WO2007075144A1

WO2007075144A1 - Colour cartridge refilling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007075144A1
Application number: PCT/SG2006/000371
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kong Cheok Tan; Zaw Aye Tin; Yih Sheng Chua; Swee Heng Lau; Chin Peng Tan; Chee Hou Peng
Original assignee: Inke Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-27
Filing date: 2006-12-01
Publication date: 2007-07-05
Also published as: SG133454A1

Abstract

A colour printer cartridge refilling apparatus and method is provided where air is evacuated from an ink storage compartment of the cartridge creating a vacuum to thereby allow ink to be drawn from an ink supply reservoir in fluid communication with the apparatus into the ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge. In a preferred form, a colour printer cartridge refilling apparatus and method is provided whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from three ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge creating a vacuum in each ink storage compartment to thereby allow ink to be drawn from three ink supply reservoirs in fluid communication with the apparatus into the respective ink storage compartments.

Description

Colour Cartridge Refilling Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an ink refilling apparatus for refilling a colour ink cartridge with ink of three different colours, but not exclusively to an ink cartridge refilling apparatus for refilling inkjet printer cartridges.

BACKGROUND

Printer ink cartridges, and particularly colour inkjet printer cartridges are used in increasing numbers and these items are typically thrown away after a single use. This is not only costly for the consumer, but is also environmentally unfriendly as these cartridges contribute to ever increasing waste disposal problems. Particularly for colour cartridges, where the ink contained in each compartment in the cartridge is of a limited volume, depletion of colour cartridges occurs at an amazing rate. Depleted colour printer cartridges can be re-used and the refilling of cartridges is becoming more common.

Various devices have been developed to assist with the refilling of colour cartridges, however, the refilling process is not simple and some cartridges do not readily accept refills. In addition, the refilling process can be both tedious and messy, particularly so for colour cartridges where there are three separate compartments in the cartridge that must be filled with a different colour ink each and any mixing of the inks result in contamination and an unusable colour cartridge or print-outs with undesirable colours and poor print quality/result. Attempts have been made to automate the process. However, there is a large and growing number of cartridge types, sizes and shapes currently being produced, and there is a range of ink types being used, and previous refilling devices have usually been developed for only a narrow range of cartridge and ink types.

It is known in the art to provide for a carrier for interfacing an ink cartridge with an ink cartridge refilling machine to allow different cartridge types to be refilled by a single refilling machine. Whilst this carrier is adequate for refilling single colour cartridges, it cannot effectively refill colour cartridges that contain ink of two or more colours.

Furthermore, cartridges employ a range of ink storage media, for example some cartridges have inflatable or collapsible ink bags, and others have foam or sponge inserts. Each of these variations provides additional challenges for ink refilling, particularly for colour cartridges that have three separate compartments, and previous refilling devices tend to be efficient at refilling only one or two types of ink storage media. For example, it can be difficult to refill a foam or sponge type cartridge. Also, if a cartridge has been refilled, the print quality from the cartridge can be impaired if air bubbles remain in the cartridge after ink refilling. This is particularly troubling for colour cartridges where the inability of ink to flow smoothly from one compartment can greatly affect the print-out quality, change the colour of the print-out, and even prevent printing completely for printer models that require all three colour inks to be flowing smoothly before printing can be effected.

An ink refilling apparatus is ideally able to fill more than one colour of ink, but this requirement has been difficult to achieve since contamination of colours can occur easily when the same filling conduits are used to fill inks of different colours.

The use of specific equipment for refilling each colour ink compartment in the same ink cartridge can be expensive, time and labor consuming. This therefore makes it less viable to reuse a colour ink cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist of an ink cartridge refilling apparatus having a pump and an ink supply means, both of which are operatively connected to a system of conduits which can be brought into a sealing contact with both a first, second and third opening in an ink cartridge, that is, one sealing contact with each compartment in a three-colour ink cartridge. The base of the ink cartridge is not accessed by any means or opening to prevent any possible contamination of the three different colour inks. The apparatus is configured such that the pump can be used to evacuate air out of the three openings of the cartridge simultaneously and at even pressure, which therefore allows ink to be drawn smoothly, evenly and simultaneously into all three compartments of the evacuated cartridge from the ink supply means.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a chamber adapted to contain a vacuum pressure which is in communication with the system of conduits.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes solenoid operated valves in communication with the system of conduits to control the overall pressure in the apparatus and the direction of flow, including the conduits, ink reservoirs and ink cartridge so as to determine when air is being evacuated out of the cartridge and when ink is to be drawn into the cartridge.

Preferably the apparatus is adapted to receive three ink reservoirs, which can be brought into sealing contact with the system of conduits.

Preferably the evacuated contents of the ink cartridge can be pumped into each of the corresponding colour ink reservoirs. This allows repeated evacuations of air from the ink cartridge with little or no loss of ink. This allows improved removal of air from colour ink cartridges having sponge type reservoirs.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to accept in a first refilling slot inserts (i.e. housing made generally of but not limited to plastic for holding printer cartridges of different shapes and sizes) to be brought into sealing contact with the system of conduits. The first insert (refilling) Dl, to be used for refilling, has a seal El beneath the cartridge to block the printer cartridge nozzle openings. The use of inserts which are adapted to accommodate printer cartridges of different sizes and/or shapes gives the apparatus greater flexibility of use, allowing it to be used to refill a wider range of colour printer cartridges.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to accept in a second slot, meant for priming, inserts which are adapted to allow printer cartridges of different sizes and/or shapes to be brought into sealing contact with the system of conduits for priming purposes. The second insert (priming) D2, to be used for priming, has an absorbent base E2 beneath the printer cartridge nozzle openings. The use of the second insert (priming) D2 gives the apparatus greater flexibility of use, allowing it to prime a wider range of colour printer cartridges to ensure smooth flow of ink for good quality printing.

Preferably the apparatus includes a pressure sensor in communication with the system of conduits. This allows the apparatus to use an optimized vacuum pressure to ensure the best filling results and therefore print quality from a refilled colour cartridge, as it can help to optimize the usage of ink.

Preferably the apparatus further includes a control system adapted to automatically control the refilling process.

Preferably the apparatus further includes a variety of pre-programmed configurations of air evacuation and ink refilling sequences and cycles adapted for different types of colour ink cartridges, such pre-programmed configurations being selectable by user.

Preferably the apparatus is formed of only one main component, comprising a number of pumps (in the current configuration being three pumps), the ink supply means, the system of conduits, two slots - one for refilling and one for priming- adapted to receive an ink cartridge with a control system. This configuration allows for the simultaneous and fuss-free filling different colour inks in a cartridge avoiding colour contamination and without the need for any separate control system for each colour.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of filling a colour ink cartridge including the steps of: evacuating air from each compartment of the colour cartridge, allowing ink to be drawn into the evacuated cartridge, and priming the colour cartridge.

Preferably the step of evacuating the air from the colour cartridge is carried out at the first, second and third openings in the cartridge. Preferably the method is repeated at least once to improve the removal of air from the cartridge.

Preferably the method further includes a step of balancing the pressure in the cartridge to prevent dripping.

Preferably the method further includes a step of pumping air at a pre-determined pressure into the three openings at the top of the cartridge via a lever at the side of the system to push the ink out of the cartridge nozzle into the absorbent material underneath.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a schematic view of a refilling circuit forming part of the refilling apparatus of the invention;

FIGURE 2 shows a method of refilling an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 3 shows a schematic view of one sub-circuit of the refilling circuit shown in FIG 1 at a stage in the refilling process; FIGURE 4 shows a schematic view of one sub-circuit of the refilling circuit shown in FIG 1 at a stage in the refilling process;

FIGURE 5 shows a schematic view of one sub-circuit of the refilling circuit shown in FIG 1 at a further stage in the refilling process

FIGURE 6 shows a schematic view of one sub-circuit of the refilling circuit shown in FIG 1 at a pressure balancing stage in the refilling process;

FIGURE 7 shows a schematic diagram showing the three sealing contacts with the ink cartridge whereby air is pumped into the cartridge;

FIGURE 8 shows a perspective view showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the refilling apparatus of the invention as a single unit;

FIGURE 9 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8;

FIGURE 10 shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8;

FIGURE HA shows a sectional side view of a first insert forming part of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 in an open position without an ink cartridge located therein;

FIGURE HB shows a sectional side view of the first insert forming part of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 in a closed position with an ink cartridge located therein;

FIGURE 12A shows a sectional side view of a second insert forming part of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 in an open position without an ink cartridge located therein; FIGURE 12B shows the second insert forming part of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 in a closed position with an ink cartridge located therein;

FIGURE 13 shows a sectional side view of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 without inserts shown; and

FIGURE 14 shows a sectional side view of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8 with inserts shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers users an ink refilling apparatus which is capable of automatically refilling colour printer cartridges of many types. Foam or sponge storage type printer cartridges can be refilled without difficulty as they can be expected to provide excellent print quality. This is because air is unlikely to remain trapped in the pores of the sponge because a vacuum filling method is employed which removes air from the foam or sponge during the refilling process.

The single component filling unit includes various sensors which can communicate with the control system to allow automated and orderly refilling of different types of ink cartridges which can be expected to provide adequate print quality after refilling. Various lights are also incorporated to indicate the status of the apparatus while it is in operation.

A depleted colour printer cartridge, having a first, second and third opening, can be loaded into one end of the apparatus while the three ink reservoirs can be loaded into the other end. When locking doors covering the ink reservoirs are closed, three hollow needles penetrate the seals on the ink reservoir and sensor S2 is activated. When the ink cartridge is placed into the insert, rubber seals contact the first, second and third openings of the printer cartridge. When the insert is pushed into the first slot, sensor S3 is activated. This action closes the filling circuit and enables ink from the ink reservoirs to be transferred into the three compartments of the printer cartridge during the refilling process. Before the refilling process can be started, the electronic control unit is connected to an external power supply. Upon switching on the device, the electronic control unit scans all the sensors to ensure that both the printer cartridge and the three ink reservoirs are loaded onto the device and that the locking doors are closed properly. The indicator lights help to display the status accordingly, and the control logic further prevents the refilling process from being started if any sensor signal is in an inappropriate state. With a depleted colour printer cartridge and three full ink reservoirs loaded, and the doors properly closed, the refilling process can be initiated by simply selecting the sequence suitable for the cartridge type via the turning of a knob and then pressing the start button. From then on, the electronic control unit takes over the entire filling process and when the printer cartridge is sufficiently filled, the process stops automatically. The printer cartridge can be removed from the apparatus and is ready for re-use in a printer. The ink reservoirs can be discarded or if there is ink remaining in the ink reservoirs, they can be used for the refilling of another depleted colour cartridge.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a main refilling circuit of the ink refilling apparatus of the invention, and the figures enable the operation of the apparatus to be explained.

With reference to figure 1, the refilling circuit of the ink refilling apparatus of the invention comprises three circuits A, B and C with each circuit fluidly connecting a respective ink reservoir 20, 21 and 22 to the colour ink cartridge 10, the flow of fluid within each of the three circuits A, B and C being coordinated by an electronic control unit 50 as will be discussed in detail below.

As mentioned, the refilling process is controlled by the electronic control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a monitoring system which is in communication with pressure sensors SlA, SlB and SlC, reservoir sensors S2A, S2B and S2C and ink cartridge sensor S3.

Preferably, the electronic control unit 50 also incorporates light indicators Ll, L2₅ L3 to inform the user of the status of the refilling apparatus and of the refilling process. Preferably, button Bl is provided to enable the various refilling processes to be activated manually, and button B2 is provided for manual activation of pressure balancing. Suitably, knob Kl is also provided to enable the user to choose from a selection of refilling configuration programs meant for specific cartridge types.

The electronic control unit 50 is preferably powered by an external power source through a DC adaptor and is provided with a power on/off switch 51. Alternatively, electronic control unit 50 has a self contained power source such as a battery or the like.

Each of circuits A, B and C further includes a 3-port-2-way solenoid valve 6OA, 60B and 6OC respectively with each of valves 6OA, 6OB and 6OC being controlled by the electronic control unit 50. The valves 6OA, 6OB and 6OC are used to control the flow direction of fluid in the system of conduits forming each of circuits A, B and C during the vacuum and refilling cycle as will be discussed in further detail below.

Furthermore, each of circuits A, B and C includes a 2-port-l-way solenoid valve 61A, 61B and 61C respectively, each of which are also controlled by the electronic control unit 50. Each of the valves 6 IA, 6 IB and 61C are used to control the absence or presence of a vacuum in the system of conduits forming each of circuits A, B and C during the vacuum and refilling cycle.

Additionally, each of circuits A, B and C further comprise a vacuum chamber 4OA, 4OB and 4OC each in fluid communication with a pump 30A, 30B and 30C respectively. Each of pumps 3OA, 3OB and 3OC are operable by electronic control unit 50.

The components of each of circuits A, B and C are interconnected with a system of conduits in the form of tubes 7OA, 7OB and 7OC; 71A, 71B and 71C; 72A, 72B and 72C; 73A, 73B and 73C; and 74A, 74B and 74C to form a complete circuit. The tubing is suitably formed from rubber or plastics. A skilled person will realize that the tubing may be formed from any suitable material known in the art. Figure 2 shows a method by which the refilling apparatus of the invention operates to refill a depleted ink cartridge 10 by vacuum means. Whilst solenoid operated valves 6OA, 6OB and 60C are in a first configuration and solenoid operated valves 61A, 61B and 61C are closed, pumps 3OA, 3OB and 30C are used to create vacuum pressure in vacuum chambers 4OA, 40B and 40C of each of circuits A, B and C respectively and thus air is evacuated from each ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge 10 (step 210). Suitably, each of pumps 3OA, 30B and 3OC are driven by an electric motor.

The solenoid operated valves 6OA, 6OB and 6OC are then switched to a second configuration by the electronic control unit 50 and the solenoid operated valves 61A, 6 IB and 61C are opened allowing ink to be drawn from the three ink reservoirs 20, 21 and 22 into respective ink storage compartments of the ink cartridge 10 (step 220).

Suitably, each ink reservoirs 20, 21, 22 has an ink chamber 12, 13, and 14 respectively in fluid communication with a respective ink storage compartment of ink cartridge 10 whereby the respective ink chamber stores the correct colour ink to refill the respective ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge 10. For example, ink reservoir 20 has an ink chamber 12 containing red ink and is in fluid communication by way of circuit A with an ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge 10 that contains red ink.

Figures 3 to 6 help to explain in further detail the working principles of the various stages of the refilling process using the apparatus of the invention with reference to refilling circuit A only for clarity reasons. A skilled person will appreciate that the refilling process described below with reference to refilling circuit A occurs simultaneously for each of circuits B and C.

With reference to figure 3, when the electronic control unit 50 senses that both the printer cartridge 10 and the ink reservoirs 20, 21 and 22 are in place, via sensors S3 and S 2 respectively, and that the doors of the refilling apparatus of the invention are closed properly, it displays a ready signal on the light indicators Ll, L2 and L3, to prompt the user that the device is now ready to start the refilling process or a priming process (to be explained in further detail below). Suitably, the ink cartridge 10 is placed in a first insert Dl (not shown in Figures 3 to 6) which is located in a first slot of the refilling apparatus meant for refilling. Preferably, the first insert Dl has a seal El to block the nozzle openings of the printer cartridge 10. This will be discussed in greater detail below.

To start the refilling process, the user presses the button Bl to activate the process. The refilling process is activated with electro-solenoid valve 6OA connecting port PlA to port P2A while solenoid operated valves 61 A remains closed.

At the same time, pump 3OA starts pumping to create a suction pressure in vacuum chamber 4OA. As port P3A of solenoid valve 60 is blocked at this stage, pump 3OA can only draw air out of the tubes 7OA, 73A and 74A and the respective ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge 10 causing the internal pressure in these tubes and the ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge 10 to drop. As such, air is evacuated from the respective ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge 10

The process is also removing any possible air trapped in the printer cartridge 10 including any air trapped in the pores of the storage sponge 11 of the printer cartridge 10. As the internal pressure drops further a vacuum pressure is created in the printer cartridge 10 and this vacuum pressure is used to power the subsequent filling process. The pressure drops further while the pump 30A continues to operate, creating more vacuum pressure in the printer cartridge 10, which becomes a temporary vacuum chamber.

As the air is pumped out of the tubes 7OA, 73A, 74A, air is pumped into tube 72A and hence into ink reservoir 20. Suitably, the ink reservoir 20, is provided with a vent Vl to allow at least a portion of this air to escape.

Optionally, any residual ink in the ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge 10 is also evacuated during this process and fluidly communicated to the ink chamber 12 of the ink reservoir 20. The electronic control unit 50 monitors the pressure sensor SlA which is in communication with the vacuum chamber 4OA and when vacuum pressure reaches a preset value, the electronic control unit 50 switches to the refilling process.

Figures 4 and 5 show the refilling phase of the refilling process. During this stage, pump 30A is deactivated by electronic control unit 50 and as such is no longer pumping. Solenoid valve 6OA is re-configures by electronic control unit 50 such that port P2A is connected to port P3A and hence tube 71 A is placed in fluid communication with tube 7OA. Solenoid operated valve 61A is opened by the electronic control unit 50.

In this configuration, ink is able to flow from an ink chamber 12 of the ink reservoir 20 into tube 71A and be fluidly communicated to tube 70A. Suitably, the end of tube 71A distal from solenoid valve 6OA is located substantially at the bottom of the ink chamber 12 of the ink reservoir 20 to ensure all of the ink is used for refilling printer cartridge 10.

The vacuum pressure in the printer cartridge 10 causes ink to be drawn from the ink reservoir 20 via the tubes 71A and 7OA and into the printer cartridge 10 to refill it. After which solenoid operated valves 61A is then closed.

The sponge material 11 in the printer cartridge stores the ink and the vacuum pressure continues to decay. Preferably the refilling process lasts for a preset time. When the time is up, the vacuum cycle and refilling cycle as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 can be repeated one or more times. This repetition can be used to ensure that as much air as possible is removed from the printer cartridge 10. Preferably, the refilling process is set to a preset time to ensure that the printer cartridge is filled fully.

Figure 6 shows the pressure balancing process, which is optionally conducted after cartridge is refilled to prevent dripping. A further pressure balancing can be done alone even after refilling is done if dripping from the nozzle openings of the printer cartridge occurs persists. To ensure high quality and precise printing after refilling, the printer cartridge 10 is subjected to an optional priming process which ensures that the ink is readily available at the nozzle openings 12, 13 and 14 of the printer cartridge 10. To do this, when the system prompts the user via light indicator Ll, L2 and L3 that the ink cartridge 10 has been filled, the user preferably removes insert Dl holding the cartridge 10 in the first slot of the refilling unit and then places the cartridge into another insert D2 to be put into the second slot of the refilling unit.

The configuration of the printer cartridge 10 as shown in figure 7, shows this priming stage of the refilling process. In this part of the process, air is pumped into the three holes of the cartridge to push ink into the cartridge nozzle underneath of which is an absorbent material. A predetermined pressure is applied to minimize loss of ink. The second insert (priming) D2 used here has an absorbent material E2 at the base instead of a seal El.

Where there is dripping of ink, an additional step of pressure balancing can be carried out as described above. The step of pressure balancing can be used at any point in time when there is dripping of ink from the cartridge nozzle as it is a separate step independent of other processes. Therefore if dripping persists, even after priming, pressure balancing can be done.

If the print quality from an ink cartridge in use is not good, a priming cycle can be required. The poor print quality is most often because of an interrupted ink supply to the print head caused by trapped air or insufficient ink in openings of the colour ink cartridge which are in communication with the inkjet printer. Most inkjet printers are equipped with a priming or head cleaning facility to attain good print quality. However, priming using the printer facility can be both slow and cause a high wastage of ink as most printers prime all printer cartridges simultaneously instead of just the individual printer cartridge that needs priming. Ink is wasted on the black ink that does not require priming. Using the refilling apparatus of the invention, a colour printer cartridge 10 which is not empty but has poor print quality, can be primed as described above. To do this the printer cartridge 10 can be placed in an appropriate insert and loaded into the second slot of the refilling apparatus of the invention, and with all the sensors in an appropriate state, the user can start the priming process by pushing a lever of the refilling apparatus. With the lever pushed down, the priming process starts. This will ensure any air trapped in the openings 12, 13 and 14 can be removed and sufficient ink is present at the openings 12, 13 and 14 of the printer cartridge 10 for good printing quality.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the construction of a preferred embodiment of the refilling apparatus as a single unit. Inserts Dl and D2 are shown located within their respective slots of the refilling apparatus. Suitably, inserts Dl and D2 are adapted to accommodate a large range of printer cartridges 10 therein. As previously discussed, insert Dl is used for refilling a printer cartridge 10 and insert D2 is used for priming a printer cartridge.

Alternatively, the refilling apparatus of the invention may only have a single slot and a single insert for both refilling and priming.

Figure 9 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the refilling apparatus shown in FIG 8, with the unit having locking doors 9OA, 9OB and 9OC shown in a closed position and Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the refilling apparatus of the invention with the locking doors 9OA, 90B and 9OC in a closed position. Ink reservoirs 20, 21 and 22 are located within their respective reservoir cavities of the refilling apparatus and the respective locking doors 90A, 90B and 9OC are closed thereby triggering sensors S2A, S2B and S2C to allow the refilling process to commence.

As previously discussed, each ink reservoir 20, 21 and 22 has a respective ink chamber 12, 13 and 14 with each ink chamber containing different colour inks. These chambers are in fluid communication via circuits A, B and C respectively with corresponding ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge 10. As such, it is preferable that the an ink reservoir having the correct colour ink stored within it's ink chamber is located within the correct cavity.

Hence, the refilling apparatus of the invention preferably has reservoir cavities that are configured to receive an ink reservoir that contains ink of only one specific or particular colour. Suitably, this feature is provided for by the reservoir cavities having grooves located on an inner wall that correspond to grooves on an outer face of a respective ink reservoir. For example, an ink reservoir that contains red ink will have grooves that correspond to an inner wall of a reservoir cavity of the refilling apparatus of the invention so that only an ink reservoir of red ink can be placed perfectly into that particular reservoir cavity. A skilled person will appreciate that other configurations are contemplated to deliver this functionality.

Figure HA shows a sectional side view of the first insert Dl forming part of the refilling apparatus of the invention with the insert in an open position. As previously mentioned, first insert Dl is preferably used for refilling a printer cartridge 10 and as such has a seal El adapted to block the printer cartridge nozzle openings during the refilling process

Figure HB shows a sectional side view of the first insert Dl in a closed position. As shown, printer cartridge 10 is located within the first insert Dl such that seal El blocks the printer cartridge nozzle openings. Furthermore, it can be seen that each of the openings 12, 13 and 14 forming part of circuits A, B and C respectively are brought into sealing contact with a first, second and third ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge 10 respectively.

Figure 12A shows a sectional side view of the second insert 21 forming part of the refilling apparatus of the invention with the insert in an open position. As previously mentioned, second insert D2 is preferably used for priming the printer cartridge 10 and as such has a absorbent material E2 adapted to absorb ink expelled from the cartridge nozzle openings during the priming process Figure HB shows a sectional side view of the second insert D2 in a closed position. As shown, printer cartridge 10 is located within the second insert D2 such that absorbent material E2 encompasses the printer cartridge nozzle openings. Furthermore, it can be seen that each of the openings 12, 13 and 14 forming part of circuits A, B and C respectively are brought into sealing contact with a first, second and third ink storage compartment of the ink cartridge 10 respectively.

Figure 13 shows a cross sectional view of the refilling apparatus of the invention with, having locking doors 90 in an open position. Embodiments of the components of circuit A previously discussed are shown. Neither of inserts Dl or D2 are shown in Figure 13.

Figure 14 shows a cross sectional view of the refilling apparatus of the invention with, having locking doors 90 in a closed position thereby locking ink reservoir 20 in it's respective reservoir cavity to trigger sensor S2. Furthermore, printer cartridge 10 is located within insert Dl which is in the closed position thereby completing the refilling circuit, as detected by sensors S3, in order that reviling of the ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge 10 may be carried out.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of supplying ink to a printer cartridge including the steps of:

(i) evacuating air from at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge; and (ii) allowing ink to be drawn into the at least one ink storage compartment from an ink reservoir.

2. The method of claim 1 further including the step of: pumping air into the at least one ink storage compartment to thereby prime the printer cartridge.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of the method are performed on three ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge simultaneously, each ink storage compartment being supplied with ink by a respective ink reservoir.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the three ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge each store ink of a different colour, the respective ink reservoirs supplying the correct colour ink to the ink storage compartments of the printer cartridge.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (i) further includes the sub-step of automatically sensing when the pressure in the at least one ink storage compartment decreases to a preset value before proceeding to step (ii).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein when the pressure in the at least one ink storage compartment decreases to the preset value, a solenoid valve is actuated and a pump is deactivated such that the ink reservoir is placed in fluid communication with the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (i) further includes the steps of: (a) evacuating ink from the ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge; and

(b) storing the evacuated ink in the ink reservoir.

8. The method of claim 1 further including the step of: balancing the pressure in the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein step (ii) lasts for a predetermined time period.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein steps (i) and (ii) are repeated one or more times.

11. An apparatus for refilling a printer cartridge comprising: at least one pump in fluid communication with an ink reservoir; a conduit system placing the at least one pump, the ink reservoir and at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge in fluid communication; and a control unit to control the at least one pump such that the pump creates a vacuum in the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge to thereby allow ink to be drawn from the ink reservoir into the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one valve, the at least one valve being operable by the control unit to direct the flow of air and ink within the conduit system between the ink supply reservoir and the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is adapted to further control the at least one pump to pump air into the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge after ink has been drawn into the at least one ink storage compartment to thereby prime the printer cartridge.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises a lever, the lever adapted to be manually actuated to pump air into the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge to thereby prime the printer cartridge.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one valve is further operable by the control unit to control the pressure within the conduit system and thereby selectively control the pressure in the ink reservoir and the ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises three ink reservoirs each in fluid communication via the conduit system with a respective ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each ink reservoir is in fluid communication with a respective ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge via a separate conduit circuit.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one pressure sensor in communication with the control unit to communicate pressure measurements within the conduit system to the control unit.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further includes at least one insert adapted to receive the printer cartridge such that the at least one ink storage compartment of the printer cartridge is brought into sealing contact with the conduit system.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the insert is a refilling insert having a seal adapted to block the printer cartridge nozzle openings.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the insert is a priming insert having an absorbent material adapted to absorb ink expelled from the printer cartridge nozzle openings.

22. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising at least one reservoir cavity having grooves on an inner wall adapted to receive therein only an ink reservoir having corresponding grooves located on an outer face thereof.