JP7342454B2 - liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

Patent Document 1 describes, as an example of a liquid ejection apparatus, a recording apparatus that includes an ejection section that ejects liquid, a carriage that mounts the ejection section, and a storage section that accommodates the liquid. In this recording device, the liquid contained in the storage section is supplied to the ejection section.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-1446

In such a recording device, a carriage may mount the storage section. In this case, since the accommodating part is covered by the carriage, it may be difficult to visually recognize the remaining amount of liquid contained in the accommodating part.

A liquid ejecting device that solves the above problems includes: a discharging part that ejects a liquid onto a medium; a containing part that has a containing chamber that accommodates the liquid supplied to the discharging part; and an injection port that communicates with the containing chamber; a carriage carrying a storage section and the storage section, the carriage scans the medium, and a cap that closes the injection port, and at least a portion of the storage section is configured to control the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber. The carriage is made of a transparent material so as to be visible, and the carriage has a viewing part that exposes a portion made of the transparent material in the housing part.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a liquid ejection device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection device seen from a different angle from FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection device with the cover open. A perspective view of the carriage. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carriage seen from a different angle from FIG. 4; A perspective view of the storage section. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carriage with the cap open. Side view of the cap. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8; A top view of the carriage. Bottom view of the carriage. Front view of the carriage. Left side view of the carriage. Right side view of the carriage. Rear view of the carriage. The front view which shows the 1st example of a change of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 2nd example of a change of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 3rd example of a change of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 4th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 5th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 6th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 7th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 8th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 9th modification example of a visual recognition part. The side view which shows the 9th example of a change of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 10th modification example of a visual recognition part. The side view which shows the 10th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 11th modification example of a visual recognition part. The side view which shows the 11th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 12th modification example of a visual recognition part. The front view which shows the 13th modification example of a visual recognition part. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the cap, in which (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first shape, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second shape, (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third shape, and (d) is a cross-sectional view showing the second shape. is a sectional view showing a fourth shape. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the cap, in which (a) is a plan view showing the first shape, (b) is a plan view showing the second shape, (c) is a plan view showing the third shape, and (d) is a plan view showing the second shape. is a plan view showing the fourth shape, (e) is a plan view showing the fifth shape, (f) is a plan view showing the sixth shape, (g) is a plan view showing the seventh shape, and (h) is a plan view showing the fifth shape. A plan view showing eight shapes. It is a figure which shows the side shape of a cap, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows a 1st shape, (b) is a side view which shows a 2nd shape. The front view which shows the 1st modification example of a cap. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing side shapes of a first modified example of the cap, in which (a) is a side view showing the first shape, (b) is a side view showing the second shape, and (c) is a side view showing the third shape. figure. The front view which shows the 2nd modification example of a cap. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing side shapes of a second modified example of the cap, in which (a) is a side view showing the first shape, (b) is a side view showing the second shape, and (c) is a side view showing the third shape. figure. The front view which shows the 3rd example of a change of a cap. It is a figure which shows the side surface shape in the 3rd modification of a cap, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows a 1st shape, (b) is a side view which shows a 2nd shape, (c) is a side view which shows a 3rd shape figure. The front view which shows the 4th modification example of a cap. It is a figure which shows the side surface shape in the 4th modification of a cap, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows a 1st shape, (b) is a side view which shows a 2nd shape, (c) is a side view which shows a 3rd shape. figure. The front view which shows the 5th modification example of a cap. It is a figure which shows the side surface shape in the 5th modification of a cap, Comprising: (a) is a side view which shows a 1st shape, (b) is a side view which shows a 2nd shape, (c) is a side view which shows a 3rd shape figure. The side view which shows the example of a change about the position of a cap. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first modification example of the carriage. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the cap in the first modified example of the carriage, in which (a) is a plan view showing the first shape, (b) is a plan view showing the second shape, and (c) is a plan view showing the third shape. (d) is a plan view showing the fourth shape; (e) is a plan view showing the fifth shape; (f) is a plan view showing the sixth shape; (g) is a plan view showing the seventh shape. FIG. 3(h) is a plan view showing the eighth shape. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a second modification example of the carriage. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the cap in a second modified example of the carriage, in which (a) is a plan view showing the first shape, (b) is a plan view showing the second shape, and (c) is a plan view showing the third shape. (d) is a plan view showing the fourth shape; (e) is a plan view showing the fifth shape; (f) is a plan view showing the sixth shape; (g) is a plan view showing the seventh shape. FIG. 3(h) is a plan view showing the eighth shape. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a third modified example of the carriage. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the cap in a third modified example of the carriage, in which (a) is a plan view showing the first shape, (b) is a plan view showing the second shape, and (c) is a plan view showing the third shape. (d) is a plan view showing the fourth shape; (e) is a plan view showing the fifth shape; (f) is a plan view showing the sixth shape; (g) is a plan view showing the seventh shape. FIG. 3(h) is a plan view showing the eighth shape. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a fourth modification of the carriage. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the planar shape of the cap in a fourth modified example of the carriage, in which (a) is a plan view showing the first shape, (b) is a plan view showing the second shape, and (c) is a plan view showing the third shape. (d) is a plan view showing the fourth shape; (e) is a plan view showing the fifth shape; (f) is a plan view showing the sixth shape; (g) is a plan view showing the seventh shape. FIG. 3(h) is a plan view showing the eighth shape. The perspective view which shows the example of a change of a storage part.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings. A 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 this embodiment, the liquid ejection device is placed on a horizontal surface.

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 ejecting device 11 includes an exposed portion 14 that exposes the inside of the casing 12 so that the inside of the casing 12 can be visually recognized from outside the casing 12.

The housing 12 is configured, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. 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 of the housing 12 located opposite to the third surface 12C. A discharge port 15 through which the medium 99 is discharged is provided on the first surface 12A. After the medium 99 is printed within the housing 12 , it is discharged from the housing 12 through the discharge port 15 . In this embodiment, when the medium 99 is to be printed, it is conveyed within the housing 12 from the third surface 12C toward the first surface 12A.

In this embodiment, a notch 16 is provided in the first surface 12A. The notch 16 is provided, for example, in the first surface 12A so as to cut out a part of the first surface 12A from the upper end of the first surface 12A. In this embodiment, the notch 16 is located above the discharge port 15 on the first surface 12A.

The second surface 12B is a surface of the housing 12 that connects the first surface 12A and the third surface 12C. In this embodiment, a maintenance opening 17 is provided in the second surface 12B. Through the maintenance opening 17, the user can perform maintenance such as clearing media jams and replenishing liquid.

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, cover 13 is open.

The cover 13 of this embodiment includes 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 is opened, the first surface 12A and the second surface 12B are exposed. In this embodiment, when the cover 13 is opened, the notch 16 and the maintenance opening 17 are exposed.

The first member 13A is a member that extends along the first surface 12A when the cover 13 is closed. The first member 13A covers the notch 16 but does not cover the discharge port 15 when the cover 13 is closed. Therefore, the liquid ejecting device 11 can eject the medium 99 even when the cover 13 is closed.

The first member 13A has an exposure opening 18. The exposure port 18 is provided at a position that overlaps the notch 16 when the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front with the cover 13 closed. Therefore, the exposure opening 18 and the notch 16 expose the inside of the casing 12 so that it can be visually recognized from outside the casing 12. That is, the user can visually check the inside of the housing 12 through the exposure opening 18 and the notch 16 when the cover 13 is closed. Thus, in this embodiment, the exposure opening 18 and the notch 16 constitute the exposed portion 14.

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

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a cassette 21 that accommodates a medium 99. The cassette 21 is removably attached to the housing 12. In this embodiment, the cassette 21 is attached to and detached from the first surface 12A. The cassette 21 of this embodiment is located below the discharge port 15 in a state where the cassette 21 is attached to the housing 12.

When the cassette 21 is attached to the housing 12, the cassette 21 is located at a position not covered by the first member 13A. Therefore, even when the cover 13 is closed, the cassette 21 can be attached and detached. The liquid ejecting device 11 prints on a medium 99 supplied from a cassette 21 attached to the housing 12 . The liquid ejection device 11 may be configured so that the medium 99 can be supplied from the third surface 12C separately from the cassette 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a ejection section 22 that ejects liquid, a storage section 23 that stores the liquid, and a carriage 24 that mounts the ejection section 22 and the storage section 23. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a guide shaft 25 that supports a carriage 24 and a flexible cable 26 that is connected to the carriage 24.

The ejection unit 22 prints on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 99 . The discharge section 22 is, for example, a head. The discharge section 22 discharges the liquid contained in the storage section 23 .
The carriage 24 is housed in the housing 12. Carriage 24 scans relative to media 99 . The carriage 24 of this embodiment scans the medium 99 by moving along the guide shaft 25.

Carriage 24 is normally located at the home position. The home position is, for example, a 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 this embodiment, the notch 16 and the exposure opening 18 are provided at a position corresponding to the home position of the carriage 24.

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

The carriage 24 has a viewing section 31 that exposes the housing section 23 . The viewing section 31 has, for example, one or more viewing ports 32. The visual recognition unit 31 of this embodiment has six visual recognition ports 32. The housing portion 23 is exposed from the carriage 24 through the viewing port 32 . The visual recognition part 31 may have a transparent plate that is fitted into the visual recognition opening 32. This transparent plate is made of, for example, glass or plastic. In this case, dust in the atmosphere, liquid droplets, and the like can be prevented from adhering to the housing portion 23 through the viewing port 32 .

The visual recognition section 31 is provided on the front surface 24A. Therefore, the viewing port 32 opens to the front surface 24A. In this embodiment, when the liquid ejecting device 11 is viewed from the front when the carriage 24 is located at the home position, the visible portion 31 overlaps the exposed portion 14 . That is, the exposed portion 14 exposes the visual recognition portion 31 so that it can be visually recognized. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the housing section 23 through the exposed section 14 and the viewing section 31 when the cover 13 is closed.

The carriage 24 of this embodiment has a connecting portion 33 to which the flexible cable 26 is connected. By connecting the flexible cable 26 to the connecting portion 33, electricity is supplied to the discharge section 22 through the carriage 24. That is, the discharge section 22 and the carriage 24 are electrically connected.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage section 23 has a storage chamber 35 that stores a liquid and an injection port 36 that communicates with the storage chamber 35. A liquid can be injected into the storage chamber 35 through an injection port 36. The housing section 23 has a front wall 23A exposed by the viewing section 31. The front wall 23A is a part of the wall that forms the storage chamber 35 in the storage section 23.

The housing section 23 has one or more housing chambers 35 . The accommodating section 23 of this embodiment has six accommodating 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 unit 23 of this embodiment stores black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta inks.

The housing portion 23 has one or more injection ports 36 . The same number of injection ports 36 as the number of storage chambers 35 are provided. The plurality of injection ports 36 each communicate with the plurality of storage chambers 35 . Therefore, the accommodating portion 23 of this embodiment has six injection ports 36.

At least a portion of the storage section 23 is made of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of liquid stored in the storage chamber 35 can be visually checked. Transparent materials include, for example, glass, plastic, and ceramic. The accommodating portion 23 of this embodiment is made of plastic. A portion of the housing portion 23 made of transparent material is transparent or semitransparent. Therefore, the user can visually check the inside of the storage chamber 35 through the viewing section 31.

The viewing section 31 exposes a portion of the housing section 23 made of a transparent material. In other words, the portion of the housing section 23 exposed by the viewing section 31 is made of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the entire accommodating portion 23 is made of a transparent material, but the front wall 23A may be made of a transparent material. In this embodiment, the six viewing holes 32 expose the six storage chambers 35, respectively. Thereby, the accommodating portion 23 is configured such that the remaining amount of liquid accommodated in the accommodating chamber 35 can be visually confirmed from the outside. That is, the user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber 35 through the viewing section 31 through the front wall 23A. When the cover 13 is closed, the user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage section 23 through the exposed section 14 and the viewing section 31. When the cover 13 is open, the user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage section 23 through the cutout 16 and the viewing section 31.

As shown in FIG. 7, the carriage 24 has an exposure hole 37 that exposes the injection port 36.
In this 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 this embodiment, six exposure holes 37 are provided. The six exposure holes 37 expose the six injection ports 36, respectively.

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. Cap 41 blocks injection port 36 by closing. This reduces the risk of atmospheric dust entering the storage chamber 35. The cap 41 opens the injection port 36 by opening it. Thereby, liquid can be injected into the storage chamber 35 through the injection port 36.

The cap 41 of this embodiment has a projection 42 that projects 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 by inserting the protrusion 42 into the injection port 36 .

The cap 41 of this embodiment is a plate-shaped member. The cap 41 has a rectangular shape when the carriage 24 is viewed from above. The caps 41 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the upper surface 24B. Therefore, there is a gap between the caps 41. The gap between the caps 41 makes it difficult for the caps 41 to interfere with each other when the caps 41 are opened and closed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cap 41 has a first end 43 that serves as a fulcrum when opening and closing, and a second end 44 that is an end located opposite to the first end 43. The cap 41 is attached to the carriage 24, for example. The cap 41 of this 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 accommodating portion 23.

The first end portion 43 is provided with a rotating shaft 45 that serves as a shaft when opening and closing. Cap 41 is attached to carriage 24 via rotating shaft 45 . The cap 41 is opened and closed by rotating around the rotating shaft 45.

The second end portion 44 is located forward of the front surface 24A. Therefore, when the carriage 24 is viewed from above, the cap 41 extends so as to protrude from the front surface 24A. That is, when the carriage 24 is viewed from above, the second end portion 44 is located at a position that does not overlap the carriage 24. This makes it easier for the user to put his or her finger on the second end 44, making it easier for the user to open and close the cap 41.

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 explained.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, the carriage 24 of this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In addition to a front surface 24A and a top surface 24B, the carriage 24 has a rear surface 24C, a first side surface 24D, a second side surface 24E, and a bottom surface 24F.

The rear surface 24C is a surface of the carriage 24 located opposite to the front surface 24A. The rear surface 24C is a surface facing rearward. That is, the rear surface 24C faces the same direction as the third surface 12C.

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

The bottom surface 24F is a surface of the carriage 24 located opposite to the top surface 24B. The bottom surface 24F is a surface facing downward. The discharge portion 22 is exposed on the bottom surface 24F.
Next, the functions and effects of this embodiment will be described.

(1) The carriage 24 has a viewing section 31 that exposes a portion of the housing section 23 made of transparent material. Therefore, the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber 35 can be visually confirmed through the visual confirmation part 31. That is, the visual confirmation section 31 makes it easier to visually confirm the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage section 23 mounted on the carriage 24.

(2) The visual recognition section 31 is provided on the front surface 24A of the carriage 24. This makes it easier to visually check the remaining amount of liquid from the front of the carriage 24.
(3) The second end 44 of the cap 41 is located forward of the front surface 24A of the carriage 24. In this case, the user can easily touch the second end 44 of the cap 41. Therefore, the cap 41 can be opened and closed easily.

(4) An exposed portion 14 is provided that exposes the visual recognition portion 31 so as to be visible from outside the housing 12. Thereby, the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage portion 23 can be visually confirmed from outside the housing 12 through the exposed portion 14 .

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
- As shown in FIG. 16, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 16, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 16, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the six storage chambers 35 from one viewing port 32. In this case, compared to the case where a plurality of viewing holes 32 are provided, the opening area of the viewing holes 32 on the first surface 12A becomes larger, making it easier to visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage portion 23.

- As shown in FIG. 17, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 17, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 17, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided in the front surface 24A by cutting out the front surface 24A from its upper end.

- As shown in FIG. 18, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 18, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 18, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided in the front surface 24A by cutting out the front surface 24A from its upper end. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 18, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 17.

- As shown in FIG. 19, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 19, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 19, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. The viewing port 32 is provided in the front surface 24A by cutting out the front surface 24A from its upper end. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 19, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 17.

- As shown in FIG. 20, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 20, the viewing section 31 has a viewing opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 20, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 20, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

- As shown in FIG. 21, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 21, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 21, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 21, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

- As shown in FIG. 22, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 22, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 22, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 22, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

- As shown in FIG. 23, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 23, the visual recognition section 31 has a visual recognition opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIG. 23, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 23, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

- As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the visual recognition section 31 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the viewing section 31 has a viewing opening 32 that exposes a plurality of accommodation chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the carriage 24 has a lighting section 46 that takes in outside light. The lighting section 46 is, for example, an opening that exposes the housing section 23. In the carriage 24, an opening other than the viewing opening 32 can serve as a lighting section 46. In the modification shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the lighting section 46 is provided across the rear surface 24C, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. The lighting section 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the housing portion 23 is exposed across the front surface 24A, the rear surface 24C, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E.

When the carriage 24 includes the lighting section 46, the following effects can be obtained.
(5) The accommodation chamber 35 is illuminated by the outside light taken in through the lighting section 46. This makes it easier to visually confirm the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage portion 23.

- As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the visual recognition section 31 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the viewing section 31 has a viewing opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 16.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the carriage 24 has a lighting section 46. In the modification shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the lighting section 46 is provided on the first side surface 24D and the second side surface 24E. The lighting section 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the housing portion 23 is exposed across the front surface 24A, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E.

- As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the visual recognition section 31 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the viewing section 31 has a viewing opening 32 that exposes a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, one viewing port 32 exposes six storage chambers 35.

In the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the carriage 24 has a lighting section 46. In the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the lighting section 46 is provided on the upper surface 24B, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. The lighting section 46 is connected to the viewing port 32. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the housing portion 23 is exposed across the front surface 24A, the upper surface 24B, the first side surface 24D, and the second side surface 24E. In the modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the cap 41 is attached to the housing portion 23.

- As shown in FIG. 30, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIG. 30, the viewing section 31 has a plurality of viewing ports 32 that expose the plurality of storage chambers 35, respectively. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 30, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 12.

- As shown in FIG. 31, the visual recognition part 31 may be changed. In the modified example shown in FIG. 31, the viewing section 31 has a plurality of viewing ports 32 that respectively expose a plurality of storage chambers 35. In the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 31, the shape of the visual recognition opening 32 is different from that in the visual recognition part 31 shown in FIG. 12.

- 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. For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(a). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 32(d).

- 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 to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(a). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 33(h).

- 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 to have the side 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 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.

- As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification 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 43 and the second end 44 of the cap 41 . The bent portion 47 is bent such that the second end 44 contacts the front surface 24A when the cap 41 is closed. When the cap 41 is closed, a portion from the first end 43 to the bent portion 47 extends along the upper surface 24B. In the closed state of the cap 41, a portion from the bent portion 47 to the second end portion 44 extends along the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C, the shapes of the second end portions 44 are different.

- As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 , the cap 41 has a third end 48 in addition to the first end 43 and the second end 44 . The cap 41 has a branch portion 49 that branches to a third end 48 on the way from the first end 43 to the second end 44 . When the cap 41 is closed, a portion from the first end 43 to the second end 44 extends along the upper surface 24B. In the closed state of the cap 41, a portion from the branch portion 49 to the third end portion 48 extends along the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C, the shapes of the second end 44 and third end 48 are different, respectively.

- As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification 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 43 and the second end 44 of the cap 41 . In the closed state, the cap 41 extends so as to rise from the upper surface 24B on the way from the first end 43 to the second end 44 due to the bent portion 51. When the cap 41 is closed, a portion from the first end 43 to the bent portion 51 extends along the upper surface 24B. In the closed state of the cap 41, a portion from the bent portion 51 to the second end portion 44 extends so as to rise above the upper surface 24B. In this way, the second end portion 44 rises from the upper surface 24B, making it easier for the user to place his or her fingers on the second end portion 44. In FIGS. 40A, 40B, and 40C, the shapes of the second end portions 44 are different.

- As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification 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 43 and the second end 44 of 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 closed, the second end 44 contacts the front surface 24A. In FIGS. 42A, 42B, and 42C, the shapes of the second end portions 44 are different.

- As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. In the modification shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the cap 41 has a bent portion 51 that bends. In the cap 41 shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the second end 44 is further raised from the upper surface 24B compared to the cap 41 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40. That is, in the bent portion 51 in FIGS. 43 and 44, the degree of bending is greater than in the bent portion 51 in FIGS. 39 and 40. In FIGS. 44A, 44B, and 44C, the shapes of the second end portions 44 are different.

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

- As shown in FIG. 46, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIG. 46, eight caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modified example shown in FIG. 46, the carriage 24 is equipped with a storage section 23 having eight storage chambers 35. In this way, the carriage 24 may be configured to mount the storage section 23 having eight storage chambers 35.

- 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 that of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 46 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 47(h).

- As shown in FIG. 48, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIG. 48, five caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIG. 48, the carriage 24 is equipped with a storage section 23 having five storage chambers 35. In this way, the carriage 24 may be configured to mount the storage section 23 having the five storage chambers 35.

- As shown in FIG. 49, the shape of the cap 41 may be changed. 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 shape as the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(b). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(c). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(d). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(e). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(f). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(g). For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 48 may be changed to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 49(h).

- As shown in FIG. 50, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIG. 50, three caps 41 are attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modification shown in FIG. 50, the carriage 24 is equipped with a storage section 23 having three storage chambers 35. In this way, the carriage 24 may be configured to mount the storage section 23 having the three storage chambers 35.

- 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 employed in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 50.
The shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 51(a) is the same as that of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 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).

- As shown in FIG. 52, the carriage 24 may be modified. In the modification shown in FIG. 52, one cap 41 is attached to the carriage 24. Therefore, in the modified example shown in FIG. 52, the carriage 24 is equipped with a storage section 23 having one storage chamber 35. In this way, the carriage 24 may be configured to mount the storage section 23 having one storage chamber 35 .

- 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 employed in the carriage 24 shown in FIG. 52.
The shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 53(a) is the same as the cap 41 shown in FIG. 52. For example, the shape of the cap 41 shown in FIG. 52 may be changed 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 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 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 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 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 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 to have the planar shape shown in FIG. 53(h).

- As shown in FIG. 54, the accommodating part 23 may have a configuration including one accommodating chamber 35 and one injection port 36. In this case, a plurality of liquids can be supplied to the discharge section 22 by mounting a plurality of storage sections 23 lined up on the carriage 24.

- The cap 41 may be configured to be removable from the carriage 24. When the cap 41 is attached to the housing part 23, the cap 41 may be configured to be removable from the housing part 23.

- The exposed portion 14 may have any configuration as long as the visible portion 31 can be visually recognized. The exposed portion 14 may be, for example, a simple hole formed in the casing 12, or may be configured by forming a part of the casing 12 from a transparent material.

- In the liquid ejection device 11, the configuration of the carriage 24, the shape of the visual recognition part 31, the shape of the cap 41, etc. may be freely combined.
- The medium 99 is not limited to paper, but may also be a plastic film, metal film, cloth, or the like.

- The liquid ejected by the ejection unit 22 is not limited to ink, and may be a liquid material in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid, for example. For example, the discharge section 22 may discharge a liquid containing a dispersed or dissolved material such as an electrode material or a picture material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface emitting displays.

Below, technical ideas and their effects understood from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described.
(A) A liquid ejecting device includes a discharging part that discharges a liquid onto a medium, a containing part having a containing chamber for containing the liquid to be supplied to the discharging part, and an injection port communicating with the containing chamber, and the discharging part. a carriage carrying the storage section and scanning the medium; and a cap that closes the injection port, and at least a portion of the storage section is configured to visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber. The carriage has a viewing portion that exposes a portion of the housing portion that is made of the transparent material.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber can be visually confirmed through the visual confirmation section. That is, the visual recognition section makes it easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage section mounted on the carriage.

(B) In the liquid ejecting device, the visual recognition section may be provided on the front surface of the carriage.
According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily recognized from the front of the carriage.

(C) In the liquid ejection device, 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, and an end located opposite to the first end. and a second end portion that is a portion of the carriage, and the second end portion may be located forward of the front surface of the carriage.

According to this configuration, the user can easily touch the second end of the cap. This makes it easier to open and close the cap.
(D) In the liquid ejecting device, the carriage may have a lighting section that takes in outside light.

According to this configuration, the storage chamber is illuminated by outside light taken in through the lighting section. This makes it easier to visually check the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage section.
(E) The liquid ejecting device may include a casing that accommodates the carriage, and an exposed portion that visibly exposes the visual recognition portion from outside the casing.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage portion can be visually checked from outside the housing through the exposed portion.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 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 part, 15...Discharge port, 16...Notch, 17...Maintenance opening, 18...Exposure port, 19...Display section, 21...Cassette, 22...Discharge section, 23...Accommodating section, 23A...Front wall, 24...Carriage, 24A... Front surface, 24B...Top surface, 24C...Rear surface, 24D...First side surface, 24E...Second side surface, 24F...Bottom surface, 25...Guide shaft, 26...Flexible cable, 31...Visibility part, 32...Visibility port, 33...Connection part , 35...accommodation chamber, 36...inlet, 37...exposure hole, 41...cap, 42...protrusion, 43...first end, 44...second end, 45...rotation shaft, 46...lighting part, 47... Bent portion, 48... Third end portion, 49... Branch portion, 51... Bent portion, 99... Medium.

Claims (4)

a discharge unit that discharges liquid onto a medium;
a storage section having a storage chamber that stores the liquid to be supplied to the discharge section and an injection port communicating with the storage chamber;
a carriage carrying the ejection section and the storage section and scanning the medium;
a cap that closes the injection port;
At least a portion of the storage section is made of a transparent material so that the remaining amount of liquid stored in the storage chamber can be visually checked,
The injection port is provided on the upper surface of the accommodating part,
The carriage has a viewing part that exposes a portion made of the transparent material in the housing part, and a lighting part that takes in outside light,
The liquid ejecting device is characterized in that the lighting section is provided on a side surface of the carriage . The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein the visual recognition section is provided on the front surface of the carriage. 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, and a second end that is an end located opposite to the first end. has
3. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion is located forward of the front surface of the carriage. a casing that accommodates the carriage;
The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: an exposed portion that visibly exposes the visual recognition portion from outside the housing.