US 12,291,034 B2
Liquid ejection apparatus and agitation method for liquid ejection apparatus
Tomohiro Kawasaki, Shiojiri (JP); and Hiromichi Takanashi, Shiojiri (JP)
Assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation, Tokyo (JP)
Filed by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Feb. 13, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/168,022.
Claims priority of application No. 2022-020229 (JP), filed on Feb. 14, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0256740 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. B41J 2/165 (2006.01); B41J 2/17 (2006.01)
CPC B41J 2/16505 (2013.01) [B41J 2/165 (2013.01); B41J 2/16523 (2013.01); B41J 2/16526 (2013.01); B41J 2/1707 (2013.01); B41J 2/1721 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A liquid ejection apparatus, comprising:
a liquid ejection head configured to eject liquid from a nozzle;
a cap including
a closed space forming section configured to form a closed space, in which the nozzle opens, by coming into contact with the liquid ejection head,
an inflow port through which a humidification fluid for humidifying the closed space flows in, and
an outflow port through which the humidification fluid flows out;
a humidification fluid storage section configured to store the humidification fluid;
a supply flow path configured to bring the humidification fluid storage section and the inflow port into communication;
a collection flow path configured to bring the humidification fluid storage section and the outflow port into communication;
a pump configured to cause the humidification fluid to flow in a circulation path including the humidification fluid storage section, the supply flow path, and the collection flow path;
a water supply section configured to supply water into the circulation path; and
a controller, wherein
one end of the collection flow path opens at a position in the humidification fluid storage section that is lower than a liquid surface of the humidification fluid in the humidification fluid storage section and,
as a first agitation and circulation, the controller supplies water from the water supply section into the circulation path and drives the pump to cause the humidification fluid to flow in the circulation path.