| 摘要 |
<p>A supply path (4) of ink to connect an exchangeable ink cartridge (1) and a recording head (2) for discharging ink is provided. Also, a pump (12) which can supply the ink stored in the supply path (4) through a confluent portion (10) of the supply path (4) and the pump (12); and an ink detecting sensor (42) for detecting the ink in the supply path (4) at the confluent portion (10) or on the ink cartridge (1) side with respect to the confluent portion (10) are provided. When the ink detecting sensor (42) detects that there is no ink, the detection result is reported, and after the exchange of the ink cartridge (1), the pump (12) is drive-controlled to supply the ink to the supply path (4), and to return the air in the supply path (4) back to the ink cartridge (1). A supply pressure of the pump (12) is a pressure where a meniscus in the recording head (2) is not broken. Also, check valves (28, 30) for allowing the flow to the recording head (2) side are provided on both sides of the confluent portion (10) of the supply path (4), and the check valve (30) on the ink cartridge (1) side allows the back flow under the supply pressure.</p> |
