Printing device

Abstract

The present application provides a printing device capable of realizing space saving. A blowing unit is capable of blowing air to a printed medium. The blowing unit has a blowing flow path capable of blowing air and a blowing port capable of blowing the air from the blowing flow path to the printed medium. The blowing unit is disposed in a manner of extending along a scanning direction of a carriage and not moving. The blowing unit is disposed in a manner of locating a part or all of the blowing port between the carriage and the printed medium at a position overlapping with a part of a moving area of the carriage in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing by spraying liquid onto a medium. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that transports a medium in a transport direction and prints on the medium by spraying liquid onto the medium from a print head mounted on a carriage that can move in a scanning direction. In such a printing apparatus, an air supply unit for blowing gas is provided downstream of the carriage in the transport direction of the medium in order to dry the printed medium.

[0003] However, in such printing apparatus, there is a need to save space in the apparatus itself, and in particular, there is room for improvement in terms of saving space in the structure in the direction of media transport.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-206368 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A printing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a transport unit configured to transport a medium in a transport direction; a support unit configured to support the medium transported by the transport unit; a print head configured to perform printing by spraying liquid onto the medium supported by the support unit; a carriage that mounts the print head and is movable in a scanning direction; and an air supply unit configured to supply air to the printed medium that has been printed by the print head. The support unit has a support surface that supports the medium transported by the transport unit, and the air supply unit has an air supply channel and an air outlet. The air supply channel is capable of blowing gas, and the air outlet is capable of blowing gas from the air supply channel onto the printed medium. The air supply unit is arranged to extend along the scanning direction of the carriage and is stationary. The air supply unit is arranged such that, when viewed from above, a portion or all of the air outlet is located between the carriage and the printed medium at a position that overlaps with a portion of the moving area of ​​the carriage. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the printing apparatus.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing apparatus.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing apparatus.

[0009] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a top view of the printing apparatus.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the second air supply section.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first air supply section and the second air supply section.

[0013] Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the first air supply section.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a front view of the first air supply section.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first air supply section and the second air supply section.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the exhaust section.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the retaining part. Detailed Implementation

[0018] First Implementation Method

[0019] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the printing apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printing apparatus of this embodiment is a serial inkjet printer. In the drawings, the printing apparatus is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the Z-axis representing the direction of gravity, and the X-axis and Y-axis representing the directions along the horizontal plane. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, sometimes the direction parallel to the X-axis is represented as the width direction X, sometimes the direction parallel to the Y-axis is represented as the transport direction Y, and sometimes the direction parallel to the Z-axis is represented as the vertical direction Z.

[0020] Structure of printing apparatus 11

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 11 includes a frame 12. The frame 12 houses various structures of the printing apparatus 11. The frame 12 can also house a roll body R. The roll body R is formed by winding a long strip of medium M into a cylindrical shape.

[0022] The frame 12 may also have an opening 13. The opening 13 is located on the front surface of the frame 12. The frame 12 may also have a discharge port 14. The discharge port 14 is located on the front surface of the frame 12 above the opening 13. The discharge port 14 is used to discharge the printed medium M.

[0023] The printing apparatus 11 may also include an unwinding section 16. The unwinding section 16 unwinds the medium M from the roll body R. The unwinding section 16 can be pulled out of the frame 12 through the opening 13. The unwinding section 16 may also include a front plate section 17 and a pair of support walls 18. When housed in the frame 12, the front plate section 17 forms part of the external decoration of the printing apparatus 11. The pair of support walls 18 support the roll body R in a rotatable manner.

[0024] The printing apparatus 11 may also include a storage section 19. The storage section 19 is a bottomed box with an opening on the upper side in the vertical direction Z. The storage section 19 can store the cutting debris cut from the long strip of medium M. The storage section 19 may also be detachably mounted relative to the frame 12.

[0025] Internal structure of printing device 11

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 11 includes a transport channel 20, indicated by a dashed line. The transport channel 20 is a channel for transporting the medium M. The transport channel 20 extends from the unwinding section 16 located at the uppermost end to the discharge port 14 located at the lowermost end.

[0027] The printing apparatus 11 includes a conveying section 21, a support section 22, a printing section 23, an air supply section 24, and a cutting section 25. The conveying section 21, the support section 22, the printing section 23, the air supply section 24, and the cutting section 25 are housed in a frame 12.

[0028] The conveying unit 21 is configured to convey the medium M along the conveying channel 20 in the conveying direction Y. The conveying direction Y can be considered as the conveying direction of the medium M. The conveying channel 20 includes a supply channel 20A, a reversing channel 20B, and a discharge channel 20C. If the position printed by the printing unit 23 is defined as the printing position P1, then the supply channel 20A is the channel connecting the unwinding unit 16 and the printing position P1. The reversing channel 20B is the channel connecting the branch point P2, which branches off from the supply channel 20A, and the confluence point P3, which merges with the supply channel 20A upstream of the branch point P2. The discharge channel 20C is the channel in the conveying channel 20 that connects the printing position P1 and the discharge port 14.

[0029] The conveying unit 21 can also unwind and convey the medium M from the drum body R. The conveying unit 21 can also be provided with a supply roller pair 26, a reversing roller 27, a plurality of driven rollers 28, and an upstream conveying roller pair 29 in sequence from upstream of the supply channel 20A. The driven rollers 28 are arranged in a rotatable manner and rotate drivenly while holding the medium M between them and the reversing rollers 27.

[0030] The conveying section 21, starting upstream of the discharge channel 20C, includes a downstream conveying roller pair 30, a first roller pair 31, and a second roller pair 32 in sequence. The first roller pair 31 is located upstream of the cutting section 25 in the conveying channel 20. The first roller pair 31 includes a drive roller 31A and a driven roller 31B. The second roller pair 32 is located downstream of the cutting section 25 in the conveying channel 20. Thus, the first roller pair 31 and the second roller pair 32 are positioned to sandwich the cutting section 25 in the conveying direction Y, thereby pressing the printed medium M.

[0031] The supply roller pair 26, the reverse roller 27, the driven roller 28, the upstream conveying roller pair 29, the downstream conveying roller pair 30, the first roller pair 31, and the second roller pair 32 convey the medium M by rotating while clamping it. The conveying unit 21 conveys the medium M from upstream to downstream by being driven in the forward direction, and conveys the medium M from downstream to upstream by being driven in the reverse direction.

[0032] The support portion 22 is configured to support the medium M conveyed by the transport portion 21. The support portion 22 supports the portion of the medium M that has been printed by the printing portion 23 from below in the vertical direction Z. The support portion 22 has a support surface 22A that supports the medium M. The support surface 22A has a surface that intersects perpendicularly to the vertical direction Z. The support surface 22A is located below the print head 35 in the vertical direction Z, as described later.

[0033] The printing apparatus 11 includes a guide shaft 33. The guide shaft 33 is arranged to extend in the width direction X.

[0034] The printing unit 23 is configured to perform printing on a medium M supported by the support unit 22. The printing unit 23 includes a carriage 34 and a print head 35. The carriage 34 is capable of reciprocating along the guide shaft 33 in the width direction X. That is, the width direction X is the scanning direction along which the carriage 34 moves, which is an example of the scanning direction in which the carriage 34 moves.

[0035] The print head 35 is mounted on the carriage 34. The print head 35 is located at the lower part of the carriage 34. The print head 35 is a serial head type that sprays liquid as the carriage 34 moves in the width direction X. The liquid can be, for example, ink. The liquid can be, for example, one type of color or multiple types of colors.

[0036] The print head 35 includes a nozzle surface 36 and a plurality of nozzles 37. The nozzle surface 36 is a surface facing the support surface 22A of the support portion 22. A plurality of nozzles 37 are formed on the nozzle surface 36. The plurality of nozzles 37 are capable of ejecting liquid. Thus, the print head 35 is configured such that liquid can be ejected from the plurality of nozzles 37 onto the medium M. In other words, the print head 35 is configured to perform printing by ejecting liquid onto the medium M supported by the support portion 22.

[0037] The printing section 23 includes a carriage motor 38. The carriage motor 38 is mounted on a carriage 34. The carriage motor 38 is a drive source for moving the carriage 34 in the width direction X.

[0038] The air supply unit 24 is capable of supplying air to the printed medium M. The air supply unit 24 is located downstream of the printing position P1 and upstream of the outlet 14 in the transport channel 20. The air supply unit 24 is positioned above the printed medium M transported in the vertical direction Z from the point on the transport channel 20. The air supply unit 24 is configured to dry the printed medium M by blowing gas into it.

[0039] The cutting section 25 is configured to cut the printed medium M. The cutting section 25 is located downstream of the printing position P1 and upstream of the outlet 14 in the transport channel 20. The cutting section 25 is located above the receiving section 19, which is mounted on the frame 12. Furthermore, although the cutting section 25 is located below the air supply section 24, it is located downstream of the air supply port 44 described later in the transport direction Y. In this embodiment, the cutting section 25 corresponds to an example of a processing section that performs processing related to the medium M.

[0040] In detail, the cutting section 25 includes a movable blade 39, a fixed blade 40, and a guide member 41. The cutting edge of the movable blade 39 extends in the width direction X, intersecting the transport channel 20. The movable blade 39 is mounted in a manner that allows it to move along the cutting edge of the fixed blade 40. The cutting edge of the fixed blade 40 extends in the width direction X, intersecting the transport channel 20. The guide member 41 is provided in a manner that extends along the cutting edge of the fixed blade 40. The guide member 41 guides the movement of the movable blade 39. The cutting section 25 cuts the medium M across the width direction X by reciprocating the movable blade 39 in the direction along the cutting edge of the fixed blade 40 at the position of the blade edge of the fixed blade 40 in the transport channel 20. In this way, the cutting section 25 can cut the printed medium M pressed by the first roller pair 31 and the second roller pair 32.

[0041] The printing apparatus 11 includes a control unit 42. The control unit 42 can also uniformly control the driving of various mechanisms within the printing apparatus 11 to control various actions performed within the printing apparatus 11. The control unit 42 may also include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes, or combinations thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory. The memory includes RAM and ROM, etc., and stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes so-called readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0042] Structure of printing section 23

[0043] Here, refer to Figure 3 Let's explain the printing section 23.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, region A0 of carriage 34 can be divided into a first region A1, a second region A2, and a third region A3. The first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 are each different regions, and are regions divided in the transport direction Y when viewed from above.

[0045] The first region A1 is the region located at the center of the conveying direction Y within region A0. The second region A2 is the region within region A0 that is downstream of the first region A1 in the conveying direction Y. That is, the second region A2 is located downstream of the first region A1 in the conveying direction Y, and is the downstreammost region in region A0 in the conveying direction Y. The third region A3 is the region within region A0 that is upstream of the first region A1 in the conveying direction Y. That is, the third region A3 is located upstream of the first region A1 in the conveying direction Y, and is the upstreammost region in region A0 in the conveying direction Y.

[0046] The first region A1 is the region with the print head 35. Thus, the print head 35 is not mounted in the second region A2 or the third region A3, but rather in the first region A1. The nozzle surface 36 of the print head 35 becomes the bottom surface of the first region A1. The nozzle surface 36 is located at a position a first distance D1 from the reference plane RP, including the support surface 22A, along the vertical direction Z.

[0047] The second region A2 is a region containing a supply channel and a control board (not shown). The supply channel is a channel for supplying liquid to multiple nozzles 37. The control board is a board on which electronic components for controlling the carriage 34 are mounted.

[0048] The bottom surface 34A of the second region A2 is located at a second distance D2 from the reference plane RP along the vertical direction Z. This second distance D2 is longer than the first distance D1. In other words, compared to the nozzle surface 36 in the first region A1, the distance between the bottom surface 34A of the second region A2 and the support surface 22A along the vertical direction Z is longer. Therefore, a larger space is provided below the bottom surface 34A of the second region A2 in the vertical direction Z compared to the space below the nozzle surface 36 in the vertical direction Z of the first region A1. Thus, with the reference plane RP as a reference, the second region A2 is located at a position farther than the first region A1.

[0049] The third region A3 is the region equipped with the carriage motor 38. The bottom surface 34B of the third region A3 is located at a third distance D3 from the reference plane RP along the vertical direction Z. The third distance D3 is longer than the first distance D1 and shorter than the second distance D2.

[0050] Structure of air supply section 24

[0051] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Let's explain the air supply unit 24. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the carriage 34 and the air supply unit 24 viewed from the width direction X. Figure 4 In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, a portion of the air supply channel 43 has been omitted.

[0052] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the air supply unit 24 is capable of blowing gas for drying the printed medium M. The air supply unit 24 includes an air supply channel 43 and an air outlet 44. The air supply channel 43 is a channel for blowing gas for drying the printed medium M. Although details will be described later, the air supply channel 43 is provided to extend along the width direction X.

[0053] Air outlet 44 is located at the lower end of the vertical direction Z of the air supply section 24 and at the upstream end of the conveying direction Y of the air supply section 24. Air outlet 44 is provided to extend along the width direction X. Air outlet 44 communicates with air supply channel 43. Air outlet 44 is an opening that faces the printed medium M. Thus, air outlet 44 can blow gas from air supply channel 43 into the printed medium M.

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, the air supply section 24 includes a partition wall 45. The partition wall 45 is located upstream of the air supply outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y. The partition wall 45 is arranged to extend along the vertical direction Z. In particular, the partition wall 45 is arranged to extend downward from the air supply outlet 44 in the vertical direction Z, upstream of the air supply outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y. That is, the partition wall 45 is arranged to extend from the air supply outlet 44 toward the printed medium M. The partition wall 45 includes a first surface 45A. The first surface 45A is a surface downstream in the conveying direction Y. The first surface 45A blocks the blowing of gas from the air supply outlet 44.

[0055] Thus, the partition 45 divides the area where the air supply section 24 is located and the area where the carriage 34 is located. That is, the partition 45 has the function of blocking the blowing of gas from the air supply port 44, making it difficult for the gas blown out from the air supply port 44 to go upstream in the conveying direction Y. The partition 45 can also be used as a component forming the air supply channel 43 and the air supply port 44.

[0056] The partition 45 has a protrusion 46. The protrusion 46 is provided at the lower end 45B of the partition 45. The protrusion 46 protrudes downstream in the conveying direction Y between the air outlet 44 and the printed medium M.

[0057] The upper surface 46A of the protrusion 46 is located opposite a portion of the air outlet 44 in the vertical direction Z. Thus, the protrusion 46 blocks the gas blown out of the air outlet 44 and guides the gas downstream in the conveying direction Y. In other words, the protrusion 46 functions as a return member that makes it difficult for the gas blown out of the air outlet 44 to travel upstream in the conveying direction Y.

[0058] The air outlet 44 is located at a fourth distance D4 from the reference plane RP along the vertical direction Z. The fourth distance D4 is longer than the first distance D1. That is, with the reference plane RP as a reference, the air outlet 44 is set at a position farther from the nozzle surface 36. In addition, the fourth distance D4 is shorter than the second distance D2.

[0059] The lower end 45B of the partition wall 45 and the protrusion 46 are located at a fifth distance D5 from the reference plane RP along the vertical direction Z. The fifth distance D5 is longer than the first distance D1. That is, with the reference plane RP as a reference, the partition wall 45 and the protrusion 46 are positioned at a position farther from the nozzle surface 36. In addition, the fifth distance D5 is shorter than the second distance D2.

[0060] Furthermore, a portion of the air outlet 44, the partition wall 45, and the protrusion 46 are positioned in the vertical direction Z at a location overlapping with the second region A2 of the carriage 34. The fourth distance D4 and the fifth distance D5 are shorter than the second distance D2. Thus, a portion of the air outlet 44, a portion of the partition wall 45, and the protrusion 46 are located between the bottom surface 34A of the second region A2 of the carriage 34 and the printed medium M. In other words, the air supply section 24 is configured such that a portion of the air outlet 44 is located between the second region A2 of the carriage 34 and the printed medium M.

[0061] Furthermore, it can be said that a portion of the air vent 44, the adjacent wall 45, and the protrusion 46 overlap with a portion of the second region A2 when viewed from above. In other words, although details will refer to... Figure 5 As will be described later, the air supply section 24 is configured such that, when viewed from above, it overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34. Furthermore, the air supply section 24 is configured such that, at the location where it overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above, a portion of the air outlet 44 is positioned between the second region A2 of the carriage 34 and the printed medium M. In other words, the air supply section 24 is configured such that, when viewed from above, a portion of the air outlet 44 overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34.

[0062] Positional relationship of carriage 34, air supply section 24 and cutting section 25

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 5 The positional relationship between the carriage 34, the air supply section 24, and the cutting section 25 is explained. Figure 5 This diagram shows the carriage 34, air supply section 24, and cut-off section 25 viewed from above in the vertical direction Z.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the carriage 34 is capable of reciprocating along the guide shaft 33 in the width direction X. The carriage 34 is capable of moving across the moving region MA in the width direction X. The moving region MA of the carriage 34 is a range that is longer than the width W of the medium M in the width direction X and traverses the medium M.

[0065] The air supply section 24 is located downstream of the print head 35 of the carriage 34 in the transport direction Y. The air supply section 24 is arranged to extend in the width direction X. The air supply section 24 is fixed to a component not shown and is configured to remain stationary relative to the frame 12. In other words, the air supply section 24 is not a component that moves with the movement of the carriage 34.

[0066] A portion of the air supply section 24 overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above. Specifically, a portion of the air supply section 24 overlaps with a portion of the second region A2 within the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above. Thus, the air supply section 24 is arranged such that it overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above.

[0067] The air supply unit 24 includes a first air supply unit 47 and a second air supply unit 48. The first air supply unit 47 is capable of blowing gas. The second air supply unit 48 is capable of blowing gas used to dry the printed medium M to the first air supply unit 47. Thus, the first air supply unit 47 can blow the gas from the second air supply unit 48 to the air outlet 44. The air outlet 44 can blow the gas from the first air supply unit 47 to the printed medium M.

[0068] The first air supply section 47 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The first air supply section 47 is longer than the width W of the medium M in the width direction X and extends across the medium M. The width W of the medium M is the maximum width of the medium M that can be transported in the transport channel 20. When viewed from above, the first air supply section 47 is located in the moving area MA of the carriage 34, partially overlapping with the second area A2. Furthermore, the first air supply section 47 is located downstream of the first area A1 in the transport direction Y within the moving area MA of the carriage 34. In other words, the first air supply section 47 is located downstream of the printhead 35 in the transport direction Y. The first air supply section 47 is located upstream of the cutting section 25 in the transport direction Y.

[0069] The second air supply section 48 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The second air supply section 48 is shorter in the width direction X compared to the width W of the medium M, and is provided so as not to traverse the medium M without reaching the center C of the width W of the medium M. The second air supply section 48 is located downstream of the first air supply section 47 in the conveying direction Y.

[0070] When viewed from downstream in the conveying direction Y, the second air supply unit 48 is positioned in the first overlapping region DA1, overlapping with the first air supply unit 47. The first overlapping region DA1 is a region along the width direction X. Thus, the first air supply unit 47 and the second air supply unit 48 are positioned facing each other in the conveying direction Y within the first overlapping region DA1. The first overlapping region DA1 corresponds to an example of a first specific region. A portion of the second air supply unit 48 is located between the cut-off portion 25 and the frame 12 in the width direction X.

[0071] The cutting section 25 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The cutting section 25 is longer than the width W of the medium M in the width direction X and is provided to traverse the medium M. The cutting section 25 is located downstream of the carriage 34 in the conveying direction Y. The cutting section 25 is located downstream of the first air supply section 47 in the conveying direction Y.

[0072] The printing apparatus 11 includes an exhaust unit 49. The exhaust unit 49 is capable of venting gas. In particular, the exhaust unit 49 is capable of venting gas from the printing position P1 where printing is performed on the medium M and from the area where the printed medium M is transported.

[0073] The exhaust section 49 is provided in a manner that extends in the width direction X. The exhaust section 49 is shorter in the width direction X compared to the width W of the medium M, and is provided in a manner that it does not traverse the medium M without reaching the center C of the width W of the medium M. The exhaust section 49 is located downstream of the first air supply section 47 in the conveying direction Y.

[0074] The exhaust section 49 is positioned at a location overlapping the first air supply section 47 in the second overlapping region DA2 when viewed from downstream in the conveying direction Y. The second overlapping region DA2 is a region along the width direction X. Thus, the first air supply section 47 and the exhaust section 49 are positioned facing each other in the second overlapping region DA2 in the conveying direction Y. The exhaust section 49 is positioned in the width direction X, opposite to the second air supply section 48, such that the cut-off section 25 is sandwiched between the cut-off section 25 and the frame 12. The second overlapping region DA2 corresponds to an example of a second specific region.

[0075] Structure of the second air supply section 48

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The second air supply section 48 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the second air supply section 48 viewed from above in the vertical direction Z. In the accompanying drawings, the rightward direction in the width direction X when viewed from downstream in the conveying direction Y is sometimes referred to as the first width direction X1, and the leftward direction when viewed from downstream in the conveying direction Y is referred to as the second width direction X2. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first air supply section 47 and the second air supply section 48 when viewed from the starting point side of the second width direction X2.

[0077] like Figure 6As shown, the second air supply section 48 is tubular and has a second air supply channel 50 capable of blowing gas. The second air supply channel 50 is included in the air supply channel 43. The second air supply channel 50 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The second air supply channel 50 is formed by the inner wall of the second air supply section 48.

[0078] The second air supply section 48 has an opening 51. The opening 51 is provided at one end 48A of the second air supply section 48. The opening 51 is included in the second air supply channel 50. The opening 51 is open in the second width direction X2. External gas is introduced from the outside of the frame 12 through the opening 51 via a channel not shown.

[0079] The second air supply section 48 has a connecting port 52. The connecting port 52 is located at the other end 48B of the second air supply section 48. The connecting port 52 is included in the second air supply channel 50. The connecting port 52 is open upstream in the conveying direction Y in the second air supply section 48. The connecting port 52 is located in the first overlapping region DA1. The connecting port 52 connects the second air supply channel 50 with the first air supply channel 63 of the first air supply section 47.

[0080] The air supply unit 24 includes an airflow generating unit 53. The airflow generating unit 53 may also be located downstream of the opening 51 in the second air supply channel 50. The airflow generating unit 53 generates airflow according to a drive. The airflow generating unit 53 may also be an air supply fan. The airflow generating unit 53 is provided to blow gas in the first width direction X1. The airflow generating unit 53 introduces gas from the opening 51 into the second air supply channel 50 and blows the gas in the second air supply channel 50 through the connecting port 52.

[0081] The air supply section 24 includes a heater 54. The heater 54 may also be located downstream of the airflow generation section 53 in the second air supply channel 50 of the second air supply section 48. The heater 54 is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. A PTC heater is a heater that generates heat by passing an electric current and can maintain a certain temperature once it rises to that temperature. Furthermore, the PTC heater is a miniaturized heater. Thus, the heater 54 raises the temperature of the gas in the second air supply channel 50. Therefore, the heater 54 promotes the drying of the printed medium M.

[0082] The inner wall 55 downstream of the second air supply section 48 in the conveying direction Y becomes arc-shaped at the other end 48B of the second air supply section 48. The second air supply channel 50 is formed such that the width of the second air supply channel 50 narrows when viewed from the width direction X as it tends towards the first width direction X1. That is, in the second air supply section 48, although the gas from the opening 51 is blown along the second air supply channel 50 towards the first width direction X1 by the drive of the airflow generating section 53, the gas is guided to the upstream part in the conveying direction Y by the inner wall 55.

[0083] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the second air supply section 48 has an inclined surface 56. The inclined surface 56 is provided at the bottom of the inner wall of the other end 48B of the second air supply section 48. The inclined surface 56 is inclined at the other end 48B of the second air supply section 48 in such a way that it descends upstream in the conveying direction Y to the connection port 52. That is, the second air supply channel 50 is constructed such that it is inclined downward in the vertical direction Z towards the connection port 52. Thus, the second air supply channel 50 guides the gas so that it descends along the inclined surface 56 to the connection port 52. Although the inclined surface 56 is inclined in two stages, it is not limited to this.

[0084] Furthermore, although details will be described later, the second air supply channel 50 is connected to the first air supply channel 63 of the first air supply section 47 via the connecting port 52. Therefore, the airflow generating unit 53 can blow the gas in the second air supply channel 50 to the first air supply section 47 via the connecting port 52. Thus, it can be said that the airflow generating unit 53 generates airflow in both the first air supply section 47 and the second air supply section 48.

[0085] The second air supply section 48 is configured such that the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50, when viewed from the width direction X, is 30% or more of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50, when viewed from the width direction X; more preferably, it is 50% or more of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50, when viewed from the width direction X. Furthermore, the second air supply section 48 is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting port 52, when viewed from the conveying direction Y, is 20% or more of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50, when viewed from the width direction X. Additionally, the second air supply channel 50 has a larger cross-sectional area for blowing gas compared to the first air supply channel 63.

[0086] Structure of the first air supply section 47

[0087] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 10 The first air supply section 47 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the first air supply section 47. Figure 9 This is a front view of the first air supply section 47 viewed from downstream in the conveying direction Y. Additionally, in Figure 9 In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the air outlet 44 and the connecting port 52 are represented by diagonal lines with different angles. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the first air supply section 47 and the second air supply section 48 when viewed from above in the vertical direction Z.

[0088] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the first air supply section 47 is provided to extend in the width direction X. Specifically, the first air supply section 47 includes a main body section 61. The main body section 61 is in the shape of a thin plate. The main body section 61 is provided along a surface including both the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. The main body section 61 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The main body section 61 includes a lower end portion 61A and an abutment surface 61B. The main body section 61 is provided in the first overlapping region DA1 such that the abutment surface 61B, located downstream of the lower end portion 61A in the conveying direction Y, abuts against the outer wall of the second air supply section 48.

[0089] The first air supply section 47 includes an inclined section 62. The inclined section 62 is in the shape of a thin plate. The inclined section 62 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The inclined section 62 is provided at the lower end 61A of the main body section 61. The inclined section 62 is inclined in a way that it descends upstream in the conveying direction Y.

[0090] The inclined section 62 has an inclined surface 62A. The inclined surface 62A is a surface downstream in the conveying direction Y. The inclined section 62 is arranged in the first overlapping region DA1 such that the inclined surface 62A is located upstream in the conveying direction Y compared to the connecting port 52. As a result, the inclined section 62 guides the gas from the connecting port 52 of the second air supply section 48 downward in the vertical direction Z.

[0091] The first air supply section 47 includes the aforementioned partition 45. The partition 45 is provided in a manner that extends in the width direction X. The partition 45 is provided at the lower end 62B of the inclined section 62. The partition 45 includes the aforementioned protrusion 46. The protrusion 46 is provided in a manner that extends in the width direction X.

[0092] The first air supply section 47 includes a first air supply channel 63 capable of blowing gas. The first air supply channel 63 is included within the air supply channel 43. The first air supply channel 63 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The first air supply channel 63 is formed by at least the inclined surface 62A of the inclined portion 62 and the first surface 45A of the partition wall 45. The first air supply channel 63 communicates with the second air supply channel 50 via a communication port 52. The first air supply channel 63 communicates with an air outlet 44. Thus, the first air supply channel 63 can blow gas from the second air supply channel 50 to the air outlet 44.

[0093] The first air supply section 47 includes the aforementioned air outlet 44. The air outlet 44 is formed at least by the first surface 45A of the partition wall 45. The air outlet 44 is provided to extend in the width direction X. In addition, the air outlet 44 is also formed by the guide section 64 described later and the outer wall of the second air supply section 48. The air outlet 44 communicates with the first air supply channel 63.

[0094] The first air supply section 47 may also include a guide section 64. The guide section 64 is disposed in the first air supply region BA1 in the width direction X. The guide section 64 is not disposed in the second air supply region BA2 in the width direction X. The first air supply region BA1 is connected to the connecting port 52. The second air supply region BA2 is not connected to the connecting port 52. The first air supply region BA1 is the region that is closer to the connecting port 52 in the width direction X compared to the second air supply region BA2.

[0095] The guide section 64 protrudes downstream in the conveying direction Y from the first surface 45A of the partition wall 45. The guide section 64 is disposed in the first air supply channel 63. The guide section 64 is disposed such that it extends in the width direction X. The guide section 64 has an upper surface 64A. The upper surface 64A of the guide section 64 is located below the vertical direction Z compared to the communication port 52. The upper surface 64A of the guide section 64 guides the gas from the communication port 52 in the first width direction X1. Thus, the guide section 64 guides the gas from the communication port 52 in the first width direction X1.

[0096] The guide section 64 is tilted so as it descends from the communication port 52 in the width direction X. That is, the guide section 64 is tilted so as it approaches the printed medium M as it separates from the communication port 52 in the width direction X. As a result, the guide section 64 guides the gas from the communication port 52 downward in the vertical direction Z as it separates from the communication port 52 in the width direction X.

[0097] like Figure 10As shown, in a portion of the second blowing region BA2 where the guide section 64 is not located, the first surface 45A of the partition wall 45 is separated from the second air supply section 48 by a sixth distance D6. Furthermore, in a portion of the second blowing region BA2 where the guide section 64 is not located, the second air supply section 48 may not be provided. On the other hand, in the first blowing region BA1 where the guide section 64 is located, the end of the guide section 64 is separated from the second air supply section 48 by a seventh distance D7. The seventh distance D7 is smaller than the sixth distance D6. Thus, the guide section 64 has the function of adjusting the amount of gas blown downwards in the vertical direction Z from the communication port 52.

[0098] Structure of exhaust section 49

[0099] Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The exhaust section 49 will be explained. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust section 49 viewed from above in the vertical direction Z. Figure 12 This is a top view of the retaining part 77 when viewed from above in the vertical direction Z.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown, the exhaust section 49 includes a third air supply section 71. The third air supply section 71 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The third air supply section 71 is capable of blowing gas.

[0101] The third air supply section 71 is tubular and has an exhaust channel 72 for discharging gas. The exhaust channel 72 is provided to extend in the width direction X. The exhaust channel 72 is formed by the inner wall of the third air supply section 71.

[0102] The third air supply section 71 includes an air intake 73. The air intake 73 is located at one end 71A of the third air supply section 71. The air intake 73 is included in the exhaust flow channel 72. The air intake 73 opens downward in the vertical direction Z within the third air supply section 71. In particular, when the printed medium M is being conveyed in the conveying channel 20, the air intake 73 opens towards the printed medium M. That is, the air intake 73 is configured to draw gas between the exhaust section 49 and the printed medium M into the exhaust flow channel 72.

[0103] Furthermore, the intake port 73 is located downstream of the air outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y. Therefore, when the intake port 73 is located downstream of the air outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y, compared to when it is located upstream of the air outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y, it makes it more difficult for the gas from the air outlet 44 to travel upstream in the conveying direction Y.

[0104] The third air supply section 71 has an opening 74. The opening 74 is provided at the other end 71B of the third air supply section 71. The opening 74 is included in the exhaust channel 72. The opening 74 is open in the first width direction X1. The opening 74 discharges the gas in the exhaust channel 72 to the outside of the frame 12 through the channel (not shown).

[0105] The exhaust section 49 includes an exhaust flow generating section 75. The exhaust flow generating section 75 may also be located upstream of the opening 74 in the exhaust flow channel 72. The exhaust flow generating section 75 generates airflow according to a drive. The exhaust flow generating section 75 may also be a blower fan. The exhaust flow generating section 75 is provided to blow gas in the first width direction X1. The exhaust flow generating section 75 draws gas from the intake port 73 into the exhaust flow channel 72 and discharges the gas in the exhaust flow channel 72 from the opening 74. Thus, the exhaust flow generating section 75 generates the airflow in the third air supply section 71.

[0106] The inner wall 76 of the third air supply section 71, downstream in the conveying direction Y, slopes downstream from one end 71A towards the other end 71B. The exhaust channel 72 is formed such that its width narrows when viewed in the width direction X as it approaches the other end 71B of the third air supply section 71. Thus, the third air supply section 71, driven by the exhaust flow generating section 75, discharges gas from the intake port 73 along the exhaust channel 72.

[0107] Structure of retaining part 77

[0108] Additionally, the printing apparatus 11 includes a holding portion 77. The holding portion 77 is disposed along the cutting portion 25 at least in the width direction X, and is located below the exhaust portion 49 in the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the holding portion 77 is located at least below the intake port 73 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, when the printed medium M is being transported in the transport channel 20, the holding portion 77 is located above the printed medium M in the vertical direction Z. That is, the holding portion 77 is located between the intake port 73 and the printed medium M.

[0109] like Figure 12 As shown, the holding part 77 holds the driven roller 31B of the first roller pair 31. The driven roller 31B is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 31C. By holding the rotating shaft 31C, the holding part 77 holds the driven roller 31B in a rotatable manner.

[0110] The driven roller 31B is located downstream of the printing head 35 in the conveying direction Y and upstream of the cutting section 25 in the conveying direction Y. The holding section 77 is located downstream of the printing head 35 in the conveying direction Y and upstream of the cutting section 25 in the conveying direction Y, in the same manner as the driven roller 31B.

[0111] The drive roller 31A and driven roller 31B are examples of rollers used to transport the printed medium M. The drive roller 31A and driven roller 31B press the printed medium M, which has been cut by the cutting section 25.

[0112] The holding part 77 has a through hole 78. The through hole 78 extends in the vertical direction Z. That is, the through hole 78 faces the air intake 73 and the printed medium M between the air intake 73 and the printed medium M. The through hole 78 is formed to suppress the reduction of the amount of air drawn into the air intake 73, rather than to hold the driven roller 31B and the rotating shaft 31C. There can be one or more through holes 78.

[0113] The role of the first embodiment

[0114] The function of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, the second air supply section 48 is located between the cut-off section 25 and the frame 12 in the width direction X. The exhaust section 49 is located in the width direction X at the opposite position to the second air supply section 48, such that the cut-off section 25 is sandwiched between the cut-off section 25 and the frame 12.

[0116] Furthermore, the air supply section 24 is located downstream of the printing head 35 and upstream of the cutting section 25 of the carriage 34 in the transport direction Y. In particular, the first air supply section 47 is located downstream of the printing head 35 and upstream of the cutting section 25 of the carriage 34 in the transport direction Y.

[0117] The first air supply section 47 is located at a position that overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above. More specifically, the first air supply section 47 is located at a position that overlaps with a portion of the second region A2 within the moving area MA of the carriage 34 when viewed from above. In such a case, as... Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the air outlet 44 is located between the second region A2 of the carriage 34 and the printed medium M.

[0118] In this way, the first air supply section 47 can be positioned near the carriage 34 in the conveying direction Y. Specifically, by positioning the second air supply section 48 and the exhaust section 49 between the cut-off section 25 and the frame 12 in the width direction X, the first air supply section 47 can be positioned near the carriage 34 in the conveying direction Y. Furthermore, the cut-off section 25 can be positioned near the carriage 34 in the conveying direction Y.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, airflow is generated by driving the airflow generating unit 53. Specifically, by driving the airflow generating unit 53, gas from outside the frame 12 flows into the second air supply channel 50 through the opening 51. The gas flowing into the second air supply channel 50 through the opening 51 flows along the second air supply channel 50 in the first width direction X1. To promote the drying of the printed medium M, the temperature of the gas flowing in the second air supply channel 50 is increased by the heater 54.

[0120] When gas flowing into the second air supply channel 50 flows in the first width direction X1, its air supply direction changes upstream of the conveying direction Y along the inner wall 55 downstream of the conveying direction Y. Furthermore, when gas flowing into the second air supply channel 50 flows in the first width direction X1, its air supply direction changes downstream of the vertical direction Z along the inclined surface 56. Thus, in the second air supply channel 50, the gas flowing in the first width direction X1 changes its air supply direction upstream of the conveying direction Y and downstream of the vertical direction Z. Moreover, the gas in the second air supply channel 50 is blown into the first air supply channel 63 through the connecting port 52 located upstream of the second air supply channel 50 in the conveying direction Y.

[0121] Since a portion of the second air supply section 48 is located between the cut-off section 25 and the frame 12 in the width direction X, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas being blown in the second air supply channel 50 can be increased compared to the first air supply channel 63. Furthermore, in the second air supply channel 50 and the connecting port 52, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas being blown downstream of the gas supply point becomes smaller. In this case, by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas being blown in the second air supply channel 50 and the connecting port 52, the pressure loss of the gas in the first air supply channel 63 is not excessively increased.

[0122] like Figure 9As shown, in the first air supply channel 63, although the gas flowing in from the second air supply channel 50 via the connecting port 52 flows in the first width direction X1, the gas also flows in the air supply direction upstream of the conveying direction Y and downward of the vertical direction Z. The gas flowing into the first air supply channel 63 further changes its air supply direction downward of the vertical direction Z by passing through the inclined surface 62A of the inclined portion 62.

[0123] In this configuration, in the first blowing region BA1 near the connection port 52, the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 can be reduced by the guide portion 64, while the blowing volume of gas blown in the first width direction X1 can be increased. Furthermore, in the first blowing region BA1 near the connection port 52, the gas flowing into the first air passage 63 tends towards the first width direction X1 and is guided downwards in the vertical direction Z along the upper surface 64A of the guide portion 64. Moreover, in the second blowing region BA2 away from the connection port 52, the guide portion 64 is not provided, and gas is blown out from the air outlet 44.

[0124] Thus, the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 can be adjusted in the first blowing region BA1 near the connection port 52 and the second blowing region BA2 away from the connection port 52. For example, if the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 in the first blowing region BA1 is too large, the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 in the second blowing region BA2 is reduced. On the other hand, if the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 in the first blowing region BA1 is too small, the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 in the second blowing region BA2 is increased. In this way, by providing the guide section 64, the blowing volume of gas blown from the air outlet 44 can be made uniform in the first width direction X1.

[0125] Gas from the air outlet 44 is blown downwards in the vertical direction Z along the first surface 45A of the partition wall 45. The partition wall 45 is positioned upstream of the air outlet 44 in the conveying direction Y, extending downwards in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, gas from the air outlet 44 becomes difficult to flow upstream in the conveying direction Y compared to the air outlet 44.

[0126] Furthermore, the gas from the air outlet 44 becomes difficult to flow upstream in the conveying direction Y compared to the air outlet 44 at the lower end 45B of the partition wall 45 due to the protrusion 46. As a result, the gas from the air outlet 44 will not have a significant impact on the print head 35 upstream in the conveying direction Y compared to the air outlet 44.

[0127] The first air supply section 47 is located downstream of the printing head 35 and upstream of the cutting section 25 in the conveying direction Y. Therefore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas being blown by the first air supply channel 63 compared to the second air supply channel 50, space saving can be achieved for the positions of the carriage 34, the air supply section 24, and the cutting section 25.

[0128] like Figure 11 As shown, in the exhaust section 49, an airflow is generated by driving the exhaust flow generating section 75. Specifically, by driving the exhaust flow generating section 75, the gas between the exhaust section 49 and the printed medium M flows into the exhaust flow channel 72 through the intake port 73. In this case, although the holding section 77 is located between the intake port 73 and the printed medium M, the gas between the exhaust section 49 and the printed medium M flows into the exhaust flow channel 72 through the intake port 73 via the through hole 78, etc., of the holding section 77.

[0129] Gas flowing into the exhaust channel 72 through the intake port 73 flows along the exhaust channel 72 in the first width direction X1. As the gas flowing into the exhaust channel 72 flows in the first width direction X1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas being blown increases along the inner wall 76 downstream of the conveying direction Y, and the gas flows out from the opening 74 and is discharged to the outside of the frame 12.

[0130] Effects of the first implementation method

[0131] The effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0132] (1) The air supply section 24 is positioned such that, when viewed from above, it overlaps with a portion of the moving area MA of the carriage 34, and a portion of the air outlet 44 is located between the carriage 34 and the printed medium M. Therefore, the air outlet 44 can be brought close to the carriage 34. In other words, the air supply section 24 can be brought close to the carriage 34. This allows for space saving in the transport direction Y due to the positions of the air supply section 24 and the carriage 34. Therefore, space saving in the printing apparatus 11 is achieved.

[0133] (2) Furthermore, the air supply unit 24 is provided to extend along the width direction X without moving. In this way, air can be supplied to the printed medium M without the carriage 34, which is movable in the width direction X, being mounted on the air supply unit 24. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without affecting the movement of the carriage 34 in the width direction X.

[0134] (3) With reference plane RP as the reference, the air outlet 44 is located at a position that is farther away from the nozzle surface 36. Therefore, the gas blown out from the air outlet 44 becomes difficult to flow upstream in the transport direction Y. Thus, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without significantly affecting the ejection of liquid from the print head 35 upstream in the transport direction Y.

[0135] (4) The carriage 34 has a first region A1 on which the print head 35 is mounted, and a second region A2 located downstream of the first region A1 in the transport direction Y. The second region A2 is located further away from the first region A1 relative to the reference plane RP. A portion of the air outlet 44 is located between the second region A2 of the carriage 34 and the printed medium M. Therefore, by maintaining a distance between the second region A2 (where the print head 35 is not mounted) and the reference plane RP, a space can be provided where a portion of the air outlet 44 is located between the second region A2 and the printed medium M. Thus, by bringing the air outlet 44 close to the carriage 34 in the second region A2 (where the print head 35 is not mounted), space savings in the transport direction Y can be achieved regarding the positions of the air supply section 24 and the carriage 34. Therefore, space savings in the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved.

[0136] (5) The air supply section 24 has a partition 45 that blocks the blowing of gas from the air supply port 44. The partition 45 is provided upstream of the air supply port 44 in the transport direction Y, extending at least from the air supply port 44 toward the printed medium M. Therefore, the gas blown out from the air supply port 44 becomes difficult to flow upstream in the transport direction Y. As a result, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without significantly affecting the ejection of liquid from the print head 35 upstream in the transport direction Y.

[0137] (6) Furthermore, although gas heated by the heater 54 is blown out from the air outlet 44, it makes it difficult for the gas blown out from the air outlet 44 to flow upstream in the transport direction Y. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the print head 35 is heated upstream in the transport direction Y due to the blowing of gas from the air outlet 44. Thus, space saving in the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without significantly affecting the print head 35.

[0138] (7) The partition wall 45 has a protrusion 46 protruding downstream in the transport direction Y between the air outlet 44 and the printed medium M. Therefore, by utilizing the protrusion 46, the gas blown from the air outlet 44 is guided downstream in the transport direction Y, thereby further making it difficult for the gas to flow upstream in the transport direction Y. As a result, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without significantly affecting the ejection of liquid from the print head 35 upstream in the transport direction Y.

[0139] (8) With reference to the reference plane RP, the protrusion 46 is positioned at a location farther from the nozzle surface 36. Therefore, by using the protrusion 46 at a location farther from the nozzle surface 36 with reference to the reference plane RP, the gas blown from the air outlet 44 is guided downstream in the conveying direction Y, thereby further making it difficult for the gas to flow upstream in the conveying direction Y. As a result, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without significantly affecting the ejection of liquid from the print head 35 upstream in the conveying direction Y.

[0140] (9) The air supply unit 24 includes a first air supply unit 47 having a first air supply channel 63 and a second air supply unit 48 having a second air supply channel 50. The second air supply channel 50 has a larger cross-sectional area for blowing gas compared to the first air supply channel 63, and can blow gas to the first air supply channel 63 via the connecting port 52. The first air supply unit 47 is located downstream of the printing head 35 and upstream of the cutting portion 25 in the conveying direction Y, and a portion of the second air supply unit 48 is located between the frame 12 and the cutting portion 25 in the width direction X. The first air supply unit 47 and the second air supply unit 48 are disposed in a first overlapping region DA1 along the width direction X at positions facing each other in the conveying direction Y, such that the connecting port 52 connecting the second air supply channel 50 and the first air supply channel 63 is located in the first overlapping region DA1. Therefore, by positioning the first air supply unit 47 downstream of the printing head 35 and upstream of the cutting unit 25 in the transport direction Y, the carriage 34, the air supply unit 24, and the cutting unit 25 can be brought closer together in the transport direction Y. This allows for space saving in the printing apparatus 11.

[0141] (10) In addition, the second air supply section 48, which has a larger cross-sectional area than the first air supply channel 63, is located between the frame 12 and the cut-off section 25 in the width direction X. As a result, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved while ensuring the amount of gas blown to the first air supply channel 63.

[0142] (11) Furthermore, in the first overlapping region DA1 along the width direction X, the first air supply section 47 and the second air supply section 48 are positioned facing each other in the transport direction Y, thereby allowing gas to be blown from the second air supply channel 50 to the first air supply channel 63 via the connecting port 52. This prevents excessive pressure loss from the second air supply channel 50 to the first air supply channel 63. Therefore, space saving in the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss when blowing gas from the air supply port 44.

[0143] (12) The second air supply section 48 is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting port 52 is more than 20% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50 when viewed from the width direction X. Therefore, the pressure loss from the second air supply channel 50 to the first air supply channel 63 will not increase excessively. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss when blowing gas from the air supply port 44.

[0144] (13) The second air supply section 48 is configured such that the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50 when viewed from the width direction X is more than 30% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel 50 when viewed from the width direction X. Therefore, the pressure loss in the second air supply channel 50 will not increase excessively. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss when blowing gas from the air outlet 44.

[0145] (14) The heater 54 that raises the temperature of the gas in the second air supply channel 50 is a PTC heater and is located in the second air supply channel 50. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the heater 54 can be reduced while reducing the number of parts, thereby saving space in the printing apparatus 11. In addition, it also makes the control of the heater 54 easier.

[0146] (15) The second air supply channel 50 is configured to slope downward in the vertical direction Z toward the communication port 52. Therefore, gas can be blown downward in the vertical direction Z toward the communication port 52 that communicates with the first air supply channel 63 in the second air supply channel 50. As a result, the downward airflow in the vertical direction Z in the first air supply channel 63 can be smoothly formed. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss when blowing gas from the air supply port 44.

[0147] (16) The first air supply unit 47 has a guide portion 64 that guides gas from the communication port 52 in the first air supply channel 63. The guide portion 64 extends in the width direction X and is inclined in a manner that it moves closer to the printed medium M as it separates from the communication port 52 in the width direction X. Therefore, gas from the communication port 52 is guided in the width direction X in the first air supply channel 63. In addition, gas from the communication port 52 is guided in the first air supply channel 63 in a manner that it moves closer to the printed medium M as it separates from the communication port 52 in the width direction X. As a result, the amount of gas blown from the communication port 52 can be equalized in the width direction X, and the pressure loss in the first air supply channel 63 can be reduced. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss when blowing gas from the air supply port 44.

[0148] (17) When liquid is sprayed from the print head 35 onto the medium M, the gas contains more moisture at the printing position P1 and upstream in the transport direction Y compared to the printing position P1. Additionally, the printed medium M also contains moisture. Under these conditions, by discharging the gas between the printed medium M and the gas source through the exhaust section 49, the drying of the printed medium M can be promoted. Furthermore, the mist generated when the liquid is sprayed from the print head 35 can also be discharged to the outside of the frame 12 along with the gas.

[0149] The exhaust section 49 is positioned opposite to the second air supply section 48, such that the cut-off section 25 is sandwiched between the frame 12 and the cut-off section 25. The first air supply section 47 and the exhaust section 49 are positioned facing each other in the transport direction Y within the second overlapping region DA2 along the width direction X. The exhaust section 49 is positioned opposite to the second air supply section 48 in the width direction X, such that the cut-off section 25 is sandwiched between the frame 12 and the cut-off section 25. As a result, the printed medium M can be dried efficiently, and space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved.

[0150] (18) The holding portion 77, which holds the driven roller 31B of the first roller pair 31, is located downstream of the printing head 35 in the transport direction Y and upstream of the cutting portion 25 in the transport direction Y. The holding portion 77 is located between the air intake 73 of the exhaust portion 49 and the printed medium M, and has a through hole 78 provided between the air intake 73 and the printed medium M. Therefore, even when the holding portion 77 is located between the air intake 73 of the exhaust portion 49 and the printed medium M, gas between the exhaust portion 49 and the printed medium M can be drawn in from the air intake 73 through the through hole 78 provided in the holding portion 77. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus 11 can be achieved without reducing the efficiency of exhausting gas between the exhaust portion 49 and the printed medium M.

[0151] Change Example

[0152] This embodiment can be modified and implemented in the following ways. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0153] While the cutting section 25 is used as an example of a processing unit for processing the printed medium M, it is not limited to this. For example, a stacker could also be used as an example of a processing unit. The stacker is capable of holding the discharged medium M. In this case, the stacker could also be configured to slide out of the housing 12 when in use and be stored inside the housing 12 when not in use. As an example of a processing unit, an image reading unit could also be used to read images from the medium M. That is, the processing unit only needs to perform processing related to the medium M, and it could be the printed medium M or a medium M unrelated to printing.

[0154] • Alternatively, the through hole 78 for communication may not be provided in the holding part 77. Alternatively, the holding part 77 may not be provided between the venting part 49 and the printed medium M.

[0155] The support portion 22 may also have a support surface 22A, which has a recess. In this case, the support surface 22A only needs to have a surface that supports the medium M. In addition, the reference surface RP only needs to include at least a portion of the support surface 22A, preferably, the support surface 22A includes the surface that supports the medium M.

[0156] Although the carriage 34 area A0 is divided into three areas, it is not limited to this and can also be divided into two or more areas.

[0157] • The second region A2 only needs to be located downstream of the first region A1, which is provided with the nozzle surface 36, in the conveying direction Y. It can be adjacent to the first region A1 or not.

[0158] • The second area A2 only needs to be an area that does not have a print head 35, for example, it can also be an area that has a carriage motor 38.

[0159] • A portion of the second air supply section 48 may also be located at a position overlapping with the first air supply section 47 in the conveying direction Y. That is, a portion of the second air supply section 48 may also be located between the frame 12 and the first air supply section 47 in the width direction X.

[0160] The second air supply section 48 may also have a connection opening in a region outside the first overlapping region DA1. As a specific example, when a portion of the second air supply section 48 is located between the frame 12 and the first air supply section 47 in the width direction X of the first air supply section 47, the second air supply section 48 may also have a connection opening on a surface facing the first air supply section 47 in the width direction X, in addition to the first overlapping region DA1. In this case, the connection opening may be formed continuously or in multiple segments.

[0161] Alternatively, the entire second air supply section 48 can be positioned between the frame 12 and the cut-off section 25 in the width direction X. In other words, only a portion or all of the second air supply section 48 needs to be positioned between the frame 12 and the cut-off section 25 in the width direction X.

[0162] • The airflow generating section 53 can also be located outside the second air supply duct 50. In this case, the second air supply section 48 only needs to introduce gas from the airflow generating section 53 through the opening 51.

[0163] The heater 54 may also be located outside the second air supply duct 50. The heater 54 may also be located upstream of the airflow generating section 53 in the direction of airflow.

[0164] Although the distance between the upper surface 64A of the guide portion 64 and the partition wall 45 in the first blowing area BA1 is the same, it is not limited to this. For example, the distance between the upper surface 64A of the guide portion 64 and the partition wall 45 in the first blowing area BA1 can be made shorter as it tends toward the first width direction X1.

[0165] • The lower end 45B of the partition 45 and the protrusion 46 may be at the same distance from the nozzle surface 36 with reference to the reference surface RP, or they may be at a position closer to the nozzle surface 36.

[0166] • The protrusion 46 may also be provided above the lower end 45B of the partition wall 45 in the vertical direction Z. Alternatively, multiple protrusions 46 may be provided on the partition wall 45 in the vertical direction Z.

[0167] The first air supply unit 47 may also have a communication port that communicates with the communication port 52 of the second air supply unit 48. That is to say, the first air supply unit 47 only needs to be able to introduce gas from the communication port 52 of the second air supply unit 48, and it may or may not have a structure that serves as a communication port.

[0168] • The air outlet 44 can also be formed by the structure in the first air outlet 47 without using the structure in the second air outlet 48. That is, regardless of whether the entire area is formed only by the first air outlet 47, it is sufficient to connect the air outlet 44 to the first air outlet channel 63 in the first air outlet 47.

[0169] • The medium M may not be a long strip of medium wound into a roll body R. The medium M can be paper, or a film or cloth made of synthetic resin, non-woven fabric, laminated medium, etc.

[0170] • The liquid can be any substance that can be recorded on the medium M by adhering to it, and it can be selected arbitrarily. For example, ink may also include substances in which functional material particles composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various components such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, colloidal inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0171] The printing apparatus 11 is not limited to a printer and can also be a dyeing and printing apparatus. In addition, the printing apparatus 11 can also be a multifunction printer that has a scanner mechanism and a copying function in addition to the recording function.

[0172] Postscript

[0173] The following describes the technical concepts and effects learned from the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0174] (A) Includes: a conveying unit configured to convey a medium in a conveying direction; a support unit configured to support the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a print head configured to perform printing by spraying liquid onto the medium supported by the support unit; a carriage that mounts the print head and is movable in a scanning direction; and an air supply unit configured to supply air to the printed medium that has been printed by the print head. The support unit has a support surface that supports the medium conveyed by the conveying unit. The air supply unit has an air supply channel and an air outlet. The air supply channel is capable of blowing gas, and the air outlet is capable of blowing gas from the air supply channel onto the printed medium. The air supply unit is arranged to extend along the scanning direction of the carriage and not move. The air supply unit is arranged such that, when viewed from above, a portion or all of the air outlet is located between the carriage and the printed medium at a position that overlaps with a portion of the moving area of ​​the carriage.

[0175] This structure allows the air outlet to be positioned close to the carriage. In other words, the air supply unit can be positioned close to the carriage. This enables space-saving in the medium's transport direction, considering the positions of the air supply unit and the carriage. Therefore, space-saving is achieved in the printing apparatus.

[0176] Furthermore, the air supply unit is configured to extend along the scanning direction of the carriage and remain stationary. This allows air to be supplied to the printed media without requiring the movable carriage in the scanning direction to mount the air supply unit. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus is achieved without affecting the movement of the carriage in the scanning direction.

[0177] (B) Alternatively, the printing head may have a nozzle face and a plurality of nozzles facing the support surface, the plurality of nozzles spraying liquid on the nozzle face, with the air outlet positioned at a distance from the nozzle face relative to the surface including the support surface.

[0178] According to this structure, the gas blown out from the air outlet becomes less likely to flow upstream in the direction of media transport. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the liquid ejection from the printhead upstream in the direction of media transport.

[0179] (C) Alternatively, the printhead may have a nozzle face and a plurality of nozzles facing the support surface, the plurality of nozzles spraying liquid onto the nozzle face, the carriage having a first region and a second region different from the first region when viewed from above, the second region being located downstream of the first region in the medium transport direction, the printhead not being mounted in the second region but being mounted in the first region, the carriage being configured such that the second region is located further away from the first region, with the surface including the support surface as a reference, the carriage being configured such that the second region is located further away from the first region, and the air supply is configured such that part or all of the air supply port is located between the second region of the carriage and the printed medium.

[0180] According to this structure, by maintaining a distance between the second region, which does not house the printhead, and the surface including the support surface, it is possible to position part or all of the air supply vent within the space between the second region and the printed medium. Thus, by placing the air supply vent close to the carriage in the second region, where the printhead is not mounted, space savings in the medium's transport direction are achieved regarding the positions of the air supply section and the carriage. Therefore, space savings in the printing apparatus are achievable.

[0181] (D) Alternatively, the air supply section may have a partition that blocks the blowing of gas from the air outlet, the partition being provided such that it extends at least from the air outlet toward the printed medium at an upstream position relative to the air outlet in the medium conveying direction.

[0182] According to this structure, the gas blown out from the air outlet becomes less likely to flow upstream in the direction of media transport. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the liquid ejection from the printhead upstream in the direction of media transport.

[0183] (E) Alternatively, the partition may have a protrusion extending downstream in the direction of medium transport between the air outlet and the printed medium.

[0184] According to this structure, by utilizing the protrusion, the gas blown from the air outlet is guided downstream in the direction of media transport, thereby further making it difficult for the gas to flow upstream in the direction of media transport. Thus, space saving in the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the liquid ejection from the printhead upstream in the direction of media transport.

[0185] (F) Alternatively, the printing head may have a nozzle face and a plurality of nozzles facing the support surface, the plurality of nozzles spraying liquid on the nozzle face, with the protrusion positioned at a distance from the nozzle face relative to the surface including the support surface.

[0186] According to this structure, by using a protrusion at a position farther than the nozzle surface, based on the surface including the support surface, the gas blown from the air outlet is guided downstream in the direction of media transport, thereby further making it difficult for the gas to flow upstream in the direction of media transport. Thus, space saving in the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the ejection of liquid from the printhead upstream in the direction of media transport.

[0187] (G) Alternatively, the protrusion may be positioned at the lower end of the partition wall. This configuration achieves the same effect as (E) and (F).

[0188] (H) comprises: a conveying unit configured to convey a medium in a conveying direction; a print head configured to perform printing by spraying liquid onto the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a carriage that mounts the print head and is movable in a scanning direction; an air supply unit that supplies air to the printed medium after printing by the print head; a processing unit that performs media-related processing; and a housing that houses the conveying unit, the print head, the carriage, the air supply unit, and the processing unit. The air supply unit has a first air supply section, a second air supply section, an airflow generating section, and an air outlet. The first air supply section is capable of blowing gas, the second air supply section is capable of blowing gas into the first air supply section, the airflow generating section generates airflow in the first air supply section and the second air supply section, and the air outlet is capable of blowing gas from the first air supply section onto the printed medium. In essence, the first air supply unit has a first air supply channel capable of blowing gas to the air outlet; the second air supply unit has a second air supply channel and a connecting port capable of blowing gas to the first air supply channel; the connecting port connects the second air supply channel with the first air supply channel; the second air supply channel has a larger cross-sectional area for blowing gas compared to the first air supply channel; the first air supply unit is located downstream of the printing head in the media transport direction and upstream of the processing unit in the media transport direction; part or all of the second air supply unit is located between the frame and the processing unit in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage; the first air supply unit and the second air supply unit are located facing each other in the media transport direction in a first specific region along the scanning direction of the carriage; the connecting port is located at least in the first specific region.

[0189] According to this structure, the first air supply unit is located downstream of the print head and upstream of the processing unit in the media conveying direction, thereby enabling the carriage, air supply unit, and processing unit to be close together in the conveying direction. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus can be achieved.

[0190] Furthermore, a second air supply section, which has a larger cross-sectional area than the first air supply channel and blows gas, is located between the frame and the processing section in the scanning direction along the carriage. This allows for space saving in the printing apparatus while ensuring the amount of gas blown into the first air supply channel.

[0191] Furthermore, in a first specific region along the scanning direction of the carriage, the first air supply unit and the second air supply unit face each other in the media transport direction, thereby allowing gas to be blown from the second air supply channel to the first air supply channel via a connecting port. This prevents excessive pressure loss from the second air supply channel to the first air supply channel. Therefore, space saving in the printing apparatus can be achieved without excessive pressure loss when using gas blown from the air supply port.

[0192] (I) The second air supply section is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication port when viewed from the direction of medium transport is more than 20% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel when viewed from the direction of scanning along the carriage.

[0193] This structure prevents excessive pressure loss from the second airflow channel to the first airflow channel. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus can be achieved without excessive pressure loss of the gas blown from the air outlet.

[0194] (J) Alternatively, the second air supply section may be configured such that the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel when viewed from the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage is more than 30% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second air supply channel when viewed from the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage.

[0195] This structure prevents excessive pressure loss in the second airflow channel. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus can be achieved without excessive pressure loss of the gas blown from the air outlet.

[0196] (K) can also be arranged such that at least a portion of the first air supply section is positioned to overlap with a portion of the moving area of ​​the carriage when viewed from above.

[0197] This structure allows the first air supply section to be positioned close to the carriage. This, in turn, enables space-saving in the medium's transport direction, based on the positions of the air supply section and the carriage. Therefore, space-saving in the printing apparatus is achieved.

[0198] (L) Alternatively, the first air supply section may have a partition that blocks the blowing of gas from the air supply port, the partition being provided such that it extends at least upstream of the air supply port toward the printed medium in the medium conveying direction relative to the air supply port.

[0199] According to this structure, the gas blown out from the air outlet becomes less likely to flow upstream in the direction of media transport. Therefore, space-saving design of the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the liquid ejection from the printhead upstream in the direction of media transport.

[0200] (M) can also be adopted in such a way that the partition has a protrusion that protrudes downstream in the direction of medium delivery between the air outlet and the printed medium.

[0201] According to this structure, the protrusion is used to guide the gas blown from the air outlet downstream in the direction of medium transport, thereby further making it difficult for the gas to flow upstream in the direction of medium transport. As a result, space saving of the printing apparatus can be achieved without significantly affecting the liquid ejection from the printhead upstream in the direction of medium transport.

[0202] (N) It ​​can also be adopted in the following manner, that is, having a heater, which raises the temperature of the gas in the second air supply channel, the heater being a PTC heater located in the second air supply channel.

[0203] This structure allows for a reduction in the number of parts while simultaneously decreasing the heater's installation area, thus saving space in the printing unit. Furthermore, it also simplifies heater control.

[0204] (O) can also be configured such that the second air supply channel is inclined downward in the vertical direction toward the connection port.

[0205] According to this structure, gas can be blown vertically downwards towards the connection port that communicates with the first air supply channel in the second air supply channel. This allows for the smooth formation of a vertically downward airflow in the first air supply channel. Therefore, space saving in the printing apparatus can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss of the gas blown from the air supply port.

[0206] (P) Alternatively, the first air supply section may have a guide portion that guides the gas from the communication port in the first air supply channel, the guide portion extending in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage and inclined as it separates from the communication port in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage and approaches the printed medium.

[0207] According to this structure, in the first air supply channel, the gas from the connecting port is guided in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage. Furthermore, in the first air supply channel, the gas from the connecting port is guided in such a way that it separates from the connecting port and approaches the printed medium in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage. Therefore, the amount of gas blown from the connecting port can be equalized in the direction along the scanning direction of the carriage, and the pressure loss in the first air supply channel can be reduced. Thus, space saving in the printing apparatus can be achieved without excessively increasing the pressure loss of the gas blown from the air supply port.

[0208] (Q) Alternatively, an exhaust section may be provided to discharge gas. Part or all of the exhaust section is located opposite to the second air supply section, sandwiching the processing section between the frame and the processing section. The first air supply section and the exhaust section are located opposite each other in the medium transport direction in a second specific region along the scanning direction of the carriage.

[0209] According to this structure, the exhaust section is located opposite to the second air supply section, sandwiching the processing section between the frame and the processing section in the scanning direction along the carriage. This allows for efficient drying of the printed medium M and enables space saving in the printing apparatus.

[0210] (R) can also be configured as follows: a roller for conveying the printed medium; a holding portion for holding the roller; the exhaust portion having an exhaust channel, an exhaust flow generating portion, and an intake port; the exhaust channel is capable of discharging gas; the exhaust flow generating portion discharging gas from the exhaust channel; the intake port is capable of drawing gas between the printed medium and the printed medium into the exhaust channel; the holding portion is located downstream of the printing head in the medium conveying direction and upstream of the processing portion in the medium conveying direction; the roller presses the printed medium that has undergone medium-related processing by the processing portion; the holding portion is located between the intake port and the printed medium; the holding portion has a through hole provided between the intake port and the printed medium.

[0211] According to this structure, even when the holding part is located between the air intake of the exhaust part and the printed medium, gas between the exhaust part and the printed medium can be drawn in through the through hole provided on the holding part. Therefore, space saving of the printing apparatus can be achieved without reducing the efficiency of exhausting gas between the exhaust part and the printed medium.

[0212] Symbol Explanation

[0213] A0…Area; A1…First Area; A2…Second Area; A3…Third Area; BA1…First Blowing Area; BA2…Second Blowing Area; D1…First Distance; D2…Second Distance; D3…Third Distance; D4…Fourth Distance; D5…Fifth Distance; D6…Sixth Distance; D7…Seventh Distance; DA1…First Overlap Area; DA2…Second Overlap Area; M…Media; MA…Moving Area; P1…Printing Position; P2…Branch Point; P3…Merging Point; R…Roll Body; RP…Reference Plane; X…Width Direction; Y…Conveying Direction; Z…Vertical Direction 11… Printing apparatus; 12… Frame; 13… Opening; 14… Discharge port; 16… Unwinding section; 17… Front plate section; 18… Support wall; 19… Storage section; 20… Conveying channel; 20A… Supply channel; 20B… Reversing channel; 20C… Discharge channel; 21… Conveying section; 22… Support section; 22A… Support surface; 23… Printing section; 24… Air supply section; 25… Cutting section; 26… Supply roller pair; 27… Reversing roller; 28… Driven roller; 29… Upstream conveying roller pair; 30… Downstream conveying roller pair; 31… First roller pair; 31A… Drive roller; 31B… Driven roller; 31C…rotating shaft; 32…second roller pair; 33…guide shaft; 34…carriage; 34A, 34B…bottom surface; 35…print head; 36…nozzle surface; 37…nozzle; 38…carriage motor; 39…moving blade; 40…fixed blade; 41…guide component; 42…control section; 43…airflow channel; 44…air outlet; 45…partition; 45A…first surface; 45B…lower end; 46…protrusion; 46A…upper surface; 47…first air supply section; 48…second air supply section; 48A…one end; 48B…the other end; 49…exhaust section; 50 …Second air supply channel; 51…Opening; 52…Connecting port; 53…Airflow generating section; 54…Heater; 55…Inner wall; 56…Inclined surface; 61…Main body; 61A…Lower end; 61B…Abutting surface; 62…Inclined section; 62A…Inclined surface; 62B…Lower end; 63…First air supply channel; 64…Guide section; 64A…Upper surface; 71…Third air supply section; 71A…One end; 71B…The other end; 72…Exhaust channel; 73…Intake port; 74…Opening; 75…Exhaust flow generating section; 76…Inner wall; 77…Holding section; 78…Through hole.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit is configured to convey a medium in the conveying direction; A support portion is configured to support the medium conveyed by the conveying portion; A print head configured to perform printing by spraying liquid onto a medium supported by the support portion; A carriage that mounts the print head and is movable in the scanning direction; An air supply unit is capable of supplying air to the printed medium that has been printed through the printhead. The support portion has a support surface that supports the medium conveyed by the conveying portion. The air supply unit has an air supply channel and an air outlet. The air supply channel is capable of blowing gas, and the air outlet is capable of blowing the gas from the air supply channel onto the printed medium. The air supply unit is configured to extend along the scanning direction of the carriage without moving. The air supply unit is positioned such that, when viewed from above, a portion of the air outlet overlaps with a portion of the moving area of ​​the carriage, and that part or all of the air outlet is located between the carriage and the printed medium. The air supply section has a partition that blocks the blowing of gas from the air supply port. The partition is positioned upstream of the air outlet in the direction of media transport, extending at least from the air outlet toward the printed media. The partition wall has a protrusion that extends downstream in the direction of media delivery between the air outlet and the printed medium. The printing head has a nozzle face and a plurality of nozzles, the nozzle face facing the support surface, and the plurality of nozzles spraying liquid onto the nozzle face. With the surface including the support surface as a reference, the protrusion is positioned at a location farther away from the nozzle surface.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, With the surface including the support surface as a reference, the air outlet is positioned at a location farther away from the nozzle surface.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The carriage, when viewed from above, has a first region and a second region that is different from the first region. The second region is located downstream of the first region in the direction of medium transport. The print head is not mounted in the second region but in the first region. Using the surface including the support surface as a reference, the carriage is configured such that the second region is located further away from the first region. The air supply section is configured such that a portion or all of the air outlet is located between the second region of the carriage and the printed medium.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is located at the lower end of the partition wall.

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