Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

There is a risk that liquid sedimentation may occur in the flow path outside the container used to agitate the liquid. [Solution] The device comprises a liquid storage section 31 capable of storing liquid, a liquid discharge section 21 capable of discharging liquid, a liquid flow path 32 for supplying liquid from the liquid storage section 31 to the liquid discharge section 21, and a deformation section 60 having a gas containment section 61a that changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device including a circulation path composed of a container for storing a liquid, a flow path for sending the liquid in the container to a head, a head for ejecting the liquid sent from the container, and a flow path for sending the liquid in the head back to the container. A stirring part is provided in the container. When using a liquid that forms sediment during non-use, the liquid ejection device suppresses sedimentation of the sediment by stirring the liquid with the stirring part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, sedimentation of the liquid may occur in the flow path outside the container that stirs the liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The liquid ejection device includes a liquid storage part capable of storing a liquid, a liquid ejection part capable of ejecting the liquid, a liquid flow path for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage part to the liquid ejection part, and a deformation part having a gas storage part for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid supply part and the deformation part. [Figure 3A] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of a liquid flow path. [Figure 3B] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of a liquid flow path. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the pressure combinations in the gas containment section. [Figure 5A] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the second embodiment. [Figure 5B] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing pressure combinations in the gas containment section of the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the third embodiment. [Figure 7B] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the third embodiment. [Figure 7C] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing pressure combinations in the gas containment section of the third embodiment. [Figure 9A] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9B] A schematic diagram showing the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10A] A schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in another embodiment. [Figure 10B] A schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of the liquid dispensing device The liquid dispensing device 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device 1 shown in Figure 1 is an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs onto a medium, such as paper or cloth, by dispensing liquid onto the medium.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a conveyance unit 10, a head unit 20, a liquid supply unit 30, a detector group 40, a controller 50, and a deformation unit 60. The liquid ejection device 1 that has received print data from an external device, a computer 100, controls the conveyance unit 10, the head unit 20, the liquid supply unit 30, the deformation unit 60, etc. by the controller 50. The controller 50 prints an image on a medium based on the print data received from the computer 100. The printing status of the liquid ejection device 1 is monitored by the detector group 40, and the detector group 40 outputs a detection result to the controller 50. The controller 50 controls the conveyance unit 10, the head unit 20, the liquid supply unit 30, the deformation unit 60, etc. based on the detection result output from the detector group 40.

[0009] The conveyance unit 10 conveys a medium. The head unit 20 has a carriage (not shown) and a liquid ejection unit 21 (see FIG. 2). The carriage mounts the liquid ejection unit 21. The liquid ejection unit 21 ejects liquid onto the medium. As the carriage moves in a scanning direction intersecting the direction in which the medium is conveyed, the liquid ejection unit 21 also moves in the scanning direction. A nozzle row (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the liquid ejection unit 21. The liquid ejection unit 21 performs printing on the medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzle row while moving in the scanning direction.

[0010] The liquid supply unit 30 supplies liquid to the liquid ejection unit 21. Details of the configurations of the liquid supply unit 30 and the deformation unit 60 will be described later.

[0011] The detector group 40 has a sensor (not shown) that detects the conveyance of the medium by the conveyance unit 10 and an encoder (not shown) for detecting the rotation amount of a conveyance roller (not shown) that conveys the medium. Further, the detector group 40 has a linear encoder (not shown) for detecting the position in the moving direction of the carriage.

[0012] The controller 50 is a control unit for controlling the liquid ejection device 1. The controller 50 includes an I / F (interface) unit 51, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52, a memory 53, and a drive unit 54.

[0013] The I / F unit 51 transmits and receives data between the computer 100 and the liquid ejection device 1. The CPU 52 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the liquid ejection device 1. The memory 53 secures an area for storing the program of the CPU 52, a work area, etc. Also, the memory 53 stores image data to be printed. The CPU 52 controls the conveyance unit 10, the head unit 20, the liquid supply unit 30, the deformation unit 60, etc. via the drive unit 54 according to the program stored in the memory 53, and executes various processes.

[0014] For example, the CPU 52 executes a process of printing an image shown as image data on a medium by causing the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle row of the liquid ejection unit 21 via the drive unit 54 based on the image data stored in the memory 53.

[0015] 1-2. Configuration of the Liquid Supply Unit Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the liquid supply unit 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid supply unit 30 includes a liquid storage unit 31, a liquid flow path 32, a liquid valve 33, and a liquid supply pump 34.

[0016] The liquid storage section 31 is a container for storing liquid. The liquid storage section 31 is detachable from the liquid dispensing device 1, but is not limited to this. The liquid storage section 31 may also be fixed to the liquid dispensing device 1. Since the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 31 is stored under vacuum, deterioration of the liquid is unlikely to occur. In this embodiment, the liquid is a settling ink. Examples of settling inks include pigment inks. Inks containing settling components with large particle sizes, such as pigment inks, tend to settle easily. When using a settling ink as in this embodiment, when not in use, the concentration of the liquid in the liquid channel 32 tends to be higher downwards in the direction of gravity and lower upwards in the direction of gravity.

[0017] The liquid channel 32 is a hollow component through which liquid can flow. Furthermore, the liquid channel 32 is a flexible component. One end of the liquid channel 32 is connected to the liquid storage section 31, and the other end is connected to the liquid discharge section 21. The liquid channel 32 supplies liquid from the liquid storage section 31 to the liquid discharge section 21.

[0018] The liquid valve 33 is installed in the middle of the liquid flow path 32. The liquid valve 33 is installed between the liquid storage unit 31 and the liquid supply pump 34 and switches the communication state between the liquid storage unit 31 and the liquid supply pump 34. That is, when the liquid valve 33 is open, the liquid supply pump 34 can send the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 31 to the liquid discharge unit 21. On the other hand, when the liquid valve 33 is closed, the liquid supply pump 34 cannot send the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 31 to the liquid discharge unit 21.

[0019] The liquid supply pump 34 is installed in the middle of the liquid flow path 32. The liquid supply pump 34 is installed between the liquid valve 33 and the liquid discharge section 21. The liquid supply pump 34 delivers the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 31 to the liquid discharge section 21 via the liquid flow path 32. As the liquid supply pump 34, for example, a tube pump can be used in which rollers revolving around a ring-shaped flexible liquid flow path 32 create pressure and transfer liquid by crushing it. The liquid flow path 32 is filled with liquid pressurized by the liquid supply pump 34 to, for example, a liquid pressure P of 40kPa to 50kPa. The liquid valve 33 and the liquid supply pump 34 are controlled by the controller 50.

[0020] 1-3. Configuration of the deformed part The configuration of the deformed portion 60 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The deformation section 60 includes a gas containment section 61a, a gas pump 62, a gas valve 63, and a tube 64. In Figure 2, only one of each is shown, but there may be as many as needed depending on the control pattern described later or the number of liquid flow paths 32 laid in the liquid discharge device 1.

[0021] The gas containment section 61a alters the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32. The gas containment section 61a is a hollow member capable of containing gas. Furthermore, the gas containment section 61a is a flexible member. A sealed space is formed within the gas containment section 61a by the gas pump 62 and the gas valve 63. The gas containment section 61a is provided on the outer surface 35 of the liquid flow path 32 (see Figures 3A and 3B). In addition, the gas containment section 61a is provided along the extending direction of the liquid flow path 32.

[0022] The gas pump 62 is connected to the gas containment section 61a. The gas pump 62 can control the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a. The gas pump 62 is an example of a "pressure control unit". The gas pump 62 can be a pressurizing pump, a depressurizing pump, or a single pump device that serves as both a pressurizing pump and a depressurizing pump. Specific examples of the gas pump 62 include a tube pump, a diaphragm pump, a syringe pump, or it may also be a liquid supply pump 34.

[0023] The gas valve 63 is connected to the gas containment section 61a to which the gas pump 62 is connected. The pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is controlled by the gas pump 62 to increase or decrease pressure when the gas valve 63 is closed. The pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is released to the atmosphere to become atmospheric pressure by opening the gas valve 63. The gas pump 62 and the gas valve 63 are controlled by the controller 50.

[0024] In this way, the gas pump 62, in combination with the control of the gas valve 63, can control the pressure in the gas containment section 61a to pressurize, depressurize, and bring it to atmospheric pressure. The gas pump 62 and the gas valve 63 may be connected to the end of the gas containment section 61a.

[0025] The tube 64 is a tubular component. The liquid flow path 32 and the gas containment section 61a are provided within a single tube 64. It is preferable that the tube 64 be made of a harder material than the gas containment section 61a. If the liquid dispensing device 1 is configured to dispense multiple colors of pigment ink, the liquid dispensing device 1 may be equipped with multiple tubes 64 corresponding to the liquid flow paths 32 of each color.

[0026] 1-4. Configuration of the gas containment section The configuration of the gas containment section 61a will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. As shown in Figure 3A, the gas containment section 61a has a first gas containment section 66a, a second gas containment section 67a, a third gas containment section 68a, a fourth gas containment section 69a, and four partition walls 65 inside the tube 64. The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a are each located at different positions. The space within the gas containment section 61a is divided into four regions of the first to fourth gas containment sections by the four partition walls 65. The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a are flexible, hollow members. It is desirable that the partition wall 65 be made of a harder material than the first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a.

[0027] The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, the fourth gas containment section 69a, and the four partition walls 65 are each provided along the direction of extension of the liquid flow path 32. The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a can each form a sealed space individually. The pressure within the sealed space of the first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a is each individually controlled by a gas pump 62 (see Figure 2) and a gas valve 63 (see Figure 2).

[0028] A liquid passage 32 is provided inside the tube 64. The outer surface 35 of the liquid passage 32 is surrounded by a first gas containment section 66a, a second gas containment section 67a, a third gas containment section 68a, and a fourth gas containment section 69a. The liquid passage 32 is sandwiched between the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a. The liquid passage 32 is also sandwiched between the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a. The first gas containment section 66a is located adjacent to the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a. The second gas containment section 67a is located adjacent to the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a. The liquid channel 32 is supported by four partition walls 65 near the center of the gas containment section 61a, i.e., near the center of the tube 64, in a cross-section that intersects with the extension direction of the gas containment section 61a. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 when unloaded is circular.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is atmospheric pressure, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface 35 of the liquid flow path 32 is circular, as shown by the dashed line. Furthermore, the volume inside the gas containment section 61a increases when the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is controlled to be increased, and decreases when the pressure is controlled to be reduced. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface 35 of the liquid flow path 32 changes from a circular shape, as shown by the dashed line, to a non-circular shape, as shown by the solid line.

[0030] The gas pump 62 may be connected to each of the first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a, one pump 62 each. Alternatively, one gas pump 62 may be connected to multiple gas containment sections from the first to fourth gas containment sections, and one gas pump 62 may be shared by these multiple gas containment sections.

[0031] Alternatively, the gas pump 62 does not have to be connected to any of the first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the fourth gas containment section 69a, or it may be connected in a combination of the above-described connection configurations. In other words, at least one gas pump 62 needs to be connected to the gas containment section 61a according to the control pattern that changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32.

[0032] If the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is always kept at atmospheric pressure, the gas valve 63 is always kept open. However, if the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is always kept at atmospheric pressure, the gas valve 63 may not be necessary by providing an opening in the gas containment section 61a that communicates with the atmosphere. Furthermore, if there is no control to switch the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a from "pressurized to atmospheric pressure," "atmospheric pressure to pressurized," "reduced pressure to atmospheric pressure," or "atmospheric pressure to reduced pressure," the gas valve 63 does not need to be connected to the gas containment section 61a.

[0033] As described above, the configuration of the deformable section 60 allows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 to be changed using various control patterns.

[0034] 1-5. Control patterns that change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path Referring to Figures 3A, 3B, and 4, a control pattern for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 will be described. The changes in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 shown in Figures 3A and 3B are achieved by patterns 1 to 5 illustrated in Figure 4. In Figure 4, "A" in the cross-sectional shape column represents the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 3A, and "B" represents the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 3B. Figure 4 shows the pressures of the first to fourth gas containments when the cross-sectional shape is transformed between "A" and "B" in the five control patterns. The controller 50 alternately transforms the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 between "A" and "B" by controlling the gas pump 62 and the gas valve 63 with one of the control patterns.

[0035] Furthermore, in Figure 4, pressurization indicates that the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a becomes higher than the liquid pressure P of the liquid filling the liquid passage 32 due to the gas pump 62. Constant atmospheric pressure indicates that the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is always at atmospheric pressure due to being released to the atmosphere. Controlled atmospheric pressure indicates that the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a becomes atmospheric pressure by controlling the opening of the gas valve 63. Finally, reduced pressure indicates that the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a becomes lower than atmospheric pressure due to the gas pump 62.

[0036] In patterns 1 to 5 illustrated in Figure 4, the relative magnitudes of the pressurized, ambient atmospheric pressure, controlled atmospheric pressure, and depressurized pressures are pressurized > ambient atmospheric pressure = controlled atmospheric pressure > depressurized pressure. Note that the pressure pressurized by the gas pump 62 is higher than the liquid pressure P of the liquid filling the liquid channel 32. That is, the relative magnitudes of the pressurized pressure and the liquid pressure P are pressurized > liquid pressure P.

[0037] Furthermore, when the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 is changed by reducing the pressure, it is desirable that at least a portion of the gas containment section 61a be attached to a portion of the liquid channel 32. In this embodiment, "attached" means that they are provided so as to be able to follow the change in cross-sectional shape by bonding or welding to each other.

[0038] The control of the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 is performed by a deformation unit 60 controlled by the controller 50 at times when no image is printed on the medium.

[0039] Hereafter, when describing the control patterns, for example, in Pattern 1 in Figure 4, if the cross-sectional shape is as shown in Figure 3A, it will be referred to as "Pattern 1A," and in Pattern 1 in Figure 4, if the cross-sectional shape is as shown in Figure 3B, it will be referred to as "Pattern 1B."

[0040] In Pattern 1, the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are always at atmospheric pressure, and the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a is controlled. As shown in "Pattern 1A", when the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are pressurized by the gas pump 62, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 and the gas containment section 61a changes as shown in Figure 3A. That is, as described above, pressurization > liquid pressure P, so the cross-sectional shapes of the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a each become larger in the direction that sandwiches the liquid flow path 32. As a result, the outer surface 35a of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the first gas containment section 66a and the outer surface 35b of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the second gas containment section 67a are pushed inward toward the liquid flow path 32.

[0041] On the other hand, since the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are always open to the atmosphere, the outer surface 35c in contact with the third gas containment section 68a and the outer surface 35d in contact with the fourth gas containment section 69a are pushed outwards from the liquid flow path 32.

[0042] Next, as shown in "Pattern 1B," when the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are controlled to a reduced pressure by the gas pump 62, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 and the gas containment section 61a changes as shown in Figure 3B. That is, as described above, the relationship between liquid pressure P, atmospheric pressure, and reduced pressure is liquid pressure P > atmospheric pressure > reduced pressure, so the cross-sectional shapes of the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a become smaller relative to each other due to the reduced pressure. As a result, the outer surface 35a of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the first gas containment section 66a and the outer surface 35b of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the second gas containment section 67a are pulled outwards from the liquid flow path 32.

[0043] On the other hand, since the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are always open to the atmosphere, the outer surface 35c in contact with the third gas containment section 68a and the outer surface 35d in contact with the fourth gas containment section 69a are drawn inward towards the liquid flow path 32.

[0044] The controller 50 repeats "Pattern 1A" and "Pattern 1B" by controlling the deformation unit 60. Specifically, Pattern 1 is a control that keeps the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a at atmospheric pressure at all times, and alternately repeats the pressure of the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a between pressurizing and depressurizing. In this way, the deformation unit 60 can change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 according to the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid flow path 32 and the pressure in the gas containment section 61a. As a result, the liquid that has settled in the liquid flow path 32 is stirred. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of settling, etc.

[0045] Next, we will explain Pattern 2, which is another control pattern different from Pattern 1 in Figure 4. In Pattern 2, the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are always at atmospheric pressure, and the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a is controlled. In Pattern 2A, the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are always open to the atmosphere, and the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to a reduced pressure by the gas pump 62. In Pattern 2A as well, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 changes as shown in Figure 3A.

[0046] In "Pattern 2B," unlike in "Pattern 2A," the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are pressurized and controlled by the gas pump 62. In "Pattern 2B," the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 also changes, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0047] The controller 50 repeats "Pattern 2A" and "Pattern 2B" by controlling the deformation section 60. Specifically, Pattern 2 is a control that keeps the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a at atmospheric pressure at all times, and alternately repeats the pressure of the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a between pressurization and depressurization. The same effect as Pattern 1 can be obtained with Pattern 2. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of sedimentation, etc.

[0048] Next, we will explain Pattern 3, which is another control pattern. In Pattern 3, each of the first to fourth gas containment sections is controlled. In Pattern 3A, the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are pressurized by the gas pump 62, and the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to reach controlled atmospheric pressure by opening the gas valve 63. In Pattern 3A, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 also changes as shown in Figure 3A.

[0049] In "Pattern 3B," the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are controlled to a controlled atmospheric pressure by opening the gas valve 63, and the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to be pressurized by the gas pump 62. In "Pattern 3B," the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 also changes as shown in Figure 3B.

[0050] The controller 50 repeats "Pattern 3A" and "Pattern 3B" by controlling the deformation section 60. Specifically, Pattern 3 is a control that alternately switches between controlling the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a and controlling the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a in order to achieve a pressure difference between the pressurized area and the controlled atmospheric pressure. The same effect as Pattern 1 can be obtained with Pattern 3. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of sedimentation, etc.

[0051] Next, we will explain Pattern 4, which is another control pattern. In Pattern 4, each of the first to fourth gas containment sections is controlled, but unlike in Pattern 3, the control is performed by a combination of controlled atmospheric pressure and reduced pressure. In "Pattern 4A," the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are controlled to reach controlled atmospheric pressure by opening the gas valve 63, and the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to reduced pressure by the gas pump 62. In "Pattern 4A" as well, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 changes as shown in Figure 3A.

[0052] In "Pattern 4B," the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are controlled to a reduced pressure by the gas pump 62, and the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to a controlled atmospheric pressure by opening the gas valve 63. In "Pattern 4B," the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 also changes as shown in Figure 3B.

[0053] The controller 50 repeats "Pattern 4A" and "Pattern 4B" by controlling the deformation section 60. Specifically, Pattern 4 is a control that alternately switches between controlling the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a and controlling the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a in order to achieve a pressure difference between the controlled atmospheric pressure and the reduced pressure. The same effect as Pattern 1 can be obtained with Pattern 4. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of sedimentation, etc.

[0054] Next, we will explain Pattern 5, which is another control pattern. In Pattern 5, four gas containments are controlled, but unlike in Pattern 3, they are controlled by a combination of pressurization and depressurization. In Pattern 5A, the first gas containment 66a and the second gas containment 67a are controlled to pressurize by the gas pump 62, and the third gas containment 68a and the fourth gas containment 69a are controlled to depressurize by the gas pump 62. In Pattern 5A as well, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 changes as shown in Figure 3A.

[0055] In "Pattern 5B," the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are controlled to reduce pressure by the gas pump 62, while the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are controlled to increase pressure by the gas pump 62. In "Pattern 5B," the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 also changes as shown in Figure 3B.

[0056] The controller 50 repeats "Pattern 5A" and "Pattern 5B" by controlling the deformation section 60. Specifically, Pattern 5 is a control that alternately switches between controlling the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a and controlling the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a in order to achieve a pressure difference between pressurization and depressurization. In Pattern 5A, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 can be changed more effectively than in Pattern 1. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of sedimentation, etc.

[0057] When switching the control of the gas containment unit 1 from "pressurization to depressurization" or "depressurization to pressurization," a pressurizing gas pump 62 and a depressurizing gas pump 62 may be connected to the gas containment unit 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, the output of one end of the tube pump 1 may be connected for pressurization, or the other end of the tube pump 1 may be connected for depressurization. When using the tube pump 1, the pressure at one end of the tube pump 1 and the pressure at the other end are inversely proportional, so fluctuations in the liquid pressure P of the liquid filling the liquid passage 32 can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, since the liquid channel 32 is a flexible member, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 can be changed by switching, for example, the major axis of the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 shown in Figure 3A and the minor axis of the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 shown in Figure 3B. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid channel 32 even when the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 is changed. In this way, changes in the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid channel 32 can be suppressed, and therefore changes in the volume within the liquid channel 32 can be suppressed. In other words, changes in the pressure within the liquid channel 32 can be suppressed. If changes in the pressure within the liquid channel 32 are not sufficiently suppressed, the liquid discharge device 1 may be provided with a configuration to adjust changes in the pressure within the liquid channel 32.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is desirable that both the tube 64 and the partition wall 65 be made of a harder material than the gas containment section 61a. This allows the direction in which the cross-sectional shape of the gas containment section 61a changes when the pressure inside the gas containment section 61a is changed to be directed toward the liquid flow path 32. This makes it possible to efficiently change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32.

[0060] In Pattern 1, the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a, which are controlled to be pressurized or depressurized by the gas pump 62, are examples of "controlled containment sections" whose pressure is controlled by the gas pump 62. The third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a, which are always at atmospheric pressure, are examples of "uncontrolled containment sections" whose pressure is not controlled by the gas pump 62. In Pattern 2, the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a are examples of "uncontrolled containment sections," while the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a are examples of "controlled containment sections." In Patterns 3 to 5, each of the first to fourth gas containment sections is an example of a "controlled containment section."

[0061] As described above, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the liquid flow path 32 is sandwiched between the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a. As shown in patterns 1, 3 to 5 in Figure 4, the gas pump 62 can control the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a, with the liquid flow path 32 in between. Furthermore, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a to the first pressure P1, it also controls the pressure in the second gas containment section 67a to the first pressure P1. Note that in patterns 1, 3 to 5 in Figure 4, the first pressure P1 can be one of pressurized, depressurized, or controlled atmospheric pressure.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in patterns 3 to 5 of Figure 4, the gas pump 62 can control the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a. When the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a to a second pressure P2, which is different from the first pressure P1. Also, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a to a second pressure P2.

[0063] Hereafter, in patterns 3 to 5 of Figure 4, the second pressure P2 indicates either controlled atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure when the first pressure P1 is pressurized, controlled atmospheric pressure or pressurized when the first pressure P1 is reduced, and reduced pressure or pressurized when the first pressure P1 is controlled atmospheric pressure. For example, in patterns 3 and 4 of Figure 4, the second pressure P2 is atmospheric pressure.

[0064] As described above, the liquid dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment provides the following effects. According to this liquid dispensing device 1, the liquid dispensing device 1 comprises a liquid storage section 31 capable of storing liquid, a liquid dispensing section 21 capable of dispensing liquid, a liquid flow path 32 that supplies liquid from the liquid storage section 31 to the liquid dispensing section 21, and a deformation section 60 having a gas containment section 61a that changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32. By changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32, the liquid that has settled in the liquid flow path 32 can be stirred, thereby effectively preventing the liquid from settling.

[0065] According to this liquid discharge device 1, the deformable part 60 has a gas containment section 61a provided on the outer surface 35 of the liquid flow path 32, and a gas pump 62 capable of controlling the pressure in the gas containment section 61a. Furthermore, the deformable part 60 changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 according to the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid flow path 32 and the pressure in the gas containment section 61a. In other words, by controlling the pressure applied to the gas containment section 61a by the deformable part 60, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 can be changed, thereby agitating the liquid that has settled in the liquid flow path 32. In addition, since it is only necessary to control the pressure applied to the gas containment section 61a, the configuration of the liquid discharge device 1 can be simplified. For example, it is possible to have a configuration without an agitation section for agitating the liquid in the liquid storage section 31 that can store the liquid, or without a flow path for returning the liquid in the liquid discharge section 21 to the liquid storage section 31.

[0066] According to this liquid discharge device 1, for example, in pattern 1 of Figure 4, the gas containment section 61a has a first gas containment section 66a and a second gas containment section 67a whose pressure is controlled by a gas pump 62. The gas containment section 61a also has a third gas containment section 68a and a fourth gas containment section 69a whose pressure is not controlled by the gas pump 62. As a result, the cross-sectional areas of the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a follow the changes in the cross-sectional areas of the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a caused by the gas pump 62. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 can be changed without significantly changing the cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid flow path 32. Furthermore, this allows the liquid in the liquid flow path 32 to be stirred without the need for a separate configuration to adjust the pressure changes within the liquid flow path 32.

[0067] In this liquid discharge device 1, the liquid flow path 32 is sandwiched between the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a, and the gas pump 62 can control the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the pressure in the second gas containment section 67a. By controlling the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the pressure in the second gas containment section 67a in this way, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 sandwiched between the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a can be changed to various shapes. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid flow path 32 can be effectively agitated.

[0068] According to this liquid discharge device 1, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a to the first pressure P1, it is possible to easily change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 by controlling the pressure in the second gas containment section 67a to the first pressure P1.

[0069] According to this liquid discharge device 1, the gas pump 62 can control the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a, which are located at positions different from the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a. When the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a to a second pressure P2, which is different from the first pressure P1. Also, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the third gas containment section 68a and the fourth gas containment section 69a to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66a and the second gas containment section 67a to a second pressure P2. This makes it easier to effectively change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32.

[0070] In this liquid discharge device 1, in patterns 3 and 4, the second pressure P2 is atmospheric pressure. This simplifies the configuration of the liquid discharge device 1, as it only requires controlling the gas valve 63 to open to the atmosphere.

[0071] In this liquid discharge device 1, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 is circular, and the gas containment section 61a has partition walls 65 that divide the space within the gas containment section 61a into multiple regions, and the partition walls 65 support the liquid channel 32. As a result, compared to the case where the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 is not circular, even if the orientation of the liquid channel 32 changes, such as when the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 rotates around an axis along the extension direction of the liquid channel 32, the change in the cross-sectional shape of the lower part in the direction of gravity, which particularly affects liquid sedimentation, can be reduced. As a result, even if the orientation of the liquid channel 32 changes, it is less susceptible to the effects of liquid sedimentation, and the liquid in the liquid channel 32 can be efficiently stirred.

[0072] With this liquid dispensing device 1, the liquid flow path 32 and the gas containment section 61a are provided within a single tube 64, thus simplifying the configuration of the liquid dispensing device 1.

[0073] This liquid discharge device 1 includes multiple tubes 64 in which liquid flow paths 32 and gas containment sections 61a are formed inside, so that the liquid can be stirred in multiple liquid flow paths 32.

[0074] 2. Second Embodiment 2-1. Configuration of the gas containment section The configuration of the gas containment section 61b will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. In the second embodiment, the deformation section 60 differs from the gas containment section 61a shown in the first embodiment in that it has a gas containment section 61b as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Also, in the second embodiment, the configuration related to the gas pump 62, gas valve 63, and hydraulic pressure P is the same as in the first embodiment. In Figures 5A and 5B, components identical to those shown in previous figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5A, the gas containment section 61b has a first gas containment section 66b, a second gas containment section 67b, a third gas containment section 68b, and two partition walls 65 inside the tube 64. The first gas containment section 66b, the second gas containment section 67b, and the third gas containment section 68b are each located at different positions. The space within the gas containment section 61b is divided into three regions, the first to the third gas containment section, by the two partition walls 65 and by the fact that a part of the liquid flow path 32 is in contact with a part of the tube 64.

[0076] The first gas containment section 66b, the second gas containment section 67b, and the third gas containment section 68b are flexible, hollow members. The partition wall 65 is preferably made of a harder material than the first gas containment section 66b, the second gas containment section 67b, and the third gas containment section 68b. The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, the third gas containment section 68a, and the two partition walls 65 are each provided along the extending direction of the liquid flow path 32. The first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, and the third gas containment section 68a can each form an individual sealed space. The pressure within the sealed space of the first gas containment section 66a, the second gas containment section 67a, and the third gas containment section 68a is individually controlled by a gas pump 62 (see Figure 2) and a gas valve 63 (see Figure 2).

[0077] A liquid channel 32 is provided inside the tube 64. The outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 is surrounded by a first gas containment section 66b, a second gas containment section 67b, and a third gas containment section 68b. The liquid channel 32 is supported by two partition walls 65, with a portion of its outer surface 35 in contact with a portion of the tube 64. In the second embodiment as well, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 under no load is circular, as shown by the dashed line. The liquid channel 32 and the gas containment section 61b are made of flexible material.

[0078] As described above, the deformation section 60 in the second embodiment does not have the fourth gas containment section 69a in the first embodiment. Even with this simplified configuration of the deformation section 60, the deformation section 60 can change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in various control patterns.

[0079] 2-2. Control patterns that change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path Referring to Figures 5A, 5B, and 6, a control pattern for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 will be described. The change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 shown in Figure 5A is achieved by patterns 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, and 10A illustrated in Figure 6. Similarly, the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 shown in Figure 5B is achieved by patterns 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, and 10B illustrated in Figure 6. Furthermore, the relative magnitudes of the pressures—pressure, ambient atmospheric pressure, controlled atmospheric pressure, and depressurized pressure—in patterns 6 to 10 illustrated in Figure 6 are the same as in the first embodiment: pressurized > ambient atmospheric pressure = controlled atmospheric pressure > depressurized pressure. Also, the relative magnitudes of pressurized pressure and liquid pressure P are pressurized > liquid pressure P.

[0080] Patterns 6 to 10 illustrated in Figure 6 are the same as patterns 1 to 5 illustrated in Figure 4 of the first embodiment, except that they do not have control related to the fourth gas containment section 69a.

[0081] As described above, the second embodiment can also obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0082] 3. Third Embodiment 3-1. Configuration of the gas containment section In the third embodiment, the deformation section 60 differs from the gas containment section 61b shown in the second embodiment in that it has a gas containment section 61c as shown in Figures 7A to 7C. Also, in the third embodiment, the configuration related to the gas pump 62, gas valve 63, and hydraulic pressure P is the same as in the second embodiment. In Figures 7A to 7C, components identical to those shown in previous figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0083] The configuration of the gas containment section 61c will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C. As shown in Figure 7A, the gas containment section 61c has a first gas containment section 66c, a second gas containment section 67c, a third gas containment section 68c, and three partition walls 65 inside the tube 64. The first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c are each located at different positions. The space within the gas containment section 61c is divided into three regions, the first to the third gas containment section, by the three partition walls 65.

[0084] The first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c are flexible, hollow members. The partition wall 65 is preferably made of a harder material than the first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c. The first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, the third gas containment section 68c, and the three partition walls 65 are each provided along the extending direction of the liquid flow path 32. The first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c can each form an individually sealed space. The pressure within the sealed space of the first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c is individually controlled by a gas pump 62 (see Figure 2) and a gas valve 63 (see Figure 2).

[0085] A liquid channel 32 is provided inside the tube 64. The outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 is sandwiched between the first gas containment section 66c, the second gas containment section 67c, and the third gas containment section 68c. In a cross-section intersecting the extension direction of the gas containment section 61c, the liquid channel 32 is supported by three partition walls 65 near the center of the gas containment section 61c, i.e., near the center of the tube 64. The cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 when unloaded is circular. In the third embodiment, the liquid in the liquid channel 32 is filled at a liquid pressure P lower than the first pressure P1, with the first gas containment section 66c controlled to a first pressure P1, and the second gas containment section 67c and the third gas containment section 68c controlled to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 filled with liquid is, for example, the shape shown in Figure 7A.

[0086] As described above, the configuration of the deformable section 60 also allows the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 to be changed in various control patterns.

[0087] 3-2. Control patterns that change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path A control pattern for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C and Figure 8. The change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 shown in Figure 7A is achieved by patterns 11A and 12A illustrated in Figure 8. Similarly, the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 shown in Figure 7B is achieved by patterns 11B and 12B illustrated in Figure 8. Furthermore, the change in the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 shown in Figure 7C is achieved by patterns 11C and 12C illustrated in Figure 8. In addition, the relative magnitudes of the pressurized, controlled atmospheric pressure, and depressurized pressures in patterns 11 and 12 illustrated in Figure 8 are pressurized > controlled atmospheric pressure > depressurized pressure. Furthermore, the relative magnitudes of the pressurized and hydraulic pressure P are pressurized > hydraulic pressure P.

[0088] In pattern 11, one gas containment section is controlled to pressurize, while the other two gas containment sections are controlled to controlled atmospheric pressure. In pattern 11A of Figure 8, the first gas containment section 66c is controlled to pressurize by the gas pump 62, and the second gas containment section 67c and the third gas containment section 68c are controlled to controlled atmospheric pressure and open to the atmosphere by opening the gas valve 63. In the state of pattern 11A of Figure 8, the cross-sectional shape of the first gas containment section 66c increases in the direction that pushes the liquid flow path 32, so the outer surface 35a of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the first gas containment section 66c is pushed inward toward the liquid flow path 32.

[0089] On the other hand, since the second gas containment section 67c and the third gas containment section 68c are open to the atmosphere with the gas valve 63 open, the outer surface 35b of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the second gas containment section 67c and the outer surface 35c of the liquid flow path 32 in contact with the third gas containment section 68c are pushed outwards from the liquid flow path 32.

[0090] Next, the controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 11A to pattern 11B by controlling the deformation section 60. In pattern 11B of Figure 8, unlike pattern 11A, the first gas containment section 66c is controlled to a controlled atmospheric pressure, open to the atmosphere with the gas valve 63 open, and the second gas containment section 67c is controlled to be pressurized by the gas pump 62. This makes it possible to make the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in pattern 11B the same as the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in pattern 11A, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the liquid pressure P of the liquid filling the liquid flow path 32. In addition, since the point at which the liquid flow path 32 is pushed inward is changed from the outer surface 35a to the outer surface 35b, the liquid in the liquid flow path 32 can be stirred.

[0091] Next, the controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 11B to pattern 11C by controlling the deformation section 60. In pattern 11C of Figure 8, unlike pattern 11B, the second gas containment section 67c is controlled to a controlled atmospheric pressure, open to the atmosphere with the gas valve 63 open, and the third gas containment section 68c is controlled to be pressurized by the gas pump 62. This makes it possible to make the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in pattern 11C the same as the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in pattern 11B, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the liquid pressure P of the liquid filling the liquid flow path 32. In addition, since the point at which the liquid flow path 32 is pushed inward is changed from the outer surface 35b to the outer surface 35c, the liquid in the liquid flow path 32 can be stirred.

[0092] Furthermore, the controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 11C to pattern 11A by controlling the deformation section 60. The controller 50 can then repeat the switching of the control pattern shown in Figure 8 in the order of patterns 11A, 11B, and 11C by controlling the deformation section 60. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on factors such as the ease of sinking.

[0093] Next, we will explain pattern 12 as another control pattern. In pattern 12, one gas containment section is controlled to be pressurized, while the other two gas containment sections are controlled to be depressurized. Unlike pattern 11A, in pattern 12A shown in Figure 8, the second gas containment section 67c and the third gas containment section 68c are controlled to be depressurized by the gas pump 62, so the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 is as shown in Figure 7A.

[0094] Next, the controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 12A to pattern 12B by controlling the deformation section 60. In pattern 12B in Figure 8, unlike pattern 12A, the first gas containment section 66c is controlled to reduce pressure by the gas pump 62, and the second gas containment section 67c is controlled to increase pressure by the gas pump 62, so the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 is the shape shown in Figure 7B.

[0095] Next, the controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 12B to pattern 12C by controlling the deformation section 60. In pattern 12C of Figure 8, unlike pattern 12B, the second gas containment section 67c is controlled to reduce pressure by the gas pump 62, and the third gas containment section 68c is controlled to increase pressure by the gas pump 62, so the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 is the shape shown in Figure 7C.

[0096] The controller 50 switches the control pattern shown in Figure 8 from pattern 12C to pattern 12A by controlling the deformation section 60. The controller 50 can then repeat the switching of the control pattern shown in Figure 8 in the order of patterns 12A, 12B, and 12C by controlling the deformation section 60. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of sinking, etc.

[0097] In this way, the deformable section 60 can change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 according to the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid channel 32 and the pressure in the gas containment section 61c. This stirs the liquid that has settled in the liquid channel 32.

[0098] In other words, in the third embodiment, the controller 50 switches the cross-sectional shape in the order of Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C by controlling the deformation section 60. That is, for example, as shown in pattern 11A of Figure 8, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66c to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the second gas containment section 67c and the third gas containment section 68c to a second pressure P2 which is lower than the first pressure P1. Next, as shown in pattern 11B of Figure 8, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the second gas containment section 67c to a first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66c and the third gas containment section 68c to a second pressure P2. Next, as shown in pattern 11C of Figure 8, when the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the third gas containment section 68c to the first pressure P1, it controls the pressure in the first gas containment section 66c and the second gas containment section 67c to the second pressure P2.

[0099] In pattern 11, the first pressure P1 is pressurized, and the second pressure P2 is atmospheric pressure. In pattern 12, the first pressure P1 is pressurized, and the second pressure P2 is depressurized.

[0100] As described above, the liquid dispensing device 1 of the third embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment, plus the following additional effects. According to this liquid discharge device 1, when one of the three gas containment sections 66c, 67c, and 68c, separated by a partition wall 65, is controlled to a first pressure P1, the gas pump 62 controls the pressure in the other sections to a second pressure P2, which is lower than the first pressure P1. In other words, the drive unit 54 switches the one section controlled by the gas pump 62 to the first pressure P1 to one of the first gas containment section 66c, 67c, or 68c. This allows the outer circumference of the liquid flow path 32 to be pressurized evenly, so that the liquid in the liquid flow path 32 can be efficiently agitated even if there is a change in posture, such as the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 tilting in the rotational direction around an axis along the extension direction of the liquid flow path 32.

[0101] In this liquid dispensing device 1, in pattern 11, the second pressure P2 is atmospheric pressure. This simplifies the configuration of the liquid dispensing device 1, as it only requires controlling the gas valve 63 to open to the atmosphere.

[0102] 4. Fourth Embodiment 4-1. Configuration of the gas containment section The configuration of the gas containment section 61d will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. In the fourth embodiment, the deformation section 60 differs from the gas containment section 61b shown in the second embodiment in that it has a gas containment section 61d as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the gas pump 62, gas valve 63 and the hydraulic pressure P is the same as in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a hydraulic pressure adjustment section 36 for adjusting fluctuations in the hydraulic pressure P of the liquid filled in the hydraulic flow path 32 is connected to the hydraulic flow path 32 via a hydraulic pressure adjustment flow path 37. In Figures 9A and 9B, components identical to those shown in previous figures are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0103] As shown in Figure 9A, the gas containment section 61d has a first gas containment section 66d inside the tube 64. The first gas containment section 66d is a flexible, hollow member. The first gas containment section 66d is also provided along the extending direction of the liquid flow path 32. The first gas containment section 66d can form a sealed space. The pressure within the sealed space of the first gas containment section 66d is controlled by a gas pump 62 (see Figure 2).

[0104] A liquid channel 32 is provided inside the tube 64. The liquid channel 32 and the first gas containment section 66d are housed together without any gaps within the tube 64. The outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 is surrounded by the tube 64 and the first gas containment section 66d. A portion of the outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 is in contact with a portion of the tube 64, and the outer surface 35a of the liquid channel 32 is supported by the first gas containment section 66d. In the fourth embodiment as well, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface 35 of the liquid channel 32 when unloaded is circular, as shown by the dashed line. The liquid channel 32 and the gas containment section 61d are made of flexible material.

[0105] As described above, the gas containment section 61d of the deformation section 60 in the fourth embodiment is not divided into multiple regions as in the second embodiment. Even with this simplified configuration of the deformation section 60, the deformation section 60 can change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 in various control patterns.

[0106] 4-2. Control patterns that change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, a control pattern for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 will be described. In pattern 13A (not shown), the first gas containment section 66d is pressurized by the gas pump 62. As a result, the cross-sectional shape changes, as shown in Figure 9A. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the first gas containment section 66d increases in the direction that pushes the outer surface 35a of the liquid flow path 32 inward, so the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 shrinks inward. Although the liquid pressure P, which is the pressure of the liquid filled in the liquid flow path 32, tends to increase as the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 shrinks inward, the liquid pressure P is adjusted by the liquid pressure adjustment section 36 to suppress pressure fluctuations. The liquid pressure adjustment section 36 is, for example, a diaphragm pump.

[0107] In pattern 13B (not shown), the first gas containment section 66d is controlled to a reduced pressure by the gas pump 62. As a result, the cross-sectional shape changes, as shown in Figure 9B. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the first gas containment section 66d becomes smaller in the direction that expands the liquid flow path 32, so the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 expands outward. Although the liquid pressure P, which is the pressure of the liquid filled in the liquid flow path 32, tends to decrease as the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 expands outward, the liquid pressure P is adjusted by the liquid pressure adjustment section 36 to suppress pressure fluctuations.

[0108] In patterns 13A and 13B described above, the relationship between the pressurized and depressurized pressures is pressurized > depressurized. Furthermore, the relationship between the pressurized pressure and the hydraulic pressure P is pressurized > hydraulic pressure P.

[0109] The controller 50 repeats patterns 13A and 13B by controlling the deformation section 60. That is, patterns 13A and 13B are controls that alternately pressurize and depressurize the pressure in the first gas containment section 66d. In this way, the deformation section 60 can change the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 according to the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid flow path 32 and the pressure in the gas containment section 61d. As a result, the liquid that has settled in the liquid flow path 32 is stirred. The number of times the control pattern is repeated can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the ease of settling, etc.

[0110] As described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained with the fourth embodiment as well.

[0111] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to each embodiment and may be modified, substituted, or deleted as long as it does not depart from the spirit of this invention. Furthermore, other embodiments described below may also be used.

[0112] In the embodiments described above, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32 under no load was exemplified as circular, but it is not limited to this. As shown in the gas containment section 61e in Figure 10A and the gas containment section 61f in Figure 10B, the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32a may be non-circular. In this case as well, the liquid settled in the liquid channel 32a will be stirred.

[0113] In the embodiments described above, it was preferred that the partition wall 65 be made of a harder material than the gas containment section 61a, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the partition wall 65e does not have to be made of a harder material than the gas containment section 61a, and the partition wall 65e may be formed of a flexible material with a slack S. In this case as well, the liquid that has settled in the liquid channel 32 will be stirred.

[0114] The gas containment sections 61a to 61f shown in each of the above embodiments may be formed by extrusion molding, or they may be formed by bonding together the components that make up the gas containment sections 61a to 61f. Furthermore, the flexibility, elasticity, hardness, etc., of the components that make up the gas containment sections 61a to 61f can be appropriately set depending on the material and thickness of each component.

[0115] In the embodiments described above, the liquid channel 32 and gas containment sections 61a to 61f are provided inside the tube 64, but the tube 64 is not required. For example, if the direction in which the gas containment sections 61a to 61f deform can be defined by other members, thereby changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32, the liquid channel 32 and gas containment sections 61a to 61f do not need to be provided inside the tube 64. In this case, the liquid settled in the liquid channel 32 will still be agitated.

[0116] In the embodiments described above, the pressure in the gas containment sections 61a to 61d is controlled to pressurize, depressurize, and reach atmospheric pressure by combining the control of the gas pump 62 and the gas valve 63, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The gas pump 62 may also function as the gas valve 63, and the pressure in the gas containment sections 61a to 61d may be controlled to pressurize, depressurize, and reach atmospheric pressure by controlling the gas pump 62.

[0117] In the embodiments described above, a deformation section 60 that changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 connected to the liquid storage section 31 and the liquid discharge section 21 has been illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. The liquid discharge device 1 may also include a return flow path for returning the liquid in the liquid discharge section 21 back to the liquid storage section 31, and may have a deformation section 60 that changes the cross-sectional shape of the return flow path. This also stirs the settled liquid.

[0118] In the embodiments described above, examples were shown in which the number of repetitions of the control pattern was adjusted to adjust the degree of stirring of the settled liquid, but the invention is not limited to these examples. To adjust the degree of stirring of the settled liquid, the speed at which the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path 32 is changed may be adjusted. Alternatively, the magnitude of the pressurized pressure may be repeatedly changed to multiple magnitudes, or the magnitude of the depressurized pressure may be repeatedly changed to multiple magnitudes. Alternatively, the above adjustment examples may be combined.

[0119] In each of the above embodiments, it is desirable that the direction of pressure for changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel 32a includes a component in the buoyant direction that is opposed to the direction of gravity. This is effective in stirring the liquid that has settled in the liquid channel 32a, as it allows the liquid to float up effectively.

[0120] In the configuration of the gas containment section 61c shown in the third embodiment described above, control patterns 6 to 10 may be applied. This also stirs the liquid that has settled in the liquid channel 32. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1…Liquid dispensing device, 10…Transportation unit, 20…Head unit, 21…Liquid dispensing section, 30…Liquid supply section, 31…Liquid storage section, 32,32a…Liquid flow path, 33…Liquid valve, 34…Liquid supply pump, 35,35a,35b,35c,35d…Exterior, 36…Liquid pressure adjustment section, 37…Liquid pressure adjustment flow path, 40…Detector group, 50…Controller, 51…I / F section, 52…CPU, 53…Memory, 54…Drive unit, 60… Deformed section, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e, 61f... Gas containment section, 62... Gas pump, 63... Gas valve, 64... Tube, 65, 65e... Partition wall, 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d... First gas containment section, 67a, 67b, 67c... Second gas containment section, 68a, 68b, 68c... Third gas containment section, 69a... Fourth gas containment section, 100... Computer, P... Hydraulic pressure, P1... First pressure, P2... Second pressure, S... Slack.

Claims

1. A liquid storage section capable of storing liquid, A liquid dispensing unit capable of dispensing the aforementioned liquid, A liquid channel for supplying the aforementioned liquid from the liquid storage section to the liquid discharge section, A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a deformation section having a gas containment section that changes the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path.

2. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, The aforementioned deformed portion is The gas containment section provided on the outer surface of the liquid flow path, The system includes a pressure control unit capable of controlling the pressure in the gas containment section, A liquid dispensing device characterized by changing the cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow path in accordance with the pressure difference between the pressure in the liquid flow path and the pressure in the gas containment section.

3. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, The aforementioned gas containment section is A control housing unit whose pressure is controlled by the pressure control unit, A liquid dispensing device characterized by having an uncontrolled housing section whose pressure is not controlled by the pressure control unit.

4. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, The gas containment section comprises a first gas containment section and a second gas containment section. The liquid flow path is sandwiched between the first gas containment section and the second gas containment section. The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that the pressure control unit is capable of controlling the pressure in the first gas containment section and the pressure in the second gas containment section.

5. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 4, The liquid dispensing device is characterized in that, when the pressure control unit controls the pressure in the first gas containment section to a first pressure, it controls the pressure in the second gas containment section to a first pressure.

6. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, The gas containment section has a third gas containment section located at a different position from the first gas containment section and the second gas containment section. The pressure control unit, The pressure within the third gas containment section can be controlled. When the pressure inside the first gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure, the pressure inside the third gas containment section is controlled to a second pressure different from the first pressure. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, when the pressure inside the third gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure, the pressure inside the first gas containment section is controlled to the second pressure.

7. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 6, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the second pressure is atmospheric pressure.

8. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, The cross-sectional shape of the liquid channel is circular. The gas containment section has partitions that divide the space within the gas containment section into multiple regions. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the partition wall supports the liquid flow path.

9. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, The gas containment section comprises a first gas containment section, a second gas containment section, and a third gas containment section, separated by the partition wall. The liquid in the liquid channel is filled at a pressure lower than the first pressure while the first gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure. The pressure control unit, When the pressure inside the first gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure, the pressures inside the second gas containment section and the third gas containment section are controlled to a second pressure lower than the first pressure. When the pressure inside the second gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure, the pressure inside the first gas containment section and the third gas containment section are controlled to the second pressure. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, when the pressure inside the third gas containment section is controlled to the first pressure, the pressure inside the first gas containment section and the second gas containment section are controlled to the second pressure.

10. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the second pressure is atmospheric pressure.

11. A liquid dispensing device according to claims 2 to 10, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that the liquid flow path and the gas containment section are provided within a single tube.

12. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 11, A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising a plurality of the aforementioned tubes.

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