US Patent 7896481 Ink jet printer

An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head, an ink tank, and a carriage. The ink jet head has a passage unit, an actuator, and a control board. The passage unit has an ink passage and a nozzle communicated with the ink passage. The actuator is capable of applying energy to ink within the ink passage such that the ink is discharged from the nozzle. The control board controls the actuator. The ink tank is communicated with the ink passage of the passage unit. The ink jet head and the ink tank are mounted on the carriage. The carriage is capable of moving. In a plan view of the ink jet printer, the ink jet head and the ink tank offset. In a height direction of the ink jet printer, the ink jet head and the ink tank overlap.