Recording device

Abstract

The present invention provides a recording device, which solves the problem that when the exhaust capacity of the exhaust device is greater than the exhaust capacity of the recording device, the air flow inside the recording device may be disrupted due to the exhaust of the exhaust device. The printer (10) includes a recording unit (20), a tape (17), a feeding unit (32), a suction unit (42), and a pipe unit (54). The recording unit (20) records on a medium (M). The tape (17) has a support surface (18) capable of supporting the medium (M). The feeding unit (32) feeds air toward the support surface (18). The suction unit (42) sucks the air flowing from the support surface (18). The pipe unit (54) allows the air discharged from the suction unit (42) to flow. An opening (86) for adjusting the pressure difference (ΔP) between the pressure (P1) inside the pipe unit (54) and the pressure (P2) outside the pipe unit (54) is provided on the pipe unit (54).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. Background Art

[0002] The inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1 includes: a blowing mechanism having an exhaust fan that exhausts air in the blowing direction toward the ink ejection portion of the recording head; and a wind recovery mechanism having a recovery fan that sucks air in the air-receiving direction toward the ink ejection portion of the recording head.

[0003] There is a case where the inkjet recording device of Patent Document 1 is installed in a place equipped with an exhaust device, and the wind recovery mechanism is connected to the exhaust device via a pipe. Since the exhaust capacity of the exhaust device has been determined in the installation place of the inkjet recording device, the inkjet recording device cannot control the exhaust capacity of the exhaust device.

[0004] Here, when the exhaust capacity of the exhaust device is larger than the exhaust capacity of the recovery fan, there is a possibility that the airflow inside the device generated by the recovery fan is disrupted by the exhaust of the exhaust device.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-161758 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the recording device according to the present invention is characterized by including: a recording unit that can perform recording on a medium conveyed in a conveying direction; a support unit having a support surface that faces the recording unit and can support the medium; a feeding unit that is provided upstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and feeds gas toward the support surface; a suction unit that is provided downstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and sucks the gas flowing from the support surface; and a pipe unit through which the gas discharged from the suction unit flows, and a pressure difference adjustment unit is provided on the pipe unit, and the pressure difference adjustment unit adjusts the pressure difference between the pressure inside the pipe unit and the pressure outside the pipe unit. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 Front view of the printer according to Embodiment 1.

[0008] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the printer according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 3 Plan view of the bottom surface of the first pipe according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 4Stereogram showing the first pipe and the second pipe of Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 5 Stereogram showing the exhaust pipe from the first pipe of Embodiment 1 to the factory.

[0012] Figure 6 Plan view showing the relationship between the arrangements of the first pipe and the second pipe of Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing the state of gas flow in the printer of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the state of gas flow in the printer of Embodiment 2.

[0015] Figure 9 Stereogram showing the exhaust pipe from the first pipe to the factory in a modified example of the printer of Embodiment 2. Detailed Embodiment

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described schematically.

[0017] The recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized in that it includes: a recording unit capable of recording on a medium conveyed in a conveying direction; a supporting unit having a supporting surface opposed to the recording unit and capable of supporting the medium; a feeding unit provided upstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and feeding gas toward the supporting surface; a suction unit provided downstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and sucking the gas flowing from the supporting surface; a pipe unit through which the gas discharged from the suction unit flows, and a pressure difference adjusting unit is provided on the pipe unit, and the pressure difference adjusting unit adjusts the pressure difference between the pressure inside the pipe unit and the pressure outside the pipe unit.

[0018] The end of the pipe unit through which the gas discharged from the suction unit passes is connected to, for example, an exhaust device of a factory in which the recording apparatus is provided.

[0019] According to this aspect, when the discharge capacity of the exhaust device is larger than the discharge capacity of the suction unit provided in the recording apparatus, for example, the pressure inside the pipe unit is lower than the pressure outside the pipe unit.

[0020] Here, it is possible to adjust the pressure difference between the pressure inside the pipe section and the pressure outside the pipe section by using the pressure adjustment section, thereby reducing this pressure difference. Therefore, even when the discharge capacity of the exhaust device is greater than the discharge capacity of the suction section provided in the recording device, it is possible to suppress the disruption of the air flow around the recording section and the air flow inside the suction section due to the exhaust performed by the exhaust device.

[0021] The recording device according to the second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the pressure difference adjustment section is a hole section provided on the side portion of the pipe section.

[0022] According to this aspect, since it is only necessary to provide the hole section on the side portion of the pipe section, the pressure difference adjustment section can be realized by a simple structure as compared with a structure in which a unit for adjusting the pressure difference is installed on the pipe section.

[0023] The recording device according to the third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the pressure difference adjustment section includes: a pipe connected to the hole section in such a manner that the inside and the outside of the pipe section can communicate with each other; and a valve provided on the pipe and capable of adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing inside the pipe.

[0024] According to this aspect, by adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing inside the pipe in accordance with the degree of opening of the valve, the pressure difference between the pressure inside the pipe and the pressure outside the pipe can be reduced. Thereby, the pressure difference can be changed according to the capacity of the exhaust device in the installation location of the recording device.

[0025] The recording device according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect or the third aspect, the pipe section includes a first pipe into which the gas from the suction section flows; and a second pipe located upstream of the first pipe in the direction of gravity and connected to the first pipe. When viewed from the direction of gravity, the inner wall surface of the second pipe is located outside compared to the outer wall surface of the first pipe, and the hole section is the gap between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface when viewed from the direction of gravity.

[0026] According to this aspect, the gap between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface functions as the hole section. Here, since the second pipe covers the first pipe from the upstream in the direction of gravity, even when there is a situation where dust falls from the ceiling of the installation location of the recording device in the direction of gravity, it is possible to suppress the dust from entering the first pipe and the second pipe through the hole section.

[0027] The recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, in the direction of gravity, an upper wall for mounting the second pipe is provided at the upstream end of the first pipe, and ventilation holes are formed in the upper wall. The ventilation holes penetrate the upper wall in the direction of gravity and allow gas to flow through. The peripheral portion of the ventilation holes in the upper wall is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

[0028] According to this aspect, since the gas is more likely to flow in the direction in which the upper wall is inclined compared to the structure where the peripheral portion of the ventilation holes in the upper wall is along the horizontal direction, it is possible to suppress the situation where gas stays in a part of the suction portion.

[0029] The recording apparatus according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, a third pipe is provided, which is located upstream of the second pipe in the direction of gravity and is connected to the second pipe. A filter that allows the gas inside the third pipe to pass through is detachably provided in the third pipe.

[0030] There is a possibility that foreign matter is included in the gas discharged from the suction portion.

[0031] According to this aspect, the filter can be used to recover foreign matter in the gas, and the replacement of the filter contaminated by the foreign matter can be simply implemented.

[0032] The recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, the suction portion has: a flow-through portion that extends from between the recording portion and the support surface to the pipe portion and allows gas to flow through inside; a suction fan that is provided inside the pipe portion and sucks gas. The pipe portion has a partition wall that extends into the inside of the flow-through portion and partitions a part of the flow-through portion between the recording portion and the suction fan.

[0033] According to this aspect, between the recording portion and the suction fan, a part of the flow-through portion is partitioned by the partition wall. Here, when a part of the gas that remains without being sucked by the suction fan attempts to flow toward the recording portion, the partition wall restricts the flow of this part of the gas. Thus, it is possible to suppress the situation where the gas that has flowed downstream from between the recording portion and the support surface flows back into between the recording portion and the support surface again and contaminates the medium.

[0034] The recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, a part of the partition wall is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

[0035] According to this method, since gas is likely to flow in the direction in which a part of the partition wall inclines rather than in the horizontal direction of a part of the partition wall, it is possible to suppress the situation where gas stays at a part of the suction portion.

[0036] Embodiment 1

[0037] Hereinafter, the printer 10 of Embodiment 1, which is an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, will be specifically described.

[0038] In Figure 1 FIG. 1, the overall structure of the printer 10 provided on the floor portion 2 of the factory 1, which is an example of the installation site, is shown. The printer 10 performs recording on the medium M. As an example of the medium M, there are fabrics and papers. In addition, the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system.

[0039] The X direction is the device width direction of the printer 10 and, as an example, is the horizontal direction orthogonal to the gravity direction described later. When observing the printer 10 from the front, the direction toward the left in the X direction is set as the +X direction, and the direction toward the right is set as the -X direction. In addition, the X direction is an example of the width direction of the medium M.

[0040] The Y direction is an example of the conveyance direction of the medium M and an example of the depth direction of the printer 10, and is the horizontal direction. Here, the conveyance direction of the conveyance medium M is set as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is set as the -Y direction.

[0041] The Z direction is an example of the device height direction of the printer 10. Here, the gravity direction in which gravity acts on the printer 10 is set as the +Z direction. The -Z direction is the direction opposite to the gravity direction.

[0042] An exhaust device 4, which is an example of an exhaust device, is provided on the floor portion 2. In addition, the exhaust device 4 may be provided at a ceiling portion (not shown) of the factory 1.

[0043] The exhaust device 4 includes an exhaust fan (not shown) and is connected to a third pipe 92 (described later) of the printer 10 via an exhaust pipe 6. The exhaust from the printer 10 is recovered and purified by the exhaust device 4 and discharged to the outside of the factory 1 from the exhaust device 4. Here, the air volume generated by the rotation of the exhaust fan of the exhaust device 4, that is, the flow rate of air, is set as V1 [m 3 / sec]. Air is an example of gas.

[0044] In this way, in the printer 10, the end of a pipe portion 54 (described later) is connected to the exhaust device 4 via the exhaust pipe 6.

[0045] As shown Figure 2 in the figure, as an example, the printer 10 includes: a main body frame 12, a main body cover 14, a conveying unit 16, a recording unit 20, a cleaning unit 26, a control unit 28, and a flow path unit 30.

[0046] Specifically, as the main parts, the printer 10 includes: the recording unit 20 to be described later, a glue belt 17, a feeding unit 32, a suction unit 42, a pipe unit 54, and an opening 86.

[0047] The main body frame 12 is configured as a base for setting each part of the printer 10.

[0048] The main body cover 14 is an encapsulation component that covers each part of the printer 10. In the main body cover 14, a portion on the +Y side compared to the center in the Y direction protrudes toward the -Z direction. The wall portion in the -Y direction of the portion constituting the main body cover 14 is defined as a side wall portion 14A, and the wall portion in the -Z direction is defined as an upper wall portion 14B. A plurality of inlets 15 are formed on the side wall portion 14A, and the plurality of inlets 15 allow air to flow from the outside of the side wall portion 14A into the inside of the main body cover 14.

[0049] The conveying unit 16 includes: a driving roller 16A, a driven roller 16B, a tape 17, and a winding roller (not shown). Moreover, the conveying unit 16 can convey the medium M in the +Y direction as the tape 17 moves with the rotation of the driving roller 16A. In the +Y direction, the driving roller 16A is disposed downstream, and the driven roller 16B is disposed upstream. In addition, both the driving roller 16A and the driven roller 16B have a rotation axis along the X direction. The rotation of the driving roller 16A is controlled by the control unit 28 to be described later.

[0050] The tape 17 is an example of a support portion and is configured as an annular belt formed by joining both ends of an elastic flat plate. In addition, the tape 17 is wound around the outer peripheral surfaces of the driving roller 16A and the driven roller 16B and can move in a loop.

[0051] As an example, the outer peripheral surface 17A of the tape 17 has adhesiveness and can support and adsorb the medium M. The meaning of adhesiveness refers to the property of being able to temporarily adhere to other components and being able to peel off from the adhered state.

[0052] The flat portion of the outer peripheral surface 17A that is located between the driving roller 16A and the driven roller 16B and is in the -Z direction is the support surface 18. In other words, the tape 17 has the support surface 18. A part of the support surface 18 faces the recording unit 20 described later in the Z direction. In addition, the support surface 18 can support the medium M. That is, the printer 10 of the present embodiment is an inkjet type.

[0053] The recording unit 20 is an example of a recording unit and can perform recording on the medium M conveyed in the +Y direction. Specifically, the recording unit 20 includes a recording head 21 as an example of an ejection unit and a carriage 22 that supports the recording head 21 so as to be reciprocally movable along the X direction. In addition, the recording unit 20 is disposed above (-Z direction) the tape 17.

[0054] The recording head 21 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and is disposed in the -Z direction with respect to the support surface 18. The space portion 41 between the recording head 21 and the support surface 18 or the medium M allows air to flow through. In other words, the space portion 41 constitutes a part of the flow path for air to flow.

[0055] In addition, the recording head 21 can perform recording on the medium M by ejecting ink as an example of droplets from the plurality of nozzles onto the recording surface MA of the medium M.

[0056] The cleaning unit 26 is located downstream of the driving roller 16A in the direction in which the tape 17 moves around and cleans the outer peripheral surface 17A.

[0057] The control unit 28 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage (not shown) and controls the operations of the respective parts of the printer 10.

[0058] The flow path portion 30 is a portion in the space portion inside the printer 10 that includes the aforementioned space portion 41 and functions as a flow path for forcibly flowing air. In addition, as an example, the flow path portion 30 has a feeding portion 32, a suction portion 42, a pipe portion 54, and an opening portion 86.

[0059] The feeding unit 32 is disposed upstream of the recording unit 20 in the +Y direction and feeds air toward the support surface 18. Specifically, as an example, the feeding unit 32 includes a first flow path forming unit 33, a second flow path forming unit 34, a third flow path forming unit 35, and a fourth flow path forming unit 36. The first flow path forming unit 33, the second flow path forming unit 34, the third flow path forming unit 35, and the fourth flow path forming unit 36 are each formed in a cylindrical shape by components (not shown) inside the printer 10 and the main body cover 14.

[0060] The first flow path forming unit 33 communicates with the outside of the printer 10 via the inlet 15 and extends in the -Z direction from the inlet 15.

[0061] The second flow path forming unit 34 extends in the +Y direction from the -Z direction end of the first flow path forming unit 33. In addition, a first fan 38 is provided inside the second flow path forming unit 34.

[0062] The first fan 38 rotates by a motor (not shown), thereby sucking air from the first flow path forming unit 33 toward the second flow path forming unit 34 and exhausting air from the second flow path forming unit 34 toward the third flow path forming unit 35.

[0063] The third flow path forming unit 35 is bent in an L shape when viewed from the X direction and has a portion extending in the +Y direction from the second flow path forming unit 34 and a portion extending in the +Z direction from the end in the +Y direction. Additionally, as an example, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the third flow path forming unit 35 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the second flow path forming unit 34. The cross-sectional area of the flow path refers to the area of the flow path on a plane orthogonal to the direction of air flow. Further, an air outlet 39 is formed at the end portion of the third flow path forming unit 35, and the air outlet 39 blows out air in the +Z direction toward the fourth flow path forming unit 36.

[0064] The fourth flow path forming unit 36 extends in the +Z direction from the air outlet 39. In addition, in the fourth flow path forming unit 36, the dimension in the X direction is approximately the same as the dimension in the X direction of the tape 17. That is, the fourth flow path forming unit 36 is long in the X direction. The +Z direction end of the fourth flow path forming unit 36 is connected to the space portion 41.

[0065] In this way, the feeding unit 32 can feed the air flowing in from the inlet 15 into the space portion 41.

[0066] In addition, the space portion 41 generally refers to the space between the recording head 21 and the support surface 18. Here, the recording head 21 reciprocates in the X direction. Therefore, it is assumed that the space portion 41 also includes the space between the X direction movement area of the recording head 21 and the support surface 18.

[0067] The suction part 42 is disposed downstream of the recording unit 20 in the +Y direction and sucks the air flowing from the support surface 18. Specifically, the suction part 42 has a circulation part 44 and a second fan 52.

[0068] The circulation part 44 extends from the space part 41 to a first duct 56 described later, and air can flow inside. In addition, as an example, the circulation part 44 has a fifth flow path forming part 46 and a sixth flow path forming part 48. The fifth flow path forming part 46 and the sixth flow path forming part 48 are respectively formed in a cylindrical shape by components (not shown) inside the printer 10 and the main body cover 14.

[0069] The fifth flow path forming part 46 extends in the -Z direction from a part in the +Y direction with respect to the space part 41. In addition, the size of the fifth flow path forming part 46 in the X direction is about the same as the size of the tape 17 in the X direction. The +Z direction end of the fifth flow path forming part 46 is connected to the space part 41. That is, the air flowing inside the space part 41 is sent into the fifth flow path forming part 46.

[0070] The sixth flow path forming part 48 extends in the -Z direction from the -Z direction end of the fifth flow path forming part 46. In addition, the size of the sixth flow path forming part 48 in the X direction is about the same as the size of the tape 17 in the X direction. As an example, the flow path cross-sectional area of the sixth flow path forming part 48 is larger than that of the fifth flow path forming part 46. The -Z direction end of the sixth flow path forming part 48 is connected to the first duct 56 described later.

[0071] The second fan 52 is an example of a suction fan and is disposed inside the first duct 56 described later. In addition, the second fan 52 sucks air from the fifth flow path forming part 46 and the sixth flow path forming part 48. Then, the air sucked by the second fan 52 is discharged into the first duct 56.

[0072] In this way, the suction part 42 sucks the air flowing from the space part 41 and discharges it into the first duct 56.

[0073] As an example, the duct part 54 includes a first duct 56, a second duct 76, and a third duct 92. The air discharged from the suction part 42 flows inside the duct part 54. In addition, it is highly likely that the air flowing inside the suction part 42 and the duct part 54 contains a part of the ink ejected from the recording head 21, i.e., ink mist, dust inside the printer 10, etc.

[0074] The first duct 56 is fixed to the upper wall portion 14B using bolts (not shown). Air from the suction portion 42 flows into the first duct 56. Specifically, the first duct 56 is formed in a hollow box shape having a bottom wall 57, side walls 62, and an upper wall 72.

[0075] The bottom wall 57 slopes obliquely downward when viewed from the X direction. In other words, the bottom wall 57 slopes with respect to the Y direction when viewed from the X direction. The -Y direction end of the bottom wall 57 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the +Y direction end of the bottom wall 57. In addition, the bottom wall 57 extends in the X direction, and the dimension in the X direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the tape 17 in the X direction.

[0076] As Figure 3 shown, as an example, eight through-holes 58 are formed in the bottom wall 57. The eight through-holes 58 are arranged at intervals in the X direction and penetrate the bottom wall 57 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, each through-hole 58 is formed in a quadrilateral shape having a set of sides along the X direction and a set of sides along the Y direction. The center (not shown) of the through-hole 58 is located in the -Y direction with respect to the center in the Y direction of the bottom wall 57. In other words, as an example, the through-hole 58 is arranged near the -Y direction end of the bottom wall 57.

[0077] The side walls 62 are erected from the end portions in the X direction and the end portions in the Y direction of the bottom wall 57 toward the -Z direction, except for a part of the third side wall 65 described later. Specifically, the side walls 62 include: a set of first side walls 63 opposed to each other in the X direction, a second side wall 64 that connects the +Y direction ends of the set of first side walls 63 in the X direction, and a third side wall 65 that connects the -Y direction ends of the set of first side walls 63 in the X direction.

[0078] The -Y direction end of the -Z direction end face of the first side wall 63 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the +Y direction end, that is, it slopes obliquely downward. In other words, the -Z direction end face of the first side wall 63 slopes with respect to the Y direction when viewed from the X direction. The +Z direction end face of the third side wall 65 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the +Z direction end face of the second side wall 64. The -Z direction end face of the third side wall 65 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the -Z direction end face of the second side wall 64.

[0079] As Figure 7 shown, the +Y direction end of the bottom wall 57 is connected to a part of the upper wall portion 14B. The second side wall 64 is erected from a part of the upper wall portion 14B toward the -Z direction.

[0080] The third side wall 65 is an example of a partition wall, extends into the interior of the flow-through portion 44, and divides a part of the flow-through portion 44 between the recording unit 20 and the second fan 52. Specifically, the third side wall 65 has an upper portion 66 that stands upright in the -Z direction from the -Y direction end of the bottom wall 57, and a lower portion 67 that extends in the +Z direction from the -Y direction end of the bottom wall 57. A part of the upper portion 66 is connected to the upper wall portion 14B.

[0081] The +Y direction side surface of the second side wall 64 is set as the outer wall surface 64A. The -Y direction side surface of the third side wall 65 is set as the outer wall surface 65A.

[0082] In addition, in Figure 7 the main air flow from the interior of the printer 10 toward the exhaust duct 6 is indicated by a dotted arrow A1, and the air flow that flows into the duct portion 54 via the opening 86 is indicated by a dotted arrow A2.

[0083] The lower portion 67 includes a longitudinal wall 68 along the X-Z plane and an inclined wall 69 that extends obliquely upward from the +Z direction end of the longitudinal wall 68. The longitudinal wall 68 and the inclined wall 69 are located inside the sixth flow path forming portion 48.

[0084] When viewed from the X direction, the inclined wall 69 is inclined in a crossing direction that crosses the Y direction. The +Y direction end of the inclined wall 69 is located in the -Z direction compared to the -Y direction end. That is, a part of the first side wall 63 is inclined with respect to the Y direction orthogonal to the +Z direction. In addition, the +Y direction end of the inclined wall 69 extends to cover the through hole 58 when viewed from the +Z direction. Thus, the inclined wall 69 divides the space of a part of the sixth flow path forming portion 48 into a space close to the recording unit 20 and a space close to the first duct 56.

[0085] The upper wall 72 is provided at the downstream end of the first duct 56 in the -Z direction. In addition, the upper wall 72 covers the bottom wall 57 and the side wall 62 from the -Z direction except for a part of the bottom wall 57. Further, the upper wall 72 is inclined obliquely downward when viewed from the X direction, and the -Y direction end is located at a +Z direction position with respect to the +Y direction end. In addition, the upper wall 72 extends in the X direction, and the X direction dimension is about the same size as the X direction dimension of the tape 17. A second duct 76 described later is mounted on the upper wall 72.

[0086] In Figure 4The first duct 56 and the second duct 76 are shown. As an example, a ventilation hole 73 penetrating the upper wall 72 in the +Z direction is formed at the central portion of the upper wall 72 in the X direction. When the ventilation hole 73 is observed from the Z direction, it is formed in a quadrilateral shape having a set of sides along the X direction and a set of sides along the Y direction. The center of the ventilation hole 73 in the Y direction is located at the center of the upper wall 72 in the Y direction. The opening area of the ventilation hole 73 is larger than the opening area of a through hole 58( Figure 3 ). Thus, the ventilation hole 73 is formed in the upper wall 72 in such a manner that air can flow through. When the peripheral portion 72A of the ventilation hole 73 in the upper wall 72 is observed from the X direction, it is inclined in a direction intersecting the Y direction. That is, the peripheral portion 72A of the ventilation hole 73 in the upper wall 72 is inclined with respect to the Y direction orthogonal to the +Z direction.

[0087] The second duct 76 is located downstream of the first duct 56 in the -Z direction. In other words, the second duct 76 is located upstream of the first duct 56 in the +Z direction. In addition, the second duct 76 is connected to the first duct 56. Specifically, the second duct 76 has a set of opposed walls 77 opposed to each other in the X direction, a first longitudinal wall 78 and a second longitudinal wall 79 opposed to each other in the Y direction, a top wall 82 and inclined walls 83, 84 forming the ceiling portion of the second duct 76.

[0088] The end surface of the opposed wall 77 in the +Z direction is inclined along the upper wall 72. The both end portions of the opposed wall 77 in the Y direction stand up in the -Z direction. The end surface of the opposed wall 77 in the -Z direction extends along the Y direction. A plate portion 81 protruding outward in the X direction is formed at the end portion of the opposed wall 77 in the +Z direction. The plate portion 81 is attached to the upper wall 72 by bolts 89. In addition, the dimension of the opposed wall 77 in the Y direction is larger than the dimension of the first duct 56 in the Y direction.

[0089] As Figure 7 shown, the first longitudinal wall 78 connects the end portions in the +Y direction of a set of opposed walls 77( Figure 4 ) in the X direction. The side surface of the first longitudinal wall 78 in the -Y direction is set as an inner wall surface 78A. In addition, the first longitudinal wall 78 and the second side wall 64 are unified as a side portion 61A.

[0090] The second longitudinal wall 79 connects the end portions in the -Y direction of a set of opposed walls 77 in the X direction. The side surface of the second longitudinal wall 79 in the +Y direction is set as an inner wall surface 79A. In addition, the second longitudinal wall 79 and the third side wall 65 are unified as a side portion 61B.

[0091] As Figure 4As shown, the top wall 82 connects the central portion of the first longitudinal wall 78 and the central portion of the second longitudinal wall 79 in the X direction in the Y direction. In addition, the top wall 82 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The top wall 82 is formed with a ventilation hole 85 penetrating the top wall 82 in the +Z direction.

[0092] When the ventilation hole 85 is viewed from the Z direction, it is formed in a quadrilateral shape having a set of sides along the X direction and a set of sides along the Y direction. The center of the ventilation hole 85 in the Y direction is located at the center in the Y direction of the top wall 82. The ventilation hole 85 is arranged side by side with the ventilation hole 73 in the Z direction. The opening area of the ventilation hole 85 is larger than the opening area of the ventilation hole 73. Thus, the ventilation hole 85 is formed on the top wall 82 in such a manner that air can flow through.

[0093] The inclined wall 83 is inclined from the end portion of the top wall 82 in the +X direction toward the end portion in the -Z direction of the opposed wall 77 in the +X direction. The inclined wall 84 is inclined from the end portion of the top wall 82 in the -X direction toward the end portion in the -Z direction of the opposed wall 77 in the -X direction.

[0094] As Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown, the third duct 92 is located upstream of the second duct 76 in the +Z direction and is connected to the second duct 76. Specifically, the third duct 92 has a set of longitudinal walls 93 opposed to each other in the X direction, a longitudinal wall 94 and a longitudinal wall 95 opposed to each other in the Y direction, and a top wall 96 constituting the end portion of the third duct 92 in the -Z direction. In addition, the illustration of the longitudinal wall 93 in the +X direction is omitted.

[0095] The longitudinal wall 94 is arranged downstream of the longitudinal wall 95 in the +Y direction. In addition, the longitudinal wall 94 is mounted on the set of longitudinal walls 93 using screws (not shown). In addition, the longitudinal wall 94 can be removed from the set of longitudinal walls 93 by removing the screws. That is, the longitudinal wall 94 is provided on the set of longitudinal walls 93 in a detachable manner.

[0096] The top wall 96 covers the space surrounded by the set of longitudinal walls 93, the longitudinal wall 94, and the longitudinal wall 95 from the -Z direction. A ventilation hole 97 penetrating the top wall 96 in the +Z direction is formed in the top wall 96. The ventilation hole 97 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The center of the ventilation hole 97 is located at the center of the top wall 96. The opening area of the ventilation hole 97 is smaller than the opening area of the exhaust duct 6. Thus, the ventilation hole 97 is formed on the top wall 96 in such a manner that air can flow through.

[0097] As Figure 7 shown, a filter 98 is provided inside the third duct 92.

[0098] In a state where the filter 98 is disposed inside the third pipe 92, the filter 98 is installed in the third pipe 92 by mounting the longitudinal wall 94 on a set of longitudinal walls 93( Figure 5 ). Further, by removing the longitudinal wall 94 from the set of longitudinal walls 93, the filter 98 can be detached from the third pipe 92. Thus, the filter 98 is provided in the third pipe 92 in a detachable manner.

[0099] The filter 98 is configured to allow air inside the third pipe 92 to pass therethrough. Further, the filter 98 can capture foreign matters such as ink mist mixed in the air. As the filter 98, non-woven fabric, glass wool, or rock wool can be used.

[0100] When viewed from the +Z direction, the inner wall surface 78A is located outside in the +Y direction compared to the outer wall surface 64A. Similarly, the inner wall surface 79A is located outside in the -Y direction compared to the outer wall surface 65A.

[0101] The portions corresponding to the gaps between the inner wall surface 78A and the outer wall surface 64A and between the inner wall surface 79A and the outer wall surface 65A when viewed from the +Z direction are respectively defined as the openings 86. The opening 86 is an example of a hole portion. Further, the opening 86 is also an example of a pressure difference adjusting portion provided on the side portions 61A and 61B of the pipe portion 54.

[0102] The opening 86 adjusts the pressure difference ΔP (=P2 - P1) between the pressure P1 inside the pipe portion 54 and the pressure P2 inside the exhaust pipe 6. In other words, the pressure P2 is the pressure P2 outside the pipe portion 54. In addition, the illustration of the pressure difference ΔP is omitted. The flow passage cross-sectional area of the opening 86 is determined by performing fluid simulation in advance in such a manner as to reduce the pressure difference ΔP.

[0103] In the pipe portion 54, the air volume generated by the rotation of the second fan 52, that is, the air flow rate is set to V2 [m 3 / sec]. The flow rate V2 is set to V2 < V1 with respect to the air flow rate V1 in the exhaust device 4( Figure 1 ) described above. By generating the flow rate V1, the pressure inside the exhaust pipe 6 becomes the pressure P1. On the other hand, by generating the flow rate V2, the pressure inside the pipe portion 54 becomes the pressure P2.

[0104] Here, since the pressure P1 is less than the pressure P2, that is, a pressure difference ΔP is generated, a part of the air flowing in the flow path portion 44 in particular will be exhausted into the duct portion 54 regardless of the rotation state of the second fan 52. In this case, if the pressure difference ΔP is not adjusted, there is a possibility that the flow of air in each flow path including the flow path portion 44 inside the printer 10 will be disrupted.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the "adjustment of the pressure difference ΔP" implemented by the pressure difference adjustment unit is implemented by adjusting the difference between the air flow rate V2 in the duct portion 54 and the air flow rate V1 in the exhaust duct 6. Specifically, by causing air to flow from the outside to the inside of the duct portion 54, a flow rate V3 [m 3 / sec] independent of the flow rate V2 is generated, and by making the flow rate (V2 + V3) close to the flow rate V1, the flow of air inside the flow path portion 44 is stabilized. In addition, the "adjustment state of the pressure difference ΔP" includes not only the state of appropriately changing the flow rate V3 but also the state in which the flow rate V3 has been adjusted.

[0106] As Figure 6 shown, when observing the first duct 56 and the second duct 76 from the -Z direction, the interval in the Y direction between the outer wall surface 64A and the inner wall surface 78A is set to L1 [mm], and the interval in the Y direction between the outer wall surface 65A and the inner wall surface 79A is set to L2 [mm]. As an example, L1 = L2. In addition, when observing the first duct 56 and the second duct 76 from the -Z direction, the interval in the Y direction between the inner surface in the +Y direction of the through hole 73 and the inner surface in the +Y direction of the ventilation hole 85 is set to L3 [mm], and the interval in the Y direction between the inner surface in the -Y direction of the through hole 58 and the inner surface in the -Y direction of the ventilation hole 85 is set to L4 [mm]. As an example, L3 = L4.

[0107] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 7 , the operation of the printer 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The description of individual drawing numbers is omitted.

[0108] The air sent into the inside of the feeding portion 32 by the rotation of the first fan 38 flows toward the space portion 41. On the other hand, by the rotation of the second fan 52 in the suction portion 42, the air sucked from the space portion 41 and foreign matters such as ink mist pass through the duct portion 54 and are discharged into the exhaust duct 6. In this case, although a flow rate difference ΔV is generated between the flow rate V1 of the exhaust device 4 and the flow rate V2 in the second fan 52, by causing outside air to flow into the duct portion 54 from the opening 86, that is, by adding the flow rate V3 to the flow rate V2, the flow rate V1 and the flow rate V2 + V3 become a balanced state. In other words, the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 is reduced.

[0109] As described above, according to the printer 10, when the discharge capacity of the exhaust device 4 is greater than the discharge capacity of the suction unit 42 provided in the printer 10, the pressure P1 inside the duct portion 54 becomes lower than the pressure P2 outside the duct portion 54, that is, the pressure in the exhaust duct 6. Here, by allowing outside air to flow into the inside of the duct portion 54 through the opening portion 86, the pressure P1 inside the duct portion 54 increases. That is, by adjusting the pressure P1 to a value close to the pressure P2, the pressure difference ΔP can be reduced, and thus even when the discharge capacity of the exhaust device 4 is greater than the discharge capacity of the suction unit 42 provided in the printer 10, it is possible to suppress the situation where the air flow around the recording unit 20 and the air flow inside the suction unit 42 are disrupted due to the exhaust performed by the exhaust device 4.

[0110] According to the printer 10, since it is only necessary to provide the opening portion 86 on the side portions 61A and 61B of the duct portion 54, a pressure difference adjustment unit can be realized with a simple structure compared to a structure in which a unit for adjusting the pressure difference ΔP is installed on the duct portion 54.

[0111] According to the printer 10, the gap between the inner wall surface 78A and the outer wall surface 64A, that is, the opening portion 86, and the gap between the inner wall surface 79A and the outer wall surface 65A, that is, the opening portion 86, each function as a hole portion. Here, since the second duct 76 covers the first duct 56 from the upstream in the +Z direction, even when dust falls from the ceiling of the installation location of the printer 10 in the +Z direction, it is possible to suppress the situation where the dust enters the first duct 56 and the second duct 76 through the opening portion 86.

[0112] According to the printer 10, compared with a structure in which the peripheral portion of the ventilation hole 73 in the upper wall 72 is along the horizontal direction, since air easily flows in the direction in which the upper wall 72 is inclined, it is possible to suppress the situation where air stays in a part of the suction unit 42.

[0113] In addition, there is a possibility that foreign matter is contained in the air discharged from the suction unit 42. Here, according to the printer 10, since the filter 98 is detachably provided inside the third duct 92, it is possible to collect foreign matter in the air using the filter 98, and it is possible to simply replace the filter 98 contaminated by the foreign matter.

[0114] According to the printer 10, between the recording unit 20 and the second fan 52, a part of the flow path 44 is partitioned by the third side wall 65. Here, when a part of the air that remains without being sucked by the second fan 52 attempts to flow toward the recording unit 20, the third side wall 65 restricts the flow of this part of the air. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the air that has flowed downstream from the space 41 between the recording unit 20 and the support surface 18 flows back into the space 41 again and contaminates the medium M.

[0115] According to the printer 10, compared with the structure in which a part of the third side wall 65 is along the horizontal direction, since the air easily flows in the direction in which a part of the third side wall 65 is inclined, it is possible to suppress the situation where the air stays at a part of the flow path 44 of the suction part 42.

[0116] Embodiment 2

[0117] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 100 of Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, for the parts common to Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, even if the dimensions of the components are different from those of Embodiment 1, in the case of having the same functions, the same reference numerals are given and their descriptions are omitted.

[0118] As Figure 8 shown, the printer 100 has the following structure, that is, in the printer 10 ( Figure 7 ), the dimensions in the Y direction of the second pipe 76 and the third pipe 92 are respectively set to be the same as the dimension in the Y direction of the first pipe 56. That is to say, in the printer 100, the opening 86 ( Figure 7 ) is not formed. Moreover, the printer 100 is structurally different from the printer 10 in that it includes the pipe 102 and the valve 104.

[0119] In the second pipe 76, no hole is formed in the first longitudinal wall 78. As an example, one ventilation hole 106 that penetrates the second longitudinal wall 79 in the Y direction is formed at the central part in the X direction of the second longitudinal wall 79.

[0120] The ventilation hole 106 is an example of a hole, and is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the Y direction. In addition, the structure of "a hole is provided in the target component" includes not only the structure in which another component having a through hole is provided on the target component, but also the structure in which a through hole is directly formed on the target component.

[0121] As an example, the pipe 102 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the Y direction. The +Y direction end of the pipe 102 is connected to the ventilation hole 106 and the edge portion of the ventilation hole 106. Thus, the pipe 102 can communicate the inside of the pipe portion 54 and the outside of the pipe portion 54, that is, the outside of the printer 100. In other words, the pipe 102 is configured to be able to allow air to flow into the pipe portion 54 from the outside of the printer 10.

[0122] The valve 104 is provided on the pipe 102 and is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the air flowing inside the pipe 102. Specifically, the valve 104 has a handle 105 operated by the user. By rotating the handle 105 to one side, the flow rate of the air flowing inside the pipe 102 increases. In addition, by rotating the handle 105 to the other side, the flow rate of the air flowing inside the pipe 102 decreases. Here, in a state where the pipe 102 is closed and the exhaust device 4 ( Figure 1 ) is operating, the pressure inside at least the second pipe 76 is lower than the pressure outside the printer 100. Therefore, when the handle 105 is rotated to open the pipe 102, air flows from the outside of the printer 100 into the second pipe 76 through the pipe 102.

[0123] Alternatively, the valve 104 may be a component such as an electromagnetic valve that can be electrically controlled. In addition, a first air pressure sensor (not shown) is provided outside the second pipe 76, a second air pressure sensor (not shown) is provided inside the second pipe 76, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the valve 104 is provided. In this way, the control unit can control the valve 104 so that the difference between the output from the first air pressure sensor and the output from the second air pressure sensor becomes below an arbitrary set value, thereby saving the time and effort of the operation performed by the user. In this case, as long as the pressure difference between the pressure outside the second pipe 76 and the pressure inside the second pipe 76 can be detected, the locations where the first air pressure sensor (not shown) and the second air pressure sensor (not shown) are provided can also be appropriately adjusted.

[0124] Next, the operation of the printer 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In addition, the description of the same operations and effects as those of the printer 10 will be omitted.

[0125] According to the printer 100, by adjusting the flow rate of the air flowing inside the pipe 102 to match the opening degree of the valve 104, the pressure difference ΔP between the pressure inside the pipe portion 54 and the pressure outside the pipe portion 54 can be reduced. Thus, the pressure difference ΔP can be changed according to the capacity of the exhaust device 4 at the installation location of the printer 100.

[0126] Although the printers 10 and 100 according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of the present invention are printers based on the structure described above, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, of course, partial structural changes, omissions, etc. can be made.

[0127] In Figure 9 this, the printer 110 is shown as a modified example of the printer 100 of Embodiment 2. In addition, regarding the structure of the printer 100, refer to Figure 8 .

[0128] The printer 110 does not form the ventilation holes 106 and does not include the pipe 102 and the valve 104. As an example, in the printer 110, four ventilation holes 112 are respectively formed on the first longitudinal wall 78 and the second longitudinal wall 79. Here, the four ventilation holes 112 on the first longitudinal wall 78 will be described, and the illustration and description of the four ventilation holes 112 on the second longitudinal wall 79 are omitted.

[0129] The four ventilation holes 112 are an example of the hole portion and penetrate the first longitudinal wall 78 in the Y direction. In addition, the four ventilation holes 112 are formed on the first longitudinal wall 78 at intervals in the X direction. As an example, the shape of the ventilation hole 112 is set to a quadrilateral shape. In addition, the flow channel cross-sectional area of the ventilation hole 112 is determined by fluid simulation in such a way as to reduce the pressure difference ΔP described above.

[0130] According to the printer 110, since it is only necessary to respectively form four ventilation holes 112 on the side portions 61A and 61B of the pipe portion 54, compared with the structure in which a unit for adjusting the pressure difference ΔP is provided on the pipe portion 54, the pressure difference adjustment portion can be realized with a simple structure.

[0131] In the printers 10 and 100, a shutter can also be used to constitute the pressure difference adjustment portion. In addition, it can also be set that the pressure difference adjustment portion is constituted by a plurality of opening portions and a lid portion capable of opening and closing the opening portions, and an adjustment structure in which a part of the opening portions are set to an open state and the remaining opening portions are set to a closed state to reduce the flow rate difference ΔV or the pressure difference ΔP between the flow rate V1 and the flow rate V2 is used.

[0132] A pressure difference adjustment portion can also be formed on the first pipe 56.

[0133] It can also be set that instead of the third pipe 92, the exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the second pipe 76. It can also be set that the first pipe 56 and the second pipe 76, the second pipe 76 and the third pipe 92, or the first pipe 56, the second pipe 76, and the third pipe 92 are constituted as an integrated single component.

[0134] The opening 86 is not limited to a component formed across the entire X direction of the second duct 76, and may also be formed at a part of the X direction at the end of the second duct 76 in the +Z direction.

[0135] The upper wall 72 may also be along the horizontal direction.

[0136] The filter 98 is not limited to being provided in the third duct 92, and may also be provided in the first duct 56 or the second duct 76. In other words, as long as the filter 98 is downstream of the second fan 52, the position can be freely set.

[0137] It may also be that the lower part 67 of the third side wall 65 does not extend into the inside of the flow portion 44. In other words, it may also be that a part of the flow portion 44 is not partitioned by the third side wall 65.

[0138] Instead of the inclined wall 69, a wall portion along the horizontal direction may also be provided.

[0139] As an example of the medium M, in addition to cloth and paper, for example, there is a film. As a position alignment method for transporting the medium M, it may also be any one of a central positioning method with the central position in the X direction as a reference and a side positioning method with the position of one end in the X direction as a reference.

[0140] The recording unit 20 is not limited to a unit that records in a serial manner such as the recording head 21, and may also be a unit that records by a line head method. In addition, as the recording unit 20, a fixing mechanism that fixes a toner containing a color material on the medium M may also be adopted. That is, the printers 10, 100, and 110 may also be an electrophotographic method.

[0141] The support portion is not limited to a belt, and may also be a pallet that supports the medium M and moves in the transport direction.

[0142] Instead of the first fan 38 and the second fan 52, a known diaphragm pump may also be adopted.

[0143] The conveyor belt that functions as the support portion is not limited to the belt 17, and a belt that uses various adsorption force generation mechanisms such as an electrostatic adsorption method using electrostatic force generated by applying a voltage, a vacuum suction method using a compressor, and an intermolecular force method using an adhesive can also be used.

[0144] In addition, the conveyor belt is not limited to an endless belt that moves in a loop. For example, it may also be a flat belt (endless belt) that is wound around the roller as the roller rotates. In the case of adopting an endless belt, as long as it is configured such that the cleaning unit 26 cleans the outermost surface of the portion of the endless belt that is wound around the roller.

[0145] Symbolic Explanation

[0146] 1…Factory; 2…Floor section; 4…Exhaust device; 6…Exhaust duct; 10…Printer; 12…Main body frame; 14…Main body cover; 14A…Side wall section; 14B…Upper wall section; 15…Inflow port; 16…Conveyor unit; 16A…Drive roller; 16B…Driven roller; 17…Tape; 17A…Outer peripheral surface; 18…Support surface; 20…Recording unit; 21…Recording head; 22…Carriage; 26…Cleaning unit; 28…Control unit; 30…Flow path section; 32…Feeding section; 33…First flow path forming section; 34…Second flow path forming section; 35…Third flow path forming section; 36…Fourth flow path forming section; 38…First fan; 39…Blowout port; 41…Space section; 42…Suction section; 44…Circulation section; 46…Fifth flow path forming section; 48…Sixth flow path forming section; 52…Second fan; 54…Duct section; 56…First duct; 57…Bottom wall; 58…Through hole; 61A…Side section; 61B…Side section; 62…Side wall; 63…First side wall; 64…Second side wall; 64A…Outer wall surface; 65…Third side wall; 65A…Outer wall surface; 66…Upper part; 67…Lower part; 68…Longitudinal wall; 69…Inclined wall; 72…Upper wall; 72A…Peripheral section; 73…Ventilation hole; 76…Second duct; 77…Opposing wall; 78…First longitudinal wall; 78A…Inner wall surface; 79…Second longitudinal wall; 79A…Inner wall surface; 81…Plate section; 82…Top wall; 83…Inclined wall; 84…Inclined wall; 85…Ventilation hole; 86…Opening; 89…Bolt; 92…Third duct; 93…Longitudinal wall; 94…Longitudinal wall; 95…Longitudinal wall; 96…Top wall; 97…Ventilation hole; 98…Filter; 100…Printer; 102…Pipe; 104…Valve; 105…Handle; 106…Ventilation hole; 110…Printer; 112…Ventilation hole; L1…Interval; L2…Interval; L3…Interval; L4…Interval; M…Medium; P1…Pressure; P2…Pressure; V1…Flow rate; V2…Flow rate.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, Comprising: A recording unit capable of recording on a medium conveyed in a conveying direction; A support unit having a support surface that faces the recording unit and is capable of supporting the medium; A feeding unit disposed upstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and feeding gas toward the support surface; A suction unit disposed downstream of the recording unit in the conveying direction and sucking the gas flowing from the support surface; A pipe unit through which the gas discharged from the suction unit flows, A pressure difference adjusting unit is provided on the pipe unit, and the pressure difference adjusting unit adjusts the pressure difference between the pressure inside the pipe unit and the pressure outside the pipe unit, The pressure difference adjusting unit is a hole portion provided on a side portion of the pipe unit, The pipe unit comprises: A first pipe into which the gas from the suction unit flows; A second pipe located upstream of the first pipe in the gravitational direction and connected to the first pipe, When viewed from the gravitational direction, the inner wall surface of the second pipe is located outside compared to the outer wall surface of the first pipe, The hole portion is the gap between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface when viewed from the gravitational direction.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The pressure difference adjusting unit comprises: A pipe connected to the hole portion in a manner that enables the inside and the outside of the pipe unit to communicate with each other; A valve provided on the pipe and capable of adjusting the flow rate of the gas flowing inside the pipe.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein In the gravitational direction, an upper wall for installing the second pipe is provided at an upstream end of the first pipe, A ventilation hole is formed in the upper wall, and the ventilation hole penetrates the upper wall in the gravitational direction and enables gas to flow through, The peripheral portion of the ventilation hole in the upper wall is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction orthogonal to the gravitational direction.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A third pipe is provided, which is located upstream of the second pipe in the gravitational direction and connected to the second pipe, A filter that can pass through the gas inside the third pipe is detachably provided in the third pipe.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The suction unit has: A circulation portion extending from between the recording unit and the support surface to the pipe unit, and the inside of which can allow gas to flow through; A suction fan provided inside the pipe unit and sucking gas, The pipe unit has a partition wall that extends into the inside of the circulation portion and partitions a part of the circulation portion between the recording unit and the suction fan.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein A part of the partition wall is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction orthogonal to the gravitational direction.

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