Patent ID: 11097552

Abstract:
A droplet discharge apparatus includes a first head, a first-ink pack storing first ink, a second head, a second ink pack storing second ink, a cleaning liquid container storing cleaning liquid, a common flow path system, a cleaning liquid flow path, a first pump feeding the first ink from the first ink pack to the second ink pack through the common flow path system, a second pump feeding the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the first ink pack through the cleaning liquid flow path and the common flow path system, a first valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the first ink pack, a second valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the second ink pack, a third valve controlling a liquid flow rate between the common flow path system and the cleaning liquid flow path, and a control unit, wherein the common flow path system, the first valve, and the second valve are located higher than a liquid surface in the first ink pack and a liquid surface in the second ink pack, and wherein the control unit transfers the first ink from the first ink pack to the second ink pack, and transfers the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container to the first ink pack.