Liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device that facilitates visually recognizing the residual quantity of liquid stored in a storage part mounted on a carriage.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 11 includes: a discharge part 22 for discharging liquid to a medium; a storage part 23 having a storage chamber for storing liquid to be supplied to the discharge part, and an inlet communicated with the storage chamber; a carriage 24 mounting the discharge part and the storage part, and scanning to the medium; and a cap 41 for closing the inlet. At least a part of the storage part is composed of a transparent material so as to make the residual quantity of liquid stored in the storage chamber visually recognizable, and the carriage has a visible part 31 for exposing the part composed of a transparent material in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes, as an example of a liquid ejection device, a recording device including a ejection unit that ejects a liquid, a carriage on which the ejection unit is mounted, and a storage unit that stores the liquid. In this recording device, the liquid stored in the storage unit is supplied to the ejection unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a recording device, the storage unit may be mounted on the carriage. In this case, since the storage unit is covered by the carriage, there is a possibility that it is difficult to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The liquid ejection device for solving the above problems includes an ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto a medium, a storage unit having a storage chamber that stores the liquid supplied to the ejection unit and an injection port that communicates with the storage chamber, a carriage that mounts the ejection unit and the storage unit and scans with respect to the medium, and a cap that closes the injection port, at least a part of the storage unit is formed of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber can be visually recognized, and the carriage has a visual recognition unit that exposes the part formed of the transparent material in the storage unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto paper, which is an example of a medium. In the present embodiment, the liquid ejection device is placed on a horizontal plane.

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12 and a cover 13 attached to the housing 12. The liquid ejection device 11 includes an exposed part 14 that exposes the inside of the housing 12 so as to be visible from outside the housing 12.

[0009] The housing 12 is configured, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 12 has a first surface 12A facing forward, a second surface 12B facing upward, and a third surface 12C facing rearward. The first surface 12A is a surface that is located opposite to the third surface 12C in the housing 12. An outlet 15 through which the medium 99 is discharged is provided on the first surface 12A. After being printed in the housing 12, the medium 99 is discharged out of the housing 12 through the outlet 15. In the present embodiment, when the medium 99 is printed, it is conveyed in the housing 12 from the third surface 12C toward the first surface 12A.

[0010] In the present embodiment, a notch 16 is provided on the first surface 12A. The notch 16 is provided, for example, so as to notch a part of the first surface 12A from the upper end of the first surface 12A on the first surface 12A. In the present embodiment, the notch 16 is located above the outlet 15 on the first surface 12A.

[0011] The second surface 12B is a surface that connects the first surface 12A and the third surface 12C in the housing 12. In the present embodiment, a maintenance opening 17 is provided on the second surface 12B. The user can perform maintenance such as eliminating medium jams and replenishing liquid through the maintenance opening 17.

[0012] The cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 12. The cover 13 is attached to the housing 12 via a hinge, for example. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 13 is closed. In FIG. 3, the cover 13 is open.

[0013] The cover 13 of the present embodiment has a first member 13A that covers a part of the first surface 12A in the closed state and a second member 13B that covers the second surface 12B in the closed state. The first member 13A and the second member 13B are connected to each other. When the cover 13 opens, the first surface 12A and the second surface 12B are exposed. In the present embodiment, when the cover 13 opens, the notch 16 and the maintenance opening 17 are exposed.

[0014] The first member 13A is a member that extends along the first surface 12A when the cover 13 is in the closed state. The first member 13A covers the notch 16 while not covering the discharge port 15 when the cover 13 is in the closed state. Therefore, the liquid discharge device 11 can discharge the medium 99 even when the cover 13 is closed.

[0015] The first member 13A has an exposure port 18. The exposure port 18 is provided at a position overlapping the notch 16 when the liquid discharge device 11 is viewed from the front with the cover 13 closed. Therefore, the exposure port 18 and the notch 16 are exposed so that the inside of the housing 12 can be visually recognized from outside the housing 12. That is, the user can visually recognize the inside of the housing 12 through the exposure port 18 and the notch 16 when the cover 13 is closed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the exposure port 18 and the notch 16 constitute the exposed portion 14.

[0016] The second member 13B is a member that extends along the second surface 12B when in the closed state. In the present embodiment, the second member 13B is attached to the housing 12. The liquid discharge device 11 includes a display unit 19 that displays information regarding the liquid discharge device 11. The display unit 19 is, for example, a liquid crystal screen. The display unit 19 may be a touch panel. The display unit 19 is provided on the cover 13, for example. In the present embodiment, the display unit 19 is provided on the first member 13A.

[0017] The liquid discharge device 11 includes a cassette 21 that houses the medium 99. The cassette 21 is detachable from the housing 12. In the present embodiment, the cassette 21 is detached from the first surface 12A. The cassette 21 of the present embodiment is positioned below the discharge port 15 when mounted on the housing 12.

[0018] The cassette 21 is positioned at a location not covered by the first member 13A when mounted on the housing 12. Therefore, the cassette 21 can be detached even when the cover 13 is closed. The liquid ejection device 11 prints on the medium 99 supplied from the cassette 21 mounted on the housing 12. The liquid ejection device 11 may be configured to be able to supply the medium 99 from the third surface 12C separately from the cassette 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a discharge unit 22 that discharges liquid, a storage unit 23 that stores the liquid, and a carriage 24 that mounts the discharge unit 22 and the storage unit 23. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a guide shaft 25 that supports the carriage 24 and a flexible cable 26 connected to the carriage 24.

[0020] The discharge unit 22 prints on the medium 99 by discharging liquid onto the medium 99. The discharge unit 22 is, for example, a head. The discharge unit 22 discharges the liquid stored in the storage unit 23. The carriage 24 is housed in the housing 12. The carriage 24 scans the medium 99. The carriage 24 of the present embodiment scans the medium 99 by moving along the guide shaft 25.

[0021] The carriage 24 is normally located at the home position. The home position is, for example, the position where the carriage 24 waits when the discharge unit 22 does not discharge liquid onto the medium 99. The carriage 24 in FIG. 3 is located at the home position. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, the carriage 24 located at the home position is visible through the exposed portion 14. Therefore, the exposed portion 14 is provided at a position corresponding to the home position of the carriage 24. In the present embodiment, the notch 16 and the exposed port 18 are provided at positions corresponding to the home position of the carriage 24.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the carriage 24 has a front surface 24A and an upper surface 24B. The front surface 24A is a surface facing forward. That is, the front surface 24A faces the same direction as the direction in which the first surface 12A faces. The upper surface 24B is a surface facing upward. That is, the upper surface 24B faces the same direction as the direction in which the second surface 12B faces.

[0023] The carriage 24 has a viewing portion 31 that exposes the accommodating portion 23. The viewing portion 31 has, for example, one or more viewing openings 32. The viewing portion 31 of the present embodiment has six viewing openings 32. Through the viewing openings 32, the accommodating portion 23 is exposed from the carriage 24. The viewing portion 31 may have a transparent plate fitted into the viewing openings 32. This transparent plate is made of, for example, glass, plastic, or the like. In this case, it is possible to suppress dust in the air, liquid droplets, etc. from adhering to the accommodating portion 23 through the viewing openings 32.

[0024] The viewing portion 31 is provided on the front surface 24A. Therefore, the viewing openings 32 open on the front surface 24A. In the present embodiment, when the carriage 24 is located at the home position, when the liquid ejecting device 11 is viewed from the front, the viewing portion 31 overlaps with the exposed portion 14. That is, the exposed portion 14 exposes the viewing portion 31 so that it can be viewed. Thereby, the user can view the accommodating portion 23 through the exposed portion 14 and the viewing portion 31 with the cover 13 closed.

[0025] The carriage 24 of the present embodiment has a connection portion 33 to which the flexible cable 26 is connected. By connecting the flexible cable 26 to the connection portion 33, electricity is supplied to the ejection portion 22 through the carriage 24. That is, the ejection portion 22 and the carriage 24 are electrically connected.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, the accommodating portion 23 has an accommodating chamber 35 that accommodates liquid and an injection port 36 that communicates with the accommodating chamber 35. The accommodating chamber 35 can be filled with liquid through the injection port 36. The accommodating portion 23 has a front wall 23A that is exposed by the viewing portion 31. The front wall 23A is a part of the wall that forms the accommodating chamber 35 in the accommodating portion 23.

[0027] The storage section 23 has one or more storage chambers 35. The storage section 23 of this embodiment has six storage chambers 35. Therefore, the storage section 23 can store six types of liquids. The storage section 23 stores, for example, six types of liquids with different colors. The storage section 23 of this embodiment stores inks of black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta.

[0028] The storage section 23 has one or more inlets 36. The number of inlets 36 provided is the same as the number of storage chambers 35. The plurality of inlets 36 communicate with the plurality of storage chambers 35 respectively. Therefore, the storage section 23 of this embodiment has six inlets 36.

[0029] At least a part of the storage section 23 is made of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 35 can be visually recognized. The transparent material is, for example, glass, plastic, ceramic, etc. The storage section 23 of this embodiment is made of plastic. The portion of the storage section 23 made of the transparent material is transparent or translucent. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the inside of the storage chamber 35 through the visual recognition section 31.

[0030] The visual recognition section 31 exposes the portion of the storage section 23 made of the transparent material. In other words, in the storage section 23, the portion exposed by the visual recognition section 31 is made of the transparent material. In this embodiment, although the entire storage section 23 is made of the transparent material, it is sufficient that the front wall 23A is made of the transparent material. In this embodiment, the six visual recognition openings 32 expose the six storage chambers 35 respectively. Thereby, the storage section 23 is configured such that the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 35 can be visually recognized from the outside. That is, the user can visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 35 through the visual recognition section 31 across the front wall 23A. The user can visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage section 23 through the exposed portion 14 and the visual recognition section 31 when the cover 13 is closed. The user can visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage section 23 through the notch 16 and the visual recognition section 31 when the cover 13 is open.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, the carriage 24 has an exposure hole 37 that exposes the injection port 36. In the present embodiment, the exposure hole 37 is provided in the upper surface 24B. One or more exposure holes 37 are provided in the carriage 24. In the present embodiment, six exposure holes 37 are provided. The six exposure holes 37 expose the six injection ports 36, respectively.

[0032] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a cap 41. The cap 41 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the injection port 36. When the cap 41 is closed, it closes the injection port 36. Thereby, the risk that dust in the atmosphere enters the storage chamber 35 is reduced. When the cap 41 is opened, it opens the injection port 36. Thereby, liquid can be injected into the storage chamber 35 through the injection port 36.

[0033] The cap 41 of the present embodiment has a protrusion 42 that protrudes toward the injection port 36. When the cap 41 is closed, the protrusion 42 is inserted into the injection port 36. In this way, the cap 41 closes the injection port 36 when the protrusion 42 is inserted into the injection port 36.

[0034] The cap 41 of the present embodiment is a plate-like member. The cap 41 has a rectangular shape when the carriage 24 is viewed in plan. The caps 41 are arranged side by side on the upper surface 24B with a predetermined interval therebetween. Therefore, there is a gap between the caps 41. Since there is a gap between the caps 41, it is difficult for the caps 41 to interfere with each other when the cap 41 is opened and closed.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 8, the cap 41 has a first end portion 43 that serves as a fulcrum when opening and closing, and a second end portion 44 that is an end portion located opposite to the first end portion 43. The cap 41 is attached to the carriage 24, for example. The cap 41 of the present embodiment is attached to the upper surface 24B. Therefore, the first end portion 43 is attached to the upper surface 24B. The cap 41 may be attached to the housing portion 23.

[0036] The first end portion 43 is provided with a rotation axis 45 that serves as an axis when opening and closing. The cap 41 is attached to the carriage 24 via the rotation axis 45. The cap 41 opens and closes by rotating around the rotation axis 45.

[0037] The second end portion 44 is located in front of the front surface 24A. Therefore, when the carriage 24 is viewed in plan, the cap 41 extends so as to protrude from the front surface 24A. That is, when the carriage 24 is viewed in plan, the second end portion 44 is located at a position that does not overlap with the carriage 24. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to place a finger on the second end portion 44, and it becomes easier to open and close the cap 41.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9, the cross-sectional shape of the cap 41 is rectangular. Next, the specific shape of the carriage 24 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, the carriage 24 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The carriage 24 has a rear surface 24C, a first side surface 24D, a second side surface 24E, and a bottom surface 24F in addition to the front surface 24A and the upper surface 24B.

[0039] The rear surface 24C is a surface that is located opposite to the front surface 24A in the carriage 24. The rear surface 24C is a surface facing rearward. That is, the rear surface 24C faces the same direction as the direction in which the third surface 12C faces.

[0040] The first side surface 24D and the second side surface 24E are surfaces that are located opposite to each other in the carriage 24. The first side surface 24D is the right side surface when the carriage 24 is viewed from the front. The second side surface 24E is the left side surface when the carriage 24 is viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, a connection portion 33 is provided on the second side surface 24E.

[0041] The bottom surface 24F is a surface that is located opposite to the upper surface 24B in the carriage 24. The bottom surface 24F is a surface facing downward. The discharge portion 22 is exposed on the bottom surface 24F. Next, the operations and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] (1) The carriage 24 has a visual recognition portion 31 that exposes a portion of the housing portion 23 made of a transparent material. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 35 can be visually recognized through the visual recognition portion 31. That is, the visual recognition portion 31 makes it easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the housing portion 23 mounted on the carriage 24.

[0043] (2) The visual recognition portion 31 is provided on the front surface 24A of the carriage 24. Thereby, it becomes easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid from the front of the carriage 24. (3) The second end portion 44 of the cap 41 is located in front of the front surface 24A of the carriage 24. In this case, it is easier for the user to grip the second end portion 44 of the cap 41. Therefore, it becomes easier to open and close the cap 41.

[0044] (4) An exposed portion 14 is provided that exposes the visual recognition portion 31 so that it can be visually recognized from outside the housing 12. Thereby, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the housing portion 23 can be visually recognized from outside the housing 12 through the exposed portion 14.

[0045] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range. · As shown in FIG. 16, the visual recognition portion 31 may be changed. In the modification example shown in FIG. 16, the visual recognition portion 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 16, one visual recognition opening 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. Therefore, the user can visually recognize six storage chambers 35 from one visual recognition opening 32. In this case, compared with the case where a plurality of visual recognition openings 32 are provided, the opening area of the visual recognition opening 32 on the first surface 12A becomes wider, so that it becomes easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the housing portion 23.

[0046] · As shown in FIG. 17, the viewing portion 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 17, the viewing portion 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 17, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided on the front surface 24A so as to notch the front surface 24A from its upper end.

[0047] · As shown in FIG. 18, the viewing portion 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 18, the viewing portion 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 18, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided on the front surface 24A so as to notch the front surface 24A from its upper end. In the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 18, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 17.

[0048] · As shown in FIG. 19, the viewing portion 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 19, the viewing portion 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 19, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided on the front surface 24A so as to notch the front surface 24A from its upper end. In the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 19, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 17.

[0049] · As shown in FIG. 20, the viewing portion 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 20, the viewing portion 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 20, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 20, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0050] · As shown in FIG. 21, the viewing part 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 21, the viewing part 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 21, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 21, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0051] · As shown in FIG. 22, the viewing part 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 22, the viewing part 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 22, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 22, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0052] · As shown in FIG. 23, the viewing part 31 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 23, the viewing part 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification example shown in FIG. 23, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 23, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0053] · As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the viewing part 31 may be modified. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the viewing part 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0054] In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the carriage 24 has a light collecting portion 46 for taking in external light. The light collecting portion 46 is, for example, an opening that exposes the accommodating portion 23. In the carriage 24, an opening other than the viewing port 32 can be the light collecting portion 46. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the light collecting portion 46 is provided across the rear surface 24C, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. The light collecting portion 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modification examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the accommodating portion 23 is exposed across the front surface 24A, the rear surface 24C, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E.

[0055] When the carriage 24 is provided with the light collecting portion 46, the following effects can be obtained. (5) The accommodating chamber 35 is illuminated by the external light taken in through the light collecting portion 46. Thereby, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the accommodating portion 23 becomes easy to view.

[0056] · As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the viewing portion 31 may be modified. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the viewing portion 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of accommodating chambers 35. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, one viewing port 32 exposes six accommodating chambers 35. In the viewing portion 31 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing portion 31 shown in FIG. 16.

[0057] In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the carriage 24 has a light collecting portion 46. In the modification examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the light collecting portion 46 is provided on the first side surface 24D and the second side surface 24E. The light collecting portion 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modification examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the accommodating portion 23 is exposed across the front surface 24A, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E.

[0058] · As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the viewing part 31 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the viewing part 31 has a viewing port 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35.

[0059] In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the carriage 24 has a lighting part 46. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the lighting part 46 is provided on the upper surface 24B, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. The lighting part 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the storage part 23 is exposed over the front surface 24A, the upper surface 24B, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the cap 41 is attached to the storage part 23.

[0060] · As shown in FIG. 30, the viewing part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 30, the viewing part 31 has a plurality of viewing ports 32 that respectively expose a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 30, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 12.

[0061] · As shown in FIG. 31, the viewing part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 31, the viewing part 31 has a plurality of viewing ports 32 that respectively expose a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 31, the shape of the viewing port 32 is different from that of the viewing part 31 shown in FIG. 12.

[0062] · As shown in FIG. 32, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. The four cross-sectional views shown in FIG. 32 are cross-sectional views taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(a). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(d).

[0063] · As shown in FIG. 33, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(a). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(h).

[0064] · As shown in FIG. 34, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the side surface shape shown in FIG. 34(a). In the cap 41 shown in FIG. 34(a), the shape of the second end portion 44 is different from that of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 13. For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 34(b). In the cap 41 shown in FIG. 34(b), the shape of the second end portion 44 is different from that of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 13.

[0065] · As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the cap 41 has a bent portion 47 that bends. The bent portion 47 is located between the first end portion 43 and the second end portion 44 in the cap 41. The bent portion 47 bends such that the second end portion 44 contacts the front surface 24A when the cap 41 is closed. In the state where the cap 41 is closed, the portion from the first end portion 43 to the bent portion 47 extends along the upper surface 24B. In the state where the cap 41 is closed, the portion from the bent portion 47 to the second end portion 44 extends along the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 36(a), (b), and (c), the shapes of the second end portion 44 are different respectively.

[0066] · As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the cap 41 has a third end portion 48 in addition to the first end portion 43 and the second end portion 44. The cap 41 has a branch portion 49 that branches into the third end portion 48 in the middle of going from the first end portion 43 to the second end portion 44. In the state where the cap 41 is closed, the portion from the first end portion 43 to the second end portion 44 extends along the upper surface 24B. In the state where the cap 41 is closed, the portion from the branch portion 49 to the third end portion 48 extends along the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 38(a), (b), and (c), the shapes of the second end portion 44 and the third end portion 48 are different respectively.

[0067] · As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the cap 41 has a bent portion 51 that bends. The bent portion 51 is located between the first end portion 43 and the second end portion 44 in the cap 41. In the closed state of the cap 41, due to the bent portion 51, it extends so as to lift from the upper surface 24B on the way from the first end portion 43 toward the second end portion 44. When the cap 41 is in the closed state, the portion from the first end portion 43 to the bent portion 51 extends along the upper surface 24B. When the cap 41 is in the closed state, the portion from the bent portion 51 to the second end portion 44 extends so as to lift from the upper surface 24B. Thus, since the second end portion 44 lifts from the upper surface 24B, it is easy for the user to hook a finger on the second end portion 44. In FIGS. 40(a), (b), and (c), the shape of the second end portion 44 is different respectively.

[0068] · As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the cap 41 has a bent portion 47 that bends and a bent portion 51 that bends. The bent portion 47 and the bent portion 51 are located between the first end portion 43 and the second end portion 44 in the cap 41. The bent portion 51 is located between the first end portion 43 and the bent portion 47 in the cap 41. When the cap 41 is in the closed state, the second end portion 44 contacts the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 42(a), (b), and (c), the shape of the second end portion 44 is different respectively.

[0069] · As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the cap 41 has a bent portion 51 that bends. In the cap 41 in FIGS. 43 and 44, compared with the cap 41 in FIGS. 39 and 40, the second end portion 44 lifts even more from the upper surface 24B. That is, in the bent portion 51 in FIGS. 43 and 44, the degree of bending is larger than that of the bent portion 51 in FIGS. 39 and 40. In FIGS. 44(a), (b), and (c), the shape of the second end portion 44 is different respectively.

[0070] · As shown in FIG. 45, the position of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification example shown in FIG. 45, the cap 41 may be positioned such that the end face of the second end portion 44 is flush with the front face 24A in the closed state. In this case, the cap 41 does not protrude from the front face 24A in the closed state.

[0071] · As shown in FIG. 46, the carriage 24 may be changed. In the modification example shown in FIG. 46, eight caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification example shown in FIG. 46, the carriage 24 is mounted with a housing portion 23 having eight accommodation chambers 35. Thus, the carriage 24 may be configured to mount a housing portion 23 having eight accommodation chambers 35.

[0072] · As shown in FIG. 47, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. The cap 41 shown in FIG. 47 is the cap 41 employed in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 46. The shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 47(a) is the same as the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(h).

[0073] · As shown in FIG. 48, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 48, five caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification example shown in FIG. 48, the carriage 24 is equipped with a housing portion 23 having five storage chambers 35. Thus, the carriage 24 may be configured to carry the housing portion 23 having five storage chambers 35.

[0074] · As shown in FIG. 49, the shape of the cap 41 may be modified. The cap 41 shown in FIG. 49 is the cap 41 employed in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 48. The shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 49(a) is the same as the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be modified to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(h).

[0075] · As shown in FIG. 50, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification example shown in FIG. 50, three caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification example shown in FIG. 50, the carriage 24 is equipped with a housing portion 23 having three storage chambers 35. Thus, the carriage 24 may be configured to carry the housing portion 23 having three storage chambers 35.

[0076] · As shown in FIG. 51, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. The cap 41 shown in FIG. 51 is the cap 41 adopted in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 50. The shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 51(a) is the same as the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 50 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 51(h).

[0077] · As shown in FIG. 52, the carriage 24 may be changed. In the modification example shown in FIG. 52, one cap 41 is attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification example shown in FIG. 52, the carriage 24 is equipped with a housing portion 23 having one storage chamber 35. Thus, the carriage 24 may be configured to carry the housing portion 23 having one storage chamber 35.

[0078] · As shown in FIG. 53, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. The cap 41 shown in FIG. 53 is the cap 41 adopted in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 52. The shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 53(a) is the same as that of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in Fig. 52 may be changed so as to have the planar shape shown in Fig. 53(h).

[0079] · As shown in Fig. 54, the accommodating portion 23 may be configured to have one accommodating chamber 35 and one injection port 36. In this case, by mounting a plurality of arranged accommodating portions 23 on the carriage 24, a plurality of liquids can be supplied to the discharge portion 22.

[0080] · The cap 41 may be configured to be removable from the carriage 24. When the cap 41 is attached to the accommodating portion 23, the cap 41 may be configured to be removable from the accommodating portion 23.

[0081] · The exposed portion 14 may be configured to be able to visually recognize the visual recognition portion 31. The exposed portion 14 may be, for example, a simple hole formed in the housing 12, or may be configured by forming a part of the housing 12 with a transparent material.

[0082] · In the liquid discharge device 11, the configuration of the carriage 24, the shape of the visual recognition portion 31, the shape of the cap 41, etc. may be freely combined. · The medium 99 is not limited to paper, and may be a plastic film, a metal film, a fabric, or the like.

[0083] · The liquid ejected from the ejection unit 22 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the ejection unit 22 may eject a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, and a surface emission display in a dispersed or dissolved form.

[0084] Hereinafter, the technical idea and its operational effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modification examples will be described. (A) The liquid ejection device includes an ejection unit that ejects a liquid onto a medium, a storage unit having a storage chamber that stores the liquid supplied to the ejection unit, an injection port that communicates with the storage chamber, a carriage that mounts the ejection unit and the storage unit and scans the medium, and a cap that closes the injection port. At least a part of the storage unit is made of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber can be visually recognized, and the carriage has a visual recognition unit that exposes the part made of the transparent material in the storage unit.

[0085] According to this configuration, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber can be visually recognized through the visual recognition unit. That is, the visual recognition unit makes it easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage unit mounted on the carriage.

[0086] (B) In the liquid ejection device, the visual recognition unit may be provided on the front surface of the carriage. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid from the front of the carriage.

[0087] (C) In the liquid ejection device, the cap is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the injection port, and has a first end that serves as a fulcrum when opening and closing, and a second end that is an end located opposite to the first end. The second end may be located in front of the front surface of the carriage.

[0088] According to this configuration, it is easy for the user to hold the second end of the cap. Therefore, it becomes easier to open and close the cap. (D) In the above liquid ejection device, the carriage may have a light collecting portion for taking in external light.

[0089] According to this configuration, the storage chamber is illuminated by the external light taken in through the light collecting portion. Thereby, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage portion becomes easy to visually recognize. (E) The above liquid ejection device may include a housing that houses the carriage, and an exposed portion that exposes the visual recognition portion so as to be visible from outside the housing.

[0090] According to this configuration, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage portion can be visually recognized from outside the housing through the exposed portion.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0091] 11… Liquid ejection device, 12… Housing, 12A… First surface, 12B… Second surface, 12C… Third surface, 13… Cover, 13A… First member, 13B… Second member, 14… Exposed portion, 15… Discharge port, 16… Notch, 17… Maintenance opening, 18… Exposure port, 19… Display portion, 21… Cassette, 22… Discharge portion, 23… Storage portion, 23A… Front wall, 24… Carriage, 24A… Front surface, 24B… Upper surface, 24C… Rear surface, 24D… First side surface, 24E… Second side surface, 24F… Bottom surface, 25… Guide shaft, 26… Flexible cable, 31… Visual recognition portion, 32… Visual recognition opening, 33… Connection portion, 35… Storage chamber, 36… Injection port, 37… Exposure hole, 41… Cap, 42… Projection, 43… First end portion, 44… Second end portion, 45… Rotation shaft, 46… Light collecting portion, 47… Bent portion, 48… Third end portion, 49… Branch portion, 51… Zigzag portion, 99… Medium.

Claims

1. A discharge unit that discharges liquid onto a medium; A storage unit having a plurality of storage chambers that store the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and a plurality of inlets that communicate with the plurality of storage chambers respectively; A carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit and scans the medium; A plurality of caps that respectively close the plurality of inlets, and At least a part of the storage unit is made of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of the liquid stored in each of the plurality of storage chambers can be visually recognized. The plurality of inlets are provided on the upper surface of the storage unit. The carriage has a viewing part that exposes the part made of the transparent material in the storage unit and a light collecting part that takes in external light. The viewing part has one viewing port that exposes the plurality of storage chambers. The light collecting part is connected to the one viewing port and includes one opening that exposes the plurality of storage chambers. The liquid discharge device, wherein the opening is provided on a side surface of the carriage.

2. The cap is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inlet, and has a first end that serves as a fulcrum when opening and closing, a second end that is an end located opposite to the first end, a third end, and a branching part that branches to the third end in the middle of going from the first end to the second end. In a state where the cap is closed, the portion from the first end to the second end extends along the upper surface of the carriage. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the cap is closed, the portion from the branching part to the third end extends along the front surface of the carriage.

3. The cap is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the inlet, and has a first end that serves as a fulcrum when opening and closing, a second end that is an end located opposite to the first end, and a bent part located between the first end and the second end. In a closed state, the bent part that bends extends so as to lift from the upper surface of the carriage in the middle of going from the first end to the second end. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1.

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