Patent ID: 6053604
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink refilling method for refilling ink into an ink cartridge having an ink absorbing member capable of providing capillary force, wherein at least a part of ink retained by the ink absorbing member has been consumed, the ink cartridge further having an ink supply outlet portion for supplying ink to a recording head detachably mountable to the ink cartridge, and an air vent portion at a position away from said ink supply outlet portion, the method comprising the steps of:preparing an ink refilling apparatus having an ink injection portion for refilling the ink by natural descent into the ink absorbing member of said ink cartridge, said ink injection portion including an opening;connecting said ink injecting portion of said ink refilling apparatus with the ink supply outlet portion of the ink cartridge, wherein the ink supply outlet portion is at an elevation higher than the ink absorbing member;breaking a meniscus formed at said opening of said ink injection portion; andrefilling ink from said refilling apparatus to the ink cartridge by natural descent into the ink absorbing member of the ink cartridge through the ink supply outlet portion, while said air vent portion is kept open to atmospheric air, and while said ink injection portion of said ink refilling apparatus is press-contacted to the ink absorbing member of said ink cartridge.