Device for detecting when a particular amount of ink remains in an ink

Abstract

An ink remaining amount detecting device, and an ink jet recording apparatus having such a device, for detecting when a predetermined amount of ink remains in an ink supply passage of an ink jet apparatus. This device includes a diaphragm, supporting member for fixedly supporting a circumference of the diaphragm, at least two pawl members having respective first ends fixed to a position substantially equidistant from the diaphragm's center, and extending away from the diaphragm to respective second ends constituting respective pawls, which have respective pawl end and base portions, the pawl members being resiliently flexible toward the center of the diaphragm. A coil spring has a diameter larger than a distance outside of the pawl base portions, this coil spring extending around an outside of the pawl members, a ring has an internal diameter larger than a distance between the outside of the pawl end portions and smaller than a distance between the outside of the pawl base portions and larger than the coil spring's outer diameter, so that the spring is compressed between the supporting member and ring abutted to the pawl base portions. A pair of electric contacts are disposed so as to make electric connection as a consequence of the diaphragm's occupying a predetermined position.