Patent ID: 8256861
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A droplet ejection apparatus comprising: a common liquid flow path that distributes a liquid; a plurality of droplet ejection units each respectively including at least a first distribution port that supplies the liquid and an ejection mechanism that ejects the supplied liquid as droplets; a plurality of first flow paths that respectively connect each first distribution port to the common liquid flow path; a plurality of first opening and closing mechanisms provided respectively at the plurality of first flow paths; a first pressurizing unit that applies a positive pressure at least to the common liquid flow path; a second opening and closing mechanism provided at the common liquid flow path at the first pressurizing unit side of connection portions that connect the common liquid flow path and the respective first flow paths; and a controller that, when the second opening and closing mechanism is closed, opens only one or more first opening and closing mechanisms corresponding to one or more target droplet ejection units which are maintenance targets, applies positive pressure by the first pressurizing unit to a section of the common liquid flow path at the first pressurizing unit side of the second opening and closing mechanism, and then opens the second opening and closing mechanism.