An ink cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink box, wherein the ink box comprises: a shell, the shell is internally provided with a first partition plate and a second partition plate, the first partition plate divides the shell into a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity, the second partition plate divides the second ink storage cavity into a second sub ink storage cavity and a vacant cavity; a first cover, the first cover is connected to the first ink storage cavity, and the first ink storage cavity is divided into the first sub ink storage cavity and an open space, the open space has an external opening towards the outside of the ink box; a second cover, the second cover is sealingly connected to the second sub ink storage cavity, and covers the vacant cavity; wherein the first partition plate comprises a first communication part, and the first communication part communicates the first sub ink storage cavity and the second sub ink storage cavity. In the application, the first sub ink storage cavity is sealed by the first cover and is separated from the open space, the vacant cavity not filled with ink is separated from the first sub ink storage cavity and the second sub ink storage cavity filled with ink, and the sealing property of the ink box is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing consumables technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are components in inkjet printers used to store printing ink. Based on the capacity of the ink they store, ink cartridges can be divided into high-capacity and low-capacity cartridges. To maximize the utilization of production molds and reduce mold development costs, inkjet printer manufacturers typically design the structural dimensions of low-capacity cartridges to be basically the same as those of high-capacity cartridges. This is achieved by using partitions inside the high-capacity cartridge to divide its interior into several separate ink-containing chambers. The ink-filled chambers are not connected to the non-ink-filled chambers; the non-ink-filled chambers are connected by gaps in the partitions. Furthermore, to reduce production costs and improve efficiency, existing low-capacity cartridges typically only seal the ink-filled chambers during sealing, while the other non-ink-filled chambers are often only partially soldered (the welded joints are not strong enough) or not soldered at all.

[0003] Small-capacity ink cartridges, due to their limited ink capacity, require frequent replacements, and refilling them is difficult. Consequently, discarded small-capacity cartridges are often simply discarded, causing environmental pollution and increasing printing costs. Therefore, recycling small-capacity cartridges and converting them into larger-capacity cartridges has become a new trend for improving cartridge utilization and reducing printing costs.

[0004] In related technologies, when recycling small-capacity ink cartridges and converting them into large-capacity cartridges, holes are typically drilled in the partition plate to connect the various cavities within the cartridge before filling the converted cartridge with new ink. However, because the empty ink cavities of the cartridge are either poorly soldered or not soldered at all, the converted cartridge is prone to ink leakage, resulting in poor print quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a new ink cartridge, which is mainly achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An ink cartridge, comprising:

[0007] The housing has a first partition plate and a second partition plate inside. The first partition plate divides the housing into a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity, and the second partition plate divides the second ink storage cavity into a second sub-ink storage cavity and an empty cavity.

[0008] A first cover is connected to a first ink storage chamber and divides the first ink storage chamber into a first sub-ink storage chamber and an open space, the open space having an external opening facing the outside of the ink cartridge;

[0009] The second cover is sealed to the second ink storage chamber and covers the empty chamber.

[0010] The first partition plate includes a first connecting portion, which connects the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity.

[0011] The ink cartridge provided in this application has a first connecting portion on the first partition plate that can effectively connect the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity, thereby increasing the ink filling volume of the ink cartridge and transforming a small-capacity ink cartridge into a large-capacity ink cartridge. The first cover seals the first sub-ink storage cavity and separates it from the open space, thus separating the empty cavity from the filled first and second sub-ink storage cavities. This avoids ink leakage caused by poor or no welding between the second cover and the empty cavity, which helps to improve the sealing performance of the ink cartridge and improve print quality.

[0012] Optionally, the first cover includes a cover sealing portion and a cover protrusion connected to the cover sealing portion. The cover protrusion divides the first ink storage cavity into a first sub-ink storage cavity and an open space. The cover sealing portion and the cover protrusion are sealed to the first sub-ink storage cavity.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing part of the first cover and the protruding part of the first cover are jointly sealed and connected to the first sub-ink storage cavity, which can achieve the sealing of the first sub-ink storage cavity and separate the first sub-ink storage cavity from the open space, thus helping to achieve the overall sealing of the ink cartridge.

[0014] Optionally, the first partition plate includes a first partition portion and a second partition portion connected to each other. The first partition portion separates the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity, and the second partition portion separates the empty cavity and the open space.

[0015] The first connecting portion is disposed in the first dividing portion;

[0016] The second partition includes a second connecting section, which connects the empty cavity and the open space.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity are separated by the first partition, and the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity are effectively connected by the first connecting part on the first partition, so that the ink in the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity can flow freely. The empty cavity is connected to the open space through the second connecting part on the second partition, so that the empty cavity does not come into direct contact with the ink in the ink cartridge, which can prevent the ink in the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity from leaking into the empty cavity, and avoid ink leakage of the ink cartridge due to poor soldering or no soldering of the empty cavity.

[0018] Optionally, the first cover includes a first connecting portion, the second cover includes a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion is connected to the first partition plate, and the first connecting portion is sealed to the second connecting portion.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the position of the first partition plate on the ink cartridge is relatively fixed. Connecting the second connecting part to the first partition plate can ensure the position of the second connecting part in the ink cartridge and prevent possible deformation or loosening that could cause the second connecting part to shift. The first cover is connected to the second connecting part of the second cover through the first connecting part, which can ensure a tight fit between the first cover and the second cover and prevent ink leakage problems caused by structural looseness or poor joints.

[0020] Optionally, the second connecting portion includes a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface connected to the first stepped surface, the first stepped surface covering the first partition plate, and the first connecting portion connected to the first stepped surface.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the first step surface covers the first partition plate and is connected to the second step surface. The first partition plate can stably support the first step surface, which helps to improve the sealing effect of the second connection part. The first connection part is tightly connected to the first step surface, which can realize the sealing connection between the first cover and the second cover through a fixed area, which helps to improve the stability of the sealing connection between the first cover and the second cover.

[0022] Optionally, the first connecting part and the second stepped surface are spaced apart.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the impact of processing errors on the connection between the first and second connecting parts can be reduced, which helps to achieve the stability of the connection between the first and second covers. The gap between the first connecting part and the second set of cross sections can serve as a guide channel for adhesive during bonding, which helps to ensure that the adhesive penetrates evenly to the contact surface of the first and second covers during the bonding process, and helps to achieve the reliability of the sealed connection between the first and second covers.

[0024] Optionally, the second cover also includes a flow guide notch, and the gap between the first connecting part and the second stepped surface is configured as an interval region, with the flow guide notch communicating with the interval region.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow guide notch can effectively guide the fluid in the bonding process, control the fluid flow to the target position, help to achieve uniform fluid distribution, and enhance the stability and sealing of the connection between the first cover and the second cover.

[0026] Optionally, the first connecting portion includes a gas opening and an ink opening, both of which are connected to the first sub-ink storage chamber and the second sub-ink storage chamber. When the ink cartridge is placed along the installation direction, the gas opening is higher than the ink opening in the extending direction of the first partition plate.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the gas opening can maintain the air pressure balance of the first sub-ink storage chamber and the second sub-ink storage chamber, and avoid the negative pressure generated by the ink outflow in the first sub-ink storage chamber, which would prevent the ink from flowing out of the first sub-ink storage chamber; the ink opening can provide an ink passage for the first and second sub-ink storage chambers, so that the ink in the first sub-ink storage chamber and the ink in the second sub-ink storage chamber can flow to each other through the ink opening; the separate arrangement of the gas opening and the ink opening can reduce the mutual interference between the gas opening and the ink opening, and the gas opening is higher than the ink opening, which can ensure the smooth flow of air and ink in the first and second sub-ink storage chambers. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of the ink cartridge recycling method provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of the ink cartridge recycling method provided in Embodiment 4 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and technical effects of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solution of the ink cartridge of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] Please see Figures 1 to 8 Embodiment 1 of this application provides an ink cartridge 100, including a housing 10, a first cover 20, and a second cover 30. The housing 10 and the second cover 30 can be formed by modifying a recycled small-capacity ink cartridge 100, or they can be manufactured by injection molding, without any specific limitation.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 is generally polygonal, and the housing 10 is provided with an air inlet 40 and an ink outlet 50 for connecting to an inkjet printer. With the ink cartridge 100 placed along the installation direction and the air inlet 40 above the ink outlet 50, the surface where the air inlet 40 and the ink outlet 50 are located is defined as the front surface 101 of the ink cartridge 100, and the surface opposite to the front surface 101 of the ink cartridge 100 in the installation direction is defined as the rear surface 102 of the ink cartridge 100. When viewed from the front surface 101 of the ink cartridge 100 in the opposite direction of the installation direction towards the rear surface 102 of the ink cartridge 100, the upper side of the line of sight is the upper surface 103 of the ink cartridge 100, the lower side of the line of sight is the lower surface 104 of the ink cartridge 100, the left side of the line of sight is the left surface 105 of the ink cartridge 100, and the right side of the line of sight is the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7As shown, the housing 10 is the main structure of the ink cartridge 100. A first partition plate 11 and a second partition plate 12 are disposed within the housing 10. The first partition plate 11 divides the housing 10 into a first ink storage cavity 13 and a second ink storage cavity 14. The second partition plate 12 divides the second ink storage cavity 14 into a second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and an empty cavity 142. In the installation direction, the first ink storage cavity 13 is closer to the rear surface 102 of the ink cartridge 100 than the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the empty cavity 142. In the vertical direction, the empty cavity 142 is closer to the upper surface 103 of the ink cartridge 100 than the second sub-ink storage cavity 141.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first cover 20 is connected to the first ink storage cavity 13 by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. The position of the first cover 20 on the ink cartridge 100 is adapted to the opening orientation of the first ink storage cavity 13. When the opening of the first ink storage cavity 13 faces the left surface 105 of the ink cartridge 100, the first cover 20 is located on the left surface 105 of the ink cartridge 100; when the opening of the first ink storage cavity 13 faces the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100, the first cover 20 is located on the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the first cover 20 is disposed on the first ink storage cavity 13 and divides the first ink storage cavity 13 into a first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and an open space 132. The first sub-ink storage cavity 131 is constructed as a sealed cavity structure, and the open space 132 communicates with the outside of the ink cartridge 100. The open space 132 has an external opening 1321 facing the outside of the ink cartridge 100. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the first cover 20 includes a cover sealing portion 21 and a cover protrusion 22 connected to the cover sealing portion 21. The cover sealing portion 21 and the cover protrusion 22 are sealed to the first sub-ink reservoir 131. The cover sealing portion 21 is the main body of the first cover 20. The cover protrusion 22 is constructed to protrude from the surface of the cover sealing portion 21 facing the housing 10 toward the first ink reservoir 13. Preferably, the cover protrusion 22 and the cover sealing portion 21 are integrally formed. One end of the cover protrusion 22 is connected to the cover sealing portion 21, and the other end of the cover protrusion 22 is sealed to the first ink reservoir 13, dividing the first ink reservoir 13 into a first sub-ink reservoir 131 and an open space 132. The cover sealing portion 21 is sealed to the first sub-ink reservoir 131 along its contour direction, making the first sub-ink reservoir 131 a sealed cavity structure.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6As shown, the second cover 30 is sealed to the second sub-ink reservoir 141 and covers the empty cavity 142. Specifically, the second cover 30 covers the opening of the second sub-ink reservoir 141 and is sealed to the second sub-ink reservoir 141, making the second sub-ink reservoir 141 a sealed cavity structure. However, if the second cover 30 covers the empty cavity 142 but the connection between it and the opening of the empty cavity 142 is either weakly welded or not sealed, ink leakage can easily occur if ink flows into the empty cavity 142. The position of the second cover 30 on the ink cartridge 100 is adapted to the opening orientation of the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the opening orientation of the empty cavity 142. When the openings of the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the empty cavity 142 face the left surface 105 of the ink cartridge 100, the second cover 30 is located on the left surface 105 of the ink cartridge 100. When the openings of the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the empty cavity 142 face the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100, the second cover 30 is located on the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100. The first partition plate 11 separates the empty cavity 142 and the open space 132, specifically, as shown in... Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the first partition plate 11 includes a first partition portion 111 and a second partition portion 112. The first partition portion 111 separates the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141. A first connecting portion 1111 is disposed on the first partition portion 111 to connect the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141. The second partition portion 112 separates the empty cavity 142 and the open space 132. The second partition portion 112 includes a second connecting portion 1121, which is constructed as a notch on the second partition portion 112. The second connecting portion 1121 connects the empty cavity 142 and the open space 132.

[0046] For the small-capacity ink cartridge 100, only the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 is filled with ink, while the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the empty cavity 142 are empty cavities and are not filled with ink. The second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 are separated and not connected by the first partition plate 11, and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the empty cavity 142 are separated and not connected by the second partition plate 12. The first ink storage cavity 131 and the empty cavity 142 are connected by the flow guide notch 32 provided on the first partition plate 11. In this embodiment, the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and the empty cavity 142 are separated and not connected by the second partition plate 12. The open space 132 and the empty cavity 142 are connected by the flow guide notch 32 provided on the first partition plate 11. In order to increase the volume of ink filling in the ink cartridge 100, a first connecting part 1111 is provided on the first partition plate 11 to connect the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141, so that both the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 in the ink cartridge 100 can be filled with ink. Optionally, the first connecting portion 1111 includes a gas opening 1111a and an ink opening 1111b. One end of the gas opening 1111a is connected to the first sub-ink storage chamber 131, and the other end of the gas opening 1111a is connected to the second sub-ink storage chamber 141, allowing air inside the ink cartridge 100 to circulate between the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141, thereby achieving air pressure regulation between the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 and maintaining the air pressure of the first sub-ink storage chamber 131. The air pressure of the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 is balanced to prevent the ink from flowing out of the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 due to negative pressure caused by ink outflow. One end of the ink opening 1111b is connected to the first sub-ink storage chamber 131, and the other end of the ink opening 1111b is connected to the second sub-ink storage chamber 141, so that the ink in the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 can flow into the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 to replenish the ink in the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. Preferably, the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b are separately arranged. When the ink cartridge 100 is placed along the installation direction and the air inlet 40 is above the ink outlet 50, the gas opening 1111a is higher than the ink opening 1111b in the extension direction of the first partition plate 11. That is, the gas opening 1111a is set above the ink opening 1111b. This can reduce the mutual interference between the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b. The fact that the gas opening 1111a is higher than the ink opening 1111b can also ensure the smooth flow of air and ink in the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second ink storage chamber 14.

[0047] The first cover 20 seals the first sub-ink storage chamber 131, and the second cover 30 seals the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. A first partition plate 11 separates the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. The first partition plate 11 is the common wall of the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. The first cover 20 is sealably connected to the second cover 30 to improve the sealing performance of the ink cartridge 100. Specifically, the first cover 20 includes a first connecting portion 23, and the second cover 30 includes a second connecting portion 31. The second connecting portion 31 is connected to the first partition plate 11, and the first connecting portion 23 is sealably connected to the second connecting portion 31 by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. In this way, the position of the first partition plate 11 on the ink cartridge 100 is relatively fixed. Connecting the second connecting part 31 to the first partition plate 11 can ensure the position of the second connecting part 31 in the ink cartridge 100 and prevent possible deformation or loosening that could cause the second connecting part 31 to shift. The first cover 20 is connected to the second connecting part 31 of the second cover 30 through the first connecting part 23, which can ensure a tight fit between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 and prevent ink leakage problems caused by structural looseness or poor joints.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the second connecting portion 31 is constructed in a stepped shape, including a first stepped surface 311 and a second stepped surface 312 connected to the first stepped surface 311. The first stepped surface 311 covers the first partition plate 11, and the first connecting portion 23 is sealed to the first stepped surface 311 by ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. In this way, the first stepped surface 311 covers the first partition plate 11 and is connected to the second stepped surface 312. The first partition plate 11 can stably support the first stepped surface 311, which helps to improve the sealing effect of the second connecting portion 31. The first connecting portion 23 is tightly connected to the first stepped surface 311, which can realize the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 through a fixed area sealing connection, which helps to improve the stability of the sealing connection between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

[0049] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the second step surface 312 is perpendicular to the first step surface 311. The dimension of the first step surface 311 in the front-back direction is larger than the dimension of the first connecting part 23 in the length direction. When the first connecting part 23 is connected to the first step surface 311, the first connecting part 23 and the second step surface 312 are spaced apart by a distance L, that is, there is a gap region 301 between the first connecting part 23 and the second step surface 312. When the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are sealed together by adhesive bonding, this gap region 301 can serve as a flow path for the adhesive fluid (e.g., glue). The glue permeates evenly along the gap region 301 to the contact surface of the first connecting part 23 and the second connecting part 31, which helps to achieve the reliability of the sealed connection between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. Optionally, in order to further guide the glue flow to the target position, the second cover 30 also includes a flow guide notch 32, which is constructed as a notch structure. The flow guide notch 32 is located on the side of the second cover 30 near the lower surface 104 of the ink cartridge 100, and the flow guide notch 32 is connected to the gap region 301 between the first connecting part 23 and the second stepped surface 312.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the first cover 20 includes a welding protrusion 24 and a limiting portion 25. The welding protrusion 24 is arranged along the contour direction of the first cover 20, and when the first cover 20 is connected to the housing 10, the welding protrusion 24 adheres to the surface of the housing 10. The welding protrusion 24 can be constructed as welding serrations, bosses, or bumps, which can concentrate ultrasonic energy at the point during welding, thereby enhancing the generation of local heat, helping the plastic melt and achieve bonding. Thus, by arranging the welding protrusion 24 along the contour direction of the first cover 20 and ensuring it adheres to the surface of the housing 10 when connected, more contact points can be formed between the housing 10 and the first cover 20, resulting in a larger contact area in the welding region. This helps enhance the stability of the connection between the housing 10 and the first cover 20. Simultaneously, the first cover 20 can better seal the first ink storage cavity 131, contributing to improved sealing of the ink cartridge 100.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the limiting part 25 is disposed on the side of the first cover 20 facing the first sub-ink storage cavity 131. There can be multiple limiting parts 25. When the first cover 20 is connected to the housing 10, the limiting part 25 is located within the first sub-ink storage cavity 131. By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting part 25 can form a support frame within the first cover 20, reducing bending or deformation of the first cover 20 due to external forces and enhancing the strength of the first cover 20. When the first cover 20 is connected to the housing 10, the limiting part 25 can correctly position the first cover 20 at the corresponding position in the first sub-ink storage cavity 131, helping to improve the accuracy of the connection between the first cover 20 and the housing 10 and ensuring the sealing effect of the first cover 20 on the first sub-ink storage cavity 131.

[0052] Optionally, the ink cartridge 100 also has an installation area for installing a chip assembly, which can be installed in the installation area. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printer, the chip assembly is connected to the printer's electrical connector to realize the communication connection between the ink cartridge 100 and the printer.

[0053] The ink cartridge 100 provided in this embodiment has a first connecting portion 1111 on the first partition plate 11 that can effectively connect the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141, which can increase the ink filling volume of the ink cartridge 100 and realize the transformation of the small-capacity ink cartridge 100 into a large-capacity ink cartridge 100; the first cover 20 seals the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and separates the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 from the open space 132, which can separate the empty cavity 142 without ink from the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141 with ink, avoid the ink cartridge 100 from ink leakage due to poor welding or no welding between the second cover 30 and the empty cavity 142, and help improve the sealing performance of the ink cartridge 100 and improve the printing quality.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] Next, we will combine the appendix Figure 9 The following describes in detail Embodiment 2 of this utility model. Embodiment 2 provides an ink cartridge 100. The similarities between the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment and the ink cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated here. The difference between the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment and the ink cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1 is that the implementation of the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 1.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the first connecting part 1111 is implemented as an elongated hole, that is, the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b are integrally formed, and the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b are connected in the extending direction of the first partition plate 11.

[0057] This simplifies the structure of the ink cartridge 100, simplifies the manufacturing process of the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b, and reduces the cost of recycling and modifying the ink cartridge 100.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] Next, we will combine the appendix Figure 10 The present invention will now be described in detail in Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 provides a method for recycling ink cartridge 100, which is applied to ink cartridge 100 in any of the embodiments 1-2 above. The ink cartridge 100 includes a housing 10, and a first partition plate 11 and a second partition plate 12 are provided inside the housing 10. The first partition plate 11 divides the housing 10 into a first ink storage cavity 13 and a second ink storage cavity 14. The second partition plate 12 divides the second ink storage cavity 14 into a second sub-ink storage cavity 141 and an empty cavity 142. The flowchart may include the following steps 110 to 160.

[0060] Step 110: Clean ink cartridge 100 to remove residual ink from the second ink storage chamber 141.

[0061] The housing 10 is provided with an ink outlet 50 for ink to flow out, and the ink outlet 50 connects to the outside and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. Preferably, the housing 10 can be cleaned through the ink outlet 50 to remove residual ink from the second sub-ink storage chamber 141. Specifically, cleaning solution and / or deionized water can be injected into the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 from the ink outlet 50. After cleaning, the housing 10 is dried to remove moisture.

[0062] Optionally, step 110 can also be set after step 120, 130, 140, or 150, or the ink cartridge 100 can be cleaned multiple times throughout the process.

[0063] Step 120: Remove part of the cover of the ink cartridge 100 to expose the first ink storage chamber 13 and the first partition plate 11.

[0064] When converting a small-capacity ink cartridge 100 into a large-capacity ink cartridge 100, the housing 10 can be machined along the left surface 105 or the right surface 106 of the ink cartridge 100 to remove the portion of the original cover used to seal the first ink storage cavity 13, thus exposing the first ink storage cavity 13 and the first partition plate 11 to the outside of the ink cartridge 100. Preferably, a milling process is used to remove part of the cover of the ink cartridge 100, exposing the first ink storage cavity 13 and the first partition plate 11 of the ink cartridge 100.

[0065] Step 130: A first connecting portion 1111 is opened on the first partition plate 11 to connect the first ink storage cavity 13 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141.

[0066] Here, the first connecting portion 1111 may include a gas opening 1111a and an ink opening 1111b. When the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b are separately provided, the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b can be respectively machined on the first partition plate 11. When the gas opening 1111a and the ink opening 1111b are integrally formed, the first connecting portion 1111 can be directly machined on the first partition plate 11.

[0067] Step 140: Weld the first cover 20 to the first ink storage cavity 13 to seal the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 in the first ink storage cavity 13.

[0068] The first cover 20 divides the first ink storage cavity 13 into a first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and an open space 132, the open space 132 having an external opening 1321 facing the outside of the ink cartridge 100.

[0069] Here, ultrasonic welding can be used to weld the first cover 20 to the first ink storage cavity 13 to seal the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 in the first ink storage cavity 13. Specifically, the first cover 20 includes a cover sealing part 21 and a cover protrusion 22. Welding protrusions 24 are provided at the positions of the cover sealing part 21 and the cover protrusion 22 that contact the first ink storage cavity 13. During the welding process, ultrasonic energy is concentrated on the welding protrusions 24, causing the welding protrusions 24 to melt and achieve the connection between the cover sealing part 21 and the cover protrusion 22 and the first sub-ink storage cavity 131. After welding, the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 becomes a sealed cavity structure.

[0070] Step 150: Apply adhesive to the connection between the first cover 20 and the first ink storage cavity 131.

[0071] During the ultrasonic welding process, there are inconvenient welding positions on the ink cartridge 100. For these positions, glue can be used to bond them together to ensure the airtightness of the ink cartridge 100.

[0072] Step 160: Ink is filled into the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 through the ink outlet 50 of the ink cartridge 100, and the ink outlet 50 is sealed.

[0073] During ink filling, ink can be added from the ink outlet 50 to the second sub-ink reservoir and the first sub-ink reservoir 131. After ink filling is completed, the ink outlet 50 can be sealed with a sealing film to prevent the ink outlet 50 from being contaminated.

[0074] The ink cartridge 100 recycling method provided in this application removes residual ink from the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 through a cleaning step, avoiding old ink contamination of new ink and ensuring the cleanliness of the recycled ink cartridge 100 and the quality of the ink for subsequent refilling; removing part of the cover exposes the first ink storage chamber 13 and the first partition plate 11, facilitating the subsequent opening of the first connecting portion 1111 on the first partition plate 11; by opening the first connecting portion 1111 on the first partition plate 11, the first ink storage chamber 13 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 are connected, opening up the originally separated ink storage space, which can increase the volume of ink filled in the ink cartridge 100; the first cover 20 divides the first ink storage chamber 13 into the first sub-ink storage chamber 141. The ink storage chamber 131 and the open space 132 can be welded together to form a sealed structure by welding the first cover 20 to the first ink storage chamber 131, ensuring that the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 is isolated from the outside world, effectively preventing ink leakage and external contamination. At the same time, it can separate the empty chamber 142 from the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141, preventing ink from flowing into the empty chamber 142 and causing ink leakage. Applying glue to the connection position between the first cover 20 and the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 can further enhance the sealing effect of the first sub-ink storage chamber 131, avoid the risk of leakage caused by welding seams, and help improve the overall stability and sealing of the ink cartridge 100.

[0075] Example 4:

[0076] Next, we will combine the appendix Figure 11 The present invention will now describe in detail Embodiment 4, which provides another method for recycling ink cartridge 100, applicable to ink cartridge 100 in any of the embodiments 1-2 above. The ink cartridge 100 includes a housing 10, and a first partition plate 11 and a second partition plate 12 are provided inside the housing 10. The first partition plate 11 divides the housing 10 into a first ink storage chamber 13 and a second ink storage chamber 14, and the second partition plate 12 divides the second ink storage chamber 14 into a second sub-ink storage chamber 141 and an empty chamber 142. The flowchart may include the following steps 210 to 250.

[0077] Step 210: Clean ink cartridge 100 to remove residual ink from the second sub-ink storage chamber 141.

[0078] Step 220: Remove part of the cover of the ink cartridge 100 to expose the first ink storage chamber 13 and the first partition plate 11.

[0079] Step 230: A first connecting portion 1111 is opened on the first partition plate 11 to connect the first ink storage cavity 13 and the second sub-ink storage cavity 141.

[0080] The specific implementation methods of steps 210 to 230 are the same as those of steps 110 to 130 in embodiment 3. Please refer to the relevant descriptions in embodiment 3 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] Step 240: The first cover 20 is glued to the first ink storage cavity 13 to seal the first sub-ink storage cavity 131 in the first ink storage cavity 13.

[0082] The first cover 20 divides the first ink storage cavity 13 into a first sub-ink storage cavity 131 and an open space 132, the open space 132 having an external opening 1321 facing the outside of the ink cartridge 100.

[0083] Here, instead of ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding is used to seal and connect the first cover 20 to the first ink storage cavity. Preferably, a gap region 301 is provided between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, and the second cover 30 has a flow guide notch 32. The gap region 301 and the flow guide notch 32 can serve as flow channels for the adhesive, allowing the adhesive to flow into the target location along a predetermined path.

[0084] Step 250: Ink is filled into the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 through the ink outlet 50 of the ink cartridge 100, and the ink outlet 50 is sealed.

[0085] The specific implementation of step 250 is the same as that of step 160 in embodiment 3. Please refer to the relevant description in embodiment 3 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0086] The ink cartridge 100 recycling method provided in this application removes residual ink from the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 through a cleaning step, avoiding old ink contamination of new ink and ensuring the cleanliness of the recycled ink cartridge 100 and the quality of subsequent refilled ink; removing part of the cover exposes the first ink storage chamber 13 and the first partition plate 11, facilitating the subsequent opening of the first connecting portion 1111 on the first partition plate 11; by opening the first connecting portion 1111 on the first partition plate 11, the first ink storage chamber 13 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141 are connected, opening up the originally separated ink storage space, which can increase the size of the ink cartridge 100. The volume of ink filled in the ink cartridge 100; the first cover 20 divides the first ink storage chamber 13 into a first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and an open space 132. The first cover 20 can be sealed to the first ink storage chamber 13 by adhesive bonding to form a sealed structure, ensuring that the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 is isolated from the outside world, effectively preventing ink leakage and external pollution. At the same time, it can separate the empty chamber 142 from the first sub-ink storage chamber 131 and the second sub-ink storage chamber 141, preventing ink from flowing into the empty chamber 142 and causing ink leakage, which helps to improve the stability and sealing of the overall structure of the ink cartridge 100.

[0087] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, characterized by, The ink cartridge comprises: a housing, a first partition plate and a second partition plate are arranged in the housing, the first partition plate divides the housing into a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity, and the second partition plate divides the second ink storage cavity into a second sub-ink storage cavity and an empty cavity; a first face cover, which is connected to the first ink storage cavity and divides the first ink storage cavity into a first sub-ink storage cavity and an open space with an external opening towards the outside of the ink cartridge; a second face cover, which is sealingly connected to the second sub-ink storage cavity and covers the empty cavity; wherein the first partition plate comprises a first communication part, which communicates the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity.

2. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein The first face cover comprises a face cover sealing part and a face cover protruding part connected to the face cover sealing part, the face cover protruding part divides the first ink storage cavity into the first sub-ink storage cavity and the open space, and the face cover sealing part and the face cover protruding part are sealingly connected to the first sub-ink storage cavity.

3. The ink cartridge of claim 2, wherein The first partition plate comprises a first partition part and a second partition part connected to each other, the first partition part divides the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity, and the second partition part divides the empty cavity and the open space; The first communication part is arranged on the first partition part; The second partition part comprises a second communication part, which communicates the empty cavity and the open space.

4. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein The first face cover comprises a first connecting part, and the second face cover comprises a second connecting part, the second connecting part is connected to the first partition plate, and the first connecting part is sealingly connected to the second connecting part.

5. The ink cartridge of claim 4, wherein The second connecting part comprises a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface connected to the first stepped surface, the first stepped surface covers the first partition plate, and the first connecting part is connected to the first stepped surface.

6. The ink cartridge of claim 5, wherein The first connecting part is arranged in a spaced manner with the second stepped surface.

7. The ink cartridge of claim 6, wherein The second face cover further comprises a flow guide gap, a gap between the first connecting part and the second stepped surface is configured as a spacing area, and the flow guide gap communicates with the spacing area.

8. The ink cartridge of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The first communication part comprises a gas opening and an ink opening, both of which communicate the first sub-ink storage cavity and the second sub-ink storage cavity, and when the ink cartridge is placed along the installation direction, the gas opening is higher than the ink opening in the extension direction of the first partition plate.

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