Ink-jet recording device

摘要

The invention provides an ink jet recording device comprising an ink jet print head (17, 18) for ejecting ink in the form of ink drops; two or more ink cartridges (7, 8) for supplying ink to said print head (17, 18); a carriage (11) on which said print head (17, 18) and said ink cartridges (7, 8) are mounted; a cap (20, 21) for sealing said print head (17, 18), said cap (20, 21) being located outside a printing section of said print head (17, 18); a suction device (23) for applying a negative pressure to said cap (20, 21); a window (6) through which said ink cartridges (7, 8) are replaced; an external instruction switch (31, 32); means (41) for detecting an amount of ink left in each ink cartridge (7, 8); and means (36), responsive to an operation of said switch (31, 32) and a signal output from said means (41) for detecting when the amount of ink left in the ink cartridges (7, 8) is less than a reference value, for moving said carriage (11) so that the ink cartridges (7, 8) are disposed at a position confronting the window (6). <IMAGE>