JP7639879B2 - Liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

Patent Document 1 describes, as an example of a liquid ejection device, a recording device that includes a liquid storage section that stores liquid. In this recording device, a remaining amount confirmation section made of a transparent material is provided to visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section. By looking inside the liquid storage section through the remaining amount confirmation section, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed.

JP 2018-161852 A

In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to see inside the liquid storage unit when the surroundings are dark. This makes it difficult to check the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage unit.

A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem is characterized by comprising an ejection section that ejects liquid, a liquid storage section that stores the liquid to be supplied to the ejection section, and a display section that displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section by emitting light.

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 as viewed from an angle different from that in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the liquid ejection device with the second cover open. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device according to a first modified example, as viewed from an angle different from that in FIG. 5 . FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device according to a first modified example with the second cover and the third cover open. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 11 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a third modified example. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a sixth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device according to a sixth modified example with the second cover and the third cover open. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a seventh modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a seventh modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an operation unit included in a liquid ejection device according to a seventh modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another form of the operation unit included in the liquid ejection device according to the seventh modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an eighth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to an eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an operation unit included in a liquid ejection device according to an eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a ninth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a ninth modified example. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an operation unit included in a liquid ejection device according to a ninth modified example. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a tenth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 23 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a tenth modified example. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an operation unit included in a liquid ejection device according to a tenth modified example. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device according to a tenth modified example with the storage cassette pulled out. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an eleventh modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 23 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to an eleventh modified example. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a twelfth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 23 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a twelfth modified example. FIG. 23 is a front view showing another form of the display unit provided in the liquid ejection device according to the twelfth modified example. FIG. 39 is a front view showing a different configuration from that of FIG. 38 of a display unit provided in a liquid ejection device according to a twelfth modified example. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a thirteenth modified example of the liquid ejection device. FIG. 23 is a front view of a liquid ejection device according to a thirteenth modified example. FIG. 23 is a front view showing another form of the display unit provided in the liquid ejection device according to the thirteenth modified example. FIG. 43 is a front view showing a different configuration from that of FIG. 42 of a display unit provided in a liquid ejection device according to a thirteenth modified example.

One embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto paper, which is an example of a medium.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12 and a first cover 13. The first cover 13 is provided on the top of the housing 12. The first cover 13 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the housing 12. In Figs. 1 and 2, the first cover 13 is closed. When the first cover 13 is opened, the inside of the housing 12 is exposed.

The liquid ejection device 11 is equipped with a display panel 14 that displays information. The display panel 14 displays information related to the liquid ejection device 11. In this embodiment, the display panel 14 is provided on the front side of the housing 12. The display panel 14 is, for example, a touch panel. A user can operate the liquid ejection device 11 via the display panel 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid ejection device 11 includes an ejection unit 15 that ejects liquid. The ejection unit 15 prints an image by ejecting liquid onto a medium 99. The ejection unit 15 is housed in a housing 12. The liquid ejection device 11 prints on a medium 99 that is supplied from, for example, the rear surface of the housing 12, which is the surface opposite to the front surface.

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid storage section 16 that stores liquid to be supplied to the ejection section 15. The liquid ejection device 11 may include only one liquid storage section 16, or may include multiple liquid storage sections 16.

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a second cover 17. The second cover 17 is provided on the front of the housing 12. The second cover 17 can be opened and closed relative to the housing 12. In FIG. 3, the second cover 17 is open. When the second cover 17 is open, the discharge port 18 through which the printed medium 99 is discharged is exposed.

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a discharge tray 19 on which the medium 99 discharged from the discharge port 18 is stacked. The discharge tray 19 extends from the discharge port 18. When the second cover 17 is closed, the discharge tray 19 is housed within the housing 12.

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 21. In this embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the liquid ejection device 11 in an overall manner. The control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory. The control unit 21 controls the liquid ejection device 11 by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.

The liquid ejection device 11 includes a display unit 22 that displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 by emitting light. The display unit 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal screen. In this embodiment, the display unit 22 is provided separately from the display panel 14. The display unit 22 may also serve as the display panel 14. In other words, the display unit 22 may display other information in addition to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The display unit 22 in this embodiment is provided from the front to the side of the housing 12. Specifically, the display unit 22 in this embodiment is provided from the front of the housing 12 to the right side of the housing 12, which is located to the right when the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front.

The liquid ejection device 11 may be equipped with a sensor that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16. In this case, the control section 21 causes the display section 22 to display the remaining amount of liquid detected by the sensor. The control section 21 may calculate the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 based on the number of ejections counted by the ejection section 15. In this case, the control section 21 causes the display section 22 to display the calculated remaining amount of liquid. When the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 is displayed on the display section 22, it is easy to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 even in a dark environment. The display section 22 may always display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16, or may display it at a predetermined timing.

The display unit 22 may be configured as a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 22 may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 by sensing an input. For example, when a user touches the display unit 22, the display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. In this way, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 simply by touching the display unit 22. This improves usability. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid for a predetermined period of time after sensing an input, and then turn off. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid only while it is sensing an input.

The liquid ejection device 11 may be provided with a separate button for displaying the remaining amount of liquid on the display unit 22. In this case, the display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 when the button is pressed. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid for a predetermined time after the button is pressed and then turn off. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid only while the button is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid ejection device 11 may be equipped with a proximity sensor 23. In this case, the display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 when the proximity sensor 23 detects an object. For example, when the proximity sensor 23 detects a user's hand, the display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. In this way, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 simply by holding their hand over the proximity sensor 23. This improves usability.

The proximity sensor 23 in this embodiment is provided on the front surface of the housing 12. The proximity sensor 23 may be provided on the display unit 22. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid for a predetermined time after the proximity sensor 23 detects an object, and then turn off. The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid only while the proximity sensor 23 detects an object.

The display unit 22 may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 as a numerical value. For example, the display unit 22 may display "More than 50% remaining." This allows the user to know that the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 is 50% or more. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 as a numerical value. This allows the user to more accurately know the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The display unit 22 may display an icon that diagrammatically indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16.

The display unit 22 may be configured to display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 even when the liquid ejection device 11 is not powered on. In this case, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 can be checked without powering on the liquid ejection device 11, improving usability.

Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described.
(1) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a display unit 22 that emits light to indicate the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage unit 16. This makes it easy to check the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage unit 16 even in a dark environment.

(2) The display unit 22 is configured as a touch panel and displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 by sensing input. In this way, for example, a user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 by touching the display unit 22. This improves usability.

(3) The display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 when the proximity sensor 23 detects an object. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16, for example, by holding their hand over the proximity sensor 23. This improves usability.

(4) The display unit 22 displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 as a numerical value. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 as a numerical value. In other words, the user can more accurately grasp the remaining amount of liquid.

This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.
The configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified as shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8. The liquid ejection device 11 in this first modified example has six liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three of the liquid storage sections 16 are located to the right of the display panel 14, and three are located to the left of the display panel 14.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the first modified example includes a third cover 25. The third cover 25 is provided on the front surface of the housing 12. The third cover 25 can be opened and closed relative to the housing 12. In Figs. 5, 6, and 8, the third cover 25 is closed. In Fig. 7, the third cover 25 is open. In the first modified example, the display panel 14 is provided on the third cover 25.

The housing 12 is provided with openings 26 that expose the liquid storage sections 16 located within the housing 12. In the first modified example, the openings 26 are provided in the third cover 25. Two openings 26 are provided on either side of the display panel 14. Each of the two openings 26 exposes three liquid storage sections 16.

The user can see the liquid storage section 16 through the opening 26. Typically, the liquid storage section 16 is made of a transparent or translucent resin. Therefore, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 through the liquid storage section 16. The user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 by viewing the liquid storage section 16 through the opening 26. In the first modified example, the opening 26 is provided instead of the display section 22.

The liquid storage section 16 may have a scale 16A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid, on a portion that can be seen through the opening 26. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be checked more accurately.
In the first modified example, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. The transparent member is not limited to being made of a transparent material, but may also be made of a translucent material, such as glass, plastic, etc. In this way, it is possible to prevent dust in the atmosphere from entering the housing 12 through the opening 26 while ensuring visibility of the liquid storage portion 16.

In the first modified example, a display unit 22 may be provided at the position where the opening 26 is provided. In this case, the display unit 22 may display a remaining amount display image that imitates the liquid storage unit 16 as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The remaining amount display image shows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount display image may display a scale 16A. In this way, the liquid storage unit 16 appears to be transparent to the display unit 22, making it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid.

The liquid ejection device 11 of the first modified example may have four or more liquid storage sections 16, or may have twelve or fewer liquid storage sections 16. An opening 26 may be provided for each liquid storage section 16, or one opening 26 may be provided for multiple liquid storage sections 16. The openings 26 may also be provided evenly on the left and right sides of the display panel 14, or may be provided unevenly. Furthermore, the capacity of some of the liquid storage sections 16 may be larger depending on the type of liquid, and they do not all need to have the same capacity.

- In the liquid ejection device 11 of the above embodiment, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 may be configured so that the liquid storage section 16 in the housing 12 can be viewed through the opening 26. In this case, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 16 by viewing the liquid storage section 16.

The liquid storage section 16 may have a scale 16A in the portion visible through the opening 26 that indicates the amount of liquid remaining. This allows the amount of liquid remaining to be checked more accurately. If an opening 26 is provided, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26.

- As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. In the second modified example, the liquid ejection device 11 has five liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, the five liquid storage sections 16 are collectively located to the right of the display panel 14.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the second modified example has an opening 26 that exposes the liquid storage sections 16. The opening 26 exposes five liquid storage sections 16. The liquid storage sections 16 may have a scale 16A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid in a portion that is visible through the opening 26. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed more accurately. In the second modified example, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26.

In the second modified example, a display unit 22 may be provided at the position where the opening 26 is provided. In this case, the display unit 22 may display a remaining amount display image that imitates the liquid storage unit 16 as shown in FIG. 10, for example. The remaining amount display image shows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount display image may display a scale 16A. In this way, the liquid storage unit 16 appears to be transparent to the display unit 22, making it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid.

The liquid ejection device 11 of the second modified example may have five or less liquid storage sections 16, or may have seven to twelve in number. An opening 26 may be provided for each liquid storage section 16, or one opening 26 may be provided for multiple liquid storage sections 16. The openings 26 may also be provided evenly on the left and right sides of the display panel 14, or may be provided unevenly. Furthermore, the capacity of some of the liquid storage sections 16 may be larger depending on the type of liquid, and they do not all need to have the same capacity.

- As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the third modified example has six liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three of the liquid storage sections 16 are located to the right of the discharge port 18, and three are located to the left of the discharge port 18.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the third modified example has openings 26 that expose the liquid storage section 16. In the third modified example, six openings 26 are provided. Each opening 26 exposes one liquid storage section 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three openings 26 are located to the right of the discharge port 18, and three openings 26 are located to the left of the discharge port 18. The liquid storage section 16 may have a scale 16A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid in a portion visible through the openings 26. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed more accurately. In the third modified example, a transparent member may be fitted into the openings 26.

In the third modified example, a display unit 22 may be provided at the position where the opening 26 is provided. In this case, the display unit 22 may display a remaining amount display image that imitates the liquid storage unit 16 as shown in FIG. 12, for example. The remaining amount display image shows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount display image may display a scale 16A. In this way, the liquid storage unit 16 appears to be transparent to the display unit 22, making it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid.

The liquid ejection device 11 of the third modified example may have five or less liquid storage sections 16, or may have seven to twelve in number. An opening 26 may be provided for each liquid storage section 16, or one opening 26 may be provided for multiple liquid storage sections 16. The openings 26 may also be provided evenly on the left and right sides of the display panel 14, or may be provided unevenly. Furthermore, the capacity of some of the liquid storage sections 16 may be larger depending on the type of liquid, and they do not all need to have the same capacity.

- As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the fourth modified example has six liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three of the liquid storage sections 16 are located to the right of the second cover 17, and three are located to the left of the second cover 17.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the fourth modified example has openings 26 that expose the liquid storage section 16. In the fourth modified example, six openings 26 are provided. Each opening 26 exposes one liquid storage section 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three openings 26 are located to the right of the second cover 17, and three openings 26 are located to the left of the second cover 17. The liquid storage section 16 may have a scale 16A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid in a portion that is visible through the openings 26. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed more accurately. In the fourth modified example, a transparent member may be fitted into the openings 26.

In the fourth modified example, a display unit 22 may be provided at the position where the opening 26 is provided. In this case, the display unit 22 may display a remaining amount display image that imitates the liquid storage unit 16 as shown in FIG. 14, for example. The remaining amount display image shows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount display image may display a scale 16A. In this way, the liquid storage unit 16 appears to be transparent to the display unit 22, making it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid.

The liquid ejection device 11 of the fourth modified example may have five or less liquid storage sections 16, or may have seven to twelve in number. An opening 26 may be provided for each liquid storage section 16, or one opening 26 may be provided for multiple liquid storage sections 16. The openings 26 may also be provided evenly on the left and right sides of the display panel 14, or may be provided unevenly. Furthermore, the capacity of some of the liquid storage sections 16 may be larger depending on the type of liquid, and they do not all need to have the same capacity.

- As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the fifth modified example has six liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three of the liquid storage sections 16 are located to the right of the second cover 17, and three are located to the left of the second cover 17.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the fifth modified example has a storage section 27 that is part of the housing 12. The storage section 27 stores the liquid storage sections 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, one storage section 27 is located to the right of the second cover 17, and the other is located to the left of the second cover 17. Each storage section 27 stores three liquid storage sections 16.

The storage section 27 has a main body 28 that stores the liquid storage section 16, and a lid 29. The lid 29 can be opened and closed relative to the main body 28. When the lid 29 is opened, the liquid storage section 16 stored in the main body 28 is exposed. In Figures 15 and 16, the lid 29 is closed.

The lid 29 is provided on the top of the main body 28. The first cover 13 in the closed state is positioned so as to rest on the lid 29 in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to open the lid 29 when the first cover 13 is in the open state. When the lid 29 is open, it is possible to refill the liquid storage section 16 with liquid, replace the liquid storage section 16, etc.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the fifth modified example has openings 26 that expose the liquid storage section 16. In the fifth modified example, six openings 26 are provided. Each opening 26 exposes one liquid storage section 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, three of the openings 26 are located to the right of the second cover 17, and three are located to the left of the second cover 17.

In the fifth modified example, the opening 26 is provided in the storage section 27. Specifically, the opening 26 is provided in the main body 28. The user can view the liquid storage section 16 contained in the storage section 27 through the opening 26. The liquid storage section 16 may have a scale 16A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid in a portion that is visible through the opening 26. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be confirmed more accurately. In the fifth modified example, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26.

In the fifth modified example, a display unit 22 may be provided at the position where the opening 26 is provided. In this case, the display unit 22 may display, for example, a remaining amount display image that imitates the liquid storage unit 16 as shown in FIG. 16. The remaining amount display image shows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount display image may display a scale 16A. In this way, the liquid storage unit 16 appears to be transparent to the display unit 22, making it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of liquid.

The liquid ejection device 11 of the fifth modified example may have five or less liquid storage sections 16, or may have seven to twelve in number. An opening 26 may be provided for each liquid storage section 16, or one opening 26 may be provided for multiple liquid storage sections 16. The openings 26 may also be provided evenly on the left and right sides of the display panel 14, or may be provided unevenly. Furthermore, the capacity of some of the liquid storage sections 16 may be larger depending on the type of liquid, and they do not all need to have the same capacity.

- As shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the sixth modified example includes an operation unit 31 for operating the liquid ejection device 11. A user can input instructions to the liquid ejection device 11 by operating the operation unit 31. For example, when a user operates the operation unit 31, the display on the display panel 14 is switched.

In the sixth modified example, the operation unit 31 is one or more buttons. The operation unit 31 is provided, for example, on the third cover 25. The operation unit 31 is located on the third cover 25 in a position adjacent to the display panel 14.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the sixth modified example has a display unit 22 to the right of the second cover 17 and the third cover 25 when the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front. The display unit 22 may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 by operating the operation unit 31. In the sixth modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26 rather than just one.

As shown in FIG. 18, the display unit 22 may display a remaining amount indicator line 22A that indicates the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount indicator line 22A, for example, typically indicates the position of the liquid surface in the liquid storage unit 16. When there is a large amount of remaining liquid, the position at which the remaining amount indicator line 22A is displayed on the display unit 22 is higher. When there is a small amount of remaining liquid, the position at which the remaining amount indicator line 22A is displayed on the display unit 22 is lower. In this way, the position of the remaining amount indicator line 22A corresponds to the remaining amount of liquid.

- As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the seventh modified example is provided with a display unit 22. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, one display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14 and the other display unit 22 is located to the left of the display panel 14. In the seventh modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. The liquid ejection device 11 in the seventh modified example is provided with an operation unit 31 for operating the liquid ejection device 11.

As shown in FIG. 22, the operation unit 31 in the seventh modified example is a dial that can be rotated to select or confirm an operation. For example, when the dial is turned, the display on the display panel 14 is switched.

As shown in Fig. 23, the form of the operation unit 31 in the seventh modified example may be modified. Also, the present invention may be applied to other modified examples.
24 and 25, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the eighth modified example includes a display unit 22. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, one display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14, and the other display unit 22 is located to the left of the display panel 14. In the eighth modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. The liquid ejection device 11 in the eighth modified example includes an operation unit 31 for operating the liquid ejection device 11.

As shown in FIG. 25, the display unit 22 may display multiple remaining amount indicator lights 22B that indicate the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16. The remaining amount indicator lights 22B indicate the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit 16 in stages. For example, three remaining amount indicator lights 22B are provided in one display unit 22. When there is a lot of remaining liquid, all three remaining amount indicator lights 22B are lit in one display unit 22. When there is a little remaining liquid, one remaining amount indicator light 22B is lit in one display unit 22. In this way, the number of lit remaining amount indicator lights 22B corresponds to the remaining amount of liquid.

As shown in FIG. 26, the operating unit 31 in the eighth modified example is a dial that can be rotated to select or confirm an operation. The operating unit 31 has recesses in the center and at the top as shown in FIG. 26, but it is also possible for a recess to be formed on either one of the sides. In addition, the operating unit 31 may have a protrusion formed in the recessed portion shown in FIG. 26, or may have both a recess and a protrusion.

- As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the ninth modified example is provided with a display unit 22. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, one display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14, and the other display unit 22 is located to the left of the display panel 14. In the ninth modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. The liquid ejection device 11 in the ninth modified example is provided with an operation unit 31 for operating the liquid ejection device 11.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the ninth modified example, the operating unit 31 is a dial that can be rotated to select or confirm an operation. The operating unit 31 has a recess formed at the top as shown in FIG. 29, but the recess may be formed at a position closer to the center. Also, the operating unit 31 may have a protrusion formed in the recessed portion shown in FIG. 26.

- As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be changed. The liquid ejection device 11 in the tenth modified example includes an operation unit 31 for operating the liquid ejection device 11.

As shown in FIG. 32, in the tenth modified example, the operating unit 31 is a dial that can be rotated to select or confirm an operation. As shown in FIG. 32, the operating unit 31 has a recess formed on the outer periphery and on the top, but it is also possible for a recess to be formed on either one of them. In addition, the operating unit 31 may have a protrusion formed in the recessed portion shown in FIG. 32, or may have both a recess and a protrusion formed.

As shown in FIG. 33, the liquid ejection device 11 in the tenth modified example includes a storage cassette 32 that can be inserted into and removed from the housing 12. The storage cassette 32 stores the liquid storage section 16. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, the storage cassette 32 is located to the right of the display panel 14.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the tenth modified example has five liquid storage sections 16. The storage cassette 32 stores the five liquid storage sections 16. When the storage cassette 32 is attached to the housing 12, the liquid storage sections 16 are stored in the housing 12. When the storage cassette 32 is pulled out from the housing 12, the liquid storage sections 16 are pulled out from the housing 12. At this time, the user can see the liquid storage sections 16. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage sections 16 through the liquid storage sections 16. The storage cassette 32 may be configured to be transparent. In this case, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage sections 16 can be checked without pulling out the storage cassette 32.

In the tenth modified example, the display unit 22 may be provided on the storage cassette 32. The opening 26 may be provided on the storage cassette 32. In this case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26, rather than one.

- As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the form of the liquid ejection device 11 may be modified. The liquid ejection device 11 in the eleventh modified example includes a display unit 22. In the eleventh modified example, the display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14 when the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front. In the eleventh modified example, the display panel 14 is provided from the front to the top surface of the housing 12. In the eleventh modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be more than one display unit 22 or opening 26.

- As shown in Figures 36 and 37, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be changed. The liquid ejection device 11 in the 12th modified example includes an operation unit 31. The operation unit 31 in the 12th modified example is a button.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the twelfth modified example includes a display unit 22. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, the display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14. In the twelfth modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26 rather than one.

As shown in FIG. 38, the shape of the display unit 22 in the twelfth modified example may be changed. An opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26 instead of one.

As shown in FIG. 39, the shape of the display unit 22 in the twelfth modified example may be changed. An opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26 instead of one.

- As shown in Figures 40 and 41, the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 may be changed. The liquid ejection device 11 in the thirteenth modified example includes an operation unit 31. The operation unit 31 in the thirteenth modified example is a button.

The liquid ejection device 11 in the thirteenth modified example includes a display unit 22. When the liquid ejection device 11 is viewed from the front, the display unit 22 is located to the right of the display panel 14. In the thirteenth modified example, an opening 26 may be provided at the position where the display unit 22 is provided. In that case, a transparent member may be fitted into the opening 26. Also, there may be multiple display units 22 or openings 26 rather than just one.

As shown in FIG. 42, the form of the display unit 22 in the thirteenth modified example may be changed.
As shown in FIG. 43, the form of the display unit 22 in the thirteenth modified example may be changed.
The medium 99 is not limited to paper, but may be a plastic film, a metal film, a fabric, or the like.

The liquid ejected by the ejection unit 15 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the ejection unit 15 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.
(A) A liquid ejection device includes an ejection section that ejects liquid, a liquid storage section that stores liquid to be supplied to the ejection section, and a display section that displays the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section by emitting light.

With this configuration, it is easy to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion even in a dark environment.
(B) In the above liquid ejection device, the display section may be configured as a touch panel, and may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section by sensing an input.

According to this configuration, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion by, for example, touching the display portion, which improves usability.
(C) The liquid ejection device may include a proximity sensor, and the display section may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section when the proximity sensor detects an object.

According to this configuration, the user can check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion, for example, by placing his/her hand over the proximity sensor, thereby improving usability.
(D) In the liquid ejection device, the display section may display the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section as a numerical value.

This configuration allows the user to check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section numerically. In other words, the user can more accurately grasp the remaining amount of liquid.

11...liquid ejection device, 12...housing, 13...first cover, 14...display unit, 15...ejection unit, 16...liquid storage unit, 17...second cover, 18...discharge port, 19...discharge tray, 21...control unit, 22...display unit, 22A...remaining amount indicator line, 22B...remaining amount indicator light, 23...proximity sensor, 25...third cover, 26...opening, 27...storage unit, 28...main body, 29...lid, 31...operation unit, 32...storage cassette, 99...medium.

Claims (5)

A discharge unit that discharges liquid;
a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid to be supplied to the ejection portion;
a display section that emits light to visually indicate the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage section;
a display panel that displays information about the device;
A proximity sensor,
the display unit allows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit to be visually confirmed at least while the proximity sensor is detecting an object;
The display unit is provided from a front surface to a side surface of the housing ,
The display unit overlaps with the liquid storage unit when the liquid ejection device is viewed from the front, and displays a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit by displaying a remaining amount display image that resembles the liquid storage unit. A discharge unit that discharges liquid;
a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid to be supplied to the ejection portion;
a display section that emits light to visually indicate the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage section;
a display panel that displays information about the device;
A proximity sensor,
the display unit allows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit to be visually confirmed at least while the proximity sensor is detecting an object;
the display units are provided to the right and left of the display panel ,
The display unit overlaps with the liquid storage unit when the liquid ejection device is viewed from the front, and displays a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit by displaying a remaining amount display image that resembles the liquid storage unit. A discharge unit that discharges liquid;
a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid to be supplied to the ejection portion;
a display section that emits light to visually indicate the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage section;
a display panel that displays information about the device;
A proximity sensor,
the display unit allows the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit to be visually confirmed at least while the proximity sensor is detecting an object;
The display panel is provided from the front surface to the top surface of the housing ,
The display unit overlaps with the liquid storage unit when the liquid ejection device is viewed from the front, and displays a remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit by displaying a remaining amount display image that resembles the liquid storage unit. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the display unit is provided from the front to the side of the housing. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the display unit is provided to the right and left of the display panel.