Liquid dispensing device, control method for liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device and a liquid discharge control method capable of suppressing such danger that pressure releasing of a first air chamber is insufficient.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a liquid discharge head 15, a supply channel 22 which supplies liquid from a liquid supply source 18 to a liquid discharge head 15, a pump 54 which permits suction and exhaust, a suction channel 55 which is communicated with the suction side of the pump 54, an exhaust channel 56 which is communicated with the discharge side of the pump 54, a first storage part 38 formed with a flexible wall 44 having partial flexibility, a first air chamber 46 which is provided on the side opposite to the first storage part 38 of the flexible wall 44 and has a portion opposite to the flexible wall 44 which is at least displaceable, and a first replacing part 57 capable of replacing a channel connecting to a first air chamber 46 between a suction channel 55 and a discharge cannel 56. Therein, the flexible wall 44 is displaced by displacement of the first air chamber 46 accompanied by suction from the first air chamber 46 to which the suction channel 55 is connected and exhaust to the first air chamber 46 to which the exhaust channel 56 is connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device such as a printer and a control method for a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a liquid ejection device which is an example of a liquid ejection device that ejects a liquid from a liquid ejection unit which is an example of a liquid ejection head and performs printing. The liquid ejection device includes a liquid storage unit which is an example of a first storage unit, an expansion and contraction unit which is an example of a first air chamber, a pressure pump, and a fluid pressure adjustment unit.

[0003] The liquid storage unit is configured by a diaphragm part where a part of the wall surface is an example of a flexible wall. The pressure pump supplies a fluid which is an example of air to the expansion and contraction unit by pressurizing it, thereby expanding the expansion and contraction unit. The expanded expansion and contraction unit pushes the diaphragm part in a direction in which the volume of the liquid storage unit becomes smaller. The fluid pressure adjustment unit releases the pressure by allowing the fluid to escape. The expansion and contraction unit whose pressure has been released contracts and releases the pressing of the diaphragm part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The first air chamber may be difficult to deform due to, for example, being affected by being accustomed. Therefore, simply releasing air from the first air chamber may not cause the first air chamber to contract sufficiently, and there is a risk that the release of pressure in the first air chamber becomes insufficient.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A liquid discharge device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid discharge head capable of discharging liquid from a nozzle, a supply passage for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, a pump capable of intake and exhaust, an intake passage communicating with the intake side of the pump, an exhaust passage communicating with the exhaust side of the pump, a first storage section provided in the supply passage and formed of a flexible wall having a part of flexibility, a first air chamber provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite the first storage section and having a portion, at least facing the flexible wall, that is displaceable, and a first switching section that can switch the passage connected to the first air chamber between the intake passage and the exhaust passage, wherein the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to intake from the first air chamber to which the intake passage is connected, and exhaust to the first air chamber to which the exhaust passage is connected.

[0007] A control method for a liquid discharge device that solves the above problems comprises: a liquid discharge head capable of discharging liquid from a nozzle; a supply passage for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head; a pump capable of intake and exhaust; an intake passage communicating with the intake side of the pump; an exhaust passage communicating with the exhaust side of the pump; a first storage section provided in the supply passage and formed of a flexible wall having a portion of flexibility; a first air chamber provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage section, wherein at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable; and a first switching section capable of switching the passage connected to the first air chamber between the intake passage and the exhaust passage, wherein the intake passage is connected to the first A method for controlling a liquid discharge device in which the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to intake from the first air chamber and exhaust to the first air chamber to which the exhaust passage is connected, comprising: connecting the exhaust passage to the first air chamber by a first switching unit; displacing the flexible wall in a direction that reduces the volume in the first storage unit by exhausting to the first air chamber and pressurizing the first air chamber, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzle; disconnecting the exhaust passage from the first air chamber and connecting the intake passage to the first air chamber by a first switching unit; and reducing the pressure inside the first air chamber by intake from the first air chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a liquid dispensing device in which the first air chamber and the second air chamber are pressurized. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a liquid dispensing device in which the first air chamber is pressurized. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an example of a modification to a liquid dispensing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device and a control method for the liquid dispensing device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0010] In the drawing, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the liquid dispensing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0011] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include a mounting section 12, a supply mechanism 13, a carriage 14, a liquid dispensing head 15, and a control unit 16.

[0012] The mounting section 12 may be detachably fitted with a liquid supply source 18 that contains liquid. If the liquid supply source 18 can be refilled with liquid, the liquid supply source 18 may be fixed to the mounting section 12.

[0013] The carriage 14 is movable in the scanning direction and is equipped with a liquid dispensing head 15. The scanning direction is along the printing surface of the medium 19. The scanning direction may also be parallel to the Y-axis. The carriage 14 may reciprocate the liquid dispensing head 15 across the medium 19.

[0014] The liquid ejection head 15 is capable of ejecting liquid from the nozzles 20. The liquid ejection head 15 ejects liquid from multiple nozzles 20 to print on the medium 19. The liquid ejection head 15 ejects liquid supplied by the supply mechanism 13.

[0015] <Supply mechanism> The supply mechanism 13 supplies liquid from the liquid supply source 18 mounted on the mounting portion 12 to the liquid ejection head 15. The supply mechanism 13 includes a supply flow path 22. The supply mechanism 13 may include a first one-way valve 23, a supply pump 24, a second one-way valve 25, a pressure adjustment mechanism 26, a deaeration mechanism 27, and a drive mechanism 28. The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 and the deaeration mechanism 27 may be provided on the carriage 14.

[0016] The upstream end of the supply flow path 22 may be provided in the mounting portion 12. The upstream end of the supply flow path 22 may be, for example, a hollow needle that pierces the liquid supply source 18. By connecting the upstream end of the supply flow path 22 to the liquid supply source 18 mounted on the mounting portion 12, the liquid stored in the liquid supply source 18 can be led out.

[0017] The downstream end of the supply flow path 22 is connected to the liquid ejection head 15. The supply flow path 22 supplies liquid from the liquid supply source 18 to the liquid ejection head 15. The supply flow path 22 connects the liquid supply source 18 and the liquid ejection head 15 in a state where liquid can flow. In the supply flow path 22, a first one-way valve 23, a supply pump 24, a second one-way valve 25, a pressure adjustment mechanism 26, and a deaeration mechanism 27 are provided in order from the upstream side where the liquid supply source 18 is provided.

[0018] The first one-way valve 23 is provided upstream of the supply pump 24. The second one-way valve 25 is provided downstream of the supply pump 24. The first one-way valve 23 and the second one-way valve 25 allow the flow of liquid toward the downstream side in the supply direction Ds and restrict the flow of liquid toward the upstream side.

[0019] The supply pump 24 may be provided between the first one-way valve 23 and the second one-way valve 25. The supply pump 24 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The supply pump 24导出 liquid to the supply flow path 22 by applying a negative pressure to the liquid stored in the liquid supply source 18. The supply pump 24 pressurizes and supplies liquid in the supply direction Ds from the liquid supply source 18 toward the liquid ejection head 15.

[0020] <第 <Pressure adjustment mechanism> The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 may include a hydraulic adjustment unit 30 and an opening unit 31. The hydraulic adjustment unit 30 may include an upstream filter chamber 33, a filter 34, and a downstream filter chamber 35. The hydraulic adjustment unit 30 may include a communication hole 37, a first storage unit 38, a pressure receiving unit 39, a valve body 40, an upstream pressing member 41, and a downstream pressing member 42.

[0021] The upstream filter chamber 33 is located upstream of the filter 34. The downstream filter chamber 35 is located downstream of the filter 34. The liquid in the upstream filter chamber 33 passes through the filter 34 and flows into the downstream filter chamber 35.

[0022] The filter 34 collects foreign matters contained in the liquid. As the filter 34, for example, a mesh-like body, a porous body, a porous plate having fine through holes, etc. can be used. The communication hole 37 connects the downstream filter chamber 35 and the first storage unit 38. Connecting means connecting the fluid such as liquid and gas in a state where it can flow. That is, the communication hole 37 connects the downstream filter chamber 35 and the first storage unit 38 in a state where the liquid can flow.

[0023] The first storage unit 38 is provided in the supply flow path 22. The first storage unit 38 temporarily stores the liquid flowing through the supply flow path 22. The first storage unit 38 may be provided on the carriage 14. The first storage unit 38 is partially formed by a flexible wall 44. The flexible wall 44 forms a part of the wall surface of the first storage unit 38. The flexible wall 44 is formed by, for example, a diaphragm that can be displaced by bending.

[0024] The base end of the pressure receiving unit 39 is accommodated in the downstream filter chamber 35, and the tip end is accommodated in the first storage unit 38. The valve body 40 can open and close the communication hole 37. The valve body 40 may be, for example, an elastic body such as rubber or resin attached to the base end portion of the pressure receiving unit 39 located in the downstream filter chamber 35.

[0025] The upstream pressing member 41 is housed in the downstream filter chamber 35. The upstream pressing member 41 presses the valve body 40 in a direction that closes the communication hole 37 via the pressure receiving portion 39. The downstream pressing member 42 is housed in the first storage section 38. The downstream pressing member 42 pushes the flexible wall 44 via the pressure receiving section 39 in a direction that increases the volume of the second storage section 50.

[0026] The pressure adjustment mechanism 26 opens the supply passage 22 when the pressure inside the liquid discharge head 15 falls below a predetermined negative pressure. Specifically, for example, when liquid is discharged from the nozzle 20 and the pressure inside the liquid discharge head 15 decreases, the pressure inside the first storage section 38 also decreases. When the internal pressure of the first storage section 38 decreases and the force with which the flexible wall 44 pushes the pressure receiving section 39 exceeds the pressing force of the upstream pressing member 41 and the downstream pressing member 42, the valve body 40 opens the communication hole 37.

[0027] When the communication hole 37 is opened and liquid flows from the downstream filter chamber 35 into the first storage section 38, the internal pressure of the first storage section 38 increases. As a result, before the internal pressure of the first storage section 38 rises to a positive pressure, the valve body 40 closes the communication hole 37 due to the pressing force of the upstream pressing member 41 and the downstream pressing member 42. In this way, the internal pressure of the first storage section 38 is maintained within a negative pressure range corresponding to the pressing force of the upstream pressing member 41 and the downstream pressing member 42.

[0028] The internal pressure of the first storage section 38 decreases as liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge head 15. The valve body 40 autonomously opens and closes the communication hole 37 in accordance with the pressure difference between atmospheric pressure, which is the external pressure of the first storage section 38, and the internal pressure of the first storage section 38. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure adjustment section 30 is a differential pressure valve. A differential pressure valve is also called a pressure reducing valve or a self-sealing valve. The hydraulic pressure adjustment section 30 adjusts the pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head 15 to an adjustable pressure that allows the liquid to be discharged from the nozzle 20. The adjustable pressure is, for example, -1 kPa. The adjustable pressure is the pressure at which a concave liquid surface is formed on the nozzle 20 in the direction from which the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 20. The hydraulic pressure adjustment section 30 stabilizes the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzle 20 by adjusting the pressure of the pressurized liquid.

[0029] The opening 31 may include a first air chamber 46 and a containment chamber 47. The opening 31 is configured to forcibly open the communication hole 37, thereby enabling pressurized liquid supply to the liquid discharge head 15.

[0030] The first air chamber 46 may be provided on the carriage 14. The first air chamber 46 is provided on the side of the flexible wall 44 opposite to the first storage portion 38. At least the portion of the first air chamber 46 facing the flexible wall 44 is displaceable. The first air chamber 46 may be formed of a flexible member 48 in which at least a part is flexible. In this embodiment, the entire first air chamber 46 is formed of a flexible member 48. In this embodiment, the first air chamber 46 is formed of a bag-shaped flexible member 48. In this embodiment, the entire first air chamber 46 is flexible. The first air chamber 46 may be configured so that the flexible member 48 can contact the flexible wall 44.

[0031] The containment chamber 47 is separated from the first storage section 38 by a flexible wall 44. The containment chamber 47 contains the first air chamber 46. That is, the containment chamber 47 contains the flexible member 48 that forms the first air chamber 46 in a displaceable state.

[0032] <Degassing mechanism> The degassing mechanism 27 may include a second storage section 50, a second air chamber 51, and a permeable section 52.

[0033] The second storage section 50 is provided in the supply channel 22. The second storage section 50 may be partially formed by a permeable section 52. The second storage section 50 may be provided on the carriage 14. The second air chamber 51 is provided on the side of the permeable section 52 opposite to the second storage section 50. The second air chamber 51 may also be provided on the carriage 14.

[0034] The permeable portion 52 separates the second storage portion 50 from the second air chamber 51. The permeable portion 52 may be permeable to gas. The permeable portion 52 may be flexible in at least a portion of it. In this embodiment, the permeable portion 52 is formed from a film that is flexible in its entirety.

[0035] <Drive mechanism> The drive mechanism 28 includes a pump 54, an intake passage 55, an exhaust passage 56, and a first switching unit 57. The drive mechanism 28 may also include a second switching unit 58, a first connecting passage 59, a second connecting passage 60, a first pressure regulating unit 61, a second pressure regulating unit 62, a detection unit 63, and a third one-way valve 64.

[0036] Pump 54 is capable of intake and exhaust. Pump 54 in this embodiment is an air pump. Pump 54 may be, for example, a diaphragm pump or a tube pump.

[0037] The intake passage 55 communicates with the intake side of the pump 54. The intake passage 55 connects the pump 54 and the first switching unit 57. The intake passage 55 may also connect the pump 54, the first switching unit 57, and the second switching unit 58. In this embodiment, the intake passage 55 branches upstream and connects to the first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58, while its downstream end is connected to the pump 54.

[0038] The exhaust passage 56 communicates with the exhaust side of the pump 54. The exhaust passage 56 connects the pump 54 and the first switching unit 57. The exhaust passage 56 may also connect the pump 54, the first switching unit 57, and the second switching unit 58. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the exhaust passage 56 is connected to the pump 54, and the downstream side branches off and connects to the first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58.

[0039] The first switching unit 57 can switch the flow path connected to the first air chamber 46 between the intake flow path 55 and the exhaust flow path 56. The second switching unit 58 can switch the flow path connected to the second air chamber 51 between the intake flow path 55 and the exhaust flow path 56. That is, the intake flow path 55 can be connected to the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. The exhaust flow path 56 can be connected to the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. The first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58 may be three-way valves.

[0040] The first connecting channel 59 may connect the first switching section 57 and the first air chamber 46. The second connecting channel 60 may connect the second switching section 58 and the second air chamber 51. The first pressure regulating unit 61 is provided in the intake passage 55. The first pressure regulating unit 61 is capable of maintaining the pressure in the intake passage 55 at a predetermined negative pressure. The first pressure regulating unit 61 may also be a regulator that draws air into the intake passage 55 by opening a valve when the negative pressure in the intake passage 55 becomes greater than the predetermined negative pressure. The predetermined negative pressure may be a pressure sufficient to displace the flexible member 48 so that the volume of the first air chamber 46 decreases. The predetermined negative pressure may also be a negative pressure greater than the adjustment pressure adjusted by the hydraulic pressure adjustment unit 30. The predetermined negative pressure may also be a pressure at which gas can move from the second storage unit 50 to the second air chamber 51 via the permeate unit 52.

[0041] The second pressure regulating unit 62 is provided in the exhaust passage 56. The second pressure regulating unit 62 is capable of maintaining the pressure in the exhaust passage 56 at a predetermined positive pressure. The second pressure regulating unit 62 may also be a regulator that releases air in the exhaust passage 56 by opening a valve when the positive pressure in the exhaust passage 56 exceeds a predetermined positive pressure. The predetermined positive pressure may be a pressure at which the flexible member 48, which has been displaced to increase the volume of the first air chamber 46, pushes against the flexible wall 44, thereby displacing the flexible wall 44 to decrease the volume of the first storage section 38. The predetermined positive pressure may also be a pressure greater than the pressure at which the supply pump 24 supplies liquid.

[0042] The detection unit 63 may be provided in the intake air passage 55. The detection unit 63 may detect the pressure inside the intake air passage 55. The third one-way valve 64 may be provided in the intake passage 55. The third one-way valve 64 may be provided between the first pressure regulating unit 61 and the first switching unit 57. The third one-way valve 64 may be provided between the first pressure regulating unit 61 and the second switching unit 58. In this embodiment, the third one-way valve 64 is provided between the branching point of the branching intake passage 55 and the first pressure regulating unit 61.

[0043] The third one-way valve 64 allows air to flow from the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 toward the pump 54, while restricting air flow from the pump 54 toward the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. By providing the third one-way valve 64, even when air flows from the first pressure regulating unit 61 into the intake passage 55, the pressure inside the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 can be maintained at a predetermined negative pressure.

[0044] The control unit 16 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid dispensing device 11, and also controls the various operations performed by the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 16 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0045] <Initial filling> The process of filling the supply channel 22 and liquid discharge head 15, which are currently filled with air, with liquid is called initial filling.

[0046] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes connecting the exhaust passage 56 to the first air chamber 46 by a first switching unit 57. The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may also include connecting the exhaust passage 56 to the second air chamber 51 by a second switching unit 58. The control unit 16 connects the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 to the exhaust passage 56 by controlling the first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58. Specifically, the first switching unit 57 connects the exhaust passage 56 to the first connecting passage 59, thereby connecting the exhaust passage 56 to the first air chamber 46 via the first connecting passage 59. The second switching unit 58 connects the exhaust passage 56 to the second connecting passage 60, thereby connecting the exhaust passage 56 to the second air chamber 51 via the second connecting passage 60.

[0047] The control unit 16 drives the pump 54. The pump 54 draws air in from the intake passage 55 and exhausts air into the exhaust passage 56. Since the upstream end of the intake passage 55 is closed by the first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58, air flows into the intake passage 55 from the first pressure regulating unit 61. Since the exhaust passage 56 is connected to the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51, the air exhausted by the pump 54 flows into the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. The first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are pressurized.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes exhausting air into the first air chamber 46 and pressurizing the first air chamber 46, thereby displacing the flexible wall 44 in a direction that reduces the volume in the first storage section 38 and discharging liquid from the nozzle 20. The pressurized first air chamber 46 expands. That is, the flexible member 48 forcibly opens the communication hole 37 by bending and displacing the flexible wall 44 in a direction that reduces the volume of the first storage section 38. With the communication hole 37 open, the control unit 16 drives the supply pump 24. The supply pump 24, driven with the communication hole 37 open, pressurizes and supplies liquid from the liquid supply source 18 to the liquid discharge head 15.

[0049] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may include exhausting into the second air chamber 51 and pressurizing the second air chamber 51, thereby displacing the flexible portion of the permeate portion 52 in a direction that reduces the volume of the second storage section 50. The pressurized second air chamber 51 displaces the permeate portion 52 to reduce the volume of the second storage section 50. The flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the second storage section 50 is faster when the volume of the second storage section 50 is smaller than when the volume of the second storage section 50 is larger. Therefore, by filling the second storage section 50 with liquid while the volume of the second storage section 50 is reduced, the amount of air remaining in the second storage section 50 can be reduced.

[0050] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may include filling the supply channel 22 with liquid. The control unit 16 pressurizes the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 and waits with the supply pump 24 running. When the supply channel 22 and the liquid discharge head 15 are filled with liquid, the control unit 16 stops the supply pump 24 from running.

[0051] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes using the first switching unit 57 to disconnect the exhaust passage 56 from the first air chamber 46 and to connect the intake passage 55 to the first air chamber 46. The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may also include using the second switching unit 58 to disconnect the exhaust passage 56 from the second air chamber 51 and to connect the intake passage 55 to the second air chamber 51. The control unit 16 controls the first switching unit 57 and the second switching unit 58 to disconnect the exhaust passage 56 from the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 and to connect the intake passage 55 to the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51.

[0052] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes drawing in air from the first air chamber 46 and reducing the pressure inside the first air chamber 46. The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may also include drawing in air from the second air chamber 51 and reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber 51. When the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are connected to the intake passage 55, the pump 54 draws in air from the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. The drawn-in air is discharged from the second pressure regulating unit 62.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the first air chamber 46, from which air has been drawn, contracts. That is, the flexible member 48 separates from the flexible wall 44. The flexible wall 44 is pushed by the upstream pressing member 41 and the downstream pressing member 42 via the pressure receiving portion 39, causing it to be displaced in a direction that increases the volume of the first storage portion 38. The valve body 40, which moves together with the pressure receiving portion 39, closes the communication hole 37.

[0054] When air is drawn into the second air chamber 51, the permeable section 52 is displaced in a direction that reduces the volume of the second air chamber 51. By making the pressure inside the second air chamber 51 lower than the pressure inside the second storage section 50, it is possible to make it easier to move the air remaining in the second storage section 50 and the air dissolved in the liquid into the second air chamber 51.

[0055] Once the initial filling is complete, the control unit 16 stops the operation of the supply pump 24 and the pump 54. The first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are connected to an intake passage 55, and the inflow of air from the intake passage 55 is restricted by the third one-way valve 64. As a result, the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are maintained in a reduced-pressure state.

[0056] <Print and Wait> During printing, when liquid is ejected from the nozzle 20 toward the media 19, the control unit 16 drives the supply pump 24. When the nozzle 20 is not ejecting liquid, the control unit 16 may stop driving the supply pump 24.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 16 may stop driving the pump 54 while printing and waiting, or it may drive the pump 54 periodically. The first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are connected to the intake passage 55. The control unit 16 may reduce the pressure in the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 by driving the pump 54 based on the detection result of the detection unit 63. For example, the control unit 16 may drive the pump 54 when air moves from the second storage unit 50 to the second air chamber 51 and the pressure in the second air chamber 51 rises.

[0058] <Pressure Cleaning> Pressurized cleaning is a cleaning method that discharges liquid from the nozzle 20 by supplying pressurized liquid to the liquid discharge head 15.

[0059] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes connecting the exhaust passage 56 to the first air chamber 46 by a first switching unit 57. The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may also include connecting the intake passage 55 to the second air chamber 51 by a second switching unit 58. The control unit 16 connects the first air chamber 46 to the exhaust passage 56 by controlling the first switching unit 57. The control unit 16 connects the second air chamber 51 to the intake passage 55 by controlling the second switching unit 58.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 16 drives the pump 54. The pump 54 draws air from the second air chamber 51 via the intake passage 55 and introduces air into the first air chamber 46 via the exhaust passage 56.

[0061] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes exhausting air into the first air chamber 46 and pressurizing the first air chamber 46, thereby displacing the flexible wall 44 in a direction that reduces the volume in the first storage section 38 and discharging the liquid from the nozzle 20. The pressurized first air chamber 46 expands. That is, the flexible member 48 forcibly opens the communication hole 37 by bending and displacing the flexible wall 44 in a direction that reduces the volume of the first storage section 38. The liquid that has been reduced in volume in the first storage section 38 is discharged from the nozzle 20.

[0062] With the communication hole 37 open, the control unit 16 drives the supply pump 24. When the supply pump 24 is driven with the communication hole 37 open, pressurized liquid is discharged from the nozzle 20.

[0063] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may include drawing in air from the second air chamber 51 and reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber 51. An intake passage 55 is connected to the second air chamber 51. Therefore, the second air chamber 51 is maintained in a reduced-pressure state. When sufficient liquid has been discharged from the nozzle 20, the control unit 16 stops driving the supply pump 24.

[0064] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes disconnecting the exhaust passage 56 from the first air chamber 46 and connecting the intake passage 55 to the first air chamber 46 using the first switching unit 57. The control unit 16 controls the first switching unit 57 to connect the first air chamber 46 to the intake passage 55. The second air chamber 51 is connected to the intake passage 55.

[0065] The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 includes drawing in air from the first air chamber 46 and reducing the pressure inside the first air chamber 46. The control method for the liquid discharge device 11 may also include drawing in air from the second air chamber 51 and reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber 51. When the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51 are connected to the intake passage 55, the pump 54 draws in air from the first air chamber 46 and the second air chamber 51. The drawn-in air is discharged from the second pressure regulating unit 62.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the first air chamber 46, from which air has been drawn, contracts. That is, the flexible member 48 separates from the flexible wall 44. The flexible wall 44 is pushed by the upstream pressing member 41 and the downstream pressing member 42 via the pressure receiving part 39, causing it to be displaced in a direction that increases the volume of the first storage section 38. The valve body 40, which moves together with the pressure receiving part 39, closes the communication hole 37. The second air chamber 51 is maintained in a state where the permeable part 52 is displaced in a direction that decreases the volume of the second air chamber 51. When pressurized cleaning is completed, the control unit 16 stops driving the pump 54.

[0067] <Operation of the Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. Pump 54 draws in air from the first air chamber 46 to which the intake passage 55 is connected. Pump 54 exhausts air to the first air chamber 46 to which the exhaust passage 56 is connected. The first air chamber 46 is displaced as pump 54 draws in and exhausts air. The flexible wall 44 is displaced as a result of the displacement of the first air chamber 46.

[0068] In this embodiment, the flexible member 48 is displaced when the pump 54 draws in air from the first air chamber 46 and exhausts air to the first air chamber 46. The flexible wall 44 is displaced by the displacement of the flexible member 48.

[0069] <Effects of the Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The first switching unit 57 connects either an intake passage 55 or an exhaust passage 56 to the first air chamber 46. When the exhaust passage 56 is connected to the first air chamber 46, air exhausted by the pump 54 flows into it. When the intake passage 55 is connected to the first air chamber 46, air is drawn out as the pump 54 draws in air. Therefore, the risk of insufficient release of pressure in the first air chamber 46 can be suppressed.

[0070] (2) The flexible member 48 can come into contact with the flexible wall 44. When the flexible member 48 is displaced, it comes into contact with the flexible wall 44 and displaces the flexible wall 44. Therefore, compared to directly pressurizing and depressurizing the flexible wall 44, the damage to the flexible wall 44 can be reduced.

[0071] (3) By providing a first pressure regulating unit 61 in the intake passage 55, the pressure in the intake passage 55 can be easily maintained at a suitable pressure. By providing a second pressure regulating unit 62 in the exhaust passage 56, the pressure in the exhaust passage 56 can be easily maintained at a suitable pressure.

[0072] (4) The intake passage 55 can be connected to the second air chamber 51. Therefore, the pump 54 can reduce the pressure inside the second air chamber 51 by drawing in air from the second air chamber 51. The second air chamber 51 is separated from the second storage section 50 by a permeable section 52 that is permeable to gas. Therefore, by reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber 51, bubbles in the second storage section 50 can be moved into the second air chamber 51.

[0073] (5) The second switching section 58 connects either the intake passage 55 or the exhaust passage 56 to the second air chamber 51. The pump 54 pressurizes the second air chamber 51 by introducing exhausted air into the second air chamber 51 to which the exhaust passage 56 is connected. Since at least a part of the permeate section 52 is flexible, it displaces in a direction that increases the volume of the second air chamber 51 as the second air chamber 51 is pressurized. In other words, the permeate section 52 displaces in a direction that decreases the volume of the second storage section 50. Therefore, for example, by pressurizing the second air chamber 51 when filling the second storage section 50 with liquid, it is possible to make it less likely for air to remain in the second storage section 50.

[0074] (6) The first storage section 38 and the first air chamber 46 are provided on the carriage 14 on which the liquid discharge head 15 is mounted. Therefore, the first storage section 38 and the first air chamber 46 can be provided in a position close to the liquid discharge head 15.

[0075] (7) The first storage section 38, the second storage section 50, the first air chamber 46, and the second air chamber 51 are provided on the carriage 14. Therefore, the first storage section 38, the second storage section 50, the first air chamber 46, and the second air chamber 51 can be provided in a position close to the liquid discharge head 15.

[0076] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, the first air chamber 46 may be formed of a flexible member 48 that is partially flexible. The first air chamber 46 may consist of a rigid case 66 and a flexible member 48. The flexible member 48 may form the first air chamber 46 by closing the opening of the case 66. The opening 31 may be positioned such that the flexible member 48 faces or contacts the flexible wall 44. The flexible member 48, which is part of the first air chamber 46, may be displaced when the pump 54 draws air from and exhausts air into the first air chamber 46.

[0078] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a plurality of supply mechanisms 13. Each of the plurality of supply mechanisms 13 may supply different types of liquid. Different types of liquids are, for example, inks of different colors. The liquid dispensing head 15 may perform color printing on the medium 19 by dispensing multiple types of liquid. The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a plurality of supply mechanisms 13 and the same number of drive mechanisms 28 as the supply mechanisms 13. Each drive mechanism 28 may be individually connected to a supply mechanism 13. The liquid dispensing device 11 may include a plurality of supply mechanisms 13 and fewer drive mechanisms 28 than the supply mechanisms 13. One drive mechanism 28 may be connected to a plurality of supply mechanisms 13. The drive mechanism 28 may include a plurality of first switching units 57 and a plurality of first connecting passages 59. The plurality of first connecting passages 59 may each be connected to a first air chamber 46 provided in the plurality of supply mechanisms 13. The drive mechanism 28 may include a plurality of second switching units 58 and a plurality of second connecting passages 60. Multiple second connecting channels 60 may each be connected to a second air chamber 51 provided by a multiple supply mechanism 13. The drive mechanism 28 may pressurize and depressurize multiple first air chambers 46. The drive mechanism 28 may also pressurize and depressurize multiple second air chambers 51.

[0079] If the liquid discharge device 11 has multiple first air chambers 46, the drive mechanism 28 may include one first switching unit 57 and a branched first connecting channel 59. The branched first connecting channel 59 may connect one first switching unit 57 and multiple first air chambers 46.

[0080] If the liquid discharge device 11 has multiple second air chambers 51, the drive mechanism 28 may include one second switching unit 58 and a branched second connecting channel 60. The branched second connecting channel 60 may connect one second switching unit 58 and multiple second air chambers 51.

[0081] The carriage 14 may be a line type in which the liquid discharge head 15 is fixedly positioned on the transport path of the medium 19. • All or at least one of the first storage section 38, the second storage section 50, the first air chamber 46, and the second air chamber 51 may be provided separately from the carriage 14.

[0082] The degassing mechanism 27 may be provided in the supply channel 22 upstream of the first storage section 38 in the supply direction Ds. The second storage section 50 may store pressurized liquid. The degassing mechanism 27 may be configured without a second air chamber 51. That is, the degassing mechanism 27 may discharge air bubbles in the second storage section 50 through the permeate section 52 by the pressure difference between the pressure in the second storage section 50 and atmospheric pressure.

[0083] The permeable portion 52 may be rigid as a whole. The permeable portion 52 may be flexible in part and rigid in other parts. The liquid discharge device 11 may be configured without a second switching section 58 and a second connecting passage 60. The second air chamber 51 may be directly connected to an intake passage 55 or an exhaust passage 56.

[0084] The intake passage 55 and the exhaust passage 56 do not need to be connected to the second air chamber 51. The first pressure regulating unit 61 and the second pressure regulating unit 62 may be air storage tanks. The first pressure regulating unit 61 and the second pressure regulating unit 62 may adjust the pressure in the intake passage 55 and the exhaust passage 56 by changing the volume of the space in which the air is stored.

[0085] The liquid discharge device 11 may be configured without at least one of the first pressure regulating unit 61 and the second pressure regulating unit 62. The control unit 16 may control the drive of the pump 54 so that the pressure in the intake passage 55 becomes a predetermined negative pressure based on the detection result of the detection unit 63. The control unit 16 may control the drive of the pump 54 so that the pressure in the exhaust passage 56 becomes a predetermined positive pressure based on the detection result of the detection unit 63.

[0086] The first air chamber 46 may be formed entirely of a rigid material. For example, the first air chamber 46 may be formed by a cylinder in which a piston is displaced by the internal pressure. The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0087] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options.

[0088] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0089] (A) The liquid discharge device comprises a liquid discharge head capable of discharging liquid from a nozzle, a supply passage for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, a pump capable of intake and exhaust, an intake passage communicating with the intake side of the pump, an exhaust passage communicating with the exhaust side of the pump, a first storage section provided in the supply passage and formed of a flexible wall in which part is flexible, a first air chamber provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage section and in which at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable, and a first switching section capable of switching the passage connected to the first air chamber between the intake passage and the exhaust passage, wherein the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to intake from the first air chamber to which the intake passage is connected, and exhaust to the first air chamber to which the exhaust passage is connected.

[0090] In this configuration, the first switching unit connects either an intake passage or an exhaust passage to the first air chamber. Air exhausted by the pump flows into the first air chamber connected to the exhaust passage. Air is drawn out of the first air chamber connected to the intake passage as the pump draws in air. Therefore, the risk of insufficient depressurization of the first air chamber can be suppressed.

[0091] (B) In a liquid dispensing device, the first air chamber is formed of a flexible member that is flexible in part, and the flexible member is configured to be in contact with the flexible wall, and the flexible wall may be displaced by the displacement of the flexible member due to air intake from the first air chamber and exhaust to the first air chamber.

[0092] In this configuration, the flexible member can come into contact with the flexible wall. The displaced flexible member, by coming into contact with the flexible wall, displaces the flexible wall. Therefore, compared to directly applying and depressurizing the flexible wall, the damage to the flexible wall can be reduced.

[0093] (C) The liquid discharge device may further include a first pressure regulating unit provided in the intake passage and capable of maintaining the pressure in the intake passage at a predetermined negative pressure, and a second pressure regulating unit provided in the exhaust passage and capable of maintaining the pressure in the exhaust passage at a predetermined positive pressure.

[0094] With this configuration, by providing a first pressure regulating unit in the intake passage, the pressure in the intake passage can be easily maintained at an appropriate pressure. By providing a second pressure regulating unit in the exhaust passage, the pressure in the exhaust passage can be easily maintained at an appropriate pressure.

[0095] (D) The liquid discharge device further comprises a second storage section provided in the supply channel and formed in part by a permeable section having gas permeability, and a second air chamber provided on the side of the permeable section opposite to the second storage section, and the intake channel may be connectable to the second air chamber.

[0096] In this configuration, the intake passage can be connected to the second air chamber. Therefore, the pump can reduce the pressure inside the second air chamber by drawing in air from it. The second air chamber is separated from the second storage section by a permeable section that allows gas to pass through. Consequently, by reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber, air bubbles in the second storage section can be moved into the second air chamber.

[0097] (E) The liquid discharge device further comprises a second switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the second air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, and the permeable portion may be flexible in at least a part thereof.

[0098] In this configuration, the second switching section connects either an intake passage or an exhaust passage to the second air chamber. The pump pressurizes the second air chamber by introducing exhausted air into the second air chamber to which the exhaust passage is connected. Since the permeate section is flexible in at least a portion of it, it displaces in a direction that increases the volume of the second air chamber as the second air chamber is pressurized. In other words, the permeate section displaces in a direction that decreases the volume of the second storage section. Therefore, for example, by pressurizing the second air chamber when filling the second storage section with liquid, it is possible to make it less likely for air to remain in the second storage section.

[0099] (F) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing head is mounted and which is movable in the scanning direction, and the first storage section and the first air chamber may be provided on the carriage.

[0100] In this configuration, the first storage unit and the first air chamber are mounted on a carriage that houses the liquid discharge head. Therefore, the first storage unit and the first air chamber can be positioned close to the liquid discharge head.

[0101] (G) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing head is mounted and which is movable in the scanning direction, and the first storage section, the second storage section, the first air chamber, and the second air chamber may be provided on the carriage.

[0102] In this configuration, the first storage section, the second storage section, the first air chamber, and the second air chamber are located on the carriage. Therefore, the first storage section, the second storage section, the first air chamber, and the second air chamber can be positioned close to the liquid discharge head.

[0103] (H) A control method for a liquid discharge device comprises a liquid discharge head capable of discharging liquid from a nozzle, a supply passage for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, a pump capable of intake and exhaust, an intake passage communicating with the intake side of the pump, an exhaust passage communicating with the exhaust side of the pump, a first storage section provided in the supply passage and formed of a flexible wall, partly of which is flexible, a first air chamber provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage section, and at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable, and a first switching section capable of switching the passage connected to the first air chamber between the intake passage and the exhaust passage, wherein the intake passage is connected to the first air A method for controlling a liquid discharge device in which the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to intake from the air chamber and exhaust to the first air chamber to which the exhaust passage is connected, comprising: connecting the exhaust passage to the first air chamber by a first switching unit; displacing the flexible wall in a direction that reduces the volume in the first storage unit by exhausting to the first air chamber and pressurizing the first air chamber, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzle; disconnecting the exhaust passage from the first air chamber and connecting the intake passage to the first air chamber by a first switching unit; and reducing the pressure inside the first air chamber by intake from the first air chamber.

[0104] This method can achieve the same effect as the liquid dispensing device described above. (I) A control method for a liquid discharge device further comprises: a second storage section provided in the supply channel and formed in part by a permeable section having gas permeability; a second air chamber provided on the side of the permeable section opposite to the second storage section; and a second switching section capable of switching the channel connected to the second air chamber between the intake channel and the exhaust channel, wherein at least a portion of the permeable section is flexible, and the method may include: connecting the exhaust channel to the second air chamber by the second switching section; displacing the flexible portion of the permeable section in a direction that reduces the volume in the second storage section by exhausting into the second air chamber and pressurizing the second air chamber; filling the supply channel with the liquid; disconnecting the exhaust channel from the second air chamber and connecting the intake channel to the second air chamber by the second switching section; and reducing the pressure inside the second air chamber by drawing in air from the second air chamber.

[0105] This method can achieve the same effect as the liquid dispensing device described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Mounting section, 13...Supply mechanism, 14...Carriage, 15...Liquid dispensing head, 16...Control unit, 18...Liquid supply source, 19...Media, 20...Nozzle, 22...Supply channel, 23...First one-way valve, 24...Supply pump, 25...Second one-way valve, 26...Pressure adjustment mechanism, 27...Degassing mechanism, 28...Drive mechanism, 30...Liquid pressure adjustment section, 31...Opening section, 33...Upstream filter chamber, 34...Filter, 35...Downstream filter chamber, 37...Communication hole, 38...First storage section, 3 9...Pressure receiving section, 40...Valve body, 41...Upstream pressing member, 42...Downstream pressing member, 44...Flexible wall, 46...First air chamber, 47...Storage chamber, 48...Flexible member, 50...Second storage section, 51...Second air chamber, 52...Permeation section, 54...Pump, 55...Intake passage, 56...Exhaust passage, 57...First switching section, 58...Second switching section, 59...First connecting passage, 60...Second connecting passage, 61...First pressure regulating section, 62...Second pressure regulating section, 63...Detection section, 64...Third one-way valve, 66...Case, Ds...Supply direction.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head capable of dispensing liquid from a nozzle, A supply channel for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, A pump capable of intake and exhaust, An intake passage that communicates with the intake side of the aforementioned pump, An exhaust passage that communicates with the exhaust side of the aforementioned pump, A first storage section is provided in the supply channel and is formed of a flexible wall in which part is flexible, A first air chamber is provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage portion, and at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable, A first switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the first air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, A first pressure regulating unit is provided in the intake passage and is capable of maintaining the pressure in the intake passage at a predetermined negative pressure, A second pressure regulating unit is provided in the exhaust passage and capable of maintaining the pressure within the exhaust passage at a predetermined positive pressure, Equipped with, A liquid discharge device characterized in that the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to the intake air passage drawing in air from the first air chamber to which the intake air passage is connected, and exhausting air to the first air chamber to which the exhaust air passage is connected.

2. A liquid dispensing head capable of dispensing liquid from a nozzle, A supply channel for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, A pump capable of intake and exhaust, An intake passage that communicates with the intake side of the aforementioned pump, An exhaust passage that communicates with the exhaust side of the aforementioned pump, A first storage section is provided in the supply channel and is formed of a flexible wall in which part is flexible, A first air chamber is provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage portion, and at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable, A first switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the first air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, A second storage section is provided in the supply channel and is formed in part by a permeable section having gas permeability, A second air chamber is provided on the side of the permeable portion opposite to the second storage portion, Equipped with, The flexible wall is displaced due to the displacement of the first air chamber resulting from the intake air passage drawing in air from the first air chamber to which the exhaust air passage is connected, and the exhaust air being discharged to the first air chamber to which the exhaust air passage is connected. The liquid discharge device is characterized in that the intake passage is connectable to the second air chamber.

3. The first air chamber is formed of a flexible member, at least a portion of which is flexible, and the flexible member is configured to be in contact with the flexible wall. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the flexible member caused by drawing in air from the first air chamber and exhausting air to the first air chamber.

4. The system further includes a second switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the second air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least a portion of the permeable portion is flexible.

5. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge head and is movable in the scanning direction, The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first storage section and the first air chamber are provided on the carriage.

6. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge head and is movable in the scanning direction, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the first storage section, the second storage section, the first air chamber, and the second air chamber are provided on the carriage.

7. A liquid dispensing head capable of dispensing liquid from a nozzle, A supply channel for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source containing the liquid to the liquid discharge head, A pump capable of intake and exhaust, An intake passage that communicates with the intake side of the aforementioned pump, An exhaust passage that communicates with the exhaust side of the aforementioned pump, A first storage section is provided in the supply channel and is formed of a flexible wall in which part is flexible, A first air chamber is provided on the side of the flexible wall opposite to the first storage portion, and at least the portion facing the flexible wall is displaceable, A first switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the first air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, A second storage section is provided in the supply channel and is formed in part by a permeable section having gas permeability, A second air chamber is provided on the side of the permeable portion opposite to the second storage portion, A second switching unit that can switch the flow path connected to the second air chamber between the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path, Equipped with, The transparent portion is at least partially flexible, A control method for a liquid discharge device in which the flexible wall is displaced by the displacement of the first air chamber due to the intake air passage drawing in air from the first air chamber to which the intake air passage is connected, and the exhaust air being discharged to the first air chamber to which the exhaust air passage is connected, The first switching unit connects the exhaust passage to the first air chamber, By exhausting into the first air chamber and pressurizing the first air chamber, the flexible wall is displaced in a direction that reduces the volume in the first storage section, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzle. The first switching unit disconnects the exhaust passage from the first air chamber and connects the intake passage to the first air chamber, Intake from the first air chamber to reduce the pressure inside the first air chamber, The second switching unit connects the exhaust passage to the second air chamber, By exhausting into the second air chamber and pressurizing the second air chamber, the flexible portion of the permeable part is displaced in a direction that reduces the volume in the second storage section. Filling the supply channel with the liquid, The second switching unit disconnects the exhaust passage from the second air chamber and connects the intake passage to the second air chamber, Intake from the second air chamber to reduce the pressure inside the second air chamber, A method for controlling a liquid dispensing device, characterized by including the following:

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