Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispensing device that can improve convenience. [Solution] The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing section for dispensing liquid, a mounting section to which a liquid container for containing liquid can be attached, a first rotating section that is rotatable about a first axis between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the liquid container attached to the mounting section and an allowable position that allows the movement of the liquid container attached to the mounting section, a second rotating section that is rotatable about a second axis at a position that passes through a first position covering the mounting section and a second position that exposes the mounting section, and a guide section that rotates the first rotating section by contacting the first rotating section. The guide section rotates the first rotating section from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating section from the second position toward the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a liquid ejection device including a housing cover capable of opening and closing an opening of a housing and a container cover covering a part of a waste liquid box. In such a liquid ejection device, a waste liquid box, which is an example of a liquid container, is detachable by accessing through an opening. A container cover, which is an example of a first rotating part, is rotatable between a regulating position for regulating the movement of the waste liquid box and an allowing position for allowing the movement of the waste liquid box. A housing cover, which is an example of a second rotating part, is rotatable between a first position for closing an opening and a second position for opening the opening.

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, when the first rotating part is arranged at the allowing position, if the second rotating part is rotated from the second position to the first position, there is a risk of sandwiching the first rotating part. Therefore, improvement of user convenience is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises: a liquid dispensing unit for dispensing liquid; a mounting unit to which a liquid container for containing liquid can be attached; a first rotating unit that is rotatable about a first axis between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the liquid container attached to the mounting unit and an allowable position that allows the movement of the liquid container attached to the mounting unit; a second rotating unit that is rotatable about a second axis at a position that passes through a first position covering the mounting unit and a second position exposing the mounting unit; and a guide unit that rotates the first rotating unit by contacting the first rotating unit, wherein the guide unit rotates the first rotating unit from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating unit from the second position toward the first position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the third embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid dispensing device in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [First Embodiment] The following describes one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device equipped with a liquid container with reference to the drawings. In the following description, with the liquid dispensing device installed on a horizontal surface, the axis intersecting the horizontal surface is called the Z-axis, the axis intersecting the Z-axis is called the X-axis, and the axis intersecting both the X-axis and the Z-axis is called the Y-axis. One direction along the X-axis is called the first width direction X1, and the other direction along the X-axis is called the second width direction X2. One direction along the Y-axis is called the front Y1, and the other direction along the Y-axis is called the rear Y2. The upward direction along the Z-axis is called the upward Z1, and the downward direction along the Z-axis is called the downward Z2. The first width direction X1 is an example of the first direction. The front Y1 is an example of the second direction. The upward Z1 is an example of the third direction. Views from the first width direction X1 are simply referred to as a side view. Views from the front Y1 are simply referred to as a front view.

[0008] <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured to perform printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium. The liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium. The medium may be, for example, paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, metal parts, etc.

[0009] 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.

[0010] The housing 12 is composed of a housing main body 12a and a housing cover 12b. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 includes the housing main body 12a and the housing cover 12b. The housing main body 12a is configured to accommodate various members that constitute the liquid ejection device 11. An opening 13 is provided in the housing main body 12a. The user can access various members inside the housing 12 through the opening 13.

[0011] The housing cover 12b is provided above the housing main body 12a in the Z1 direction. The housing cover 12b is an example of a second rotating part. The housing cover 12b rotates about the second axis AL2. The housing cover 12b can open and close the opening 13. The second axis AL2 extends along the first width direction X1.

[0012] The housing cover 12b is provided rotatably between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is a position that covers the inside of the housing main body 12a through the opening 13. The first position P1 may be a position where the housing cover 12b is along a horizontal plane.

[0013] The second position P2 is a position that exposes the inside of the housing main body 12a through the opening 13. The second position P2 may be a position where the housing cover 12b faces upward in the Z1 direction with respect to the second axis AL2.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a holding part 14. The holding part 14 is configured to hold the housing cover 12b at the second position P2. The holding part 14 includes a claw part (not shown) on the rear Y2 side. The holding part 14 holds the housing cover 12b from the lower Z2 side at the second position P2 when the claw part contacts the housing main body 12a.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection part 15. The liquid ejection part 15 is configured to eject liquid onto a medium. The liquid ejection part 15 includes a head (not shown). The head ejects liquid onto the medium.

[0016] The head may be of the serial type or the line type. The serial type performs printing by discharging liquid onto the medium while the head moves. The line type has the head provided longitudinally along the width of the medium and performs printing by discharging liquid onto the medium.

[0017] The liquid discharge unit 15 may include a carriage 16. The carriage 16 is configured to support the head. The carriage 16 is configured to reciprocate along the X-axis by the driving force from a carriage drive unit (not shown).

[0018] The liquid discharge device 11 may include an image reading unit 18. The image reading unit 18 is provided on the housing cover 12b. In particular, the image reading unit 18 is provided above the housing cover 12b at Z1. The image reading unit 18 may be configured integrally with the housing cover 12b. The image reading unit 18 reads an image from a document. The image reading unit 18 is of the flatbed type on which the document can be placed, but may also have an automatic document feeder function.

[0019] The liquid discharge device 11 includes a mounting portion 21. The mounting portion 21 is housed in the housing 12. That is, the housing 12 houses the mounting portion 21. The mounting portion 21 is housed in the housing main body 12a. That is, the housing main body 12a houses the mounting portion 21.

[0020] The mounting portion 21 is configured to be accessible through the opening ^{}13 when the housing cover 12b is disposed at the second position P2. Thus, the opening 13 is configured to provide access to the mounting portion 21 in the housing main body 12a. The first position P1 is a position that covers the mounting portion 21. The second position P2 is a position that exposes the mounting portion 21.

[0021] The mounting portion 21 is configured to be able to mount the liquid container 22. The mounting portion 21 is configured to be able to remove the liquid container 22 upward at Z1. The direction of removing the liquid container 22 from the mounting portion 21 is not limited to upward at Z1 as long as the container cover 31 can fix the liquid container 22 to the mounting portion 21.

[0022] The liquid container 22 is configured to contain liquid. The liquid container 22 may also be a waste liquid container. In other words, the liquid discharge device 11 may be equipped with a waste liquid container as the liquid container 22. The waste liquid container contains the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section 15 as waste liquid.

[0023] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a housing cover 31. The housing cover 31 is an example of a first rotating part. The housing cover 31 is housed in the housing 12. That is, the housing cover 31 is housed inside the housing body 12a. The housing cover 31 may be provided in the second width direction X2 from the mounting part 21.

[0024] The housing cover 31 is rotatable about the first axis AL1. The housing cover 31 is rotatable about the first axis AL1 from a horizontal plane toward upward Z1. The first axis AL1 extends forward along Y1. The first axis AL1 and the second axis AL2 are orthogonal to each other in a plane containing the X and Y axes.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the container cover 31 is rotatably mounted between a restricted position RP and an permitted position AP. The restricted position RP is a position that restricts the movement of the liquid container 22 mounted on the mounting portion 21. When positioned at the restricted position RP, the container cover 31 restricts the upward movement of the liquid container 22 mounted on the mounting portion 21 towards Z1. The restricted position RP may also be a position where the container cover 31 lies along a plane including the X and Y axes. When the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the restricted position RP is a position where the container cover 31 is not positioned within the range of movement of the housing cover 12b.

[0026] The permissible position AP is the position that allows movement of the liquid container 22 mounted on the mounting portion 21. When the container cover 31 is positioned at the permissible position AP, it allows the liquid container 22 mounted on the mounting portion 21 to move upward Z1. The permissible position AP may also be the position in which the container cover 31 is directed upward Z1 with respect to the first axis AL1. When the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the permissible position AP is the position in which the container cover 31 is positioned within the range of movement of the housing cover 12b.

[0027] The restricted position RP and the permitted position AP have an angle difference of 90 degrees around the first axis AL1, but the angle difference may be less than 90 degrees. Thus, the restricted position RP and the permitted position AP may have an angle difference of 90 degrees or less around the first axis AL1.

[0028] <Configuration of guide section 39> As shown in Figure 2, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a guide section 39. The guide section 39 is provided on the housing cover 12b. More specifically, the guide section 39 is provided on the mounting section 21 side of the housing cover 12b. In other words, the guide section 39 is provided on the bottom surface 12c. The guide section 39 is provided to extend in a direction along the first width direction X1, but it may also be provided to extend in a direction along the forward direction Y1. The guide section 39 is provided to protrude downward Z2 from the bottom surface 12c of the housing cover 12b.

[0029] The guide section 39 rotates together with the housing cover 12b as the housing cover 12b is rotated. The guide section 39 is housed inside the housing body 12a when the housing cover 12b is positioned at the first position P1.

[0030] The guide portion 39 may have a contact surface 39a. The contact surface 39a is the surface that contacts the housing cover 31. The contact surface 39a is a curved surface. In other words, the guide portion 39 has a curved surface. More specifically, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that is arc-shaped around an axis along the Y-axis. The contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the bottom surface 12c as it moves toward the first width direction X1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, when the housing cover 31 is positioned at the permissible position AP, the guide portion 39 comes into contact with the housing cover 31 when the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 towards the first position P1. The guide portion 39 comes into contact with the housing cover 31 as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 towards the first position P1, causing the housing cover 31 to rotate from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP. The housing cover 31 rotates from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP due to contact with the guide portion 39. In particular, in a front view, the housing cover 31 rotates clockwise from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP due to contact with the guide portion 39.

[0032] More specifically, the rotational movement of the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the first position P1 causes the contact surface 39a to come into contact with the housing cover 31. The contact surface 39a, by coming into contact with the housing cover 31, causes the housing cover 31 to rotate from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the housing cover 31 reaches the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39. In other words, the guide portion 39 rotates the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. The housing cover 31 may also rotate from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39 and reach the restricted position RP by its own weight.

[0034] As a result, after the housing cover 31 is positioned at the restricted position RP, the housing cover 12b can be rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 without trapping the housing cover 31.

[0035] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1-1) The guide section 39 rotates the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP toward the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. With this configuration, when the housing cover 31 is positioned at the permissible position AP, the housing cover 12b can prevent the housing cover 31 from being pinched even when it is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0036] (1-2) The guide section 39 rotates the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. With this configuration, if the housing cover 31 is positioned at the permissible position AP, the housing cover 12b can be rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and the housing cover 31 can be rotated to the restricted position RP without having to rotate the housing cover 31 itself. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0037] (1-3) The second axis AL2 extends along the first width direction X1, and the first axis AL1 extends along the forward direction Y1 intersecting the first width direction X1. With this configuration, as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the guide portion 39 can rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0038] (1-4) The guide portion 39 is provided on the mounting portion 21 side of the housing cover 12b and has a curved surface that rotates the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP by contacting the housing cover 31. With this configuration, the guide portion 39 can smoothly rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP along the curved surface. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0039] (1-5) The restricted position RP and the permitted position AP are at an angle of 90 degrees or less around the first axis AL1. With this configuration, the guide section 39 can easily rotate the housing cover 31 as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0040] (1-6) The container cover 31 restricts the movement of the liquid container 22 upward Z1, which is removable. This configuration improves the reliability of restricting the movement of the liquid container 22 when the liquid container 22 is mounted on the mounting part 21.

[0041] (1-7) The liquid container 22 is a waste liquid container that collects the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section 15 as waste liquid. With this configuration, even if the container cover 31 is in the permissible position AP when attaching or detaching the waste liquid container, the container cover 31 can be rotated from the permissible position AP toward the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0042] (1-8) The housing cover 12b covers the opening 13 at the first position P1. With this configuration, when attaching or detaching the liquid container 22 through the opening 13, the container cover 31 is positioned at the permissible position AP. Even in this case, as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the guide portion 39 can rotate the container cover 31 from the permissible position AP toward the restricted position RP. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0043] (1-9) The image reading unit 18 is provided on the housing cover 12b. With this configuration, the housing cover 12b is heavier than when the image reading unit 18 is not provided because the image reading unit 18 is provided on it. Even in such a case, by rotating the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the guide unit 39 can rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0044] [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.

[0045] <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, the first axis AL1 extends along the first width direction X1. That is, in the second embodiment, the first axis AL1 and the second axis AL2 extend along the first width direction X1. The housing cover 31 may be provided rearward Y2 from the mounting portion 21. The housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 have the same direction of rotation.

[0046] The guide portion 39 is provided to extend in a direction along the forward direction Y1, but it may also be provided to extend in a direction along the first width direction X1. The contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that is arc-shaped with respect to an axis along the X axis. The contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the bottom surface 12c as it moves toward the forward direction Y1. In the second embodiment, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface with a gentler slope than in the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the guide portion 39 comes into contact with the housing cover 31 as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1, thereby rotating the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP. In a side view, the housing cover 31 rotates counterclockwise from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP due to contact with the guide portion 39.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the housing cover 31 reaches the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39. In other words, the guide portion 39 rotates the housing cover 31 from the permitted position AP to the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0049] As a result, after the housing cover 31 is positioned at the restricted position RP, the housing cover 12b can be rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 without trapping the housing cover 31.

[0050] <Operation and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will now be described. (2-1) The first axis AL1 and the second axis AL2 extend along the first width direction X1. With this configuration, the rotation axis of the housing cover 31 and the housing cover 12b extends along the same first width direction X1. As a result, the guide part 39 can easily rotate the housing cover 31 in conjunction with the rotation operation of the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0051] (2-2) The housing cover 31 and the casing cover 12b rotate in the same direction. With this configuration, as the casing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the guide part 39 can easily transmit power to the housing cover 31 by contacting it. As a result, the guide part 39 can easily rotate the housing cover 31. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0052] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 8, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the guide portion 39 is provided on the holding portion 14. More specifically, the guide portion 39 is provided on the housing cover 31 side of the holding portion 14. The guide portion 39 is provided so as to protrude from the side surface 14a of the holding portion 14 in the first width direction X1.

[0053] The guide portion 39 may or may not be in contact with the housing cover 31 located at the allowable position AP when the housing cover 12b is at the second position P2. The guide portion 39 may have any shape as long as it can contact the housing cover 31 and be rotated. In particular, the contact surface 39a may have any shape as long as it can contact the housing cover 31 and be rotated. For example, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the side surface 14a of the holding portion 14 as it moves upward towards Z1. The contact surface 39a does not have to be a curved surface.

[0054] The permissible position AP is a position that is tilted towards the second width direction X2 side of the Z axis, with respect to the first axis AL1. The angle difference between the restricted position RP and the permissible position AP is, for example, 110 degrees, but it may also be an angle difference greater than 90 degrees with respect to the first axis AL1.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 to the third position P3. The third position P3 is in the opposite direction to the first position P1 with respect to the second position P2. The third position P3 is the position that exposes the mounting portion 21.

[0056] In the third embodiment, when rotating the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the housing cover 12b is first rotated from the second position P2 to the third position P3, thereby releasing the contact between the holding portion 14 and the housing body 12a (not shown). Subsequently, the housing cover 12b is rotated from the third position P3 to the first position P1.

[0057] In other words, the rotational operation of the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the first position P1 includes the operation of rotating the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the third position P3, and then rotating the housing cover 12b from the third position P3 to the first position P1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the holding portion 14 moves upward Z1 as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the third position P3. Consequently, the guide portion 39 also moves upward Z1 as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the third position P3.

[0059] As the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the guide section 39 comes into contact with the housing cover 31, thereby rotating the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP.

[0060] More specifically, the rotational movement of the housing cover 12b from the second position P2 to the third position P3 causes the contact surface 39a to come into contact with the housing cover 31. The contact surface 39a, by coming into contact with the housing cover 31, causes the housing cover 31 to rotate from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP.

[0061] As shown in Figure 11, the housing cover 31 reaches the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39. The housing cover 31 may also rotate from the permissible position AP toward the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39 and reach the restricted position RP by its own weight.

[0062] As a result, after the housing cover 31 is positioned at the restricted position RP, the housing cover 12b can rotate from the second position P2, through the third position P3, to the first position P1 without trapping the housing cover 31.

[0063] <Operation and Effects of the Third Embodiment> The operation and effects of the third embodiment will now be described. (3-1) The guide portion 39 is provided on the side surface 14a of the holding portion 14. With this configuration, as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the guide portion 39 provided on the side surface 14a of the holding portion 14 can rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0064] (3-2) The guide unit 39 rotates the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the third position P3. With this configuration, when the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the housing cover 12b is rotated from the second position P2 to the third position P3. Even in such a case, the guide unit 39 can rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0065] (3-3) The angle difference between the restricted position RP and the permitted position AP is greater than 90 degrees around the first axis AL1. With this configuration, even if the angle difference between the restricted position RP and the permitted position AP is greater than 90 degrees, the housing cover 31 can be rotated from the permitted position AP toward the restricted position RP as the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the third position P3. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0066] [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.

[0067] In the first and second embodiments, the housing cover 12b may be rotated from the second position P2 to the third position P3, and then rotated from the third position P3 to the first position P1. In the first and second embodiments, the liquid dispensing device 11 does not need to have a holding part 14. In particular, the liquid dispensing device 11 does not need to have a holding part 14 if a separate configuration is provided that allows the housing cover 12b to be fixed in the second position P2.

[0068] In the first and second embodiments, if the housing cover 12b does not sandwich the housing cover 31 at the first position P1, the housing cover 31 may be configured to rotate from the permissible position AP in the direction opposite to the direction of the restricted position RP.

[0069] The retaining portion 14 may have a claw portion (not shown) on the front Y1 side. The retaining portion 14 may have a claw portion (not shown) on the first width direction X1 side. The retaining portion 14 may have a claw portion (not shown) on the second width direction X2 side.

[0070] When the claw portion of the retaining portion 14 and the housing body 12a are not in contact, the housing cover 12b may rotate from the second position P2 toward the first position P1 and reach the first position P1 by its own weight.

[0071] The housing cover 12b may be provided with a mechanism that allows it to be fixed in the restricted position RP. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the housing cover 12b may be provided with a claw. The user can release the housing cover 12b fixed in the restricted position RP by tilting the claw in the second width direction X2.

[0072] The housing cover 12b located at the first position P1 and the housing cover 31 located at the restricted position RP may overlap in a top view. The housing cover 12b located at the first position P1 and the housing cover 31 located at the restricted position RP are parallel in a front view. The housing cover 12b located at the first position P1 may overlap with the second axis AL2 in a front view.

[0073] The liquid container 22 may contain liquids other than waste liquid. The liquid container 22 may contain liquid supplied to the liquid discharge section 15. The liquid container 22 may contain liquid discharged from sources other than the liquid discharge section 15.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the housing cover 31 may be positioned in the first width direction X1 relative to the mounting portion 21. In particular, the housing cover 31 may rotate counterclockwise from the allowable position AP toward the restricted position RP in a front view. In this case, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the bottom surface 12c as it moves toward the second width direction X2.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the housing cover 31 may be provided in front of the mounting portion 21 Y1. In particular, the housing cover 31 may rotate clockwise in a side view from the permissible position AP toward the restricted position RP. In this case, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the bottom surface 12c toward the rear Y2.

[0076] In the third embodiment, the housing cover 31 may be provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the mounting portion 21. In this case, the holding portion 14 may be provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the housing cover 31. The guide portion 39 may be provided on the side of the holding portion 14 on the second width direction X2 side. In a front view, the housing cover 31 may rotate counterclockwise from the allowable position AP toward the restricted position RP by contact with the guide portion 39 provided in the first width direction X1 relative to the mounting portion 21. At this time, the contact surface 39a may be a curved surface that approaches the bottom surface 12c toward the second width direction X2.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the direction in which the housing cover 12b rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may be different from the direction in which the housing cover 31 rotates from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP. The guide portion 39 may be provided to extend longer when the housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 rotate in different directions than when the housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 rotate in the same direction. In particular, the contact surface 39a may be provided to extend longer when the housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 rotate in different directions than when the housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 rotate in the same direction.

[0078] The liquid dispensing device 11 may have two or more holding parts 14. For example, the liquid dispensing device 11 may have holding parts 14 in the first width direction X1 and in the second width direction X2 of the mounting part 21.

[0079] The housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 may rotate in the same direction or in different directions. In particular, the housing cover 12b and the housing cover 31 may rotate in opposite directions or their directions of rotation may intersect.

[0080] The second axis AL2 may be provided in a direction along the first width direction X1. The second axis AL2 may be located on the side of the housing body 12a in the first width direction X1. In this case, the housing cover 12b may be provided so as to be rotatable counterclockwise in a front view. The second axis AL2 may be located on the side of the housing body 12a in the first width direction X1. In this case, the housing cover 12b is provided so as to be rotatable clockwise in a front view.

[0081] The guide section 39 may remain in contact with the housing cover 31 until it is rotated to the restricted position RP. The housing cover 12b may have a pressing member on its bottom surface 12c, separate from the guide section 39. The pressing member presses against the housing cover 31, thereby rotating it to the restricted position RP.

[0082] The housing cover 31 may be provided with a convex projection on the side that contacts the contact surface 39a. The housing cover 31 may rotate from the permissible position AP towards the restricted position RP by, for example, the guide portion 39 catching on the projection, until it reaches the restricted position RP.

[0083] The contact surface 39a may be a straight line rather than a curved surface, as long as it can rotate the housing cover 31 from the permissible position AP to the restricted position RP by contacting the housing cover 31. In other words, the guide portion 39 does not need to have a curved surface.

[0084] 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.

[0085] [Note] The following describes the technical concepts and their effects as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0086] [1] The liquid dispensing device comprises: a first rotating part that is rotatable about a first axis between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the liquid container mounted on the mounting part and an allowable position that allows the movement of the liquid container mounted on the mounting part; a second rotating part that is rotatable about a second axis at a position that passes through a first position that covers the mounting part and a second position that exposes the mounting part; and a guide part that rotates the first rotating part by contacting the first rotating part, wherein the guide part rotates the first rotating part from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating part from the second position toward the first position.

[0087] With this configuration, as the second rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the permissible position toward the restricted position. As a result, even when the second rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position while the first rotating part is in the permissible position, it is possible to prevent the second rotating part from pinching the first rotating part. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0088] [2] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the guide portion rotates the first rotating portion from the allowable position to the restricting position in conjunction with the rotational operation of the second rotating portion from the second position to the first position.

[0089] With this configuration, as the second rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the allowable position to the restricted position. As a result, when the first rotating part is in the allowable position, if the second rotating part is rotated from the second position to the first position, the first rotating part can be rotated to the restricted position without having to rotate the first rotating part itself. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0090] [3] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the first axis and the second axis extend along the first direction. With this configuration, the rotation axes of the first rotating part and the second rotating part extend along the same first direction. As a result, the guide part can easily rotate the first rotating part in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating part from the second position to the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0091] [4] In the above-described liquid dispensing device, the first rotating part and the second rotating part rotate in the same direction. With this configuration, as the second rotating part rotates from the second position to the first position, the guide part can easily transmit power to the first rotating part by contact with the first rotating part. Therefore, the guide part can easily rotate the first rotating part. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0092] [5] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the second axis extends along the first direction, and the first axis extends along the second direction intersecting the first direction. In this configuration, the first rotating part and the second rotating part intersect. Even in this case, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the allowable position toward the restricted position as the second rotating part rotates from the second position toward the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0093] [6] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the guide portion is provided on the mounting portion side of the second rotating portion and has a curved surface that contacts the first rotating portion to rotate the first rotating portion so as to move from the allowable position toward the restricted position.

[0094] With this configuration, the guide section can smoothly rotate the first rotating section along the curved surface from the allowable position to the restricted position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0095] [7] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the regulated position and the permitted position have an angular difference of 90 degrees or less with respect to the first axis. With this configuration, the guide part can easily rotate the first rotating part in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating part from the second position to the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0096] [8] The liquid dispensing device described above, comprising a holding portion that holds the second rotating portion in the second position, wherein the guide portion is provided on the holding portion. With this configuration, as the second rotating portion is rotated from the second position to the first position, the guide portion provided on the holding portion can rotate the first rotating portion from the permissible position toward the restricted position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0097] [9] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the second rotating part is rotatable from the second position to a third position opposite to the first position, the third position being a position that exposes the mounting part, the rotation operation of the second rotating part from the second position to the first position includes the operation of rotating the second rotating part from the second position to the third position and then rotating the second rotating part from the third position to the first position, and the guide part rotates the first rotating part from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating part from the second position to the third position.

[0098] With this configuration, when rotating the second rotating part from the second position to the first position, or when rotating the second rotating part from the second position to the third position in the opposite direction to the first position, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the allowable position toward the restricted position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0099]

[10] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the angle difference between the restricted position and the permitted position is greater than 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. With this configuration, even if the angle difference between the restricted position and the permitted position is greater than 90 degrees, the guide section can rotate the first rotating section from the permitted position toward the restricted position in conjunction with the rotation operation of the second rotating section from the second position toward the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0100]

[11] The liquid dispensing device described above, wherein the first rotating part restricts the movement of the liquid container in a third direction that allows it to be removed. This configuration improves the reliability of restricting the movement of the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part.

[0101]

[12] The liquid discharge device described above, wherein the liquid container is a waste liquid container that collects the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section as waste liquid. With this configuration, even if the first rotating part is positioned in an acceptable position when attaching or detaching the waste liquid container, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the acceptable position toward the restricted position as the second rotating part rotates from the second position toward the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0102]

[13] The liquid dispensing device described above, comprising a housing body that houses the mounting portion, the housing body provided with an opening that allows access to the mounting portion, and the second rotating portion covering the opening in the first position.

[0103] With this configuration, even if the first rotating part is in the permissible position when attaching or detaching the liquid container through the opening, the guide part can rotate the first rotating part from the permissible position toward the restricted position as the second rotating part rotates from the second position toward the first position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0104]

[14] The liquid dispensing device described above is equipped with an image reading unit for reading an image from a document, and the image reading unit is provided on the second rotating unit. With this configuration, the second rotating unit is heavier than the unit without the image reading unit because it is equipped with an image reading unit. Even in such a case, by rotating the second rotating unit from the second position to the first position, the guide unit can rotate the first rotating unit from the allowable position toward the restricted position. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Housing, 12a...Housing body, 12b...Housing cover, 12c...Bottom surface, 13...Opening, 14...Holding part, 14a...Side view, 15...Liquid dispensing part, 16...Carriage, 18...Image reading part, 21...Mounting part, 22...Liquid container, 31...Container cover, 39...Guide part, 39a...Contact surface, AL1...First axis, AL2...Second axis, AP...Allowable position, RP...Restricted position, P1...First position, P2...Second position, P3...Third position, X1...First width direction, X2...Second width direction, Y1...Forward, Y2...Rearward, Z1...Upward, Z2...Downward.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing section that dispenses liquid, A mounting section to which a liquid container for holding liquid can be attached, A first rotating part that is rotatable about a first axis between a restricting position that restricts the movement of the liquid container mounted on the mounting part and a permissible position that allows the movement of the liquid container mounted on the mounting part, A second rotating part that is rotatable about a second axis at a position passing through a first position covering the mounting part and a second position exposing the mounting part, A guide portion that rotates the first rotating portion by contacting the first rotating portion, Equipped with, The guide portion rotates the first rotating portion from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotational operation of the second rotating portion from the second position toward the first position. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

2. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The guide portion rotates the first rotating portion from the allowable position to the restricting position in conjunction with the rotational operation of the second rotating portion from the second position to the first position. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

3. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The first axis and the second axis extend along the first direction, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

4. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, The first rotating part and the second rotating part have the same direction of rotation. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

5. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The second axis extends along the first direction, The first axis extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

6. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The guide portion is provided on the mounting portion side of the second rotating portion and has a curved surface that contacts the first rotating portion to rotate the first rotating portion so that it moves from the allowable position toward the restricted position. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

7. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 6, The regulated position and the permitted position have an angular difference of 90 degrees or less with respect to the first axis. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

8. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The second rotating part is provided with a holding part that holds it in the second position, The guide portion is provided on the holding portion, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

9. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, The second rotating part is rotatable from the second position to a third position in the opposite direction to the first position. The third position is a position that exposes the mounting portion, The rotational operation of the second rotating part from the second position to the first position includes the operation of rotating the second rotating part from the second position to the third position, and then rotating the second rotating part from the third position to the first position. The guide portion rotates the first rotating portion from the allowable position toward the restricting position in conjunction with the rotational operation of the second rotating portion from the second position toward the third position. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

10. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, The regulated position and the permitted position have an angular difference greater than 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

11. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The first rotating part restricts the movement of the liquid container in a third direction so that it can be removed. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

12. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The liquid container is a waste liquid container that collects the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section as waste liquid. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

13. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The housing includes a main body that accommodates the aforementioned mounting portion, The housing body is provided with an opening that allows access to the mounting portion. The second rotating part covers the opening in the first position. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

14. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is equipped with an image reading unit that reads images from the original document, The image reading unit is provided on the second rotating part, A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

Images