Patent ID: 8042903
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a head part comprising an ejection port configured to eject ink; a discarded-ink tank configured to collect ink ejected or suctioned from the ejection port in order to restore a function of the ejection port, the discarded-ink tank comprising an opening portion, the ejected or suctioned ink passing through the opening portion and being collected in the discarded-ink tank; and a sensing device configured to sense the discarded ink collected in the discarded-ink tank, the sensing device comprising an absorber configured to absorb the ink and an optical sensor configured to sense light received from the absorber, the sensing device being arranged near the opening portion of the discarded-ink tank such that a portion of the absorber is exposed to the opening portion, wherein the ejected or suctioned ink is collected on a bottom surface of the discarded-ink tank, and at least a portion of a side face of the absorber is exposed, in a horizontal direction parallel to a bottom surface of the discarded-ink tank, to a space below the opening portion of the discarded-ink tank.