Ink transfer unit on printer - moves ink from fixed to movable vessel using absorbent material in form of wicks along edges of neighbouring vessels

摘要

A transfer unit is used to convey ink from a fixed container to a secnd container which moves along with the printing head. both containers (2, 3) have upward extending wicks (1, 1a) made from absorbent material whose upper ends are positioned in nozzles (8, 8A) located above the maximum possible liquid level in the storage container (2). The upper ends of the wicks contact one another. The nozzles project beyond the ends of the wicks so that one nozzle (8a) extends a short distance inside the other (8). The elasticity of the sponge-like wicks provides a large tolerance in the relative positioning of the containers during coupling.