| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect residual quantity regardless of the composition of liquid by an arrangement wherein the face for receiving light from an external apparatus and reflecting the received light and the face for receiving the reflected light and reflecting the received light in the direction of the external apparatus are recessed inward to touch the liquid in a container and a prism is disposed while projecting inward. SOLUTION: A translucent ink tank 7 is made of a light transmitting material, e.g. polypropylene, and a triangular cut 250 is made at the lower part of side wall, a prism 180 is disposed on the bottom face and a concave reflecting part 190 for detecting presence of the ink tank is formed on the side. A rough surface part 210 reflecting light randomly is provided between the prism 180 and the reflecting part 190. Presence of ink and the ink tan 7 is determined based on the variation in the quantity of receiving light when the prism 180 and the reflecting part 190 are located oppositely to an optical unit 14 comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element secured to a chassis and when a carriage mounting the tank 7 is moved. |
