Ink cartridges and ink supply systems

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ink cartridges and ink supply systems. In particular, the present invention is directed towards ink cartridges which may be used in combination with ink jet printers and towards ink supply systems applicable to ink jet printers.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] A known inkjet printer has a recording head from which ink is discharged onto a sheet of paper to form images on the sheet of paper. The known inkjet printer also has a main ink tank, and a sub ink tank mounted on the recording head. The main ink tank and the sub ink tank are in fluid communication with each other via an ink supply path formed by a flexible tube, The known inkjet printer also has an ink supply mechanism such as a positive displacement pump, e.g. a tube pump or a gear pump. The pump is provided in the ink supply path between the main ink tank and the sub ink tank and is configured to supply ink from the main ink tank to the sub in tank. Ink is drawn into the inside of the pump and then is pressurized by the pump to be supplied to the sub ink tank. In some cases, the main ink tank and the pump are disposed in a cartridge, and the cartridge is configured to be removable from the inkjet printer.

[0003] Nevertheless, since the pump is provided in the ink supply path, ink may leak from the pump when the pump breaks, the tubing of the tube pump ages and deteriorates, or sealing of the pump deteriorates.

[0004] From US 6,113,228 a printing system is known comprising an ink container and a print head connected by a conduit. The ink container accommodates a fluid reservoir containing ink. A pump is provided supplying gas/air to the environment of the fluid reservoir inside the ink container.

[0005] From JP 05-318 760 A an ink jet recording apparatus is known having a pressure applying part accommodating an ink supply bag. A pump supplies gas through a pressure applying pipe to the environment of the ink supply bag in the pressure applying part.

[0006] From EP 0 965 451 A2 an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink container are known. The recording apparatus is connected to a sub-container which in turn is connected to an ink container. The sub-container accommodates a sub-ink bladder. A suction and compression pump can apply gas to the environment of the sub-ink bladder inside the sub-container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A need has therefore arisen for ink cartridges and ink supply systems which overcome the shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is to prevent ink leakage from a pump, to supply ink with high reliability, and to deaerate ink.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention an ink cartridge is provided according to claim 1.

[0009] With this ink cartridge, ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the outside of ink chamber and drawn from the outside of ink chamber to the ink chamber without ink entering into the pump. Therefore ink does not leak from the pump even if the pump breaks.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ink supply system is provided according to claim 13. With this ink supply system, ink is supplied from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank and drawn from the sub ink tank to the main ink tank without ink entering into pump. Therefore ink does not leak from the pump even if the pump breaks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the features and technical advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a simplified cross sectional view of an inkjet recording apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2(a) is an expanded cross sectional view of a recording unit when a sub ink tank is not in fluid communication with the atmosphere.

Figure 2(b) is an expanded crass sectional view of the recording unit when the sub ink tank is in fluid communication with the atmosphere.

Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of an ink cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a case assembled.

Figure 3(h) is a perspective view of the ink cartridge with the case disassembled.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge from a different angle.

Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting an internal structure of the ink cartridge.

Figure 6 is a side view of the internal structure seen along an arrow VI in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge taken along the VII-VII line in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is an exploded cross sectional view of the ink cartridge.

Figure 9 is a partial cross sectional view taken along the IX-IX line in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is filled with a predetermined amount of ink.

Figure 11 is an exploded view of an air communication portion.

Figure 12(a) is a partial cross sectional view of the air communication portion when a valve is positioned at P1.

Figure 12(b) is a partial cross sectional view of the air communication portion when the valve is positioned at P2.

Figure 13 is a partial cross sectional view of a pump.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of an ink supply portion.

Figure 15 is a partial cross sectional view of the ink supply portion.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridges when the ink cartridges are not mounted to the cartridge mounting portion.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridges when the ink cartridges are mounted to the cartridge mounting portion.

Figure 18 is a side view of the cartridge mounting portion seen along an arrow XVIII in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion and the ink cartridge taken along XIX-XIX line in Figure 17.

Figures 20(a) to 20(c) are schematics depicting an ink supply process and an ink draw process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Referring to Figures 1, 2(a) and 2(b), an inkjet recording device 10 is configured to record color images or monochrome images on a recording medium e.g.. a sheet of paper with a black ink or several colors of inks, for example, with five colors of inks, e.g. cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, dye-based black ink, and pigment-based black ink. Inkjet recording device 10 comprises a paper feed device 12, a convey device 13, a recording unit 14, an ink supply system 11, a paper tray 16, and a discharge tray 17. Paper tray 16 is configured to accommodate sheets of paper and the sheets are fed by the paper feed device 12 to a paper path 18, Paper path 18 is formed in a 90-degree-rotated "U" shape. Convey device 13 is provided along paper path 18. Convey device 13 comprises a pair of convey rollers 13A, a pair of discharge rollers 13B, and a platen 19. Convey rollers 13A are positioned on the upstream side of recording unit 14 in paper path 18, and discharge rollers 13B are positioned on the downstream side of recording unit 14 in paper path 18.

[0013] Convey rollers 13A are configured to convey the sheet fed by paper feed
device 12 to platen 19. Recording unit 14 is positioned directly above platen 19. Recording unit 14 is configured to record images on the sheet passing over platen 19. Discharge rollers 13B are configured to start nipping and conveying the sheet when the leading edge of the sheet reaches discharge rollers 13B. Both convey rollers 13A and discharge rollers 13B are configured to convey the sheet until the trailing edge of the sheet passes between convey rollers 13A. After the sheet has passed between convey rollers 13A, the sheet is conveyed by only discharge rollers 13B. Discharge tray 17 is positioned at the most downstream of paper path 18. Discharge rollers 13B are configured to discharge the sheet, on which the image is recorded, to discharge tray 17.

[0014] Recording unit 14 comprises a carriage 30, at least one sub ink tank 21, a head control board 27, and a recording head 26. Carriage 30 is supported by rails slidably thereon and is configured to slide in the back-and-forth direction of Figure 1. Sub ink tank 21 is configured to store ink to be supplied to recording head 26. Five sub ink tanks 21 are provided corresponding to the five colors of inks respectively for example.

[0015] Recording head 26 comprises a plurality of nozzles 28 through which ink is ejected toward the sheet of paper based on image signals input to head control board 27. Inkjet recording device 10 comprises a main controller configured to perform an overall control of inkjet recording device 10, and the image signals are output from the main controller and input to head control board 27.

[0016] Carriage 30 comprises a side face, and at least one joint 33 is provided at the side face of carriage 30. At least one flexible tube 32 is connected to the at least one joint 33. Five tubes 32 and five joints 33 are provided corresponding to the five colors of inks respectively for example. A path 34 is provided in carriage 30 extending from joint 33 to the bottom of sub ink tank 21.

[0017] A valve mechanism 37 is provided in carriage 30, and valve mechanism 37 comprises a cylinder 39, which is in fluid communication with sub ink tank 21, a coil spring 41, and a piston 40. Coil spring 41 and piston 40 are accommodated in cylinder 39. Cylinder 39 comprises a bottom wall and has an opening 42 formed through the bottom wall of cylinder 39. Coil spring 41 is compressed and urges piston 40 in a direction that piston 40 closes opening 42. A rod 43 extends from piston 40 through opening 42 to the outside of cylinder 39.

[0018] Referring to Figure 2(b), piston 40 is configured to move within cylinder 39 against the urging force of coil spring 41 to open opening 42 when a force is applied to rod 43 in a direction opposite the direction of the urging force of coil spring 41. The inside of the sub ink tank 21 is configured to communicate with the atmosphere via cylinder 39 and opening 42 when opening 42 is opened. When ink is flowed into or out of the sub ink tank 21 via tube 32, opening 42 is made open. When inkjet recording device 10 is in a waiting state in which inkjet recording device 10 does not perform recording, opening 42 is made closed to prevent evaporation of ink.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1, ink supply system 11 comprises a cartridge mounting portion 200, at least one ink cartridge 50, at least one flexible tube 32, and at least one sub ink tank 21. Cartridge mounting portion 200 is configured to detachably mount at least one ink cartridge 50 therein. Ink cartridge 50 comprises a main ink tank 70 for storing ink. Main ink tank 70 and sub ink tank 21 are configured to be in fluid communication with each other via tube 32. Five tubes 32 are connected to five main ink tanks 70 of five ink cartridges 50 and five sub ink tanks 21 respectively for example. Ink flows between main ink tank 70 and sub ink tank 21 bi-directionally via tube 32. Tube 32 is made of at least one flexible synthetic resin. Tube 32 therefore is configured to be flexed and follow the movement of carriage 30 when carriage 30 reciprocates.

[0020] When ink in sub ink tank 21 and tube 32 is returned to main ink tank 30, air bubbles trapped in sub ink tank 21 and tube 32 may also be transferred to main ink tank 30 along with the ink, and the air bubbles may be separated from ink inside main ink tank 30. After that, ink may be supplied from main ink tank 70 to sub ink tank 21. Consequently ink in sub ink tank 21 is replaced with ink in main ink tank 70, and ink in sub ink tank 21 and ink in main ink tank 70 are mixed. Thus, the viscosity of ink may be equalized by the mixture.

[0021] Referring to Figures 3 to 9, ink cartridge 50 comprises a case 52. Case 52 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width in Y-axis direction in Figures 3 to 5, a height in Z-axis direction in Figures 3 to 9, and a depth in X-axis direction in Figures 3 to 9. The height is greater than the width, and the depth is greater than the height. X-axis direction is parallel with a direction in which ink cartridge 50 is mounted into cartridge mounting portion 200. X-Y plane which is defined by X axis and Y axis is a horizontal plane. X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another,

[0022] Case 52 comprises a first case member 53 and a second case member 54. Case 52 is configured to be selectively disassembled into first case member 53 and second case member 54 along X-axis direction. The shape of first case member 53 is substantially the same as the shape of second case member 54. Each of first case member 53 and second case member 54 is made of at least one synthetic resin, and is manufactured by injection molding.

[0023] Case 52 comprises a top face 59 and a front face 60. Front face 60 has a first end and a second end, and top face is connected to the first end of front face 60. Opening 56 is formed through top face 59 and extends to front face 60. An opening 56 is defined by cut-out portions 61 formed in first case member 53 and second case member

54 respectively, A portion of a rod 182, which is described later, is configured to be positioned in opening 56, and rod 182 is configured to extend from front face 60. An opening 57 is formed through front face 60 adjacent to the second end of front face 60. Opening 57 is defined by semicircular cut-out portions formed in first case member 53 and second case member 54 respectively. An ink supply portion 130 extends from the inside of case 52 to the outside of case 52 through opening 57. An opening 58 is formed through front face 60 between opening 56 and opening 57. Opening 58 is defined by rectangular cut-out portions 62 formed in first case member 53 and second case member 54 respectively. A detection portion 75 is positioned in the inside of case 52 and exposed to the outside of case 52 through opening 58.

[0024] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, ink cartridge 50 comprises main ink tank 70, a pump 170, an air communication portion 110, and ink supply portion 130. At least a portion of each of main ink tank 70, pump 170, air communication portion 110, and ink supply portion 130 is positioned in case 52. Each of main ink tank 70, pump 170, air communication portion 110, and ink supply portion 130 is made of at least one synthetic resin.

[0025] Main ink tank 70 is substantially enclosed in case 52. Main ink tank 70 has a width in Y-axis direction, a height in Z-axis direction, and a depth in X-axis direction. The height of main ink tank 70 is greater than the width of main ink tank 70, and the depth of main ink tank 70 is greater than the height. Main ink tank 70 comprises a translucent frame 71 and translucent films 81 welded to both side faces of frame 71. Frame 71 and films 81 define an ink chamber 73 therein for storing ink. Films 81 are omitted in the drawings.

[0026] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, main tank 70 comprises a cylindrical-ink fill portion 72, and ink fill portion 72 is integrally formed with frame 71. An ink fill opening 82 is formed through a rear face 80 of main tank 70. Ink fill portion 72 extends from ink fill opening 82 toward ink chamber 73 in X-axis direction. Ink chamber 73 is configured to be filled with a predetermined amount of ink via ink fill opening 82 and ink fill portion 72. The predetermined amount of ink may be about 80% of a maximum capacity of ink chamber 73. Ink chamber 73 comprises an upper portion closer to air communication portion 110 and a lower portion closer to ink supply portion 130. Referring to Figure 10, an air layer 83 is formed at the upper portion of ink chamber 73 above ink. After ink chamber 73 is filled with ink, a rubber plug is press-fitted in ink fill portion 72 from ink fill opening 82. Ink chamber 73 is hermetically closed after ink chamber 73 is filled with ink because ink supply portion 130 and air communication portion 110 are also closed as described later.

[0027] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, rear face 80 comprises an upper end and a lower end, and a circular opening 84 is formed through rear face 80 of main ink tank 70 adjacent to the upper end of rear face 80, A cylindrical valve accommodating chamber 85 is formed in main ink tank 70, and valve accommodating chamber 85 extends from opening 84 in X-axis direction. A piston 116 of a valve 113, a coil spring 112, and a valve seat 114 are accommodated within valve accommodating chamber 85. An opening 100 is formed at the end of valve accommodating chamber 85 opposite from opening 84 in X-axis direction., and opening 100 is in fluid communication with the upper portion of ink chamber 73. In particular, opening 100 is in fluid communication with air layer 83 formed at the upper portion of ink chamber 73. A portion of a rod 117 of valve 113 is positioned in opening 100. The diameter of opening 100 is greater than the outer diameter of rod 117. Rod 117 therefore does not close opening 100, and air communication between valve accommodating chamber 85 and ink chamber 73 is not prevented. A cross section of rod 117 taken along a plane perpendicular to X-axis direction is formed in a cross shape. Valley portions 117B of rod 117 is configured to pass air therethrough, Valve accommodating chamber 85 comprises a cylindrical wall surface extending from opening 84 to the end of the valve accommodating chamber 85, An opening 101 is formed in the wall surface of valve accommodating chamber 85, and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. An air communication portion 110 is configured to allow and prevent fluid communication between opening 100 and opening 101.

[0028] Referring to Figures 7-9 and 14, main ink tank 70 comprises side wall 71A defining a front face 79 of main ink tank 70. Side wall 71A comprises an upper end and a lower end, and a circular opening 87 is formed through side wall 71A adjacent to the lower end of side wall 71A. A cylindrical valve accommodating chamber 88 is formed in main ink tank 70, and valve accommodating chamber 88 extends from opening 87 in X-axis direction toward ink chamber 73. A valve 133 and a spring unit 134 are accommodated within valve accommodating chamber 88. Main ink tank 70 comprises a cylindrical wall 71B extending from side wall 71 A, and cylindrical wall 71B defines valve accommodating chamber 88 therein. Cylindrical wall 71B comprises an end wall 105 defining an end of valve accommodating chamber 88 opposite opening 87 in X-axis direction. An opening 89 is formed through end wall 105, and opening 89 is in fluid communication with ink chamber 73. An opening 104 is formed through cylindrical wall 71B above valve accommodating chamber 88 and adjacent to side wall 71A. Opening 104 is positioned above each of opening 89 and opening 87.

[0029] Main ink tank 70 comprises two paths 91 and 92, each extending between valve accommodating chamber 88 and ink chamber 73. Path 91 extends from the lower portion of ink chamber 73 to valve accommodating chamber 88 in X-axis direction via opening 89. Path 92 comprises a first vertical path 92A extending from valve accommodating chamber 88 in Z-axis direction via opening 104, a horizontal path 92B extending from an end of first vertical path 92A in Y-axis direction, and a second vertical path 92C extending from an end of horizontal path 92B in Z-axis direction, bending at 90 degrees, then extending in X-axis direction, and reaching the upper portion of ink chamber 73 at an opening 94, In particular, path 92 is in fluid communication with air layer 83 formed at the upper portion of ink chamber 73. Paths 91 and 92 are defined by frame 71 and ribs formed on frame 71.

[0030] A buffer chamber 90 is provided in path 92 and positioned directly above valve accommodating chamber 88. Buffer chamber 90 has a cylindrical shape and extends in Y-axis direction. The cross sectional area of buffer chamber 90 taken in the plane perpendicular to Y-axis direction is greater than cross sectional areas of other portions of path 92 taken in the plane perpendicular to a direction in which ink flows in path 92. A check valve 93 is provided at a middle portion of buffer chamber 90 in Y-axis direction. Check valve 93 is configured to be opened when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes lower than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88, and to be closed when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes higher than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a check valve 95 is provided in path 91 at opening 89. Check valve 95 is configured to be opened when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes higher than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88, and to be closed when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes lower than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88. Consequently, when ink flows into valve accommodating chamber 88 from the outside of ink cartridge 50, check valve 93 is opened and check valve 95 is closed because the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes lower than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88. As a result, the ink flows from valve accommodating chamber 88 to the upper portion of ink chamber 73 via buffer chamber 90 and path 92. On the other hand, when air is supplied into ink chamber 73 from pump 170 as described later, check valve 93 is closed and check valve 95 is opened because the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes higher than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88. As a result, ink flows from ink chamber 73 to valve accommodating chamber 88 via opening 89. Thus, a one-way path is formed in main ink tank 70 as depicted by arrows 86 in Figure 8.

[0031] Air bubbles may exist in valve accommodating chamber 88. Nevertheless, since opening 104 is formed through cylindrical wall 71B above valve accommodating chamber 88, the buoyancy acting on the air bubbles moves up the air bubbles to buffer chamber 90 via opening 104. When check valve 93 is opened, the air bubbles reaches air layer 83 via check valve 93 and path 92. Even when check valve 93 is closed, the air bubbles are collected and stay in buffer tank 90. Consequently, when ink returns from tube 32 and sub ink tank 21 to main ink tank 70, air bubbles, which may have been trapped in tube 32 and sub ink tank 21, do not stay in valve accommodating chamber 88.

[0032] Main tank 70 comprises an upper face 78, and a space 96 is provided at upper face 78 to position pump 170 therein, A pump seat 98 is formed on a wall defining the end of valve accommodating chamber 85. A pump seat 99 is formed on upper face 78 adjacent to front face 79. Pump seats 98 and 99 are formed integrally with frame 71. Pump 170 is attached to main ink tank 70 at pump seats 98 and 99.

[0033] Pump seat 99 has an opening 102 formed therethrough in X-axis direction, Pump 170 comprises a cylindrical tube 171, and the diameter of opening 102 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of cylindrical tube 171. Cylindrical tube 171 comprises a front end 176 and a rear end 175 opposite front end 176. Cylindrical tube 171 is inserted through opening 102 and rear end 175 is attached to pump seat 99. Front end 176 of cylindrical tube 171 is attached to pump seat 98, Cylindrical tube 171 comprise an inner space 171A formed therein, and an inner surface defining inner space 171A. Pump seat 98 has an opening 103 formed therethrough, and inner space 171A and ink chamber 73 are in fluid communication with each other via opening 103. In another embodiment, pump 170 may comprise a square-pillar tube instead of cylindrical tube 171, or pump 170 may comprise a tube in any other shapes as long as the tube comprises a hollow body with two ends opposite each other.

[0034] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, main ink tank 70 comprises detection portion 75 for the detection of ink amount stored in ink chamber 73. Detection portion 75 extends from front face 79 of main ink tank 70 away from ink chamber 73 in X-axis direction. Detection portion 75 is integrally formed with frame 71, and detection portion 75 therefore is made of the same material as frame 71, that is made of at least one translucent synthetic resin. Detection portion 75 is configured to allow light emitted from an optical sensor 203, which is described later, to pass therethrough. Detection portion75 may comprise any material as long as the material allows light to pass therethrough. Detection portion 75 may be transparent or semi-transparent.

[0035] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, detection portion 75 comprises an inner space 76 formed therein. Inner space 76 is in fluid communication with ink chamber 76. At least a portion of a light blocking portion 157 of a sensor arm 150 is configured to enter into or go out of inner space 76. At least a portion of light blocking portion 157, which has entered into inner space 76, is configured to contact a support wall 74, which bounds the bottom of inner space 76, and stay at the position. At least a portion of light blocking portion 175, which has gone out of inner space 76, is configured to be positioned at a particular position.

[0036] Main ink tank 70 comprises a support portion 97, and support portion 97 is configured to pivotally support sensor arm 150. Support portion 97 is formed integrally with frame 71. Support portion 97 is configured to grasp a shaft 158 of sensor arm 150.

[0037] Sensor arm 150 is made of at least one synthetic resin, and is manufactured by injection molding. Sensor arm 150 comprises a float portion 152, a connection portion 153, and an arm portion 154. Connection portion 153 comprises shaft 158.

[0038] Float portion 152 extends from connection portion 153 in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which shaft 158 extends. The specific gravity of float portion 152 is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in ink chamber 73. Float portion 152 is therefore configured to float on ink if the movement of float portion 152 is not restricted. Float portion 152 may comprise a hollow space formed therein, or may comprise a material whose specific gravity is less than the specific gravity of ink.

[0039] Arm portion 154 comprises a first arm 155, a second arm 156, and light blocking portion 157. First arm 155 extends from connection portion 153 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which float portion 152 extends. Second arm 156 extends from fast arm 155 in a direction away from float portion 152. Light blocking portion 157 is connected to an end of second arm 156.

[0040] The mass of arm portion 154 is less than the mass of float portion 152. Sensor arm 150 is configured to pivot around shaft 158 in the counterclockwise direction 162 in Figure 7 when ink chamber 76 is empty of ink, and at least a portion of light blocking member 157 is configured to go out of inner space 76 of detection portion 75, because the float portion 152 is heavier than the arm portion 154. Float portion 152 comprises a bottom end, and ink chamber 73 comprises a bottom inner wall surface. Sensor arm 150 is configured to stop pivoting when the bottom end of float portion 152 contacts the bottom inner wall surface of ink chamber 73, and light blocking portion 157 is configured to he positioned in the position as shown in Figure 7.

[0041] Referring to Figure 10, when ink tank 76 is filled with the predetermined amount of ink, the entirely of sensor arm 150 is submerged in ink. In this state, the buoyancy acting on float portion 152 is greater than the buoyancy acting on arm portion 154, and the buoyancy acting on float portion 152 is great enough to pivot sensor arm 150 around shaft 158 in the clockwise direction 163 as shown in Figure 10 even though the mass of float portion 152 is greater than the mass of the arm portion 154. Light blocking portion 157 is configured to enter into inner space 76 of detection portion 75 in accordance with the pivot of sensor arm 150. Sensor arm 150 is configured to stop pivoting by light blocking portion 157 contacting the support wall 74.

[0042] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, air communication portion 110 is configured to allow communication between the atmosphere and air layer 83 via opening 101. Air communication portion comprises a cap 111, coil spring 112, valve 113, and valve seat 114. Cap 111, coil spring 112, valve 113, and valve seat 114 are aligned in X-axis direction in this order. Coil spring 112, valve 113, and vale seat 114 are accommodated in valve accommodating chamber 85, and cap 111 is attached to the surrounding area of opening 84.

[0043] Coil spring 112 urges valve 113 towards valve seat 114 in X-axis direction. Coil spring 112 may be made of a metal material or a resin material. Coil spring 112 is accommodated in valve accommodating chamber 85 in a compressed state, and is therefore always generating a force in a direction in which coil spring 112 expands, Any spring may be used instead of coil spring 112 as long as it urges valve 113 towards valve seat 114. A leaf spring may be used.

[0044] Cap 111 comprises a circular end wall 119 and a cylindrical side wall 118 extending from the outer edge of end wall 119. End wall 119 contacts coil spring 112.

[0045] Two slots 120 are formed through side wall 118. Two ribs are formed on the surrounding area of opening 84, and the ribs are inserted into slots 120 respectively, thereby cap I11 is attached to the surrounding are of opening 84.

[0046] Valve 1,13 comprises piston 116, and rod 117 integrally formed with piston 116. Piston 116 contacts coil spring 112. Piston 116 is urged toward valve seat 114 in X-axis direction. A circular groove 122 is formed in the peripheral wall of piston 116, and an elastic O-ring 121 is fitted in groove 122. The outer diameter of O-ring 121 is greater than the outer diameter of the peripheral wall of piston 116. Valve 113 is configured to slide inside valve accommodating chamber 85 with 0-ring 121 contacting the wall surface of valve accommodating chamber 85 while preventing air communication between the coil-spring 112-side of piston 116 and the rod 117-side of piston via piston 116.

[0047] Valve seat 114 is configured to contact piston 116 urged by coil spring 112 in X-axis direction. Valve seat 114 is positioned at the end of valve accommodating chamber 85. Valve seat 114 has an annular shape with an opening 115 formed through the center thereof. The center of opening 115 is aligned with the center of opening 100 formed at the end of valve accommodating chamber 85. A portion of rod 117 is positioned in opening 115. Valve seat 114 is made of an elastic material, e.g. rubber, and therefore valve seat 114 and piston 116 urged by coil spring 112 contact tightly each other without a gap therebetween.

[0048] Referring to Figure 12(a), when an external force is not applied to rod 117, valve 113 is urged by coil spring 112, and valve 113 is positioned at a position P1 at which piston 116 contacts valve seat 114. Piston 116 and valve seat 114 contacts tightly each other, and valve seat 114 and the end of valve accommodating chamber 85 contacts tightly each other. In this state, communication between ink chamber 73 and valve accommodating chamber 85 via openings 100 and 115 is prevented.

[0049] Referring to Figure 12(b), when an external force, which is greater than the urging force of coil spring 112, is applied to rod 117 in a direction 123, valve 113 moves against the urging force of coil spring 112 in direction 123, and piston 116 separates away from valve seat 114. Valve 113 moves to a position P2 at which piston 116 contacts end wall 119 of cap 111. In this state, communication between the atmosphere and ink chamber 73 is established via openings 100 and 115, valve accommodating chamber 85, and opening 101 as indicated by arrows 124. The external force is applied by a. piston 181 when a plunger 172 is pushed into an end of cylindrical tube 171 and piston 181 pushes rod 117 as described below.

[0050] Pump 170 is configured to supply air to air layer 83 formed in ink chamber 73 and draw air from air layer 83. When air is supplied to air layer 83, the air pressure of air layer 83 becomes higher, which causes ink stored in ink chamber 73 to flow out. As a result, the volume of air layer 83 increases. When air is drawn from air layer 83, the air pressure of air layer 83 becomes lower, which causes ink to flow into ink chamber 73. As a result, the volume of air layer decreases.

[0051] Referring to Figure 13, pump 170 comprises cylindrical tube 171 and plunger 172. Each of cylindrical tube 171 and plunger 172 is made of at least one synthetic resin and is manufactured by injection molding. Cylindrical tube 171 is attached to upper face 78 of main ink tank 70. Cylindrical tube 171 has a central axis extending between front end 176 and rear end 175, and the central axis of cylindrical tube 171 is parallel with X-axis direction. Cylindrical tube 171 has an opening 174 at front end 176 thereof adjacent to front face 79 of main ink tank 70. Plunger 172 inserted into inner space 171A of cylindrical tube 171 through opening 174. Cylindrical tube 171 comprises an end wall 179 at rear end 175 thereof contacting pump seat 98. An opening 173 is formed through end wall 179. Air in inner space 171A flows into and out of ink chamber 73 via opening 173.

[0052] An annular attachment member 177 is provided at rear end 175. A portion of attachment member 177 is buried in end wall 179, and the other portion of attachment member 177 extends from rear end 175 in the axial direction of cylindrical tube 171. Pump seat 98 has an annular groove formed therein, and the extending portion of attachment member 177 is fitted in the groove of pump seat 98. Rear end 175 of cylindrical tube 171 is thus attached to pump seat 98. Attachment member 177 is coated with a rubber material, and therefore attachment member 177 and pump seat 98 contacts tightly each other without a gap therebetween. As a result, an air path between inner space 171 A of cylindrical tube 171 and ink chamber 73 is air tightly sealed so that air does not leak from the air path and air does not enter into the air path from the atmosphere.

[0053] Cylindrical tube 171 comprises a flange 178 at front end 176, and flange 178 extending from cylindrical tube 171 in the radial direction of cylindrical tube 171. Rear end 175 of cylindrical tube 171 is inserted into opening 102 of pump seat 99, and when front end 176 of cylindrical tube 171 reaches pump seat 99, flange 178 contacts and is attached to the surrounding area of opening 102.

[0054] Plunger 172 comprises piston 181 and a rod 182. Piston 181 and rod 182 are integrally formed. A circular groove 184 is formed in the peripheral wall of piston 181, and an elastic 0-ring 183 is fitted in groove 184. The outer diameter of 0-ring 184 is greater than the outer diameter of the peripheral surface of piston 181. Piston 181 is configured to slide within inner space 171A with 0-ring 184 contacting the inner surface of cylindrical tube 171 while preventing air communication between the front-end 176-side of piston 181 and the rear-end 175-side piston 181. Instead of using 0-ring 183, the peripheral surface of piston 181 may be coated with an elastic material, and piston 181 may be configured to slide on the inner surface of cylindrical tube 171 with the peripheral surface of piston 181 contacting the inner surface of cylindrical tube 171 while preventing air communication between the front-end 176-side of piston 181 and the rear-end 175-side piston 181.

[0055] A rack gear 185 is formed on the upper surface of rod 182. Rack gear 185 is configured to engage with a pinion gear 221, which is described later. A driving force is thus transferred to piston 181 via rod 182 to slide piston 181 in the axial direction of cylindrical tube 171. When piston 181 slides towards rear face 80 of main ink tank 70 in X-axis direction, the volume of inner space 171A of cylindrical tube 171 decreases. Air corresponding to the decrease of the volume of inner space 171A is supplied to air layer 83 formed in ink chamber 73 via openings 173 and 103. When piston 181 slides towards front face 79 of main ink tank 70 in X-axis direction, the volume of inner space 171A of cylindrical tube 171 increases. Air corresponding to the increase of the volume of inner space 171A is drawn from air layer 83 into inner space 171A via openings 173 and 103.

[0056] The capacity of pump 170 is equal to or greater than the total capacity of the capacity of sub ink tank 21 and the capacity of tube 32. The capacity of pump 170 is determined by the cross sectional area of inner space 171A of cylindrical tube 171, which is taken along the plane perpendicular to the axial direction of cylindrical tube 171, and the moving range of piston 181. Therefore, cylindrical tube 171 has the cross sectional area and the length which allows the capacity of pump 170 to he equal to or greater than the total capacity, The moving range of piston 181 is predetermined by a driving mechanism 200, which is described later. Pump 170 therefore is configured to supply a predetermined molar amount of air into ink chamber 73, and draws the predetermined molar amount of air from ink chamber 73.

[0057] Ink supply portion 130 is configured to supply ink in ink chamber 73 to the outside of ink cartridge 50, and to be connected to tube 32. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, ink supply portion 130 comprises a cap 131, a joint 132, valve 133, and spring unit 134. Cap 131, joint 132, valve 133, and spring unit 134 axe aligned in X-axis direction in this order. Valve 133 and spring unit 134 are accommodated within valve accommodating chamber 88. A portion of joint 132 is fitted into opening 87 from the outside of valve accommodating chamber 88. Cap 131 is attached to the surrounding area of opening 87 via joint 132.

[0058] Joint 132 is made of an elastic synthetic resin. Joint 132 has an annular shape with an opening 137 formed through the center thereof. Joint 132 comprises a first cylindrical portion 135 and a second cylindrical portion 136. First cylindrical portion 135 is fitted into opening 87 and second cylindrical portion 136 contacts the surrounding portion of opening 87. A rigid tube 149 is connected to an end of tube 32. Tube 149 is configured to be inserted through opening 137 when ink cartridge 50 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 200. The diameter of opening 137 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of tube 149. Consequently, when tube 149 is inserted through opening 137, the outer surface of tube 149 presses the inner surface of joint 132 defining opening 137, and the outer surface of tube 149 and the inner surface of joint 132 contacts tightly each other. Ink leakage between tube 149 and joint 132 is therefore prevented.

[0059] Cap 131 comprises a circular end wall 129 and a side wall 139 extending from the outer edge of end wall 129. End wall 129 has an opening 138 formed therethrough. Two slots 140 are formed through side wall 139. Two ribs are formed on the surrounding area of opening 87, and the ribs are inserted into slots 140 respectively, thereby cap 131 is attached to the surrounding area of opening 87.

[0060] Spring unit 134 is configured to urge valve 133 towards joint 132 in X-axis direction. Spring unit 134 comprises a first spring 144, a second spring 145, and a slider 146. Each of first spring 144 and second spring 145 is made of an elastic resin material, and has a bowl shape or a hollow circular conic shape. When a load is applied to first spring 144 or second spring 145, the side surface thereof is elastically deformed. First spring 144 and second spring 145 have an opening 144A and an opening 145A formed therethrough respectively. Ink flows through the inside of first spring 144 and second spring 145 via openings 144A and 145A as indicated by some of arrows 164 in Figure 15. Slider 146 comprises two accommodating chambers accommodating first spring 144 and second spring 145 therein respectively.

[0061] Spring unit 134 is accommodated in valve accommodating chamber 88 in a compressed state and is therefore always generating a force in a direction to expand. End wall 105 contacts and supports spring unit 134. Slider 146 comprises ribs 147 for coupling valve 133 and valve unit 134. Valve 133 comprises claws 143 configured to engage with ribs 147. Any member may be used instead of valve unit 134 as long as it urges valve 133 towards joint 132.

[0062] Valve 133 comprises a circular end wall 141 and a cylindrical side wall 142 extending from the outer edge of end wall 141. End wall 141 has a plurality of openings 141A formed therethrough, and openings 141A are aligned in the circumferential direction of end wall 141. End wall 141 contacts first spring 144. Side wall 142 comprises claws 143. Valve 133 and spring unit 134 are coupled by the engagement between claws 143 and ribs 147. Valve accommodating chamber 88 comprises a cylindrical wall surface extending from opening 87 to the end of the valve
accommodating chamber 88. Valve 133 is configured to slide within valve accommodating chamber 88 in X-axis direction with a gap 148 between side wall 142 and the wall surface of valve accommodating chamber 85. Ink flows through gap 148.

[0063] When tube 149 is inserted into valve accommodating chamber 88 via openings 138 and 137, an end of tube 149 contacts end wall 141 of valve 133 and presses valve 133 against the urging force of spring unit 134. Valve 133 moves towards ink chamber 73 and end wall 141 separates from joint 132. Tube 149 has an opening 149A formed therethrough adjacent to the end of tube 149. When end wall 141 separates from joint 132, communication between valve accommodating chamber 88 and the inside of tube 149 via opening 149A is established.

[0064] When ink is supplied from ink chamber 73 to sub ink tank 21, ink enters into valve accommodating chamber 88 via check valve 95, and then the ink flows through gap 148 or flows through spring unit 134 and openings 141A as indicated by arrows 164 in Figure 15. On the other hand, when ink is drawn from sub ink tank 21 to ink chamber 73, ink flows into valve accommodating chamber 88 via opening 149A, and then the ink flows via buffer chamber 90, check valve 93, and path 92, and reaches air layer 83.

[0065] Referring to Figures 16 to 19, cartridge mounting portion 200 is configured to mount at least one ink cartridge 50, for example, mount five ink cartridges 50 storing cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, dye-based black ink, and pigment-based black ink respectively.

[0066] Cartridge mounting portion 200 comprises a cartridge case 20L Cartridge case 201 has an opening 202 on one side, and has an closed end opposite the opening 202. Ink cartridge 50 is inserted into cartridge case 201 through opening 202. When ink cartridge 50 is inserted into cartridge case 201 and ink cartridge 50 is pressed in X-axis direction, tube 149 provided at the closed end of cartridge case 201 enters into ink supply portion 130. After ink stored in ink chamber 73 is consumed, ink cartridge 50 is removed from cartridge case 201 to be replaced with a new ink cartridge 50.

[0067] At least one optical sensor 203, e.g. a photo interrupter, is provided at the closed end of cartridge 201. Optical sensor 203 comprises a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. Optical sensor 203 is configured to output a predetermined signal to the main controller of inkjet recording device 10 based on the intensity of light received by the light receiving portion. Five optical sensors 203 are provided for the five ink cartridges 50 respectively for example. Optical sensor 203 is positioned such that detection portion 75 is positioned between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted to cartridge mounting portiou 200, When light blocking portion 157 is in detection portion 75, light blocking portion 157 blocks light emitted from the light emitting portion. When light blocking portion 157 is not in detection portion 75, light emitted from the light emitting portion reaches the light -receiving portion. Based on the intensity of light received by the light receiving potion, whether or not there is enough ink in ink cartridge 50 is determined.

[0068] Driving mechanism 220 is provided behind cartridge mounting portion 200. Driving mechanism 200 comprises at least one pinion gear 221, a shaft 222, a link rod 223, a shaft 224, a first gear 225, and a second gear 226.

[0069] Five pinion gears 221 are provided corresponding to the five ink cartridge 50 for example. Pinion gear 221 is configured to engage with rack gear 185 when ink cartridge 50 is mounted to cartridge mounting portion 200,. Pinion gear 221 has a semi-circular shape, and the teeth are formed on the are portion of pinion gear 221.

[0070] Five pinion gears 221 are fixed to shaft 222. When shaft 222 rotates, all the five pinion gears 221 rotate in the same direction in which the shaft 222 rotates at the same speed at which the shaft 222 rotates. Link rod 223 is coupled to one end of shaft 222 at one end thereof, and is coupled to shaft 224 at the other end thereof. First gear 225 is fixed to shaft 224. Second gear 226 engages with first gear 225.

[0071] Second gear 226 is coupled to a driving source, e.g. a motor. Paper feed device 12 and convey device 13 may be coupled to the same driving source. The driving source is configured to be controlled by the main controller of inkjet recording device 10.

[0072] When a driving force is transferred to second gear 226 from the driving source, the driving force is transferred to rack gear 185 via first gear 225, shaft 224, link rod 223, shaft 222, and pinion gear 221. Thus, piston 181 is configured to slide back and forth within cylindrical tube 171.

[0073] Referring to Figures 20 (a) to (c), an ink supply process from main ink tank 70 to sub ink tank 21 by an ink supply system 11 is described. During the ink supply process, opening 42 formed at cylinder 39 of valve mechanism 37 is opened as described above.

[0074] Referring to Figure 20(a), when plunger 172 is moved towards rear face 80 of main ink tank 70 from a state in which plunge 172 is most pulled out from cylindrical tube 171, air in cylindrical tube 171 is supplied to air layer 83 formed in ink chamber 73 via openings 173 and 103. As a result, the pressure in ink chamber 73 increases. Referring to Figure 20(b), when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes higher than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88, check valve 95 is opened and ink stored in ink chamber 73 flows into valve accommodating chamber 88 via opening 89. The ink then flows into tube 32 and is supplied to sub ink tank 21 as indicated by arrows 23 in Figure 20(b). As a result, the volume of air layer 83 increases. Referring to Figure 20 (c) when plunger 172 is moved to the end of cylindrical tube 171, sub ink tank 21 and tube 32 are filled with ink.

[0075] Referring to Figures 20 (a) to (c), an ink draw process from sub ink tank 21 to main ink tank 70 by an ink supply system 11 is described, During the ink draw process, opening 42 formed at cylinder 39 of valve mechanism 37 is opened as described above.

[0076] Referring to Figure 20 (c), when plunger 172 is moved towards front face 79 of main ink tank 70 from a state in which plunge 172 is most pushed into cylindrical tube 171, air is drawn from air layer 83 into cylindrical tube 171 via openings 103 and 173. As a result, the pressure in ink chamber 73 decreases. Referring to Figure 20(b), when the pressure in ink chamber 73 becomes lower than the pressure in valve accommodating chamber 88, check valve 93 is opened, and ink stored in sub ink tank 21 and tube 32 flows into main ink tank 70 as indicated by arrows 24 in Figure 20(b). More specifically, ink in valve accommodating chamber 88 flows up via path 92 and flows into ink chamber 73. In accordance with this ink flow, ink in sub ink tank 21 flows into valve accommodating chamber 88 via tube 32. As a result, the volume of air layer 83 decreases. Referring to Figure 20(a), when plunge 172 is most pulled out from cylindrical tube 171, all the ink in tube 32 and sub ink tank 21 has been drawn into main ink tank 70.

[0077] During the process in which ink is drawn into ink chamber 73 of main ink tank 70, air bubbles trapped in ink tube 32 or sub ink tank 21 are also drawn into ink chamber. More specifically, the air bubbles flows via path 92 to skirt around sensor arm 1S0 and reaches air layer 83 formed in the upper potion of ink chamber 73. Therefore, the trapped air bubbles can be separated from ink. After that, ink not containing air bubbles is supplied to sub ink tank 21 via tube 32. Consequently, ink in sub ink tank 21 is replaced with ink in main ink tank 70, and ink in sub ink tank 21 and ink in main ink tank 70 are mixed. Thus, the viscosity of ink may be equalized by the mixture.

[0078] Some of the air bubbles may be left in valve accommodating chamber 88 during the process in which ink is drawn into ink chamber 73 of main ink tank 70. Nevertheless, since opening 104 is formed through cylindrical wall 71B above valve accommodating chamber 88, the buoyancy acting on the air bubbles moves up the air bubbles to buffer chamber 90 via opening 104. When check valve 93 is opened, the air bubbles reaches air layer 83 via check valve 93 and path 92. Even when check valve 93 is closed, the air bubbles are collected and stay in buffer tank 90. Consequently, the air bubbles do not stay in valve accommodating chamber 88.

[0079] The ink and the air bubbles retuning from sub ink tank 21 to main ink tank 70 via tube 21 flows in path 92 and reaches air layer 83 formed in the upper potion of ink chamber 73. Therefore the ink and the air bubbles skirt around sensor arm 150, and the air bubbles are prevented from adhering to sensor arm 150. Air bubbles adhering to sensor arm 150 may disturb the movement of sensor arm 150. This disturbance is prevented.

[0080] Tube 32 may be omitted. Instead, main ink tank 70 and sub ink tank 21 may be directly coupled only when carriage 30 is in a predetermined position.

[0081] Ink is supplied from main ink tank 70 to sub ink tank 21 and drawn from sub ink tank 21 to main ink tank 70 without ink entering into pump 170. Therefore, even if pump 170 breaks, ink does not leak from pump 170. Ink cartridge 50 and ink supply system 11 have high reliability.

[0082] The path extending from pump 170 to sub ink tank 21 via ink chamber 73 and tube 32 is not a circulating path. If the path is a circulating path, two tubes are needed between main ink tank 70 and sub ink tank 21, resulting in size-increase of ink jet recording device 10 and complicating the structure of ink jet recording device 10. Nevertheless, since ink is supplied from main ink tank 70 to sub ink tank 21 and drawn from sub ink tank 21 to main ink tank 70 with only one tube 32, the number of tubes are reduced,

[0083] Pump 170 is a kind of a piston pump. Instead of using a piston pump, a plunger pump, a diaphragm pump, a wing pump may be used. Among these pumps, a piston pump may be readily used in combination with a driving mechanism.

[0084] Even if pump 170 breaks, pump 170 is easily replaced with a new one by only replacing ink cartridge 50 with a new one. Moreover, ink cartridge 50 is replaced when ink cartridge 50 is empty of ink, and therefore pump 170 may be replaced before pump 170 breaks or function of pump 100 declines.

[0085] Rod 182 is configured to extend from front face 60 of case 52 of ink cartridge 50. Therefore, a user can readily access to ink cartridge 50 from the rear face of case 52.

[0086] If opening 104 were positioned below opening 87 and valve accommodating chamber 88, the amount of ink corresponding to ink in valve accommodating chamber 88, tube 32, and sub ink tank 21 were needed to drawn into ink chamber 73 to separate air bubbles trapped in tube 32 and sub ink tank 21. Nevertheless, opening 104 is positioned above each of opening 87 and valve accommodating chamber 88 as described above, only the amount of ink corresponding to ink tube 32 and sub ink tank 21 are needed to be drawn into ink chamber 73. Ink and air bubbles may stay in valve accommodating chamber 88, Nevertheless, the buoyancy acting on the air bubbles moves up the air bubbles, and the air bubbles go out of valve accommodating chamber 88 via opening 104. With this ink cartridge 50, there is no need to provide a pump having relatively high capacity.

[0087] Opening 87 has a center line perpendicular to side wall 71A. Valve 133 is configured to move along the center line, and spring unit 134 urges the valve along the center line. When tube 149 is inserted through opening 87 along the center line, valve 133 moves along the center line against the urging force of spring unit 134. When tube 149 is removed, valve 133 moves by spring unit 134 along the center line. The movement of valve 133 is made smooth.

[0088] Opening 89 is positioned below opening 104. When the surface of ink stored in ink chamber 73 is below opening 104, but is above opening 89, ink flows from ink chamber 73 into valve accommodating chamber 88 via opening 89. Ink can be consumed efficiently.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge (50) comprising:

an ink chamber (73) configured to store ink;

a particular air layer (83) formed in the ink chamber (73); and

a pump (170) configured to supply air to the particular air layer (83);

characterized in that

the ink chamber (73) is configured so that ink can reach the particular air layer (83); and

the pump (170) is configured to draw air from the particular air layer (83).

2. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the pump (170) is configured to supply a predetermined amount of air to the air layer (83) and draw the predetermined amount of air from the air layer (83).

3. The ink cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump comprises an inner space (171A) formed therein, and the inner space (171A) is in fluid communication with the particular air layer (83), and wherein the pump (170) is configured to increase and decrease a volume of the inner space (171A).

4. The ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein the pump (170) comprises:

a tube (171) having the inner space (171A) therein, the tube (171) having a first end (175) and a second end (176) opposite the first end, wherein the inner space (171A) is in fluid communication with the ink chamber (73) via the first end, and the inner space is in fluid communication with an atmosphere via the second end (176); and

a movable member (181) positioned in the inner space (171A), wherein the movable member (181) is movable with a portion of the movable member (181) contacting an inner surface of the tube (171), the inner surface of the tube (171) defining the inner space (171A), while preventing a fluid communication between the ink chamber (73) and the atmosphere via the movable member (181).

5. The ink cartridge of claim 4, further comprising a rod (182) extending from the movable member (181) to an outside of the tube (171) through the second end (176).

6. The ink cartridge of claim 5, wherein the rod (182) comprises a rack gear (185) formed thereon.

7. The ink cartridge of claim 5 or 6, further comprises:

a front face (60); and

an ink supply portion (130) positioned at the front face (60),

wherein the rod (182) is configured to extend from the front face (60).

8. The ink cartridge of one of claims 4 to 7, further comprises a main ink tank (70) defining the ink chamber (73) therein, wherein the main ink tank (70) has a height in a height direction, a width in a width direction, and a depth in a depth direction, the width direction being perpendicular to the height direction, and the depth direction being perpendicular to each of the height direction and the width direction, wherein the height is greater than the width, and the depth is greater than the height.

9. The ink cartridge of claim 8, wherein the tube (171) extends from the first end (175) to the second end (176) in the depth direction.

10. The ink cartridge of one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising an air communication portion (110) configured to selectively allow and prevent a communication between the ink chamber (73) and the atmosphere therethrough.

11. The ink cartridge of claim 10, wherein the air communication portion (110) comprises a valve (113) to selectively allow and prevent the communication between the ink chamber (73) and the atmosphere through the air communication portion (110), wherein the valve (113) is configured to be actuated by the movable member (181).

12. The ink cartridge of one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the movable member (181) comprises:

a piston (181) comprising a peripheral wall facing the inner surface of the tube (171), the peripheral wall having a groove (184) formed therein: and

an elastic member (183) fitted in the groove (184), the elastic member (183) contacting the inner surface of the tube (171).

13. An ink supply system (11) comprising:

a main ink tank (70) comprising:

an ink chamber (73) configured to store ink; and

a particular air layer (83) formed in the ink chamber (73);

a pump (170) configured to supply air to the particular air layer (83);

a sub ink tank (21) configured to store ink, wherein the main ink tank (70) and the sub ink tank (21) are in fluid communication with each other;

characterized in that

the ink chamber (73) is configured so that ink can reach the particular air layer (83); and

the pump (170) is configured to draw air from the particular air layer (83).

14. The ink supply system of claim 13, further comprises:

a flexible tube (32) connected to each of the main ink tank (70) and the sub ink tank (21); and

a path extending from the pump (170) to the sub ink tank (21) via the ink chamber (73) and the flexible tube (32), wherein the path is not a circulating path.

15. The ink supply system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the pump comprises:

a tube (171) having an inner space (171A) therein, the tube (171) having a first end (175) and a second end (176), wherein the inner space (171A) is in fluid communication with the ink chamber (73) via the first end (175), and the inner space (171A) is in fluid communication with an atmosphere via the second end (176); and

a movable member (181) positioned in the inner space (171A), wherein the movable member (181) is movable with a portion of the movable member (181) contacting an inner surface of the tube (171), the inner surface of the tube (171) defining the inner space (171A), while preventing a fluid communication between the ink chamber (73) and the atmosphere via the movable member (181).

16. The ink supply system of claim 15, further comprising:

a rod (182) extending from the movable member (181) to an outside of the tube (171) through the second end (176), wherein the rod (182) comprises a rack gear (185) formed thereon; and

a pinion gear (221) configured to engage with the rack gear (185).

17. The ink supply system of one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising;
an ink cartridge (50) comprising the main ink tank (70) and the pump (170); and a cartridge mounting portion (200) configured to detachably mount the ink cartridge (50).

18. The ink supply system of claim 17, wherein the ink cartridge (50) is configured to be mounted to the cartridge mounting portion (200) in a particular direction; wherein the ink cartridge (50) comprising a front face (60) in the particular direction, and wherein the rod (182) is configured to extend from the front face (60).

19. The ink supply system of one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the movable member (181) comprises:

a piston (181) comprising a peripheral wall facing the inner surface of the tube (171), the peripheral wall having a groove (184) formed therein: and an elastic member (183) fitted in the groove (184), the elastic member contacting the inner surface of the tube (171).

Ansprüche

1. Tintenkartusche (50) mit:

einer Tintenkammer (73), die zum Speichern von Tinte konfiguriert ist;

einer besonderen Luftschicht (83), die in der Tintenkammer (73) ausgebildet ist; und

einer Pumpe (170), die dazu konfiguriert ist, Luft zu der besonderen Luftschicht (83) zuzuführen;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

die Tintenkammer (73) so konfiguriert ist, dass Tinte die besondere Luftschicht (83) erreichen kann; und

die Pumpe (170) dazu konfiguriert ist, Luft von der besonderen Luftschicht (83) einzuziehen.

2. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Pumpe (170) dazu konfiguriert ist, eine vorbestimmte Luftmenge zu der Luftschicht (83) zuzuführen und die vorbestimmte Luftmenge von der Luftschicht (83) einzuziehen.

3. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Pumpe einen darin ausgebildeten Innenraum (171A) aufweist und der Innenraum (171A) mit der besonderen Luftschicht (83) in einer Fluidverbindung ist, und wobei die Pumpe (170) dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Volumen des Innenraums (171A) zu vergrößern und zu verkleinern.

4. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die Pumpe (170) Folgendes aufweist:

eine Röhre (171), die darin den Innenraum (171A) hat, wobei die Röhre (171) ein erstes Ende (175) und ein zweites Ende (176) hat, das dem ersten Ende entgegengesetzt ist, wobei der Innenraum (171A) mit der Tintenkammer (73) über das erste Ende in einer Fluidverbindung ist und der Innenraum mit einer Atmosphäre über das zweite Ende (176) in einer Fluidverbindung ist; und

ein bewegbares Element (181), das in dem Innenraum (171A) positioniert ist, wobei das bewegbare Element (181) bewegbar ist, wobei ein Abschnitt des bewegbaren Elements (181) mit einer Innenfläche der Röhre (171) in Kontakt gelangt, wobei die Innenfläche der Röhre (171) den Innenraum (171A) definiert, während eine Fluidverbindung zwischen der Tintenkammer (73) und der Atmosphäre über das bewegbare Element (181) verhindert wird.

5. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 4, des Weiteren mit einem Stab (182), der sich von dem bewegbaren Element (181) zu einer Außenseite der Röhre (171) durch das zweite Ende (176) erstreckt.

6. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Stab (182) eine daran ausgebildete Zahnstange (185) aufweist.

7. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 5 oder 6, des Weiteren mit:

einer vorderen Seite (60); und

einem Tintenzuführabschnitt (130), der an der vorderen Seite (60) positioniert ist,

wobei der Stab (182) so konfiguriert ist, dass er sich von der vorderen Seite (60) erstreckt.

8. Tintenkartusche gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, des Weiteren mit einem Haupttintentank (70), der darin die Tintenkammer (73) definiert, wobei der Haupttintentank (70) eine Höhe in einer Höhenrichtung, eine Breite in einer Breitenrichtung und eine Tiefe in einer Tiefenrichtung hat, wobei die Breitenrichtung senkrecht zu der Höhenrichtung ist und die Tiefenrichtung jeweils senkrecht zu der Höhenrichtung und der Breitenrichtung ist, wobei die Höhe größer ist als die Breite und die Tiefe größer ist als die Höhe.

9. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei sich die Röhre (171) von dem ersten Ende (175) zu dem zweiten Ende (176) in der Tiefenrichtung erstreckt.

10. Tintenkartusche gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 9, des Weiteren mit einem Luftverbindungsabschnitt (110), der dazu konfiguriert ist, eine Verbindung zwischen der Tintenkammer (73) und der Atmosphäre dort hindurch wahlweise zu ermöglichen und zu verhindern.

11. Tintenkartusche gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei der Luftverbindungsabschnitt (110) ein Ventil (113) aufweist, um die Verbindung zwischen der Tintenkammer (73) und der Atmosphäre durch den Luftverbindungsabschnitt (110) wahlweise zu ermöglichen und zu verhindern, wobei das Ventil (113) dazu konfiguriert ist, dass es durch das bewegbare Element (181) betätigt wird.

12. Tintenkartusche gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 11, wobei das bewegbare Element (181) Folgendes aufweist:

einen Kolben (181), der eine Umfangswand aufweist, die einer Innenfläche der Röhre (171) zugewandt ist, wobei die Umfangswand eine darin ausgebildete Nut (184) hat; und

ein elastisches Element (183), das in die Nut (184) eingepasst ist, wobei das elastische Element (183) mit der Innenfläche der Röhre (171) in Kontakt gelangt.

13. Tintenzuführsystem (11) mit:

einem Haupttintentank (70), der Folgendes aufweist:

eine Tintenkammer (73), die zum Speichern von Tinte konfiguriert ist; und

eine besondere Luftschicht (83), die in der Tintenkammer (73) ausgebildet ist;

einer Pumpe (170), die dazu konfiguriert ist, Luft zu der besonderen Luftschicht (83) zuzuführen;

einem Nebentintentank (21), der zum Speichern von Tinte konfiguriert ist, wobei der Haupttintentank (70) und der Nebentintentank (21) miteinander in einer Fluidverbindung sind;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

die Tintenkammer (73) so konfiguriert ist, dass die Tinte die besondere Luftschicht (83) erreichen kann; und

die Pumpe (170) dazu konfiguriert ist, Luft von der besonderen Luftschicht (83) einzuziehen.

14. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß Anspruch 13, des Weiteren mit:

einer flexiblen Röhre (32), die jeweils mit dem Haupttintentank (70) und dem Nebentintentank (21) verbunden ist; und

einem Pfad, der sich von der Pumpe (170) zu dem Nebentintentank (21) über die Tintenkammer (73) und die flexible Röhre (32) erstreckt, wobei der Pfad kein Zirkulationspfad ist.

15. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß Anspruch 13 oder 14, wobei die Pumpe Folgendes aufweist:

eine Röhre (171), die darin einen Innenraum (171A) hat, wobei die Röhre (171) ein erstes Ende (175) und ein zweites Ende (176) hat, wobei der Innenraum (171A) mit der Tintenkammer (73) über das erste Ende (175) in einer Fluidverbindung ist und der Innenraum (171A) mit einer Atmosphäre über das zweite Ende (176) in einer Fluidverbindung ist; und

ein bewegbares Element (181), das in dem Innenraum (171A) positioniert ist, wobei das bewegbare Element (181) bewegbar ist, wobei ein Abschnitt des bewegbaren Elements (181) mit einer Innenfläche der Röhre (171) in Kontakt gelangt, wobei die Innenfläche der Röhre (171) den Innenraum (171A) definiert, während eine Fluidverbindung zwischen der Tintenkammer (73) und der Atmosphäre über das bewegbare Element (181) verhindert wird.

16. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß Anspruch 15, des Weiteren mit:

einem Stab (182), der sich von dem bewegbaren Element (181) zu einer Außenseite der Röhre (171) durch das zweite Ende (176) erstreckt, wobei der Stab (182) eine daran ausgebildete Zahnstange (185) aufweist; und

einem Ritzel (221), das dazu konfiguriert ist, mit der Zahnstange (185) im Eingriff zu sein.

17. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 16, des Weiteren mit:

einer Tintenkartusche (50), die den Haupttintentank (70) und die Pumpe (170) aufweist; und einem Kartuschenmontageabschnitt (200), der dazu konfiguriert ist, die Tintenkartusche (50) lösbar zu montieren.

18. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß Anspruch 17, wobei die Tintenkartusche (50) dazu konfiguriert ist, dass sie an den Kartuschenmontageabschnitt (200) in einer besonderen Richtung montiert wird; wobei die Tintenkartusche (50) eine vordere Seite (60) in der besonderen Richtung aufweist, und wobei der Stab (182) dazu konfiguriert ist, sich von der vorderen Seite (60) zu erstrecken.

19. Tintenzuführsystem gemäß einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 18, wobei das bewegbare Element (181) Folgendes aufweist:

einen Kolben (181), der eine Umfangswand aufweist, die der Innenfläche der Röhre (171) zugewandt ist, wobei die Umfangswand eine darin ausgebildete Nut (184) hat; und ein elastisches Element (183), das in die Nut (184) eingepasst ist, wobei das elastische Element mit der Innenfläche der Röhre (171) in Kontakt gelangt.

Revendications

1. Cartouche d'encre (50) comprenant :

un compartiment d'encre (73) configuré de manière à stocker de l'encre ;

une couche d'air spécifique (83) formée dans le compartiment d'encre (73) ; et

une pompe (170) configurée de manière à délivrer de l'air à la couche d'air spécifique (83) ;

caractérisée en ce que

le compartiment d'encre (73) est configuré de telle sorte que l'encre peut atteindre la couche d'air spécifique (83) ; et

la pompe (170) est configurée de manière à aspirer de l'air à partir de la couche d'air spécifique (83).

2. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la pompe (170) est configurée de manière à délivrer une quantité d'air prédéterminée à la couche d'air (83) et à aspirer la quantité prédéterminée d'air à partir de la couche d'air (83).

3. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle un espace interne (171A) est formé à l'intérieur de la pompe, et l'espace interne (171A) est en communication fluidique avec la couche d'air spécifique (83), et dans laquelle la pompe (170) est configurée de manière à augmenter et diminuer un volume de l'espace interne (171A).

4. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle la pompe (170) comprend :

un tube (171) comportant un espace interne (171A) à l'intérieur, le tube (171) comportant une première extrémité (175) et une seconde extrémité (176) opposée à la première extrémité, dans lequel l'espace interne (171A) est en communication fluidique avec le compartiment d'encre (73) par l'intermédiaire de la première extrémité, et l'espace interne est en communication fluidique avec l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire de la seconde extrémité (176) ; et

un élément pouvant être déplacé (181), positionné dans l'espace interne (171A), dans laquelle l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) peut être déplacé, une partie de l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) entrant en contact avec une surface interne du tube (171), la surface interne du tube (171) définissant l'espace interne (171A), tout en empêchant une communication fluidique entre le compartiment d'encre (73) et l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire de l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181).

5. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre une tige (182) s'étendant depuis l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) vers une partie externe du tube (171) à travers la seconde extrémité (176).

6. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle une crémaillère (185) est formée sur la tige (182).

7. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 5 ou 6, comprenant en outre :

une face avant (60) ; et

une partie d'alimentation en encre (130) positionnée au niveau de la face avant (60),

dans laquelle la tige (182) est configurée de manière à s'étendre depuis la face avant (60).

8. Cartouche d'encre selon l'une des revendications 4 à 7, comprenant en outre un réservoir d'encre principal (70) définissant à l'intérieur le compartiment d'encre (73), dans laquelle le réservoir d'encre principal (70) présente une hauteur suivant une direction verticale, une largeur suivant une direction transversale, et une profondeur suivant une direction longitudinale, la direction transversale étant perpendiculaire à la direction verticale et la direction longitudinale étant perpendiculaire à chacune de la direction verticale et de la direction transversale, dans laquelle la hauteur est supérieure à la largeur, et la profondeur est supérieure à la hauteur.

9. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle le tube (171) s'étend depuis la première extrémité (175) vers la seconde extrémité (176) dans la direction longitudinale.

10. Cartouche d'encre selon l'une des revendications 4 à 9, comprenant en outre une partie de communication d'air (110) configurée afin de permettre et d'empêcher de manière sélective une communication à travers elle entre le compartiment d'encre (73) et l'atmosphère.

11. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle la partie de communication d'air (110) comprend une vanne (113) destinée à permettre et à empêcher de manière sélective la communication entre le compartiment d'encre (73) et l'atmosphère à travers la partie de communication d'air (110), dans laquelle la vanne (113) est configurée de manière à être activée par l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181).

12. Cartouche d'encre selon l'une des revendications 4 à 11, dans laquelle l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) comprend :

un piston (181) comprenant une paroi périphérique faisant face à la surface interne du tube (171), une rainure (184) étant formée à l'intérieur de la paroi périphérique : et

un élément élastique (183) assemblé dans la rainure (184), l'élément élastique (183) étant en contact avec la surface interne du tube (171).

13. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre (11) comprenant :

un réservoir d'encre principal (70) comprenant :

un compartiment d'encre (73) configuré de manière à stocker de l'encre ; et

une couche d'air spécifique (83) formée dans le compartiment d'encre (73) ;

une pompe (170) configurée de manière à délivrer de l'air à la couche d'air spécifique (83) ;

un réservoir d'encre secondaire (21) configuré de manière à stocker de l'encre, dans lequel le réservoir d'encre principal (70) et le réservoir d'encre secondaire (21) sont en communication fluidique l'un avec l'autre ;

caractérisé en ce que

le compartiment d'encre (73) est configuré de telle sorte que l'encre peut atteindre la couche d'air spécifique (83) ; et

la pompe (170) est configurée de manière à aspirer de l'air à partir de la couche d'air spécifique (83).

14. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon la revendication 13, comprenant en outre :

un tube flexible (32) raccordé à chacun du réservoir d'encre principal (70) et du réservoir d'encre secondaire (21) ; et

un circuit s'étendant depuis la pompe (170) vers le réservoir d'encre secondaire (21) par l'intermédiaire du compartiment d'encre (73) et du tube flexible (32), dans lequel le circuit n'est pas un circuit d'écoulement.

15. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon la revendication 13 ou 14, dans lequel la pompe comprend :

un tube (171) comportant à l'intérieur un espace interne (171A), le tube (171) comportant une première extrémité (175) et une seconde extrémité (176), dans lequel l'espace interne (171A) est en communication fluidique avec le compartiment d'encre (73) par l'intermédiaire de la première extrémité (175), et l'espace interne (171 A) est en communication fluidique avec l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire de la seconde extrémité (176) ; et

un élément pouvant être déplacé (181), positionné dans l'espace interne (171A), dans lequel l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) peut être déplacé, une partie de l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) entrant en contact avec une surface interne du tube (171), la surface interne du tube (171) définissant l'espace interne (171A), tout en empêchant une communication fluidique entre le compartiment d'encre (73) et l'atmosphère par l'intermédiaire de l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181).

16. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon la revendication 15, comprenant en outre :

une tige (182) s'étendant à partir de l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) vers une partie externe du tube (171) à travers la seconde extrémité (176), dans lequel une crémaillère (185) est formée sur la tige (182) ; et

un pignon (221) configuré de manière à se coupler à la crémaillère (185).

17. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon l'une des revendications 13 à 16, comprenant en outre :

une cartouche d'encre (50) comprenant le réservoir d'encre principal (70) et la pompe (170) ; et une partie de montage de cartouche (200) configurée de manière à assurer le montage amovible de la cartouche d'encre (50).

18. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon la revendication 17, dans lequel la cartouche d'encre (50) est configurée de manière à être montée sur la partie de montage de cartouche (200) dans une direction particulière ; dans lequel la cartouche d'encre (50) comprend une face avant (60) dans la direction particulière, et dans lequel la tige (182) est configurée de manière à s'étendre depuis la face avant (60).

19. Dispositif d'alimentation en encre selon l'une des revendications 15 à 18, dans lequel l'élément pouvant être déplacé (181) comprend :

un piston (181) comprenant une paroi périphérique faisant face à la surface interne du tube (171), une rainure (184) étant formée à l'intérieur de la paroi périphérique : et un élément élastique (183) assemblé dans la rainure (184), l'élément élastique entrant en contact avec la surface interne du tube (171).

Drawing