Patent ID: 7798585
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An ink detecting device configured to detect ink contained in a tank, the ink detecting device comprising: a transmission/reception element which transmits/receives an ultrasound wave; a sound absorbing member which absorbs at least the ultrasound wave from the transmission/reception element; a propagating member which is adapted to propagate the ultrasound wave transmitted from the transmission/reception element to the ink, and in which a near sound field of the ultrasound wave transmitted from the transmission/reception element is formed; and an ink remaining amount calculating unit which is configured to calculate a remaining amount of the ink based on an elapsed time from when the transmission/reception element transmits the ultrasound wave until when the transmission/reception element receives the ultrasound wave reflected on a liquid surface of the ink, wherein the propagating member has a thickness that is at least equal to a near sound field limit distance of the ultrasound wave transmitted from the transmission/reception element.