| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for detecting the residual quantity of ink in an ink ribbon so that print operation can be effected up to the lowest printable limit of residual quantity of ink. SOLUTION: A reflective member 19 is provided in a ribbon cassette at a position facing a detection member 18 through an ink ribbon 17 when a ribbon cassette 16 is mounted on a carriage 7. Light emitted from a light emitting element (not shown) of the detection member 18 transmits the ink ribbon 17 and reflects on the reflective member 19. A light receiving element (not shown) of the detection member 18 detects the quantity of the reflected light transmitted the ink ribbon 17 again. Since the light receiving element detects variation in the quantity of transmitted light thus detecting the residual quantity of ink in the ink ribbon 17, the residual quantity of ink can be detected during print operation or during rewind operation of the ink ribbon. |
