Recording device

Abstract

To solve such a problem that there are multiple types of ink storage capacities for ink tanks that constitute an image recording device, and a user feels inconsistency in the ink depletion rate among the ink tanks with different ink storage capacities since the height of a window frame of an ink residual capacity display window is the same.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a housing section which is provided in the recording device main body and stores a plurality of storage units for storing recording agents; and a status display section which is provided on the front wall surface of the housing section which is constituted by the same surface as the front surface wall of the recording device and is formed with different shapes corresponding to the storage units with different storage capacities of the recording agent. The height of a first status display section corresponding to the storage unit with a larger storage capacity of the recording agent is lower than the height of a second status display section corresponding to another storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that stores information on a recording medium using a recording agent.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a recording apparatus equipped with an ink tank, the ink tank is located on the front side of the recording apparatus. In such a configuration, in many cases, a window portion through which the housing portion of the ink tank can be visually recognized from the outside is formed on the front wall of the recording apparatus so that the user can check the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank.

[0003] Further, in a recording apparatus equipped with a recording head for ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium, while a carriage on which the recording head is mounted reciprocates in the main scanning direction, droplets are discharged from the recording head onto the recording medium to perform storage. The ink ejected from the recording head onto the recording medium is supplied from an ink tank provided separately from the carriage toward the recording head. Identification information indicating the type and remaining amount of ink, graduations, etc. are provided on the surface of this ink tank, and by making these identification information and graduations visible from the outside, the user can check the type and remaining amount of ink. Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet printer provided with an ink tank and a display window for checking the remaining amount of ink on the front surface of the apparatus body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1 has multiple ink tanks depending on the type of ink, and the ink storage capacity of each ink tank also differs. However, in Patent Document 1, the height of the display window corresponding to each ink tank is the same. As a result, the ink level displayed in the display window of an ink tank with a large amount of ink usage will appear to decrease more rapidly than the decrease in the display window of other ink tanks with relatively less ink usage.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to improve the usability of a recording device equipped with storage sections that hold different amounts of recording material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a recording device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A cassette containing a recording medium and having a window for viewing the recording medium, A recording unit that records onto a recording medium supplied from the cassette, A first display unit that allows the amount of recording material in the first storage unit, in which the recording material to be supplied to the recording unit is stored, A recording device comprising: a second display unit that allows the amount of recording material in a second storage unit, in which the recording material to be supplied to the recording unit is stored, In the height direction of the recording device, the upper end of the window portion is located between the upper and lower ends of the first display portion and the second display portion. The width of the second display unit is wider than the width of the first display unit, and in the width direction of the recording device, the second display unit is located between the window unit and the first display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the effect of improving the usability of a recording device that has multiple storage sections, including storage sections with different amounts of recording material.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. [Figure 1] A perspective view illustrating the configuration of a recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the paper feed cassette removed from the main body of the recording device. [Figure 3] A schematic external perspective view showing the external appearance of a recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A front view of the recording device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic perspective view showing the reading section of the recording device according to the embodiment in an open state relative to the lower housing. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a top view with the reading unit removed. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a state in which the positions of the panel operation unit, ink storage unit cover, and waste ink storage unit cover of the recording device according to the embodiment have changed due to user operation. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating a tilt mechanism for changing the angle of the control panel of a recording device according to an embodiment in multiple stages. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the rotation mechanism of the panel operation section and the ink reservoir cover in recording device 1. [Figure 10] Top and bottom perspective views of the waste ink reservoir cover. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the area around the waste ink reservoir in the lower casing with the waste ink reservoir cover removed. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the attachment and detachment path of the waste ink reservoir cover. [Figure 13]A diagram for explaining the state in which the waste ink storage unit cover is attached to the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 14A] A diagram for explaining the ink storage unit, the ink storage unit cover, and the surrounding mechanisms of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 14B] A diagram for explaining the ink storage unit, the ink storage unit cover, and the surrounding mechanisms of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram for explaining the window of the ink storage unit of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] A perspective view showing the state in which the reading unit 10 is opened with respect to the printer unit 104 in the recording apparatus 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram for explaining the mechanism for attaching the damper unit to the printer unit in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the attachment state and operation of the reading unit and the arm gear in the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] A diagram showing the structure of the damper unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] A diagram showing the partition shape of the window according to another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[0012] First, the terms used in this embodiment are defined in advance as follows. ·"record" In this specification, "record" does not refer only to cases where meaningful information is formed, such as characters or figures. It does not refer to cases where the information is meaningful or meaningless, or where it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by a human being. It also broadly refers to cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where a medium is processed. Furthermore, "record" does not refer to cases where it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by a human being. • "Recording medium" The term "recording medium" refers not only to paper, which is commonly used in recording devices, but also to a wider range of materials capable of accepting ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. ·"ink" Ink, as with the definition of "record" above, should be interpreted broadly and refers to a medium containing recording material that, when applied to a recording medium, can be used to form images, patterns, designs, etc., or to process the recording medium, or to treat the ink. Physically, it is a liquid. The ink treatment mentioned above refers, for example, to the coagulation or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium. ·"nozzle" Unless otherwise specified, the term "nozzle" refers to the discharge port. Inside the nozzle are interconnected liquid channels and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection. ·"scanning" To record data onto a recording medium, the recording head scans the recording medium and performs the recording. Here, scanning refers to the movement of the head during acceleration and deceleration for the purpose of recording or related to recording.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a recording device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the configuration of the recording unit attached to (housed in) the lower housing 2 of the recording device 1 with the outer cover removed.

[0014] The recording device 1 according to this embodiment is an example of applying the present invention to a so-called inkjet printer, which records images by ejecting ink (recording agent) as a liquid for image recording onto a recording material (liquid ejection method). The recording device according to this embodiment is not limited to a liquid ejection type image recording device (image forming apparatus), but may also be applied to, for example, an electrophotographic recording device (laser printer). In that case, the recording agent would be toner.

[0015] The arrows X, Y, and Z in Figure 1 indicate the width, depth, and height directions of the recording device 1, and are intersecting directions (in this case, perpendicular directions). The same applies to the arrows X, Y, and Z in the other figures. Each of these directions is determined relative to the mounting surface of the recording device 1. For example, if the recording device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface, as is the usual assumed installation state, the Z direction, which is the height direction, will coincide with the vertical direction, and the X and Y directions will coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0016] <Overall Structure> As shown in Figure 1, the various mechanical parts of the recording device 1 are mounted on the lower housing 2 of the main body of the device. The lower part of the lower housing 2 (negative Z-direction side) is provided with a paper feed section 3 for loading sheet material. The top sheet material on the paper feed section 3 is separated by a feeding means and a transport path (not shown) and fed to the transport section 4. The fed sheet material is transported by the transport section 4 and the paper discharge section 6 through the image recording section (image forming section) 5 in the -Y direction (from the back of the device to the front). In the above configuration example, the paper feed section 3 is described as being on the front side of the main body, but it can also be provided on the back side of the main body, or on the back side in addition to the front side.

[0017] <Ink storage section> The image recording unit 5 receives ink from the ink storage unit 70, which contains the ink necessary for recording, and discharges ink onto the sheet material based on the recording information to record an image. In addition, to maintain recording quality, it performs a recovery operation of the nozzle (not shown) provided in the image recording unit 5. During this process, waste ink that is not used for recording is generated, so some models are provided with a replaceable waste ink storage unit 80 to contain the waste ink. The damper unit 103 will be described in detail later.

[0018] <Cassette window area> Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the paper feed cassette 31 removed from the main body of the recording device 1.

[0019] The paper feed cassette 31 is the cassette of the paper feed unit 3, where P represents paper (sheet), and the sheets are separated and transported one by one in the direction of arrow A as described above. The paper side regulating member 32 is a regulating guide that restricts the left and right sides of the paper. The paper rear end regulating member 33 restricts the rear end of the paper so that the leading edge of the paper is properly positioned in the separation unit (not shown) when the paper is set. In Figure 2, it is positioned to restrict A4 size recording paper, but it is possible to accommodate different sizes of recording paper by changing the positions of the regulating members 32 and 33. The cassette front part 34 is located on the front of the paper feed cassette 31 and has a finger grip part 34a. The window part 35 is provided on the cassette front part 34 and is made of a transparent material. The user can visually determine the remaining amount of recording paper in the paper feed cassette 31 by looking inside the paper feed cassette 31 through this window part 35. While it is conceivable to provide an opening in the cassette wall instead of the window portion 35, this raises concerns about dust intrusion and deterioration of separation performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the window portion 35 and the cassette front portion 34 are formed on the same plane. As a result, the window portion 35 and the cassette front portion 34 are configured with virtually no difference in height, eliminating concerns about dust accumulating on any gaps and ensuring that visibility through the window portion 35 is not impaired.

[0020] <Reading section structure> Figure 3 is a schematic external perspective view showing the external appearance of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment, showing the reading unit 10 closed to the lower housing 2. Figure 4 is a front view of the recording device 1. <Panel section> The recording device 1 is equipped with a control panel 90 for operating the recording device 1, and Figure 3 shows the control panel 90 housed in the lower housing 2. In the state shown in Figure 3, the front end (minus Y side) of the control panel 90 is positioned in front of the reading unit 10, and the upper surface of the control panel 90 is positioned to form the upper surface of the device.

[0021] <Ink reservoir cover> The recording device 1 is equipped with an ink reservoir cover 71 to cover the ink reservoir 70 (Figure 1). Figure 3 shows the state in which the ink reservoir cover 71 is closed to the lower housing 2. In the state shown in Figure 3, the front end (minus Y side) of the ink reservoir cover 71 is in front of the reading unit 10 and adjacent to the panel operation unit 90, and the upper surface of the ink reservoir cover 71 is positioned to form the upper surface of the device.

[0022] <Waste ink reservoir cover> The recording device 1 is equipped with a waste ink storage cover 81 to cover the waste ink storage section 80 (Figure 1). Figure 3 shows the waste ink storage cover 81 attached to the lower housing 2. In the state shown in Figure 3, the front end (minus Y side) of the waste ink storage cover 81 is located in front of the reading section 10 and adjacent to the panel operation section 90, and the upper surface of the ink storage cover 81 is positioned to form the upper surface of the device.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the panel operation unit 90, the ink storage unit cover 71, and the waste ink storage unit cover 81 are arranged so that their upper surfaces are at approximately the same height. In the above example, a configuration in which the ink storage unit cover 71, the waste ink storage unit cover 81, and the panel operation unit 90 are arranged side by side was described, but for example, only these two may be placed on the front side of the device.

[0024] <Reading section opening / closing mechanism and jamming process> Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment, with the reading unit 10 open to the printer unit 104, which includes the image recording unit 5. Figure 6 is a top view of Figure 5 with the reading unit 10 removed. In Figures 5 and 6, parts common to the aforementioned drawings are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0025] The reading unit 10 engages with the printer unit 104 via a pivot shaft (not shown), and is configured to be able to take on a closed state and an open state by rotating relative to the printer unit 104 around the pivot shaft.

[0026] When removing jammed paper around the image recording unit 5 or in the transport path, the user can open the reading unit 10 in the +R direction, allowing access to the inside of the printer unit 104 via the opening 101e (Figure 6). Furthermore, by providing a damper unit 103 in the opening and closing mechanism of the reading unit 10, stable opening and closing operation of the reading unit 10 is possible. Details of the configuration of the damper unit 103 will be described later. The present invention can also be applied to recording devices equipped with a reading unit and a document transport unit, as well as recording devices equipped with a rotating outer cover that does not have a document transport unit and a reading function. Reference numeral 101 is a frame member that forms the bearing portion of the printer unit 104.

[0027] <Panel / Cover Flexible Operation Configuration> Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the positions of the panel operation unit 90, the ink storage unit cover 71, and the waste ink storage unit cover 81 of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment have changed due to user operation.

[0028] The control panel 90 is rotatably connected to the printer unit 104 via a tilt mechanism to allow for multi-stage changes in the angle of the control panel surface. Figure 7 shows the control panel 90 in a state where it is opened (rotated) to the negative R side (Figure 5) relative to the printer unit 104. In this way, the user can rotate the control panel 90 to change the position of the control panel surface to one that is easy to see and operate.

[0029] The reading unit 10 is provided with a recessed shape 13 to ensure space for the user's fingers when rotating the panel operation unit 90. The recessed shape 13 may also be used as a gripping shape when rotating the reading unit 10. Details of the configuration of the panel operation unit 90 will be described later.

[0030] The ink reservoir cover 71 has a shaft that rotates relative to the printer unit 104 and is connected in a substantially fitted state to the frame member 101 (Figure 6) that forms the bearing portion of the printer unit 104. The user can replenish ink in the ink reservoir 70 by rotating the ink reservoir cover 71 toward the rear of the device (positive R side). Details of the configuration of the ink reservoir cover 71 will be described later.

[0031] The waste ink reservoir cover 81 is designed to be detachable from the printer unit 104 by sliding it in the depth direction (Y direction) of the device. Figure 7 shows the waste ink reservoir cover 81 in a state removed from the printer unit 104. By removing the waste ink reservoir cover 81, the user can replace the waste ink reservoir. Details of the configuration of the waste ink reservoir cover 81 will be described later.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the panel operation unit 90, the ink storage unit cover 71, and the waste ink storage unit cover 81 are arranged side by side in front of the reading unit 10. This improves the visibility and operability of the ink storage unit 70 located below the panel operation unit 90 and the ink storage unit cover 71, and the waste ink storage unit 80 located below the waste ink storage unit cover 81. Furthermore, a large amount of space can be secured for the panel operation unit 90, the ink storage unit 70, and the waste ink storage unit 80. As a result, it becomes possible to expand the functions of each component, such as providing a tilt function to the panel operation unit 90 or increasing the capacity of the ink storage unit 70.

[0033] Furthermore, by constructing the ink reservoir cover 71 and the waste ink reservoir cover 81 from transparent or translucent parts, the user can see the contents even when the covers are closed.

[0034] <Explanation of Panel Configuration> Next, we will describe the control panel 90 provided for operating the recording device 1.

[0035] The panel operation unit 90 is rotatable between a closed position, where it is housed in the device as shown in Figure 3, and an open position 1, where it is opened (rotated) to the negative R side relative to the printer unit 104 as shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, a tilt mechanism 91 (Figure 8) is employed that has three holding positions, with a second open position between the closed position and the first open position, but the number of holding positions and whether or not it is free-stop are not relevant. By making the panel operation unit 90 rotatable in this way, the user can improve the visibility and operability of the panel operation surface.

[0036] Figure 8 illustrates a tilt mechanism for changing the angle of the control panel of the recording device 1 according to this embodiment in multiple stages.

[0037] The control panel is connected to the printer unit 104 via a tilt mechanism 91. As shown in Figure 8, the tilt mechanism 91 has a cam section 92 and a slider section 93. The cam section 92 is provided with cam surfaces 92a, 92b, and 92c corresponding to the closed position, first open position, and second open position. The slider section 93 is biased toward the cam section 92 by a biasing means (not shown), and is configured to generate frictional force at the contact surface between the two.

[0038] The control panel 90 is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the paper feeding area in the device width direction (X direction). By positioning the control panel 90 in the center of the main body of the recording device 1 in this way, it becomes possible to provide the grip shape 94 (Figure 7) on which the user places their fingers when rotating the control panel 90 and the grip shape 13 (Figure 7) of the reading unit in the same space, thereby ensuring a wide operating range.

[0039] The control panel 90 is configured so that, even when rotated by the tilt mechanism 91, it does not overlap with the paper ejection section 6 from which the paper is ejected in the device height direction (Z direction). This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the control panel and the output without hindering the paper ejection function.

[0040] Figure 9 illustrates the rotation mechanism of the panel operation unit 90 and the ink storage unit cover 71 in the recording device 1.

[0041] Figure 9(a) is a top view showing the closed position of the control panel 90, with the control panel surface facing the top of the device.

[0042] In this closed position, there is a problem that dust tends to accumulate on the panel operating surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, a full-flat configuration is adopted in which the height of the resistive touchscreen, mechanical keys, and panel cover in the top direction is aligned, and the top is covered with sheet keys. This makes it possible to improve user cleanability without impairing the functionality of the panel operating section 90. Note that this is not limited to a resistive touchscreen; an electrostatic touchscreen or the like may also be used.

[0043] Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view of EE in Figure 9(a) illustrating the state in which the panel operating section 90 is rotating.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9(b), the panel operation unit 90 rotates around the rotation axis 90a, and the outermost part of the rotation passes through the rotation trajectory 90b. This configuration allows the panel operation unit 90 to rotate even when the reading unit 10 is closed, ensuring good visibility of the panel even while the recording device 1 is in operation.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 9(c) is a cross-sectional view of the FF in Figure 9(a) illustrating the state in which the ink reservoir cover 71 rotates.

[0046] By positioning the pivot center 71a of the ink reservoir cover 71 at the position shown in the figure, the ink reservoir cover 71 can be raised almost upright without opening the reading unit 10, as shown in Figure 7, allowing ink to be replenished while the reading unit 10 remains closed. This improves the ease of operation when replacing the ink tank.

[0047] The ink reservoir cover 71 has a click mechanism (not shown) and is configured so that the user feels a click when the ink reservoir cover 71 is at an angle of approximately 90° and 0°. This ensures that the user can reliably open and close the ink reservoir cover 71.

[0048] <Explanation of the waste ink reservoir cover> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the waste ink storage cover 81 of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 10(a) is a top perspective view of the waste ink storage cover 81, and Figure 10(b) is a bottom perspective view of the waste ink storage cover 81.

[0049] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the waste ink reservoir 80 of the printer unit 104 with the waste ink reservoir cover 81 removed.

[0050] The following explanation will be given with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0051] The waste ink reservoir cover 81 is provided with a lock lever 82 and a lock member 83, and the lock lever 82 and the lock member 83 can slide laterally in synchronous motion. The frame member 101 is provided with a locking shape 102. When the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is set on the frame member 101, the user slides the lock lever 82, causing the lock part 831 to engage with the locking shape 102, and the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is locked to the frame member 101. When the reading unit 10 is closed, the lock lever 82 is hidden by the reading unit 10, and when the reading unit 10 is open, it is exposed. This ensures access to the waste ink reservoir 80 while reducing the risk of the waste ink reservoir 80 being unintentionally opened.

[0052] Figure 12 illustrates the trajectory of attaching and detaching the waste ink reservoir cover 81. Figure 12(a) shows the state with the waste ink reservoir cover 81 attached, Figure 12(b) shows the first stage of the trajectory when removing the waste ink reservoir cover 81, and Figure 12(c) shows the second stage of the trajectory when removing the waste ink reservoir cover 81. The arrows in Figures 12(b) and 12(c) indicate the direction of movement when removing the waste ink reservoir cover 81. When the state shown in Figure 12(c) is reached, the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is completely separated from the attachment mechanism of the printer unit 104, and the user can remove the waste ink reservoir cover 81.

[0053] In this way, the user can replace the waste ink storage unit 80 by removing the waste ink storage unit cover 81.

[0054] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the waste ink storage cover 81 is attached to the recording device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0055] Figure 13(a) is a top view of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment, Figure 13(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section aa in Figure 13(a), and Figure 13(c) is a cross-sectional view bb in Figure 13(a).

[0056] When the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is set on the frame member 101 and the reading unit 10 is closed, the movement of the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is restricted by the cover restricting shape 11 (Figures 13(b) and 13(c)). This prevents the waste ink reservoir cover 81 from accidentally falling off, even if the user forgets to set the lock lever 82 to the locked position.

[0057] When the waste ink reservoir cover 81 is set on the frame member, the lock lever 82 is set in the locked position, and the reading unit 10 is closed, the movement of the lock lever 82 is restricted by the lock lever locking shape 102 (Figure 11). This prevents the lock lever 82 from unintentionally moving to the released position due to impacts during product transportation, etc.

[0058] Figure 14 A, 14B This figure illustrates the ink storage section 7 and ink storage section cover 71 and the surrounding mechanism of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 14A(a) is a front view of the recording device according to the embodiment during ink injection, showing the positional relationship between the first open position of the panel operation section 90 and the ink bottle 74 during ink injection. Figure 14A(b) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 14A(a) at cc, and Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 14A(b) at dd.

[0059] The ink reservoir 70 is equipped with four ink tanks 72 for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Opening the ink reservoir cover 71 allows access to each ink tank, and each of these ink tanks 72 is fitted with an ink tank cap 73 to prevent ink leakage. These ink tank caps 73 are made of materials corresponding to each ink color, and the ink reservoir cover 71 uses transparent or semi-transparent components to improve visibility for the user.

[0060] The ink tank cap 73 has a cap lever 73a, which rotates around a pivot center 73b and is located on the same side (Y direction) as the pivot center 71a (Figure 9(c)) of the ink reservoir cover 71. In addition, ribs 71b are positioned on the inside of the ink reservoir cover 71, opposite to the ink tank caps 73 of each color. When the ink reservoir cover 71 is closed, these ribs 71b engage with the cap lever 73a, pushing down the ink tank cap lever 73a and closing the cap. As a result, even if a user who has finished refilling the ink forgets to tighten the ink tank cap 73 and tries to tighten the ink reservoir cover 71, closing the ink reservoir cover 71 will push down the cap lever 73a and close the ink tank cap 73.

[0061] The needle portion 72c (Figures 14A(b) and 14B) is a needle-shaped needle portion that engages with the ink bottle 74 provided in the ink tank 72. When this needle portion 72c engages with the mouth of the ink bottle 74, the ink in the ink bottle 74 is filled into the ink tank 72. As shown in the figure, the clearance between the rotation range of the panel operation unit 90 and the ink injection port (needle position) on the center side of the device is made larger than the radius of the ink bottle. Similarly in Figure 14B, the tank shape and needle are formed in a way that avoids the side cover 2r and ink cap frame 76, which are cover members of the printer unit 104. Although there are space constraints for the ink tank due to the miniaturization of the device size and the enlargement of the panel, the size of the ink bottle 74 and the needle position are balanced so as not to impair usability. This ensures the visibility and operability of the panel operation unit 90 even when injecting ink of each color, and also prevents interference between the frame member and the ink bottle 74.

[0062] Furthermore, the pivot center 73b of the cap lever 73a in Figure 14A(b) and the pivot center 71a of the ink reservoir cover 71 (Figure 9(c)) are both located on the rear side of the ink reservoir cover 71, and both rotate to the +R side when opened. This configuration ensures that when the covers are opened during ink filling, the tall parts of the ink reservoir cover 71 and ink tank cap 73 are gathered to one side, separating them from the needle 72c (ink bottle center), thus preventing interference with the ink bottle 74 in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0063] The sheet material 75 in Figure 7 is attached to the frame member 101, and the sheet has information indicating the ink color, etc., aligned to correspond to the ink tank caps 73 of each color. The sheet material 75 is provided on the vertical wall portion of the frame member 101 so that it can be seen by the user from the front when the ink reservoir cover 71 is opened. In this embodiment, the sheet material 75 is attached to the frame member 101, but it may also be printed directly on the wall, or processed with a laser marker or the like.

[0064] <Ink storage window> Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the window portion 120a of the ink storage portion 70 of the recording device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 15(a) shows the window portion 120a of the ink storage portion 70 when the recording device 1 is viewed from the front, and Figure 15(b) is a diagram illustrating the inside of the window portion.

[0065] The ink tank 72 is divided into sections for each color, and at least the ink status indicators 72a and 72b located on the front are made of a transparent material that allows the inside of the tank to be seen so that the ink storage status of each color can be visually checked. Indicator 72a indicates the indicator for the tank storing black ink, and indicator 72b indicates the indicator for the color inks (in this embodiment, cyan, magenta, and yellow).

[0066] The front member 120 is a front member that forms the front of the recording device 1. The window portion 120a is located in a position that covers the ink storage portion 70 and is opposite the ink status display portions 72a and 72b. This window portion is also made of a transparent material. The user can visually check the ink status display portions 72a and 72b inside through the window portion 120a to determine the remaining amount of each ink. It is also conceivable to provide an opening in the wall surface of the front member 120 instead of providing the window portion 120a, but this would raise concerns about dust entering or mist escaping from the opening, and countermeasures would need to be taken if an opening is provided. In this embodiment, the window portion 120a and the front member 120 are on the same plane. As a result, the window portion 120a and the front member 120 have a configuration with almost no step difference, so there is no concern about dust accumulating on the step or mist blowing out.

[0067] Here, the cassette front portion 34 and the front member 120 form the same plane in the Y direction. That is, the window portion 35 of the cassette and the window portion 120a of the ink reservoir are at the same height. This eliminates any obstructions when the user views the window. The recording paper limit indicator 35a is an indicator provided in the cassette window 35 that shows the upper limit of the amount of recording paper that can be loaded. This upper limit of the loadable amount indicates the position of the top surface (loading surface) of the loaded paper when the maximum amount of recording media that can be loaded into the paper feed cassette 31 is loaded.

[0068] Indicators 72a1 and 72a2 are indicators provided on the black ink status indicator unit 72a, respectively, indicating the lower and upper ink limits. Indicators 72b1 and 72b2 are indicators provided on the color ink status indicator unit 72b, respectively, indicating the lower and upper ink limits. The heights of these indicators 72a1 and 72a2 are set to approximately the same height as the lower limit of the paper stacking surface in the paper feed cassette. The lower limit of the stacking surface indicates the position of the stacking surface when the amount of recording media stacked is the minimum amount of recording media that can be stacked in the paper feed cassette 31.

[0069] Xa and Xb indicate the widths of the ink status indicators 72a and 72b, respectively, while Ya and Yb indicate the height difference between indicators 72a1 and 72a2, and indicators 72b1 and 72b2, respectively. As is clear from the diagram, the ink status indicators 72a and 72b are constructed with different heights. This is to intentionally change the area of ​​the ink indicators. Generally, black ink is consumed faster than color ink. Therefore, if the same volume of black ink and color ink are stored, the black ink will decrease faster, resulting in a steeper decrease in the ink indicator. To address this, measures such as increasing the amount of black ink stored are taken, and the area of ​​the black ink indicator is changed to prevent the decrease in the black ink indicator from being too steep. This reduces the difference between the display of the amount of ink decreased in the black ink indicator and the color ink indicator, thus preventing user anxiety.

[0070] In Figure 15(b), the height of the indicator 72a2 on the black ink status indicator 72a is lower than the indicator 72b2 on the color ink status indicator 72b. This makes the rate at which the liquid level in the black ink status indicator 72a decreases slower than the rate at which the liquid level in the color ink status indicator 72b decreases. Conventionally, the height of the indicator showing the upper limit position of the black ink status indicator is the same as the height of the indicator showing the upper limit position of the color ink status indicator, but the display width of the black ink status indicator is wider. This is because making the black ink status indicator larger indicates that the amount of black ink is greater than the amount of color ink. In reality, black ink is consumed more, and because the black ink status indicator is larger, users may get the impression that the black ink is running out faster, which could cause anxiety. Therefore, by making the rate at which the liquid level in the black ink status indicator decreases slower, there is a concern that the liquid level in the color ink status indicator may appear to decrease faster, but since the rate at which the color ink is consumed remains the same as in previous products and there are multiple colors, users will perceive that only the rate at which the liquid level in the black ink status indicator decreases has slowed down. The actual ink storage capacities are set as follows: for example, the black ink capacity is 91ml and the color ink capacity is 53ml. This ensures that the black and color inks decrease at roughly the same rate, resulting in the ink replenishment timing being approximately the same.

[0071] Although not shown in Figure 15, the black ink status indicator 72a and the color ink status indicator 72b may also display identification information indicating the type of ink. Furthermore, the indicators may include not only lines and triangular marks as shown in Figure 15, but also dots that serve as scales indicating the remaining amount.

[0072] Furthermore, the notch shape 120b visually separates the ink status indicator sections 72a and 72b, which have different areas. This explicitly indicates that the ink consumption rates are different, alleviating user anxiety.

[0073] Figure 20 shows an example of another embodiment of the partition shape provided in the window section 120a.

[0074] Figure 20(a) shows an example in which a downwardly convex shape 120b1 is provided on the window portion 120a, and Figure 20(b) shows an example in which a groove 120b2 is provided at the boundary between the black ink status indicator portion 72a and the color ink status indicator portion 72b. Conversely, Figure 20(c) shows an example in which a convex rib 120b3 is provided at the boundary between the black ink status indicator portion 72a and the color ink status indicator portion 72b, the opposite of Figure 20(b).

[0075] <Damper Unit> Next, the damper unit 103, which is provided as part of the opening and closing mechanism for the reading unit 10 relative to the printer unit, will be described. The damper unit 103 is provided to prevent the reading unit 10 from closing rapidly due to its own weight or the like when it is open.

[0076] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the recording device 1 of the embodiment with the reading unit 10 open relative to the printer unit 104, and the damper unit 103 is provided near the pivot point (not shown) of the reading unit 10. This position is used to minimize the amount of movement of the components when opening and closing the reading unit 10 by placing it near the pivot point, thereby miniaturizing the damper unit 103.

[0077] Figure 17 illustrates the mechanism for attaching the damper unit 103 to the printer unit 104 in the recording device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 17(a) shows the damper unit 103 attached to the printer unit 104, and Figure 17(b) shows the damper unit 103 separated from the printer unit 104.

[0078] The damper unit 103 is positioned on the frame member 101 of the printer unit 104 by mounting surfaces 101a, 101b and positioning bosses 101c, 101d, and fastened with screws 105, 106. The mounting surfaces 101a, 101b are configured to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the load received by the arm gear 107, which will be described later. Furthermore, the frame member 101 around the mounting surfaces is configured to be highly rigid against the load received by the damper unit 103 from the reading unit 10, due to its own shape and positional relationship with surrounding parts.

[0079] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the mounting state and operation of the reading unit 10 and arm gear 107 in the recording device 1 according to the embodiment, with Figure 18(a) showing the reading unit 10 in the open state and Figure 18(b) showing the closed state.

[0080] The reading unit 10 is pivotally supported by a bearing (not shown) of the printer unit 104 and is rotatable, and is connected to the arm gear 107 of the damper unit 103 near the screw tightening portion 108. Furthermore, the mechanism within the damper unit 103 is configured such that the damper inside the damper unit acts and generates damping force only when transitioning from the state in Figure 18(a) to the state in Figure 18(b).

[0081] Next, we will describe the internal structure of the damper unit 103.

[0082] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the damper unit 103 according to the embodiment, where Figures 19(a) and (b) are external views from different viewpoints, and Figure 19(c) hides frame components other than the gear train.

[0083] External force is input to the damper unit 103 from the arm gear 107, and torque is transmitted to the damper gear 115 via the first gear 110, second gear 111, third gear 112, clutch 113, and fourth gear 114. The damper gear 115 incorporates an oil damper as an example, and generates a predetermined damping torque when torque is input from the outside. Furthermore, when the gear train moves in the direction that opens the reading unit 10, the clutch 113 and the third gear 112 work together to disconnect the drive train to the damper gear 115, thereby reducing the operating force required by the user to open the reading unit 10.

[0084] Furthermore, these gear trains are designed to withstand large load inputs to the arm gear 107. Specifically, each gear is supported by double supports, and the gear support components 116, 117, and 118 are made of materials with sufficient strength.

[0085] Furthermore, while some conventional products integrated the gear support components with the printer unit 104, this embodiment separates the gear support function and places it in the damper unit 103 components, increasing the freedom of material selection for both. This makes it possible to apply the most suitable material to each component. For example, a low-strength material can be used for the printer unit frame member 101, while the support components 116, 117, and 118 of the damper unit 103 can each be constructed from materials with sufficient strength.

[0086] Furthermore, this configuration is common to the printer section and can be optimally applied to multiple models with significantly different configurations for the reading unit 10. For example, a product may be offered with and without an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) in the reading unit 10. In this case, multiple units with varying damping forces can be prepared, and the optimal unit can be installed according to the weight of the reading unit 10.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0088] This specification and drawings disclose the following recording device.

[0089] [Item 1] A recording device, A storage section is provided in the main body of the recording device and houses a plurality of storage sections for storing recording material, The storage section is provided on the front wall surface of the storage section, which is on the same plane as the front wall of the recording device, and has a state indicator section whose shape differs to correspond to storage sections with different amounts of recording material stored. A recording device characterized in that the height of the first status indicator corresponding to a storage section with a large amount of recording material is lower than the height of the second status indicator corresponding to other storage sections.

[0090] [Item 2] The recording device according to item 1, characterized in that the width of the first status display unit is wider than the width of the second status display unit.

[0091] [Item 3] The recording device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the status display unit further includes identification information indicating the type of recording agent.

[0092] [Item 4] The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the front surface of the status display unit is covered with a cover having a transparent first window.

[0093] [Item 5] The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the first status display unit and the second status display unit include indicators that show the upper and lower limits of the stored recording material.

[0094] [Item 6] The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising a member that separates the first status display unit and the second status display unit.

[0095] [Item 7] The aforementioned cover is adjacent to the cassette that stores the recording medium, The recording device according to item 4, characterized in that the cassette has a transparent window portion that allows the remaining amount of the stored recording medium to be checked, and when the cassette is housed in the main body of the recording device, the cover and the window portion are on the same plane.

[0096] [Item 8] The recording device according to item 7, characterized in that the lower limit of the recording medium loading surface in the cassette and the height of the lower limit indicator of the status display unit are substantially the same.

[0097] [Item 9] The recording device according to item 7, characterized in that the window portion includes an upper limit indicator indicating the upper limit of the recording medium, and the height of the upper limit indicator and the height of the upper limit indicator of the first status display portion are substantially the same.

[0098] [Item 10] The recording device according to item 5, characterized in that the index comprises at least one of a point and a line.

[0099] [Item 11] The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that the recording agent is ink.

[0100] [Item 12] The recording device according to item 11, first window section, characterized in that the storage section for storing a large amount of the recording material is a storage section for storing black ink.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of the invention public. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1…Image recording device, 2…Lower housing, 5…Recording unit, 10…Reading unit, 12…Lock lever restricting shape, 13…Grip shape, 31…Paper feed cassette, 70…Ink storage unit, 71…Ink storage unit cover, 72…Ink tank, 72a…Black ink status indicator, 72b…Color ink status indicator, 73…Ink tank cap, 73a…Cap lever, 74…Ink bottle, 80…Waste ink storage unit, 81…Waste ink storage unit cover, 82…Lock lever, 83…Lock member, 831…Lock part, 90…Panel operation unit, 101…Frame member, 101a, 101b…Mounting surface, 101e…Opening, 102…Locking shape, 103…Damper unit, 104…Printer unit, 120…Front member, 120a…Window part, 120b…Notch shape

Claims

1. A cassette containing a recording medium and having a window for viewing the recording medium, A recording unit that records onto a recording medium supplied from the cassette, A first display unit that allows the amount of recording material in the first storage unit, in which the recording material to be supplied to the recording unit is stored, A recording device comprising: a second display unit that allows the amount of recording material in a second storage unit, in which the recording material to be supplied to the recording unit is stored, In the height direction of the recording device, the upper end of the window portion is located between the upper and lower ends of the first display portion and the second display portion. A recording device characterized in that the width of the second display section is wider than the width of the first display section, and in the width direction of the recording device, the second display section is located between the window section and the first display section.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a needle portion for filling the second storage portion with recording material, wherein the center of the second display portion and the center of the needle portion are different in the width direction of the recording device.

3. A rotatable, user-operated control unit, The device further comprises a cover that covers the first storage section, The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating section and the cover are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the recording device.

4. The first display unit includes a plurality of indicators, The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of the window portion is located between the upper first indicator and the lower second indicator of the plurality of indicators.

5. The recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating unit is provided above the cassette.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording material stored in the second storage section is black ink.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording material stored in the first storage section is color ink.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of the first display unit and the first storage unit are provided.

9. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the window portion is made of a transparent material.

10. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the window portion is located on the side of the first storage portion in the width direction of the cassette.

11. A cover provided above the first storage section, which is rotatable between a position that covers the first storage section and a position that leaves it open, The system further includes a reading unit that can rotate to a position that covers the recording unit and a position that opens it, The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover can be opened when the reading unit covers the recording unit.

Images