Liquid storage part, liquid flowing mechanism and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid storage part configured so that a risk that liquid may soak into a moisture permeable film can be reduced therein, a liquid flowing mechanism, and a liquid discharge device.SOLUTION: The liquid storage part comprises a storing body that stores discharged liquid and moisturizing liquid, and a moisture permeable film mounted on the storing body. The moisture permeable film partitions the storing body into a discharged-liquid chamber and a moisturizing liquid chamber. The discharged-liquid chamber is a space where discharged liquid is stored. The moisturizing liquid chamber is a space where moisturizing liquid is stored. The storing body stores discharged liquid and moisturizing liquid so that a liquid level of the discharged liquid stored in the discharged-liquid chamber and a liquid level of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber are positioned lower than an upper end of the moisture permeable film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid storage section, a liquid flow mechanism, and a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device that stores ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid separated by a moisture-permeable membrane. In this liquid ejection device, moisture contained in the moisturizing liquid is supplied to the ejection liquid through the moisture-permeable membrane, thereby moisturizing the ejection liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-123180 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a liquid ejection device, when pressure is applied to the space in which the moisturizing liquid is stored or the space in which the ejected liquid is stored, a pressure difference occurs between the space in which the moisturizing liquid is stored or the space in which the ejected liquid is stored and the space inside the moisture permeable membrane. When a pressure difference occurs, there is a risk that the moisturizing liquid will seep into the moisture permeable membrane, or that the ejected liquid will seep into the moisture permeable membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The liquid storage section that solves the above problem comprises a storage body that stores the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid, and a moisture-permeable membrane attached to the storage body, the moisture-permeable membrane dividing the interior of the storage body into an ejection liquid chamber and a moisturizing liquid chamber, the ejection liquid chamber being a space in which the ejection liquid is stored, and the moisturizing liquid chamber being a space in which the moisturizing liquid is stored, and the storage body stores the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid such that the liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber and the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber are located below the upper end of the moisture-permeable membrane.

[0006] The liquid flow mechanism that solves the above problem comprises the liquid storage section, a pressure fluctuation mechanism connected to the storage body and fluctuating the pressure within the storage body, and an ejection liquid flow path connected to the storage body and communicating with the ejection liquid chamber.

[0007] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem includes the above liquid flow mechanism, and an ejection section that is connected to the reservoir and ejects the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a liquid ejection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid storage section. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an eighth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An 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 records images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of an ejection liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0010] <First Example> First, a first embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes an ejection unit 12. The ejection unit 12 is configured to eject liquid onto a medium M1. The ejection unit 12 is a so-called head. The ejection unit 12 has a nozzle surface 14 in which one or more nozzles 13 are opened. The ejection unit 12 ejects the liquid from the nozzles 13.

[0011] The ejection section 12 is formed with an introduction path 15, a common liquid chamber 16, and one or more individual liquid chambers 17. The introduction path 15, the common liquid chamber 16, and the one or more individual liquid chambers 17 are spaces within the ejection section 12. The ejection liquid flows through the introduction path 15, the common liquid chamber 16, and the one or more individual liquid chambers 17.

[0012] The introduction path 15 is a space for introducing the ejection liquid into the ejection section 12. The common liquid chamber 16 communicates with the introduction path 15. The ejection liquid is introduced into the common liquid chamber 16 through the introduction path 15. One or more individual liquid chambers 17 communicate with the common liquid chamber 16. The ejection liquid is introduced into one or more individual liquid chambers 17 through the common liquid chamber 16. When multiple individual liquid chambers 17 are formed in the ejection section 12, the multiple individual liquid chambers 17 communicate with the common liquid chamber 16. One individual liquid chamber 17 communicates with one nozzle 13. Therefore, the ejection section 12 has the same number of individual liquid chambers 17 as the nozzles 13. The ejection section 12 ejects the ejection liquid from the nozzles 13 by applying pressure to the ejection liquid located in the individual liquid chambers 17.

[0013] The ejection section 12 may have a filter 18. In one example, the filter 18 is located in the introduction path 15. More specifically, the filter 18 is located at an end of the introduction path 15 that is connected to the common liquid chamber 16. The filter 18 collects air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like contained in the ejected liquid. As a result, the ejected liquid from which air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like have been removed is introduced into the common liquid chamber 16 and the individual liquid chambers 17.

[0014] The discharge part 12 may have an outlet path 19 formed therein. The outlet path 19 is a space within the discharge part 12 through which the discharge liquid flows. The outlet path 19 is a space for leading out the discharge liquid from the discharge part 12. Therefore, the discharge liquid can flow within the discharge part 12 from the introduction path 15 to the outlet path 19. If the discharge liquid is retained for a long time, there is a risk that the discharge liquid will thicken or settle. By having the discharge liquid flow within the discharge part 12, the risk that the discharge liquid will thicken or settle within the discharge part 12 is reduced.

[0015] The outlet path 19 extends from the introduction path 15, the common liquid chamber 16, or the individual liquid chamber 17. In one example, the outlet path 19 extends from the common liquid chamber 16. Therefore, the ejection liquid passes through the ejection section 12 by flowing through the introduction path 15, the common liquid chamber 16, and the outlet path 19 in that order. The outlet path 19 may extend from the introduction path 15 or from the individual liquid chamber 17. The outlet path 19 may extend from the introduction path 15 so that the ejection liquid passes through the ejection section 12 without passing through the filter 18.

[0016] The inside of the discharge part 12 is usually maintained at a negative pressure. This is to form a meniscus in the nozzle 13. This allows the discharge part 12 to properly discharge the discharge liquid. It is preferable to maintain the inside of the discharge part 12 at a negative pressure even when the discharge liquid flows from the inlet path 15 to the outlet path 19. If the negative pressure in the discharge part 12 is eliminated, the meniscus may be destroyed. If the meniscus is destroyed, it is necessary to form a meniscus again in the nozzle 13.

[0017] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid flow mechanism 21. The liquid flow mechanism 21 is a mechanism for flowing liquid. The liquid flow mechanism 21 flows the ejection liquid. The liquid flow mechanism 21 flows the ejection liquid, thereby supplying the ejection liquid to the ejection section 12. In addition to flowing the ejection liquid, the liquid flow mechanism 21 may also flow a moisturizing liquid. The moisturizing liquid is a liquid for moisturizing the ejection liquid. The moisturizing liquid is, for example, a glycerin aqueous solution.

[0018] The liquid flow mechanism 21 is connected to a liquid supply source. The liquid supply source contains liquid. The liquid supply source includes an ejection liquid supply source 22 and a moisture supply source 23. The ejection liquid supply source 22 contains the ejection liquid. The moisture supply source 23 contains moisture, i.e., water. The ejection liquid supply source 22 and the moisture supply source 23 may be a cartridge or a pack that is detachable from the liquid ejection device 11, or may be a tank that can be replenished with liquid.

[0019] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has one or more liquid storage sections. In one example, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a first liquid storage section 24 and a second liquid storage section 25. The liquid flow mechanism 21 may have three or more liquid storage sections. The liquid storage sections store liquid. More specifically, the liquid storage sections store the ejection liquid, or the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid. In one example, the first liquid storage section 24 stores the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid. The second liquid storage section 25 stores the ejection liquid.

[0020] The liquid storage section is connected to a liquid supply source. Therefore, the ejection liquid is supplied to the liquid storage section from the ejection liquid supply source 22. Moisture is supplied to the liquid storage section from the moisture supply source 23. In one example, the first liquid storage section 24 is connected to the ejection liquid supply source 22 and the moisture supply source 23. The second liquid storage section 25 is connected to the first liquid storage section 24. That is, the second liquid storage section 25 is connected to the liquid supply source through the first liquid storage section 24. The second liquid storage section 25 is supplied with liquid from the first liquid storage section 24. In one example, the second liquid storage section 25 is supplied with ejection liquid from the first liquid storage section 24. The first liquid storage section 24 is not limited to being supplied with liquid from the liquid supply source, and may be configured to be supplied with liquid from the second liquid storage section 25. Second liquid storage section 25 is not limited to being supplied with liquid from first liquid storage section 24, and may be configured to be supplied with liquid directly from a liquid supply source.

[0021] The liquid storage section has a storage body. The storage body is configured to store the ejected liquid, or the ejected liquid and moisturizing liquid. The first liquid storage section 24 has a first storage body 26. The second liquid storage section 25 has a second storage body 27. In one example, the first storage body 26 stores the ejected liquid and moisturizing liquid. The second storage body 27 stores the ejected liquid.

[0022] The reservoir defines a reservoir chamber. A reservoir chamber is a space in which liquid is stored. The first reservoir 26 defines a first reservoir chamber 28. The second reservoir 27 defines a second reservoir chamber 29. In one example, the first reservoir chamber 28 stores the ejected liquid and moisturizing liquid. The second reservoir chamber 29 stores the ejected liquid.

[0023] The liquid storage section has a moisture-permeable membrane. More specifically, at least one of the multiple liquid storage sections has a moisture-permeable membrane. For example, at least one of the first liquid storage section 24 and the second liquid storage section 25 has a moisture-permeable membrane. That is, only the first liquid storage section 24 may have a moisture-permeable membrane, only the second liquid storage section 25 may have a moisture-permeable membrane, or both the first liquid storage section 24 and the second liquid storage section 25 may have moisture-permeable membranes. In one example, the first liquid storage section 24 has a moisture-permeable membrane, and the second liquid storage section 25 does not have a moisture-permeable membrane. The first liquid storage section 24 has a first moisture-permeable membrane 30.

[0024] The moisture permeable membrane is attached to the reservoir. The moisture permeable membrane divides the inside of the reservoir into an ejection liquid chamber and a moisturizer chamber. That is, the moisture permeable membrane separates the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizer chamber. In one example, the first moisture permeable membrane 30 is attached to the first reservoir 26. The first moisture permeable membrane 30 divides the inside of the first reservoir 26 into a first ejection liquid chamber 31 and a first moisturizer chamber 32.

[0025] The ejection liquid chamber is a space in which the ejection liquid is stored. The ejection liquid chamber is supplied with the ejection liquid. In one example, the first ejection liquid chamber 31 is supplied with the ejection liquid from the ejection liquid supply source 22. The moisturizer chamber is a space in which the moisturizer is stored. Water is supplied to the moisturizer chamber. That is, moisture is supplied to the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber. In one example, the first moisturizer chamber 32 is supplied with moisture from the moisture supply source 23.

[0026] The moisture-permeable membrane is a membrane that allows gas to pass through but does not allow liquid to pass through. Therefore, the moisture-permeable membrane separates the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber so that they do not mix. The moisture-permeable membrane is a porous membrane in which a plurality of pores are formed. The moisture-permeable membrane defines a gap that communicates with the plurality of pores. The gap is a space within the moisture-permeable membrane. A meniscus is generated in this pore due to the surface tension of the liquid. This meniscus is a gas-liquid interface between the liquid stored in the liquid chamber and the gas located in the gap. This allows gas to pass through the moisture-permeable membrane but does not allow liquid to pass through.

[0027] 2, a plurality of first pores 30H are formed in the first moisture permeable film 30. A first gap 30G is formed in the first moisture permeable film 30, which is connected to the plurality of first pores 30H. The first gap 30G is located between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first moisturizer chamber 32 in the first storage chamber 28. The first gap 30G is connected to the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first moisturizer chamber 32 by the first pores 30H. A meniscus of the ejection liquid or a meniscus of the moisturizer is formed in the first pores 30H.

[0028] The moisture permeable membrane has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the moisture permeable membrane is attached to the reservoir. The upper end of the moisture permeable membrane is located above the ejection liquid level and the moisturizing liquid level. That is, the reservoir stores the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid such that the upper end of the moisture permeable membrane is located above the ejection liquid level and the moisturizing liquid level. The first moisture permeable membrane 30 has a first upper end 33 and a first lower end 34. The first upper end 33 is located above the ejection liquid level of the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the moisturizing liquid level of the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32. That is, the first reservoir 26 stores the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid such that the first upper end 33 is located above the ejection liquid level of the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the moisturizing liquid level of the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32.

[0029] The moisture permeable membrane may completely partition the inside of the reservoir. In one example, the first moisture permeable membrane 30 completely partitions the inside of the first reservoir 26. That is, the first upper end 33 and the first lower end 34 are attached to the first reservoir 26. This prevents the discharged liquid and the moisturizing liquid from mixing even if the discharged liquid or the moisturizing liquid splashes.

[0030] In the discharge liquid, moisture may evaporate over time. When moisture evaporates from the discharge liquid, the concentration of the discharge liquid increases. When the concentration of the discharge liquid increases, the discharge liquid may become thicker. When the discharge liquid becomes thicker, the discharge unit 12 may not be able to discharge the discharge liquid appropriately.

[0031] The moisturizing liquid moisturizes the ejection liquid through the moisture permeable membrane. More specifically, the moisturizing liquid moisturizes the ejection liquid by supplying moisture to the ejection liquid through the moisture permeable membrane. The moisture contained in the moisturizing liquid permeates the moisture permeable membrane as water vapor. This supplies moisture to the ejection liquid. In one example, the moisture of the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32 is supplied to the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 31 by permeating the first moisture permeable membrane 30. The movement speed of the moisture supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid is determined by the contact area between the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid through the moisture permeable membrane. The larger the contact area between the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid through the moisture permeable membrane, the higher the movement speed of the moisture. The movement speed of the moisture is preferably higher than the evaporation speed of the ejection liquid. The movement speed of the moisture supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid is also determined by the thickness of the moisture permeable membrane. The thinner the moisture permeable membrane, the higher the movement speed of the moisture.

[0032] The moisturizing liquid has a concentration appropriate for moisturizing the ejection liquid. More specifically, the concentration of the moisturizing liquid is set so that the moisturizing power of the new ejection liquid and the moisturizing power of the moisturizing liquid are in balance. The moisturizing power is the ease of releasing moisture. In other words, the greater the moisturizing power, the easier it is to supply moisture. If the moisturizing power of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber is smaller than that of the new ejection liquid, moisture will move from the ejection liquid to the moisturizing liquid. In this case, there is a risk that the increase in the concentration of the ejection liquid will be promoted. Conversely, if the moisturizing power of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber is larger than that of the new ejection liquid, there is a risk that the concentration of the ejection liquid will be reduced too much. Therefore, the liquid storage unit stores moisturizing liquid of an appropriate concentration for moisturizing the ejection liquid so that the ejection liquid is maintained at an appropriate concentration. As a result, when the moisturizing power of the ejection liquid decreases due to the evaporation of moisture in the ejection liquid, moisture will move from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid.

[0033] As moisture moves from the moisturizer to the ejection liquid, the moisture content of the moisturizer decreases. As with the ejection liquid, moisture may evaporate over time in the moisturizer. This may increase the concentration of the moisturizer. If the concentration of the moisturizer increases, it may no longer be able to moisturize the ejection liquid. In this regard, the supply of moisture from the moisture source 23 to the moisturizer chamber reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer increasing.

[0034] The reservoir stores liquid and air in a storage chamber. More specifically, the reservoir stores the ejection liquid and air in the ejection liquid chamber. The reservoir stores moisturizer and air in the moisturizer chamber. Therefore, a liquid level of the ejection liquid exists in the ejection liquid chamber. A liquid level of the moisturizer exists in the moisturizer chamber. In the liquid flow mechanism 21, the amount of liquid stored in the reservoir is controlled so that the reservoir stores liquid together with air. By storing air together with the liquid in the reservoir, the upper end of the moisture permeable membrane can be positioned above the liquid level.

[0035] Since the upper end of the moisture-permeable membrane is located above the liquid surface, the moisture-permeable membrane prevents the discharge liquid and moisturizing liquid from entering or leaving the discharge liquid chamber and moisturizing liquid chamber, while air can enter or leave through the moisture-permeable membrane. More specifically, air can enter or leave the gap in the discharge liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. Air can enter or leave the gap in the moisturizing liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. Therefore, when the discharge liquid chamber is pressurized or the moisturizing liquid chamber is depressurized, air moves between the discharge liquid chamber and the gap, which makes it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the discharge liquid chamber and the gap. When the moisturizing liquid chamber is pressurized or the moisturizing liquid chamber is depressurized, air moves between the moisturizing liquid chamber and the gap, which makes it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the moisturizing liquid chamber and the gap. For example, when the liquid flow mechanism 21 flows the discharge liquid or moisturizing liquid, the pressure inside the reservoir may change. In this case, air moves between the discharge liquid chamber and the gap, which makes it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the discharge liquid chamber and the gap. The movement of air between the moisturizer chamber and the gap makes it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the moisturizer chamber and the gap. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping into the moisture-permeable membrane. In one example, since no pressure difference occurs between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first gap 30G, the risk of the ejection liquid seeping into the first gap 30G is reduced. Since no pressure difference occurs between the first moisturizer chamber 32 and the first gap 30G, the risk of the moisturizer seeping into the first gap 30G is reduced. If a pressure difference occurs between the ejection liquid chamber or moisturizer chamber and the gap, the meniscus formed in the pores of the moisture-permeable membrane may be destroyed. For example, if the upper end of the moisture-permeable membrane is located below the ejection liquid surface and the moisturizer surface, air is unlikely to flow in and out between the ejection liquid chamber or moisturizer chamber and the gap. Therefore, when the ejection liquid chamber is pressurized or the ejection liquid chamber is depressurized, a pressure difference occurs between the ejection liquid chamber and the gap. Furthermore, when the moisturizer chamber is pressurized or depressurized, a pressure difference occurs between the moisturizer chamber and the gap. If the meniscus is destroyed, the ejection liquid may seep into the moisturizer chamber through the moisture permeable membrane, or the moisturizer may seep into the ejection liquid chamber through the moisture permeable membrane.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a liquid supply flow path. The liquid supply flow path is a flow path for supplying liquid from a liquid supply source to a liquid storage section. The liquid supply flow path includes a discharge liquid supply flow path 35 and a moisture supply flow path 36. The discharge liquid supply flow path 35 is a flow path for supplying discharge liquid from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the liquid storage section. In one example, the discharge liquid supply flow path 35 is connected to the discharge liquid supply source 22 and the first reservoir 26. The discharge liquid supply flow path 35 communicates with the first discharge liquid chamber 31. The moisture supply flow path 36 is a flow path for supplying water from the moisture supply source 23 to the liquid storage section. In one example, the moisture supply flow path 36 is connected to the moisture supply source 23 and the first reservoir 26. The moisture supply flow path 36 communicates with the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32.

[0037] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a liquid supply valve. The liquid supply valve is located in the liquid supply flow path. The liquid supply valve includes a discharge liquid supply valve 37 and a moisture supply valve 38. The discharge liquid supply valve 37 is located in the discharge liquid supply flow path 35. When the discharge liquid supply valve 37 is open, the discharge liquid can be supplied from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the first reservoir 26. The moisture supply valve 38 is located in the moisture supply flow path 36. When the moisture supply valve 38 is open, moisture can be supplied from the moisture supply source 23 to the first reservoir 26. Normally, the liquid supply valve is closed. When it is necessary to supply liquid to the reservoir, the liquid supply valve opens.

[0038] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a liquid volume detection section. The liquid volume detection section is configured to detect the amount of liquid stored in the reservoir. The liquid volume detection section includes a discharged liquid volume detection section 39 and a moisturizing liquid volume detection section 40. The discharged liquid volume detection section 39 detects the amount of discharged liquid stored in the reservoir. The moisturizing liquid volume detection section 40 detects the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the reservoir.

[0039] The liquid volume detection unit is attached to the reservoir. The liquid volume detection unit is attached to the first reservoir 26, for example. The ejection liquid volume detection unit 39 is attached to the first reservoir 26. The ejection liquid volume detection unit 39 detects the volume of ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 31. The moisturizer volume detection unit 40 is attached to the first reservoir 26. The moisturizer volume detection unit 40 detects the volume of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32. The liquid volume detection unit is not limited to being attached to the first reservoir 26, and may also be attached to other reservoirs. For example, the liquid volume detection unit may be attached to the second reservoir 27.

[0040] The liquid volume detection unit may detect the liquid volume based on the passage of current between the electrodes, or may detect the liquid volume based on light reflected by a prism. The liquid volume detection unit may detect the liquid volume based on a vibration waveform of the liquid detected by a piezoelectric sensor. The liquid volume detection unit may detect the liquid volume based on the pressure of the liquid detected by a pressure sensor. When the liquid volume detection unit detects the liquid volume, the reservoir can store air together with the liquid. That is, the liquid volume of the reservoir is controlled by the liquid volume detection unit. When the liquid volume is controlled based on the liquid volume detection unit, the reservoir stores air together with the liquid.

[0041] The amount of moisturizer in the reservoir is controlled by the liquid amount detection unit detecting the amount of moisturizer. The amount of moisturizer in the reservoir is controlled to maintain the moisturizer at an appropriate concentration. When moisture is supplied to the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber, the concentration of the moisturizer decreases. In other words, the amount of moisture supplied affects the moisturizing power of the moisturizer. Therefore, the moisturizer stored in the reservoir is maintained at an appropriate concentration by supplying moisture so that the amount of moisturizer stored in the reservoir is constant. In one example, the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32 is maintained at an appropriate concentration by supplying moisture so that the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32 is constant based on the detection result of the moisturizer amount detection unit 40.

[0042] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a discharge liquid flow path 41. The discharge liquid flow path 41 is a flow path through which the discharge liquid flows. The discharge liquid flow path 41 is a flow path for flowing the discharge liquid stored in the reservoir. The discharge liquid flow path 41 may include a flow path for circulating the discharge liquid, or may include a flow path for supplying the discharge liquid to the discharge unit 12. In one example, the discharge liquid flow path 41 is a flow path for circulating the discharge liquid, and is also a flow path for supplying the discharge liquid to the discharge unit 12. Therefore, the discharge unit 12 can discharge the discharge liquid stored in the reservoir.

[0043] The discharge liquid flow path 41 is connected to the reservoir. In one example, the discharge liquid flow path 41 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The discharge liquid flow path 41 communicates with the reservoir chamber. More specifically, the discharge liquid flow path 41 communicates with the first discharge liquid chamber 31. The discharge liquid flow path 41 communicates with the second reservoir chamber 29. Through the discharge liquid flow path 41, the discharge liquid may flow into the reservoir chamber, or the discharge liquid may flow out from the reservoir chamber.

[0044] The discharge liquid flow path 41 has a first connection end 42 and a second connection end 43. The first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43 are ends of the discharge liquid flow path 41. The first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43 are connected to a reservoir. For example, the first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43 are connected to the first reservoir 26. The first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43 communicate with the first discharge liquid chamber 31. The discharge liquid circulates by flowing through the discharge liquid flow path 41. The circulating discharge liquid is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid. Therefore, the entire discharge liquid is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid.

[0045] The discharge liquid flow path 41 has a first connection flow path 44 and a second connection flow path 45. The first connection flow path 44 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The first connection flow path 44 has a first connection end 42. The second connection flow path 45 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The second connection flow path 45 has a second connection end 43. The first connection flow path 44 and the second connection flow path 45 circulate the discharge liquid and supply the discharge liquid to the discharge part 12.

[0046] The discharge liquid flow path 41 is connected to the discharge section 12. More specifically, the discharge section 12 is located in the discharge liquid flow path 41. Therefore, the discharge liquid is supplied from the reservoir to the discharge section 12 through the discharge liquid flow path 41. In one example, the discharge section 12 is located in the first connection flow path 44. Therefore, the discharge liquid circulates through the discharge section 12, the first reservoir 26, and the second reservoir 27 through the discharge liquid flow path 41. For example, when circulating, the discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. When circulating, the discharge liquid flows from the first reservoir 26 to the second reservoir 27 through the second connection flow path 45.

[0047] The discharge liquid flow path 41 may include a flow path for circulating the discharge liquid and a flow path for supplying the discharge liquid to the discharge unit 12, which are independent of each other. The discharge liquid flow path 41 may include, for example, a bypass flow path 46. The bypass flow path 46 is a flow path for circulating the discharge liquid without passing through the discharge unit 12. The bypass flow path 46 is connected to the first reservoir 26. In this case, both ends of the bypass flow path 46 correspond to the first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43. The discharge liquid flow path 41 may include a liquid sending flow path connected to the first reservoir 26 and the discharge unit 12 in addition to the bypass flow path 46.

[0048] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a pressure fluctuation mechanism 51. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is connected to the liquid storage section. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is a mechanism that fluctuates the pressure inside the storage body. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 causes the liquid to flow by fluctuating the pressure inside the storage body. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure inside the first storage body 26. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure inside the second storage body 27.

[0049] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is connected to the reservoir. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 communicates with the first reservoir chamber 28. In one example, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 communicates with the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 communicates with the second reservoir chamber 29.

[0050] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 generates a pressure difference between the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. This causes the liquid to flow between the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. In one example, the discharged liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. This causes the liquid to circulate between the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27.

[0051] When varying the pressure in the storage chamber, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 may vary the pressure in the ejection liquid chamber or the pressure in the moisturizer chamber. In either case, air flows in and out between the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizer chamber through the moisture permeable membrane, so the pressure in the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizer chamber fluctuate in the same way. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 may pressurize or depressurize the first ejection liquid chamber 31, or may pressurize or depressurize the first moisturizer chamber 32.

[0052] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a fluctuation part. The fluctuation part is connected to the reservoir. In one example, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first fluctuation part 52 and a second fluctuation part 53. The first fluctuation part 52 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The second fluctuation part 53 is connected to the second reservoir 27.

[0053] The fluctuation section fluctuates the pressure within the storage body. The fluctuation section pressurizes or depressurizes the storage body. The fluctuation section communicates with the upper part of the storage chamber. That is, the fluctuation section communicates with the air stored in the storage body. The fluctuation section fluctuates the pressure within the storage body by feeding air into the storage body or drawing air from the storage body. The fluctuation section causes the liquid to flow by fluctuating the pressure within the storage body. The first fluctuation section 52 fluctuates the pressure within the first storage body 26. The first fluctuation section 52 communicates with the upper part of the first storage chamber 28. The second fluctuation section 53 fluctuates the pressure within the second storage body 27. The second fluctuation section 53 communicates with the upper part of the second storage chamber 29.

[0054] The first fluctuation section 52 and the second fluctuation section 53 fluctuate the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27 so as to generate a pressure difference between the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. More specifically, the first fluctuation section 52 and the second fluctuation section 53 fluctuate the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27, respectively, so that the pressure in the first reservoir 26 is smaller than the pressure in the second reservoir 27. This causes the discharge liquid to flow from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. That is, the discharge liquid flows in the discharge section 12 from the introduction path 15 toward the discharge path 19.

[0055] The first fluctuating unit 52 normally fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir 26 so that a predetermined negative pressure is maintained inside the discharge unit 12. The second fluctuating unit 53 normally fluctuates the pressure in the second reservoir 27 so that a predetermined negative pressure is maintained inside the discharge unit 12. This allows the discharge unit 12 to appropriately discharge the discharge liquid while causing the discharge liquid to flow from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26.

[0056] The fluctuation part has a fluctuation pump. The fluctuation pump is connected to the reservoir. The fluctuation pump is a pump that fluctuates the pressure in the reservoir. The fluctuation pump is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The first fluctuation part 52 has a first fluctuation pump 54. The first fluctuation pump 54 is, for example, a pressure reducing pump. The first fluctuation pump 54 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26. More specifically, the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 by drawing air from the first reservoir 26. The second fluctuation part 53 has a second fluctuation pump 55. The second fluctuation pump 55 is, for example, a pressure increasing pump. The second fluctuation pump 55 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27. In detail, second variable pump 55 pressurizes the inside of second reservoir 27 by pumping air into second reservoir 27.

[0057] The first fluctuation pump 54 is driven to cause liquid to flow into the first reservoir 26. When the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, liquid flows into the first reservoir 26. For example, when the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, the discharge liquid can flow into the first reservoir 26 from the discharge liquid supply source 22. When the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, moisture can flow into the first reservoir 26 from the moisture supply source 23. When the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, the discharge liquid flows into the first reservoir 26 from the discharge portion 12 through the first connection flow path 44.

[0058] The second variable pump 55, when driven, causes liquid to flow out of the second reservoir 27. When the second variable pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27, liquid flows out of the second reservoir 27. For example, when the second variable pump 55 pressurizes the inside of the second reservoir 27, the discharge liquid flows out from the second reservoir 27 through the first connecting flow path 44 toward the discharge portion 12.

[0059] The second variable pump 55 is not limited to a pressure pump, and may be a pressure reducing pump like the first variable pump 54, or may be a pump capable of pressurizing and depressurizing the second reservoir 27. In this case, the second variable pump 55 reduces the pressure in the second reservoir 27 so that the pressure in the second reservoir 27 is greater than the pressure in the first reservoir 26. Even in this case, a pressure difference occurs between the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27, so that the discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. In addition, the second variable pump 55 reduces the pressure in the second reservoir 27, so that the discharge liquid can be made to flow back from the discharge section 12 to the second reservoir 27. In this case, the air bubbles collected in the filter 18 flow into the second reservoir 27, so that the air bubbles can be removed from the filter 18.

[0060] The fluctuation section has a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the reservoir. The pressure sensor detects the pressure inside the reservoir. The first fluctuation section 52 has a first pressure sensor 56. The first pressure sensor 56 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first pressure sensor 56 detects the pressure inside the first reservoir 26. The second fluctuation section 53 has a second pressure sensor 57. The second pressure sensor 57 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second pressure sensor 57 detects the pressure inside the second reservoir 27. In the fluctuation section, the fluctuation pump is driven based on the detection result of the pressure sensor. This maintains the inside of the discharge section 12 at a predetermined negative pressure.

[0061] The variable section has an atmosphere release valve. The atmosphere release valve is connected to the reservoir. The atmosphere release valve is a valve that opens the inside of the reservoir to the atmosphere. The first variable section 52 has a first atmosphere release valve 58. The first atmosphere release valve 58 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first atmosphere release valve 58 opens the inside of the first reservoir 26 to the atmosphere. The second variable section 53 has a second atmosphere release valve 59. The second atmosphere release valve 59 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second atmosphere release valve 59 opens the inside of the second reservoir 27 to the atmosphere. The atmosphere release valve includes a thin tube that connects the inside of the reservoir to the atmosphere in order to suppress evaporation of the liquid in the reservoir. Since the flow resistance of the thin tube is large, the liquid is less likely to evaporate. That is, the moisture contained in the ejected liquid and the moisture contained in the moisturizing liquid are less likely to evaporate.

[0062] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a liquid-sending pump 60 that causes the liquid to flow. The liquid-sending pump 60 is located in the second connection flow path 45. The liquid-sending pump 60 sends the discharge liquid from the first reservoir 26 to the second reservoir 27 through the second connection flow path 45. Therefore, in one example, the discharge liquid is circulated by the first fluctuation pump 54, the second fluctuation pump 55, and the liquid-sending pump 60.

[0063] The liquid delivery pump 60 may be located in the bypass flow path 46. Specifically, when the discharge liquid flow path 41 has the bypass flow path 46, the liquid delivery pump 60 may be located in the bypass flow path 46. In this case, when the liquid delivery pump 60 is driven, the pressure in the first reservoir 26 fluctuates and the discharge liquid circulates through the bypass flow path 46.

[0064] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has an agitation unit 61. The agitation unit 61 is configured to agitate the moisturizing liquid. The agitation unit 61 agitates the moisturizing liquid, thereby making the concentration of the moisturizing liquid uniform. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizing liquid becoming too high.

[0065] The agitator 61 is attached to the reservoir. The agitator 61 agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the reservoir. In one example, the agitator 61 is attached to the first reservoir 26. The agitator 61 agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the first reservoir 26. That is, the agitator 61 agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32.

[0066] The stirring section 61 has an agitation flow channel 62. The agitation flow channel 62 has a first end 63 and a second end 64. The first end 63 and the second end 64 are connected to the first reservoir 26. The first end 63 and the second end 64 communicate with the first moisturizer chamber 32. In one example, the agitation flow channel 62 constitutes a part of the moisture supply flow channel 36. For example, the first end 63 coincides with an end of the moisture supply flow channel 36. The agitation flow channel 62 may be a flow channel independent of the moisture supply flow channel 36.

[0067] The stirring unit 61 has an agitation pump 65. The agitation pump 65 is located in the agitation flow path 62. The agitation pump 65 circulates the moisturizing liquid in the first reservoir 26 through the agitation flow path 62. This causes the moisturizing liquid to be agitated. In one example, when the agitation pump 65 is driven, the moisturizing liquid flows through the agitation flow path 62 from the first end 63 to the second end 64. In other words, the moisturizing liquid circulates through the agitation flow path 62.

[0068] The stirring unit 61 is not limited to a configuration including the stirring flow path 62 and the stirring pump 65, and may be a configuration including fins that stir the moisturizer in the first reservoir 26. In this case, the moisturizer in the first moisturizer chamber 32 is stirred by driving the fins.

[0069] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 67. The control unit 67 controls various components included in the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 67 controls the ejection unit 12. The control unit 67 controls the liquid flow mechanism 21. For example, the control unit 67 controls the ejection liquid supply valve 37, the water supply valve 38, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51, and the stirring unit 61.

[0070] The control unit 67 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 67 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, that execute at least a part of the various processes. The control unit 67 may be configured with a circuit including a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0071] The control unit 67 drives the first variable pump 54 so that the inside of the discharge unit 12 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. The control unit 67 drives the second variable pump 55 so that the inside of the discharge unit 12 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. Furthermore, the control unit 67 drives the liquid feed pump 60. In this way, the control unit 67 circulates the discharge liquid. The circulating discharge liquid is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid.

[0072] Control unit 67 may supply moisture from moisture supply source 23 to first reservoir 26 by driving agitator 61. Control unit 67 may supply moisture from moisture supply source 23 to first reservoir 26 by driving agitator pump 65 with moisture supply valve 38 open. In this way, control unit 67 supplies moisture to the moisture stored in first moisture chamber 32.

[0073] The control unit 67 may circulate the moisturizing liquid by driving the stirring unit 61. The control unit 67 circulates the moisturizing liquid by driving the stirring pump 65 with the water supply valve 38 closed.

[0074] The control unit 67 may circulate the liquid at all times, or may circulate the liquid at a predetermined timing. That is, the control unit 67 may circulate the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid at all times, or may circulate them at a predetermined timing. The control unit 67 may circulate the liquid during printing. The control unit 67 may circulate the liquid during maintenance of the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 67 may circulate the liquid when it is determined that it is necessary to circulate the liquid. The control unit 67 may determine whether it is necessary to circulate the liquid based on the temperature and humidity during printing, the print duty, the elapsed time, and the like. For example, the control unit 67 determines that it is necessary to circulate the liquid when the temperature and humidity are high. The control unit 67 determines that it is necessary to circulate the liquid when the print duty is low. The control unit 67 determines that it is necessary to circulate the liquid when the elapsed time is long. The elapsed time is the time elapsed since the previous printing, the time elapsed since the previous liquid supply, and the like.

[0075] The control unit 67 controls the liquid supply valve based on the detection result of the liquid volume detection unit. That is, the control unit 67 controls the ejection liquid supply valve 37 based on the detection result of the ejection liquid volume detection unit 39. The control unit 67 controls the moisture supply valve 38 based on the detection result of the moisturizing liquid volume detection unit 40.

[0076] The control unit 67 opens the discharge liquid supply valve 37 when the discharge liquid amount detected by the discharge liquid amount detection unit 39 is equal to or less than the threshold value. This allows the discharge liquid to be supplied from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the first reservoir 26. At this time, the control unit 67 supplies the discharge liquid from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the first reservoir 26 by causing the first fluctuation unit 52 to reduce the pressure inside the first reservoir 26. The control unit 67 closes the discharge liquid supply valve 37 when the discharge liquid amount detected by the discharge liquid amount detection unit 39 is greater than the threshold value. This maintains the amount of discharge liquid stored in the first reservoir 26 greater than the threshold value.

[0077] The control unit 67 opens the moisture supply valve 38 when the amount of moisture detected by the moisture amount detection unit 40 is equal to or less than the threshold value. This allows moisture to be supplied from the moisture supply source 23 to the first reservoir 26. At this time, the control unit 67 causes the first variable unit 52 to reduce the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, thereby supplying moisture from the moisture supply source 23 to the first reservoir 26. The control unit 67 closes the moisture supply valve 38 when the amount of moisture detected by the moisture amount detection unit 40 is greater than the threshold value. This maintains the amount of moisture stored in the first reservoir 26 greater than the threshold value. Therefore, the moisture is maintained at an appropriate concentration. The threshold value for the amount of discharged moisture and the threshold value for the amount of moisture may be different values.

[0078] Control unit 67 may supply liquid from the liquid supply source to first reservoir 26 by using the head difference between the liquid supply source and first reservoir 26, without using first fluctuation unit 52. In this case, the liquid level stored in the liquid supply source is located higher than the liquid level stored in first reservoir 26. Control unit 67 supplies liquid to first reservoir 26 by opening the liquid supply valve based on the detection result of the liquid amount detection unit.

[0079] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) The first reservoir 26 stores the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid such that the liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32 are located below the first upper end 33. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid and air are stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 31, and the moisturizing liquid and air are stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32. Air can move between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first gap 30G. Air can move between the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32 and the first gap 30G. Therefore, even if pressure is applied to the ejection liquid, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 and the first gap 30G. Even if pressure is applied to the moisturizing liquid, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32 and the first gap 30G. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping out into the first moisture permeable membrane 30.

[0080] (2) The first reservoir 26 is connected to the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 so that the upper part of the first ejection liquid chamber 31 or the upper part of the first moisturizer chamber 32 communicates with the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51. With the above configuration, even if the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the first ejection liquid chamber 31 or fluctuates the pressure in the first moisturizer chamber 32, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 or the first moisturizer chamber 32 and the first gap 30G. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping into the first moisture permeable membrane 30.

[0081] (3) The liquid flow mechanism 21 includes a discharge liquid flow path 41 that is connected to the first reservoir 26 and communicates with the first discharge liquid chamber 31. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir 26, causing the liquid in the first discharge liquid chamber 31 to flow through the discharge liquid flow path 41. At this time, if a pressure difference occurs between the first discharge liquid chamber 31 and the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32, there is a risk that the liquid will seep into the first moisture permeable membrane 30. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the discharge liquid and air are stored in the first discharge liquid chamber 31, and the moisturizing liquid and air are stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32. Air can move between the first discharge liquid chamber 31 and the first moisturizing liquid chamber 32. Therefore, even if the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the first ejection liquid chamber 31 or fluctuates the pressure in the first moisturizer chamber 32, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the first ejection liquid chamber 31 or the first moisturizer chamber 32 and the first gap 30G. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping out into the first moisture permeable membrane 30.

[0082] (4) The first connection end 42 and the second connection end 43 communicate with the first ejection liquid chamber 31. According to the above configuration, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir 26, causing the ejection liquid to flow through the ejection liquid flow path 41. This causes the ejection liquid stored in the first reservoir 26 to circulate through the ejection liquid flow path 41. As the ejection liquid circulates, moisture is supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the entire ejection liquid. Therefore, the moisturizing liquid can effectively moisturize the ejection liquid.

[0083] (5) The ejection section 12 is located in the ejection liquid flow path 41. According to the above configuration, the ejection section 12 ejects the ejection liquid that is effectively moisturized by the moisturizing liquid. Therefore, the ejection section 12 can appropriately eject the ejection liquid.

[0084] (6) The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first fluctuation unit 52 that fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and a second fluctuation unit 53 that fluctuates the pressure in the second reservoir 27. According to the above configuration, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27, thereby causing the discharge liquid to circulate through the discharge liquid flow path 41. As a result, the circulating discharge liquid is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid.

[0085] (7) The liquid flow mechanism 21 has an agitator 61 that agitates the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32. According to the above configuration, the agitator 61 agitates the moisturizer, thereby reducing the risk of the moisturizer becoming too concentrated.

[0086] (8) The stirring unit 61 has an agitation flow path 62 through which the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32 circulates, and an agitation pump 65 located in the agitation flow path 62. According to the above configuration, when the agitation pump 65 is driven, the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32 circulates through the agitation flow path 62. This causes the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 32 to be agitated. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer becoming too high.

[0087] <Second Example> Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. The second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the first fluctuation section 52 has a first atmosphere release valve 58. The first fluctuation section 52 fluctuates the pressure inside the first reservoir 26 to atmospheric pressure by the first atmosphere release valve 58. The second fluctuation section 53 has a second fluctuation pump 55, a second pressure sensor 57, and a second atmosphere release valve 59. The second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizes the inside of the second reservoir 27. The discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the discharge section 12 by the second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizing the inside of the second reservoir 27. Accordingly, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge section 12 to the first reservoir 26. When the liquid delivery pump 60 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first reservoir 26 to the second reservoir 27. In this way, the discharge liquid may be circulated by the second fluctuation pump 55 and the liquid delivery pump 60. However, in this case, the negative pressure in the discharge section 12 is not maintained when the discharge liquid circulates. Therefore, in this example, it is difficult to circulate the discharge liquid while maintaining a negative pressure inside the discharge section 12. Therefore, when circulating the discharge liquid by the second fluctuation pump 55 and the liquid feed pump 60, it is preferable to circulate the discharge liquid at a timing other than during printing.

[0089] The liquid flow mechanism 21 may have a differential pressure valve. For example, the liquid flow mechanism 21 may have a first differential pressure valve 71 and a second differential pressure valve 72. The first differential pressure valve 71 and the second differential pressure valve 72 are located in the first connecting flow path 44. In detail, the first differential pressure valve 71 is located between the second reservoir 27 and the discharge portion 12 in the first connecting flow path 44. The second differential pressure valve 72 is located between the discharge portion 12 and the first reservoir 26 in the first connecting flow path 44.

[0090] The differential pressure valve is configured to open and close depending on the pressure difference with the atmospheric pressure. The first differential pressure valve 71 opens when the pressure in the discharge part 12 falls below a predetermined value, for example, when the amount of discharged liquid in the discharge part 12 decreases. The second differential pressure valve 72 opens when the pressure in the discharge part 12 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, when the amount of discharged liquid in the discharge part 12 increases. This maintains the inside of the discharge part 12 at a negative pressure.

[0091] The pressure in the discharge part 12 at which the first differential pressure valve 71 opens may be different from the pressure in the discharge part 12 at which the second differential pressure valve 72 opens. For example, the pressure in the discharge part 12 at which the first differential pressure valve 71 opens may be higher than the pressure in the discharge part 12 at which the second differential pressure valve 72 opens. This allows the discharge liquid to flow from the inlet path 15 toward the outlet path 19. Therefore, even when the discharge liquid is circulated by the second fluctuation pump 55 and the liquid feed pump 60, the discharge liquid can be circulated while maintaining the inside of the discharge part 12 at a negative pressure by the differential pressure valve.

[0092] The liquid flow mechanism 21 may maintain a negative pressure in the discharge part 12 by a head difference. In this case, for example, the discharge part 12 is positioned such that the nozzle surface 14 is located above the discharge liquid level of the first reservoir 26. This allows the discharge liquid to be circulated while maintaining a negative pressure in the discharge part 12 when the discharge liquid is circulated by the second fluctuation pump 55 and the liquid feed pump 60.

[0093] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 may have a supply pump 73. The supply pump 73 is located in the discharge liquid supply flow path 35. When the supply pump 73 is driven, the discharge liquid is supplied from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the first reservoir 26. When the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 does not have a configuration for reducing the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, it is preferable that the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has the supply pump 73. In this example, water is supplied from the water supply source 23 to the first reservoir 26 by driving the agitation pump 65. Moreover, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 may have the supply pump 73 even when the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a configuration for reducing the pressure inside the first reservoir 26.

[0094] <Third Example> Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. In the third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, the second fluctuation section 53 has a second atmosphere release valve 59. The second fluctuation section 53 fluctuates the pressure inside the second reservoir 27 to atmospheric pressure by the second atmosphere release valve 59. The first fluctuation section 52 has a first fluctuation pump 54, a first pressure sensor 56, and a first atmosphere release valve 58. The first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26. When the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge section 12 to the first reservoir 26. Accordingly, the discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the discharge section 12. When the liquid delivery pump 60 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first reservoir 26 to the second reservoir 27. In this way, the discharge liquid may be circulated by the first fluctuation pump 54 and the liquid delivery pump 60.

[0096] <Fourth Example> Next, a fourth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. The fourth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a relay. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first relay 74 and a second relay 75. The relay is connected to the storage body. The relay stores air. The relay communicates with the upper part of the storage body. Therefore, air can flow in and out between the relay and the storage body. The first relay 74 is connected to the first storage body 26. Air can flow in and out between the first relay 74 and the first storage body 26. The second relay 75 is connected to the second storage body 27. Air can flow in and out between the second relay 75 and the second storage body 27.

[0098] The first pressure sensor 56 is connected to the first relay 74. The first pressure sensor 56 detects the pressure in the first relay 74. The first pressure sensor 56 detects the pressure in the first reservoir 26 by detecting the pressure in the first relay 74. The second pressure sensor 57 is connected to the second relay 75. The second pressure sensor 57 detects the pressure in the second relay 75. The second pressure sensor 57 detects the pressure in the second reservoir 27 by detecting the pressure in the second relay 75.

[0099] The first atmosphere release valve 58 is connected to the first relay 74. The first atmosphere release valve 58 connects the inside of the first relay 74 to the atmosphere. The first atmosphere release valve 58 connects the inside of the first relay 74 to the atmosphere, thereby connecting the inside of the first reservoir 26 to the atmosphere. The second atmosphere release valve 59 is connected to the second relay 75. The second atmosphere release valve 59 connects the inside of the second relay 75 to the atmosphere. The second atmosphere release valve 59 connects the inside of the second reservoir 27 to the atmosphere, by connecting the inside of the second relay 75 to the atmosphere.

[0100] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a pressure regulating valve. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first pressure regulating valve 76 and a second pressure regulating valve 77. The first pressure regulating valve 76 is connected to the first relay 74. The first pressure regulating valve 76 is connected to the first reservoir 26 through the first relay 74. The second pressure regulating valve 77 is connected to the second relay 75. The second pressure regulating valve 77 is connected to the second reservoir 27 through the second relay 75.

[0101] The pressure regulating valve is a valve that adjusts the pressure in the reservoir. More specifically, the pressure regulating valve adjusts the pressure in the reservoir by adjusting the pressure in the relay. In one example, the pressure regulating valve is, for example, a solenoid valve. The pressure regulating valve opens and closes based on, for example, the detection result of a pressure sensor. More specifically, the opening degree of the pressure regulating valve is determined by the detection result of the pressure sensor. The first pressure regulating valve 76 opens and closes based on the detection result of the first pressure sensor 56. For example, the first pressure regulating valve 76 opens and closes so that the pressure in the first relay 74 does not fall below a predetermined value. This reduces the risk that the pressure in the first reservoir 26 becomes too low. The second pressure regulating valve 77 opens and closes based on the detection result of the second pressure sensor 57. The second pressure regulating valve 77 opens and closes so that the pressure in the second relay 75 does not exceed a predetermined value. This reduces the risk that the pressure in the second reservoir 27 becomes too high. The predetermined value for the first pressure regulating valve 76 may be different from the predetermined value for the second pressure regulating valve 77 .

[0102] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a common pump 78. The common pump 78 is connected to the first relay 74 and the second relay 75. The common pump 78 reduces the pressure inside the first relay 74. The common pump 78 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26 by reducing the pressure inside the first relay 74. The common pump 78 pressurizes the inside of the second relay 75. The common pump 78 pressurizes the inside of the second reservoir 27 by increasing the pressure inside the second relay 75.

[0103] When the common pump 78 is driven, the pressure in the first reservoir 26 is reduced. When the common pump 78 is driven, the pressure in the second reservoir 27 is increased. As a result, the discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. In this manner, the discharge liquid may be circulated by the common pump 78 and the liquid feed pump 60. In this example, the first fluctuation section 52 has a first pressure sensor 56, a first atmosphere release valve 58, a first relay 74, a first pressure adjustment valve 76, and a common pump 78. The second fluctuation section 53 has a second pressure sensor 57, a second atmosphere release valve 59, a second relay 75, a second pressure adjustment valve 77, and a common pump 78.

[0104] <Fifth Example> Next, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. In the fifth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6 , the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a regulator. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first regulator 79 and a second regulator 80. The first regulator 79 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first regulator 79 is connected to the first fluctuation pump 54. The first regulator 79 is located between the first reservoir 26 and the first fluctuation pump 54. The second regulator 80 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second regulator 80 is connected to the second fluctuation pump 55. The second regulator 80 is located between the second reservoir 27 and the second fluctuation pump 55.

[0106] The regulator adjusts the pressure inside the reservoir. The first regulator 79 adjusts the pressure inside the first reservoir 26. This allows the first fluctuating pump 54 to reduce the pressure inside the first reservoir 26 so that the inside of the discharge section 12 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. The second regulator 80 adjusts the pressure inside the second reservoir 27. This allows the second fluctuating pump 55 to increase the pressure inside the second reservoir 27 so that the inside of the discharge section 12 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. In this example, the first fluctuating section 52 has the first fluctuating pump 54 and the first regulator 79. The second fluctuating section 53 has the second fluctuating pump 55 and the second regulator 80.

[0107] <Sixth Example> Next, a sixth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 7, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a switching valve. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first switching valve 81 and a second switching valve 82. The first switching valve 81 is connected to the first storage body 26. More specifically, the first switching valve 81 is located between the first storage body 26 and the first atmosphere release valve 58. The first switching valve 81 opens and closes. When the first switching valve 81 opens, the first storage body 26 communicates with the first atmosphere release valve 58. The second switching valve 82 is connected to the second storage body 27. More specifically, the second switching valve 82 is located between the second storage body 27 and the second atmosphere release valve 59. The second switching valve 82 opens and closes. When the second switching valve 82 opens, the second storage body 27 communicates with the second atmosphere release valve 59.

[0109] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a fluctuation pump. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first fluctuation pump 54 and a second fluctuation pump 55. In this example, the fluctuation pump is a cylinder pump. The first fluctuation pump 54 is connected to the first reservoir 26. More specifically, the first fluctuation pump 54 is connected to the first reservoir 26 through a first switching valve 81. Therefore, the first fluctuation pump 54 communicates with the first reservoir 26 by opening the first switching valve 81. The first fluctuation pump 54 is connected to a first atmosphere release valve 58. Therefore, the first fluctuation pump 54 can take in and exhaust air through the first atmosphere release valve 58. The second fluctuation pump 55 is connected to the second reservoir 27. More specifically, the second fluctuation pump 55 is connected to the second reservoir 27 through a second switching valve 82. Therefore, when the second switching valve 82 is opened, the second variable pump 55 communicates with the second reservoir 27. The second variable pump 55 is connected to the second atmosphere release valve 59. Therefore, the second variable pump 55 can take in and exhaust air through the second atmosphere release valve 59.

[0110] The first fluctuation pump 54 takes in air with the first switching valve 81 open. At this time, the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26 based on the first pressure sensor 56. Next, the first fluctuation pump 54 exhausts air with the first switching valve 81 closed. At this time, the first fluctuation pump 54 exhausts air through the first atmosphere release valve 58. In this example, the first fluctuation section 52 has the first fluctuation pump 54, the first pressure sensor 56, the first atmosphere release valve 58, and the first switching valve 81.

[0111] The second fluctuation pump 55 draws in air with the second switching valve 82 closed. At this time, the second fluctuation pump 55 draws in air through the second atmosphere release valve 59. Next, the second fluctuation pump 55 exhausts air with the second switching valve 82 open. At this time, the second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizes the inside of the second reservoir 27 based on the second pressure sensor 57. In this example, the second fluctuation unit 53 has the second fluctuation pump 55, the second pressure sensor 57, the second atmosphere release valve 59, and the second switching valve 82. In this manner, the discharge liquid may be circulated by the first fluctuation pump 54, the second fluctuation pump 55, and the liquid feed pump 60.

[0112] <Seventh Example> Next, a description will be given of a seventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. In the seventh embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a pressure regulating valve. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first pressure regulating valve 76 and a second pressure regulating valve 77. The pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the pressure in the reservoir, similar to the fourth embodiment. The first pressure regulating valve 76 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first pressure regulating valve 76 opens and closes so that the pressure in the first reservoir 26 does not fall below a predetermined value. The first pressure regulating valve 76 opens and closes based on the detection result of the first pressure sensor 56. The second pressure regulating valve 77 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second pressure regulating valve 77 opens and closes so that the pressure in the second reservoir 27 does not exceed a predetermined value. The second pressure regulating valve 77 opens and closes based on the detection result of the second pressure sensor 57.

[0114] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 does not have a fluctuation pump. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 fluctuates the pressure in the reservoir by the liquid sending pump 60. When the liquid sending pump 60 is driven, the discharge liquid is sent from the first reservoir 26 to the second reservoir 27. At this time, the amount of discharge liquid in the first reservoir 26 decreases, and the amount of discharge liquid in the second reservoir 27 increases. When the amount of discharge liquid in the reservoir fluctuates, the pressure in the reservoir fluctuates. That is, when the liquid sending pump 60 is driven, the pressure in the first reservoir 26 is reduced, and the pressure in the second reservoir 27 is increased. When the pressure in the first reservoir 26 is reduced, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge section 12 to the first reservoir 26. When the pressure in the second reservoir 27 is increased, the discharge liquid flows from the second reservoir 27 to the discharge section 12. In this way, the discharge liquid may be circulated by the liquid sending pump 60. In this example, the first fluctuation section 52 has a first pressure sensor 56, a first atmosphere release valve 58, a liquid feed pump 60, and a first pressure adjustment valve 76. The second fluctuation section 53 has a second pressure sensor 57, a second atmosphere release valve 59, the liquid feed pump 60, and a second pressure adjustment valve 77.

[0115] <Eighth Example> Next, an eighth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The eighth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid flow mechanism 21. In the seventh embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0116] 9, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a differential pressure valve. More specifically, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a first differential pressure valve 71 and a second differential pressure valve 72. The differential pressure valves are the same as those in the second embodiment. The first differential pressure valve 71 and the second differential pressure valve 72 maintain a negative pressure in the discharge portion 12.

[0117] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a third liquid storage section 83. The third liquid storage section 83 is configured to store the ejection liquid, or the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid. In this example, the third liquid storage section 83 stores the ejection liquid.

[0118] The third liquid storage portion 83 has a third storage body 84. The third storage body 84 defines a third storage chamber 85. Similar to the second liquid storage portion 25, the third liquid storage portion 83 does not have a moisture-permeable membrane.

[0119] The third reservoir 84 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. More specifically, the third reservoir 84 is located in the second connection flow path 45. The third reservoir 85 communicates with the first reservoir 28 and the second reservoir 29. More specifically, the third reservoir 85 communicates with the first discharge liquid chamber 31 and the second reservoir 29.

[0120] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a fluctuation pump. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first fluctuation pump 54 and a second fluctuation pump 55. The first fluctuation pump 54 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84. The first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84. The second fluctuation pump 55 is connected to the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84. The second fluctuation pump 55 increases the pressure in the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84.

[0121] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a switching valve. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first switching valve 81 and a second switching valve 82, similar to the sixth embodiment. The first switching valve 81 is connected to the first fluctuating pump 54 and the third reservoir 84. The first switching valve 81 is located between the first fluctuating pump 54 and the third reservoir 84. When the first switching valve 81 is opened, the first fluctuating pump 54 communicates with the third reservoir 84. The second switching valve 82 is connected to the second fluctuating pump 55 and the third reservoir 84. The second switching valve 82 is located between the second fluctuating pump 55 and the third reservoir 84. When the second switching valve 82 is opened, the second fluctuating pump 55 communicates with the third reservoir 84.

[0122] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is configured so that, when the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84, the pressure in the first reservoir 26 becomes greater than the pressure in the third reservoir 84. This creates a pressure difference between the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84, causing the discharge liquid to flow from the first reservoir 26 to the third reservoir 84 through the second connection flow path 45.

[0123] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 is configured so that, when the second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84, the pressure in the third reservoir 84 becomes greater than the pressure in the second reservoir 27. As a result, a pressure difference occurs between the third reservoir 84 and the second reservoir 27, so that the discharge liquid flows from the third reservoir 84 to the second reservoir 27 through the second connection flow path 45.

[0124] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 may have a resistance portion. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first resistance portion 86 and a second resistance portion 87. The resistance portion is configured to provide resistance to the pressure fluctuation caused by the fluctuation pump. The resistance portion is, for example, a thin tube. The resistance portion is not limited to a thin tube, and may be, for example, a valve. The resistance portion is located between the fluctuation pump and the reservoir. The first resistance portion 86 is located between the first fluctuation pump 54 and the first reservoir 26. That is, the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 through the first resistance portion 86. The second resistance portion 87 is located between the second fluctuation pump 55 and the second reservoir 27. That is, the second fluctuation pump 55 increases the pressure in the second reservoir 27 through the second resistance portion 87.

[0125] The first fluctuation pump 54 is difficult to reduce the pressure in the first reservoir 26 due to the first resistance portion 86. Therefore, when the first fluctuation pump 54 is driven, a pressure difference occurs between the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84. As a result, the discharge liquid flows from the first reservoir 26 to the third reservoir 84. In this example, the first fluctuation portion 52 has the first fluctuation pump 54, the first switching valve 81, and the first resistance portion 86. The second fluctuation pump 55 is difficult to pressurize the second reservoir 27 due to the second resistance portion 87. Therefore, when the second fluctuation pump 55 is driven, a pressure difference occurs between the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84. As a result, the discharge liquid flows from the third reservoir 84 to the second reservoir 27. In this example, the second fluctuation portion 53 has the second fluctuation pump 55, the second switching valve 82, and the second resistance portion 87. In this manner, the discharge liquid may flow from first reservoir 26 toward second reservoir 27 by first fluctuation pump 54 and second fluctuation pump 55, without being limited to liquid delivery pump 60.

[0126] The liquid flow mechanism 21 may have one or more one-way valves 88. The one-way valve 88 is a valve that allows the liquid to flow in one direction and restricts the liquid from flowing in the opposite direction. The liquid flow mechanism 21 has, for example, two one-way valves 88. The one-way valve 88 is located in the second connection flow path 45. In detail, the two one-way valves 88 are located in the second connection flow path 45, between the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84, and between the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84. The one-way valve 88 reduces the risk of the discharge liquid flowing back through the second connection flow path 45. That is, the one-way valve 88 reduces the risk of the discharge liquid flowing from the third reservoir 84 to the first reservoir 26 or the discharge liquid flowing from the second reservoir 27 to the third reservoir 84. The one-way valve 88 is positioned in the discharge liquid flow path 41 to regulate the flow of the discharge liquid circulating through the discharge liquid flow path 41 .

[0127] <Ninth Example> Next, a description will be given of a ninth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The ninth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid flow mechanism 21. The ninth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0128] 10, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a differential pressure valve. More specifically, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a first differential pressure valve 71 and a second differential pressure valve 72. The differential pressure valves are similar to those in the second and eighth embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 71 and the second differential pressure valve 72 maintain a negative pressure in the discharge portion 12.

[0129] The second liquid storage section 25 is configured to store the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid. The second liquid storage section 25 has a second moisture permeable membrane 90. The second moisture permeable membrane 90 is attached to the second storage body 27. The second moisture permeable membrane 90 divides the second storage body 27 into a second ejection liquid chamber 91 and a second moisturizing liquid chamber 92. The ejection liquid is stored in the second ejection liquid chamber 91. The moisturizing liquid is stored in the second moisturizing liquid chamber 92. Similar to the first moisture permeable membrane 30, the second moisture permeable membrane 90 has a plurality of pores formed therein. The second moisture permeable membrane 90 also defines voids that communicate with the plurality of pores.

[0130] The second moisture permeable membrane 90 has a second upper end 93 and a second lower end 94. The second lower end 94 is attached to the second reservoir 27. The second upper end 93 is located above the discharged liquid level of the second discharged liquid chamber 91 and the moisturizing liquid level of the second moisturizing liquid chamber 92. The second reservoir 27 stores the discharged liquid and moisturizing liquid such that the second upper end 93 is located above the discharged liquid level of the second discharged liquid chamber 91 and the moisturizing liquid level of the second moisturizing liquid chamber 92. In one example, the second moisture permeable membrane 90 completely partitions the inside of the second reservoir 27. That is, the second upper end 93 and the second lower end 94 are attached to the second reservoir 27.

[0131] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has a third liquid storage section 83. The third liquid storage section 83 is configured to store the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid, similar to the second liquid storage section 25. The third liquid storage section 83 has a third storage body 84 and a third moisture permeable membrane 95. The third moisture permeable membrane 95 is attached to the third storage body 84. The third moisture permeable membrane 95 divides the third storage body 84 into a third ejection liquid chamber 96 and a third moisturizing liquid chamber 97. The ejection liquid is stored in the third ejection liquid chamber 96. The moisturizing liquid is stored in the third moisturizing liquid chamber 97. The third moisture permeable membrane 95 has a plurality of pores formed therein, similar to the first moisture permeable membrane 30. In addition, the third moisture permeable membrane 95 defines a gap communicating with the plurality of pores.

[0132] The third moisture permeable membrane 95 has a third upper end 98 and a third lower end 99. The third lower end 99 is attached to the third reservoir 84. The third upper end 98 is located above the discharged liquid level of the third discharged liquid chamber 96 and the moisturizing liquid level of the third moisturizing liquid chamber 97. The third reservoir 84 stores the discharged liquid and moisturizing liquid such that the third upper end 98 is located above the discharged liquid level of the third discharged liquid chamber 96 and the moisturizing liquid level of the third moisturizing liquid chamber 97. In one example, the third moisture permeable membrane 95 completely partitions the inside of the third reservoir 84. That is, the third upper end 98 and the third lower end 99 are attached to the third reservoir 84.

[0133] The third reservoir 84 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. More specifically, the third reservoir 84 is located in the second connection flow path 45. The third discharge liquid chamber 96 communicates with the first discharge liquid chamber 31 and the second discharge liquid chamber 91.

[0134] The stirring section 61 has a stirring flow path 62. The stirring flow path 62 has a first circulation flow path 101 and a second circulation flow path 102. The first circulation flow path 101 is connected to the first liquid storage section 24 and the second liquid storage section 25. More specifically, the first circulation flow path 101 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The first circulation flow path 101 communicates with the first moisturizing fluid chamber 32 and the second moisturizing fluid chamber 92. In one example, the first circulation flow path 101 has a second end 64. The second circulation flow path 102 is connected to the first liquid storage section 24 and the second liquid storage section 25. More specifically, the second circulation flow path 102 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. In one example, the second circulation flow path 102 has a first end 63. The third reservoir 84 is located in the second circulation flow path 102. Therefore, the second circulation channel 102 communicates with the first moisturizer chamber 32 , the second moisturizer chamber 92 , and the third moisturizer chamber 97 .

[0135] The liquid flow mechanism 21 has one or more one-way valves 88. In one example, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has four one-way valves 88. Of the four one-way valves 88, two one-way valves 88 are located in the discharge liquid flow path 41, as in the eighth embodiment. The remaining two one-way valves 88 are located in the stirring flow path 62. In detail, the two one-way valves 88 are located in the second circulation flow path 102. The two one-way valves 88 are located between the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84, and between the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84, respectively, in the second circulation flow path 102. The one-way valves 88 reduce the risk of the moisturizing liquid flowing from the third reservoir 84 to the first reservoir 26 or from the second reservoir 27 to the third reservoir 84. The one-way valve 88 is positioned in the agitation channel 62 to regulate the flow of moisturizing fluid circulating through the agitation channel 62 .

[0136] Similar to the eighth embodiment, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first fluctuation pump 54, a second fluctuation pump 55, a first switching valve 81, a second switching valve 82, a first resistance portion 86, and a second resistance portion 87. The first fluctuation portion 52 and the second fluctuation portion 53 are similar to those in the eighth embodiment.

[0137] The first variable pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the third reservoir 84. At this time, the first resistance portion 86 makes the pressure in the first reservoir 26 greater than the pressure in the third reservoir 84. As a result, the discharge liquid and the moisturizing liquid flow from the first reservoir 26 to the third reservoir 84. The second variable pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27 and the third reservoir 84. At this time, the second resistance portion 87 makes the pressure in the third reservoir 84 greater than the pressure in the second reservoir 27. As a result, the discharge liquid and the moisturizing liquid flow from the third reservoir 84 to the second reservoir 27. In addition, the first variable pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the second variable pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27, so that the discharge liquid and the moisturizing liquid flow from the second reservoir 27 to the first reservoir 26. In this manner, the liquid is circulated by the first fluctuation pump 54 and the second fluctuation pump 55. Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 also serves as the stirring unit 61.

[0138] <Tenth Example> Next, a tenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The tenth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position of the pressure sensor. The tenth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 11, the first pressure sensor 56 and the second pressure sensor 57 are located in the first connection flow path 44. More specifically, the first pressure sensor 56 is located between the discharge portion 12 and the first reservoir 26 in the first connection flow path 44. The second pressure sensor 57 is located between the second reservoir 27 and the discharge portion 12 in the first connection flow path 44. The first pressure sensor 56 detects the pressure in the first reservoir 26 through the first connection flow path 44. The second pressure sensor 57 detects the pressure in the second reservoir 27 through the first connection flow path 44. Based on the detection result of the first pressure sensor 56, the first fluctuation pump 54 reduces the pressure in the first reservoir 26. Based on the detection result of the second pressure sensor 57, the second fluctuation pump 55 pressurizes the second reservoir 27. As a result, the discharge liquid circulates while the discharge portion 12 is maintained at a negative pressure.

[0140] <Eleventh Example> Next, an eleventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The eleventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid flow mechanism 21. The eleventh embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0141] 12, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a relay tank 103. The relay tank 103 is connected to the discharge liquid flow path 41. More specifically, the relay tank 103 is connected to the first connection flow path 44 so as to be in parallel with the discharge unit 12. Therefore, the discharge liquid flows in and out of the relay tank 103 in the same way as the discharge unit 12. The discharge liquid circulates through the discharge liquid flow path 41 by passing through the discharge unit 12 or the relay tank 103.

[0142] The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has one pressure sensor. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a relay pressure sensor 104. The relay pressure sensor 104 is connected to the relay tank 103. The relay pressure sensor 104 detects the pressure in the relay tank 103. The pressure in the relay tank 103 corresponds to the pressure in the discharge unit 12. Therefore, the relay pressure sensor 104 detects the pressure in the discharge unit 12 by detecting the pressure in the relay tank 103. More specifically, the relay pressure sensor 104 detects the pressure in the discharge unit 12 based on the pressure in the relay tank 103 by referring to the correspondence data. The correspondence data is data in which the pressure in the relay tank 103 and the pressure in the discharge unit 12 are associated with each other. The correspondence data may be stored in the control unit 67.

[0143] Based on the detection result of the relay pressure sensor 104, the first fluctuating pump 54 reduces the pressure inside the first reservoir 26. Based on the detection result of the relay pressure sensor 104, the second fluctuating pump 55 increases the pressure inside the second reservoir 27. This causes the discharge liquid to circulate while the inside of the discharge section 12 is maintained at negative pressure.

[0144] <Twelfth Example> Next, a description will be given of a twelfth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The twelfth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure variation mechanism 51. In the twelfth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 13, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a differential pressure adjustment valve instead of a pressure sensor. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 instead of the first pressure sensor 56. The pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 instead of the second pressure sensor 57. The differential pressure adjustment valve is a valve that opens and closes depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the reservoir and the atmospheric pressure. The first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 opens and closes depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the atmospheric pressure. The second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 opens and closes depending on the pressure difference between the pressure in the second reservoir 27 and the atmospheric pressure.

[0146] The first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 is connected to the first reservoir 26. The first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 opens when the pressure in the first reservoir 26 falls below a predetermined value. This maintains the pressure in the first reservoir 26 above the predetermined value. The first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 controls the pressure in the first reservoir 26.

[0147] The second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 is connected to the second reservoir 27. The second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 opens when the pressure in the second reservoir 27 exceeds a predetermined value. This maintains the pressure in the second reservoir 27 at a value not exceeding the predetermined value. The second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 controls the pressure in the second reservoir 27.

[0148] The first differential pressure adjustment valve 105 and the second differential pressure adjustment valve 106 respectively control the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27, so that the discharge liquid circulates while the inside of the discharge section 12 is maintained at negative pressure.

[0149] <Thirteenth Example> Next, a description will be given of a thirteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The thirteenth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51. In the thirteenth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0150] As shown in Fig. 14, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a differential pressure valve instead of a pressure sensor. More specifically, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a first differential pressure valve 71 and a second differential pressure valve 72 instead of the first pressure sensor 56 and the second pressure sensor 57. The differential pressure valves are similar to those in the second, eighth and ninth embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 71 and the second differential pressure valve 72 maintain a negative pressure in the discharge portion 12 regardless of the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27. This allows the discharge liquid to circulate in a state in which the discharge portion 12 is maintained at a negative pressure.

[0151] <14th Example> Next, a description will be given of a fourteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The fourteenth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid flow mechanism 21. In the fourteenth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0152] 15, the pressure fluctuation mechanism 51 has a supply pump 73. The supply pump 73 is the same as that in the second embodiment. When the supply pump 73 is driven, the discharge liquid is supplied from the discharge liquid supply source 22 to the first reservoir 26. In this example, when the agitation pump 65 is driven, water is supplied from the water supply source 23 to the first reservoir 26.

[0153] The liquid flow mechanism 21 is configured to send the discharge liquid from the first storage body 26 to the discharge section 12. That is, the first fluctuation section 52 sends the discharge liquid from the first storage body 26 to the discharge section 12 by pressurizing the inside of the first storage body 26. The liquid flow mechanism 21 is configured to send the discharge liquid from the discharge section 12 to the second storage body 27. That is, the second fluctuation section 53 sends the discharge liquid from the discharge section 12 to the second storage body 27 by reducing the pressure inside the second storage body 27. The liquid sending pump 60 sends the discharge liquid from the second storage body 27 to the first storage body 26.

[0154] The first fluctuation pump 54 is a pressure boosting pump. The first fluctuation pump 54 pressurizes the first reservoir 26 based on a first pressure sensor 56. The second fluctuation pump 55 is a pressure reducing pump. The second fluctuation pump 55 depressurizes the second reservoir 27 based on a second pressure sensor 57. This allows the discharge liquid to circulate in a state in which the discharge section 12 is maintained at a negative pressure. That is, in the fourteenth embodiment, the flow of the discharge liquid circulating through the discharge liquid flow path 41 is reversed compared to the first embodiment.

[0155] <Fifteenth Example> Next, a description will be given of a fifteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The fifteenth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid flow mechanism 21. The fifteenth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0156] 16, the liquid flow mechanism 21 has a second liquid storage section 25. Similar to the ninth embodiment, the second liquid storage section 25 has a second storage body 27 and a second moisture permeable membrane 90. The second moisture permeable membrane 90 divides the second storage chamber 29 into a second ejection liquid chamber 91 and a second moisturizing liquid chamber 92.

[0157] The second liquid chamber 91 communicates with the liquid flow path 41. The second liquid chamber 91 communicates with the first connection flow path 44 and the second connection flow path 45. The liquid circulates between the first liquid chamber 31 and the second liquid chamber 91 through the liquid flow path 41.

[0158] The stirring section 61 has a stirring flow path 62. The stirring flow path 62 has a first circulation flow path 101 and a second circulation flow path 102, similar to the ninth embodiment. The first circulation flow path 101 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The first circulation flow path 101 communicates with the first moisturizer chamber 32 and the second moisturizer chamber 92. In one example, the first circulation flow path 101 has a second end 64. The second circulation flow path 102 is connected to the first reservoir 26 and the second reservoir 27. The second circulation flow path 102 communicates with the first moisturizer chamber 32 and the second moisturizer chamber 92. In one example, the second circulation flow path 102 has a first end 63.

[0159] The agitation unit 61 has an agitation pump 65. The agitation pump 65 is located in the second circulation flow path 102. When the agitation pump 65 is driven, the moisturizer flows from the first moisturizer chamber 32 to the second moisturizer chamber 92 through the second circulation flow path 102. At this time, the moisturizer flows from the second moisturizer chamber 92 to the first moisturizer chamber 32 through the first circulation flow path 101. In this manner, the moisturizer circulates through the agitation flow path 62.

[0160] The moisturizer may be circulated by the first fluctuation pump 54, the second fluctuation pump 55, and the agitation pump 65. The first fluctuation pump 54 and the second fluctuation pump 55 fluctuate the pressure in the first reservoir 26 and the pressure in the second reservoir 27, respectively, causing the discharge liquid to flow from the second discharge liquid chamber 91 to the first discharge liquid chamber 31 through the first connection flow path 44. At this time, the moisturizer flows from the second moisturizer chamber 92 to the first moisturizer chamber 32 through the first circulation flow path 101.

[0161] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0162] The liquid flow mechanism 21 may have four or more liquid storage parts. It is preferable that the liquid is configured to circulate between the four or more liquid storage parts. The liquid flow mechanism 21 may be configured such that the second liquid storage section 25 has a moisture-permeable membrane, and the third liquid storage section 83 does not have a moisture-permeable membrane. The liquid flow mechanism 21 may be configured such that the third liquid storage section 83 has a moisture-permeable membrane, and the second liquid storage section 25 does not have a moisture-permeable membrane.

[0163] The liquid ejected by the ejection unit 12 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 12 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescence displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0164] <Technical philosophy> The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0165] (A) The liquid storage section includes a storage body that stores the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid, and a moisture-permeable membrane attached to the storage body, and the moisture-permeable membrane divides the interior of the storage body into an ejection liquid chamber and a moisturizing liquid chamber, the ejection liquid chamber is a space in which the ejection liquid is stored, the moisturizing liquid chamber is a space in which the moisturizing liquid is stored, and the storage body stores the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid such that the liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber and the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber are located below the upper end of the moisture-permeable membrane. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid and air are stored in the ejection liquid chamber, and the moisturizing liquid and air are stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber. Air can move between the ejection liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. Air can move between the moisturizing liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. Therefore, even if pressure is applied to the ejection liquid, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the ejection liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. Even if pressure is applied to the moisture, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the moisture chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane, thereby reducing the risk of liquid seeping out into the moisture-permeable membrane.

[0166] (B) The liquid reservoir may be connected to a pressure fluctuation mechanism that fluctuates the pressure inside the reservoir, and the reservoir may be connected to the pressure fluctuation mechanism so that an upper portion of the ejection liquid chamber or an upper portion of the moisturizer chamber communicates with the pressure fluctuation mechanism. With the above configuration, even if the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the ejection liquid chamber or the moisturizer chamber, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the ejection liquid chamber or the moisturizer chamber and the moisture permeable membrane. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping into the moisture permeable membrane.

[0167] (C) The liquid flow mechanism includes the liquid storage section, a pressure fluctuation mechanism connected to the storage body and fluctuating the pressure in the storage body, and a discharge liquid flow path connected to the storage body and communicating with the discharge liquid chamber. The pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the storage body, causing the liquid in the discharge liquid chamber to flow through the discharge liquid flow path. At this time, if a pressure difference occurs between the discharge liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid chamber, the liquid may seep into the moisture-permeable membrane. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the discharge liquid chamber stores the discharge liquid and air, and the moisturizing liquid chamber stores the moisturizing liquid and air. The air can move between the discharge liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid chamber. Therefore, even if the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the discharge liquid chamber or the moisturizing liquid chamber, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the discharge liquid chamber or moisturizing liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. This reduces the risk of liquid seeping into the moisture-permeable membrane.

[0168] (D) In ​​the above liquid flow mechanism, the discharge liquid flow path may have a first connection end connected to the reservoir and a second connection end connected to the reservoir, and the first connection end and the second connection end may communicate with the discharge liquid chamber. According to the above configuration, the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the reservoir, causing the discharge liquid to flow through the circulation flow path. This causes the discharge liquid stored in the reservoir to circulate through the discharge liquid flow path. As the discharge liquid circulates, moisture is supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the entire discharge liquid. Therefore, the moisturizing liquid can effectively moisturize the discharge liquid.

[0169] (E) The liquid ejection device includes the liquid flow mechanism and an ejection section connected to the storage body and ejecting the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber. The pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the storage body, causing the liquid in the ejection liquid chamber to flow through the ejection liquid flow path. At this time, if a pressure difference occurs between the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid chamber, the liquid may seep into the moisture-permeable membrane. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the ejection liquid chamber stores the ejection liquid and air, and the moisturizing liquid chamber stores the moisturizing liquid and air. The air can move between the ejection liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid chamber. Therefore, even if the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the ejection liquid chamber or the moisturizing liquid chamber, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the ejection liquid chamber or the moisturizing liquid chamber and the moisture-permeable membrane. This reduces the risk of the liquid seeping into the moisture-permeable membrane.

[0170] (F) In the above liquid ejection device, the ejection liquid flow path may have a first connection end connected to the reservoir and a second connection end connected to the reservoir, the first connection end and the second connection end communicating with the ejection liquid chamber, and the ejection section may be located in the ejection liquid flow path. According to the above configuration, the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the reservoir, causing the ejection liquid to flow through the ejection liquid flow path. This causes the ejection liquid stored in the reservoir to circulate through the ejection liquid flow path. As the ejection liquid circulates, moisture is supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the entire ejection liquid. Therefore, the moisturizing liquid can effectively moisturize the ejection liquid. The ejection section ejects the ejection liquid that has been effectively moisturized by the moisturizing liquid. Therefore, the ejection section can appropriately eject the ejection liquid.

[0171] (G) In the above liquid ejection device, the liquid storage section is a first liquid storage section, the storage body is a first storage body, the liquid flow mechanism includes a second liquid storage section that stores the ejection liquid or the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid, the second liquid storage section has a second storage body that stores the ejection liquid or the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid, the ejection liquid flow path has a first connection flow path that connects the first storage body and the second storage body, and a second connection flow path that connects the first storage body and the second storage body, the ejection section is located in the first connection flow path, and the pressure fluctuation mechanism may have a first fluctuation section that fluctuates the pressure in the first storage body and a second fluctuation section that fluctuates the pressure in the second storage body. According to the above configuration, the pressure fluctuation mechanism fluctuates the pressure in the first storage body and the pressure in the second storage body, so that the ejection liquid circulates through the ejection liquid flow path. This allows the moisturizing liquid to effectively moisturize the ejection liquid.

[0172] (H) In the above liquid ejection device, the liquid flow mechanism may have an agitation unit that agitates the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber. According to the above configuration, the agitation unit agitates the moisturizer, thereby reducing the risk of the moisturizer becoming too concentrated.

[0173] (I) In the above liquid ejection device, the stirring section may have an agitation flow path through which the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber circulates, and an agitation pump located in the agitation flow path, and the agitation flow path may have a first end connected to the reservoir and a second end connected to the reservoir, and the first end and the second end may communicate with the moisturizer chamber. According to the above configuration, the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber circulates through the agitation flow path by driving the agitation pump. This agitates the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer increasing.

[0174] (J) In the above liquid ejection device, the moisture permeable membrane is a first moisture permeable membrane, the ejection liquid chamber is a first ejection liquid chamber, the moisturizer chamber is a first moisturizer chamber, the second liquid storage section has a second moisture permeable membrane attached to the second storage body, the second moisture permeable membrane divides the inside of the second storage body into a second ejection liquid chamber and a second moisturizer chamber, the second ejection liquid chamber is a space in which ejection liquid is stored, the second moisturizer chamber is a space in which moisturizer is stored, and the second storage body is configured such that the liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the second ejection liquid chamber and the liquid level of the moisturizer stored in the second moisturizer chamber are located below an upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane. In this manner, the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid may be stored, the liquid flow mechanism has an agitation section that agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid chamber and the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid chamber, the agitation section has an agitation flow path through which the moisturizing liquid circulates in the first moisturizing liquid chamber and the second moisturizing liquid chamber, the agitation flow path has a first circulation flow path connected to the first liquid storage section and the second liquid storage section, and a second circulation flow path connected to the first liquid storage section and the second liquid storage section, the first circulation flow path may communicate with the first moisturizing liquid chamber and the second moisturizing liquid chamber, and the second circulation flow path may communicate with the first moisturizing liquid chamber and the second moisturizing liquid chamber. According to the above configuration, the moisturizing liquid can moisturize the ejection liquid in the first liquid storage section and the second liquid storage section. This allows the circulating ejection liquid to be moisturized by the moisturizing liquid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] Reference Signs List 11...liquid ejection device, 12...ejection section, 13...nozzle, 14...nozzle surface, 15...introduction path, 16...common liquid chamber, 17...individual liquid chamber, 18...filter, 19...outlet path, 21...liquid flow mechanism, 22...ejection liquid supply source, 23...moisture supply source, 24...first liquid storage section, 25...second liquid storage section, 26...first storage body, 27...second storage body, 28...first storage chamber, 29...second storage chamber, 30...first moisture permeable membrane, 30H...first pore, 30G...first gap, 31...first ejection liquid chamber, 32...first moisturizing liquid chamber, 33 ...first upper end, 34...first lower end, 35...ejection liquid supply flow path, 36...moisture supply flow path, 37...ejection liquid supply valve, 38...moisture supply valve, 39...ejection liquid amount detection section, 40...moisture amount detection section, 41...ejection liquid flow path, 42...first connection end, 43...second connection end, 44...first connection flow path, 45...second connection flow path, 46...bypass flow path, 51...pressure fluctuation mechanism, 52...first fluctuation section, 53...second fluctuation section, 54...first fluctuation pump, 55...second fluctuation pump, 56...first pressure sensor, 57...second pressure sensor, 5 8...first atmosphere release valve, 59...second atmosphere release valve, 60...liquid supply pump, 61...mixing section, 62...mixing flow path, 63...first end, 64...second end, 65...mixing pump, 67...control section, 71...first differential pressure valve, 72...second differential pressure valve, 73...supply pump, 74...first relay body, 75...second relay body, 76...first pressure adjustment valve, 77...second pressure adjustment valve, 78...common pump, 79...first regulator, 80...second regulator, 81...first switching valve, 82...second switching valve, 83...third liquid storage section, 8 4...third reservoir, 85...third reservoir chamber, 86...first resistance portion, 87...second resistance portion, 88...one-way valve, 90...second moisture permeable membrane, 91...second ejection liquid chamber, 92...second moisturizing liquid chamber, 93...second upper end, 94...second lower end, 95...third moisture permeable membrane, 96...third ejection liquid chamber, 97...third moisturizing liquid chamber, 98...third upper end, 99...third lower end, 101...first circulation flow path, 102...second circulation flow path, 103...relay tank, 104...relay pressure sensor, 105...first differential pressure adjustment valve, 106...second differential pressure adjustment valve, M1...medium.

Claims

1. a reservoir for storing the discharge liquid and the moisturizing liquid; A moisture-permeable membrane attached to the reservoir, the moisture permeable membrane divides the interior of the reservoir into an ejection liquid chamber and a moisturizing liquid chamber; The discharge liquid chamber is a space in which the discharge liquid is stored, The moisturizer chamber is a space in which moisturizer is stored, The liquid storage section is characterized in that it stores the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid so that the liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid chamber and the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid chamber are located below the upper end of the moisture-permeable membrane.

2. 2. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure change mechanism for changing the pressure in the reservoir, The liquid reservoir is connected to the pressure fluctuation mechanism such that an upper portion of the ejection liquid chamber or an upper portion of the moisturizing liquid chamber communicates with the pressure fluctuation mechanism.

3. A liquid storage portion according to claim 1 ; A pressure fluctuation mechanism connected to the reservoir and fluctuating the pressure in the reservoir; a liquid flow passage connected to the reservoir and communicating with the liquid chamber;

4. The discharge liquid flow path is A first connection end connected to the reservoir; A second connection end connected to the reservoir, 4. The liquid flow mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first connection end and the second connection end communicate with the discharge liquid chamber.

5. A liquid flow mechanism according to claim 3; a discharge section connected to the reservoir and configured to discharge the liquid stored in the liquid chamber, the discharge section comprising:

6. The discharge liquid flow path is A first connection end connected to the reservoir; A second connection end connected to the reservoir, the first connection end and the second connection end communicate with the discharge liquid chamber; The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 , wherein the ejection portion is located in the ejection liquid flow path.

7. the liquid storage portion is a first liquid storage portion, The reservoir is a first reservoir, the liquid flow mechanism includes a second liquid storage section that stores the ejection liquid or the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid; the second liquid storage section has a second storage body that stores the ejection liquid or the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid, The discharge liquid flow path is A first connection flow path connected to the first reservoir and the second reservoir; A second connection flow path connected to the first reservoir and the second reservoir, The discharge portion is located in the first connection flow path, The pressure fluctuation mechanism includes: A first fluctuating unit fluctuates the pressure in the first reservoir; The liquid ejection device according to claim 6 , further comprising: a second pressure varying section that varies the pressure in the second reservoir.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 , wherein the liquid flow mechanism has an agitator that agitates the moisture stored in the moisture chamber.

9. The stirring unit includes: a mixing flow path through which the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer chamber circulates; a mixing pump located in the mixing flow path; The mixing flow path is A first end connected to the reservoir; a second end connected to the reservoir; The liquid ejection device according to claim 8 , wherein the first end and the second end communicate with the moisture chamber.

10. The moisture-permeable membrane is a first moisture-permeable membrane, the ejection liquid chamber is a first ejection liquid chamber, the moisturizer chamber is a first moisturizer chamber, the second liquid storage portion has a second moisture permeable membrane attached to the second storage body, the second moisture permeable membrane divides the second reservoir into a second ejection liquid chamber and a second moisture chamber; The second liquid chamber is a space in which liquid is stored, the second moisturizer chamber is a space in which moisturizer is stored, the second reservoir stores the ejection liquid and the moisture liquid such that a liquid level of the ejection liquid stored in the second ejection liquid chamber and a liquid level of the moisture liquid stored in the second moisture liquid chamber are positioned below an upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane, the liquid flow mechanism includes an agitator that agitates the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber and the moisturizer stored in the second moisturizer chamber, the stirring unit has a stirring flow path through which the moisturizer circulates between the first moisturizer chamber and the second moisturizer chamber, The mixing flow path is a first circulation flow path connected to the first liquid storage portion and the second liquid storage portion; a second circulation flow path connected to the first liquid storage portion and the second liquid storage portion, the first circulation flow path communicates with the first moisturizer chamber and the second moisturizer chamber, The liquid ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein the second circulation flow path communicates with the first moisturizer chamber and the second moisturizer chamber.

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