INK SUPPLY MECHANISM FOR INK JET PRINTERS

摘要

A cartridge extension(80) having a plurality of cartridges(60) replaceably fitted therein is connected through an ink flow channel (90) to an ink supply port (50) formed in a printer main body (40). And ink is continuously supplied from one of the plurality of cartridges(60) fitted in the cartridge extension (80) to the ink supply port (50) through the ink flow channel(90), until the ink in the one cartridge(60) is depleted; whereupon the depletion is detected and the ink in the next cartridge (60) fitted in the cartridge extension (80) is continuously supplied to the ink supply port(50) through the ink flow channel (90). This step is repetitively performed by a sequence control means(100). And ink continuously supplied to the ink supply port (50) for a long period of time. <IMAGE>