Inkjet recording apparatus and recording head maintenance method

An inkjet recording apparatus comprising:

• a recording head that includes a plurality of nozzles through which ink is ejected to a recording medium to form an image;
• a first storage section that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head;
• a supply passage which is provided to connect the recording head and the first storage section, and through which ink supplied from the first storage section to the recording head passes;
• a first switching unit that switches opening or shut-off of gas entrance and exit with respect to the inside of the first storage section;
• a second storage section that stores ink to be supplied to the first storage section;
• a supply unit that supplies the ink stored in the second storage section to the first storage section;
• a second switching unit that switches opening or shut-off of gas entrance and exit with respect to the inside of the second storage section;
• a recovery passage which is provided to connect the recording head and the second storage section, and through which a part of the ink supplied to the recording head passes and is returned to the second storage section;
• a third switching unit that switches opening and closing of the recovery passage;
• and
• a control unit that controls operation of the first switching unit, the second switching unit, the third switching unit, and the supply unit,
• wherein the control unit carries out first control of shutting off the gas entrance and exit with respect to the inside of the second storage section by using the second switching unit, shutting off the gas entrance and exit with respect to the inside of the first storage section by using the first switching unit, opening the recovery passage by using the third switching unit, supplying the ink stored in the second storage section to the first storage section by using the supply unit, and allowing ink inside the recording head to reflow to the second storage section.