Ink remain detector having a biased flexible film member with limited deformation

摘要

An ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head includes an ink storage tank for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head, an ink path between the recording head and the ink storage tank, and an ink remain detector provided in the ink path. The ink remain detector has ink inflow and outflow ports and an ink chamber communicating therewith; at least a portion of a wall of the chamber is formed of a flexible film member. A separation of the flexible film member is detected by a detector means, responsive to a pressure decrease in the ink chamber. The flexible film member is biased so that it is not apart from the detector means. The displacement of the flexible film is limited so that the film is not displaced over a predetermined amount, and is limited when enough ink flows from the inflow port to the outflow port in the ink chamber.