Patent ID: 6024442
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink refilling apparatus for refilling ink into an ink container, the container having a porous material for retaining ink and capable of providing capillary force, wherein at least a part of ink retained by the porous material has been consumed, the ink container further having a refilling opening, and an air vent portion at a position away from said refilling opening, and a first ink discharging member adjacent said porous material and said refilling opening, wherein said first discharging member provides capillary force larger than that provided by said porous material, and has a bundle of unidirectional fibers, said apparatus comprising:an ink container holding portion for holding the ink container;a second ink discharging member, arranged at said ink container holding portion and including a bundle of parallel fibers press-contactable to the first ink discharging member when the ink container is held by said ink container holding portion, said second ink discharging member for retaining additional ink and for supplying the additional ink to the first ink discharging member in the ink container while the air vent portion is kept open to the ambience;ink supply means for supplying the additional ink to said second ink discharging member; anda connecting portion between said second ink discharging member and said ink supply means, said connecting portion not having said bundle of parallel fibers.