| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly detect the amount of a remaining ink even when a special print pattern is printed, or when an ink storage container is replaced with a fresh container in the middle of printing by setting a remaining ink amount- detecting means for detecting a change in weight of the ink inside the container thereby detecting that the ink is reduced to a predetermined amount. SOLUTION: An ink bag 2 holding inside a porous body used to absorb an ink in a state in which the porous body is compressed is incorporated in an ink storage container 1. The ink is discharged outside by sucking from outside via an ink feed pipe 3 set below the ink bag 2 in a state in touch with the porous body. A plate 4 which can freely move in a state in touch with a bottom face of the ink bag 2 is mounted to a bottom plate 1a of the container 1 by means of springs 5-8, so that the plate is moved subsequent to a weight change of the ink bag 2. Leaf springs 9, 10 are placed to face the plate 4 and the bottom plate 1a respectively. End parts 9a, 10a of the leaf springs 9, 10 are shortcircuited as a result of the movement of the plate 4 when the porous body absorbs the ink sufficiently, whereas the end parts are opened in the absence of the ink. The amount of the remaining ink is accordingly detected. |
