlet portion 22 of the ink refill container 2 downwardly into the retaining portion 33 of the adapter 3. The first tube 321 of the adapter 3 penetrates the outlet portion 22 and communicates with the ink storage chamber 21 of the ink refill container 2. Specifically, when the outlet portion 22 of the ink refill container 2 is inserted downwardly into the retaining portion 33 of the adapter 3, the first step surface 221 of the outlet portion 22 abuts against the outer retaining ring 331 of the retaining portion 33 in the first direction, and the second step surface 222 of the outlet portion 22 abuts against the guide rib 333 of the retaining portion 33 in the first direction. The end portion of the outlet portion 22 in the first direction is inserted into the inner retaining ring 332 of the retaining portion 33. A gap portion is formed between the end portion of the outlet portion 22 in the first direction and the base plate 31 of the adapter 3. The gap portion is defined between the first tube 321 and the inner retaining ring 332 to form an anti-overflow zone 34. At the same time, the first tube 321 of the adapter 3 penetrates the outlet portion 22 and pierces the self-sealing valve 23 in the outlet portion 22 upwards, so that the first tube 321 is connected to the ink storage chamber 21 of the ink refilling container 2.

[0076] After installation, a fluid channel is formed between the ink container 2 and the ink chamber 122 of the ink cartridge 1 through the adapter 3. In this embodiment, the flow path portion 32 is provided with two channels, namely, two channels are provided in the first tube 321 and the second tube 322, one channel for ink to pass through and the other channel for air to pass through, thereby increasing the efficiency of ink filling. The two channels have a height difference in the first direction, which facilitates the circulation of ink and air in the two channels respectively. Figure 7 The arrow on the left indicates the flow direction of the gas, and the arrow on the right indicates the flow direction of the ink. The ink can also be quickly output from the ink container 2 by squeezing the ink storage cavity 21.

[0077] After ink filling is completed, the ink filling container 2 can be pulled out from the adapter 3 first, and then the two operating arms 362 on the adapter 3 are pressed so that the two operating arms 362 are deformed in the second direction and move toward each other, that is, the distance between the two operating arms 362 in the second direction is reduced. Since the operating arms 362 and the locking arms 361 are connected to each other, the two locking arms 361 move back to back in the second direction, that is, the distance between the two locking arms 361 in the second direction is increased. At this time, an upward force is applied to the adapter 3 so that the protrusion 3611 on the locking arm 361 passes over the locking protrusion 119 upward. After the protrusion 3611 is disengaged from the locking protrusion 119, the operating arm 362 is released, and the deformation of the operating arm 362 and the locking arm 361 is restored. After the second tube 322 of the adapter 3 is separated from the movable valve core 123 , the movable valve core 123 is reset upward under the action of the elastic member 124 , thereby closing the connection between the coupling chamber 121 and the ink chamber 122 .

[0078] The present invention provides a retaining portion on the adapter to guide the connection between the first tube and the outlet, thereby suppressing the tilt of the ink refill container relative to the first direction and improving the stability of the connection between the adapter and the ink refill container. This makes the ink refilling process easier and less prone to ink leakage. The present invention also provides stable support for the ink cartridge through a support member, eliminating the need for the user to manually align and straighten the ink cartridge, making it easier to use.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] See Figure 12-15 This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment, except that the support member 4 of this embodiment is not a fixed structure, but a foldable plate structure.

[0081] Specifically, the support member 4 of this embodiment can be made of a foldable plate-like material such as cardboard. The cardboard can be pre-cut according to the designed shape and pressed with corresponding fold lines to facilitate folding. Before use, the support member 4 can be packaged and shipped flat to improve space utilization and reduce storage and transportation costs. When needed, the user folds the support member 4 according to the pre-designed method, thereby forming a support surface 41 and a receiving groove 42 on the support member 4. The receiving groove 42 is formed with a rear retaining wall 422, a side retaining wall 421, and a lower support wall 423.

[0082] See Figure 14 , the width direction of the support member 4 when it is laid flat is X, the length direction is Y, X and Y are perpendicular, specifically, the support member 4 when it is laid flat has:

[0083] A first folding line 431, a second folding line 432 and a third folding line 433, wherein the first folding line 431, the second folding line 432 and the third folding line 433 are parallel to the X direction and are sequentially arranged in a spaced manner toward the -Y direction;

[0084] The fourth fold line 434 and the fifth fold line 435 are located on the -Y side of the third fold line 433, and the straight line on which the fourth fold line 434 and the fifth fold line 435 lie can intersect with the straight line on which the first fold line 431, the second fold line 432, and the third fold line 433 lie. Preferably, the fourth fold line 434 and the fifth fold line 435 are perpendicular to the first fold line 431, the second fold line 432, and the third fold line 433, are parallel to the Y direction, and are spaced apart along the X direction. In other embodiments, the straight line on which the fourth fold line 434 and the fifth fold line 435 lie can also be inclined to the straight line on which the first fold line 431, the second fold line 432, and the third fold line 433 lie.

[0085] The hollow portion 44 is formed between the first folding line 431 and the third folding line 433. Preferably, the hollow portion 44 can be any shape having two sides parallel to the Y direction. For example, the hollow portion 44 can be a parallelogram or a trapezoid. Further preferably, the hollow portion 44 can be a rectangular hollow portion, whose four rectangular sides are parallel to the X direction or the Y direction respectively, and the rectangular side located on the +Y side coincides with the first folding line, and the rectangular side located on the -Y side coincides with the third folding line.

[0086] The flat support member can be folded in sequence along the first folding line 431, the second folding line 432 and the third folding line 433, its -X side can be folded upward along the fourth folding line 434 to form a wing, and its +X side can be folded upward along the fifth folding line 435 to form a wing, and the portion on the +Y side of the first folding line 431 can be joined to the wing.

[0087] Preferably, the support member 4 further has:

[0088] A first cutting line 451 and a second cutting line 452 are located on the -Y side of the third folding line 433 and are parallel to the X direction. The first cutting line 451 is connected between the fourth folding line 434 and the -X edge of the support 4, and the second cutting line 452 is connected between the fifth folding line 435 and the +X edge of the support 4.

[0089] The first insertion portion 461 and the second insertion portion 462 are parallel to the Y direction, spaced apart in the X direction, and disposed between the first folding line 431 and the +Y edge of the support member 4 ; and

[0090] The third insertion portion 463 and the fourth insertion portion 464 are parallel to the X direction and are located on the same straight line. The third insertion portion 463 extends from the -X edge of the support 4 toward the fourth folding line 434 and is arranged between the first cutting line 451 and the -Y edge of the support 4. The fourth insertion portion 464 extends from the +X edge of the support 4 toward the fifth folding line 435 and is arranged between the second cutting line 452 and the -Y edge of the support 4. The first insertion portion 461 is adapted to the third insertion portion 463, and the second insertion portion 462 is adapted to the fourth insertion portion 464.

[0091] See Figure 15 When folding the support member 4, the cardboard is folded in sequence along the first folding line 431, the second folding line 432 and the third folding line 433, each folding about 90 degrees, and its -X side is folded upward about 90 degrees along the fourth folding line 434, and its +X side is folded upward about 90 degrees along the fifth folding line 435. Then, the first insertion part 461 and the third insertion part 463 are inserted and fixed, and the second insertion part 462 and the fourth insertion part 464 are inserted and fixed.

[0092] See Figure 12-14After folding, a support surface 41 is formed between the third folding line 433 and the first cutting line 451 and the second cutting line 452, a lower support wall 423 is formed in the middle part of the support surface 41 in the X direction, a rear baffle 422 is formed between the first folding line 431, the first insertion portion 461, the second insertion portion 462 and the +Y edge of the support member 4, one of the side baffles 421 is formed between the first cutting line 451, the fourth folding line 434, the third insertion portion 463 and the -X edge of the support member 4, and another side baffle 421 is formed between the second cutting line 452, the fifth folding line 435, the fourth insertion portion 464 and the +X edge of the support member 4, and the opening of the accommodating groove 42 is formed by the rectangular hollow portion 44.

[0093] The support member 4 of Example 1 is compatible with two sizes of ink cartridges 1. In this embodiment, the foldable support member 4 is only configured to be suitable for one size of ink cartridge 1. In other embodiments, the foldable support member 4 can also be configured to have a structure similar to the support member 4 of Example 1 to be suitable for two sizes of ink cartridges 1.

[0094] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, they may make various modifications and improvements, or freely combine the above technical solutions, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge refilling tool, the ink cartridge comprising an open coupling chamber and an ink chamber, the ink cartridge further comprising a movable valve core for changing the communication state between the ink chamber and the coupling chamber, and a retaining protrusion provided on the outer side of the ink cartridge, characterized in that: The ink cartridge refilling tool includes an ink refill container and an adapter detachably connected to the ink cartridge, the adapter including a base plate and a flow path portion extending through the base plate in a first direction, the flow path portion being configured to conduct communication between the ink refill container and the ink cartridge, and the adapter further including a locking portion that engages with the locking protrusion; The ink refill container comprises an ink storage chamber for storing ink and a discharge portion for discharging the ink, the flow path portion comprises a first tube and a second tube that are interconnected, the first tube and the second tube being located on opposite sides of the substrate in a first direction, and the substrate is provided with a blocking portion on the outside of the first tube that abuts against the discharge portion in the first direction; The dimension of at least part of the enclosure portion in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the first tube in the first direction. The first tube passes through the outlet portion and is connected to the ink storage chamber. The second tube passes through the coupling chamber, abuts against the movable valve core, and is connected to the ink chamber.

2. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The enclosure portion includes an outer retaining ring coaxially arranged with the first pipe fitting, the lead-out portion is a stepped columnar structure, the lead-out portion includes a first step surface abutting against the outer retaining ring in the first direction, and the size of the outer retaining ring in the first direction is larger than the size of the first pipe fitting in the first direction.

3. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The enclosure portion further includes an inner retaining ring located between the outer retaining ring and the first pipe member. In a first direction, the lead-out portion overlaps with the inner retaining ring.

4. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lead-out portion and the inner retaining ring are configured such that, when the lead-out portion is inserted into the inner retaining ring, a gap portion is provided between the end portion in the first direction and the substrate, and the gap portion is confined between the first tube and the inner retaining ring to form an anti-overflow interval.

5. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The enclosure portion further includes a guide rib provided on the inner side of the outer retaining ring, and the lead-out portion further includes a second step surface abutting against the guide rib in the first direction. In the first direction, the guide rib overlaps with the first pipe.

6. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide rib extends along a first direction and is connected to the inner retaining ring.

7. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide rib is disposed between the outer retaining ring and the inner retaining ring. In a first direction, the lengths of the outer retaining ring, the guide rib, and the inner retaining ring decrease in sequence.

8. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The locking protrusion is located on two side walls of the ink cartridge that are opposite to each other in the second direction. The substrate is provided with extension parts at both ends of the second direction. The locking part is located at the end of the extension part in the second direction. The second direction intersects with the first direction.

9. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 8, characterized in that: The locking portion includes a locking arm and an operating arm that can move in the second direction. There are two locking arms and two operating arms respectively. The locking arm is arranged on the side of the extension portion facing the ink cartridge. The two locking arms are provided with protrusions that cooperate with the locking protrusion on opposite sides in the second direction. The operating arm is arranged on the side of the extension portion facing the ink filling container.

10. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 9, characterized in that: The adapter also includes limit retaining rings arranged on two opposite sides of the outer retaining ring in the second direction, and each of the operating arms is located in one of the limit retaining rings.

11. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 10, characterized in that: An outer pressure plate is provided on a side of the limiting retaining ring close to the ink cartridge in the first direction and is parallel to or coincides with the plane where the substrate is located.

12. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a support member for fixing the ink cartridge when adding ink to the ink cartridge. The support member has a flat supporting surface and at least one accommodating groove for accommodating part of the ink cartridge.

13. The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 12, characterized in that: The support member is a fixed structure, or the support member is a foldable plate structure.

14. A method for using an ink cartridge refilling tool, characterized in that: The ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 1 is configured on the ink cartridge, and the method for using the ink cartridge refilling tool comprises the following steps: S1: placing the ink cartridge with the engaging cavity facing upward; S2: inserting the second tube into the engaging cavity so that it abuts against the movable valve core and communicates with the ink cavity, and engaging the engaging portion with the engaging protrusion; S3: inserting the lead-out portion downward into the enclosure portion, and the first tube member penetrates the lead-out portion to communicate with the ink storage chamber.

15. The method for using the ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 14, characterized in that: The ink cartridge refilling tool further includes a support member for fixing the ink cartridge when refilling the ink cartridge, wherein the support member has a flat supporting surface and at least one receiving groove for receiving a portion of the ink cartridge; In the step S1, the ink cartridge is placed with the engaging cavity facing upward, and the end portion of the ink cartridge with the recessed portion is placed in the receiving groove of the support member.

16. The method for using the ink cartridge refilling tool according to claim 14, wherein: The enclosure portion includes an outer retaining ring coaxially arranged with the first pipe, the lead-out portion is a stepped columnar structure, the lead-out portion includes a first step surface abutting against the outer retaining ring in a first direction, and the dimension of the outer retaining ring in the first direction is greater than the dimension of the first pipe in the first direction; The enclosure portion further includes an inner retaining ring located between the outer retaining ring and the first pipe member, and in a first direction, the lead-out portion overlaps with the inner retaining ring; The enclosure portion further includes a guide rib provided on the inner side of the outer retaining ring, and the lead-out portion further includes a second step surface abutting against the guide rib in the first direction, and in the first direction, the guide rib overlaps with the first pipe member; In step S3, when the lead-out portion is inserted downward into the enclosure portion, the first step surface abuts against the outer retaining ring in the first direction, the second step surface abuts against the guide rib in the first direction, and the end of the lead-out portion in the first direction is inserted into the inner retaining ring. A gap portion is formed between the end of the lead-out portion in the first direction and the substrate, and the gap portion is confined between the first pipe and the inner retaining ring to form an anti-overflow interval.

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