Patent ID: 6283585
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printer into which an ink-jet head and an ink container are receivable, said ink-jet head for ejecting ink to perform printing on a printing medium and said ink container for storing the ink to be supplied to said ink-jet head, said printer comprising:an ink storage container for temporarily storing the ink to be supplied from said ink container to said ink-jet head, said ink storage container having a closable air communicating portion communicating with ambient air;a first ink path which connects said ink container to said ink storage container, and which defines a flow of ink from said ink container to said ink storage container, said first ink path being provided with a one-way flow restricting member for permitting only a flow of ink in a direction of discharge from said ink container;a second ink path which connects said ink storage container to said ink container, and which defines a flow of ink for returning an excess amount of ink over a predetermined liquid amount in said ink storage container to said ink container;opening/closing means for opening and closing said air communicating portion to ambient air;a buffer container provided at a portion of said first ink path between said one-way flow restricting member and said ink storage container, said buffer container being capable of maintaining a predetermined liquid amount; andtransfer means for transferring ink from said buffer container, said transfer means being provided at a portion of said first ink path between said buffer container and said ink storage container.