Patent ID: 7241119
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A tube pump comprising: a flexible tube in which a fluid passage is formed; an accommodating case for accommodating the flexible tube, the tube extending along an inner wall of the case, the inner wall having an opening, the tube extending to the exterior of the case through the opening, the tube having a first portion and a second portion, which are located close to each other in the vicinity of the opening; a pressing member revolving in the accommodating case, the pressing member moving from the first portion to the second portion along the flexible tube while pressing and squeezing a portion of the tube against the inner wall of the case, thereby enabling a fluid to flow from the first portion to the second portion in the fluid passage; and an auxiliary member provided in the vicinity of the opening of the accommodating case, the auxiliary member having an auxiliary surface, the auxiliary member transferring the pressing member from the second portion to the first portion via the auxiliary surface when the pressing member passes the vicinity of the opening of the case; wherein the auxiliary member is capable of pivoting in a first direction or in a second direction opposed to the first direction; and wherein the auxiliary member pivots in the second direction when the pressing member proceeds from the second portion to the auxiliary surface, and in the first direction when the pressing member proceeds from the auxiliary surface to the first portion.