Consumable cartridge

Abstract

A consumable cartridge, comprising: a body (10) and a face cover (20). The body (10) comprises a partition plate, an ink storage chamber (101), and a replenishment chamber; the partition plate is used for separating the ink storage chamber (101) from the replenishment chamber; the side of the face cover (20) facing the partition plate is provided with a plurality of communication portions; the plurality of communication portions are arranged at intervals; the plurality of communication portions are configured to make the ink storage chamber (101) in communication with the replenishment chamber; and the side of each communication portion away from the partition plate is closed by the face cover (20).

Description

Consumables Box

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 28, 2024, with application number 202420636286.1 and application name “Consumable Box”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a consumables box. Background Art

[0003] Printers, a common office device, provide convenience for modern offices. Printers include laser printers and inkjet printers. Different types of ink cartridges are compatible with different printer models. The consumable cartridge is the printer's output function, passively receiving instructions to print. As a color loading tool, consumable cartridges are completely discarded after the ink is consumed, resulting in a significant waste of consumable resources. Discarded consumable cartridges are often recycled to improve their utilization and save energy.

[0004] In the prior art, an unused cavity in a discarded consumables cartridge is processed to connect it to the ink reservoir, allowing for more ink to be filled. Specifically, the cover corresponding to the upper side of the cavity is cut to fully expose the cavity. A connecting hole is then carved into the partition between the cavity and the ink reservoir. When the consumables cartridge is refilled with ink, the cavity is filled with ink, and ink is continuously replenished into the ink reservoir through the connecting hole. The cavity is then covered with a cover.

[0005] During the use of the recycled consumable box, the printer needs to perform a positive pressure test before executing the print command. Specifically, the inflation unit in the printer inflates the deformable component arranged in the ink storage chamber through the inflation hole of the consumable box, causing the deformable component to expand and deform, pushing the spring and ball valve located on the upper side of the deformable component to close the air guide hole, and the ink in the ink storage chamber is supplied to the ink detection chamber of the printer for detection.

[0006] However, during the positive pressure detection process, due to the increase in pressure inside the consumable box, the ink stored in the ink storage cavity is squeezed into the cavity. Limited by the structural limitations of the connecting hole between the cavity and the ink storage cavity, the ink squeezed into the cavity is difficult to flow back into the ink storage cavity, resulting in a decrease in the amount of ink in the ink storage cavity, and a decrease in the amount of ink in the ink detection cavity supplied to the printer, thereby increasing the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box. Once the number of inflations exceeds the rated threshold, the printer will report an error, or because the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection cavity, the printer will mistakenly prompt that the ink is exhausted when there is still ink in the consumable box, which brings inconvenience to the user and causes a certain degree of waste, increasing the user's cost.

[0007] In addition, due to the poor bonding and sealing between the cover plate on the upper side of the cavity and the surface cover of the consumable box, during the positive pressure detection process, ink will overflow from the gap between the surface cover and the cover plate to the outside of the consumable box, causing environmental pollution.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] The embodiment of the present application provides a consumable box to solve the problem that during the positive pressure detection process, the internal pressure of the consumable box increases, causing the ink stored in the ink storage cavity to be squeezed into the cavity, resulting in a decrease in the amount of ink supplied to the ink detection cavity of the printer, thereby increasing the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box. Once the number of inflations exceeds the rated threshold, the printer will report an error, or because the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection cavity, the printer will mistakenly prompt that the ink is exhausted when there is still ink in the consumable box, which brings inconvenience to the user, causes a certain degree of waste, and increases the user's usage cost. It also solves the problem that during the positive pressure detection process, ink will overflow from the gap between the surface cover and the cover plate to the outside of the consumable box, causing pollution.

[0010] The embodiment of the present application provides a consumables box, comprising a body and a cover;

[0011] The body comprises a partition, an ink storage cavity and a replenishing cavity, wherein the partition is used to separate the ink storage cavity from the replenishing cavity;

[0012] A plurality of connecting parts are provided on the side of the face cover facing the partition, the plurality of connecting parts are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of connecting parts are constructed to connect the ink storage cavity with the replenishing cavity, and each of the connecting parts is closed by the face cover on the side away from the partition.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the body includes a plurality of the replenishing cavities, and the plurality of the replenishing cavities are arranged around the ink storage cavity, and the partition is further used to separate two adjacent replenishing cavities;

[0014] The plurality of communication portions are configured to connect the ink storage chamber to the plurality of replenishment chambers, and to connect adjacent replenishment chambers.

[0015] In a possible implementation, there is at least one communicating portion corresponding to each of the replenishing chambers and the ink storage chamber, and there is at least one communicating portion corresponding to two adjacent replenishing chambers.

[0016] In a possible implementation, each of the communication portions is higher than the partition in a height direction of the consumable box, and a fluid path is defined between the communication portion and the partition.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, in the thickness direction of the partition, the connecting portion extends from one side of the partition to the other side of the partition.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the connecting portion is configured to form a depression on a side facing the partition and moving away from the partition.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the main body includes a first replenishing chamber and a second replenishing chamber, the first replenishing chamber is located on one side of the ink storage chamber in the length direction of the consumable box, and the second replenishing chamber is located on one side of the ink storage chamber in the width direction of the consumable box.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the connecting portion is correspondingly provided between the first replenishing chamber and the ink storage chamber, the connecting portion is correspondingly provided between the second replenishing chamber and the ink storage chamber, and the connecting portion is correspondingly provided between the first replenishing chamber and the second replenishing chamber.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the volume of the first supplementary chamber is greater than the volume of the second supplementary chamber.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the body comes from an original ink cartridge, a recycled ink cartridge, or a regenerated ink cartridge.

[0023] An embodiment of the present application provides a consumables box, comprising a main body and a face cover; the main body comprises a partition, an ink storage chamber and a replenishing chamber, the partition being used to separate the ink storage chamber from the replenishing chamber; a plurality of connecting parts are provided on a side of the face cover facing the partition, the plurality of connecting parts are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of connecting parts are constructed to connect the ink storage chamber with the replenishing chamber, and each connecting part is closed by the face cover on the side facing away from the partition. A plurality of connecting parts are provided on the side of the face cover facing the partition, and the plurality of connecting parts connect the ink storage chamber with the replenishing chamber. When the printer is in positive pressure detection, the ink in the ink storage chamber is squeezed into the replenishing chamber, and the ink in the replenishing chamber is filled into the ink storage chamber through at least one connecting part, so that the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber is increased, so that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the ink detection chamber of the printer through the ink outlet, so that the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box during the positive pressure detection process is within the specified threshold range, avoiding the situation in the prior art where the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection chamber during the positive pressure detection process, and the consumable box is mistakenly prompted to be exhausted, or the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box exceeds the threshold, causing the printer to report an error. This ensures the normal use of the consumable box, is convenient for users to use, does not cause waste, and reduces user usage costs.

[0024] In addition, by replacing the discarded consumable box with a new cover, or remodeling the old cover and then refilling the consumable box with ink, there will be no ink overflow during the positive pressure test and no environmental pollution will be caused. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram from a first perspective of a consumables box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the consumables box in FIG1 from a second perspective;

[0028] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the consumables box in FIG1 with the cover removed;

[0029] FIG4 is an exploded schematic diagram of the consumables box in FIG3 with the cover removed;

[0030] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the face cover in FIG1 ;

[0031] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of ink flow in the consumables box in FIG1 during positive pressure detection.

[0032] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 10-main body; 101-ink storage chamber; 102-front wall; 103-inflating port; 104a-ink outlet; 104b-accommodating portion; 105a-first replenishing chamber; 105b-second replenishing chamber; 106a-first partition; 106b-second partition; 106c-third partition; 11-base; 111-air guide hole; 12-sealing gasket; 13-valve component; 14-third deformable member; 15-ball valve; 20-face cover; 201-inner surface; 21-guide portion; 22-enclosing portion; 23-installing portion; 24a-first connecting portion; 24b-second connecting portion; 24c-third connecting portion; 24d-fourth connecting portion; 30-deformable component; 31-first deformable member; 32-second deformable member; 321-installed portion; 40-chip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "fixed," and the like should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication between them; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0037] In the above description, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0038] As described in the background technology, during the positive pressure detection process, due to the increase in the internal pressure of the consumable box, the ink stored in the ink storage cavity is squeezed into the cavity, resulting in a decrease in the amount of ink supplied to the ink detection cavity of the printer, and an increase in the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box. Once the number of inflations exceeds the threshold, the printer will report an error, or because the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection cavity, the printer will mistakenly prompt that the ink is exhausted when there is still ink in the consumable box, which brings inconvenience to the user and causes a certain degree of waste, increasing the user's cost. The inventors have discovered that the reason for this problem is that, in the prior art, a connecting hole is engraved on the partition between the cavity and the ink storage cavity. Due to the size and structural limitations of the connecting hole, during the positive pressure detection process, the ink stored in the ink storage cavity is squeezed into the cavity, and the ink in the cavity cannot flow back to the ink storage cavity, resulting in a decrease in the amount of ink supplied to the ink detection cavity of the printer, and an increase in the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box. Once the number of inflations exceeds the rated threshold, the printer will report an error, or because the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection cavity, the printer will mistakenly prompt that the ink is exhausted when there is still ink in the consumable box, which brings inconvenience to the user and causes a certain degree of waste, increasing the user's cost.

[0039] In addition, due to the poor bonding and sealing between the cover plate on the upper side of the cavity and the surface cover of the consumable box, during the positive pressure detection process, ink will overflow from the gap between the surface cover and the cover plate to the outside of the consumable box, causing environmental pollution.

[0040] To address the aforementioned issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a consumables cartridge having a new cover. The side of the cover facing the partition is provided with multiple connecting portions, which connect the ink storage chamber to the replenishing chamber. This allows the ink in the ink storage chamber to be squeezed into the replenishing chamber during positive pressure testing. The ink in the replenishing chamber is then filled into the ink storage chamber through at least one connecting portion, increasing the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber. This ensures that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the printer's ink detection chamber through the ink outlet. This ensures that the number of times the printer inflates the consumables cartridge during positive pressure testing is within a specified threshold. This avoids the prior art situation where, due to the ink detection chamber not detecting the specified amount of ink, an error message indicating the consumables cartridge is out of ink is avoided, or the printer inflating the consumables cartridge beyond a threshold, causing a printer error. This ensures the normal use of the consumables cartridge, is user-friendly, avoids waste, and reduces user costs. Furthermore, after the old cover of a discarded consumables cartridge is removed and refilled with ink, a new cover is installed. During positive pressure testing, ink does not overflow, preventing environmental pollution.

[0041] The consumables box provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, an embodiment of the present application provides a consumable box, including a main body 10 and a face cover 20; the main body includes a partition, an ink storage chamber 101 and a replenishing chamber, and the partition is used to separate the ink storage chamber 101 from the replenishing chamber; a plurality of connecting parts are provided on the side of the face cover 20 facing the partition, and the plurality of connecting parts are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of connecting parts are constructed to connect the ink storage chamber 101 with the replenishing chamber, so that when the printer is in positive pressure detection, after the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 is squeezed into the replenishing chamber, the ink in the replenishing chamber is filled into the ink storage chamber 101 through at least one connecting part.

[0043] As shown in FIG2 , the length direction of the consumable box is the X-axis direction, the width direction of the consumable box is the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the consumable box is the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0044] The ink cartridges come from original, recycled or remanufactured ink cartridges.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the consumable box includes a pressure control component, which includes a deformable component 30 (i.e., a transparent bag-shaped structure) and a first deformable component 31. The deformable component 30 and the first deformable component 31 are arranged in the ink storage chamber 101, and the first deformable component 31 is located on the upper side of the deformable component 30. Specifically, in the height direction of the consumable box, the first deformable component 31 is located on the upper side of the deformable component 30, and compared with the first deformable component 31, the deformable component 30 is located on the side away from the face cover 20, and the first deformable component 31 is in contact with the face cover 20.

[0046] The first deformable member 31 can be made of metal. When subjected to an external force, the first deformable member 31 deforms. Once the external force is removed, the first deformable member 31 returns to its initial state under its own elastic force. The initial state of the first deformable member 31 is the state in which the first deformable member 31 is not subjected to an external force.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the air control assembly includes a second deformable member 32 and a valve component 13. A base 11 is disposed within the ink reservoir 101. The base 11 has an air duct 111 therein for connecting the consumables cartridge to the outside atmosphere. The valve component 13 is located within the base 11. The base 11 also includes a sealing gasket 12. The sealing gasket 12 is located closer to the air duct 111 than the valve component 13. That is, in terms of the height of the consumables cartridge, the sealing gasket 12 is located between the base 11 and the valve component 13.

[0048] In the height direction of the consumables box, the second deformable member 32 is located above the first deformable member 31 and the valve component 13 , respectively. A portion of the second deformable member 32 contacts the first deformable member 31 , and another portion of the second deformable member 32 contacts the valve component 13 .

[0049] The second deformable member 32 can be made of metal. When subjected to an external force, the second deformable member 32 deforms. Once the external force is removed, the second deformable member 32 returns to its initial state under its own elastic force. The initial state of the second deformable member 32 is the state in which the second deformable member 32 is not subjected to an external force.

[0050] In the longitudinal direction of the consumables box, the main body 10 has a front wall 102, which is located on one side of the main body 10 in the +X axis direction. The front wall 102 is provided with an air filling port 103 and an ink outlet. One end of the deformable component 30 is connected to the air filling port 103, that is, the deformable component 30 is only connected to the air filling port 103 and is not connected to the ink storage chamber 101. When air is inflated through the air filling port 103, gas can enter the deformable component 30, causing the deformable component 30 to expand and deform. When air is exhausted through the deformable component 30, the gas in the deformable component 30 is exhausted through the air filling port 103. The ink outlet is connected to the ink storage chamber 101.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ink outlet includes an opening and closing assembly and an ink outlet 104a. The ink outlet 104a is located on the front wall 102 of the consumables cartridge. A housing 104b is provided in the ink storage chamber 101 for accommodating the opening and closing assembly. The opening and closing assembly includes a third deformable member 14, a ball valve 15, and a sealing plug (not shown). The ball valve 15 is located between the third deformable member 14 and the sealing plug. One end of the ball valve 15 is connected to the sealing plug, which is installed in the ink outlet 104a. When the consumables cartridge is installed in the printer, the air filling unit in the printer is connected to the air filling port 103, and the ink supply unit is connected to the ink storage chamber 101 through the ink outlet 104a.

[0052] The third deformable member 14 can be made of metal. When subjected to an external force, the third deformable member 14 deforms. After the external force is removed, the third deformable member 14 returns to its initial state under its own elastic force. The initial state of the third deformable member 14 is the state in which the third deformable member 14 is not subjected to an external force.

[0053] As shown in FIG5 , the side of the face cover 20 facing the ink storage chamber 101 has an inner surface 201, and a plurality of guide portions 21 are provided on the inner surface 201, which are located around the inside of the face cover 20 and are used to guide the face cover 20 and the body 10 to be installed during the installation process of the body 10 and the face cover 20. The guide portion 21 can be a guide plate. When the face cover 20 and the body 10 are installed, the plurality of guide plates contact the inner wall of the body 10 to guide the installation of the face cover 20 and the body 10.

[0054] The inner surface 201 is also provided with a plurality of retaining portions 22, forming an accommodation space between the retaining portions 22. When the face cover 20 and the body 10 are installed, the first deformable member 31 is located in the accommodation space, and the retaining portions 22 are used to limit the position of the first deformable member 31. In this embodiment, the first deformable member 31 abuts against the body 10 and the face cover 20, respectively. The retaining portions 22 may be retaining blocks. When the face cover 20 and the body 10 are installed, the plurality of retaining blocks are provided at the edges of the first deformable member 31, which can limit the position of the first deformable member 31 within the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis, preventing the first deformable member 31 from moving within the plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, multiple mounting portions 23 are provided adjacent to the accommodation space. In this embodiment, there are two mounting portions 23. The second deformable member 32 has a mounted portion 321. The second deformable member 32 is connected to the mounting portion 23 via the mounted portion 321 provided thereon, thereby achieving the installation of the second deformable member 32 and the cover 20. Specifically, the mounting portion 23 can be a rod structure, and the mounted portion 321 can be a hole structure. The mounted portion 321 can be clamped on the mounting portion 23.

[0056] The consumables box further includes a chip 40, which is mounted on the body 10 via a chip holder. The chip 40 can establish a communication connection with the contact pins of the printer.

[0057] When the consumable box is loaded into the printer, the printer needs to perform a positive pressure test before executing the print command, that is, to determine the amount of ink in the consumable box. Specifically: the inflation unit in the printer inflates the consumable box through the inflation port 103 of the consumable box, and the deformable component 30 is deformed toward the face cover 20, so that the first deformable component 31 located above it and abutting the deformable component 30 is also deformed toward the face cover 20. Under the action of this external force, the second deformable component 32 located on the upper side of the first deformable component 31 rotates toward the face cover 20 with the valve component 13 as the rotation fulcrum, and at the same time, a force is applied to the valve component 13 located in the base 11, pushing the valve component 13 and the sealing gasket 12 to move together toward the air guide hole 111, so that the air guide hole 111 is closed by the sealing gasket 12. At this time, the internal pressure of the consumable box is greater than the external pressure.

[0058] The number of the supplementary chambers may be one or more.

[0059] When there is only one replenishing chamber and the printer is performing positive pressure detection, due to the expansion of the deformable component 30 provided in the ink storage chamber 101, part of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed into the ink detection chamber provided in the printer through the ink outlet portion, and the other part is squeezed into the replenishing chamber adjacent to the ink storage chamber 101 through multiple connecting portions. When the ink volume contained in the replenishing chamber reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the replenishing chamber and the ink originally stored in the replenishing chamber will be refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the connecting portions, so that the ink storage chamber The amount of ink in 101 is increased, so that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the ink detection chamber of the printer through the ink outlet 104a, so that the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box during the positive pressure detection process is within the specified threshold range, avoiding the situation in the prior art where the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection chamber during the positive pressure detection process, and the consumable box is mistakenly prompted to be out of ink, or the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box exceeds the threshold causing the printer to report an error. This ensures the normal use of the consumable box, is convenient for users to use, does not cause waste, and reduces user usage costs.

[0060] When there are multiple replenishing chambers, the multiple replenishing chambers are arranged around the ink storage chamber 101, and the partition is also used to separate two adjacent replenishing chambers; the multiple connecting parts are constructed to connect the ink storage chamber 101 with the multiple replenishing chambers, and connect the adjacent replenishing chambers. When the printer performs positive pressure detection, a part of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed into the ink amount detection chamber provided in the printer through the ink outlet part, and the other part is squeezed into some replenishing chambers adjacent to the ink storage chamber 101 through the multiple connecting parts. When the amount of ink squeezed into one or more replenishing chambers reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the one or more replenishing chambers and the original stored ink in the replenishing chamber will be refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the corresponding connecting parts; or, when the printer performs positive pressure detection, a part of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed into the ink amount detection chamber provided in the printer. Part of the ink is squeezed into the ink level detection cavity provided in the printer through the ink outlet part, and the other part is squeezed into the partial replenishing cavity adjacent to the ink storage cavity 101 through multiple connecting parts. When the ink level in one or more replenishing cavities reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the one or more replenishing cavities and the ink originally stored in the replenishing cavities are refilled into the one or more replenishing cavities adjacent thereto through the corresponding connecting parts. When the ink level in the one or more adjacent replenishing cavities reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the one or more adjacent replenishing cavities and the ink originally stored in the adjacent replenishing cavities are refilled into the ink storage cavity 101. Such a setting increases the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 101, so that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the ink detection chamber of the printer through the ink outlet 104a, so that the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box during the positive pressure detection process is within the specified threshold range, avoiding the situation in the prior art where the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection chamber during the positive pressure detection process, and the consumable box is falsely prompted to be out of ink, or the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box exceeds the threshold, causing the printer to report an error. This ensures the normal use of the consumable box, is convenient for users to use, does not cause waste, and reduces user costs.

[0061] Exemplarily, there are two replenishing chambers, each of which is connected to the ink storage chamber 101 via at least one connecting portion, and the two replenishing chambers are connected via at least one connecting portion. When the printer is executing a print command to perform a positive pressure test, a portion of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed into the ink quantity detection chamber provided in the printer through the ink outlet portion, and the other portion is squeezed into the replenishing chamber through the connecting portion corresponding to a replenishing chamber. When the amount of ink in the replenishing chamber reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the replenishing chamber and the ink originally stored in the replenishing chamber will be refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the corresponding connecting portion; or, when the printer is executing a print command to perform a positive pressure test, a portion of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed out through the ink outlet portion. The ink is squeezed into the ink detection cavity provided in the printer, and the other part is squeezed into the replenishing cavity through the connecting portion corresponding to a replenishing cavity. When the amount of ink in the replenishing cavity reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the replenishing cavity and the ink originally stored in the replenishing cavity will be refilled into the ink storage cavity 101 through the corresponding connecting portion, and the other part is squeezed into the replenishing cavity adjacent to it. When the amount of ink in the adjacent replenishing cavity reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the adjacent replenishing cavity and the ink originally stored in the adjacent replenishing cavity will be refilled into the ink storage cavity 101 through the corresponding connecting portion.

[0062] In addition, the consumables box provided in this embodiment will not have ink overflow during the positive pressure detection process, and will not cause environmental pollution.

[0063] It should be noted that when the consumable box leaves the factory, a certain negative pressure value is maintained inside. At this time, the consumable box is in a negative pressure state. The negative pressure value of the consumable box is a specified threshold. When the consumable box is in a negative pressure state, the internal negative pressure of the consumable box exerts a force on the valve component 13 and the sealing gasket 12 that is greater than the force of the external atmosphere on the sealing gasket 12 and the valve component 13. The valve component 13 closes the air guide hole 111.

[0064] In this embodiment, the body 10 includes multiple replenishment chambers. Within the consumable cartridge, both the ink reservoir 101 and the multiple replenishment chambers are filled with ink. The replenishment chambers can be used to replenish the ink within the reservoirs in real time, thereby increasing the cartridge's ink capacity and improving page yield. After the consumable cartridge passes the printer's positive pressure test and performs normal printing, the inflation unit stops inflating the cartridge. As the gas in the deformable component 30 is discharged through the inflation port 103, the deformable component 30 resumes its deformation. Due to the loss of the deformable component 30's expansion force, the first deformable member 31 moves toward the deformable component 30, while the second deformable member 32 rotates toward the deformable component 30, with the valve member 13 serving as the pivot point. The consumable box works normally in the printer. During normal printing, the ink supply unit of the printer applies suction force to the consumable box, so that the ink stored in the consumable box is supplied to the ink supply unit in the printer. As the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 is consumed, multiple replenishment chambers can replenish ink into the ink storage chamber 101 through the connecting parts between them and the ink storage chamber 101.

[0065] As the ink in the consumable box is continuously consumed, the negative pressure value in the consumable box gradually increases. Since the force of the external atmosphere on the sealing gasket 12 and the valve component 13 is greater than the force of the internal negative pressure on the valve component 13 and the sealing gasket 12, the sealing gasket 12 and the valve component 13 are both displaced away from the air guide hole 111, and the external gas enters the ink storage chamber 101 through the air guide hole. When the negative pressure value of the consumable box reaches the specified threshold, the air guide hole 111 is closed by the valve component 13.

[0066] In a possible embodiment, there is at least one connecting portion between each replenishing cavity and the ink storage cavity 101 , and there is at least one connecting portion between two adjacent replenishing cavities.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main body 10 includes a first replenishing chamber 105a and a second replenishing chamber 105b. The first replenishing chamber 105a is located on one side of the ink storage chamber 101 in the length direction of the consumable box. Specifically, the first replenishing chamber 105a is located on the side of the ink storage chamber 101 in the -X axis direction, and the second replenishing chamber 105b is located on the side of the ink storage chamber 101 in the width direction of the consumable box. Specifically, the second replenishing chamber 105b is located on the side of the ink storage chamber 101 in the +Y axis direction.

[0068] The volume of the first replenishing chamber 105a is greater than the volume of the second replenishing chamber 105b, that is, the maximum amount of ink filled in the first replenishing chamber 105a is greater than the maximum amount of ink filled in the second replenishing chamber 105b.

[0069] A first partition plate 106a is provided between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the ink storage chamber 101, a second partition plate 106b is provided between the second replenishing chamber 105b and the ink storage chamber 101, and a third partition plate 106c is provided between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b.

[0070] As shown in FIG5 , two connecting portions correspond to each other between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the ink storage chamber 101, one connecting portion corresponds to each other between the second replenishing chamber 105b and the ink storage chamber 101, and one connecting portion corresponds to each other between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b. Specifically, a first connecting portion 24a and a second connecting portion 24b are provided between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the ink storage chamber 101. The first connecting portion 24a connects the first replenishing chamber 105a and the ink storage chamber 101, and the second connecting portion 24b connects the first replenishing chamber 105a and the ink storage chamber 101. A third connecting portion 24c is provided between the second replenishing chamber 105b and the ink storage chamber 101. The third connecting portion 24c connects the second replenishing chamber 105b and the ink storage chamber 101. A fourth connecting portion 24d is provided between the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b. The fourth connecting portion 24d connects the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b.

[0071] In one possible embodiment, the end of each connecting portion away from the partition is closed by the cover 20, that is, each connecting portion is not connected to the side of the cover 20 away from the partition. In this way, the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 and the replenishing chamber cannot flow out of the consumables box through the connecting portion.

[0072] Among them, each connecting part is higher than the partition in the height direction of the consumable box, that is, each connecting part is located on the upper side of the corresponding partition in the +Z axis direction, and there is a fluid path between each connecting part and the partition, so that ink can flow between the ink storage chamber and the replenishment chamber, and between adjacent replenishment chambers through the fluid path.

[0073] The connecting portion is a structure that connects the ink storage chamber 101 with the replenishing chamber, or connects two adjacent replenishing chambers. In some examples, the connecting portion is formed as a depression on the side facing the partition, facing away from the partition. The depression is located on the side of the cover 20 facing the partition. In other embodiments, the connecting portion may also be a connecting hole.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first communicating portion 24a is square, the second communicating portion 24b is approximately L-shaped, the third communicating portion 24c is square, and the fourth communicating portion 24d is approximately T-shaped.

[0075] In the thickness direction of the partition, the connecting portion extends from one side of the partition to the other side of the partition. Specifically, the thickness direction of the first partition 106a is the X-axis direction, the first connecting portion 24a extends from the -X-axis side of the first partition 106a to the +X-axis side, and the second connecting portion 24b extends from the -X-axis side of the first partition 106a to the +X-axis side. In the X-axis direction, the length of the first connecting portion 24a is greater than the thickness of the first partition 106a, and the length of the second connecting portion 24b is greater than the thickness of the first partition 106a; the thickness of the second partition 106b is greater than the thickness of the first partition 106a. The third connecting portion 24c extends from the side of the second partition plate 106b in the -Y-axis direction to the side of the +Y-axis direction. In the Y-axis direction, the length of the third connecting portion 24c is greater than the thickness of the second partition plate 106b; the thickness direction of the third partition plate 106c is the X-axis direction, and the fourth connecting portion 24d extends from the side of the third partition plate 106c in the -X-axis direction to the side of the +X-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the length of the fourth connecting portion 24d is greater than the thickness of the third partition plate 106c.

[0076] The dashed line with an arrow on the first connecting portion 24a in FIG6 represents the flow direction of the ink in the first replenishing chamber 105a to the ink storage chamber 101, and the solid line with an arrow on the first connecting portion 24a represents the flow direction of the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 to the first replenishing chamber 105a; the dashed line with an arrow on the second connecting portion 24b in FIG6 represents the flow direction of the ink in the first replenishing chamber 105a to the ink storage chamber 101, and the solid line with an arrow on the second connecting portion 24b represents the flow direction of the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 to the first replenishing chamber 105a; The dotted line with an arrow on the third connecting portion 24c represents the flow direction of the ink in the second replenishing chamber 105b to the ink storage chamber 101, and the solid line with an arrow on the third connecting portion 24c represents the flow direction of the ink in the ink storage chamber 101 to the second replenishing chamber 105b; the dotted line with an arrow on the fourth connecting portion 24d in Figure 6 represents the flow direction of the ink in the first replenishing chamber 105a to the second replenishing chamber 105b, and the solid line with an arrow on the fourth connecting portion 24d represents the flow direction of the ink in the second replenishing chamber 105b to the first replenishing chamber 105a.

[0077] For example, when the consumable box is loaded into the printer and the printer performs a positive pressure test when executing a print command, the inflation unit in the printer inflates the consumable box through the inflation port 103 of the consumable box, and the deformable component 30 expands toward the face cover 20. A portion of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable box is squeezed into the ink detection chamber provided in the printer through the ink outlet portion, and the other portion flows into the second replenishment chamber 105b through the third connecting portion 24c. When the amount of ink in the second replenishment chamber 105b reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the second replenishment chamber 105b and the ink originally stored in the second replenishment chamber 105b are inflated. A portion of the ink in the second replenishing chamber 105b is refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the third connecting portion 24c. Since the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b are connected, another portion of the ink is squeezed into the first replenishing chamber 105a through the fourth connecting portion 24d. When the amount of ink in the first replenishing chamber 105a reaches the maximum, the ink squeezed into the first replenishing chamber 105a and a portion of the ink originally stored in the first replenishing chamber 105a are refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the first connecting portion 24a and the second connecting portion 24b. Or, when The consumables box is loaded into the printer. When the printer executes a print command and performs a positive pressure test, the air filling unit in the printer inflates the consumables box through the air filling port 103 of the consumables box. The deformable component 30 expands toward the face cover 20. A portion of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumables box is squeezed into the ink level detection chamber provided in the printer through the ink outlet portion, and the other portion is squeezed into the first replenishing chamber 105a through the first connecting portion 24a and the second connecting portion 24b. When the ink level in the first replenishing chamber 105a reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the first replenishing chamber 105a is filled with water. A portion of the ink originally stored in the first replenishment chamber 105a is refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the first connecting portion 24a and the second connecting portion 24b. Since the first replenishment chamber 105a and the second replenishment chamber 105b are connected, another portion of the ink is squeezed into the second replenishment chamber 105b through the third connecting portion 24c. When the amount of ink in the second replenishment chamber 105b reaches the maximum value, the ink squeezed into the second replenishment chamber 105b and a portion of the ink originally stored in the second replenishment chamber 105b are refilled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the third connecting portion 24c. Such a setting increases the amount of ink in the ink storage chamber 101, so that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the ink detection chamber of the printer through the ink outlet 104a, so that the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box during the positive pressure detection process is within the specified threshold range, avoiding the situation in the prior art where the specified amount of ink is not detected in the ink detection chamber during the positive pressure detection process, and the consumable box is mistakenly prompted to be out of ink, or the number of times the printer inflates the consumable box exceeds the threshold, causing the printer to report an error. This ensures the normal use of the consumable box, is convenient for users to use, does not cause waste, and reduces user usage costs.

[0078] It should also be pointed out that when the consumable cartridge is loaded into the printer and the printer performs positive pressure detection when executing a print command, the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 101 of the consumable cartridge can also flow into the first replenishing chamber 105a through the first communicating portion 24a and the second communicating portion 24b, and into the second replenishing chamber 105b through the third communicating portion 24c. Since the first replenishing chamber 105a and the second replenishing chamber 105b are connected, the volume of the first replenishing chamber 105a is greater than the volume of the second replenishing chamber 105b. When the ink amount in the second replenishing chamber 105b reaches the maximum value first, the ink in the second replenishing chamber 105b will be squeezed into the first replenishing chamber 105a through the fourth communicating portion 24d. When the ink amount in the first replenishing chamber 105a reaches the maximum value, the ink in the first replenishing chamber 105a will be filled into the ink storage chamber 101 through the first communicating portion 24a and the second communicating portion 24b, thereby increasing the ink amount in the ink storage chamber 101.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A consumables box, characterized in that: Including body and cover; The body comprises a partition, an ink storage cavity and a replenishing cavity, wherein the partition is used to separate the ink storage cavity from the replenishing cavity; A plurality of connecting parts are provided on the side of the face cover facing the partition, the plurality of connecting parts are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of connecting parts are constructed to connect the ink storage cavity with the replenishing cavity, and each of the connecting parts is closed by the face cover on the side away from the partition.

2. The consumables box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body comprises a plurality of replenishing cavities, the plurality of replenishing cavities being arranged around the ink storage cavity, and the partition is further used to separate two adjacent replenishing cavities; The plurality of communication portions are configured to connect the ink storage chamber to the plurality of replenishment chambers, and to connect adjacent replenishment chambers.

3. The consumables box according to claim 2, characterized in that: There is at least one communicating portion corresponding to each of the replenishing chambers and the ink storage chamber, and there is at least one communicating portion corresponding to two adjacent replenishing chambers.

4. The consumables box according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the communication portions is higher than the partition in the height direction of the consumables box, and a fluid path is defined between the communication portion and the partition.

5. The consumables box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The communication portion extends from one side of the separator to the other side of the separator in a thickness direction of the separator.

6. The consumables box according to claim 5, characterized in that: The communication portion is configured to be recessed on a side facing the partition and away from the partition.

7. The consumables box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The body includes a first replenishing chamber and a second replenishing chamber, the first replenishing chamber is located on one side of the ink storage chamber in the length direction of the consumable box, and the second replenishing chamber is located on one side of the ink storage chamber in the width direction of the consumable box.

8. The consumables box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The communicating portion is correspondingly provided between the first replenishing chamber and the ink storage chamber, the communicating portion is correspondingly provided between the second replenishing chamber and the ink storage chamber, and the communicating portion is correspondingly provided between the first replenishing chamber and the second replenishing chamber.

9. The consumable material box according to claim 8, characterized in that: The volume of the first supplementary chamber is greater than the volume of the second supplementary chamber.

10. The consumable material box according to claim 9, characterized in that: The body comes from an original ink cartridge, a recycled ink cartridge or a regenerated ink cartridge.

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