Ink jet recording apparatus, control and ink replenishing method executed in the same, ink supply system incorporated in the same, and method of managing ink amount supplied by the system

摘要

In an ink jet recording apparatus, at least one main tank (10) stores ink therein, A plurality of subtanks (20) are communicated with each main tank. Each subtank stores ink supplied from the main tank. Each subtank is communicated with at least one recording head (5). A method of initially filling the subtank with ink stored in the main tank is also provided, wherein the steps of applying negative pressure to the recording head, and opening or closing a valve member (17) between the main tank an the subtank, are provided. The control of the valve member may depend on the result of an ink amount sensor located in a subtank. An ink supply priority may depend on the time for supplying ink between main tank and subtank. Managing of a residual ink amount in the main tank may also be provided. <IMAGE>