Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device that can appropriately moisturize discharged liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 11, which is supplied with discharged liquid from a supply source, comprises a discharging mechanism 13 that discharges the discharged liquid supplied from the supply source and a moisturizing mechanism 50 that moisturizes the discharged liquid flowing through the discharging mechanism, using moisturizing liquid. The discharging mechanism has a discharging part 14 that discharges discharged liquid, a discharged-liquid flow passage 28 connected to the supply source and the discharging part, and a discharged-liquid storage part, positioned on the discharged-liquid flow passage, which stores discharged liquid. The moisturizing mechanism has a moisturizing liquid storage part that stores moisturizing liquid, a moisturizing part arranged adjacent to the discharging mechanism, and a stirring part 55 that stirs the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage part. The moisturizing part has a moisture permeable film separating the discharged liquid from the moisturizing liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to 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, the moisture liquid moisturizes the ejection liquid, and the concentration of the moisture liquid increases. If the concentration of the moisture liquid becomes too high, there is a risk that the moisture liquid will not be able to adequately moisturize the ejection liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem is a liquid ejection device that is supplied with ejection liquid from a supply source, and includes an ejection mechanism that ejects the ejection liquid supplied from the supply source, and a moisturizing mechanism that moisturizes the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection mechanism with moisturizing liquid, wherein the ejection mechanism has an ejection section that ejects the ejection liquid, an ejection liquid flow path connected to the supply source and the ejection section, and an ejection liquid storage section located in the ejection liquid flow path that stores the ejection liquid, and the moisturizing mechanism has a moisturizing liquid storage section that stores the moisturizing liquid, a moisturizing section adjacent to the ejection mechanism, and an agitation section that agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section, and the moisturizing section has a moisture-permeable membrane that separates the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [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 second embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an eighth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a sixteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an eighteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a nineteenth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a twentieth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] 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.

[0008] <First Example> First, a first embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is connected to a supply source 12. The supply source 12 contains the ejection liquid. The supply source 12 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 the ejection liquid. The inside of the supply source 12 may be open to the atmosphere. The ejection liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the liquid ejection device 11.

[0009] The liquid ejection device 11 includes an ejection mechanism 13. The ejection mechanism 13 is a mechanism that ejects ejection liquid. The ejection mechanism 13 is connected to a supply source 12. The ejection liquid supplied from the supply source 12 flows through the ejection mechanism 13. The ejection mechanism 13 ejects the ejection liquid supplied from the supply source 12.

[0010] The discharge mechanism 13 has a discharge unit 14. The discharge unit 14 is configured to discharge a discharge liquid onto the medium M1. The discharge unit 14 is a so-called head. The discharge unit 14 has a nozzle surface 16 in which one or more nozzles 15 open. The discharge unit 14 discharges the discharge liquid from the nozzles 15.

[0011] The ejection section 14 is formed with an introduction path 17, a common liquid chamber 18, and one or more individual liquid chambers 19. The introduction path 17, the common liquid chamber 18, and the one or more individual liquid chambers 19 are spaces within the ejection section 14 through which the ejection liquid flows.

[0012] The introduction path 17 is a space for introducing the ejection liquid to the ejection section 14. The common liquid chamber 18 communicates with the introduction path 17. The ejection liquid is introduced to the common liquid chamber 18 through the introduction path 17. One or more individual liquid chambers 19 communicate with the common liquid chamber 18. The ejection liquid is introduced to one or more individual liquid chambers 19 through the common liquid chamber 18. When multiple individual liquid chambers 19 are formed in the ejection section 14, the multiple individual liquid chambers 19 communicate with the common liquid chamber 18. One individual liquid chamber 19 communicates with one nozzle 15. Therefore, the ejection section 14 has the same number of individual liquid chambers 19 as the nozzles 15. The ejection section 14 applies pressure to the ejection liquid located in the individual liquid chambers 19, thereby ejecting the ejection liquid from the nozzles 15.

[0013] The ejection section 14 may have a filter 20. In one example, the filter 20 is located in the introduction path 17. More specifically, the filter 20 is located at an end of the introduction path 17 that is connected to the common liquid chamber 18. The filter 20 collects air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like contained in the ejected liquid. As a result, the common liquid chamber 18 and the individual liquid chambers 19 are supplied with the ejected liquid from which air bubbles, foreign matter, and the like have been removed.

[0014] The discharge part 14 may be formed with a lead-out path 21. The lead-out path 21 is a space in the discharge part 14 through which the discharge liquid flows. The lead-out path 21 is a space for leading out the discharge liquid from the discharge part 14. Therefore, the discharge liquid can flow in the discharge part 14 from the introduction path 17 to the lead-out path 21. If the discharge liquid is retained for a long time, there is a risk that the discharge liquid will thicken or settle. By allowing the discharge liquid to flow in the discharge part 14, the risk that the discharge liquid will thicken or settle in the discharge part 14 is reduced.

[0015] The outlet path 21 extends from the introduction path 17, the common liquid chamber 18, or the individual liquid chamber 19. In one example, the outlet path 21 extends from the common liquid chamber 18. Therefore, the ejection liquid passes through the ejection section 14 by flowing through the introduction path 17, the common liquid chamber 18, and the outlet path 21 in that order. The outlet path 21 may extend from the introduction path 17 or from the individual liquid chamber 19. The outlet path 21 may extend from the introduction path 17 so that the ejection liquid passes through the ejection section 14 without passing through the filter 20.

[0016] The inside of the discharge part 14 is usually maintained at a negative pressure. This is to form a meniscus in the nozzle 15. This allows the discharge part 14 to properly discharge the discharge liquid. Therefore, even when the discharge liquid flows from the introduction path 17 to the discharge path 21, it is preferable to maintain the inside of the discharge part 14 at a negative pressure. If the negative pressure in the discharge part 14 is eliminated, the meniscus may be destroyed. If the meniscus is destroyed, it is necessary to form a meniscus again in the nozzle 15.

[0017] The discharge mechanism 13 has one or more discharge liquid storage sections. In one example, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first discharge liquid storage section 23 and a second discharge liquid storage section 24. The discharge mechanism 13 may have three or more discharge liquid storage sections.

[0018] The discharge liquid storage section stores the discharge liquid. The discharge liquid storage section is connected to the supply source 12. Therefore, the discharge liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the discharge liquid storage section. In one example, the first discharge liquid storage section 23 is connected to the supply source 12. The second discharge liquid storage section 24 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23. That is, the second discharge liquid storage section 24 is connected to the supply source 12 through the first discharge liquid storage section 23. The second discharge liquid storage section 24 is supplied with the discharge liquid from the first discharge liquid storage section 23. The first discharge liquid storage section 23 is not limited to being supplied with the discharge liquid from the supply source 12, but may be configured to be supplied with the discharge liquid from the second discharge liquid storage section 24. The second discharge liquid storage section 24 is not limited to being supplied with the discharge liquid from the first discharge liquid storage section 23, but may be configured to be supplied with the discharge liquid directly from the supply source 12.

[0019] The discharge liquid storage section defines a discharge liquid chamber. The discharge liquid chamber is a space in which the discharge liquid is stored. The first discharge liquid storage section 23 defines a first discharge liquid chamber 25. The second discharge liquid storage section 24 defines a second discharge liquid chamber 26. In one example, the discharge liquid storage section stores air together with the discharge liquid. Therefore, a liquid level of the discharge liquid exists in the discharge liquid storage section. The inside of the discharge liquid storage section may be filled with the discharge liquid.

[0020] The discharge mechanism 13 has a discharge liquid flow path 28. The discharge liquid flow path 28 is a flow path through which the discharge liquid flows. The discharge liquid flow path 28 is connected to the supply source 12. The discharge liquid flow path 28 is connected to the discharge unit 14. The discharge liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the discharge unit 14 through the discharge liquid flow path 28.

[0021] A discharge liquid storage section is located in the discharge liquid flow path 28. That is, the discharge liquid flow path 28 is connected to the discharge liquid storage section. In one example, the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 are located in the middle of the discharge liquid flow path 28. The discharge liquid flow path 28 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24.

[0022] The discharge liquid flow path 28 has a discharge liquid supply flow path 29. The discharge liquid supply flow path 29 is connected to the supply source 12. The discharge liquid supply flow path 29 is connected to the discharge liquid storage section. Discharge liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the discharge liquid storage section through the discharge liquid supply flow path 29. In one example, the discharge liquid supply flow path 29 is connected to the supply source 12 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23.

[0023] The discharge liquid flow path 28 has a discharge liquid flow path 30. The discharge liquid flow path 30 is connected to the discharge liquid storage section. The discharge liquid flow path 30 is connected to the discharge section 14. The discharge liquid is supplied from the discharge liquid storage section to the discharge section 14 through the discharge liquid flow path 30. In one example, the discharge liquid flow path 30 is connected to the discharge section 14, the first discharge liquid storage section 23, and the second discharge liquid storage section 24. The discharge liquid flow path 30 is connected to the introduction path 17 for the discharge section 14.

[0024] The discharge liquid flow path 30 may be a flow path for circulating the discharge liquid. In one example, the discharge liquid flow path 30 has a first connection flow path 31 and a second connection flow path 32. The first connection flow path 31 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24. The discharge section 14 is located in the first connection flow path 31. That is, the first connection flow path 31 is connected to the discharge section 14. The second connection flow path 32 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24. The first connection flow path 31 and the second connection flow path 32 can circulate the discharge liquid. In one example, the discharge liquid flows from the second discharge liquid storage section 24 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 through the first connection flow path 31. The discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24 through the second connection flow path 32.

[0025] The discharge mechanism 13 has a discharge liquid supply valve 33. The discharge liquid supply valve 33 is located in the discharge liquid flow path 28. More specifically, the discharge liquid supply valve 33 is located in the discharge liquid supply flow path 29. When the discharge liquid supply valve 33 is opened, the discharge liquid can be supplied from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23. Normally, the discharge liquid supply valve 33 is closed. When it is necessary to supply discharge liquid to the discharge liquid storage section, the discharge liquid supply valve 33 opens.

[0026] The discharge mechanism 13 has one or more discharge liquid amount detection units. The discharge liquid amount detection units are configured to detect the amount of discharge liquid stored in the discharge liquid storage unit. In one example, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34. The first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34 is attached to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34 detects the amount of discharge liquid stored in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The discharge mechanism 13 may have a second discharge liquid amount detection unit. The second discharge liquid amount detection unit detects the amount of discharge liquid stored in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24.

[0027] The discharge liquid amount detection unit may detect the amount of discharged liquid based on the passage of current between the electrodes, or may detect the amount of discharged liquid based on light reflected by a prism. The discharge liquid amount detection unit may detect the amount of liquid based on a vibration waveform of the discharged liquid detected by a piezoelectric sensor. The discharge liquid amount detection unit may detect the amount of liquid based on the pressure of the discharged liquid detected by a pressure sensor. The amount of discharged liquid stored in the discharged liquid storage unit is controlled by the discharged liquid amount detection unit detecting the amount of discharged liquid.

[0028] The discharge mechanism 13 has a pressure adjustment mechanism 35. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure in the discharge liquid storage section. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 may adjust the pressure in a moisturizing liquid storage section, which will be described later. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 causes the discharge liquid to flow by adjusting the pressure in the discharge liquid storage section. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 adjusts the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 adjusts the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage section 24.

[0029] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is connected to the ejection liquid storage section. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is connected to the first ejection liquid storage section 23. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is connected to the second ejection liquid storage section 24. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 communicates with the first ejection liquid chamber 25. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 communicates with the second ejection liquid chamber 26.

[0030] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 generates a pressure difference between the first discharged liquid storage section 23 and the second discharged liquid storage section 24. This causes the discharged liquid to flow between the first discharged liquid storage section 23 and the second discharged liquid storage section 24. In one example, the discharged liquid flows from the second discharged liquid storage section 24 to the first discharged liquid storage section 23 through the first connection flow path 31. This causes the liquid to circulate between the first discharged liquid storage section 23 and the second discharged liquid storage section 24.

[0031] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has an adjustment section. The adjustment section is connected to the ejection liquid storage section. In one example, the pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a first adjustment section 36 and a second adjustment section 37. The first adjustment section 36 is connected to the first ejection liquid storage section 23. The second adjustment section 37 is connected to the second ejection liquid storage section 24.

[0032] The adjustment unit adjusts the pressure in the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment unit may adjust the pressure in the discharge liquid storage unit by pressurizing or depressurizing the inside of the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment unit communicates with, for example, the upper part of the discharge liquid chamber. That is, the adjustment unit communicates with the air stored in the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment unit adjusts the pressure in the discharge liquid storage unit by sending air to the discharge liquid storage unit or drawing air from the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment unit causes the discharge liquid to flow by adjusting the pressure in the discharge liquid storage unit. The first adjustment unit 36 ​​adjusts the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The first adjustment unit 36 ​​communicates with the upper part of the first discharge liquid chamber 25. The second adjustment unit 37 adjusts the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. The second adjustment unit 37 communicates with the upper part of the second discharge liquid chamber 26.

[0033] The first adjustment unit 36 ​​and the second adjustment unit 37 adjust the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 and the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 so as to generate a pressure difference between the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 and the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. More specifically, the first adjustment unit 36 ​​and the second adjustment unit 37 adjust the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 and the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24, respectively, so that the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 is lower than the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. This causes the discharge liquid to flow from the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 through the first connection flow path 31. That is, the discharge liquid flows in the discharge unit 14 from the introduction path 17 toward the discharge path 21.

[0034] The first adjustment unit 36 ​​normally varies the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 so that a predetermined negative pressure is maintained inside the discharge unit 14. The second adjustment unit 37 normally varies the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 so that a predetermined negative pressure is maintained inside the discharge unit 14. This allows the discharge unit 14 to appropriately discharge the discharge liquid while causing the discharge liquid to flow from the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23.

[0035] The adjustment unit has an adjustment pump. The adjustment pump is connected to the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment pump is a pump that adjusts the pressure in the discharge liquid storage unit. The adjustment pump is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The first adjustment unit 36 ​​has a first adjustment pump 38. The first adjustment pump 38 is, for example, a pressure reducing pump. The first adjustment pump 38 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. In detail, the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 by drawing air from the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The second adjustment unit 37 has a second adjustment pump 39. The second adjustment pump 39 is, for example, a pressure reducing pump. The second adjustment pump 39 is connected to the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. The second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. In detail, the second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the inside of the second discharge liquid storage section 24 by pumping air into the second discharge liquid storage section 24 .

[0036] The first adjustment pump 38 is driven to cause the discharge liquid to flow into the first discharge liquid storage section 23. When the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the discharge liquid flows into the first discharge liquid storage section 23. For example, when the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the discharge liquid can flow from the supply source 12 into the first discharge liquid storage section 23. When the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge section 14 into the first discharge liquid storage section 23 through the first connection flow path 31.

[0037] The second adjustment pump 39, when driven, causes the discharge liquid to flow out of the second discharge liquid storage section 24. When the second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the second discharge liquid storage section 24, the discharge liquid flows out from the second discharge liquid storage section 24. For example, when the second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the inside of the second discharge liquid storage section 24, the discharge liquid flows out from the second discharge liquid storage section 24 through the first connection flow path 31 toward the discharge section 14.

[0038] The second adjustment pump 39 is not limited to a pressurizing pump, and may be a decompression pump like the first adjustment pump 38, or may be a pump capable of pressurizing and decompressing the second discharge liquid storage section 24. In this case, the second adjustment pump 39 decompresses the second discharge liquid storage section 24 so that the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage section 24 becomes higher than the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23. Even in this case, a pressure difference occurs between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24, so that the discharge liquid flows from the second discharge liquid storage section 24 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 through the first connection flow path 31. In addition, the second adjustment pump 39 decompresses the second discharge liquid storage section 24, so that the discharge liquid can be made to flow back from the discharge section 14 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24. In this case, the air bubbles collected in the filter 20 flow into the second discharge liquid storage section 24, so that the air bubbles can be removed from the filter 20.

[0039] The adjustment unit has a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is connected to the discharge liquid storage unit. The pressure sensor detects the pressure inside the discharge liquid storage unit. The first adjustment unit 36 ​​has a first pressure sensor 40. The first pressure sensor 40 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The first pressure sensor 40 detects the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The second adjustment unit 37 has a second pressure sensor 41. The second pressure sensor 41 is connected to the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. The second pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure inside the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. In the adjustment unit, the adjustment pump is driven based on the detection result of the pressure sensor. This maintains the inside of the discharge unit 14 at a predetermined negative pressure.

[0040] The adjustment unit has an atmosphere release valve. The atmosphere release valve is connected to the discharge liquid storage unit. The atmosphere release valve is a valve that opens the inside of the discharge liquid storage unit to the atmosphere. The first adjustment unit 36 ​​has a first atmosphere release valve 42. The first atmosphere release valve 42 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The first atmosphere release valve 42 opens the inside of the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 to the atmosphere. The second adjustment unit 37 has a second atmosphere release valve 43. The second atmosphere release valve 43 is connected to the second discharge liquid storage unit 24. The second atmosphere release valve 43 opens the inside of the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 to the atmosphere. The atmosphere release valve includes a thin tube that connects the inside of the discharge liquid storage unit to the atmosphere in order to suppress evaporation of the discharge liquid in the discharge liquid storage unit. The discharge liquid is less likely to evaporate because the flow resistance of the thin tube is large.

[0041] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a liquid delivery pump 44 that causes the discharge liquid to flow. The liquid delivery pump 44 is located in the discharge liquid flow passage 30. More specifically, the liquid delivery pump 44 is located in the second connection passage 32. The liquid delivery pump 44 delivers the discharge liquid from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24 through the second connection passage 32. Therefore, in one example, the discharge liquid is circulated by the first adjustment pump 38, the second adjustment pump 39, and the liquid delivery pump 44.

[0042] The liquid ejection device 11 has a moisturizing mechanism 50. The moisturizing mechanism 50 is a mechanism for moisturizing the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection mechanism 13. The moisturizing mechanism 50 moisturizes the ejection liquid by using moisturizing liquid. More specifically, the moisturizing mechanism 50 moisturizes the ejection liquid by supplying the moisture contained in the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid. The moisturizing liquid is a liquid for moisturizing the ejection liquid. The moisturizing liquid is, for example, a glycerin aqueous solution.

[0043] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has one or more moisturizer reservoirs. The moisturizer reservoirs are configured to store moisturizer. The moisturizer reservoirs define moisturizer chambers. The moisturizer chambers are spaces in which moisturizer is stored. In one example, the moisturizer mechanism 50 has a first moisturizer reservoir 51. The first moisturizer reservoir 51 defines a first moisturizer chamber 52. In one example, the moisturizer reservoir stores air together with the moisturizer. Therefore, a liquid level of the moisturizer exists within the moisturizer reservoir. The moisturizer reservoir may be filled with the moisturizer.

[0044] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has one or more moisturizing units. In one example, the moisturizing mechanism 50 has a first moisturizing unit 53. The moisturizing unit is adjacent to the discharge mechanism 13. In one example, the first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the discharge liquid storage unit. More specifically, the first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The moisturizing unit is adjacent to the moisturizing liquid storage unit. More specifically, the first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the first moisturizing liquid storage unit 51. The first moisturizing unit 53 moisturizes the discharge liquid stored in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 by the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage unit 51. The moisturizing unit is not limited to the moisturizing liquid storage unit, and may be adjacent to the stirring unit 55 described later.

[0045] The moisturizing section has one or more moisture-permeable films. The moisture-permeable films are positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid. More specifically, the moisture-permeable films are positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection mechanism 13 from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the moisturizing mechanism 50. In one example, the first moisturizing section 53 has a first moisture-permeable film 54. The first moisture-permeable film 54 is positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 from the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisture-permeable film 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the first ejection liquid storage section 23. The first moisture-permeable film 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisture-permeable film 54 separates the first ejection liquid chamber 25 from the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52.

[0046] 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 and the moisturizing liquid so that they do not mix. The moisture-permeable membrane may be a porous membrane in which a plurality of pores are formed, or may be a homogeneous membrane made of a polymer material. The porous 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 the pore by 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. As a result, the porous membrane allows gas to pass through but does not allow liquid to pass through. The homogeneous membrane is made of, for example, silicon. The homogeneous membrane allows water vapor to pass through but does not allow liquid to pass through as moisture dissolves and diffuses in the polymer.

[0047] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 may separate the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the first moisturizer chamber 52 in a state in which the air stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the air stored in the first moisturizer chamber 52 can flow in and out of each other. In one example, the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 is located above the ejection liquid level and the moisturizer level. That is, the first ejection liquid storage section 23 stores the ejection liquid so that the ejection liquid level is located below the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54. The first moisturizer storage section 51 stores the moisturizer so that the moisturizer level is located below the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54. This allows air to flow in and out of the gap between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the first moisture permeable membrane 54. Air can flow in and out of the gap between the first moisturizer chamber 52 and the first moisture permeable membrane 54. For example, when the pressure adjustment mechanism 35 varies the pressure in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51, air moves between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the gap, making it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the gap. Similarly, air moves between the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52 and the gap, making it difficult for a pressure difference to occur between the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52 and the gap. This reduces the risk that the meniscus formed in the pores of the first moisture permeable film 54 will be destroyed by the pressure difference, causing the ejection liquid to seep through the first moisture permeable film 54 into the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52 or the moisturizing liquid to seep through the first moisture permeable film 54 into the first ejection liquid chamber 25.

[0048] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 completely separates the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the first moisturizer chamber 52. In one example, the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 contacts the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizer storage section 51. This reduces the risk of the ejection liquid and moisturizer mixing together even if the ejection liquid or moisturizer splashes.

[0049] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 does not have to completely separate the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52. For example, the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 does not have to be in contact with the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. Even in this case, the ejection liquid and moisturizing liquid can be separated by positioning the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 above the ejection liquid level and the moisturizing liquid level.

[0050] 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 viscosity of the discharge liquid may increase. When the viscosity of the discharge liquid increases, the discharge unit 14 may not be able to discharge the discharge liquid appropriately.

[0051] 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 52 is supplied to the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid chamber 25 by permeating the first moisture permeable membrane 54. 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. In addition, the movement speed of the moisture supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid is determined by the thickness of the moisture permeable membrane. The thinner the moisture permeable membrane, the higher the movement speed of the moisture.

[0052] The moisturizing liquid has a concentration set 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 moisturizing liquid storage section 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.

[0053] As moisture transfers from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid, the moisture content of the moisturizing liquid decreases. As with the ejection liquid, moisture in the moisturizing liquid may evaporate over time. This may increase the concentration of the moisturizing liquid. If the concentration of the moisturizing liquid increases, it may no longer be able to moisturize the ejection liquid.

[0054] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has an agitation unit 55. The agitation unit 55 is configured to agitate the moisturizing solution. The agitation unit 55 agitates the moisturizing solution, thereby making the concentration of the moisturizing solution uniform. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizing solution increasing even if the moisture content of the moisturizing solution decreases locally.

[0055] The agitator 55 is attached to the moisturizer storage section. The agitator 55 agitates the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section. In one example, the agitator 55 is attached to the first moisturizer storage section 51. The agitator 55 agitates the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage section 51. In other words, the agitator 55 agitates the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer chamber 52.

[0056] The stirring section 55 has an stirring flow path 56. The stirring flow path 56 has a first end 57 and a second end 58. The first end 57 and the second end 58 are connected to the first moisturizer storage section 51. In other words, both ends of the stirring flow path 56 are connected to the first moisturizer storage section 51.

[0057] The stirring unit 55 has an agitation pump 59. The agitation pump 59 is located in the agitation flow path 56. The agitation pump 59 circulates the moisturizing liquid in the first moisturizing liquid storage unit 51 through the agitation flow path 56. This agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage unit 51. In one example, when the agitation pump 59 is driven, the moisturizing liquid flows through the agitation flow path 56 from the first end 57 to the second end 58.

[0058] The stirring unit 55 is not limited to a configuration including the stirring flow path 56 and the stirring pump 59, but may also be configured to include fins that stir the moisturizer in the first moisturizer storage unit 51. In this case, the moisturizer in the first moisturizer chamber 52 is stirred by driving the fins.

[0059] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has a supply unit 60. The supply unit 60 is configured to supply moisture to the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit. By the supply unit 60 supplying moisture to the moisturizing liquid, the risk of the concentration of the moisturizing liquid becoming high is reduced.

[0060] The supply section 60 has a moisture storage section 61. The moisture storage section 61 is configured to store moisture. More specifically, the moisture storage section 61 stores water. The moisture storage section 61 may store air together with moisture, similar to the ejection liquid storage section and the moisturizing liquid storage section. The moisture storage section 61 may store moisture such that the liquid level of the moisture is located above the moisturizing liquid level of the moisturizing liquid storage section. The moisture storage section 61 may be filled with moisture.

[0061] The supply unit 60 has a moisture supply flow path 62. The moisture supply flow path 62 is connected to the moisture storage unit 61. The moisture supply flow path 62 is connected to the moisturizer storage unit. Moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit 61 to the moisturizer storage unit through the moisture supply flow path 62. In one example, the moisture supply flow path 62 is connected to the moisture storage unit 61 and the first moisturizer storage unit 51. Moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 through the moisture supply flow path 62. The moisture supply flow path 62 may constitute a part of the stirring flow path 56. For example, the first end 57 may coincide with an end of the moisture supply flow path 62. The moisture supply flow path 62 may be a flow path independent of the stirring flow path 56.

[0062] The supply section 60 has a moisture supply valve 63. The moisture supply valve 63 is located in the moisture supply flow path 62. When the moisture supply valve 63 is open, moisture can be supplied from the moisture storage section 61 to the first moisturizer storage section 51. Normally, the moisture supply valve 63 is closed. When it is necessary to supply moisture to the moisturizer storage section, the moisture supply valve 63 opens.

[0063] The supply section 60 may have a pressure reducing section 64. The pressure reducing section 64 is configured to reduce the pressure inside the moisturizer storage section. The pressure reducing section 64 is connected to the moisturizer storage section. The pressure reducing section 64 is, for example, a pressure reducing pump. In one example, the pressure reducing section 64 reduces the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51. By reducing the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage section 61 to the first moisturizer storage section 51.

[0064] The pressure reducing section 64 may be configured by the pressure adjustment mechanism 35. In one example, the pressure reducing section 64 is configured by the first adjustment section 36. When the first adjustment section 36 reduces the pressure inside the first ejection liquid storage section 23, the pressure inside the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51 is also reduced. As a result, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage section 61 to the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The pressure reducing section 64 may be provided independently of the first adjustment section 36.

[0065] The supply unit 60 may have a water pump 65. The water pump 65 is located in the water supply flow path 62. When the water pump 65 is driven with the water supply valve 63 open, water is supplied from the water storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. The water pump 65 may be constituted by the agitation pump 59, or may be constituted by a pump separate from the agitation pump 59. The supply unit 60 may supply water from the water storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 by the head difference between the water storage unit 61 and the moisturizer storage unit.

[0066] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has one or more moisturizer amount detection units. The moisturizer amount detection units are configured to detect the amount of moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage unit. In one example, the moisturizing mechanism 50 has a first moisturizer amount detection unit 66. The first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 is attached to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. The first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 detects the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51. The moisturizing mechanism 50 may have a second moisturizer amount detection unit.

[0067] The moisturizer amount detection unit may detect the amount of liquid based on the passage of current between electrodes, similar to the ejection liquid amount detection unit, or may detect the amount of liquid based on light reflected by a prism. The moisturizer amount detection unit may detect the amount of liquid based on the vibration waveform of the moisturizer detected by a piezoelectric sensor. The moisturizer amount detection unit may detect the amount of liquid based on the pressure of the moisturizer detected by a pressure sensor. The amount of liquid in the moisturizer storage unit is controlled by the moisturizer amount detection unit detecting the amount of liquid. By controlling the amount of liquid in the moisturizer storage unit, the moisturizer storage unit can store air together with the moisturizer.

[0068] The moisturizer amount detection section detects the moisturizer amount, thereby maintaining the moisturizer concentration at an appropriate level. That is, the moisturizer amount in the moisturizer storage section is controlled, thereby maintaining the moisturizer concentration at an appropriate level. When moisture is supplied to the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section, the concentration of the moisturizer decreases. That is, the amount of moisture supplied affects the moisturizing power of the moisturizer. Therefore, the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section is maintained at an appropriate concentration by supplying moisture so that the amount of moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section is constant. In one example, the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage section 51 is maintained at an appropriate concentration by supplying moisture so that the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage section 51 is constant based on the detection result of the first moisturizer amount detection section 66.

[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 mechanism 13 and the moisturizing mechanism 50. For example, the control unit 67 controls the ejection unit 14, the ejection liquid supply valve 33, the pressure adjustment mechanism 35, the stirring unit 55, the water supply valve 63, the pressure reduction unit 64, and the water pump 65.

[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 adjustment pump 38 so that the inside of the discharge unit 14 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. The control unit 67 drives the second adjustment pump 39 so that the inside of the discharge unit 14 is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. Furthermore, the control unit 67 drives the liquid feed pump 44. In this way, the control unit 67 circulates the discharge liquid. The circulating discharge liquid is moisturized by the moisturizing liquid.

[0072] The control unit 67 may circulate the moisturizing liquid by driving the stirring unit 55. The control unit 67 circulates the moisturizing liquid by driving the stirring pump 59 with the water supply valve 63 closed.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The control unit 67 controls the discharge liquid supply valve 33 based on the detection result of the first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34. The control unit 67 opens the discharge liquid supply valve 33 when the discharge liquid amount detected by the first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34 is equal to or less than the threshold value. This allows the discharge liquid to be supplied from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. At this time, the control unit 67 supplies the discharge liquid from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 by causing the first adjustment unit 36 ​​to reduce the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The control unit 67 closes the discharge liquid supply valve 33 when the discharge liquid amount detected by the first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34 is greater than the threshold value. This maintains the discharge liquid amount stored in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 greater than the threshold value.

[0075] The control unit 67 controls the water supply valve 63 based on the detection result of the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66. The control unit 67 opens the water supply valve 63 when the amount of moisturizer detected by the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 is equal to or less than the threshold. This allows water to be supplied from the water storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. At this time, the control unit 67 causes the pressure reduction unit 64 to reduce the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage unit 51, thereby supplying water from the water storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. The control unit 67 closes the water supply valve 63 when the amount of moisturizer detected by the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 is greater than the threshold. This maintains the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51 greater than the threshold. Therefore, the moisturizer is maintained at an appropriate concentration. The threshold for the discharge amount of liquid and the threshold for the amount of moisturizer may be different values.

[0076] The control unit 67 may supply the discharge liquid from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 by the head difference between the supply source 12 and the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. In this case, the discharge liquid level stored in the supply source 12 is located higher than the discharge liquid level stored in the first discharge liquid storage unit 23. The control unit 67 supplies the discharge liquid to the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 by opening the discharge liquid supply valve 33 based on the detection result of the first discharge liquid amount detection unit 34.

[0077] The control unit 67 may supply moisture from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 by using the hydraulic head difference between the moisture storage unit 61 and the first moisturizer storage unit 51. In this case, the liquid level of the water stored in the moisture storage unit 61 is positioned higher than the moisturizer level stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51. Strictly speaking, since water and moisturizer have different densities, it is preferable that there is a hydraulic head difference between the two so that water flows from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. The control unit 67 supplies moisture to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 by opening the moisture supply valve 63 based on the detection result of the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66.

[0078] The control unit 67 may supply moisture from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 by driving the moisture pump 65. The control unit 67 supplies moisture from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 by driving the moisture pump 65 with the moisture supply valve 63 open.

[0079] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The moisturizing mechanism 50 has a first moisturizing liquid storage section 51 that stores moisturizing liquid, a first moisturizing section 53 adjacent to the ejection mechanism 13, and an agitation section 55 that agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisturizing section 53 has a first moisture permeable membrane 54 that separates the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid. According to the above configuration, the agitation section 55 agitates the moisturizing liquid, thereby making the concentration of the moisturizing liquid uniform. Therefore, the concentration of the moisturizing liquid is less likely to decrease. This allows the ejection liquid to be appropriately moisturized.

[0080] (2) The stirring unit 55 has an agitation flow path 56 that circulates the moisturizer, and an agitation pump 59 located in the agitation flow path 56. The agitation flow path 56 has a first end 57 connected to the first moisturizer storage unit 51, and a second end 58 connected to the first moisturizer storage unit 51. According to the above configuration, when the agitation pump 59 is driven, the moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51 circulates through the agitation flow path 56. This makes the concentration of the moisturizer uniform.

[0081] (3) The supply unit 60 has a moisture storage unit 61 that stores moisture, and a moisture supply flow path 62 that is connected to the moisture storage unit 61 and the first moisturizer storage unit 51. According to the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 through the moisture supply flow path 62. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer becoming too high.

[0082] (4) The supply unit 60 has a moisture pump 65 located in the moisture supply flow path 62. According to the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisture storage unit 51 by driving the moisture pump 65. This reduces the risk of the moisture concentration becoming too high.

[0083] (5) The moisture storage section 61 stores moisture such that the moisture level is located above the level of the moisture stored in the first moisture storage section 51. According to the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage section 61 to the first moisture storage section 51 due to the hydraulic head difference between the moisture storage section 61 and the first moisture storage section 51. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisture increasing.

[0084] (6) The supply section 60 has a pressure reducing section 64 that reduces the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51. According to the above configuration, the pressure reducing section 64 reduces the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51, thereby supplying moisture from the water storage section 61 to the first moisturizer storage section 51. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer becoming too high.

[0085] (7) The control unit 67 opens the moisture supply valve 63 when the amount of moisturizer detected by the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 is equal to or less than a threshold value, and closes the moisture supply valve 63 when the amount of moisturizer detected by the first moisturizer amount detection unit 66 is greater than the threshold value. When moisture is supplied from the moisturizer to the discharged liquid, the moisture amount of the moisturizer decreases. As a result, the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51 decreases. With the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit 61 to the first moisturizer storage unit 51 based on the amount of moisturizer stored in the first moisturizer storage unit 51, so the concentration of the moisturizer is maintained appropriately.

[0086] (8) The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisture permeable film 54 separates the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 from the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is moisturized. This allows the first ejection liquid storage section 23 to store moisturized ejection liquid.

[0087] <Second Example> Next, a second embodiment of the liquid discharger 11 will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position of the adjustment pump. The second embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0088] 2, the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 are located in the first connection flow path 31. Specifically, the first adjustment pump 38 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the discharge portion 14 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. The second adjustment pump 39 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the discharge portion 14 and the second discharge liquid storage portion 24.

[0089] When the first adjustment pump 38 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge portion 14 to the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. When the second adjustment pump 39 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 to the discharge portion 14. When the liquid feed pump 44 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 to the second discharge liquid storage portion 24. In this manner, the discharge liquid is circulated by the first adjustment pump 38, the second adjustment pump 39, and the liquid feed pump 44. In this example, the inside of the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 can be made negative pressure by driving the liquid feed pump 44. The discharge liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 by the liquid feed pump 44 making the inside of the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 negative pressure. Furthermore, the liquid supply pump 44 creates a negative pressure inside the first moisturizer reservoir 51 through the first discharge liquid reservoir 23 , thereby supplying moisture from the moisture reservoir 61 to the first moisturizer reservoir 51 .

[0090] <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 ejection mechanism 13. The third embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] 3, the pressure adjustment mechanism 35, instead of an adjustment pump, generates a pressure difference between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 by a head difference. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 generates a pressure difference between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 by opening the inside of the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the inside of the second discharge liquid storage section 24 to the atmosphere by a first atmosphere release valve 42 and a second atmosphere release valve 43.

[0092] The first pressure sensor 40 and the second pressure sensor 41 are located in the first connection flow path 31. More specifically, the first pressure sensor 40 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the discharge portion 14 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. The second pressure sensor 41 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the discharge portion 14 and the second discharge liquid storage portion 24.

[0093] The first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located below the second ejection liquid storage section 24. More specifically, the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located below the ejection liquid level stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24. This allows the ejection liquid to flow from the second ejection liquid storage section 24 to the first ejection liquid storage section 23.

[0094] The ejection section 14 is located above the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and below the second ejection liquid storage section 24. More specifically, the ejection section 14 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located above the nozzle surface 16. The ejection section 14 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24 is located above the nozzle surface 16.

[0095] When the liquid sending pump 44 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24. The liquid sending pump 44 adjusts the head difference between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 based on the detection result of the first pressure sensor 40 and the detection result of the second pressure sensor 41. This allows the discharge liquid to circulate while maintaining the inside of the discharge section 14 at negative pressure.

[0096] The discharge mechanism 13 has a discharge liquid pump 70. The discharge liquid pump 70 is located in the discharge liquid supply flow path 29. When the discharge liquid pump 70 is driven, the discharge liquid is supplied from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23. When the discharge mechanism 13 does not have a configuration for reducing the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the discharge liquid can be supplied from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 by the discharge liquid pump 70. The discharge mechanism 13 may have the discharge liquid pump 70 even when it has a configuration for reducing the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23.

[0097] The discharge mechanism 13 is not limited to the discharge liquid pump 70, and may supply discharge liquid from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 by a head difference. The discharge mechanism 13 may supply discharge liquid from the supply source 12 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 by the pressure reduction section 64 reducing the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23 through the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51.

[0098] <Fourth Example> Next, a fourth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the ejection mechanism 13. The fourth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0099] 4, the ejection mechanism 13 has a third ejection liquid storage section 71. The third ejection liquid storage section 71 stores the ejection liquid. The third ejection liquid storage section 71 defines a third ejection liquid chamber 72. The third ejection liquid storage section 71 is connected to the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the second ejection liquid storage section 24. More specifically, the third ejection liquid storage section 71 is located in the second connection flow path 32. The third ejection liquid chamber 72 communicates with the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the second ejection liquid chamber 26.

[0100] The first adjustment pump 38 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The second adjustment pump 39 is connected to the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The second adjustment pump 39 increases the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71.

[0101] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a switching valve. The switching valve opens and closes. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a first switching valve 73 and a second switching valve 74. The first switching valve 73 is connected to the first adjustment pump 38 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The first switching valve 73 is located between the first adjustment pump 38 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. When the first switching valve 73 is opened, the first adjustment pump 38 communicates with the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The second switching valve 74 is connected to the second adjustment pump 39 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The second switching valve 74 is located between the second adjustment pump 39 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. When the second switching valve 74 is opened, the second adjustment pump 39 communicates with the third discharge liquid storage section 71.

[0102] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is configured so that, when the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71, the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23 becomes higher than the pressure in the third discharge liquid storage section 71. As a result, a pressure difference occurs between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71, so that the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the third discharge liquid storage section 71 through the second connection flow path 32.

[0103] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is configured so that, when the second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71, the pressure in the third discharge liquid storage section 71 becomes higher than the pressure in the second discharge liquid storage section 24. As a result, a pressure difference occurs between the third discharge liquid storage section 71 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24, so that the discharge liquid flows from the third discharge liquid storage section 71 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24 through the second connection flow path 32.

[0104] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 may have a resistance portion. More specifically, the pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a first resistance portion 75 and a second resistance portion 76. The resistance portion is configured to provide resistance to pressure fluctuations caused by the adjustment 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 adjustment pump and the discharge liquid storage portion. The first resistance portion 75 is located between the first adjustment pump 38 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. That is, the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 through the first resistance portion 75. The second resistance portion 76 is located between the second adjustment pump 39 and the second discharge liquid storage portion 24. That is, the second adjustment pump 39 pressurizes the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 through the second resistance portion 76.

[0105] The first adjustment pump 38 is unlikely to reduce the pressure in the first discharge liquid storage section 23 due to the first resistance section 75. Therefore, when the first adjustment pump 38 is driven, a pressure difference occurs between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. As a result, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the third discharge liquid storage section 71. In this example, the first adjustment section 36 has the first adjustment pump 38, the first switching valve 73, and the first resistance section 75. The second adjustment pump 39 is unlikely to pressurize the second discharge liquid storage section 24 due to the second resistance section 76. Therefore, when the second adjustment pump 39 is driven, a pressure difference occurs between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. As a result, the discharge liquid flows from the third discharge liquid storage section 71 to the second discharge liquid storage section 24. In this example, the second adjustment unit 37 has a second adjustment pump 39, a second switching valve 74, and a second resistance unit 76. In this manner, the discharge liquid may flow from the first discharge liquid storage unit 23 to the second discharge liquid storage unit 24 by the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39, not limited to the liquid feed pump 44.

[0106] The discharge mechanism 13 may have one or more one-way valves 77. The one-way valve 77 is a valve that allows liquid to flow in one direction and restricts liquid from flowing in the opposite direction. The discharge mechanism 13 has, for example, two one-way valves 77. The one-way valve 77 is located in the second connection flow path 32. More specifically, the two one-way valves 77 are located in the second connection flow path 32, between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71, and between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The one-way valve 77 reduces the risk of the discharge liquid flowing back through the second connection flow path 32. That is, the one-way valve 77 reduces the risk of the discharge liquid flowing from the third discharge liquid storage section 71 to the first discharge liquid storage section 23 or the discharge liquid flowing from the second discharge liquid storage section 24 to the third discharge liquid storage section 71. The one-way valve 77 is positioned in the discharge liquid flow passage 30 to regulate the flow of discharge liquid circulating through the discharge liquid flow passage 30 .

[0107] The discharge mechanism 13 may have a differential pressure valve. For example, the discharge mechanism 13 may have a first differential pressure valve 78 and a second differential pressure valve 79. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 are located in the first connection flow path 31. Specifically, the first differential pressure valve 78 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the discharge section 14. The second differential pressure valve 79 is located in the first connection flow path 31 between the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23.

[0108] The differential pressure valve is configured to open and close depending on the pressure difference with the atmospheric pressure. The first differential pressure valve 78 opens when the pressure in the discharge part 14 falls below a predetermined value, for example, when the amount of discharged liquid in the discharge part 14 decreases. The second differential pressure valve 79 opens when the pressure in the discharge part 14 exceeds a predetermined value, for example, when the amount of discharged liquid in the discharge part 14 increases. This maintains a negative pressure inside the discharge part 14. Therefore, the differential pressure valve is useful when the pressure adjustment mechanism 35 does not have a pressure sensor.

[0109] The pressure in the discharge part 14 at which the first differential pressure valve 78 opens may be different from the pressure in the discharge part 14 at which the second differential pressure valve 79 opens. For example, the pressure in the discharge part 14 at which the first differential pressure valve 78 opens may be higher than the pressure in the discharge part 14 at which the second differential pressure valve 79 opens. This allows the discharge liquid to flow from the inlet path 17 toward the outlet path 21. That is, the differential pressure valve allows the discharge liquid to circulate while maintaining a negative pressure inside the discharge part 14.

[0110] <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 ejection mechanism 13. In the fifth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0111] 5, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first discharge liquid storage section 23, but does not have a second discharge liquid storage section 24. Both ends of the discharge liquid flow path 30 are connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23. The discharge liquid circulates through the discharge liquid flow path 30.

[0112] The first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 are positioned in the discharge liquid flow path 30. More specifically, the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 are positioned in the discharge liquid flow path 30 so as to sandwich the discharge unit 14 therebetween. That is, the discharge unit 14 is positioned in the discharge liquid flow path 30 between the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39. In this example, the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 adjust the pressure of the first discharge liquid storage unit 23.

[0113] When the first adjustment pump 38 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge portion 14 to the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. When the second adjustment pump 39 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 to the discharge portion 14. In this manner, the first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 circulate the discharge liquid.

[0114] <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 ejection mechanism 13. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0115] 6, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first discharge liquid storage section 23, but does not have a second discharge liquid storage section 24. Both ends of the discharge liquid flow passage 30 are connected to the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23, respectively. Therefore, in this example, the discharge liquid does not circulate.

[0116] The liquid sending pump 44 is located in the discharge liquid flow passage 30. When the liquid sending pump 44 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the discharge section 14. In this example, the liquid sending pump 44 can supply the discharge liquid moisturized by the moisturizing liquid to the discharge section 14.

[0117] <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 ejection mechanism 13. In the seventh embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0118] 7, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first discharge liquid storage section 23, but does not have a second discharge liquid storage section 24. Both ends of the discharge liquid flow passage 30 are connected to the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23, respectively. Therefore, in this example, the discharge liquid does not circulate.

[0119] The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 has a first adjustment pump 38, but does not have a second adjustment pump 39. The first adjustment pump 38 is connected to the first discharge liquid storage section 23. The first adjustment pump 38 pressurizes the first discharge liquid storage section 23. When the first adjustment pump 38 pressurizes the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the discharge liquid is supplied from the first discharge liquid storage section 23 to the discharge section 14. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 is not limited to supplying the discharge liquid to the discharge section 14 by the first adjustment pump 38, and may supply the discharge liquid to the discharge section 14 by, for example, a head difference between the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23. In this case, the discharge section 14 is positioned so that the nozzle surface 16 is located above the discharge liquid level of the first discharge liquid storage section 23.

[0120] The discharge mechanism 13 has a first differential pressure valve 78. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located in the discharge liquid flow passage 30. The first differential pressure valve 78 opens when the pressure in the discharge portion 14 falls below a predetermined value. When the first differential pressure valve 78 opens, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 to the discharge portion 14. The first differential pressure valve 78 maintains the inside of the discharge portion 14 at a negative pressure. The discharge mechanism 13 is not limited to maintaining the inside of the discharge portion 14 at a negative pressure by the first differential pressure valve 78, and may maintain the inside of the discharge portion 14 at a negative pressure by, for example, a head difference between the discharge portion 14 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. In this case, the discharge portion 14 is located so that the nozzle surface 16 is located above the discharge liquid level of the first discharge liquid storage portion 23.

[0121] <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 ejection mechanism 13. The eighth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 8, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first differential pressure valve 78 and a second differential pressure valve 79 instead of the first pressure sensor 40 and the second pressure sensor 41. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 are similar to those in the fourth embodiment. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the discharge section 14 in the first connection flow path 31. The second differential pressure valve 79 is located between the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23 in the first connection flow path 31. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 maintain the inside of the discharge section 14 at a negative pressure. Therefore, the discharge liquid can circulate in a state where the inside of the discharge section 14 is maintained at a negative pressure.

[0123] <Ninth Example> Next, a description will be given of a ninth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The ninth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the ejection mechanism 13. In the ninth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0124] 9, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first differential pressure valve 78 and a second differential pressure valve 79 instead of the first pressure sensor 40 and the second pressure sensor 41. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 are similar to those in the fourth and eighth embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the discharge section 14 in the first connection flow path 31. The second differential pressure valve 79 is located between the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23 in the first connection flow path 31. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 maintain the inside of the discharge section 14 at a negative pressure.

[0125] The first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 are located in the first connection flow path 31, similarly to the second embodiment. The first adjustment pump 38 is located between the discharge portion 14 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 in the first connection flow path 31. More specifically, the first adjustment pump 38 is located between the second differential pressure valve 79 and the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 in the first connection flow path 31. The second adjustment pump 39 is located between the discharge portion 14 and the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 in the first connection flow path 31. More specifically, the second adjustment pump 39 is located between the first differential pressure valve 78 and the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 in the first connection flow path 31.

[0126] When the first adjustment pump 38 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the discharge portion 14 to the first discharge liquid storage portion 23. When the second adjustment pump 39 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the second discharge liquid storage portion 24 to the discharge portion 14. When the liquid delivery pump 44 is driven, the discharge liquid flows from the first discharge liquid storage portion 23 to the second discharge liquid storage portion 24. In this manner, the discharge liquid is circulated by the first adjustment pump 38, the second adjustment pump 39, and the liquid delivery pump 44.

[0127] <Tenth Example> Next, a tenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The tenth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the ejection mechanism 13. The tenth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0128] 10, instead of an adjustment pump, the pressure adjustment mechanism 35 generates a pressure difference between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 by a head difference, as in the third embodiment. The pressure adjustment mechanism 35 generates a pressure difference between the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the second discharge liquid storage section 24 by opening the inside of the first discharge liquid storage section 23 and the inside of the second discharge liquid storage section 24 to the atmosphere by a first atmosphere release valve 42 and a second atmosphere release valve 43.

[0129] The discharge mechanism 13 has a first differential pressure valve 78 and a second differential pressure valve 79. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 are similar to those in the fourth, eighth and ninth embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located between the second discharge liquid storage section 24 and the discharge section 14 in the first connection flow path 31. The second differential pressure valve 79 is located between the discharge section 14 and the first discharge liquid storage section 23 in the first connection flow path 31. The first differential pressure valve 78 and the second differential pressure valve 79 maintain the inside of the discharge section 14 at a negative pressure.

[0130] The first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located below the second ejection liquid storage section 24. More specifically, the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located below the ejection liquid level stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24. This allows the ejection liquid to flow from the second ejection liquid storage section 24 to the first ejection liquid storage section 23.

[0131] The ejection section 14 is located above the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and below the second ejection liquid storage section 24. More specifically, the ejection section 14 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 is located above the nozzle surface 16. The ejection section 14 is located such that the ejection liquid level stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24 is located above the nozzle surface 16.

[0132] <Eleventh Example> Next, an eleventh embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The eleventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the moisturizing mechanism 50. The eleventh embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 11, the first moisture permeable membrane 54 may be located below the discharge liquid level of the first ejection liquid storage section 23. That is, the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 is located below the discharge liquid level of the first ejection liquid storage section 23. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 may be located below the moisturizing liquid level of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. That is, the upper end of the first moisture permeable membrane 54 is located below the moisturizing liquid level of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. In this example, air cannot pass between the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51 through the first moisture permeable membrane 54. More specifically, air cannot pass between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the gap between the first moisture permeable membrane 54. Similarly, air cannot pass between the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52 and the gap between the first moisture permeable membrane 54. Therefore, a pressure difference may occur between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the gap. There is also a risk of a pressure difference occurring between the first moisturizer chamber 52 and the gap. For example, when the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 23, or when the pressure reducing section 64 reduces the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51, a pressure difference may occur between the first moisturizer chamber 25 and the gap or between the first moisturizer chamber 52 and the gap.

[0134] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is preferably made of a homogeneous membrane. When the first moisture permeable membrane 54 is made of a homogeneous membrane, liquid is unlikely to seep out even when the first ejection liquid chamber 25 or the first moisturizing fluid chamber 52 is pressurized or depressurized. If the first moisture permeable membrane 54 is made of a porous membrane, a meniscus formed in the pores of the porous membrane may be destroyed if a pressure difference occurs between the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the gap or between the first moisturizing fluid chamber 52 and the gap. In this case, liquid may seep out from the first moisture permeable membrane 54.

[0135] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has a moisturizing fluid atmosphere release valve 80. The moisturizing fluid atmosphere release valve 80 is connected to the first moisturizing fluid storage section 51. The moisturizing fluid atmosphere release valve 80 opens the first moisturizing fluid chamber 52 to the atmosphere. In this example, because air cannot pass between the first ejection liquid storage section 23 and the first moisturizing fluid storage section 51, the inside of the first moisturizing fluid storage section 51 cannot be opened to the atmosphere through the first atmosphere release valve 42. Therefore, the moisturizing mechanism 50 has an atmosphere release valve.

[0136] <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 configurations of the ejection mechanism 13 and the moisturizing mechanism 50. The twelfth embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0137] 12, the discharge mechanism 13 has a first differential pressure valve 78 and a second differential pressure valve 79, similar to the ninth embodiment. The first adjustment pump 38 and the second adjustment pump 39 are located in the first connection flow path 31, similar to the ninth embodiment. The discharge liquid is circulated by the first adjustment pump 38, the second adjustment pump 39, and the liquid feed pump 44, similar to the ninth embodiment.

[0138] The discharge liquid storage section has a flexible membrane. More specifically, the first discharge liquid storage section 23 has a first flexible membrane 81. The second discharge liquid storage section 24 has a second flexible membrane 82. The flexible membrane forms the wall of the discharge liquid storage section. The flexible membrane is displaced according to the pressure in the discharge liquid storage section. The displacement of the flexible membrane changes the volume of the discharge liquid storage section. For example, the first flexible membrane 81 is displaced by the first adjustment pump 38, the liquid delivery pump 44, the discharge liquid pump 70, etc. The second flexible membrane 82 is displaced by the second adjustment pump 39, the liquid delivery pump 44, etc. In this example, the discharge liquid storage section is filled with discharge liquid.

[0139] The moisturizing liquid storage section has a flexible membrane, similar to the ejection liquid storage section. More specifically, the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51 has a third flexible membrane 83. The third flexible membrane 83 constitutes the wall of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The third flexible membrane 83 is displaced according to the pressure inside the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The displacement of the third flexible membrane 83 changes the volume of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. For example, the third flexible membrane 83 is displaced by the agitation pump 59, the water pump 65, or the like. In this example, the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51 is filled with moisturizing liquid.

[0140] <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 moisturizing mechanism 50. In the thirteenth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 13, the first moisturizing section 53 has a plurality of first moisture permeable films 54. The plurality of first moisture permeable films 54 are positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid stored in the first ejection liquid storage section 23 from the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The plurality of first moisture permeable films 54, for example, separate the first ejection liquid chamber 25 and the first moisturizing liquid chamber 52 in a comb-tooth shape. By the first moisturizing section 53 having a plurality of first moisture permeable films 54, the contact area between the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid via the first moisture permeable films 54 is increased. This increases the speed at which moisture moves from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid. This makes it easier for the ejection liquid to be moisturized by the moisturizing liquid.

[0142] <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 moisturizing mechanism 50. In the fourteenth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 14, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the ejection liquid flow path 28. More specifically, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the ejection liquid flow path 30. In one example, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the second connection flow path 32. The first moisturizing section 53 is also adjacent to the stirring flow path 56. The first moisturizing section 53 moisturizes the ejection liquid flowing through the second connection flow path 32 with moisturizing liquid flowing through the stirring flow path 56.

[0144] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to separate the discharge liquid flowing through the second connection flow path 32 from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path 56. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the second connection flow path 32. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the agitation flow path 56. According to this example, the moisturizing liquid circulates through the agitation flow path 56, thereby effectively moisturizing the discharge liquid flowing through the discharge liquid flow path 30.

[0145] <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 moisturizing mechanism 50. The fifteenth embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 15, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the ejection section 14. The first moisturizing section 53 may be located outside the ejection section 14 or may be located inside the ejection section 14. In one example, the first moisturizing section 53 is incorporated into the ejection section 14. The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the common liquid chamber 18, for example. The first moisturizing section 53 may be adjacent to the introduction path 17, the individual liquid chamber 19, or the outlet path 21. The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the stirring flow path 56. In this example, the stirring flow path 56 extends inside the ejection section 14. The first moisturizing section 53 moisturizes the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14 with moisturizing liquid flowing through the stirring flow path 56.

[0147] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14 from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path 56. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall that defines the common liquid chamber 18. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the agitation flow path 56. According to this example, the moisturizing liquid circulates through the agitation flow path 56, thereby effectively moisturizing the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14.

[0148] <16th Example> Next, a description will be given of a sixteenth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The sixteenth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the moisturizing mechanism 50. In the sixteenth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0149] 16, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the supply source 12. The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisturizing section 53 moisturizes the discharged liquid stored in the supply source 12 with the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51.

[0150] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to separate the ejected liquid stored in the supply source 12 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the supply source 12. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. According to this example, the ejected liquid stored in the supply source 12 is effectively moisturized.

[0151] <17th Example> Next, a description will be given of a 17th embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The 17th embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the ejection mechanism 13 and the moisturizing mechanism 50. The 17th embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0152] 17, the discharge liquid flow path 28 directly connects the supply source 12 and the discharge unit 14. That is, in this example, the discharge mechanism 13 does not have a discharge liquid storage unit. The discharge liquid is directly supplied from the supply source 12 to the discharge unit 14 through the discharge liquid flow path 28.

[0153] The supply source 12 is configured integrally with a water storage unit 61. For example, the supply source 12 is configured with a cartridge that stores the ejection liquid and water. In this example, the water storage unit 61 is detachable from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0154] The discharge mechanism 13 may have a first differential pressure valve 78. The first differential pressure valve 78 is similar to that of the other embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located in the discharge liquid flow path 28. The first differential pressure valve 78 maintains the inside of the discharge part 14 at a negative pressure. Without being limited to the first differential pressure valve 78, the discharge mechanism 13 may maintain the inside of the discharge part 14 at a negative pressure by a head difference between the supply source 12 and the discharge part 14.

[0155] The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the ejection section 14, similarly to the fifteenth embodiment. In one example, the first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the common liquid chamber 18. The first moisturizing section 53 is also adjacent to the stirring flow path 56. In this example, the stirring flow path 56 extends inside the ejection section 14. The first moisturizing section 53 moisturizes the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14 with the moisturizing liquid flowing through the stirring flow path 56.

[0156] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14 from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path 56. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall that defines the common liquid chamber 18. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to form a wall of the agitation flow path 56. According to this example, the moisturizing liquid circulates through the agitation flow path 56, thereby effectively moisturizing the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section 14.

[0157] <18th Example> Next, an 18th embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The 18th embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the liquid ejection device 11. In the 18th embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0158] 18, the discharge liquid flow path 28 directly connects the supply source 12 and the discharge portion 14, similarly to the seventeenth embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the discharge mechanism 13 does not have a discharge liquid storage portion. The discharge liquid is directly supplied from the supply source 12 to the discharge portion 14 through the discharge liquid flow path 28.

[0159] The supply source 12 is configured integrally with the first moisturizer storage section 51 and the moisture storage section 61. For example, the supply source 12 is configured with a cartridge that stores the ejection liquid, moisturizer, and moisture. In this example, the first moisturizer storage section 51 and the moisture storage section 61 are detachable from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0160] The discharge mechanism 13 may have a first differential pressure valve 78. The first differential pressure valve 78 is similar to that of the other embodiments. The first differential pressure valve 78 is located in the discharge liquid flow path 28. The first differential pressure valve 78 maintains the inside of the discharge part 14 at a negative pressure. Without being limited to the first differential pressure valve 78, the discharge mechanism 13 may maintain the inside of the discharge part 14 at a negative pressure by a head difference between the supply source 12 and the discharge part 14.

[0161] The supply source 12 has a first moisturizing section 53. The first moisturizing section 53 is adjacent to the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisturizing section 53 moisturizes the discharged liquid stored in the supply source 12 by the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51. The first moisture permeable film 54 is positioned so as to separate the discharged liquid stored in the supply source 12 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage section 51.

[0162] <19th Example> Next, a description will be given of a 19th embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The 19th embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the ejection mechanism 13 and the moisturizing mechanism 50. The 19th embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.

[0163] 19, the moisturizing mechanism 50 has a second moisturizer reservoir 85. The second moisturizer reservoir 85 defines a second moisturizer chamber 86. The second moisturizer reservoir 85 stores air together with moisturizer, for example. The second moisturizer reservoir 85 may be filled with moisturizer.

[0164] The moisturizing mechanism 50 has a second moisturizing section 87. The second moisturizing section 87 is adjacent to the second ejection liquid storage section 24. The second moisturizing section 87 is adjacent to the second moisturizing liquid storage section 85. The second moisturizing section 87 moisturizes the ejection liquid stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24 with the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage section 85.

[0165] The second moisturizing section 87 has a second moisture permeable film 88. The second moisture permeable film 88 is positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid and the moisturizing liquid. More specifically, the second moisture permeable film 88 is positioned so as to separate the ejection liquid stored in the second ejection liquid storage section 24 from the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage section 85. The second moisture permeable film 88 is positioned so as to form a wall of the second ejection liquid storage section 24. The second moisture permeable film 88 is positioned so as to form a wall of the second moisturizing liquid storage section 85. The second moisture permeable film 88 separates the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the second moisturizing liquid chamber 86.

[0166] The second moisture permeable membrane 88 may separate the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the second moisturizer chamber 86 in a state in which the air stored in the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the air stored in the second moisturizer chamber 86 can mutually enter and exit, similar to the first moisture permeable membrane 54. In one example, the upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane 88 is located above the ejection liquid level and the moisturizer level. That is, the second ejection liquid storage section 24 stores the ejection liquid so that the ejection liquid level is located below the upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane 88. The second moisturizer storage section 85 stores the moisturizer so that the moisturizer level is located below the upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane 88. This allows air to enter and exit the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the second moisturizer chamber 86 through the second moisture permeable membrane 88. In this case, a pressure difference is unlikely to occur between the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the second moisturizer chamber 86.

[0167] The second moisture permeable membrane 88 completely separates the second ejection liquid chamber 26 from the second moisturizer chamber 86. In one example, the upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane 88 contacts the second ejection liquid storage section 24 and the second moisturizer storage section 85. This reduces the risk of the ejection liquid and moisturizer mixing even if the ejection liquid or moisturizer splashes.

[0168] The second moisture permeable membrane 88 does not have to completely separate the second ejection liquid chamber 26 and the second moisturizing liquid chamber 86. For example, the upper end of the second moisture permeable membrane 88 does not have to be in contact with the second ejection liquid storage section 24 and the second moisturizing liquid storage section 85.

[0169] The agitation flow path 56 has a first circulation flow path 89 and a second circulation flow path 90. The first circulation flow path 89 is connected to the first moisturizer reservoir 51 and the second moisturizer reservoir 85. The first circulation flow path 89 communicates with the first moisturizer chamber 52 and the second moisturizer chamber 86. In one example, the first circulation flow path 89 has a second end 58. The second circulation flow path 90 is connected to the first moisturizer reservoir 51 and the second moisturizer reservoir 85. The second circulation flow path 90 communicates with the first moisturizer chamber 52 and the second moisturizer chamber 86. In one example, the second circulation flow path 90 has a first end 57.

[0170] The agitation pump 59 is located in the second circulation flow path 90. When the agitation pump 59 is driven, the moisturizer flows from the first moisturizer chamber 52 to the second moisturizer chamber 86 through the second circulation flow path 90. At this time, the moisturizer flows from the second moisturizer chamber 86 to the first moisturizer chamber 52 through the first circulation flow path 89. In this manner, the moisturizer circulates between the first moisturizer storage section 51 and the second moisturizer storage section 85. In this example, the discharged liquid stored in the first discharged liquid storage section 23 and the discharged liquid stored in the second discharged liquid storage section 24 are effectively moisturized.

[0171] The moisturizer may be circulated by the first adjustment pump 38, the second adjustment pump 39, and the agitation pump 59. When the first adjustment pump 38 reduces the pressure inside the first discharge liquid storage section 23, the pressure inside the first moisturizer storage section 51 is also reduced. When the second adjustment pump 39 increases the pressure inside the second discharge liquid storage section 24, the pressure inside the second moisturizer storage section 85 is also increased. This causes the moisturizer to flow from the second moisturizer storage section 85 to the first moisturizer storage section 51.

[0172] <20th Example> Next, a description will be given of a twentieth embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11. The twentieth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the ejection mechanism 13. In the twentieth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0173] 20, the discharge mechanism 13 may have a maintenance unit 91. The maintenance unit 91 is configured to perform maintenance on the discharge unit 14. More specifically, the maintenance unit 91 performs maintenance on the discharge unit 14 by moisturizing it.

[0174] The maintenance unit 91 has a cap 92. The cap 92 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 16 to form a space that communicates with the nozzle 15. This reduces the risk of moisture in the ejected liquid evaporating from the nozzle 15. The maintenance unit 91 maintains the ejection unit 14 by bringing the cap 92 into contact with the nozzle surface 16. This is also called capping.

[0175] The cap 92 may receive the discharge liquid discharged from the discharge part 14 by flushing and cleaning. Flushing is a maintenance for causing the nozzle 15 to discharge the discharge liquid appropriately in order to prevent clogging of the nozzle 15. Cleaning is a maintenance for discharging the discharge liquid from the nozzle 15 by applying pressure to the inside of the discharge part 14.

[0176] The maintenance unit 91 has an absorbent 93. The absorbent 93 is located inside the cap 92. The absorbent 93 absorbs the discharged liquid discharged from the discharge unit 14. When the cap 92 caps the discharged liquid while the absorbent 93 contains the discharged liquid, the discharged liquid in the nozzle 15 is effectively moisturized. That is, moisture moves from the discharged liquid contained in the absorbent 93 to the discharged liquid located in the nozzle 15.

[0177] The first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the maintenance unit 91. More specifically, the first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the absorbent 93. The first moisturizing unit 53 is adjacent to the stirring flow path 56. In this example, the stirring flow path 56 extends inside the cap 92. It can also be said that the cap 92 is located in the stirring flow path 56. Therefore, when the stirring pump 59 is driven, the moisturizing liquid flows through the stirring flow path 56 and circulates between the first moisturizing liquid storage unit 51 and the cap 92. The first moisturizing unit 53 moisturizes the discharged liquid contained in the absorbent 93 with the moisturizing liquid flowing through the stirring flow path 56.

[0178] The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned so as to separate the discharged liquid contained in the absorbent 93 from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path 56. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is attached to the cap 92. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 is positioned within the cap 92. The first moisture permeable membrane 54 divides the inside of the cap 92 into a discharged liquid space 94 and a moisturizing liquid space 95. The discharged liquid space 94 is a space that holds the discharged liquid within the cap 92. The absorbent 93 is positioned in the discharged liquid space 94. The moisturizing liquid space 95 is a space in which the moisturizing liquid is stored. The moisturizing liquid space 95 constitutes a part of the agitation flow path 56.

[0179] Moisture is supplied from the moisture liquid through the first moisture permeable film 54 to the discharged liquid contained in the absorbent 93. This allows the discharged liquid contained in the absorbent 93 to be maintained at an ideal moisture content, thereby improving the moisture retention effect by capping.

[0180] <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.

[0181] The ejection mechanism 13 may have a third ejection liquid amount detector that detects the amount of ejection liquid in the third ejection liquid storage section 71 . The moisturizing mechanism 50 may have a second moisturizer amount detector that detects the amount of moisturizer in the second moisturizer reservoir 85 .

[0182] The moisturizing mechanism 50 may have a third moisturizing liquid storage section. The moisturizing mechanism 50 may also have a third moisturizing section. The liquid ejected by the ejection unit 14 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 14 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a color material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescence displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0183] <Technical philosophy> The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0184] (A) The liquid ejection device is a liquid ejection device to which ejection liquid is supplied from a supply source, and includes an ejection mechanism that ejects the ejection liquid supplied from the supply source, and a moisturizing mechanism that moisturizes the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection mechanism with moisturizing liquid, the ejection mechanism having an ejection section that ejects the ejection liquid, an ejection liquid flow path connected to the supply source and the ejection section, and an ejection liquid storage section located in the ejection liquid flow path and storing the ejection liquid, the moisturizing mechanism having a moisturizing liquid storage section that stores the moisturizing liquid, a moisturizing section adjacent to the ejection mechanism, and an agitation section that agitates the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section, and the moisturizing section has a moisture-permeable film that separates the ejection liquid from the moisturizing liquid. According to the above configuration, the concentration of the moisturizing liquid is made uniform by the agitation section agitating the moisturizing liquid. Therefore, the concentration of the moisturizing liquid is less likely to become small. This allows the ejection liquid to be appropriately moisturized.

[0185] (B) In the above liquid ejection device, the agitation section may have an agitation flow path that circulates the moisturizing liquid, and an agitation pump located in the agitation flow path, and the agitation flow path may have a first end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage section, and a second end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage section. According to the above configuration, the agitation pump is driven to circulate the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section through the agitation flow path. This makes the concentration of the moisturizing liquid uniform.

[0186] (C) In the above liquid ejection device, the moisturizing mechanism may have a supply unit that supplies moisture to the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, and the supply unit may have a moisture storage unit that stores moisture, and a moisture supply flow path that is connected to the moisture storage unit and the moisturizing liquid storage unit. According to the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit to the moisturizing liquid storage unit through the moisture supply flow path. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizing liquid becoming too high.

[0187] (D) In ​​the above liquid ejection device, the supply section may have a water pump located in the water supply flow path. According to the above configuration, water is supplied from the water storage section to the moisturizer storage section by driving the water pump. This reduces the risk of the moisturizer concentration becoming too high.

[0188] (E) In the above liquid ejection device, the water storage section may store water such that the water level is located above the level of the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section. According to the above configuration, water is supplied from the water storage section to the moisturizer storage section due to the hydraulic head difference between the water storage section and the moisturizer storage section. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer increasing.

[0189] (F) In the above liquid ejection device, the supply section may have a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure inside the moisturizer storage section. According to the above configuration, the pressure reducing section reduces the pressure inside the moisturizer storage section, thereby supplying moisture from the water storage section to the moisturizer storage section. This reduces the risk of the concentration of the moisturizer increasing.

[0190] (G) The liquid ejection device includes a control unit, the supply unit having a moisture supply valve located in the moisture supply flow path, the moisturizing mechanism having a moisture amount detection unit that detects the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, and the control unit may open the moisture supply valve when the amount of moisturizing liquid detected by the moisture amount detection unit is equal to or less than a threshold value, and close the moisture supply valve when the amount of moisturizing liquid detected by the moisture amount detection unit is greater than the threshold value. When moisture is supplied from the moisturizing liquid to the ejection liquid, the amount of moisture in the moisturizing liquid decreases. Therefore, the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit decreases. According to the above configuration, moisture is supplied from the moisture storage unit to the moisturizing liquid storage unit based on the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, so that the concentration of the moisturizing liquid is appropriately maintained.

[0191] (H) In the above liquid ejection device, the moisturizing section may be adjacent to the ejection liquid storage section and the moisturizing liquid storage section, and the moisture permeable membrane may separate the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid storage section from the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid storage section is moisturized. This allows the ejection liquid storage section to store moisturized ejection liquid.

[0192] (I) In the above liquid ejection device, the agitation unit may have an agitation flow path that circulates moisturizing liquid and an agitation pump located in the agitation flow path, the agitation flow path has a first end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage unit and a second end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage unit, the moisturizing unit may be adjacent to the ejection liquid flow path and the agitation flow path, and the moisture permeable membrane may separate the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection liquid flow path from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection liquid flow path is moisturized. As a result, the moisturized ejection liquid is supplied to the ejection unit through the ejection liquid flow path.

[0193] (J) In the above liquid ejection device, the agitation section may have an agitation flow path that circulates moisturizing liquid, and an agitation pump located in the agitation flow path, the agitation flow path having a first end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage section and a second end connected to the moisturizing liquid storage section, the moisturizing section may be adjacent to the ejection section and the agitation flow path, and the moisture permeable membrane may separate the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the agitation flow path. According to the above configuration, the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection section is moisturized. This allows the ejection section to eject moisturized ejection liquid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...supply source, 13...ejection mechanism, 14...ejection section, 15...nozzle, 16...nozzle surface, 17...introduction path, 18...common liquid chamber, 19...individual liquid chamber, 20...filter, 21...outlet path, 23...first ejection liquid storage section, 24...second ejection liquid storage section, 25...first ejection liquid chamber, 26...second ejection liquid chamber, 28...ejection liquid flow path, 29...ejection liquid supply flow path, 30...ejection liquid flow path, 31...first connection flow path, 32...second connection flow path, 33...discharge liquid supply valve, 34...first discharge liquid amount detection section, 35...pressure adjustment mechanism, 36...first adjustment section, 37...second adjustment section, 38...first adjustment pump, 39...second adjustment pump, 40...first pressure sensor, 41...second pressure sensor, 42...first atmosphere release valve, 43...second atmosphere release valve, 44...liquid supply pump, 50...moisturizing mechanism, 51...first moisturizing liquid storage section, 52...first moisturizing liquid chamber, 53...first moisturizing section, 54...first permeable liquid Wet film, 55... agitation section, 56... agitation flow path, 57... first end, 58... second end, 59... agitation pump, 60... supply section, 61... water storage section, 62... water supply flow path, 63... water supply valve, 64... pressure reducing section, 65... water pump, 66... ​​first moisturizing liquid amount detection section, 67... control section, 70... discharge liquid pump, 71... third discharge liquid storage section, 72... third discharge liquid chamber, 73... first switching valve, 74... second switching valve, 75... first resistor section, 76... second resistor resistance portion, 77...one-way valve, 78...first differential pressure valve, 79...second differential pressure valve, 80...moisturizing fluid atmosphere release valve, 81...first flexible membrane, 82...second flexible membrane, 83...third flexible membrane, 85...second moisturizing fluid storage portion, 86...second moisturizing fluid chamber, 87...second moisturizing portion, 88...second moisture permeable membrane, 89...first circulation flow path, 90...second circulation flow path, 91...maintenance portion, 92...cap, 93...absorbent material, 94...discharged liquid space, 95...moisturizing fluid space, M1...medium.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device to which ejection liquid is supplied from a supply source, a discharge mechanism that discharges the discharge liquid supplied from the supply source; a moisturizing mechanism that moisturizes the discharge liquid flowing through the discharge mechanism with a moisturizing liquid, The discharge mechanism includes: A discharge unit that discharges a discharge liquid; a discharge liquid flow path connected to the supply source and the discharge portion; a liquid storage section that is located in the liquid flow path and stores the liquid; The moisturizing mechanism includes: a moisturizing fluid storage section for storing moisturizing fluid; a moisture retaining unit adjacent to the ejection mechanism; a stirring unit that stirs the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, The liquid ejection device, wherein the moisture retaining portion has a moisture permeable film that separates the ejected liquid from the moisture retaining liquid.

2. The stirring unit includes: a mixing flow path for circulating the moisturizing liquid; a mixing pump located in the mixing flow path; The mixing flow path is A first end connected to the water reservoir; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second end connected to the moisture reservoir.

3. the moisturizing mechanism includes a supply unit that supplies moisture to the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, The supply unit includes: A moisture storage section that stores moisture; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , further comprising a moisture supply flow path connected to the moisture reservoir and the moisturizer reservoir.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the supply unit has a water pump located in the water supply flow path.

5. 4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the water storage section stores water such that a liquid level of the water is located above a liquid level of the moisturizer stored in the moisturizer storage section.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the supply section has a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure inside the moisture storage section.

7. A control unit is provided, The supply unit has a water supply valve located in the water supply flow path, the moisturizing mechanism includes a moisturizing liquid amount detection unit that detects the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit, The control unit is when the amount of moisturizer detected by the moisturizer amount detection unit is equal to or less than a threshold value, opening the moisture supply valve; 7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, wherein the water supply valve is closed when the amount of water detected by the water amount detection section is greater than a threshold value.

8. the moisture retaining section is adjacent to the ejection liquid retaining section and the moisture retaining section, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the moisture permeable film separates the ejection liquid stored in the ejection liquid storage section from the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section.

9. The stirring unit includes: a mixing flow path for circulating the moisturizing liquid; a mixing pump located in the mixing flow path; The mixing flow path is A first end connected to the water reservoir; a second end connected to the moisture reservoir; the moisturizing unit is adjacent to the ejection liquid flow path and the mixing flow path, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the moisture permeable film separates the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection liquid flow path from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the mixing flow path.

10. The stirring unit includes: a mixing flow path for circulating the moisturizing liquid; a mixing pump located in the mixing flow path; The mixing flow path is A first end connected to the water reservoir; a second end connected to the moisture reservoir; The moisturizing unit is adjacent to the ejection unit and the mixing flow path, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the moisture permeable film separates the ejection liquid flowing through the ejection portion from the moisturizing liquid flowing through the mixing flow path.

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