Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispensing device that can improve the quality of the appearance on the front. [Solution] The operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction that intersects the vertical direction with the vertical branch line when viewed from the front. The liquid storage section, liquid refill port, and liquid viewing section are positioned on the other side in the width direction with respect to the vertical branch line when viewed from the front. The liquid storage section is provided in a position parallel to the operating section in the width direction. The liquid refill port is provided in the range between the upper and lower ends of the operating section in the vertical direction. The liquid viewing section is provided in the range below the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction. The cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction. The cover gripping section is provided on at least one of the first side on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction and the second side on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a liquid injection device that injects liquid is disclosed as an example of a liquid ejection device. An operation panel portion and a front cover are provided on the front surface of the liquid ejection device. The operation panel portion is located above the front cover. As a result, in a front view, a horizontal branch line is provided by the lower end portion of the operation panel portion and the upper end portion of the front cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such a liquid ejection device, there is a possibility that the appearance quality on the front surface of the liquid ejection device may deteriorate. Therefore, it is desired to improve the appearance quality on the front surface of the liquid ejection device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid storage section for storing liquid to be dispensed into a medium, a liquid replenishment port for replenishing the liquid in the liquid storage section, a liquid viewing section for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage section, an operating section that can be operated by the user, a discharge port for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed, a cover that can open and close the discharge port, and a cover gripping section configured to grip the cover, wherein the operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction intersecting the vertical direction with respect to a vertical branch line extending in the vertical direction when viewed from the front, and the liquid storage section, the liquid replenishment port, and the liquid viewing section are positioned in the width direction intersecting the vertical direction when viewed from the front. The liquid storage section is positioned on the other side in the width direction from the branch line, the liquid refill port is located in the range between the upper and lower ends of the operating section in the vertical direction, the liquid viewing section is located in the range below the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction, the cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, and the cover gripping section is provided on at least one of the first side on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction and the second side on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction.

[0006] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises: a mounting section to which a liquid container for containing liquid to be dispensed into a medium can be attached; a liquid viewing section for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid container; an operating section that can be operated by a user; a discharge port for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed; a cover that can open and close the discharge port; and a cover gripping section configured to grip the cover, wherein the operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction intersecting the vertical direction with respect to a vertical branch line extending along the vertical direction in a front view, and when the liquid container is attached to the mounting section, the liquid container and the liquid viewing section In a front view, the liquid container is positioned on the other side in the width direction from the vertical branch line, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion, the liquid container is positioned in the width direction parallel to the operating portion, the liquid viewing portion is provided in the vertical direction below the lower end of the operating portion, the cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, and the cover grip portion is provided on at least one of the first side on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction and the second side on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing the liquid dispensing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing the liquid dispensing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] An embodiment of the liquid dispensing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when the liquid dispensing device is installed on a horizontal surface, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z will be defined as the width direction X, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the width direction X will be defined as the front-rear direction Y. One of the width directions X will be defined as the first width direction X1, and the other as the second width direction X2. One of the front-rear directions Y will be defined as the front Y1, and the other as the rear Y2. The downward direction of the vertical direction Z will be defined as the downward Z1, and the upward direction of the vertical direction Z will be defined as the upward Z2. The first width direction X1 corresponds to one example of the width direction X, and the second width direction X2 corresponds to the other example of the width direction X. Viewing from the front Y1 side toward the rear Y2 will simply be referred to as the front view.

[0009] <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured to print on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium. The liquid may include, for example, ink. The liquid may be, for example, multiple colors. The liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer.

[0010] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is configured to house various components that make up the liquid dispensing device 11. The housing 12 serves as the exterior of the liquid dispensing device 11. The housing 12 may be supported by legs (not shown).

[0011] The housing 12 includes a front surface 12A. The front surface 12A is the front surface Y1 of the housing 12. The housing 12 includes a first side surface 12B and a second side surface 12C. The first side surface 12B is the surface of the housing 12 in the first width direction X1. The second side surface 12C is the surface of the housing 12 in the second width direction X2.

[0012] The front surface 12A is provided with a horizontal branch line 13 and a vertical branch line 14. The horizontal branch line 13 passes through a reference position 15 on the front surface 12A. The reference position 15 is located at a position that is not at the end of the front surface 12A. The horizontal branch line 13 extends along the width direction X. The horizontal branch line 13 extends from the reference position 15 in both the first width direction X1 and the second width direction X2. The horizontal branch line 13 may extend across the entire width of the front surface 12A. The horizontal branch line 13 is a line that branches the front surface 12A into an upper Z2 area and a lower Z1 area.

[0013] The vertical branch line 14 passes through the reference position 15 on the front surface 12A. The vertical branch line 14 extends along the vertical direction Z. The vertical branch line 14 extends upward Z2 from the reference position 15. The vertical branch line 14 is a line that branches the area of ​​the front surface 12A above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 into a first width direction X1 area and a second width direction X2 area.

[0014] The imaginary line extending along the vertical branch line 14 is a line that branches the front surface 12A into a region in the first width direction X1 and a region in the second width direction X2. Hereafter, when referring to the region on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side of the imaginary line, it may simply refer to the region on the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14, respectively.

[0015] The enclosure 12 comprises an enclosure body 20. The enclosure body 20 may consist of at least a first side surface 12B and a second side surface 12C. The enclosure body 20 has a recess 20A on the first side surface 12B. In other words, the enclosure 12 has a recess 20A. The recess 20A is provided on the extension of the horizontal branch line 13.

[0016] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes an operating unit 21. The operating unit 21 has a front surface 21A. The front surface 21A of the operating unit 21 constitutes a part of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In a front view, the operating unit 21 is positioned on the front surface 12A above the horizontal branch line 13, Z2 side. In a front view, the operating unit 21 is positioned on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 above the vertical branch line 14, X1 side in the first width direction.

[0017] The operation unit 21 includes an operation panel 21B. The operation panel 21B is provided on the front surface 21A. The operation panel 21B is operable by the user. That is, the operation unit 21 is operable by the user. The operation panel 21B can input instructions regarding the liquid ejection device 11 by the operation of the user. The operation panel 21B can display information regarding the liquid ejection device 11.

[0018] The operation unit 21 includes an upper end portion 21C and a lower end portion 21D. The operation unit 21 is rotatable about an axis along the width direction X at the upper end portion 21C. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 21 can rotate between a closed position where the front surface 21A faces forward Y1 and an open position where the front surface 21A inclines upward toward the Z2 side as shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] The operation unit 21 includes a first side end portion 21E and a second side end portion 21F. The first side end portion 21E is a side end portion on the first width direction X1 side. The second side end portion 21F is a side end portion on the second width direction X2 side.

[0020] The operation unit 21 may include an operation grip portion 21G. It is provided at the first side end portion 21E. That is, the operation grip portion 21G is provided on the first side surface 12B side of the operation unit 21. The operation grip portion 21G is provided on the lower end portion 21D side.

[0021] The operation grip portion 21G can be gripped by the user. The operation grip portion 21G can be gripped by the user when rotating the operation unit 21. The operation grip portion 21G is provided at a position facing the concave portion 20A on the first side surface 12B side of the operation unit 21. Thus, the operation grip portion 21G is configured to grip the operation unit 21.

[0022] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a cover 22. The cover 22 has a front surface 22A. The front surface 22A of the cover 22 constitutes a part of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In a front view, the cover 22 is positioned on the side Z1 below the horizontal branch line 13 of the front surface 12A. In a front view, the cover 22 is provided so as to straddle an imaginary line along the vertical branch line 14. In other words, in a front view, the cover 22 is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line 14. In a front view, the cover 22 is provided across the entire width.

[0023] The cover 22 comprises an upper end portion 22B and a lower end portion 22C. The cover 22 is rotatable at the lower end portion 22C about an axis along the width direction X. As a result, the cover 22 can rotate between a closed position where the front surface 22A faces forward Y1, as shown in Figure 1, and an open position where the front surface 22A faces downward Z1, as shown in Figure 2.

[0024] The cover 22 comprises a first side end 22D and a second side end 22E. The first side end 22D is the side end on the first width direction X1 side. The second side end 22E is the side end on the second width direction X2 side.

[0025] The cover 22 may include a cover gripping portion 22F. The cover gripping portion 22F is provided at the end of the cover 22 in the first width direction X1. That is, the cover gripping portion 22F is provided on the first side surface 12B side of the cover 22. The cover gripping portion 22F is provided on the upper end portion 22B side.

[0026] The cover gripping portion 22F can be gripped by the user. The cover gripping portion 22F can be gripped by the user when rotating the cover 22. The cover gripping portion 22F is provided on the first side surface 12B of the cover 22, facing the recess 20A. In this way, the cover gripping portion 22F is configured to grip the cover 22.

[0027] The recess 20A is provided on the first side surface 12B side so as to face both the operating grip portion 21G and the cover grip portion 22F. This allows the user to grip the operating portion 21 and the cover 22 from the first side surface 12B side when viewed from the front.

[0028] The cover 22 is provided with a viewing area 22G. The viewing area 22G is an area located opposite the liquid viewing section 26, which will be described later, when the cover 22 is in the closed position. The viewing area 22G is an area in which the liquid viewing section 26, which will be described later, can be seen from the front when the cover 22 is in the closed position.

[0029] The viewing area 22G is an area in which at least a portion of the liquid viewing section 26 (described later) is visible when viewed from the front, with the cover 22 in the closed position. The viewing area 22G is an area in which at least the viewing window 26B (described later) is visible when viewed from the front. The viewing area 22G is larger in size than the viewing window 26B (described later).

[0030] The viewing area 22G may be an opening. In other words, the cover 22 may have an opening as the viewing area 22G. Thus, the opening may be provided in a position facing the liquid viewing section 26, which will be described later, when the cover 22 is in the closed position.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with an outlet 23. The outlet 23 opens forward Y1 when the cover 22 is in the open position. The outlet 23 is an opening for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed to the outside of the liquid dispensing device 11. In other words, the outlet 23 is an opening for discharging the printed medium. Thus, the cover 22 can open and close the outlet 23.

[0032] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a discharge tray 24. The discharge tray 24 is located below the discharge port 23 in Z1. The discharge tray 24 is slidable along the front-rear direction Y. When the cover 22 is in the open position, the discharge tray 24 is slidable to extend forward Y1. The discharge tray 24 can hold the medium discharged from the discharge port 23. In other words, the medium storage section 25 can hold the printed medium.

[0033] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a media storage section 25. The media storage section 25 is located inside the housing body 20, below the discharge tray 24 Z1. The media storage section 25 is slidable along the front-rear direction Y. The media storage section 25 is slidable along the front-rear direction Y when the cover 22 is in the open position. The media storage section 25 may be detachable from the housing body 20.

[0034] The media storage section 25 is capable of accommodating a medium for dispensing liquid. In other words, the media storage section 25 is capable of accommodating a medium before printing. The media storage section 25 can accommodate a medium for dispensing liquid by sliding it forward Y1 when the cover 22 is in the open position. In this way, the cover 22 can open and close the media storage section 25.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a liquid viewing section 26. The liquid viewing section 26 has a front surface 26A. The front surface 26A of the liquid viewing section 26 constitutes a part of the front surface 12A of the housing 12.

[0036] In a front view, the liquid visibility unit 26 is positioned on the front surface 12A, below the horizontal branch line 13, in a Z1 direction. In a front view, the liquid visibility unit 26 is positioned on the front surface 12A of the housing 12, below the vertical branch line 14, in a X2 direction in the second width direction.

[0037] The liquid visibility unit 26 is provided for visually inspecting the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid storage unit 28, which will be described later. In other words, the liquid visibility unit 26 is provided for visually inspecting the remaining amount of liquid to be dispensed into the medium.

[0038] The liquid visibility section 26 is provided with a viewing window 26B. The liquid visibility section 26 may have multiple viewing windows 26B. The liquid visibility section 26 may have multiple viewing windows 26B to correspond to different types of liquids. The viewing windows 26B are provided on the front surface 26A.

[0039] The viewing window 26B is positioned in the front surface 12A, in a view from the front, in the area Z1 below the horizontal branch line 13. The viewing window 26B is positioned in the front surface 12A of the housing 12, in a view from the front, in the area X2 in the second width direction, below the vertical branch line 14. Even when the cover 22 is in the closed position, at least the viewing window 26B is visible through the viewing area 22G.

[0040] The liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a housing cover 27. The housing cover 27 is equipped with a front surface 27A. The front surface 27A of the housing cover 27 constitutes a part of the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In a front view, the housing cover 27 is positioned above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12. In a front view, the housing cover 27 is positioned above the vertical branch line 14 X2 on the second width direction X2 on the front surface 12A of the housing 12.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing cover 27 is detachable from the housing body 20. When the housing cover 27 is attached to the housing body 20, it is configured to cover a portion of the liquid storage section 28, which will be described later. When the housing cover 27 is attached to the housing body 20, it is configured to cover the liquid refill port 29, which will be described later.

[0042] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a liquid storage section 28. The liquid storage section 28 is configured to contain a liquid for dispensing onto a medium. The liquid storage section 28 may be, for example, an ink tank. The liquid storage section 28 is attached to the liquid dispensing device 11 in a way that prevents it from being removed, but it may be detachable.

[0043] The liquid storage section 28 is positioned on the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. The liquid storage section 28 is provided so as to straddle the horizontal branch line 13 in the vertical direction Z in a front view. Thus, the liquid storage section 28 is provided in a position parallel to the operating section 21 in the width direction X. The liquid storage section 28 is provided at the rear Y2 of the cover 22, below Z1 below the horizontal branch line 13.

[0044] The liquid storage section 28 is positioned Y2 behind the liquid visibility section 26. This allows the user to see the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage section 28 via the liquid visibility section 26.

[0045] When the storage cover 27 is attached to the housing body 20, the liquid storage section 28 is covered by the storage cover 27. When the storage cover 27 is removed from the housing body 20, a portion of the liquid storage section 28 on the upper Z2 side is exposed.

[0046] The liquid storage section 28 is equipped with a liquid refill port 29. In other words, the liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a liquid refill port 29. The liquid refill port 29 is an opening for refilling the liquid storage section 28 with liquid.

[0047] The liquid refill port 29 is positioned on the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14 when viewed from the front. The liquid refill port 29 is positioned on the upper Z2 side of the horizontal branch line 13 when viewed from the front. In other words, the liquid refill port 29 is provided in the range between the upper end 21C and the lower end 21D of the operating section 21 in the vertical direction Z.

[0048] The liquid refill port 29 is covered by the housing cover 27 when the housing cover 27 is attached to the main body 20. The liquid refill port 29 is exposed when the housing cover 27 is removed from the main body 20.

[0049] Thus, the horizontal branch line 13 is composed of the lower end 21D of the operating section 21, the lower end 27B of the housing cover 27, and the upper end 22B of the cover 22. When the cover 22 is in the open position, the horizontal branch line 13 is composed of the lower end 27B of the housing cover 27 and the upper end 26C of the liquid visibility section 26, on the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14.

[0050] The vertical branch line 14 is composed of the second side end 21F of the operating section 21 and the side end 27C of the housing cover 27 in the first width direction X1. <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described.

[0051] (1-1) The operating unit 21 is positioned on the side of the first width direction X1 relative to the vertical branch line 14 in a front view, and the liquid storage unit 28, liquid refill port 29, and liquid viewing unit 26 are positioned on the side of the second width direction X2 relative to the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. With this configuration, the area where the operating unit 21 is located and the area where the liquid storage unit 28, liquid refill port 29, and liquid viewing unit 26 are located can be divided from the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0052] (1-2) The liquid storage section 28 is located in the width direction X, adjacent to the operating section 21. The liquid refill port 29 is located in the vertical direction Z, between the upper end 21C and the lower end 21D of the operating section 21. The liquid viewing section 26 is located in the vertical direction Z, below the lower end 21D of the operating section 21, in a range of Z1. With this configuration, the liquid storage section 28, the liquid refill port 29, and the liquid viewing section 26 can be arranged on the second width direction X2 side of the operating section 21, with the operating section 21 as the reference. Therefore, the quality of the appearance on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0053] (1-3) The cover gripping portion 22F is provided on the first side surface 12B. With this configuration, the cover gripping portion 22F can be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0054] (1-4) The operating grip portion 21G is provided on the first side surface 12B. With this configuration, the operating grip portion 21G can be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0055] (1-5) On the first side surface 12B, a recess 20A is provided that faces both the cover grip portion 22F and the operating grip portion 21G. With this configuration, by providing the recess 20A, it is possible to provide the user with a situation that makes it easy to grip both the cover grip portion 22F and the operating grip portion 21G. In addition, the recess 20A can be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience and improve the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0056] (1-6) The cover 22 is rotatable at its lower end 22C about an axis along the width direction X. The operating part 21 is rotatable at its upper end 21C about an axis along the width direction X. The cover gripping part 22F is provided on the upper end 22B side of the cover 22. The operating gripping part 21G is provided on the lower end 21D side of the operating part 21. With this configuration, the cover gripping part 22F and the operating gripping part 21G can be placed in close proximity to each other on the first side surface 12B side of the vertical branch line 14 in the width direction X. This makes it possible to provide the user with a situation in which it is easy to grip the cover gripping part 22F and the operating gripping part 21G. In addition, the cover gripping part 22F and the operating gripping part 21G can be placed in a position that is difficult to see on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0057] (1-7) The operating unit 21 is positioned above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 in a front view, and the cover 22 is positioned below the horizontal branch line 13 Z1. With this configuration, in a front view, the area where the operating unit 21 is located and the area where the cover 22 is located can be divided from the horizontal branch line 13. Therefore, the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0058] (1-8) The lower end 21D of the operating section 21 and the upper end 22B of the cover 22 form a horizontal branch line 13. With this configuration, a horizontal branch line 13 can be provided in a front view by the lower end 21D of the operating section 21 and the upper end 22B of the cover 22. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0059] (1-9) The cover 22 can open and close the media storage section 25. With this configuration, the cover 22 can open and close the media storage section 25. This improves user convenience.

[0060] (1-10) The cover 22 is rotatable to an open position that opens the discharge port 23 and a closed position that closes the discharge port 23. When the cover 22 is in the closed position, it has a viewing area 22G that is opposite the liquid viewing area 26 and allows the liquid viewing area 26 to be viewed. With this configuration, even when the cover 22 is in the closed position, the liquid viewing area 26 can be viewed through the viewing area 22G. Therefore, user convenience can be improved and the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, redundant explanations of the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and configurations that differ from those in the previously described embodiment will be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a mounting section 30 instead of a liquid storage section 28. The liquid dispensing device 11 may have multiple mounting sections 30. The liquid dispensing device 11 may have multiple mounting sections 30 to accommodate different types of liquids.

[0063] The mounting section 30 is capable of attaching and detaching the liquid container 31. In other words, the mounting section 30 can accommodate the liquid container 31. In a front view, the mounting section 30 is positioned on the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14.

[0064] The liquid container 31 is a container for holding liquid to be dispensed onto a medium. The liquid container 31 may be, for example, an ink cartridge. The liquid container 31 can be attached to the mounting section 30.

[0065] When the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting section 30, it is positioned on the second width direction X2 side of the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. When the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting section 30, it is positioned so as to straddle the horizontal branch line 13 in a front view. Thus, when the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting section 30, it is positioned in the width direction X to be aligned with the operating section 21. When the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting section 30, it is positioned in the width direction X to be aligned with the cover 22.

[0066] When the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting section 30, it is positioned Y2 behind the liquid viewing section 26. The liquid viewing section 26 is provided to allow the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid container 31. This makes the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container 31 visible to the user via the liquid viewing section 26.

[0067] <Operation and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will now be described. (2-1) The operating unit 21 is positioned on the side of the first width direction X1 relative to the vertical branch line 14 in a front view, and the liquid container 31 and liquid viewing unit 26 mounted on the mounting unit 30 are positioned on the side of the second width direction X2 relative to the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. With this configuration, the area where the operating unit 21 is located and the area where the liquid container 31 and liquid viewing unit 26 mounted on the mounting unit 30 are located can be divided from the vertical branch line 14 in a front view. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0068] (2-2) The liquid container 31 mounted on the mounting section 30 is positioned in the width direction X to be aligned with the operating section 21. The liquid viewing section 26 is positioned in the vertical direction Z to be below the lower end portion 21D of the operating section 21 in the range Z1. With this configuration, on the second width direction X2 side of the operating section 21, the liquid container 31 mounted on the mounting section 30 and the liquid viewing section 26 can be positioned with respect to the operating section 21. Therefore, the quality of the appearance on the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0069] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the liquid storage section 28 may be located below the horizontal branch line 13 Z1 without straddling the horizontal branch line 13. Alternatively, the liquid storage section 28 may be located above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 without straddling the horizontal branch line 13.

[0071] In the second embodiment, when the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting part 30, it may be positioned below the horizontal branch line 13 Z1 without straddling the horizontal branch line 13. When the liquid container 31 is mounted on the mounting part 30, it may be positioned above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 without straddling the horizontal branch line 13.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the mounting portion 30 may be positioned across the horizontal branch line 13. The mounting portion 30 may be positioned below the horizontal branch line 13 Z1 without spanning it. The mounting portion 30 may be positioned above the horizontal branch line 13 Z2 without spanning it.

[0073] The visible area 22G may be a light-transmitting area. In other words, the cover 22 may have a light-transmitting area as the visible area 22G. A light-transmitting member having light-transmitting properties may be placed in the opening of the light-transmitting area. The cover 22 may not have an opening, and the light-transmitting area may not be subjected to any light-shielding processing.

[0074] With this configuration, the liquid visibility section 26 can be seen through the light-transmitting area even when the cover 22 is in the closed position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front surface 12A of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved.

[0075] The cover gripping portion 22F may be provided on the second side surface 12C. The cover gripping portion 22F may be provided on both the first side surface 12B and the second side surface 12C. In other words, the cover gripping portion 22F may be provided on at least one of the first side surface 12B and the second side surface 12C.

[0076] When the cover grip portion 22F is provided on the second side surface 12C, the housing body 20 may have a recess 20A on the second side surface 12C that faces the cover grip portion 22F. In other words, when the cover grip portion 22F is provided at least on the first side surface 12B, the housing body 20 may have a recess 20A on the first side surface 12B that faces both the cover grip portion 22F and the operating grip portion 21G.

[0077] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include an operating drive unit for rotating the operating unit 21 and a control unit for controlling the operating drive unit. The control unit consists of at least one computer and may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The control unit controls the operating drive unit to rotate the operating unit 21. The control unit may also control the operating drive unit to rotate the operating unit 21 in response to instructions from the user.

[0078] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a cover drive unit for rotating the cover 22 and a control unit for controlling the cover drive unit. The control unit controls the cover drive unit to rotate the cover 22. The control unit may also control the cover drive unit to rotate the cover 22 in response to instructions from the user.

[0079] The operating grip portion 21G may be provided on the upper end portion 21C side. The operating grip portion 21G may be provided between the upper end portion 21C and the lower end portion 21D. The operating grip portion 21G may be provided in a position that does not face the recess 20A.

[0080] The cover gripping portion 22F may be provided on the lower end portion 22C side. The cover gripping portion 22F may be provided between the upper end portion 22B and the lower end portion 22C. The cover gripping portion 22F may be provided in a position that does not face the recess 20A.

[0081] The housing body 20 may have multiple recesses 20A. The recesses 20A may be provided at positions facing the operating grip portion 21G and at positions facing the cover grip portion 22F. The housing body 20 does not have to have multiple recesses 20A.

[0082] The operating section 21 may be rotatable at its lower end 21D about an axis along the width direction X. The operating section 21 may be rotatable at its second end 21F about an axis along the vertical direction Z. The operating section 21 may be rotatable at its first end 21E about an axis along the vertical direction Z. The operating section 21 may move by sliding rather than rotating. The operating section 21 does not have to move in a way that allows it to be opened and closed.

[0083] The cover 22 may be rotatable at its upper end 22B about an axis along the width direction X. The cover 22 may be rotatable at its second side end 22E about an axis along the vertical direction Z. The cover 22 may be rotatable at its first side end 22D about an axis along the vertical direction Z. The cover 22 may move by sliding rather than rotating. The cover 22 does not have to move in a way that allows it to be opened and closed.

[0084] The cover 22 may also function as a discharge tray 24 when in an open position. This helps to suppress the increase in size of the liquid dispensing device 11. The cover 22 may be configured so that at least one of the discharge port 23, the discharge tray 24, and the media storage section 25 is not open to the front Y1.

[0085] The spacing between the members constituting the horizontal branch line 13 may be any spacing. In other words, the thickness of the horizontal branch line 13 may be any thickness. The spacing between the members constituting the vertical branch line 14 may be any spacing. In other words, the thickness of the vertical branch line 14 may be any thickness.

[0086] • In addition to the horizontal dividing line 13, another dividing line along the width direction X may be provided on the front surface 12A. In addition to the vertical dividing line 14, another dividing line along the vertical direction Z may be provided on the front surface 12A.

[0087] The medium may be paper, resin films or sheets, resin-metal composite films, laminate films, textiles, nonwoven fabrics, metal foils, metal films, ceramic sheets, and clothing.

[0088] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium and used for printing. For example, inks include functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and encompass various compositions such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0089] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be mounted on the multifunction printer together with the image reading device. The image reading device is configured to read an image from a document. In this case, a reading cover (not shown) may be provided on the housing body 20 so as to be openable and closable. A horizontal dividing line formed by the reading cover may be provided on the front surface 12A of the housing 12.

[0090] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0091] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects, as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above, are described below. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0092] [1] The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid storage section for storing liquid to be dispensed into a medium, a liquid refill port for replenishing the liquid in the liquid storage section, a liquid viewing section for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage section, an operating section that can be operated by the user, a discharge port for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed, a cover that can open and close the discharge port, and a cover gripping section configured to grip the cover, wherein the operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction intersecting the vertical direction with respect to a vertical branch line extending in the vertical direction in a front view, and the liquid storage section, the liquid refill port, and the liquid viewing section are positioned in the width direction intersecting the vertical branch line in a front view The liquid storage section is positioned on the other side in the width direction relative to the operating section in the width direction, the liquid refill port is provided in the range between the upper and lower ends of the operating section in the vertical direction, the liquid viewing section is provided in the range below the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction, the cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, and the cover gripping section is provided on at least one of the first side on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction and the second side on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction.

[0093] With this configuration, the front view can be divided by a vertical branch line into an area where the operating section is located and an area where the liquid storage section, liquid refill port, and liquid visibility section are located. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0094] On the other side of the operating section in the width direction, the liquid storage section, liquid refill port, and liquid viewing section can be arranged relative to the operating section. Therefore, the quality of the appearance on the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0095] A cover gripping portion is provided on at least one of the first side and the second side on either side of the vertical branch line in the width direction, allowing the cover to rotate around an axis along the width direction. This allows the cover gripping portion to be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0096] [2] The liquid dispensing device comprises a mounting section to which a liquid container for containing liquid to be dispensed into a medium can be attached, a liquid viewing section for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid container, an operating section that can be operated by a user, a discharge port for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed, a cover that can open and close the discharge port, and a cover gripping section configured to grip the cover, wherein the operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction intersecting the vertical direction with respect to a vertical branch line extending along the vertical direction in a front view, and when the liquid container is attached to the mounting section, the liquid container and the liquid viewing section are positioned in the front In view, the liquid container is positioned on the other side in the width direction from the vertical branch line, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part, the liquid container is positioned in the width direction parallel to the operating part, the liquid viewing part is provided in the vertical direction below the lower end of the operating part, the cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, and the cover gripping part is provided on at least one of the first side on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction and the second side on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction.

[0097] With this configuration, in a front view, the area can be divided by a vertical branch line into the area where the operating section is located and the area where the liquid container and liquid viewing section attached to the mounting section are located. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0098] On the other side in the width direction of the operating section, the liquid container and liquid viewing section attached to the mounting section can be positioned relative to the operating section. Therefore, the quality of the appearance on the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0099] A cover gripping portion is provided on at least one of the first side and the second side on either side of the vertical branch line in the width direction, allowing the cover to rotate around an axis along the width direction. This allows the cover gripping portion to be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0100] [3] In the liquid discharge device described above, the cover may be rotatable to an open position that opens the discharge port and a closed position that closes the discharge port, and when positioned in the closed position, it may have a viewing area that allows the liquid viewing area to be viewed at a position opposite to the liquid viewing area.

[0101] With this configuration, the liquid visibility area is visible through the viewing area even when the cover is in the closed position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be enhanced.

[0102] [4] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cover may have an opening as the viewing area. With this configuration, the liquid viewing area is visible through the opening even when the cover is in the closed position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be enhanced.

[0103] [5] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cover may have a light-transmitting area as the viewing area. With this configuration, the liquid visibility area is visible through the light-transmitting area even when the cover is in the closed position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be enhanced.

[0104] [6] The liquid dispensing device includes an operating gripping portion configured to grip the operating portion, the operating portion being rotatable about an axis along the width direction, and the operating gripping portion may be provided on the first side surface.

[0105] In this configuration, an operating grip is provided on the first side surface, on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction, for rotating the operating part around an axis along the width direction. This allows the operating grip to be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0106] [7] The liquid dispensing device may include recesses on the first side facing both the cover grip and the operating grip when the cover grip is provided on at least the first side.

[0107] This configuration allows the user to easily grip both the cover gripping portion and the operating gripping portion by providing a recess. In addition, the recess can be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0108] [8] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cover is rotatable at its lower end about an axis along the width direction, the operating part is rotatable at its upper end about an axis along the width direction, the cover gripping part is provided on the upper end side of the cover in the vertical direction, and the operating gripping part is provided on the lower end side of the operating part in the vertical direction.

[0109] This configuration allows the cover gripping portion and the operating gripping portion to be positioned close together on the first side side relative to the vertical branch line in the width direction. This provides the user with a situation where both the cover gripping portion and the operating gripping portion are easy to grip. In addition, the cover gripping portion and the operating gripping portion can be positioned in a location that is difficult to see on the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, user convenience can be improved, and the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0110] [9] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the operating section may be positioned above a horizontal branch line extending along the width direction in a front view, and the cover may be positioned below the horizontal branch line.

[0111] With this configuration, in a front view, the area where the operating section is located and the area where the cover is located can be divided by a horizontal branch line. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0112]

[10] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the lower end of the operating section and the upper end of the cover may constitute the horizontal branch line. With this configuration, the horizontal branch line can be provided in a front view by the lower end of the operating section and the upper end of the cover. Therefore, the appearance quality of the front of the liquid dispensing device can be improved.

[0113]

[11] The liquid dispensing device includes a medium storage section for storing a medium for dispensing liquid, and the cover may be able to open and close the medium storage section. This configuration allows the media storage compartment to be opened and closed using a cover, thereby improving user convenience. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 11…Liquid dispensing device, 12…Housing, 12A…Front, 12B…First side, 12C…Second side, 13…Horizontal branch line, 14…Vertical branch line, 15…Reference position, 20…Housing body, 20A…Recess, 21…Operating section, 21A…Front, 21B…Operating panel, 21C…Upper end, 21D…Lower end, 21E…First side end, 21F…Second side end, 21G…Operating grip, 22…Cover, 22A…Front, 22B…Upper end, 22C…Lower end, 22D…First side end, 22E…Second side end, 22 F...Cover gripping section, 22G...Visibility area, 23...Discharge port, 24...Discharge tray, 25...Media storage section, 26...Liquid visibility section, 26A...Front, 26B...Visibility window, 26C...Upper end, 27...Storage cover, 27A...Front, 27B...Lower end, 27C...Side end, 28...Liquid storage section, 29...Liquid refill port, 30...Mounting section, 31...Liquid storage container, X...Width direction, X1...First width direction, X2...Second width direction, Y...Front-to-back direction, Y1...Front, Y2...Rear, Z...Up-down direction, Z1...Down, Z2...Up.

Claims

1. A liquid containment section for containing liquid to be dispensed into a medium, The liquid storage section has a liquid refill port for refilling the liquid, A liquid viewing section for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid storage section, A control panel that can be operated by the user, An outlet for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed, A cover that can open and close the aforementioned discharge port, A cover gripping portion configured to grip the cover, Equipped with, The operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction that intersects the vertical direction with respect to the vertical branch line extending along the vertical direction in a front view. The liquid storage section, the liquid refill port, and the liquid viewing section are arranged in the width direction on the other side of the vertical branch line when viewed from the front. The liquid storage section is provided in a position adjacent to the operating section in the width direction. The liquid refill port is provided in the range between the upper end and the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction. The liquid viewing section is provided in a range below the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction. The cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, The cover gripping portion is provided on at least one of the first side surface on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction, and the second side surface on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

2. A mounting section to which a liquid container for containing liquid to be dispensed into a medium can be attached, A liquid viewing unit for visually checking the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid container, A control panel that can be operated by the user, An outlet for discharging the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed, A cover that can open and close the aforementioned discharge port, A cover gripping portion configured to grip the cover, Equipped with, The operating section is positioned on one side in the width direction that intersects the vertical direction with respect to the vertical branch line extending along the vertical direction in a front view. When the liquid container is attached to the mounting portion, the liquid container and the liquid viewing portion are positioned on the other side in the width direction from the vertical branch line when viewed from the front. When the liquid container is attached to the mounting portion, the liquid container is positioned in the width direction parallel to the operating portion. The liquid viewing section is provided in a range below the lower end of the operating section in the vertical direction. The cover is provided so as to straddle the vertical branch line and is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, The cover gripping portion is provided on at least one of the first side surface on one side of the vertical branch line in the width direction, and the second side surface on the other side of the vertical branch line in the width direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

3. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned cover is The discharge port is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, In the closed position, the liquid viewing area is located opposite the liquid viewing area and has a viewing area that allows the liquid viewing area to be viewed. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

4. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, The cover has an opening as the viewing area. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

5. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, The cover has a light-transmitting area as the viewing area. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

6. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, An operating gripping part configured to grip the aforementioned operating part, The operating part is rotatable about an axis along the width direction, The operating gripping portion is provided on the first side side, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

7. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 6, When the cover gripping portion is provided on at least the first side surface, the first side surface has recesses facing both the cover gripping portion and the operating gripping portion. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

8. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, The cover is rotatable at its lower end about an axis along the width direction, The operating part is rotatable at its upper end about an axis along the width direction, The cover gripping portion is provided on the upper end side of the cover in the vertical direction, The operating grip portion is provided on the lower end side of the operating portion in the vertical direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

9. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The operating section is positioned above the horizontal branch line extending along the width direction in a front view. The cover is positioned below the horizontal branch line. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

10. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, The lower end of the operating section and the upper end of the cover constitute the horizontal branch line. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

11. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, It is equipped with a medium storage section for containing a medium for dispensing liquid, The cover is capable of opening and closing the media storage section. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

Images