Patent ID: 8167401
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: a liquid ejection head which has a nozzle surface including a plurality of nozzles; a cap device which comes in contact with the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head and enables liquid inside the nozzles to be suctioned or pressurized; first flow channels provided in the cap device, having respective openings in the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, and being provided for respective nozzle groups obtained by dividing the plurality of nozzles into at least two groups; a second flow channel provided in the cap device, the second flow channel having an opening in the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, and being connected to a pump; connection paths respectively provided for each nozzle group in the liquid ejection head, each connection path having two openings in the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head; and valve sections respectively provided for each nozzle group, and configured to open and close the connection paths, wherein: the first flow channels and the second flow channel are connected with each other via the connection paths in a state where the cap device is abutted on the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, and by causing the valve sections to open or close the connection paths with respect to each of the nozzle groups in the state where the cap device abuts the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, suction or pressurization of the liquid in the plurality of nozzles can be carried out selectively.