Ink jet recording apparatus using recording unit with ink cartridge having ink inducing element

An ink tank provided with an ink supply opening and an atmosphere communicating port, and containing a first ink absorbing member supporting ink in a predetermined negative pressure to store the ink, said ink tank comprising:

• a second ink absorbing member arranged so that a first end of said second ink absorbing member is in pressing contact with said first ink absorbing member, and a second end of said second ink absorbing member faces said ink supply opening;
• a supporting member to support said second ink absorbing member, a length of the supporting member being shorter than a length from said first end of said second ink absorbing member to said second end of the second ink absorbing member, and which covers an portion of an outer circumference side of said second ink absorbing member at an ink supply opening side of the second ink absorbing member;
• and
• a restriction member for preventing said second ink absorbing member from moving outward of said ink supply opening due to pressing of said second ink absorbing member with said first ink absorbing member,
• wherein said second ink absorbing member is capable of slidably moving toward said first ink absorbing member within said supporting member, and
• wherein said supporting member has a portion that does not contact with said second ink absorbing member thereby forming an air communication member.