Patent ID: 6805434
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A liquid supply system comprising:a liquid supply container provided with a liquid reservoir portion for storing liquid in a substantially sealed space therein; and a capillary force generating member accommodating container, an internal space of which is connected to the sealed space of the liquid reservoir portion through a communication path portion of the liquid supply container, and in which a capillary force generating member is contained, wherein said communication path portion is constructed to supply liquid from said liquid reservoir portion to said capillary force generating member accommodating container by exchange of liquid and air flows with liquid flowing into said capillary force generating member accommodating container from said liquid reservoir portion and with air flowing into said liquid reservoir portion from said capillary force generating member accommodating container as liquid is expelled through a liquid supply portion; wherein the capillary force generating member is provided with a layer of fiber strands in which a primary direction of the fiber strands therein is substantially horizontal, wherein the layer is at the interface between air and liquid in the capillary force generating member, the air-liquid exchange occurs for supplying liquid; and wherein the communication path portion is positioned at a level higher than the liquid supply portion, lower than a top surface of the capillary force generating member, and higher than a bottom surface of the capillary force generating member.