Regenerative ink cartridge and ink cartridge regeneration method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a regeneration cartridge and a regeneration method of the cartridge, the regeneration assembly being obtained from an original cartridge that can be detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus provided with a stylus, the original cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a chip mount connected to the cartridge body, and a chip mounted on the chip mount, the chip is used for being electrically connected with a contact pin, the ink box main body comprises a container main body used for containing ink and an ink outlet part used for discharging the ink, and the regeneration ink box comprises a recovery cover which is obtained after a cover of an original ink box is recovered and is not transformed; the regeneration container main body is obtained by transforming a container main body of an original ink box; the original ink box is an ink box in which ink is used up; a regeneration container main body in which a part of the regeneration container main body is cut off so that a chamber is exposed to the outside, the regeneration container main body has a chamber that does not directly contain ink, and the chamber is used for placing a containing body containing the ink; a first key part is arranged on the lower surface of the recycling cover, and when the ink box is installed on the ink box installation portion, the first key part enters the first key groove and pushes the ink receiving piece to move from the first position to the second position. And waste and environmental pollution are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of inkjet imaging, specifically relating to an ink cartridge for storing ink, and more specifically to a method for regenerating the ink cartridge and the regenerated ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] An inkjet imaging device, also known as an inkjet printer, typically includes an ink cartridge that stores ink of a certain color and an ink cartridge mounting section for receiving the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge mounting section has multiple mounting slots corresponding to the colors. The ink cartridge mounting section delivers the ink from the ink cartridge to the printhead, and the printhead ejects the ink onto the printing medium to complete the inkjet imaging on the printing medium.

[0003] To enable the imaging device to establish a communication connection with the ink cartridge and thus acquire information from the cartridge, a chip is typically installed inside the cartridge. This chip stores information about the cartridge. When the ink in the cartridge is used up, the user discards the cartridge along with the chip. However, this process is problematic. Firstly, the chip contains metal, which can impact the environment. Secondly, the chip itself is still usable, making its disposal wasteful. Therefore, it is necessary to consider reusing the cartridge, and especially the chip, to reduce waste and mitigate environmental pollution.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, existing technology CN117719256A discloses a chip removal device, a consumable kit, a chip removal and installation method, and a consumable kit. This method involves removing the chip from a depleted ink or toner consumable and installing it into a new consumable for continued use. While this method effectively reduces chip waste and pollution, depleted ink or toner consumables are generally made of non-biodegradable materials and will still be discarded, causing environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the first invention of this invention provides a technical solution using the following method:

[0006] Recycled ink cartridges, obtained from original ink cartridges, which can be detachably installed into an imaging device equipped with styluses, the imaging device comprising:

[0007] The ink cartridge mounting section includes a housing with an internal space, the internal space having multiple mounting slots for mounting ink cartridges, each mounting slot having an ink-absorbing needle; each mounting slot has a left groove on the left side and a right groove on the right side.

[0008] A first keyway is provided in each mounting slot, and each first keyway has a different position relative to the left and right recesses in the same mounting slot;

[0009] The ink receiver is located in the mounting slot and moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ink receiver is closer to the ink needle than in the second position.

[0010] The original ink cartridge includes a cartridge body and a cover connected to the cartridge body. The cover includes a chip socket and a chip mounted on the chip socket. The chip is used for electrical connection with a contact pin. The cartridge body includes a container body for containing ink and an ink outlet for discharging ink.

[0011] Regenerated ink cartridges include:

[0012] The recycling cap is obtained by recycling the original ink cartridge cap without any modification;

[0013] The recycled container body is obtained by modifying the original ink cartridge's container body;

[0014] The original ink cartridge is the one whose ink has been used up;

[0015] A portion of the main body of the regeneration container is cut off, exposing the chamber to the outside. The chamber has a cavity that does not directly contain ink, but is used to place a container that contains ink.

[0016] The lower surface of the recycling cover is provided with a first key component. When the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part, the first key component enters the first key groove and pushes the ink receiving component to move from the first position to the second position.

[0017] Furthermore, the ink receiver has a front end portion and a rear end portion; the front end portion is supported by a housing, and the rear end portion of the ink receiver is located on one side of the rear end of the ink-absorbing needle. The ink receiver can rotate around the front end portion, so that the rear end portion can move between a first position and a second position in the up-down direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the container includes an interconnected receiving body and an ink discharge channel; the receiving body is contained within a chamber, the ink discharge channel is contained within an ink outlet, and the ink discharge channel passes through an ink outlet.

[0019] Furthermore, the main body of the recycling container includes a portion of the ink outlet section that has been removed.

[0020] The second invention provides a method for regenerating ink cartridges, used to regenerate original ink cartridges into regenerated ink cartridges, the regeneration method comprising:

[0021] The steps for making a regenerated ink cartridge are as described above;

[0022] Steps for refilling ink into a regenerated ink cartridge.

[0023] Furthermore, the step of refilling ink into the regenerated ink cartridge is achieved by directly injecting ink into the regenerated ink cartridge or by placing a container containing ink into the regenerated ink cartridge.

[0024] Furthermore, the steps for making recycled ink cartridges and the steps for making new ink cartridge bodies are interchangeable.

[0025] Furthermore, the steps of assembling recycled ink cartridges and manufacturing new ink cartridge bodies are interchangeable.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The above-mentioned recycled ink cartridges, or recycled ink cartridges obtained by the above-mentioned ink cartridge recycling method, can improve the material utilization rate of the original ink cartridges. In addition to continuing to use the ink cartridge chips, they can also reduce the waste rate of the ink cartridge body materials, further reducing environmental pollution. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1A This is a rear view of the ink cartridge mounting section of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the front-back direction when the ink cartridge is being installed toward the ink cartridge mounting part of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view of the ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge cover according to Modification 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge after regeneration according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, other possible implementations that can be discerned by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the above-mentioned objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

[0036] It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, and appropriate changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0037] In the following text, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the ink cartridge mounting part 110 in a horizontal direction (orthogonal to the direction of gravity) and then removed from it. Furthermore, when appropriate, the forward and backward directions can be collectively referred to as the front-back direction, the upward and downward directions can be collectively referred to as the up-down direction, and the right and left directions can be collectively referred to as the left-right direction.

[0038] It should be noted that the installation state of the ink cartridge 30 installed on the ink cartridge mounting part 110 is the state in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the installation position in the ink cartridge mounting part 110 and is ready to be used with the printer. The installation position is the position where the ink suction needle 102 (also known as the ink supply tube) provided in the ink cartridge mounting part 110 is inserted into the ink outlet 34 provided in the ink cartridge 30 and connected to the ink outlet 34. In the following text, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the installation state and ready to be used with the printer 10, the posture of the ink cartridge 30 is referred to as the usage posture or the upright posture.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, when using "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" to describe the positional relationship between the components of ink cartridge 30, and when using "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" to describe the orientation or direction of the components of ink cartridge 30, these descriptions are based on the ink cartridge 30 being in the installed state. Furthermore, when using "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" to describe the position, orientation, or direction of ink cartridge 30 itself, these descriptions are based on the ink cartridge 30 being in the usage state.

[0040] In the embodiments described below, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the ink cartridge mounting portion 110 in a forward direction, which may also be referred to as the installation direction, and removed from the ink cartridge mounting portion 110 in a rearward direction, which may also be referred to as the disassembly direction. When describing the orientation of a component of the ink cartridge 30, the orientation of that component is not strictly limited to that specific orientation. For example, when describing "front surface facing forward," the front surface can be facing forward or upward.

[0041] [Printer Overview]

[0042] The printer includes an ink cartridge mounting section 110, an ink tank (not shown), an ink tube (not shown), a printhead (not shown), and an ink cartridge 30. The printer is an inkjet imaging device. For example, an inkjet imaging device achieves imaging by ejecting ink onto paper through a printhead. The printer includes an ink cartridge mounting section 110 for mounting the ink cartridge 30. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 is delivered to the ink tank connected to the ink cartridge mounting section 110. The ink tank is connected to the printhead through an ink tube, thereby delivering ink to the printhead.

[0043] As described above, the ink cartridge 30 can be installed forward into the ink cartridge mounting section 110 and can also be removed backward from the ink cartridge mounting section 110. That is, the ink cartridge 30 can be installed into the ink cartridge mounting section 110 in a detachable manner. Therefore, in some embodiments, the printer does not necessarily include the ink cartridge 30. The printer and the ink cartridge 30 are sold separately, and the user ultimately installs the ink cartridge 30 into the printer for use.

[0044] [Ink Cartridge Installation Department]

[0045] like Figure 1A As shown, the ink cartridge mounting section 110 includes a housing 101 and an ink-absorbing needle 102.

[0046] The housing 101 is box-shaped and has an internal space. The internal space is provided with mounting slots for installing ink cartridges. For example, the housing 110 has four mounting slots for installing four ink cartridges that contain different colors of ink.

[0047] The housing 101 has a front wall 103, which is defined as the front end in the installation direction when the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the internal space; a left wall defining the left end of the internal space; a right wall defining the right end of the internal space; a lower wall; and a cover wall 171 covering the pressing member 134 described later. The cover wall 171 includes an upward-facing upper wall 172 and a rear wall 173 extending downward from the rear end of the upper wall 172. The housing 101 has an opening 112 and a cover plate (not shown) for closing the opening 112.

[0048] The internal space of the housing 101 is provided with three partitions 109, which are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The internal space of the housing 101 also has four mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D arranged in the left-right direction. Mounting slot 108A is located on the far left of the four mounting slots, mounting slot 108B is located to the right of mounting slot 108A, mounting slot 108C is located to the right of mounting slot 108B, and mounting slot 108D is located to the right of mounting slot 108C and is also located on the far right of the four mounting slots. The partitions 109 extend upwards from the upper surface of the upper wall 172 of the cover wall 171. The three partitions 109 are equidistantly spaced in the left-right direction, are flat, and extend in the up-down and front-back directions, extending from the front end to the rear end of the upper wall 172.

[0049] The housing 101 has a guide surface 161 disposed within each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The guide surface 161 faces upward and can be a curved surface, an arc surface, or a semi-circular surface. When the ink cartridge is installed onto or removed from the housing 101, the guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-to-back direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is in the installed state attached to the housing 101, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30.

[0050] like Figure 1B As shown, the housing 101 has a clearance space 162 below the ink needle 102.

[0051] like Figure 1A As shown, the cover wall 171 is located below the front wall 103 of the housing 101. The upper wall 172 is flat and extends in the front-back and left-right directions; the upper wall 172 extends between the left and right walls of the housing 101. The rear wall 173 is configured as a flat plate extending in the up-down and left-right directions, and extends between the left and right walls of the housing 101. In the rear wall 173, a plurality of through holes 144 are provided at equal intervals in their respective mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D in the left-right direction.

[0052] Guide surfaces 161 within each mounting slot are located below through holes 144, through which ink-absorbing needles 102 pass and protrude rearward from the rear wall 173. In each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, the upper wall 172 is provided with a recess 113 (left recess) and a recess 114 (right recess). Recesses 113 and 114 in mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D share a common shape. Recess 113 is located at the left end of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, and recess 114 is located at the right end of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. Both recesses 113 and 114 are recessed downward from the upper wall 172 and extend in the front-rear direction to open in the rear wall 173. The cartridge 30 includes a pair of walls (described later), each of the cover walls 71 described below being inserted into a corresponding position in the recesses 113 and 114.

[0053] In each mounting groove 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, two protrusions 117 are provided between grooves 113 and 114 in the left-right direction. The protrusions 117 extend upwards from the upper wall 172 of the cover wall 171 and are spaced apart from each other. The upper wall 172 of the cover wall 171 has a through hole 140A, which communicates with the space between the two protrusions 117. The rear wall 173 of the cover wall 171 has a through hole 140B, with the lower end of the through hole 140A and the upper end of the through hole 140B communicating with each other.

[0054] [First Key Slot 115]

[0055] A first keyway 115 is located between two protrusions 117 in each of the mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The first keyway 115 is an example of a first key recognition unit. Specifically, mounting slot 108A has a first keyway 115A, mounting slot 108B has a first keyway 115B, mounting slot 108C has a first keyway 115C, and mounting slot 108D has a first keyway 115D. The first keyway 115 opens upwards and backwards.

[0056] The first key component 77 of the ink cartridge 30 (described later) can be inserted into the first keyway 115. In the left-right direction, the first keyways 115A, 115B, 115C and 115D have different positions relative to the recesses 113 and 114 located in the same mounting slot.

[0057] Specifically, in the left-right direction, the first keyway 115A is closer to the groove 113 than the center between the grooves 113 and 114 (which is also the center of the mounting groove 108A).

[0058] In the left-right direction, the distance between the first keyway 115A and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108A is greater than the distance between the first keyway 115B and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108B.

[0059] In the left-right direction, the distance between the first keyway 115B and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108B is greater than the distance between the first keyway 115C and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108C.

[0060] In the left-right direction, the distance between the first keyway 115C and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108C is greater than the distance between the first keyway 115D and the groove 114 in the mounting groove 108D.

[0061] [Rib 118 and Rib 119]

[0062] Ribs 118 and 119 are provided in each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, respectively. Rib 118 is located above groove 113, and rib 119 is located above groove 114. In mounting slot 108A, rib 118 protrudes from the inner surface of the left wall 129 of housing 101. In mounting slot 108B, rib 118 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the left side of mounting slot 108B. In mounting slot 108C, rib 118 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the left side of mounting slot 108C. In mounting slot 108D, rib 118 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the left side of mounting slot 108C. In mounting slot 108A, rib 119 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the right side of mounting slot 108A. At mounting slot 108B, rib 119 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the right side of mounting slot 108B. At mounting slot 108C, rib 119 protrudes from the partition 109 defining the right side of mounting slot 108C. At mounting slot 108D, rib 119 protrudes from the inner surface of the right wall 128. In each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, ribs 118 and 119 are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction.

[0063] The ink-absorbing needle 102 is located within the internal space of each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, and is situated below each first keyway 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. The ink-absorbing needle 102 is a hollow cylindrical tube. The ink-absorbing needle 102 extends in a front-to-back direction from the ink reservoir (not shown) into the internal space of each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, with an open rear end. The rear end of the ink-absorbing needle 102 is located within the internal space of each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D.

[0064] [Matching parts 122 and 123]

[0065] like Figure 1A As shown, lever 121 is located above each of the first keyways 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. Lever 121 protrudes rearward from end face 103. Lever 121 can be connected to the atmospheric opening channel 38 of ink cartridge 30, which will be described later.

[0066] Each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C and 108D is provided with a mating part 122 and a mating part 123; the mating parts 122 and 123 in each mounting slot are respectively located above the first keyway 115A / 115B / 115C / 115D and below the rod 121 in each mounting slot.

[0067] The mating part 122 is a plate-shaped component. The mating part 122 protrudes to the right from the inner surface of the left wall 129 in the mounting groove 108A. The mating part 122 protrudes to the right from the partition 109 on the left side of the mounting groove 108B. The mating part 122 protrudes to the right from the partition 109 on the left side of the mounting groove 108C. The mating part 122 protrudes to the right from the partition 109 on the left side of the mounting groove 108D.

[0068] The mating part 123 is a plate-shaped component. The mating part 123 protrudes to the left from the partition 109 on the right side of the mounting groove 108A. The mating part 123 protrudes to the left from the partition 109 on the right side of the mounting groove 108B. The mating part 123 protrudes to the left from the partition 109 on the right side of the mounting groove 108C. The mating part 123 protrudes to the left from the inner surface of the right wall 128 in the mounting groove 108D.

[0069] The mating parts 122 and 123 face each other in the left-right direction in the mounting groove 108.

[0070] [Stimulus 125]

[0071] like Figure 1B As shown, in each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, a stylus 125 is located on the upper inner surface of the housing 101. The stylus 125 can be electrically connected to the IC board 60 (chip) of the ink cartridge 30, and the IC board 60 is provided with electrodes 61. Through the electrical connection between the stylus 125 and the electrodes 61, the printer controller reads the information stored in the IC board 60 of the ink cartridge 30 and records the information in the IC board 60.

[0072] [Ink Receiver 130]

[0073] like Figure 1B As shown, the ink receiver 130 is located in the clearance space 162 of the housing 101. One ink receiver 130 is provided in each of the mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The ink receiver 130 has a front end portion 131 extending in the left-right direction. The front end portion 131 is supported by the housing 101. The ink receiver 130 has a generally plate-shaped portion extending rearward and upward from the front end portion 131, and the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiver 130 is located on one side of the rear end of the ink-absorbing needle 102. The ink receiver 130 is rotatable about the front end portion 131, allowing the rear end portion 132 to move vertically.

[0074] A helical spring 133 extending in the front-to-back direction is located between the ink receiver 130 and the housing 101, and the helical spring 133 pulls the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiver 130 forward.

[0075] like Figure 1BAs shown, the ink receiver 130 is held in a first position (rear end portion 132 is closest to the lower surface of the ink-absorbing needle 102) by the pull of the coil spring 133. In this state, the rear end portion 132 is not in contact with the lower surface of the ink-absorbing needle 102. The state in which the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiver 130 is closest to the lower surface of the ink-absorbing needle 102 is referred to below as the closest state of the ink receiver 130.

[0076] After the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the housing 101, ink may remain at the rear end of the ink suction needle 102. Under gravity, this ink moves to the lower part of the rear end of the ink suction needle 102 and then drips onto the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiver 130. Since the rear end portion 132 is closest to the lower surface of the ink suction needle 102, the received ink moves along the ink receiver 130 from the rear end portion 132 towards the front end portion 131 near the ink cartridge 30. Because the ink remaining at the rear end of the ink suction needle 102 is received by the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiver 130, the possibility of ink adhering to the lower wall of the housing 101 is reduced.

[0077] When the ink receiver 130 moves downward to the second position against the elastic force of the coil spring 133, there is a space between the ink receiver 130 in the second position and the ink suction needle 102, such that the lower part of the ink outlet 33 of the ink cartridge 30 can be located in this space, and the ink outlet 33 can then engage with the ink suction needle 102. The ink outlet 33 is used to discharge ink to the outside of the ink cartridge. That is, when the ink suction needle 102 is engaged in the ink outlet 34 of the ink cartridge 30 and the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C and 108D in the forward direction, the ink receiver 130 does not restrict the forward movement of the ink cartridge 30.

[0078] As can be seen, the ink receiver 130 can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ink receiver is close to the ink needle, and in the second position, the ink receiver is away from the ink needle. That is, the ink receiver is further away from the ink needle in the second position than in the first position.

[0079] [Pressing component 134]

[0080] like Figure 1B As shown, the pressing element 134 is located below the cover wall 171 and in front of the rear wall 173 of each mounting slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The pressing element 134 is an example of a moving mechanism.

[0081] The pressing member 134 is supported by the housing 101, allowing it to move vertically. The lower end 135 of the pressing member 134 contacts the ink receiver 130 between the front end portion 131 and the rear end portion 132. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 110 and in the installed state, the upper end 136 of the pressing member 134 is located below the first keyway 115. The pressing member 134 is located below the through hole 140A of the cover wall 171. The pressing member 134 is located in front of the through hole 140B of the rear wall 173. In this configuration, the pressing member 134 can contact the first key component 77 of the ink cartridge 30 (described later) through the first keyway 115, through holes 140A and 140B. The pressing member 134 is pushed by the ink receiver 130, i.e., pulled by the coil spring 133, and held in the raised position.

[0082] Although details will be described later, when the first key component 77 of the ink cartridge 30 enters the first key slot 115, the pressing member 134 is pressed downward by the first key component 77 under the action of overcoming the elastic force of the coil spring 133. As the pressing member 134 moves downward, the ink receiving member 130 can move from the first position to the second position, at which time the pressing member 134 is in the lowered position.

[0083] [Second key slot 138 and locking part 139]

[0084] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the second keyway 138 is arranged in the surface 137 located on the upper side of the periphery of the housing 101 at a position corresponding to each of the slots 108A, 108B, 108C and 108D, the edge defining the opening 112.

[0085] Specifically, in housing 101, mounting slot 108A has a second keyway 138A, mounting slot 108B has a second keyway 138B, mounting slot 108C has a second keyway 138C, and mounting slot 108D has a second keyway 138D. The second keyway 138 is an example of a second key recognition unit.

[0086] The second keyway 138 is a groove formed at the rear end of the upper surface of the housing 101, defining the upper end of the internal space of the housing 101. The second keyway 138 is formed by an upward indentation from the top surface of the internal space, and the lower end of the second keyway 138 communicates with the internal space of the housing 101. The rear end of the second keyway 138 opens towards the outside of the housing 101, and the distance between the lower end and the upper end of the rear opening of the second keyway 138 is greater than the distance between the lower end and the upper end of the front opening of the second keyway 138.

[0087] In this embodiment, the distance between the lower and upper ends of the second keyway 138 gradually decreases from the rear end of the opening to the front end. Alternatively, the distance between the lower and upper ends of the second keyway 138 can gradually increase and then gradually decrease from the rear end of the opening to the front end. The second keyways 138A, 138B, and 138C are located to the right of the center of the mounting slots 108A, 108B, and 108C, respectively, in the left-right direction. The second keyway 138D is located to the left of the center of the mounting slot 108D in the left-right direction. The second key component 78 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter at least one of the second keyways 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D. A locking part 139 is provided in the space of the opening of each of the second keyways 138A, 138B, 138C, and 138D. The second key component 78 is also referred to as a connecting part.

[0088] The locking part 139 is a rod-shaped component extending in the left-right direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the ink cartridge mounting part 110 in the installed state, the locking part 139 contacts the locking surface 87 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later.

[0089] [Ink cartridge 30]

[0090] Ink cartridge 30 is a container for storing liquid ink. For example... Figures 2-3 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 includes a container body 31, a cover 32, and an IC board 60. The container body 31 is an example of a first component. The cover 32 is an example of a second component. The overall structure formed by the container body 31 and the cover 32 is an example of an ink cartridge body. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the corresponding mounting slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, the cover 32 faces the end face 103 of the housing 101.

[0091] The container body 31 has a chamber 46 for containing ink (e.g., Figure 5 As shown), the lower part of the container body 31 is provided with an ink outlet 33, which is connected to the chamber. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part 110, the ink outlet 33 is combined with the ink suction needle 102, and the ink in the chamber is transported to the ink tank through the ink outlet 33 and the ink suction needle 102.

[0092] [Cover 32]

[0093] The lid 32 is generally a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with its lateral length less than the vertical and longitudinal lengths of the container body 31. The lid 32 is box-shaped with a rearward opening, and is attached to the container body 31, at least accommodating and covering a portion of the front end of the container body 31. The lid 32 has walls 71 extending downward from both ends of its lower surface 70. The two walls 71 are separated from each other in the lateral direction. The walls 71 are plate-like components extending in both the vertical and longitudinal directions.

[0094] On the left and right walls of the cover 32, there are grooves 74 (also called the first groove 74 and the second groove 74) extending in the front-back direction, respectively. The grooves 74 are located above the wall 71, and the first groove 74 and the second groove 74 are located above the first key component 77.

[0095] [First Key Component 77]

[0096] The lower surface 70 of the cover 32 is provided with a first key component 77. In the left-right direction, the first key component 77 is located between two walls 71 and extends downward from the lower surface 70. The first key component 77 has a lower surface 77L that defines its lower end; when the ink cartridge is installed into the ink cartridge mounting part, the first key component 77 enters the first key groove 115, and the lower surface 77L of the first key component abuts against the upper end 136 of the pressing member 134, forcing the pressing member 134 to move downward, thereby moving the ink receiving member 130 from a first position to a second position under the pushing action of the pressing member 134.

[0097] [Second Key Component 78]

[0098] The second key component 78 is located on the upper surface of the container body 31. The second key component 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the container body 31, or in other words, the second key component 78 protrudes from the upper surface of the container body 31.

[0099] The second key component 78 has a locking part 87, which is positioned rearward. When the ink cartridge is in the installation state, the locking part 87 abuts against the locking part 139 to prevent the ink cartridge 30 from being ejected from the ink cartridge installation part 110.

[0100] This embodiment provides an ink cartridge 30, including a container body 31 and a cover 32 that is movable relative to the container body 31. The left and right walls of the cover 32 have two through holes 58 spaced vertically apart. The front left and right walls of the container body 31 each have two protrusions 52, spaced vertically apart. The protrusions 52 pass through the through holes 58 on the cover 32. The through holes 58 and protrusions 52 are interchangeable; that is, the container body 31 has through holes, and the cover 32 has protrusions. As long as the protrusions and through holes cooperate, the container body 31 and the cover 32 can move relative to each other. Therefore, the through hole 58 can be referred to as the cover-side mating part, and the through hole 52 can be referred to as the container body-side mating part.

[0101] [Third Key Component 79]

[0102] The third key component 79 is disposed on the ink cartridge body. Preferably, the third key component 79 is a groove disposed on the cover 32. In the left-right direction, the third key component 79 is recessed from the left surface of the cover 32 to the right, or the third key component 79 is recessed from the right surface of the cover 32 to the left. In the front-back direction, the third key component 79 extends from the front surface of the cover 32 to the rear.

[0103] In some embodiments, the two third key components 79 are symmetrical and located between the electrode 61 and the ink outlet 34 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the third key component 79 is located between the electrode 61 and the wall 71 in the front-back direction, and is located in front of the protrusion 52 / through hole 58.

[0104] When the ink cartridge 30 is in the installation state in the ink cartridge mounting part 110, the third key component 79 engages with the mating parts 122 / 123. Specifically, the protruding mating parts 122 / 123 enter the groove 79. Through the engagement of the third key component 79 and the mating parts 122 / 123, not only can the ink cartridge 30 be correctly installed in the ink cartridge mounting part 110, but the ink cartridge 30 can also be positioned so that the ink cartridge 30 can be stably maintained in the installation state, or in other words, the ink cartridge 30 is locked in the imaging device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the number of third key components 79 may be one or more than two, and correspondingly, the number of mating components 122 / 123 may also be one or more than two.

[0106] In some embodiments, the recessed third key component 79 and the protruding mating parts 122 / 123 can be interchanged, that is, the third key component 79 is a protrusion provided on the cover 32, and the mating parts 122 / 123 are recesses provided in the mounting groove 108.

[0107] [Variation Example 1]

[0108] To reduce environmental pollution, there are existing methods for regenerating used ink cartridges 30 to reuse their components. Existing regeneration methods include multiple cleaning and drying steps for the chamber 46 in the container body 31. In existing regeneration methods, the chip 60 also needs to be removed. However, the chip 60 is generally installed in the chip mounting part 90A by riveting, welding or bonding, which makes it difficult to remove the chip 60. During the removal of the chip 60, the chip 60 or the ink cartridge body may be damaged.

[0109] Based on the above embodiments, this variation provides a method for regenerating ink cartridge 30 to better utilize chip 60.

[0110] In some embodiments, the cover 32 includes a cover body 320 and a chip holder 301 for supporting the chip 60. The chip holder 301 can be integrally formed with the cover body 320 and become part of the cover body 320, or it can be independent of the cover body 320 and fixed on the cover body 320. Overall, the chip holder 301 is connected to the cover body 320 / cartridge body.

[0111] When the chip holder 301 is integrally formed with the cover body 320, the chip holder 301 is at least a part of the cover body 320 for supporting the chip 60. At this time, the chip holder 301 has an upward-facing support surface for abutting against the chip 60.

[0112] The ink cartridge 30 after the ink has been used up can be referred to as the original ink cartridge. The cap and container body of the original ink cartridge, after being recycled but not modified, can be referred to as the recycled cap and recycled container body, respectively. The combination formed by the recycled cap and recycled container body can be referred to as the recycled ink cartridge body. In other words, the recycled ink cartridge body is a geometric shape formed by recycling the ink cartridge body of the original ink cartridge without modification. The recycled cap or recycled container body, after being modified, can be referred to as the regenerated cap and regenerated container body, respectively. The combination formed by the regenerated cap and regenerated container body can be referred to as the regenerated ink cartridge body. In other words, the regenerated ink cartridge body is a geometric shape formed by recycling the recycled ink cartridge body of the original ink cartridge after modification. The cap and container body newly manufactured through processes such as injection molding, blow molding, and die casting can be referred to as the newly manufactured cap and newly manufactured container body, respectively. The combination formed by the newly manufactured cap and newly manufactured container body can be referred to as the newly manufactured ink cartridge body.

[0113] The modification to the recycling cover or the main body of the recycling container may be to cut off a part of the recycling cover or a part of the recycling container, or it may be to add a part to the recycling cover or a part to the recycling container.

[0114] The regeneration method includes along Figure 4 Middle cutting line ( Figure 4 (Dash line in the middle) Lc The step of separating the chip holder 301 from the cover body 320. The combination of the chip holder 301 and the chip 60 can be called the regeneration component RA. By doing so, it is not necessary to remove the chip 60 from the chip holder 301. It is only necessary to reserve space for installing the regeneration component RA on the newly manufactured ink cartridge body or the recycled ink cartridge body. This not only saves the time of removing the chip 60, but also effectively prevents the chip 60 from being damaged.

[0115] Preferably, the projection of the chip mounting portion 90A is located within the projection range of the chip holder 301 in the vertical direction to ensure that the chip 60 is not damaged.

[0116] More preferably, along the vertical direction, the projection of the chip mounting portion 90A and the projection of the buffer groove 90 are both located within the projection range of the chip holder 301. In this way, the buffer groove 90 can be separated from the cover body 320 together with the chip mounting portion 90A, and the regeneration assembly RA with the buffer groove 90 will have a wider range of applicability.

[0117] Generally, when the ink cartridge 30 is in the installation state, the chamber 46 is connected to the external atmosphere through the atmospheric opening channel 38. In this way, as the ink in the chamber 46 is consumed, the external atmosphere can be replenished to the chamber 46 through the atmospheric opening channel 38, and the air pressure in the chamber 46 can be kept stable, so that the ink can be supplied stably. Furthermore, the ink cartridge 30 also includes a valve 50 and a spring 51 for closing the atmospheric opening channel 38. The spring 51 is used to push the valve 50 toward the closed atmospheric opening channel 38 state. During the process of installing the ink cartridge 30 toward the ink cartridge mounting part 110, the rod 121 pushes the valve 50 to overcome the elastic force of the spring 51, so that the atmospheric opening channel 38 goes from being closed to being open.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 also includes a through hole 76 for exposing the valve 50. The rod 121 can enter the through hole 76 and abut against the valve 50. In the vertical direction, the through hole 76 is located below the chip mounting part 90A / buffer groove 90. The through hole 76 is also located above the third key component 79. The cutting line Lc is located above the through hole 76.

[0119] In some embodiments, the cutting line Lc may also be configured such that the regeneration assembly RA, in addition to including the chip 60 and the chip holder 301, also includes at least one of the following: a through hole 76, a third key component 79, a cover wall 71, a groove 74, a first key component 77, and a cover side mating part 58, so as to make full use of the cover 32; the regeneration assembly RA can cooperate with the regenerated cover or the newly manufactured cover to form a new cover 32, and then the recycled container body or the regenerated container body or the newly manufactured container body can be combined with the new cover 32 to form a regenerated ink cartridge.

[0120] The through hole 76, the third key component 79, the groove 74, the cover wall 71, and the first key component 77 are all used to mate with the ink cartridge mounting part 110. Therefore, each of the through hole 76, the third key component 79, the groove 74, the cover wall 71, and the first key component 77 can be referred to as an outward mating part of the ink cartridge 30. The cover-side mating part 58 is used to mate with the container body 31. Therefore, the cover-side mating part 58 can also be referred to as an inward mating part of the ink cartridge 30. That is, the cover 32 and the container body 31 are connected by the inward mating part. The cover 32 and the container body 31 can be movably connected or fixedly connected.

[0121] In some embodiments, the newly manufactured cover may also include the ink outlet portion 33. Since the ink outlet portion 33 is also used to cooperate with the ink suction needle 102 in the ink cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink outlet portion 33 can also be regarded as an outwardly cooperating portion. Accordingly, the regeneration component RA includes at least one outwardly cooperating portion, a chip 60 and a chip holder 301.

[0122] As described above, when the cover 32 and the container body 31 are movably connected, the regeneration component RA will include at least one outward mating part and at least one inward mating part, chip 60 and chip holder 301; when the cover 32 and the container body 31 are fixedly connected, the inward mating part may not be necessary, and the regeneration component RA will include at least one outward mating part, chip 60 and chip holder 301.

[0123] In some embodiments, the ink outlet 33 is still provided on the container body 31, and the newly manufactured cap may also include an exposure hole for allowing the ink outlet 33 to pass through, which, according to the above definition, can be regarded as an inward fitting part.

[0124] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cap 32 does not need to be cut; therefore, the regenerated cap is also a recycling cap. However, a portion of the container body 31 is removed, exposing the chamber 46. In this case, the chamber 46 no longer directly contains ink. The ink-containing container 302 can be directly placed into the chamber 46. The container 302 includes an interconnected container body 302a and an ink discharge channel 302b. The container body 302a can be accommodated by the chamber 46, and the ink discharge channel 302b can be accommodated by the ink outlet 33. The ink discharge channel 302b also passes through the ink outlet 34. In this embodiment, the exposed chamber 46 is easier to clean than a closed chamber 46. Furthermore, when the ink-containing container 302 is placed directly into the chamber 46, the chamber 46 does not need to be cleaned, which helps reduce the regeneration steps of the ink cartridge 30. This design improves the material utilization rate of the original ink cartridge, allowing for continued use of the ink cartridge chip and reducing the waste rate of the ink cartridge body material, further reducing environmental pollution.

[0125] In some embodiments, the ink outlet section 33 does not need to be modified. In this case, the ink outlet section 33 is still provided on the container body 31, and the ink discharge channel 302b enters the ink outlet section 33. In some embodiments, the ink outlet section 33 can also be modified by cutting off a portion of it. In this case, the recycling container body will no longer have the ink outlet section 33, and the ink outlet section 33 can be provided on the container 302. The ink discharge channel 302b can be regarded as the ink outlet section 33.

[0126] In some embodiments, the container body 31 is formed by cutting off a portion to form the regenerated container body. After cleaning the chamber 46, the cut-off portion can be reinstalled into the regenerated container body. Finally, ink is injected into the chamber 46 to make full use of the container body 31.

[0127] It should be understood that whether the container 302 containing ink is installed in the chamber 46 or ink is directly injected into the chamber 46, the process can be collectively referred to as the step of replenishing ink to the chamber 46.

[0128] In some implementations, the recycling cap can also be recycled from other types of ink cartridge bodies, as long as the ink cartridge housing is modified to form the recycling component RA.

[0129] Based on the above description, this variation also provides a cartridge regeneration method including the following steps, specifically:

[0130] The steps for manufacturing a regenerated component (RA);

[0131] Steps for making a new ink cartridge body;

[0132] The steps for assembling a reclaimed ink cartridge;

[0133] Steps for refilling ink into the chamber / regenerated ink cartridge.

[0134] In the step of manufacturing the regenerated component RA, the components that meet the requirements of the regenerated component RA can be cut off according to the structure of the original ink cartridge and modified or not modified to form the regenerated component RA. As mentioned above, the regenerated component RA can be a part cut off from the cover 32, or the entire cover 32, or it can be cut off from the body of other types of ink cartridges. The regenerated component RA includes at least one of an outward mating part and an inward mating part.

[0135] In the step of manufacturing a new ink cartridge body, it can be manufactured according to the structure of the regenerated component RA manufactured above. For example, when the regenerated component RA is part of the cover 32, one of the recycled cover, the regenerated cover, and the newly manufactured cover can be combined with the regenerated component RA to form a new cover; when the regenerated component RA is the entire cover 32, then the regenerated component RA is the new cover, and then one of the recycled ink cartridge body, the regenerated ink cartridge body, and the newly manufactured ink cartridge body is combined with the new cover to form a new ink cartridge body. Alternatively, one of the recycled cover, the regenerated cover, and the newly manufactured cover can be combined with one of the recycled ink cartridge body, the regenerated ink cartridge body, and the newly manufactured ink cartridge body to form a new ink cartridge body. When the recycled cover and the recycled ink cartridge body are formed as one piece, or the regenerated cover and the regenerated ink cartridge body are formed as one piece, or the newly manufactured cover and the newly manufactured ink cartridge body are formed as one piece, then the combination process is not necessary, and one of the recycled ink cartridge body, the regenerated ink cartridge body, and the newly manufactured ink cartridge body is the new ink cartridge body.

[0136] In the process of assembling the regenerated ink cartridge, the regenerated component RA is combined with the new ink cartridge body. The combination method can be plugging, snapping, bonding, welding, magnetic attraction, etc.

[0137] In the step of replenishing ink into chamber 46, ink can be injected directly into the cleaned chamber / recycled ink cartridge, or a container 302 containing ink can be placed into the chamber / recycled ink cartridge.

[0138] In the above regeneration process, the steps of assembling the regenerated ink cartridge and replenishing the chamber with ink do not need to be in a specific order, and the steps of making the regenerated components and making the new ink cartridge body also do not need to be in a specific order.

[0139] Beneficial effects:

[0140] The recycled ink cartridges obtained by the above ink cartridge recycling method can improve the material utilization rate of the original ink cartridges. In addition to continuing to use the ink cartridge chip, they can also reduce the waste rate of the ink cartridge body material, further reducing environmental pollution.

[0141] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention; all variations or modifications made in accordance with the present invention should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A regenerated ink cartridge, obtained from a virgin ink cartridge, the virgin ink cartridge being removably mountable to an imaging device equipped with a stylus, the imaging device comprising: The ink cartridge mounting section includes a housing with an internal space, the internal space having multiple mounting slots for mounting ink cartridges, each mounting slot having an ink-absorbing needle; each mounting slot has a left groove on the left side and a right groove on the right side. A first keyway is provided in each mounting slot, and each first keyway has a different position relative to the left and right recesses in the same mounting slot; The ink receiver is located in the mounting slot and moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ink receiver is closer to the ink needle than in the second position. The original ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge body and a cover connected to the ink cartridge body. The cover includes a chip socket and a chip mounted on the chip socket. The chip is used for electrical connection with a contact pin. The ink cartridge body includes a container body for containing ink and an ink outlet for discharging ink. Its characteristic is that... Regenerated ink cartridges include: The recycling cap is obtained by recycling the original ink cartridge cap without any modification; The recycled container body is obtained by modifying the original ink cartridge's container body; The original ink cartridge is the one whose ink has been used up; A portion of the main body of the regeneration container is cut off, exposing the chamber to the outside. The chamber has a cavity that does not directly contain ink, but is used to place a container that contains ink. The lower surface of the recycling cover is provided with a first key component. When the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting part, the first key component enters the first key groove and pushes the ink receiving component to move from the first position to the second position.

2. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink receiver has a front end and a rear end; the front end is supported by a housing, and the rear end of the ink receiver is located on one side of the rear end of the ink-absorbing needle. The ink receiver can rotate around the front end, so that the rear end can move between a first position and a second position in the vertical direction.

3. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container includes an interconnected main body and an ink discharge channel; the main body is contained within a chamber, the ink discharge channel is contained within an ink outlet, and the ink discharge channel passes through an ink outlet.

4. The regenerated ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main body of the recycling container includes a portion of the ink outlet section that has been removed.

5. A method for regenerating ink cartridges, used to regenerate original ink cartridges into recycled ink cartridges, characterized in that, The regeneration method includes: The steps for manufacturing the regenerated ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1-4; Steps for refilling ink into a regenerated ink cartridge.

6. The ink cartridge regeneration method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process of refilling ink into a regenerated ink cartridge is accomplished by either directly injecting ink into the cartridge or placing a container filled with ink into the cartridge.

7. The ink cartridge regeneration method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The steps for making a recycled ink cartridge and the steps for making a new ink cartridge body are interchangeable.

8. The ink cartridge regeneration method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The steps for assembling a recycled ink cartridge and the steps for making a new ink cartridge body are interchangeable.

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