Active energy ray irradiation apparatus and inkjet printer

Abstract

The active energy ray irradiation apparatus of the present application includes a frame, an irradiation section disposed in the frame to irradiate an active energy ray, a heat conduction member disposed in the frame to be thermally connected to the irradiation section, a first opening section provided in the frame, and a gas introduction section to introduce a gas flowing into the frame through the first opening section in a first direction toward a second direction intersecting the first direction and into the heat conduction member. The gas introduction section includes a partition section provided to face the first opening section in the frame, and a filter provided between the first opening section and the partition section to collect foreign matter contained in the gas. The filter includes a first filter section provided on the heat conduction member side to be in contact with the partition section without being exposed from the first opening section as viewed in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an active energy irradiation device and an inkjet printer. Background Technology

[0002] As a technology related to active energy irradiation devices, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a light irradiation device having a frame and a light source (irradiation unit) disposed within the frame. In the light irradiation device described in Patent Document 1, an air intake is provided in the frame for drawing in gas from the outside, and the light source is cooled by the gas flowing into the frame through the air intake.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-103845 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Inkjet printers and other devices equipped with the aforementioned active energy irradiation unit often contain foreign matter such as ink mist. Therefore, in these active energy irradiation units, filters are sometimes installed to collect foreign matter contained in the gas flowing into the unit, in order to prevent it from entering the housing. However, in this case, as the unit is used over time, the filter becomes clogged, the flow rate of gas into the housing decreases, and the temperature of the irradiation section may rise (due to insufficient cooling).

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an active energy irradiation device and an inkjet printer that can suppress the temperature rise of the irradiated part as the usage time increases.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] One aspect of the active energy irradiation device disclosed herein includes: a frame; an irradiation section disposed within the frame for irradiating active energy lines; a heat-conducting member disposed within the frame and thermally connected to the irradiation section; a first opening disposed within the frame; and a gas inlet section for deflecting gas flowing into the frame through the first opening in a first direction toward a second direction intersecting the first direction and introducing it into the heat-conducting member. The gas inlet section includes: a partition section disposed within the frame opposite to the first opening; and a filter disposed between the first opening and the partition section for collecting foreign matter contained in the gas. The filter includes: a first filter portion disposed on the side of the heat-conducting member, which, when viewed from the first direction, does not protrude from the first opening but contacts the partition section.

[0011] In this active energy irradiation device, gas is introduced into the heat-conducting member through the gas inlet, and the heat-conducting member is cooled by the gas, thus cooling the irradiation unit. At the gas inlet, foreign matter contained in the gas is collected and removed by a filter including a first filter section. Here, at the gas inlet, gas flowing into the frame via the first opening along the first direction is deflected towards the heat-conducting member in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, in the area of ​​the filter exposed from the first opening (hereinafter also referred to as the "filter exposed area"), a portion that allows easy gas passage is formed on the deflected second direction side. Furthermore, the presence of the first filter section suppresses the formation of space between the filter and the separator, thus reliably achieving a difference in gas resistance loss: a portion that allows easy gas passage is formed in the filter exposed area. Therefore, in the initial stages of use, gas flowing into the frame via the first opening does not pass evenly through the entire filter exposed area, but mainly through a portion of it. As blockage develops in that portion of the filter, the area through which the gas mainly passes migrates to another portion of the filter exposed area, repeating this cycle as the device is used for an extended period. Therefore, even as the usage time of the device increases, it is easy to ensure that areas of the filter that have not yet become clogged are kept in the exposed area, and it is easy to ensure the same flow rate of the gas inlet as in the initial stage of use. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the irradiation section as the usage time increases.

[0012] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the entire area of ​​the filter's partition side may be in contact with the partition. In this case, the filter can be effectively supported by the partition.

[0013] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus of this disclosure, the filter may include a second filter portion, which is at least disposed on the opposite side of the heat-conducting member side, and its thickness in the first direction is thinner than that of the first filter portion. When gas is introduced into the heat-conducting member through the opposite side of the filter's heat-conducting member side, its passage path becomes longer, and resistance loss tends to increase. In this regard, in one aspect of this disclosure, by including a second filter portion in the filter, when gas passes through the opposite side of the filter's heat-conducting member side, the passage path of the filter can be shortened, and gas resistance loss can be reduced.

[0014] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the second filter portion may be configured to be thinner in the first direction opposite to the heat conduction member side. With such a structure, it is possible to specifically reduce gas resistance loss when gas passes through the side opposite to the heat conduction member side of the filter.

[0015] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the second filter portion may be configured with a constant thickness that is thinner than the first filter portion. With such a structure, it is possible to specifically reduce gas resistance loss when the gas passes through the opposite side of the heat-conducting member of the filter.

[0016] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation device disclosed herein, a skirt may be provided, which is disposed on the outer surface of the frame closer to the irradiation portion than the first opening, and is configured to protrude in a first direction. In this case, the skirt can efficiently guide gas containing foreign matter such as ink mist present around the device to the first opening.

[0017] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the filter may also consist of multiple layers. In this case, for example, by changing the density of each of the multiple layers of the filter, the foreign matter collection performance of the filter and the gas resistance loss can be adjusted.

[0018] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation device disclosed herein, a second opening may be provided in the frame to allow gas passing through the heat conduction member to flow out of the frame. In this case, gas that has cooled the heat conduction member can flow out of the frame through the second opening.

[0019] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the heat conduction member may also be a heat sink. In this case, the heat sink can be used as a heat conduction member to cool the irradiation section.

[0020] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the irradiation unit may have multiple ultraviolet LEDs. In this case, ultraviolet light can be irradiated as active energy.

[0021] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation device disclosed herein, the filter may also be in contact with a heat-conducting member. In this case, the filter can be effectively supported by the heat-conducting member.

[0022] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus disclosed herein, the first filter section may be configured to block the flow path of the gas inlet. In this case, foreign matter contained in the gas can be reliably collected through the first filter section.

[0023] In one aspect of the active energy irradiation apparatus of this disclosure, a mark indicating that the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree may be provided in at least one of the filter and the housing. In this case, by referring to the mark, it is easy to confirm whether the clog in the filter has migrated to the predetermined degree.

[0024] Alternatively, one aspect of this disclosure of the active energy irradiation device can be an active energy irradiation device that uses printed matter with ink adhering to it as the irradiated object, and the filter is a filter of a different color than the ink. In this case, the migration state of filter clogging becomes more obvious, and the degree of clogging can be easily identified.

[0025] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an inkjet printer that includes the aforementioned active energy irradiation device. In this inkjet printer, the active energy irradiation device also achieves the aforementioned effect, namely, it suppresses the temperature rise of the irradiated section as usage time increases.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to this disclosure, an active energy irradiation device and an inkjet printer can be provided, which can suppress the temperature rise of the irradiation section as the usage time increases. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an active energy irradiation device.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the frame of an active energy irradiation device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line III-III.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a photographic image illustrating one embodiment of a filter.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the gas flow within the frame of an active energy irradiation device during the initial use of one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the gas flow within the frame of an active energy irradiation device according to one embodiment as the usage time increases.

[0034] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (d) is a partial view showing the filter of an active energy irradiation device according to one embodiment. Figure 7 (e) is a graph showing the relationship between filter clogging and the temperature of the irradiation section in an embodiment of an active energy irradiation device.

[0035] Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 (d) is a partial view showing the filter of the active energy irradiation device of the comparative example. Figure 8(e) is a graph showing the relationship between filter clogging and the temperature of the irradiation section in the active energy irradiation device of the comparative example.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of an inkjet printer equipped with an active energy irradiation device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the active energy irradiation device of the first modified example.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the active energy irradiation device of the first modified example.

[0039] Figure 12 The simulation results show the flow of gas around the active energy irradiation device in the first modified example.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a simulation result showing the flow of gas around an active energy irradiation device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device of the second modified example.

[0042] Figure 15 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device of the third modified example.

[0043] Figure 16 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device of the fourth modified example.

[0044] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the active energy irradiation device of the fifth modified example.

[0045] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the active energy irradiation device of the sixth modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0047] Figure 1 The active energy irradiation device 1 shown is, for example, an LED light source (light irradiation device) for printing applications. The active energy irradiation device 1 irradiates the irradiated object with ultraviolet light (active energy rays) to dry the ink on the irradiated object. Examples of irradiated objects include printed materials with UV-curable inks. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the active energy irradiation device 1 includes: a frame 2, an irradiation part 3, a heat sink (heat conduction member) 4, a first opening 5, a gas inlet part 6, a drive substrate 7, a second opening 8, and a fan 9.

[0048] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the direction in which the active energy irradiation device 1 emits ultraviolet rays will be defined as "downward," and its opposite side as "upward." The direction orthogonal to the "up-down direction" will be defined as the "left-right direction," and the direction orthogonal to both the "up-down direction" and the "left-right direction" will be defined as the "front-back direction."

[0049] The frame 2 is rectangular and box-shaped. The frame 2 is made of metal. The frame 2 houses the irradiation unit 3, the heat sink 4, the gas inlet unit 6, and the drive substrate 7. A light irradiation window 21 made of glass plate is provided on the lower wall 2a of the frame 2.

[0050] An irradiation unit 3 is disposed within the frame 2. The irradiation unit 3, acting as an active energy line, irradiates ultraviolet light. The irradiation unit 3 includes a rectangular plate-shaped substrate 31 constituting a predetermined circuit, and light-emitting elements, namely ultraviolet LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), 32 arranged on the substrate 31 at predetermined intervals along the front-back and left-right directions. The irradiation unit 3 is disposed at the lower end of the interior of the frame 2, with the thickness direction of the substrate 31 as its vertical orientation. Ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet LEDs 32 of the irradiation unit 3 irradiates the object being irradiated through the light irradiation window 21 of the frame 2.

[0051] The radiator 4 is disposed within the frame 2. The radiator 4 is thermally connected to the irradiation unit 3. The radiator 4 is an air-cooled heat dissipation component that dissipates heat through heat exchange with gas. The gas constitutes the heat medium (coolant, cooling air) for cooling the irradiation unit 3. The radiator 4 has a base plate 41 and multiple heat sink fins 42. The base plate 41 is a rectangular plate with its thickness along the vertical direction. The lower surface of the base plate 41 contacts the substrate 31 of the irradiation unit 3. The heat sink fins 42 are flat plates with their thickness along the front-to-back direction. The heat sink fins 42 are erected on the upper surface of the base plate 41. The heat sink fins 42 are arranged in a stacked manner with gaps in the front-to-back direction. The radiator 4 is fixed to the frame 2, for example, by screws.

[0052] The first opening 5 is an opening provided in the side wall 2b of the frame 2. Here, the first opening 5 is rectangular and is formed in the center of the side wall 2b in the vertical direction. The first opening 5 constitutes an air intake for drawing gas from outside the frame 2 into the frame 2. The first opening 5 opens in the left-right direction in the side wall 2b, connecting the inside and outside of the frame 2. The first opening 5 includes: a small opening 51 formed at one end and the other end in the front-rear direction of the side wall 2b, and a large opening 52 formed between the small openings 51.

[0053] A gas inlet 6 is disposed within the frame 2. The gas inlet 6 directs gas flowing into the frame 2 via the first opening 5 in a left-right direction (first direction) toward the lower part of the radiator 4 (a second direction intersecting the first direction) and guides it toward the radiator 4. The gas inlet 6 connects the first opening 5 and the radiator 4. The gas inlet 6 is disposed on the side of the first opening 5 within the frame 2.

[0054] A drive board 7 is disposed within the frame 2. The drive board 7 is an electrical circuit board used to drive the active energy irradiation device 1. The drive board 7 is disposed on the side opposite to the first opening 5 within the frame 2, with its thickness along the left-right direction. The drive board 7 is fixed to the frame 2, for example, via spacers (not shown), or by screws. The drive board 7 is electrically connected at its lower part to the substrate 31 of the irradiation unit 3. A connector 71 for power supply and signal input / output is electrically connected to the upper part of the drive board 7. The connector 71 is configured to protrude upwards from the front end of the upper wall 2c of the frame 2.

[0055] The second opening 8 is an opening provided in the upper wall 2c of the frame 2. The second opening 8 constitutes an exhaust port for exhausting gas inside the frame 2 to the outside of the frame 2. The second opening 8 opens vertically in the upper wall 2c, connecting the inside and outside of the frame 2. A fan 9 is fixed to the second opening 8 in the upper wall 2c of the frame 2. The fan 9 compresses the gas drawn in from below (inside the frame 2) upwards (outside the frame 2). Here, the fans 9 are arranged in pairs in a front-to-back direction. For example, an axial fan can be used as the fan 9. In addition, only one fan 9 may be provided, or three or more may be arranged in a row.

[0056] In this embodiment, the gas inlet 6 has a filter separator 61 and a filter 62.

[0057] The filter separator 61 defines (divides) a space R within the frame 2, located on the side of the first opening 5 and extending to the outside through the first opening 5. The filter separator 61 is fixed within the frame 2. The filter separator 61 includes a side plate (divider) 61a and a top plate 61b. The side plate 61a is a rectangular flat plate with its thickness in the left-right direction. The side plate 61a is positioned opposite the first opening 5 within the frame 2. The side plate 61a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the side wall 2b of the frame 2. The upper end of the side plate 61a is located above the first opening 5. The lower end of the side plate 61a is located below the first opening 5 and is close to the upper surface of the heat sink 42 of the heat sink 4. The front end of the side plate 61a contacts the front wall 2d of the frame 2 without gap. The rear end of the side plate 61a contacts the rear wall 2e of the frame 2 without gap. Side plate 61a is fixedly supported to drive base plate 7, for example, via stay 63. Upper plate 61b is a rectangular flat plate with its thickness along the vertical direction. One end of upper plate 61b in the left-right direction is continuous with the upper end of side plate 61a. The other end of upper plate 61b in the left-right direction is in close contact with the side wall 2b of frame 2 without gap. Upper plate 61b is fixed to the side wall 2b of frame 2 via flange 64 using screws or the like.

[0058] Filter 62 collects foreign matter contained in the gas flowing into the housing 2. Examples of foreign matter include ink mist, dust, and dirt. Filter 62 is, for example, a rectangular plate with a thickness of 10 mm (see reference). Figure 4 The filter 62 is formed, for example, of polyurethane. The filter 62 is disposed between the first opening 5 and the side plate 61a of the filter separator 61. The filter 62 is disposed within the space R. The filter 62 is exposed to the outside via the first opening 5.

[0059] The entire area of ​​the side plate 61a side (one end side in the left-right direction) of the filter 62 is in close contact with the side plate 61a without gap. The first opening 5 side of the filter 62 (the other end side in the left-right direction), except for the area exposed from the first opening 5 (hereinafter also referred to as the "filter exposed area Z0"), is in close contact with the side wall 2b without gap. The entire upper area of ​​the filter 62 is in close contact with the upper plate 61b of the filter separator 61 without gap. The entire lower area of ​​the filter 62 is in close contact with the upper surface of the heat sink 42 of the radiator 4 without gap. The filter 62 is supported or held by the filter separator 61, the radiator 4, and the frame 2. The filter 62 is not bonded to the filter separator 61, the radiator 4, and the frame 2 with adhesive or the like. The filter 62 is pressed into the space R and connected to the filter separator 61, the radiator 4, and the frame 2. Such a filter 62 can be easily replaced by entering and exiting the space R through the first opening 5.

[0060] The filter 62 includes a first filter portion F1. The first filter portion F1 functions as a part that compensates for the foreign matter collection capacity of the filter 62 (i.e., a filter performance buffer area). The first filter portion F1 is located on the lower side (in other words, downstream side of the gas) of the filter 62, on the side of the radiator 4. The first filter portion F1 is the part that is not exposed from the first opening 5 when viewed from the left or right direction and is covered by the side wall 2b of the frame 2. The first filter portion F1 is a part with a volume of a predetermined amount or more. The first filter portion F1 is the part that contacts the side plate 61a of the filter separator 61. The first filter portion F1 has a thickness sufficient to contact the side plate 61a. The first filter portion F1 is arranged in such a way that it blocks the flow path of the gas inlet 6, and contacts the inner surface of the frame 2 and the side plate 61a without gaps.

[0061] In the active energy irradiation device 1 configured as described above, such as Figure 5 As shown, gas flowing into the frame 2 from the first opening 5 is directed to the other end of the heat sink 4 between the heat sink fins 42 in the left-right direction via the gas inlet 6. At the gas inlet 6, foreign matter such as ink mist contained in the gas is collected and removed by the filter 62. Specifically, foreign matter in the gas is reliably collected through the first filter portion F1 of the filter 62. Then, the gas flows to the left-right end between the heat sink fins 42, thereby cooling the heat sink 4 and the irradiation section 3. Afterward, the gas flows upward from the left-right end between the heat sink fins 42 and the drive substrate 7, and is exhausted from the second opening 8 to the outside of the frame 2 via the fan 9.

[0062] Here, at the gas inlet 6, the gas flowing into the frame 2 from the first opening 5 in the left-right direction is deflected downwards (flow bends by 90 degrees) and introduced into the radiator 4. Therefore, in the filter exposure area Z0 of the filter 62, a portion that allows gas to pass easily can be formed on the lower side where the gas is deflected. Specifically, a portion that allows gas to pass easily can be formed on the lower side of the filter exposure area Z0, and a portion that makes it difficult for gas to pass can be formed on the upper side of the filter exposure area Z0. In other words, the filter 62 can be configured such that gas can pass more easily the closer it is to the lower side of the filter exposure area Z0.

[0063] Furthermore, the presence of the first filter section F1 suppresses the formation of a space (gap) between the filter 62 and the filter separator 61. Therefore, the difference in gas resistance loss that easily forms in the filter 62 is reduced, and a portion where gas easily passes through can be reliably achieved in the filter exposure area Z0. Moreover, if a space exists between the filter 62 and the filter separator 61, the difference in resistance loss in the filter 62 is easily reduced, making it difficult for a portion where gas easily passes through to form in the filter exposure area Z0.

[0064] Therefore, in the initial stage of use of the device, the gas flowing into the frame 2 through the first opening 5 will not pass evenly through the entire filter exposure area Z0, but mainly through the lower part (a portion) of the filter exposure area Z0. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, as the usage time of the device increases and blockage M develops in the lower part of the filter exposure area Z0, the area through which the gas mainly passes migrates to the upper part (another part) of the filter exposure area Z0. This migration repeats itself as the usage time of the device increases until the entire filter exposure area Z0 is blocked.

[0065] Therefore, according to the active energy irradiation device 1, even as the usage time of the device increases, compared to the case where the filter 62 is completely and uniformly blocked, it is easier to ensure that the area where the blockage M has not yet developed in the exposed area Z0 of the filter 62, and it is easier to ensure the same flow rate of the gas inlet 6 as in the initial stage of use. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in gas flow rate with increasing usage time, and it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the irradiation section 3 with increasing usage time. Even if the usage time increases, for example, until the entire exposed area Z0 of the filter is completely blocked, it is possible to suppress the decrease in gas flow rate and the temperature rise of the irradiation section 3. The output of the active energy irradiation device 1 can be stabilized for a long time. It is possible to extend the time when the performance can be maintained until the filter 62 is replaced.

[0066] In the active energy irradiation device 1, the entire area of ​​the side plate 61a of the filter separator 61 of the filter 62 is in contact with the side plate 61a. In this case, the filter 62 can be effectively supported by the side plate 61a.

[0067] The active energy irradiation device 1 includes a second opening 8 provided in the frame 2, which allows gas passing through the heat sink 4 to flow out of the frame 2. In this case, the gas that has cooled the heat sink 4 can flow out of the frame 2 through the second opening 8.

[0068] The active energy irradiation device 1 includes a heat sink 4 as a heat conduction component. In this case, the heat sink 4 can be used as a heat conduction component to cool the irradiation unit 3.

[0069] In the active energy irradiation device 1, the irradiation unit 3 has a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs 32. In this case, the irradiation unit 3 is capable of irradiating ultraviolet light as active energy.

[0070] In the active energy irradiation device 1, the filter 62 is in contact with the heat sink 42 of the radiator 4. In this case, the filter 62 can be effectively supported by the heat sink 42 of the radiator 4.

[0071] In the active energy irradiation device 1, the first filter portion F1 of the filter 62 is configured to block the flow path of the gas inlet 6. In this case, the foreign matter collection capacity of the filter 62 can be reliably compensated by the first filter portion F1, and foreign matter contained in the gas can be collected more reliably.

[0072] In the active energy irradiation device 1, the first opening 5 is designed as a rectangle with a large opening ratio. In this case, the exposed area Z0 of the filter can be increased, and the ease of replacing the filter 62 can be improved. In addition, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0073] Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (d) is a partial view showing the filter 62 of the active energy irradiation device 1. Figure 7 (e) is a graph showing the relationship between the clogging of the filter 62 of the active energy irradiation device 1 and the temperature of the irradiation section 3. Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 In (d), the usage time of the device increases sequentially. That is, in this embodiment, as the usage time increases, the filter exposure area Z0 of the filter 62 sequentially moves towards... Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 The state transitions are shown in (d). The up and down directions in each figure are... Figure 5 The top and bottom directions correspond. Figure 7 In (e), the vertical axis represents the temperature (°C) of the irradiation section 3, and the horizontal axis represents the clogging percentage of the filter 62. The clogging percentage corresponds to the degree of clogging development and the usage time of the device. The clogging percentage indicates the clogging development as this value increases, regardless of the location of the clogging. A clogging percentage of 50% means that the filter 62 is half-clogged, and a clogging percentage of 100% means that the filter 62 is completely clogged.

[0074] like Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 As shown in (d), in this embodiment, initially, gas primarily passes through the lower part of the filter exposure area Z0, where blockage M occurs. As the device is used for an extended period, the area through which the gas primarily passes migrates upwards, and blockage M also migrates upwards. As a result, as... Figure 7 As shown in (e), for example, as the usage time increases, the temperature rise of the irradiation section 3 can be suppressed until the clogging rate of the filter 62 reaches 70-80%, and the temperature of the irradiation section 3 is kept below 70°C.

[0075] In addition, a mark RL indicating that the proportion of the blockage M of the filter 62 is a predetermined proportion may be provided on at least either side of the filter 62 and the frame 2 (see reference). Figure 7 (a) etc. In this case, by referring to the mark RL, it is easy to confirm whether the blockage M in the filter 62 has migrated to the specified proportion. In addition, for example, since the blockage M migrates upward, by indicating with the mark RL at a position corresponding to the filter replacement period (such as a position where the proportion of blockage M becomes 70-80% (specified proportion)), it can be indicated that it is time to replace the filter when the blockage M has migrated to the indicated position, which can promote the replacement of the filter 62. The mark RL is not particularly limited and can be a line, a dot, or other marks. The location where the mark RL is provided is not particularly limited and can be on the filter 62, or alternatively, or on the periphery of the first opening 5 of the filter 62 exposed on the side wall 2b of the frame 2. The specified proportion is not particularly limited and can be various proportions.

[0076] Alternatively, filter 62 can also be a different color from the printing color (the color of the ink on which the printed object is illuminated) (for example, a white or yellowish color if it is black ink, and a blackish color if it is white ink). In this case, the upward migration of the blockage M becomes more pronounced, making it easier to determine the degree of blockage M.

[0077] Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 (d) is a partial view showing the filter 62 of the active energy irradiation device of the comparative example. Figure 8 Figure (e) is a graph showing the relationship between the clogging of the filter 62 and the temperature of the irradiation section 3 in the comparative example's active energy irradiation device. The comparative example's active energy irradiation device differs from the described active energy irradiation device 1 in that the filter 62 becomes uniformly clogged throughout as the device's usage time increases. Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 In (d), the usage time of the device increases sequentially. That is, as the usage time increases, filter 62 migrates sequentially to... Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 The states shown in (d) are as follows. The up and down directions in each figure are... Figure 5 The top and bottom directions correspond to each other. Figure 8 In (e), the vertical axis represents the temperature (°C) of the irradiation section 3, and the horizontal axis represents the clogging rate of the filter 62.

[0078] like Figure 8 (a)~ Figure 8 As shown in (d), in the comparative example of the active energy irradiation device, the gas uniformly clogs the entire filter 62 from the initial stage of use as the usage time of the device increases. As a result, as... Figure 8As shown in (e), for example, as the usage time increases, the proportion of filter 62 clogging gradually increases, and at the point when the clogging proportion is 50%, the temperature of the irradiation section 3 reaches 70°C.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram showing an inkjet printer 100 equipped with an active energy irradiation device 1. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 9 As shown, the active energy irradiation device 1 can be mounted on an inkjet printer 100. The inkjet printer 100 also includes a carriage 10. The carriage 10 has multiple storage heads. These storage heads eject photocurable ink toward a printed matter P that is being conveyed laterally below the carriage 10. The carriage 10 and the active energy irradiation device 1 are connected in the left-right direction. During printing in the inkjet printer 100, the carriage 10 and the active energy irradiation device 1 scan (move) in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the inkjet printer 100 may also include multiple active energy irradiation devices 1.

[0080] In such an inkjet printer 100, the aforementioned active energy irradiation device 1 also achieves the effect of suppressing the temperature rise of the irradiated part as the usage time increases.

[0081] One aspect of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0082] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the active energy irradiation device 101 of the first modified example. Figure 11 This is a front view showing the active energy irradiation device 101 of the first modified example. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first modified example of the active energy irradiation device 101, in having a skirt portion 110, is similar to the aforementioned active energy irradiation device 1 (see reference 1). Figure 1 )different.

[0083] The skirt 110 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 2b of the frame 2, further lower than the first opening 5 (on the side of the irradiation section 3). The skirt 110 is configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the side wall 2b in a left-right direction. The skirt 110 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 2b, extending from a position a predetermined length downward relative to the first opening 5 to its lower edge, and is fixed to the side wall 2b by screws or the like. The skirt 110 has a guide surface 110a, which is a curved surface smoothly connected to the outer surface of the side wall 2b.

[0084] The guide surface 110a is arc-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction. The upper end of the guide surface 110a is connected to the outer surface of the side wall 2b, and the lower end of the guide surface 110a is outward in the left-right direction relative to the outer surface of the side wall 2b. The lower surface of the skirt 110 is flush with the outer surface of the lower wall 2a of the frame 2. The front surface of the skirt 110 is flush with the outer surface of the front wall 2d of the frame 2. The rear surface of the skirt 110 is flush with the outer surface of the rear wall 2e of the frame 2. Such a skirt 110 can be a machined part, a sheet metal part, or a resin-molded part. The guide surface 110a of the skirt 110 can also replace the curved surface or, based on this, include a straight, planar surface when viewed from the front-rear direction. For example, the guide surface 110a can also include an inclined surface that moves further downward relative to the side wall 2b.

[0085] Figure 12 This is a simulation result showing the flow of gas around the active energy irradiation device 101. Figure 13 This is a simulation result showing the flow of gas around the active energy irradiation device 1. In the illustrated example, the printed material P is transported in a left-right direction, with the active energy irradiation devices 1 and 101 moving to the left above it. The lines in the figure indicate the flow of the surrounding gas.

[0086] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in the active energy irradiation device 101, the skirt 110 efficiently guides gas containing foreign matter such as ink mist present around the device to the first opening 5. The skirt 110 guides the ink mist to the first opening 5, improving the ink mist collection rate. This reduces the likelihood of ink mist adhering to the printed material P, enabling efficient ink mist recovery.

[0087] Figure 14 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device 201 of the second modified example. (See attached image.) Figure 14 As shown, the second modified example of the active energy irradiation device 201 differs from the above-mentioned active energy irradiation device 1 (see reference 1) in that the gas inlet 6 has a filter 262. Figure 3 )different.

[0088] Filter 262 includes a second filter portion F2. The second filter portion F2 is disposed on the upper side of filter 262 (at least on the opposite side of the radiator 4). The second filter portion F2 is thinner than the first filter portion F1. The second filter portion F2, in filter 262, is disposed at a position at or slightly above the center in the vertical direction from the upper end to the exposed filter area Z0. The second filter portion F2 is configured to have a constant thickness thinner than the first filter portion F1. The side plate 61a side of the second filter portion F2 does not contact the side plate 61a, and a gap is formed between them. That is, a step difference is formed on the side plate 61a side of filter 262.

[0089] However, when the gas passes through filter 62 (see reference) Figure 3 When the gas is introduced into the radiator 4 from the center or top, it passes through the filter 62 (see reference). Figure 3 Compared to the case where the gas is introduced into the radiator 4 from the lower side of the filter 62, the path is longer, and the resistance loss is more likely to increase. Therefore, as the device is used for a longer period of time, the blockage in the exposed area Z0 of the filter migrates from the bottom to the top, and the gas mainly passes through the filter 62 (refer to...). Figure 3 When the center or top of the object is in the center, the drag loss may easily become larger.

[0090] Regarding this, in the active energy irradiation device 201, the filter 262 includes a second filter section F2. Therefore, when gas mainly passes through the second filter section F2 (as the usage time of the device increases and the blockage in the exposed area Z0 of the filter migrates upwards), because the second filter section F2 is thin, the gas passage path in the filter 262 can be shortened, thus reducing gas resistance loss. This further suppresses the decrease in gas flow rate with increasing usage time and further suppresses the temperature rise of the irradiation section 3 with increasing usage time. Specifically, it can be achieved that gas resistance loss is reduced when gas passes through the upper side of the filter 262.

[0091] Figure 15 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device 301 in the third modified example. (See attached image.) Figure 15 As shown, the third modified active energy irradiation device 301 differs from the above-mentioned active energy irradiation device 1 (see reference 1) in that the gas inlet 6 has a filter separator 361 and a filter 362. Figure 3 )different.

[0092] The filter separator 361 has a side plate 361a. The side plate 361a is inclined such that, from the center or slightly above the center in the vertical direction, the upper part gets closer to the side wall 2b towards the upper side. The filter 362 includes a second filter portion F22. The second filter portion F22 is disposed on the upper side of the filter 362. The second filter portion F22 is thinner than the first filter portion F1. The thickness of the second filter portion F22, which is thinner than the first filter portion F1, can also be the average thickness or minimum thickness of the second filter portion F22. The second filter portion F22, in the filter 362, is disposed at the center or slightly above the center in the vertical direction from the upper end to the filter exposure area Z0. The second filter portion F22 is configured to be thinner towards the upper side in the left-right direction. The side plate 361a side of the second filter portion F22, like the side plate 361a, is inclined such that, towards the upper side, it gets closer to the side wall 2b. The side plate 361a side of the second filter portion F22 is in contact with the side plate 361a without gap.

[0093] In the active energy irradiation device 301, similarly to the active energy irradiation device 201 of the second modification, when the gas mainly passes through the second filter section F22 (as the usage time of the device increases and the blockage in the exposed area Z0 of the filter migrates upward), since the second filter section F22 is thin, the gas passage path in the filter 362 can be shortened, thus reducing gas resistance loss. This further suppresses the decrease in gas flow rate with increasing usage time and further suppresses the temperature rise of the irradiation section 3 with increasing usage time. Specifically, it can be achieved that when the gas passes through the upper side of the filter 362, the gas resistance loss is reduced.

[0094] Figure 16 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the active energy irradiation device 401 in the fourth modified example. (See attached image.) Figure 16 As shown, the fourth modified example of the active energy irradiation device 401 differs from the above-mentioned active energy irradiation device 1 (see reference 1) in that the gas inlet 6 has a filter 462. Figure 3 )different.

[0095] The filter 462 is composed of multiple layers. Here, the filter 462 has a first filter layer 462x and a second filter layer 462y. The density of the first filter layer 462x is higher than that of the second filter layer 462y (finer mesh). In other words, the density of the second filter layer 462y is lower than that of the first filter layer 462x (coarser mesh). In the active energy irradiation device 401, foreign matter can be actively collected (captured) in the gas inlet 6 by the high-density first filter layer 462x, and resistance loss can be suppressed by the low-density second filter layer 462y, thereby increasing the flow rate of the gas inlet 6.

[0096] According to the active energy irradiation device 401, for example, by changing the density of the first filter layer 462x and the second filter layer 462y of the filter 462, the foreign matter collection performance and gas resistance loss of the filter 462 can be adjusted. Furthermore, the filter 462 is not limited to a two-layer structure, but can also have a three-layer or higher structure. The density (fineness) of each of the multiple layers of the filter 462 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the required performance.

[0097] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the active energy irradiation device 501 of the fifth modified example. Figure 16 As shown, the fifth modified example of the active energy irradiation device 501, in having a filter cover 510, is similar to the above-mentioned active energy irradiation device 1 (see reference 1). Figure 3 )different.

[0098] The filter cover 510 is a rectangular flat plate with its thickness along the left-right direction. The filter cover 510 contacts the side wall 2b of the frame 2 without gap, covering the first opening 5. The filter cover 510 is fixed to the side wall 2b, for example, by screws. The filter cover 510 has multiple elongated holes 510h that are slender in the vertical direction and extend through the left-right direction, arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction. The width of the elongated holes 510h in the front-back direction is smaller than the width of the small opening 51 of the first opening 5 in the front-back direction. The filter cover 510 covers the filter exposure area Z0 of the filter 62, allowing the filter exposure area Z0 to be exposed through the multiple elongated holes 510h. Alternatively, the filter cover 510 may have multiple round holes, hexagonal holes, square holes, or mesh instead of the elongated holes 510h, or based on these.

[0099] According to the active energy irradiation device 501, the filter 62 can be protected by the filter cover 510. In addition, the filter cover 510 can prevent the filter 62 from easily falling out of the frame 2 through the first opening 5.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the filter separator 61 has its side plate (divider) 61a fixed and supported by a support bar 63 (see reference). Figure 2 However, the method of fixing and supporting the filter separator 61 is not particularly limited. For example, as Figure 18 As shown, it can also be a filter separator 61, whose side plate 61a is fixed and supported on the drive base plate 7 via a columnar gasket 163.

[0101] In the above embodiments and variations, the irradiation unit 3 irradiates ultraviolet light as an active energy line, but the active energy line is not particularly limited and can also be an electron line. In this case, the active energy irradiation device can be used as a device for irradiating electron lines.

[0102] The structures of the above-described embodiments and modifications are not limited to the materials and shapes described above, and various materials and shapes can also be used. Furthermore, the structures of the above-described embodiments or modifications can be arbitrarily applied to the structures of other embodiments or modifications.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0104] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501…Active energy irradiation device; 2…Frame; 3…Irradiation section; 4…Radiator (heat conduction component); 5…First opening; 6…Gas inlet section; 8…Second opening; 32…Ultraviolet LED; 61a, 361a…Side plate (separator); 62, 262, 362, 462…Filter; 100…Inkjet printer; 110…Skirt; F1…First filter section; F2, F22…Second filter section.

Claims

1. An active energy irradiation device, wherein, have: Frame; An irradiation unit, disposed within the frame, irradiates active energy lines; A heat-conducting component is disposed within the frame and is thermally connected to the irradiation unit; A first opening is provided in the frame; as well as A gas inlet section deflects gas flowing into the frame via the first opening along a first direction toward a second direction intersecting the first direction and introduces it into the heat-conducting member. The gas inlet section has: A partition is configured to be opposite the first opening within the frame; as well as A filter, disposed between the first opening and the partition, collects foreign matter contained in the gas. The filter includes: The first filter portion, which is disposed on the side of the heat-conducting member, does not protrude from the first opening and contact the partition portion when viewed from the first direction. In the gas inlet section, gas flowing in along the first direction and deflected towards the second direction is introduced into the heat conduction member from the end of the filter in the second direction.

2. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein, The entire area of ​​the filter on the side of the separator is in contact with the separator.

3. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein, The filter includes a second filter portion disposed at least on the opposite side of the heat-conducting member, the thickness of which in the first direction is thinner than that of the first filter portion.

4. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein, The filter includes a second filter portion disposed at least on the opposite side of the heat-conducting member, the thickness of which in the first direction is thinner than that of the first filter portion.

5. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 3, wherein, The second filter portion is configured such that its thickness decreases in the first direction towards the opposite side of the heat-conducting member.

6. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein, The second filter portion is configured such that its thickness decreases in the first direction towards the opposite side of the heat-conducting member.

7. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 3, wherein, The second filter portion is configured to have a constant thickness that is thinner than the first filter portion.

8. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 4, wherein, The second filter portion is configured to have a constant thickness that is thinner than the first filter portion.

9. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, It includes: a skirt portion disposed on the outer surface of the frame closer to the irradiation portion than the first opening portion, and configured to protrude in the first direction.

10. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The filter consists of multiple layers.

11. The active energy irradiation device according to claim 9, wherein, The filter consists of multiple layers.

12. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, It includes: a second opening disposed in the frame, which allows gas passing through the heat conduction member to flow out of the frame.

13. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The heat-conducting component is a heat sink.

14. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The irradiation unit has multiple ultraviolet LEDs.

15. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The filter is in contact with the heat-conducting component.

16. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first filter section is configured to block the flow path of the gas in the gas inlet section.

17. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, At least one of the filter and the frame is provided with a mark indicating that the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree.

18. The active energy irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The object being irradiated is a printed surface with ink residue. The filter is a filter of a different color than the ink.

19. An inkjet printer, wherein, The active energy irradiation device is provided according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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