Ink-transport system, ink-replacement method, ink-jet printing apparatus, and ink-supply system

摘要

The present invention facilitates a supply of ink with a structural components at relatively low costs. It is performed by shifting a printing head having ink ejecting portion and sub tank portion into a state of reduced pressure. That is, draining ink from the sub tank portion to the outside and supplying ink from an ink storage container to the sub ink portion are performed by a reduced pressure in the printing head. Also, a carriage on which the printing head can be mounted shifts its position, and a plurality of ink receiving portions communicated with a plurality of their relative sub ink tank and a plurality of ink supplying portions communicated with a plurality of their relative main ink tanks are arranged in a predetermined manner. That is, the plurality of sub ink tanks and a plurality of main ink tanks are communicated together on a pair basis.