US4893137A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Recording apparatus and ink cartridge
Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 1987-12-09
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Granted: 1990-01-09
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Expires: 2007-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A recording apparatus is provided with an upper unit having a recording head for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information, and at least a portion of the electric circuit of the apparatus, a lower unit having a platen for maintaining the recording medium in the recording station by the recording head, the lower unit capable of being spaced apart relative to the upper unit, and a conveying member for conveying the recording medium to the recording station. The upper unit and the lower unit are capable of being spaced apart and opened in the recording station by the recording head.
Inventors
- 👤 Ryuichi Ebinuma
- 👤 Nobutoshi Mizusawa
- 👤 Yuji Chiba
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:36
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J2/00; B41J2/005; B41J2/01; B41J2/17; B41J2/175; B41J2/17503; B41J2/1752; B41J2/17523; B41J11/00; B41J11/02; B41J11/14; B41J2/135; B41J2/165; B41J2/16517; B41J2/1652; B41J2/16585; B41J2/1714; B41J2/17513; B41J29/00; B41J29/02; B41J29/377; G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/16; G03G21/1604; G03G21/1623; G03G21/1628; G03G21/1642; G03G21/1647; G03G21/20; G03G21/206; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00519; H04N1/00525; H04N1/00543; H04N1/00551; H04N1/00554; H04N1/00976; G03G2221/00; G03G2221/16; G03G2221/1645; G03G2221/1651; G03G2221/1672; G03G2221/1678; G03G2221/1687
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A recording apparatus including: recording means for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information; electric circuit means; an upper unit having said recording means and having at least a portion of said electric circuit means of said recording apparatus; a lower unit having a platen for maintaining the recording medium in a recording station for effecting recording thereon by said recording means and a position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit being located at the recording station; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium to the recording station and allowing the recording medium to be conveyed along the position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit at the recording station; said upper unit and said lower unit being capable of being opened and spaced apart from each other at the position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit at the recording station.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A recording apparatus including: recording means for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information; electric circuit means; an upper unit having said recording means and having at least a portion of said electric circuit means of said recording apparatus; a lower unit having a platen for maintaining the recording medium in a recording station for effecting recording thereon by said recording means and a position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit being located at the recording station; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium to the recording station and allowing the recording medium to be conveyed along the position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit at the recording station; said upper unit and said lower unit being capable of being opened and spaced apart from each other at the position connecting said upper unit and said lower unit at the recording station.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means includes a recording head having vertically downwardly open ink discharge ports for discharging the ink and at least a portion of said electric circuit means is disposed at a level higher than the discharge ports with respect to the vertical direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means is provided in the vicinity of an exit port through which a recording medium on which recording has been effected exits and said recording means has discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough located at the recording station and arranged over a range corresponding to the width of the recording medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, and further including a recording medium supplying system for supplying the recording medium under said conveying means disposed in said lower unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said upper unit further includes reading means for reading image information from a medium bearing an image and applying an image signal to said electric circuit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said recording means includes a recording head having vertically downwardly open ink discharge ports and at least a portion of said electric circuit means is disposed at a level higher than the discharge ports with respect to the vertical direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said recording means is provided in the vicinity of an exit port through which a recording medium on which recording has been effected exits and said recording means has discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough located at the recording station and arranged over a range corresponding to the width of the recording medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 5, and further including a recording medium supplying system for supplying the recording medium under said conveying means disposed in said lower unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said upper unit further includes blower means for introducing air into said recording apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 9, further including an opening for directing the introduced air to the outside of the apparatus formed between said upper unit and said lower unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said upper unit further includes blower means for introducing air into said recording apparatus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 11, further including an opening for directing the introduced air to the outside of the apparatus formed between said upper unit and said lower unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording means includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
158 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a first unit having recording means provided with an ink discharge port for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information; a second unit having a platen for supporting the recording medium at a recording station where said recording means records and ink storing means storing therein ink to be supplied to said recording means; conveying means for conveying said recording medium to said recording station, said conveying means being defined at a position where said first unit is connected to said second unit; and an ink supply and connecting member for supplying ink from said ink storing means to said recording means, said ink supply and connecting member being shiftable at an attaching section of at least one of said first unit and said second units; said first unit and said second unit being capable of being opened and spaced apart from each other at the recording station.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
158 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a first unit having recording means provided with an ink discharge port for discharging ink for effecting recording on a recording medium in response to information; a second unit having a platen for supporting the recording medium at a recording station where said recording means records and ink storing means storing therein ink to be supplied to said recording means; conveying means for conveying said recording medium to said recording station, said conveying means being defined at a position where said first unit is connected to said second unit; and an ink supply and connecting member for supplying ink from said ink storing means to said recording means, said ink supply and connecting member being shiftable at an attaching section of at least one of said first unit and said second units; said first unit and said second unit being capable of being opened and spaced apart from each other at the recording station.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said ink supply and connecting member further includes a flexible ink supply tube and a pivotable joint member is provided in at least one of the connecting portion between said ink supply tube and said ink storing means and the connecting portion between said ink supply tube and said recording means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said first unit further includes blower means for introducing air into the apparatus.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 16, further including an opening for directing the introduced air to the outside of the apparatus formed between said first unit and said second unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said first unit further includes reading means for reading image information from a medium bearing an image and applying an image signal to electric circuit means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
58 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said ink supply and connecting member further includes a flexible ink supply tube and a pivotable joint is provided in at least one of the connecting portion between said ink supply tube and said ink storing means and the connecting portion between said ink supply tube and said recording means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said first unit further includes blower means for introducing air into the apparatus.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 20, further including an opening for directing the introduced air to the outside of the apparatus.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, further including a holding member and wherein said platen is retained by said holding member in said ink storing means and has a unitary structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
46 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said unitary structure is an ink cartridge provided with ink storing means, a platen movably held by said holding member and a receiving member for receiving ink disposed at a location capable of being covered by said platen.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said platen is divisible into at least two members, each of which is connected to said holding member, said at least two members covering said receiving member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said ink storing means further includes a receiving member for receiving ink.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said recording means includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
64 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head having a discharge port for discharging ink therethrough; a first opening for introducing air into said recording apparatus; a second opening for directing said introduced air outside of the apparatus, said second opening being provided in the vicinity of said recording head; and blower means for introducing air into and directing air out of said recording apparatus.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
64 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head having a discharge port for discharging ink therethrough; a first opening for introducing air into said recording apparatus; a second opening for directing said introduced air outside of the apparatus, said second opening being provided in the vicinity of said recording head; and blower means for introducing air into and directing air out of said recording apparatus.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
56 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said blower means includes a fan for introducing the air and a member for directing the introduced air to said recording head and said second opening is provided near said recording head and above a containing member containing therein parts of said recording apparatus including said recording head.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
50 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said containing member is a member which covers various parts including a driving circuit for driving said recording head and a conveying system for conveying a recording medium and said blower means is used as pressurizing means for cooling the various parts.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said containing member includes an exit port for exiting a recording medium on which recording has been effected by a conveying system, the exit port being used also as said second opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
61 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen movable between a recording position opposed to the discharge ports and a position apart from the recording position; holding means for holding said movable platen; and drive means for imparting a driving force for driving said holding means to move said platen.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
61 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen movable between a recording position opposed to the discharge ports and a position apart from the recording position; holding means for holding said movable platen; and drive means for imparting a driving force for driving said holding means to move said platen.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
60 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said platen includes two joinable and separable members extending in the direction of arrangement of the discharge ports and is defined at the recording position by said two members and said holding means has a transmission mechanism for moving said two members in different directions to thereby effect said joining and separation.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said transmission mechanism moves said two members in pivotal movement.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said holding means includes a member for separably holding said platen in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement of the discharge ports.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
82 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen movable between a recording position opposed to the discharge ports and a position apart from the recording position; an opposing member capable of being opposed close to said discharge ports and capable of being connected to said discharge ports; and holding means for holding said movable platen and opposing said opposing member to the discharge ports with respect to movement of said platen.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
82 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen movable between a recording position opposed to the discharge ports and a position apart from the recording position; an opposing member capable of being opposed close to said discharge ports and capable of being connected to said discharge ports; and holding means for holding said movable platen and opposing said opposing member to the discharge ports with respect to movement of said platen.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said opposing member includes an absorbing member proximate to said discharge ports for receiving ink from the discharge ports.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said opposing member includes a cap member joinable to the discharge ports for protecting the discharge ports.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said opposing member is positioned on a side opposite to the discharge ports with said platen interposed therebetween during recording.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
72 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said platen includes two joinable and separable members extending in the direction of arrangement of the discharge ports and is defined at the recording position by said two members and said holding member has a mechanism for pivotally moving said two members in different directions to thereby effect said joining and separation and moving said opposing member toward the discharge ports during said separation.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
53 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said holding member includes a member for moving said platen in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement of the discharge ports in a plane containing a recording surface and moving said opposing member toward the discharge ports during the moving of said platen.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
93 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen provided opposite the discharge ports; storing means for storing ink to be supplied to said recording head; a cartridge movably supporting said platen; a receiving member for receiving ink from the discharge ports by connecting and closing the discharge ports; and driving means for driving said cartridge to cause said platen to leave a position opposed to said recording head and cause said receiving member to be joined or proximate to the discharge ports.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
93 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head on which discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough are arranged; a platen provided opposite the discharge ports; storing means for storing ink to be supplied to said recording head; a cartridge movably supporting said platen; a receiving member for receiving ink from the discharge ports by connecting and closing the discharge ports; and driving means for driving said cartridge to cause said platen to leave a position opposed to said recording head and cause said receiving member to be joined or proximate to the discharge ports.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said platen includes two members joinable and separable to each other and is defined by joining said two members and wherein said receiving member is movably provided as a main body of said cartridge and at an opposite side of said platen than said recording head when said platen is defined by joining said two members.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said receiving member includes an ink absorbing member having an ink absorbing capacity, the ink absorbing capacity being greater than an initial amount of ink in said storing means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
100 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head having discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough; a cartridge having a platen detachably mounted on said recording apparatus and movably held; storing means storing therein ink to be supplied to said recording head; a receiving member for receiving ink from the discharge ports by connecting the discharge ports; and driving means for effecting a driving force for separating said platen of said cartridge from a position opposed to the discharge ports and moving said receiving member to a position at which said receiving member may be joined and separated from the discharge ports.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
100 words
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording head having discharge ports for discharging ink therethrough; a cartridge having a platen detachably mounted on said recording apparatus and movably held; storing means storing therein ink to be supplied to said recording head; a receiving member for receiving ink from the discharge ports by connecting the discharge ports; and driving means for effecting a driving force for separating said platen of said cartridge from a position opposed to the discharge ports and moving said receiving member to a position at which said receiving member may be joined and separated from the discharge ports.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
78 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said platen has two members and separable to each other and is defined by joining of said two members and said two members are retained by means for moving and separating said two members as said cartridge moves to the discharge ports, and wherein said receiving member is movably provided as a main body of said cartridge and located at the side of said platen opposite to said recording head.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
37 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said receiving member includes an ink absorbing member having an ink absorbing capacity, the ink absorbing capacity being greater than an initial amount of ink in said storing means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
An ink cartridge having an ink tank storing ink therein, a receiving member for receiving the ink, and a protective member movably supported by a supporting member and covering said receiving member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
An ink cartridge having an ink tank storing ink therein, a receiving member for receiving the ink, and a protective member movably supported by a supporting member and covering said receiving member.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 52, wherein said protective member is a platen.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
17 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 52, wherein said protective member is pivotable by said supporting member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 52, wherein said receiving member includes an ink absorbing member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
27 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 55, wherein said ink absorbing member has an absorbing capacity greater than the amount of ink stored in said ink tank.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 52, wherein said protective member includes at least two members supported by said supporting member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
An ink cartridge according to claim 57, wherein said at least two members are of substantially equal size.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
A recording apparatus according to claim 52, further including a recording head having an electrothermal converter for generating energy utilized for discharging ink.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-01-08 | 1993-07-10 | 1994-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-01-08 | 1997-07-10 | 1998-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-07-10 | 2002-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |