Liquid dispensing device, liquid volume detection method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid dispensing device, a liquid volume detection method, and a program capable of detecting the liquid volume in a liquid storage section without using a liquid level sensor. [Solution] The inkjet recording device 100, which is a liquid ejection device, comprises a first trap 481 which is a liquid storage section for storing liquid, a first vacuum path 47 and a second vacuum path 48 which are paths communicating with the liquid storage section, a vacuum pump 484 which is a pump for sucking air from the liquid storage section via the second vacuum path 48, a first pressure sensor 471 and a second pressure sensor 482 which are pressure gauges for measuring the pressure in the path, and a control unit 50 which is a detection unit for detecting the amount of liquid in the liquid storage section based on the detection results of the pressure gauges.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid amount detection method, and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid have been known. In a liquid ejecting apparatus, if a volume of liquid exceeding the capacity of a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be ejected is stored therein, the liquid may overflow and cause a failure of the liquid ejecting apparatus. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion so that it does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0003] Accordingly, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a liquid level sensor is provided in the liquid storage portion to detect the liquid level height in the liquid storage portion and manage the liquid amount. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-238127 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, when detecting the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage portion using a liquid level sensor, it is necessary to secure physical space for installing the liquid level sensor in the liquid storage portion, which imposes layout restrictions. Additionally, installing the liquid level sensor increases the cost of the liquid ejecting apparatus. Furthermore, there is a risk that the liquid level sensor may make false detections due to vapor from the liquid accumulated in the liquid storage portion.

[0006] As described above, when attempting to detect the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage portion with a liquid level sensor, problems other than failure of the liquid ejecting apparatus arise. Therefore, there is a demand for detecting the liquid amount in the liquid storage portion without relying on a liquid level sensor.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances. Its purpose is to provide a liquid dispensing device, a liquid volume detection method, and a program that can detect the amount of liquid in a liquid storage section without using a liquid level sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a liquid dispensing device, A liquid storage section for storing liquid, A path communicating with the aforementioned liquid storage section, A pump that draws air from the liquid storage section via the aforementioned path, A pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the aforementioned path, The system includes a detection unit that detects the amount of liquid in the liquid storage section based on the detection result of the pressure gauge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the amount of liquid in the liquid storage section can be detected without using a liquid level sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply unit in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side cross-sectional view of the degassing module. [Figure 4] This is an internal view of the first trap with a fitting attached to the discharge port. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the liquid volume detection process. [Figure 7] This graph shows the change in pressure value from the start of depressurization in accordance with the liquid volume in the liquid storage section during the liquid volume detection process. [Figure 8]1 is a graph showing changes in pressure value from the start of air blowing according to the liquid amount in the liquid storage section in liquid amount detection processing. [Figure 9] 2 is a graph showing changes in pressure value from the start of suction in the gas permeable membrane according to the liquid amount in the liquid storage section in liquid amount detection processing. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid feeding section in an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a modified example of a liquid feeding section in an inkjet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a liquid ejection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, components having the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0012] [Overall Configuration of Liquid Ejection Apparatus] [First Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the main configuration according to the first embodiment of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 that ejects ink, which is one form of the liquid ejection apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes, for example, a paper feeding section 10, an image forming section 20, a paper discharging section 30, a liquid feeding section 40 (see Fig. 2), a control section 50, a notification section 60, and an operation input section 70 (all see Fig. 5).

[0013] Under the control of the control section 50, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 conveys a recording medium from the paper feeding section 10 to the image forming section 20. Then, the control section 50 causes the image forming section 20 to form an image on the recording medium using the ink supplied from the liquid feeding section 40. After image formation, the control section 50 discharges the recording medium to the paper discharging section 30.

[0014] (Paper Feeding Section) The paper feeding unit 10 stores recording media before image formation. Under the control of the control unit 50, the paper feeding unit 10 conveys the recording medium to the image forming unit 20. The paper feeding unit 10 includes a paper feeding tray 11, a conveying unit 12, and the like.

[0015] {Paper feeding tray} The paper feeding tray 11 is a plate-shaped member that stores recording media. The paper feeding tray 11 is provided so that one or more recording media can be placed thereon. The paper feeding tray 11 moves up and down in accordance with the amount of recording media placed thereon. By means of the vertical movement, the paper feeding tray 11 holds the uppermost recording medium at a position where it is conveyed by the conveying unit 12.

[0016] {Conveying unit} The conveying unit 12 conveys the recording medium from the paper feeding tray 11 to the image forming unit 20. The conveying unit 12 includes a conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism drives a belt 123 to convey the recording medium on the belt 123. The belt 123 is annular, and the inner side of the ring is supported by a plurality of rollers 121 and 122. The conveying unit 12 transfers the uppermost recording medium placed on the paper feeding tray 11 onto the belt 123, and conveys the recording medium along the belt 123.

[0017] (Image forming unit) The image forming unit 20 cooperates with the liquid feeding unit 40 to perform image recording on a recording medium under the control of the control unit 50. The image forming unit 20 includes an image forming drum 21, a transfer unit 22, a paper heating unit 23, a head unit 24, an irradiation unit 25, a delivery unit 26, and the like.

[0018] {Image forming drum} The image forming drum 21 carries a recording medium along its cylindrical outer peripheral surface, and conveys the recording medium as it rotates. The conveying surface of the image forming drum 21 faces the paper heating unit 23, the head unit 24, and the irradiation unit 25, and performs image forming processing on the conveyed recording medium.

[0019] {Transfer unit} The transfer unit 22 is positioned between the transport unit 12 and the image forming drum 21. The transfer unit 22 includes a claw portion 221 and a transfer drum 222, etc.

[0020] The claw portion 221 is a cylindrical member that supports one end of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying portion 12. The transfer drum 222 is a member that guides the recording medium supported by the claw portion 221.

[0021] The transfer unit 22 picks up the recording medium on the transport unit 12 with its claw portion 221 and places it along the outer surface of the transfer drum 222. Through this operation, the transfer unit 22 transfers the recording medium to the image forming drum 21.

[0022] {Paper heating section} The paper heating unit 23 is equipped with, for example, a heating element and generates heat in response to the application of electricity. The paper heating unit 23 is controlled by the control unit 50 and generates heat so that the recording medium passing near it reaches a predetermined temperature. The paper heating unit 23 is located near the outer surface of the image forming drum 21 and is positioned upstream of the head unit 24 in the direction of transport of the recording medium.

[0023] A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided near the paper heating unit 23. The control unit 50 detects the temperature near the paper heating unit 23 using the temperature sensor. Based on the detected temperature, the control unit 50 controls the heat generation of the paper heating unit 23.

[0024] {Head Unit} The head unit 24 is composed of, for example, multiple inkjet heads 24a (see Figure 2). The head unit 24 ejects ink droplets from nozzles onto the recording medium to form an image. Head units 24 are provided, each corresponding to a different color: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). In Figure 1, the head units 24 corresponding to the colors Y, M, C, and K are arranged in order from upstream in the transport direction of the recording medium.

[0025] Here, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium in a plan view is defined as the main scanning direction. Multiple head units 24 are arranged in the main scanning direction with a length (width) that covers the entire recording medium. In other words, the inkjet recording device 100 is a one-pass line-head type inkjet recording device. The head unit 24 is composed of multiple inkjet heads 24a, which are droplet ejection heads, arranged in a single unit. The number of head units 24 may be five or more, or three or fewer. Alternatively, a single inkjet head 24a may constitute the head unit 24.

[0026] The ink ejected by the head unit 24 is, for example, ultraviolet-curable ink (UV ink). The ultraviolet-curable ink includes, for example, an ultraviolet-curable resin. The ultraviolet-curable resin includes a monomer and a polymerization initiator. When the ink containing the ultraviolet-curable resin is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the monomer polymerizes and hardens due to the action of the polymerization initiator, and the ink is fixed to the recording medium.

[0027] The ink ejected by the head unit 24 may contain a gelling agent. Ink containing a gelling agent undergoes a phase change between a gel state and a liquid (sol) state depending on the temperature. Ink containing a gelling agent has a phase change temperature of, for example, 40 to 100°C, and uniformly liquefies (becomes a sol) when heated above this temperature. On the other hand, ink containing a gelling agent gels at normal room temperature, i.e., around 0 to 30°C. Therefore, the ink in the head unit 24 is heated to an appropriate temperature by an ink heater (not shown) or the like to become a sol. Then, after being ejected and landing on the recording medium, it transitions to a gel state appropriately while being transported by the image forming drum 21.

[0028] {Irradiation area} The irradiation unit 25 includes, for example, a fluorescent tube such as a low-pressure mercury lamp. The irradiation unit 25 irradiates energy rays such as ultraviolet light through the emission of light from the fluorescent tube. The irradiation unit 25 is provided near the outer surface of the image forming drum 21. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 25 is provided so as to be located downstream of the head unit 24 in the direction of transport of the recording medium. The irradiation unit 25 irradiates the recording medium on which the ink has been ejected with energy rays. If the ink on the recording medium is UV ink, it hardens due to the action of these energy rays.

[0029] Furthermore, the fluorescent tubes that emit ultraviolet light are not limited to low-pressure mercury lamps. The fluorescent tubes may be, for example, mercury lamps with an operating pressure of several hundred Pa to approximately 1 MPa. Alternatively, the fluorescent tubes may be light sources usable as germicidal lamps, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps, ultraviolet laser light sources, metal halide lamps, or light-emitting diodes. Among these, it is desirable that the fluorescent tubes be light sources capable of emitting ultraviolet light at a higher intensity and with low power consumption. Examples of such fluorescent tubes include light-emitting diodes. The energy rays are not limited to ultraviolet light; any energy ray that has the property of curing ink, depending on the properties of the ink, is acceptable. The light source is also substituted according to the energy ray.

[0030] The above example illustrates a case where the head unit 24 ejects UV-curable ink or ink containing a gelling agent, but it is not limited to this. The ink ejected by the head unit 24 may be water-based ink or ink with other physical properties.

[0031] {Delivery Department} The delivery unit 26 is equipped with a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism transports the recording medium by driving a ring-shaped belt 263, which is supported on the inside by a plurality of rollers 261 and 262. The delivery unit 26 is equipped with a cylindrical transfer roller 264. The transfer roller 264 transfers the recording medium from the image forming drum 21 to the transport mechanism. The delivery unit 26 transports the recording medium transferred onto the belt 263 by the transfer roller 264 and sends it to the paper discharge unit 30.

[0032] (Paper output section) The paper output unit 30 receives the recording medium on which the image has been formed in the image forming unit 20. The paper output unit 30 is equipped with a plate-shaped paper output tray 31, etc. The recording medium sent out from the image forming unit 20 by the delivery unit 26 is placed on the paper output tray 31. The paper output unit 30 stores the recording medium until the user removes it.

[0033] (Liquid delivery section) Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the liquid supply unit 40. The liquid supply unit 40 includes a plurality of main tanks 41 for storing ink of each color. The liquid supply unit 40 supplies the ink of each color from the main tanks 41 to the inkjet heads 24a of each head unit 24. Through this control, the liquid supply unit 40 enables the ejection of ink of each color from the nozzles.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the liquid supply unit 40 includes a main tank 41, a first sub-tank 42, a second sub-tank 43, and the like. The liquid supply unit 40 also includes a degassing module 451 that degasssed dissolved gases from the ink before supplying it to the head unit 24.

[0035] <Main Tank> The main tank 41 is a tank that contains the ink supplied to each part of the liquid supply unit 40. The main tank 41 is, for example, a rigid, sealed tank made of metal. The main tank 41 is in communication with the first sub-tank 42 via a supply pipe 44.

[0036] <First Sub-tank> The first sub-tank 42 is one or more ink inlet chambers with a smaller volume than the main tank 41. Ink pumped from the main tank 41 by the supply pump 441 is stored in the first sub-tank 42. By providing the first sub-tank 42, pressure fluctuations caused by pulsation when the supply pump 441 supplies ink from the main tank 41 are mitigated. The first sub-tank 42 is in communication with the second sub-tank 43 via the liquid supply pipe 45.

[0037] Furthermore, ink that is not discharged from the inkjet head 24a is recovered into the first sub-tank 42 via a circulation channel that connects the outlet of the inkjet head 24a and the first sub-tank 42. By providing such a circulation channel, during maintenance, the ink can be circulated from the first sub-tank 42 through the degassing module 451 to degas the dissolved gas in the ink.

[0038] However, the circulation channel is not limited to a configuration that passes through the inkjet head 24a. For example, the circulation channel may be a channel that connects a point in the liquid delivery pipe 45 that is downstream of the liquid delivery pump 452 and upstream of the liquid delivery valve 453 (both described later) with the first sub-tank 42.

[0039] <Second Sub-tank> The second sub-tank 43 is a small tank chamber where ink degassed by the degassing module 451 is temporarily stored. The capacity of the second sub-tank 43 is, for example, approximately the same as that of the first sub-tank 42. The second sub-tank 43 is in communication with the inlets of each inkjet head 24a via a supply passage 46. The ink in the second sub-tank 43 is supplied to each inkjet head 24a in proportion to the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle.

[0040] Furthermore, the second sub-tank 43 is provided with a known back pressure adjustment means (not shown). The back pressure adjustment means applies an appropriate negative pressure to the inkjet head 24a, thereby suppressing ink leakage from the nozzles of the inkjet head 24a.

[0041] <Supply pipe> The supply pipe 44 is an ink flow path connecting the main tank 41 and the first sub-tank 42. The supply pipe 44 is equipped with a supply pump 441 and a supply valve 442. The supply pump 441 and the supply valve 442 operate under the control of the control unit 50. When the supply valve 442 is opened, the ink from the main tank 41 is supplied to the first sub-tank 42 via the supply pipe 44 by the drive of the supply pump 441. The main tank 41 is replaceable as a whole. In addition, the main tank 41 can be attached to and detached from the supply pipe 44 regardless of the operation status of the supply pump 441.

[0042] <Liquid delivery pipe> The liquid supply pipe 45 is an ink flow path connecting the first sub-tank 42 and the second sub-tank 43. The liquid supply pipe 45 is equipped with a degassing module 451, a liquid supply pump 452, a liquid supply valve 453, and the like.

[0043] <Degassing Module> Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the degassing module 451. The degassing module 451 removes dissolved gases from the incoming ink and discharges the degassed ink. The degassing module 451 includes an ink flow chamber 4511, a gas permeable membrane 4512, a first vacuum chamber 4513, and a second vacuum chamber 4514, among others.

[0044] {Ink Distribution Room} The ink flow chamber 4511 is located in the central part of the casing that forms the degassing module 451. The ink flow chamber 4511 is equipped with an ink inlet 4511a and receives the inflow of ink from the first sub-tank 42 before degassing. The ink flow chamber 4511 is also equipped with an ink outlet 4511b and discharges the degassed ink to the second sub-tank 43.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the ink inlet 4511a and ink outlet 4511b are provided on the first end side and the second end side opposite the first end side of the ink flow chamber 4511, respectively. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, it is even more preferable that the ink inlet 4511a and ink outlet 4511b are provided on approximately diagonal lines of the ink flow chamber 4511. This configuration allows the ink to come into contact with the gas permeable membrane 4512 more easily, thereby increasing the degassing efficiency of the degassing module 451.

[0046] {gas permeable membrane} The gas permeable membrane 4512 is tubular, and its membrane surface is permeable to gas. The gas permeable membrane 4512 is, for example, a hollow fiber membrane, having a large number of hollow fine fiber structures, many of which are bundled together and arranged to extend in the axial direction of the ink flow chamber 4511.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the gas permeable membrane 4512 is arranged to connect the first vacuum chamber 4513 and the second vacuum chamber 4514. Therefore, the first end of the gas permeable membrane 4512 is connected to the atmosphere via the first vacuum path 47, which will be described later. In addition, the second end of the gas permeable membrane 4512, which is opposite the first end, is sucked in by the vacuum pump 484 via the second vacuum path 48, which will be described later.

[0048] Furthermore, the gas permeable membrane 4512 is preferably made of, for example, silicone. This is because silicone has high permeability to dissolved gases in ink. Also, silicone has high heat resistance and ink resistance.

[0049] {First vacuum chamber} The first vacuum chamber 4513 is located at the first end of the degassing module 451. The first vacuum chamber 4513 is separated from the ink flow chamber 4511 by a partition wall. The side of the first vacuum chamber 4513 facing the ink flow chamber 4511 is connected to the atmosphere by the first vacuum path 47.

[0050] {Second vacuum chamber} The second vacuum chamber 4514 is located on the second end side of the degassing module 451, opposite the first vacuum chamber 4513. The second vacuum chamber 4514 is separated from the ink flow chamber 4511 by a partition wall. The side of the second vacuum chamber 4514 opposite the ink flow chamber 4511 is connected to the vacuum pump 484 by a second vacuum path 48.

[0051] The form of the degassing module 451 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to form a sheet in which multiple gas permeable membranes 4512 are woven together in a mesh-like pattern. This is because the mesh of the gas permeable membranes 4512 becomes finer, making it easier for all the ink to pass through the mesh of the gas permeable membranes 4512, thus improving the degassing efficiency. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easier to obtain a certain level of strength even with flexible gas permeable membranes 4512.

[0052] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a so-called external recirculation type degassing module 451 that degasses the ink flowing outside the gas permeable membrane 4512, the example is not limited to this, and an internal recirculation type that degasses the ink flowing inside the gas permeable membrane 4512 is also acceptable.

[0053] <Liquid transfer pump, liquid transfer valve> Returning to Figure 2, the liquid supply pump 452 and liquid supply valve 453 operate under the control of the control unit 50. When the liquid supply valve 453 is opened, the liquid supply pump 452 sends the ink that has flowed out from the ink outlet 4511b of the degassing module 451 to the second sub-tank 43. A check valve (not shown) is provided between the liquid supply pump 452 and the second sub-tank 43 to prevent backflow of the ink sent to the second sub-tank 43.

[0054] <First vacuum path> The first vacuum path 47 is an air passage that communicates with the first end of the degassing module 451. The first vacuum path 47 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 471 and a hollow fiber valve 472, among other things.

[0055] <First Pressure Sensor> The first pressure sensor 471 is a known pressure gauge. The first pressure sensor 471 detects the pressure value in the first vacuum chamber 4513 and transmits the pressure value to the control unit 50.

[0056] <Hollow fiber valve> The hollow fiber valve 472 is a solenoid valve. The hollow fiber valve 472 is opened and closed by a control signal from the control unit 50 to open or close the first vacuum path 47 to the atmosphere.

[0057] <Second vacuum path> The second vacuum path 48 is an air passage that communicates with the second end of the degassing module 451. The second vacuum path 48 is equipped with a first trap 481, a second pressure sensor 482, an atmospheric release valve 483, and a vacuum pump 484.

[0058] <First Trap> The first trap 481 is installed between the degassing module 451 and the vacuum pump 484. The first trap 481 permeates into the gas permeable membrane 4512 and stores the liquid component of the ink that has entered the second vacuum path 48. The liquid component of the ink stored in the first trap 481 is, for example, the monomer if the ink is UV ink. By providing the first trap 481, it is possible to prevent the liquid component of the ink from reaching the vacuum pump 484 and causing it to malfunction.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the first trap 481 is provided with a height difference such that the inlet 4811 connected to the degassing module 451 is located below the outlet 4812 connected to the vacuum pump 484. This height difference may be created by staggering the formation locations of the multiple openings that will become the inlet 4811 and the outlet 4812 in the vertical direction during the manufacturing stage of the first trap 481. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, this height difference may be created by attaching known fittings F (e.g., elbow fittings) that will become the inlet 4811 and / or the outlet 4812 to each of the parallel openings during the manufacturing stage of the first trap 481.

[0060] <Second pressure sensor> Returning to Figure 2, the second pressure sensor 482 is a known pressure gauge. The second pressure sensor 482 is installed in the second vacuum path 48 between the first trap 481 and the vacuum pump 484, and detects the pressure value in the second vacuum path 48 and sequentially transmits the detected pressure value to the control unit 50.

[0061] <Atmospheric release valve> The atmospheric release valve 483 is a solenoid valve that can be opened and closed under the control of the control unit 50. The atmospheric release valve 483 is installed between the first trap 481 and the vacuum pump 484 and is in an open state when the second vacuum path 48 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0062] <Vacuum pump> The vacuum pump 484 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. More specifically, the vacuum pump 484 comprises a pump chamber with an expandable and contractible diaphragm. The vacuum pump 484 also comprises a drive source, etc., that operates the diaphragm so that the volume of the pump chamber expands and contracts. The pump chamber has an intake port equipped with a check valve that allows only the inflow of fluid from the outside. The pump chamber also has an outlet port equipped with a check valve that allows only the discharge of fluid from the inside.

[0063] Under the control of the control unit 50, the vacuum pump 484 performs a suction operation when the hollow fiber valve 472 is open, thereby drawing air into the gas permeable membrane 4512. This operation of the vacuum pump 484 removes foreign matter from the gas permeable membrane 4512 and also reduces the pressure inside the gas permeable membrane 4512. As a result, the ink that flows into the ink flow chamber 4511 and comes into contact with the outer surface of the gas permeable membrane 4512 is degassed as dissolved gases selectively permeate the membrane surface. The dissolved gases that have passed through the gas permeable membrane 4512 are then discharged by the vacuum pump 484 via the second vacuum chamber 4514.

[0064] (Control Unit) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inkjet recording device 100. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 50 is connected to each component of the inkjet recording device 100. The control unit 50 controls each component of the inkjet recording device 100. The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 53, etc.

[0065] <cpu> The CPU 51 reads and executes various programs and data from storage devices such as the ROM 53 according to the processing content. The CPU 51 also controls the operation of each part of the inkjet recording device 100 according to the executed processing content. The control unit 50 functions as a detection unit that performs the liquid level detection processing described later, based on the program executed by the CPU 51.

[0066] <ram> RAM52 temporarily stores various programs and data processed by CPU51.

[0067] <rom> ROM53 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. ROM53 stores various programs and data that are read by the CPU 51, etc.

[0068] (News Department) The notification unit 60 notifies various information under the control of the control unit 50. The notification unit 60 may be, for example, a display unit with a screen, a speaker that emits a predetermined sound, or a communication unit that can communicate with other devices via a network.

[0069] (Operation input section) The operation input unit 70 receives various inputs related to the operation of the inkjet recording device 100 in response to user operations. The operation input unit 70 includes, for example, a touch panel type input display device, up / down / left / right movement keys and various function keys for data selection and advancement operations. The operation input unit 70 outputs press signals of keys pressed by the user and operation signals from a mouse, etc., to the CPU 51 of the control unit 50.

[0070] [Liquid volume detection process (first embodiment)] The liquid volume detection process by the control unit 50 of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 6. In the liquid volume detection process, the control unit 50 detects the liquid volume in the first trap 481 while performing a degassing process on the ink sent from the first sub-tank 42 to the second sub-tank 43.

[0071] First, the control unit 50 closes the hollow fiber valve 472 and the atmospheric release valve 483 (step S101). After closing both valves, the control unit 50 drives the vacuum pump 484 (step S102). Then, the control unit 50 acquires the measurement value from the second pressure sensor 482 (step S103).

[0072] The control unit 50 determines whether the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482 has reached a predetermined value (step S104). If the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482 has reached a predetermined value (step S104; Yes), the control unit 50 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 484, opens the atmospheric release valve 483, and blows gas (air) into the second vacuum path 48 (step S105). Then, the control unit 50 acquires the measured value of the first pressure sensor 471 (step S106).

[0073] The control unit 50 determines whether the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 471 has reached atmospheric pressure (0 kPa) (step S107). If the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 471 has reached atmospheric pressure (step S107; Yes), the control unit 50 closes the atmospheric release valve 483, opens the hollow fiber valve 472, and then drives the vacuum pump 484 again (step S109). Through this control, the control unit 50 discharges the liquid component of the ink in the gas permeable membrane 4512 and blows gas (air) into the first trap 481. If atmospheric pressure has not been reached (step S107; No), the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S108). If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S108; Yes), the control in step S109 is performed in the same way as when atmospheric pressure has been reached.

[0074] In steps S102-S104, the vacuum pump 484 is driven, reducing the pressure inside the first trap 481. If step S109 is performed without performing steps S105-S108, a rapid pressure fluctuation will occur inside the first trap 481. This will cause fluctuations in the liquid level inside the first trap 481, potentially leading to leakage of the liquid components of the ink from the outlet 4812 and causing the vacuum pump 484 to malfunction.

[0075] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, in steps S107 and S108 the pressure inside the first trap 481 is brought to atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure, and then in step S109 the hollow fiber valve 472 is opened to drive the vacuum pump 484. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the liquid component of the ink inside the first trap 481 leaks out from the outlet 4812.

[0076] The control unit 50 acquires the measured value from the second pressure sensor 482 (step S110). If the measured value from the second pressure sensor 482 reaches a predetermined value (step S111; Yes), the control unit 50 detects the liquid level in the first trap 481 based on the measured values ​​acquired in steps S103, S106, and S110 (step S112; detection step).

[0077] Figure 7 is a graph showing the change in the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482 during step S103, in conjunction with the operation of the vacuum pump 484. In Figure 7, the X axis represents elapsed time, and the Y axis represents the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482. In the following example, it is assumed that the maximum capacity of the first trap 481 is 220 g and the flow rate of the vacuum pump 484 is 6 L / min.

[0078] As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 7, for example, when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is 180g, the time from the start of operation of the vacuum pump 484 until the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 reaches -90kPa is about 7 seconds faster compared to when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is 0g. This is because when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is large, the amount of air in the first trap 481 decreases accordingly, and the rate at which the negative pressure rises increases.

[0079] Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in the measured value of the first pressure sensor 471 in step S106, corresponding to the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 and the opening of the atmospheric release valve 483. In Figure 8, the X axis represents elapsed time, and the Y axis represents the measured value of the first pressure sensor 471. In this example, when the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 is 190g, the liquid level in the first trap 481 is assumed to reach the inlet 4811.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, for example, there is no significant difference in the time it takes for the measured value of the first pressure sensor 471 to reach 0 kPa when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is 0 g, 100 g, or 180 g. On the other hand, as shown by arrow B1 in Figure 8, when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is 190 g, the time it takes for the measured value of the first pressure sensor 471 to reach 0 kPa is about 7 seconds longer than when the liquid volume is 0 g. This is because, as shown in Figure 4, when the liquid level in the first trap 481 reaches the inlet 4811, the airflow resistance at the inlet 4811 increases, and the deceleration rate of the negative pressure slows down.

[0081] Figure 9 is a graph showing the changes in the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482 in step S110, corresponding to the opening of the hollow fiber valve 472 and the driving of the vacuum pump 484, in accordance with the amount of liquid in the first trap 481. In Figure 9, the X axis represents elapsed time, and the Y axis represents the measured value of the second pressure sensor 482.

[0082] As shown by arrow C1 in Figure 9, when the liquid volume in the first trap 481 is 190g, the time it takes for the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 to reach -5kPa is about 3 seconds longer compared to when the liquid volume is 0g. This is because, similar to the example in Figure 8, when the liquid level in the first trap 481 reaches the inlet 4811, the airflow resistance at the inlet 4811 increases, and the deceleration rate of the negative pressure slows down.

[0083] The control unit 50 stores in the ROM 53, for example, a table that summarizes the relationship between the number of seconds from a predetermined timing until the measured values ​​of the first pressure sensor 471 and the second pressure sensor 482 reach a predetermined value, and the amount of liquid in the first trap 481. The control unit 50 then detects the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 by referring to the table and the number of seconds acquired in each step.

[0084] In this way, the control unit 50 can detect the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 based on the measured values ​​of the first pressure sensor 471 and / or the second pressure sensor 482. In particular, if there is a height difference between the inlet 4811 and the outlet 4812 of the first trap 481, the control unit 50 can detect whether or not the liquid level in the first trap 481 has reached the inlet 4811.

[0085] In the above description, the control unit 50 detects the liquid level in the first trap 481 based on the measured values ​​acquired in three steps, but this is not limited to this. That is, the control unit 50 may detect the liquid level in the first trap 481 based on the measured values ​​acquired in any one or two steps.

[0086] Furthermore, although step S103 describes detecting the liquid volume in the first trap 481 based on the number of seconds until the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 reaches a predetermined value, this is not limited to this. As shown by arrow A2 in Figure 7, the control unit 50 may also detect the liquid volume in the first trap 481 based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 a predetermined time after the start of operation of the vacuum pump 484.

[0087] Similarly, in step S106, the control unit 50 may detect the liquid level in the first trap 481 based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 471 a predetermined time after the opening of the atmospheric release valve 483, as shown by arrow B2 in Figure 8. Alternatively, in step S109, the control unit 50 may detect the liquid level in the first trap 481 based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 a predetermined time after the opening of the hollow fiber valve 472 and the driving of the vacuum pump 484.

[0088] However, time has a higher resolution than pressure. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the control unit 50 to detect the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 based on the number of seconds until a predetermined pressure value is reached, as this allows for more accurate detection of the amount of liquid in the first trap 481.

[0089] Furthermore, while an example has been given in which the control unit 50 directly detects the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 based on the detection results of each step, the configuration is not limited to this. If the capacity of the first trap 481 is stored in the ROM 53 in advance, the control unit 50 may detect the amount of air in the first trap 481 and then detect the amount of liquid by subtracting the amount of air from the capacity of the first trap 481.

[0090] Returning to Figure 6, the control unit 50 determines whether the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 detected in step S111 is above a predetermined value and whether the liquid level is above a predetermined value (step S113). The control unit 50 determines, for example, whether the liquid level in the first trap 481 is higher than the inlet 4811. If the liquid level in the first trap 481 is above a predetermined value (step S113; Yes), the control unit 50 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 484. Then, the control unit 50 notifies the user via the notification unit 60 to discharge the ink from the first trap 481 (step S114).

[0091] On the other hand, if the liquid level in the first trap 481 has not reached the inlet 4811 (step S113; No), there is still room in the first trap 481, so the operation of the vacuum pump 484 is continued (step S115). By controlling steps S112 to S115, the first trap 481 can be cleaned at the appropriate timing.

[0092] [Effects of the First Embodiment] As described above, the inkjet recording device 100, which is a liquid ejection device according to this embodiment, includes a first trap 481 which is a liquid storage section for storing liquid, and a first vacuum path 47 and a second vacuum path 48 which are paths communicating with the liquid storage section. The inkjet recording device 100 also includes a vacuum pump 484 which is a pump that sucks air from the liquid storage section via the second vacuum path 48, and a first pressure sensor 471 and a second pressure sensor 482 which are pressure gauges that measure the pressure in the path. Furthermore, the inkjet recording device 100 includes a control unit 50 which functions as a detection unit that detects the amount of liquid in the liquid storage section based on the detection results of the pressure gauges. With this configuration, the amount of liquid in the first trap 481 can be detected by the pressure gauge provided to measure the amount of suction of the vacuum pump 484, even without providing a liquid level sensor in the first trap 481.

[0093] [Second Embodiment] Next, the liquid volume detection process in the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions will be omitted. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply unit 40A according to the second embodiment. The liquid supply unit 40A according to the second embodiment differs from the liquid supply unit 40 according to the first embodiment in that the second vacuum path 48 is equipped with a second trap 485 and a discharge path 486.

[0094] <Second Trap> The second trap 485 stores the liquid components of the ink that could not be captured by the first trap 481. In addition, if the gas permeable membrane 4512 is damaged and a large amount of ink leaks out, the second trap 485 will receive and store the ink that the first trap 481 cannot contain.

[0095] As described above, the second trap 485 primarily functions as an ink buffer in the event of a failure of the degassing module 451. Therefore, it is provided to have a larger capacity than the first trap 481. The second trap 485 is equipped with a known liquid level sensor 4851, and the control unit 50 stops various operations when it detects that the liquid level in the second trap 485 is above a predetermined value. This control prevents the second trap 485 from becoming completely filled with ink components, which would cause the liquid components of the ink to overflow and malfunction the vacuum pump 484.

[0096] <Discharge channel> The discharge channel 486 is a channel provided to communicate with the lower part of the first trap 481 in the ink supply section 40 for each color, and is a liquid channel through which the liquid component of the ink stored in the first trap 481 flows. The discharge channel 486 is equipped with a discharge valve 4861, a liquid heating section 4862, a liquid discharge section 4863, a pressure detection section 4864, and a suction pump 4865.

[0097] {Discharge valve} The discharge valve 4861 is a solenoid valve that can be opened and closed under the control of the control unit 50. The discharge valve 4861 is normally in a closed state, and is opened by the control unit 50 at the timing when the liquid component of the ink is to be discharged from the first trap 481.

[0098] {Liquid heating section} The liquid heating section 4862 suppresses clogging of the discharge channel 486 by heating the discharge channel 486 with liquid components of the ink. Figure 10 illustrates a case where the liquid heating section 4862 is composed of a heat transfer member that transmits heat from a heater, but it may be the heater itself, for example. As the heater that constitutes the ink heating section, for example, an electric heating wire that generates Joule heat when energized is used. As the heat transfer member that constitutes the ink heating section, a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, a heat conductive plate made of various metals (alloys), is used.

[0099] {Liquid discharge part} The liquid discharge section 4863 is directly connected to the discharge channel 486, and the liquid component of the ink discharged from the first trap 481 of each color ink is discharged there. The liquid discharge section 4863 is made of, for example, a plastic or metal bottle.

[0100] The first trap 481 needs to be located inside the inkjet recording device 100, between the degassing module 451 and the vacuum pump 484, whereas the liquid discharge unit 4863 only needs to be in communication with the first trap 481 via the drainage channel 486. Therefore, the liquid discharge unit 4863 can be installed at any location, such as outside the inkjet recording device 100, and the capacity of the liquid discharge unit 4863 can be set to be greater than the capacity of the first trap 481. Specifically, for example, the capacity of the first trap 481 is about 200 ml, and the capacity of the liquid discharge unit 4863 is about 4000 ml.

[0101] {Pressure detection unit} The pressure detection unit 4864 is a known pressure gauge. The pressure detection unit 4864 detects the pressure value of the discharge channel 486 and sequentially transmits the detection result to the control unit 50.

[0102] {Suction pump} The suction pump 4865 has substantially the same configuration as the vacuum pump 484. The suction pump 4865 discharges the liquid component of the ink in the first trap 481 to the liquid discharge section 4863 by reducing the pressure in the discharge passage 486.

[0103] [Liquid volume detection process (second embodiment)] In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment described above, the amount of liquid in the liquid discharge unit 4863 can be detected in substantially the same manner as the liquid volume detection in step S103 of the first embodiment.

[0104] In detail, when the discharge valve 4861 is closed and the suction pump 4865 is driven, the time required for the pressure detection unit 4864 to detect a predetermined pressure value (or the pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit 4864 after the predetermined time) changes according to the amount of liquid in the liquid discharge unit 4863. Therefore, the control unit 50 can detect the amount of liquid in the liquid discharge unit 4863 based on that time or pressure value.

[0105] [Effects of the second embodiment] As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes a degassing module 451 capable of degassing dissolved gases from a liquid, and a first trap 481 which is a trap for storing liquid that has permeated through a gas permeable membrane 4512. The liquid storage section is a liquid discharge section 4863 that stores the liquid discharged from the first trap 481. In this configuration as well, the amount of liquid in the liquid discharge section 4863 can be detected without providing a liquid level sensor, and failure of the suction pump 4865 can be suppressed.

[0106] In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the liquid storage section capable of detecting the liquid volume is not limited to the liquid discharge section 4863. That is, the liquid volume in the second trap 485 may be detected without providing a liquid level sensor 4851 in the second trap 485, or the liquid volume in the first trap 481 may be detected as in the first embodiment. However, when detecting the liquid volume in the first trap 481 to the second trap 485, the measured values ​​of the first pressure sensor 471 and the second pressure sensor 482 change not only according to the liquid volume of one but also according to the liquid volume of the other. Therefore, it is preferable for the control unit 50 to correct the liquid volume detection result in the first trap 481 based on, for example, the measurement result of the liquid level sensor 4851. Furthermore, it is preferable for the control unit 50 to perform the liquid volume detection process of the second trap 485 after discharging the liquid component of the ink in the first trap 481 to the liquid discharge section 4863. Furthermore, when the control unit 50 detects the liquid level in the liquid discharge unit 4863, it is preferable to do so after the liquid component of the ink in the first trap 481 has been discharged to the liquid discharge unit 4863.

[0107] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a configuration in which the system is equipped with two traps, a first trap 481 and a second trap 485, and the discharge channel 486 is connected to the first trap 481, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the system may be equipped with only one trap (the first trap 481) and the discharge channel 486 is connected to this single trap.

[0108] Furthermore, while Figure 10 illustrates a configuration comprising multiple pumps (vacuum pump 484 and suction pump 4865) and multiple pressure sensors (second pressure sensor 482 and pressure detection unit 4864), the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 11, an air passage 49 may be provided connecting the liquid discharge unit 4863 and the second vacuum path 48, and the opening and closing of a solenoid valve 491 provided in the air passage 49 may be used to switch between reducing the pressure of the first trap 481 and the second trap 485 and reducing the pressure of the liquid discharge unit 4863. Alternatively, the passage from the discharge valve 4861 to the solenoid valve 491 may be configured to be attached only when the first trap 481 is being discharged, as a cleaning jig.

[0109] [Other configurations] The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0110] For example, the above example illustrates a configuration in which the first trap 481 and the liquid discharge section 4863 are used as liquid storage sections and the liquid volume is detected, but the system is not limited to this. For example, if a known pressure gauge is provided in the supply pipe 44, the liquid volume can be detected in the same way by reducing the pressure inside the main tank 41 with the supply pump 441, so the main tank 41 may be used as a liquid storage section and the liquid volume can be detected.

[0111] Furthermore, while the above describes detecting the liquid volume in the first trap 481 by referring to the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 482 after a predetermined time has passed since the vacuum pump 484 was driven and to a table pre-stored in the ROM 53, the method of detecting the liquid volume is not limited to this. For example, if liquid adheres to the area between the outlet 4812 and the vacuum pump 484 in the second vacuum path 48, the suction capacity of the vacuum pump 484 will decrease. Also, each vacuum pump 484 has individual differences. Thus, if the suction capacity of the vacuum pump 484 differs from that set in the table, there is a risk that the liquid volume detection result by the control unit 50 may be incorrect.

[0112] To solve the above problems, the second vacuum path 48 may be provided with a known flow sensor that measures the amount of air sucked in by the vacuum pump 484. In this configuration, the control unit 50 detects the suction capacity of the vacuum pump 484 using the flow sensor. The control unit 50 then corrects the detection result of the liquid volume in the first trap 481 based on the detection result of the suction capacity of the vacuum pump 484, thereby suppressing the occurrence of errors in the liquid volume detection result due to differences in the suction capacity of the vacuum pump 484.

[0113] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may perform a liquid volume detection process after the liquid in the first trap 481 has been discharged or after maintenance of the first vacuum path 47 and the second vacuum path 48, thereby acquiring waveforms as shown in Figures 7 to 9. The liquid volume may then be detected by referring to and comparing the acquired waveforms, rather than using a table pre-stored in the ROM 53.

[0114] Furthermore, the ambient temperature of the first trap 481, i.e., the change in ink viscosity in response to the ink temperature, may cause errors in the liquid volume detection result by the control unit 50. Therefore, a known temperature sensor for measuring the ink temperature may be provided in the second vacuum path 48. In this configuration, the control unit 50 can acquire the ink temperature and correct the liquid volume detection result based on the acquired temperature, thereby suppressing errors in the liquid volume detection result due to the ink temperature.

[0115] Furthermore, although the above example illustrates a case where the liquid ejection device is an inkjet recording device and the liquid is ink, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid may be a pretreatment agent or a chemical. In particular, if the ink is a UV ink containing a gelling agent and the gas permeable film 4512 is made of silicone, the monomer, which is the liquid component of the ink, tends to accumulate in the first trap 481, so the configuration of this disclosure functions particularly effectively.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may determine whether or not there is a leak failure in the degassing module 451 based on the detection result of the liquid volume in the first trap 481. For example, if the liquid volume in the first trap 481 increases rapidly in a short period of time, the control unit 50 will determine that the degassing module 451 has a leak failure.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may determine whether or not the flow path including the degassing module 451 is clogged based on the detection result of the liquid volume in the first trap 481. For example, the control unit 50 may determine that the flow path including the degassing module 451 is clogged if the liquid volume in the first trap 481 increases less than expected based on the measurement value of the pressure gauge.

[0118] Furthermore, while the above discloses an example using an HDD as a computer-readable medium for the program relating to this disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to this example. Other computer-readable mediums include portable recording media such as CD-ROMs. In addition, carrier waves can be used as a medium for providing the data of the program relating to this disclosure via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 100 Inkjet recording device (liquid ejection device) 451 Degassing Module 4512 Gas permeable membrane 47. First vacuum path (path) 471 First pressure sensor (pressure gauge) 472 Hollow fiber valve 48. Second vacuum path (path) 481 First trap (liquid storage section, trap) 4811 Inlet 4812 Outlet 482 Second pressure sensor (pressure gauge) 483 Atmospheric release valve 484 Vacuum pump (pump) 485 Second Trap (Trap) 486 Discharge channel (path) 4863 Liquid discharge section (liquid storage section) 4864 Pressure detection unit (pressure gauge) 4865 Suction pump (pump) 50 Control Unit (Detection Unit) F fitting< / rom> < / ram> < / cpu>

Claims

1. A liquid storage section for storing liquid, A path communicating with the aforementioned liquid storage section, A pump that draws air from the liquid storage section via the aforementioned path, A pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the aforementioned path, A liquid dispensing device comprising: a detection unit that detects the amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit based on the detection result of the pressure gauge.

2. Equipped with a degassing module capable of removing dissolved gases from liquids, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage section is a trap for storing the liquid that has permeated through the degassing module.

3. A degassing module capable of removing dissolved gases from a liquid, The system includes a trap for storing the liquid that has permeated through the degassing module, The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage section is a liquid discharge section that stores the liquid discharged from the trap.

4. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the amount of air or liquid in the liquid storage unit based on the time from the start of the pump until the measured value of the pressure gauge reaches a predetermined value.

5. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the amount of air or liquid in the liquid storage unit based on the measurement value of the pressure gauge after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump was started.

6. The liquid storage section comprises an upstream inlet into which the liquid flows and a downstream outlet, The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is provided with a height difference such that it is located above the inlet.

7. The liquid discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the inlet and / or outlet are provided with a joint for providing the height difference.

8. The liquid discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit depressurizes the liquid storage unit by driving the pump, blows gas into the liquid storage unit, and detects, based on the time until the measured value of the pressure gauge reaches a predetermined value, a change in the flow resistance of the inlet and whether or not the liquid level of the liquid storage unit has reached the inlet.

9. The liquid discharge device according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit depressurizes the liquid storage unit by driving the pump, blows gas into the liquid storage unit, and detects, based on the pressure gauge reading after a predetermined time has elapsed since the blowing of gas, a change in the flow resistance of the inlet and whether or not the liquid level of the liquid storage unit has reached the inlet.

10. An atmospheric release valve is provided in the path downstream of the discharge port, which switches between opening and closing the liquid storage section to the atmosphere. The liquid discharge device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the detection unit drives the pump with the atmospheric release valve closed to create negative pressure in the liquid storage unit, and then opens the atmospheric release valve to blow gas into the liquid storage unit.

11. A hollow fiber valve is provided in the upstream path of the inlet, which switches between opening and closing the liquid storage section to the atmosphere and closing it to the atmosphere as it opens and closes. The liquid discharge device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the detection unit drives the pump when the hollow fiber valve is opened to blow gas into the liquid storage unit.

12. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit corrects the detection result of the amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit based on at least one of the pressure waveform after discharging liquid from the liquid storage unit, the pressure waveform after maintenance of the path communicating with the degassing module, and the temperature of the liquid.

13. The aforementioned liquid is an ink containing a gelling agent. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gas permeable membrane of the degassing module is made of silicone.

14. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit determines whether or not there is a leak failure in the degassing module based on the detection result of the amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit.

15. The liquid discharge device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit determines whether or not there is a blockage in the liquid flow path including the degassing module based on the detection result of the liquid volume in the liquid storage unit.

16. A liquid storage section for storing liquid, A path communicating with the aforementioned liquid storage section, A pump that draws air from the liquid storage section via the aforementioned path, A liquid volume detection method using a liquid discharge device equipped with a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the aforementioned path, A liquid volume detection method comprising a detection step of detecting the liquid volume in the liquid storage section based on the detection result of the pressure gauge.

17. A liquid storage section for storing liquid, A path communicating with the aforementioned liquid storage section, A pump that draws air from the liquid storage section via the aforementioned path, A computer for a liquid discharge device, which includes a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the aforementioned path, A program that functions as a detection unit that detects the amount of liquid in the liquid storage unit based on the detection result of the pressure gauge.

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