| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the size, weight and cost of the apparatus by simplifying the structure thereof. SOLUTION: The liquid supply device comprises an ink tank 1 disposed above the ink ejection head 6 of a printer, a replaceable refilling ink tank 2 for storing refilling ink 9, an ink refilling tube 3 having one end 3b connected with the ink supply opening 10 of the ink tank 1 and the other end 3c connected removably with the lower end of the refilling ink tank 2 at the same position as that of the ink supply opening 10 or at a higher position, a means 4 for elevating/lowering the position of the middle portion of the ink refilling tube 3, a means 5 for detecting the residual quantity of ink in the ink tank 1, and a control means 6 for elevating/lowering the position of the middle portion of the refilling tube 3 by driving the elevating/lowering means 4 based on a detection output from the residual quantity of ink detection means 5, and supplying the refilling ink 9 from the refilling ink tank 2 to the ink tank 1 by utilizing the head difference of ink generated between the refilling ink tank 2 and the ink tank 1. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
