Ink supply apparatus
US7597430B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/19
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A supply path of ink to connect an exchangeable ink cartridge and a recording head for discharging ink is provided. Also, a pump which can supply the ink stored in the supply path through a confluent portion of the supply path and the pump; and an ink detecting sensor for detecting the ink in the supply path at the confluent portion or on the ink cartridge side with respect to the confluent portion are provided. When the ink detecting sensor detects that there is no ink, the detection result is reported, and after the exchange of the ink cartridge, the pump is drive-controlled to supply the ink to the supply path, and to return the air in the supply path back to the ink cartridge. A supply pressure of the pump is a pressure where a meniscus in the recording head is not broken.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.