Ink-jet recording apparatus
US7185974B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/17513
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A bottom of a buffer tank of an ink-jet recording apparatus is formed to have a substantially stepped structure. Ink contained in an ink cartridge is supplied to a lower step side of the stepped structure through an ink-introducing tube. The outside air is introduced into the ink cartridge through an outside air-introducing tube. The height of ink liquid surface is maintained slightly lower than in an upper step surface section of the buffer tank. The water evaporation from the ink liquid surface is suppressed by decreasing the ink liquid surface area while securing a large space on the upper side of the buffer tank. The lowering speed of the height is increased for a certain amount of the ink consumption, rapidly separating the ink liquid surface from the air-introducing tube to suppress erroneous judgment on the ink remaining amount due to fluctuation of the ink liquid surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.