Ink-jet recording apparatus

• US 6,378,971 B1
• Filed: 11/06/2000
• Issued: 04/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Kobayashi, Atsushi, Tamura, Noboru, Kimura, Hitotoshi, Mano, Takashi, Tojyo, Hiroaki, Aruga, Yoshiharu
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Raquel Yvette
• Application Number:
  US09/705,922
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 347/7, 347/1, 347/5, 347/6, 347/20, 347/95-100, 347/84-94, 737/00, 737/08, 737/13
• US Class Current: 347/7
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/175 Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17526 Electrical contacts to the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17566 Ink level or ink residue control
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17596 Ink pumps, ink valves
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/17573 using optical means for ink level indication
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/17576 using a floater for ink level indication

Abstract

An ink storage chamber has an indicator formed from magnetic material. A float member whose upper position is limited is housed in the ink storage chamber. Two magnetic-field detection system are provided at a position on the exterior of a sub-tank at which the detection system can detect a magnetic flux of the indicator simultaneously, such that the longitudinal direction of the detection system is oriented vertically with a specified ink level of the sub-tank sandwiched between the detection system. On the basis of signals output from the magnetic-field detection system, it is determined whether the ink level is in any one of an excessively low ink level state, a state in which injection of ink must be started, a state in which injection of ink must be stopped, and an excessively supplied state. Thus, an ink level in the sub-tank can be controlled within a specific range without involvement of an undesired increase in the number of sensors.

Claims

1. An ink-jet recording apparatus having a recording head that is mounted to a reciprocating carriage and that receives supply of ink, the recording apparatus comprising:

an ink storage chamber into which ink is supplied from an outside of the ink storage chamber;

a float member movable to follow ink level of ink stored in the ink storage chamber;

an indicator provided to the float member; and

at least two detection systems provided opposite the indicator and arranged vertically,

wherein both of the two detection systems detect the indicator when an amount of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber is maintained within an appropriate range, and

wherein at least three statuses of ink level are detected based on signals from the detection systems.

2. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the detection systems is separable from the ink storage chamber.

3. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indicator includes a permanent magnet, and each of the detection system includes a magnetic-field detection system.

4. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the permanent magnet is fixed to the float member through a back yoke formed from magnetically permeable material.

5. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the back yoke is formed into a substantial box shape, and an opening end of the back yoke protrudes forward from a surface of the permanent magnet.

6. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the opening end of the back yoke protrudes from the surface of the permanent magnet by 0.0 to 0.5 mm.

7. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indictor includes an optical reflecting member, and each of the detection systems includes a light-emitting system and a light-receiving system.

8. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink storage chamber is defined by a box-shaped member having an integral side wall and an integral peripheral wall connected thereto, a rib projecting from the side wall of the box-shaped member, and a film member attached to and in close contact with a periphery of an opening of the box-shaped member and a tip end of the rib.

9. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the float member is integrally formed on a movable free end of a support arm member which is pivotable about a support pin formed on a side wall of a sub-tank.

10. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the float member includes a container section having an open portion at one side thereof and ribs in an interior thereof, and a film member sealing the open portion.

11. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ribs includes at least one rib that is located at a central region and that has a cross shape.

12. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cross-shaped rib is located at a central region of the container section, and spaced from a peripheral wall of the container section to define a clearance therebetween.

13. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a recess is integrally provided to the container section so that a permanent magnetic serving as the indicator is accommodated in the recess, and the recess is in communication with an interior space of the container section through a through hole.

14. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a film member is fixedly attached to a periphery of an opening of the recess to seal the recess.

15. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an air escape groove is formed in the periphery of the opening.

16. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the permanent magnet with a back yoke formed from magnetically permeable material is accommodated in the recess.