Printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a printing device capable of reducing the possibility that a supporting roller becomes high temperature. The printing apparatus includes: a support cylinder (18) that supports a wound medium; a printing unit that is located at a position facing the support cylinder and that ejects an ultraviolet-curable ink onto the medium supported by the support cylinder; an irradiation unit that is located at a position facing the support roller and irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the ink ejected onto the medium; and an air blowing unit that blows air to the support drum, the support drum having a rotating body (36) that rotates and a seal member (45) attached to the rotating body, the rotating body having a shaft portion (37), a peripheral surface portion (38) that surrounds the medium, and a connecting portion (41) that connects the shaft portion and the peripheral surface portion, the peripheral surface portion defining a first opening and a second opening (40) that open in the axial direction (D1), and the seal member (45) being attached to the rotating body. The sealing member is attached to the rotating body so as to seal the second opening, and the air blowing unit blows air into the rotating body from the first opening toward the second opening.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing device comprising: a support roller that rotates while a medium is suspended thereon; a printing unit that sprays a liquid onto the medium suspended thereon; an irradiation unit that irradiates the liquid sprayed onto the medium with ultraviolet light; and an air supply unit that supplies air into the support roller. The printing unit sprays a curable ink, which is cured by ultraviolet light, onto the medium. When the irradiation unit irradiates the liquid with ultraviolet light, reaction heat is generated from the liquid. Therefore, the support roller is susceptible to high temperatures due to the reaction heat. The air supply unit cools the support roller by supplying air into the support roller.

[0003] In the printing device described in Patent Document 1, the air sent by the air supply unit passes through the support cylinder. Therefore, the support cylinder is not cooled sufficiently, and there is a possibility that the support cylinder may become hot.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-181083 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a supporting roller, which supports the medium hung around; a printing unit, which is located at a position opposite to the supporting roller and ejects ultraviolet curing ink onto the medium supported by the supporting roller; an irradiation unit, which is located at a position opposite to the supporting roller and irradiates ultraviolet rays to the ink ejected onto the medium; an air supply unit, which supplies air to the supporting roller, the supporting roller having a rotating body that rotates and a sealing component mounted on the rotating body, the rotating body having: an axis portion; a peripheral portion around which the medium is hung; a connecting portion connecting the axis portion and the peripheral portion, the peripheral portion defining a first opening and a second opening opened in the axial direction, the sealing component being mounted on the rotating body in a manner that seals the second opening, and the air supply unit supplies air into the rotating body in a manner that moves from the first opening toward the second opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a side view showing one embodiment of a printing device.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the supporting roller.

[0008] Figure 3 For different from Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the support roller observed from an angle of .

[0009] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the supporting roller.

[0010] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a rotating body.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the temperature rise of the support roller.

[0012] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a printing device.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a side view showing a modified example of the printing device.

[0014] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a modified example is shown.

[0015] Figure 10 To express Figure 8 and Figure 9 Side views of different variations.

[0016] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a modified example is shown.

[0017] Figure 12 It is a plan view showing a modified example of the sealing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] An embodiment of a printing device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printing device is an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photos by ejecting ultraviolet curable ink onto a medium such as paper, cloth, or film.

[0019] Printing device

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 11 includes a housing 12. An inlet 13 is opened in the housing 12. The inlet 13 is an opening for taking in air from the outside. External air is introduced into the housing 12 through the inlet 13, thereby facilitating cooling of the interior of the housing 12.

[0021] The printing device 11 includes a reel 14. The reel 14 is housed within the housing 12. The reel 14 is configured to reel a medium 99. Specifically, the reel 14 unwinds a long medium 99 from a roll R1. The roll R1 is an article formed by rolling up the medium 99. The reel 14 is configured to hold the roll R1. The reel 14 rotatably holds the roll R1.

[0022] The unwinding unit 14 includes a unwinding shaft 15. The unwinding unit 14 rotatably holds the roll R1 by inserting the unwinding shaft 15 into the roll R1. The unwinding shaft 15 can be configured to rotate together with the roll R1 or to be non-rotatable. The unwinding shaft 15 can be configured to rotate by power from a motor (not shown) or to rotate driven by the medium 99 being pulled.

[0023] The printing device 11 includes a winding unit 16. The winding unit 16 is housed within the housing 12. The winding unit 16 is configured to wind the medium 99. The winding unit 16 winds the medium 99 to form a roll body R1. The winding unit 16 is configured to hold the roll body R1. The winding unit 16 rotatably holds the roll body R1.

[0024] The winding unit 16 includes a winding shaft 17 . The winding shaft 17 is configured to rotate together with the roll body R1 . The winding shaft 17 is configured to rotate by power from a motor (not shown). The winding unit 16 winds up the medium 99 by rotating the winding shaft 17 .

[0025] The printing device 11 includes a support roller 18. The support roller 18 is housed in the housing 12. The support roller 18 is configured to support the medium 99. The support roller 18 supports the medium 99 from the unwinding unit 14 to the winding unit 16.

[0026] The support roller 18 has a peripheral surface 19. A medium 99 is wound around the support roller 18 along the peripheral surface 19. The support roller 18 supports the wound medium 99. An image is printed on the medium 99 on the support roller 18. The support roller 18 has a cylindrical shape.

[0027] The support roller 18 is configured to rotate. The support roller 18 can be rotated by the power of a motor not shown in the figure, or can be driven to rotate as the medium 99 is transported. In one example, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the support roller 18 is located at a position overlapping with the introduction port 13. In detail, when viewed from the axial direction D1, a portion of the support roller 18 overlaps with the introduction port 13. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the support roller 18 may or may not overlap with the introduction port 13 as a whole. The axial direction D1 is the direction in which the rotation axis A1 of the support roller 18 extends. The rotation axis A1 is an imaginary axis. The support roller 18 will be described in detail below.

[0028] The printing device 11 includes a conveyor unit 20. The conveyor unit 20 is housed in the housing 12. The conveyor unit 20 is configured to convey a medium 99. The conveyor unit 20 conveys the medium 99 from the unwinding unit 14 toward the winding unit 16. Specifically, the conveyor unit 20 conveys the medium 99 from the unwinding unit 14 toward the winding unit 16 via the support roller 18.

[0029] The conveyor unit 20 includes one or more guide rollers. For example, the conveyor unit 20 includes a first guide roller 21 and a second guide roller 22. The guide rollers guide the medium 99. The medium 99 is wound around the guide rollers. The first guide roller 21 contacts the pre-printed portion of the medium 99. The first guide roller 21 guides the medium 99 from the unwinding unit 14 toward the support roller 18. The second guide roller 22 contacts the printed portion of the medium 99. The second guide roller 22 guides the medium 99 from the support roller 18 toward the rewinding unit 16.

[0030] The conveying unit 20 includes one or more conveying rollers. For example, the conveying unit 20 includes a first conveying roller 23 and a second conveying roller 24. The conveying rollers are rollers that convey the medium 99. The conveying rollers are rotated by power from a motor (not shown). The first conveying roller 23 contacts the pre-printed portion of the medium 99. The first conveying roller 23 conveys the medium 99 from the unwinding unit 14 toward the support roller 18. The second conveying roller 24 contacts the printed portion of the medium 99. The second conveying roller 24 conveys the medium 99 from the support roller 18 toward the rewinding unit 16.

[0031] The conveying unit 20 includes one or more driven rollers. For example, the conveying unit 20 includes a first driven roller 25 and a second driven roller 26. The driven rollers are rollers that face the conveying rollers. The first driven roller 25 faces the first conveying roller 23. The first driven roller 25 presses the medium 99 toward the first conveying roller 23. This facilitates the first conveying roller 23 to convey the medium 99. The second driven roller 26 faces the second conveying roller 24. The second driven roller 26 presses the medium 99 toward the second conveying roller 24. This facilitates the second conveying roller 24 to convey the medium 99.

[0032] The conveying unit 20 includes one or more support rollers. For example, the conveying unit 20 includes a first support roller 27 and a second support roller 28. The support rollers are rollers that allow the medium 99 to be wound around the support roller 18. The support rollers guide the medium 99 so that it is wound around the support roller 18. The first support roller 27 contacts the portion of the medium 99 before printing. The first support roller 27 contacts the portion of the medium 99 that is about to be wound around the support roller 18. The second support roller 28 contacts the portion of the medium 99 that has been printed. The second support roller 28 contacts the portion of the medium 99 that has just passed the support roller 18. In one example, the first support roller 27 and the second support roller 28 are located below the rotation axis A1 of the support roller 18. As a result, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the medium 99 is wound around the support roller 18 in an upwardly convex shape.

[0033] The printing device 11 includes a printing unit 30. The printing unit 30 is housed in the housing 12. The printing unit 30 is configured to eject ink onto the medium 99. The printing unit 30 prints an image on the medium 99 by ejecting ink onto the medium 99. The printing unit 30 faces the support roller 18. The printing unit 30 ejects ink onto the medium 99 supported by the support roller 18.

[0034] The printing unit 30 includes one or more ejection units 31. In one example, the printing unit 30 includes six ejection units 31. The ejection units 31 include line heads capable of simultaneously ejecting ink across the entire width of the medium 99. The six ejection units 31 face the support roller 18. The six ejection units 31 are arranged along the circumferential surface 19. The six ejection units 31 are configured to eject inks of different colors, for example. The printing unit 30 sequentially ejects inks of different colors onto the medium 99.

[0035] The printing device 11 includes an irradiation unit 32. The irradiation unit 32 is housed within the housing 12. The irradiation unit 32 is configured to irradiate the medium 99 with ultraviolet light. The irradiation unit 32 faces the support roller 18. The irradiation unit 32 irradiates the medium 99 supported by the support roller 18 with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light irradiation of the medium 99 by the irradiation unit 32 cures the ink ejected onto the medium 99. As a result, the ink is fixed to the medium 99.

[0036] The irradiation unit 32 includes one or more irradiation units 33. In one example, the irradiation unit 32 includes six irradiation units 33. The irradiation units 33 are configured to irradiate the entire width of the medium 99 with ultraviolet light. The six irradiation units 33 are opposed to the support roller 18. The six irradiation units 33 are arranged along the circumferential surface 19. The six irradiation units 33 are arranged alternately with the six ejection units 31, for example. The irradiation unit 32 irradiates ultraviolet light one by one each time ink is ejected onto the medium 99. The six irradiation units 33 may also be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light of different intensities.

[0037] The printing device 11 includes an air supply unit 34. The air supply unit 34 is housed in the housing 12. The air supply unit 34 is configured to supply air to the support roller 18. In one example, the air supply unit 34 supplies air along the axial direction D1 toward the support roller 18. The air supply unit 34 can transport the air inside the housing 12 to the support roller 18, and can also transport the air outside the housing 12 to the support roller 18. The air supply unit 34, for example, transports the external air introduced through the inlet 13 to the support roller 18. The air supply unit 34 is, for example, a fan. The support roller 18 easily becomes hot due to the reaction heat when the ink solidifies. When the support roller 18 becomes hot, the printing quality may be affected. For example, when the support roller 18 becomes hot, the ink may seep out and the support roller 18 may be deformed. The air supply unit 34 cools the support roller 18 by supplying air to the support roller 18.

[0038] The air supply unit 34 may be positioned so as to overlap with the air inlet 13 when viewed from the axial direction D1. In this case, the air supply unit 34 facilitates the delivery of external air introduced from the air inlet 13 to the support drum 18. The air supply unit 34 may be positioned so as to overlap with the support drum 18 when viewed from the axial direction D1. In this case, the air supply unit 34 facilitates the delivery of air to the support drum 18. In one example, the air supply unit 34 is positioned so as to overlap with the support drum 18 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The air supply unit 34 is located below the rotation axis A1 of the support drum 18.

[0039] Support roller

[0040] Next, the support roller 18 will be described in detail.

[0041] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the support drum 18 includes a rotating body 36. The rotating body 36 supports the medium 99. The medium 99 is wound around the rotating body 36. The rotating body 36 is configured to rotate. The rotating body 36 defines an internal space C1. The rotating body 36 is cooled by blowing air into the internal space C1 through the air supply unit 34.

[0042] The rotating body 36 has a shaft portion 37. The shaft portion 37 is a portion that serves as the rotation center of the rotating body 36. The rotation axis A1 passes through the shaft portion 37.

[0043] Rotating body 36 has peripheral portion 38. Peripheral portion 38 is a portion constituting peripheral surface 19. Peripheral portion 38 is provided so as to surround shaft portion 37. Peripheral portion 38 is in contact with medium 99. Medium 99 is wound around peripheral portion 38.

[0044] The peripheral surface portion 38 defines a first opening 39 and a second opening 40. The first opening 39 and the second opening 40 are openings that communicate with the internal space C1. The first opening 39 and the second opening 40 open in the rotating body 36 in the axial direction D1. The first opening 39 is an opening that is opposite to the air supply unit 34. Air is transported from the air supply unit 34 to the internal space C1 through the first opening 39. The second opening 40 is an opening opposite to the first opening 39. In the support drum 18, the air supply unit 34 supplies air into the rotating body 36 from the first opening 39 toward the second opening 40.

[0045] The rotating body 36 has a connecting portion 41. The connecting portion 41 is a portion that connects the shaft portion 37 and the peripheral portion 38. The shaft portion 37 and the peripheral portion 38 are connected by the connecting portion 41, so that the shaft portion 37 and the peripheral portion 38 rotate integrally.

[0046] The connecting portion 41 has a plurality of ribs 42. In one example, the connecting portion 41 has twelve ribs 42. The ribs 42 extend from the shaft portion 37 toward the peripheral portion 38. The plurality of ribs 42 extend radially from the shaft portion 37 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The plurality of ribs 42 extend from the shaft portion 37 at equal angles, for example. The ribs 42 divide the internal space C1 into a plurality of divided spaces C2. In one example, twelve ribs 42 divide the internal space C1 into twelve divided spaces C2.

[0047] The ribs 42 each have one or more through-holes 43. In one example, the ribs 42 each have four through-holes 43. The through-holes 43 allow adjacent partitioned spaces C2 to communicate with each other. Air can flow between adjacent partitioned spaces C2 through the through-holes 43. This allows air delivered by the air supply unit 34 to flow from one partitioned space C2 to another. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18.

[0048] The support roller 18 includes a sealing member 45. The sealing member 45 is mounted on the rotating body 36. The sealing member 45 is mounted on the rotating body 36 so as to seal the second opening 40. The sealing member 45 is formed of, for example, a circular plate. An insertion opening 46 is formed in the sealing member 45. The shaft portion 37 is inserted into the insertion opening 46.

[0049] The second opening 40 is sealed by the sealing member 45, preventing air from flowing out of the internal space C1 through the second opening 40. Air flows into and out of the internal space C1 through the first opening 39. Therefore, air delivered from the air supply unit 34 through the first opening 39 remains within the internal space C1. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18 compared to a case where air flowing in through the first opening 39 flows out through the second opening 40.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the second opening 40 is sealed by the sealing member 45, and the temperature of the support roller 18 is less likely to rise than when the support roller 18 does not have the sealing member 45. Figure 6 The curve shown by the solid line shows the temperature change of the support roller 18 having the sealing member 45. Figure 6 The curve indicated by the middle dashed line shows the temperature change of the support drum 18 without the sealing member 45 .

[0051] like Figure 7 As shown, in the support drum 18, air is fed from the air supply unit 34 through the portion of the first opening 39 below the rotation axis A1. In the support drum 18, air is fed from the air supply unit 34 toward the space below the rotation axis A1 in the internal space C1. As a result, air flows efficiently in the internal space C1. Figure 7 In the figure, the blank arrow marks indicate the flow of air. The air transported into the internal space C1 is heated in the support roller 18. The air tends to rise due to the temperature increase. Therefore, the air tends to flow out through the portion of the first opening 39 that is above the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the air is supplied to the space below the rotation axis A1 in the internal space C1 by the air supply unit 34, so that the air flows into and out of the internal space C1 smoothly. In addition, the air is supplied to the space below the rotation axis A1 in the internal space C1 by the air supply unit 34, so that the printing unit 30 is not easily affected by the wind.

[0052] Functions and effects of the embodiments

[0053] Next, the functions and effects of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0054] (1) The sealing member 45 is mounted on the rotating body 36 so as to seal the second opening 40. The air supply unit 34 supplies air into the rotating body 36 from the first opening 39 toward the second opening 40. With this configuration, the air supplied by the air supply unit 34 is retained within the support drum 18. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18, thereby reducing the possibility of the support drum 18 becoming heated.

[0055] (2) The sealing member 45 is formed of a circular plate. According to the above structure, the sealing member 45 can effectively seal the second opening 40.

[0056] (3) The connecting portion 41 includes a plurality of ribs 42 extending from the shaft portion 37 toward the peripheral portion 38. The ribs 42 divide the internal space C1 into a plurality of divided spaces C2. Ribs 42 are provided with through-holes 43 that allow the divided spaces C2 to communicate with each other. This structure facilitates air flow through the internal space C1, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18.

[0057] (4) The housing 12 is provided with the inlet 13. According to the above configuration, the air supply unit 34 blows the outside air toward the internal space C1. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18.

[0058] (5) The air supply unit 34 is located below the rotation axis A1 and supplies air to the space below the rotation axis A1 in the internal space C1. The air heated in the internal space C1 easily rises. Therefore, the heated air is easily discharged through the portion of the first opening 39 above the rotation axis A1. According to the above structure, since the air supply unit 34 supplies air through the portion of the first opening 39 that becomes the lower portion, the inflow and outflow of air in the internal space C1 becomes smooth. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18 is improved.

[0059] Change Example

[0060] The above-described embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0061] ·like Figure 8 As shown, the printing device 11 may include a cooling unit 50. The cooling unit 50 is configured to cool the support cylinder 18. The cooling unit 50 is, for example, a cooler.

[0062] The cooling unit 50 includes a cooling unit 51. The cooling unit 51 can be located either inside or outside the housing 12. The cooling unit 51 is configured to cool the refrigerant. The cooling unit 51 cools the refrigerant by adiabatically compressing and expanding the gas. Specifically, the cooling unit 51 air-cools or water-cools the adiabatically compressed gas and then adiabatically expands the gas to generate a low-temperature gas. The cooling unit 51 uses the low-temperature gas to cool the refrigerant. The gas is, for example, helium. The refrigerant is, for example, water.

[0063] The cooling unit 50 includes a refrigerant pipe 52. The refrigerant pipe 52 is a pipe through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant pipe 52 is connected to the cooling unit 51. The refrigerant pipe 52 is connected to a heat exchanger 53 described later. The refrigerant pipe 52 extends so that the refrigerant circulates through the cooling unit 51 and the heat exchanger 53.

[0064] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, the cooling unit 50 includes a heat exchanger 53. The heat exchanger 53 is housed within the housing 12. The heat exchanger 53 is configured to perform heat exchange using a refrigerant. The heat exchanger 53 is configured to exchange heat with the air within the internal space C1. The heat exchanger 53 uses the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant pipe 52 to cool the air within the support drum 18. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support drum 18.

[0065] The heat exchanger 53 is located at a position overlapping the support drum 18 when viewed from the axial direction D1. For example, the heat exchanger 53 is located at a position overlapping the upper portion of the first opening 39 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The heat exchanger 53 may also be located at a position overlapping the air supply unit 34 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The heat exchanger 53 only needs to be located at a position that can cool the support drum 18.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the support drum 18 may also have a cover member 55. The cover member 55 is configured to cover the first opening 39. The cover member 55 is mounted on the rotating body 36, for example. The cover member 55 may rotate together with the rotating body 36 or may not rotate. The cover member 55 may cover the first opening 39 in a manner that seals the internal space C1, or may cover the first opening 39 to the extent that air can flow in and out of the support drum 18. The cover member 55 covers the air supply section 34 and the heat exchanger 53. In this case, the air supply section 34 is located between the cover member 55 and the rotating body 36. The heat exchanger 53 is located between the cover member 55 and the rotating body 36. The air in the internal space C1 is cooled directly by passing through the heat exchanger 53.

[0067] The cover member 55 covers the first opening 39, allowing air delivered by the air supply unit 34 to circulate within the internal space C1. Covering the first opening 39 with the cover member 55 improves the airtightness of the internal space C1. This improves the cooling efficiency of the air in the internal space C1 by the heat exchanger 53.

[0068] ·like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11As shown, the printing device 11 may also have a cooling channel 61. The cooling channel 61 is a channel that guides cold air to the air supply section 34. The cooling channel 61 extends from the inlet 13 toward the air supply section 34. The cooling channel 61 is, for example, a pipe. In this modification, the printing device 11 is configured to receive cold air from a mobile air cooler (spot cooler) 65. The printing device 11 introduces cold air from the inlet 13 into the housing 12. The cooling channel 61 guides the cold air supplied from the mobile air cooler 65 to the air supply section 34. As a result, the air supply section 34 transports the cold air to the internal space C1, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the support roller 18.

[0069] The printing device 11 may also include a cold air duct 62. The cold air duct 62 is a duct that directs cold air toward the portion of the medium 99 immediately preceding the support roller 18. The cold air duct 62 extends from the inlet 13. For example, the cold air duct 62 extends toward the portion of the medium 99 located between the first conveyor roller 23 and the first support roller 27. In one example, the cold air duct 62 branches off from the cooling duct 61. Alternatively, the cold air duct 62 may be a separate duct from the cooling duct 61.

[0070] The cold air duct 62 guides the cold air supplied from the mobile air cooler 65 toward the pre-printed portion of the medium 99. This cools the pre-printed portion of the medium 99. This cooling of the pre-printed portion of the medium 99 reduces the possibility of the support roller 18 becoming heated.

[0071] ·like Figure 12 As shown, the sealing member 45 may also be composed of a plurality of plate members 70. In this modified example, the sealing member 45 is composed of twelve plate members 70. The plate members 70 are fan-shaped. The plate members 70 are mounted on the rotating body 36, for example, so as to seal the divided spaces C2. The twelve plate members 70 are mounted on the rotating body 36 so as to seal each of the twelve divided spaces C2. As a result, the second opening 40 is sealed.

[0072] Technical Thought

[0073] The technical ideas and effects that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below.

[0074] (A) A printing device includes: a support roller that supports a wound medium; a printing unit located opposite the support roller and ejecting ultraviolet-curing ink onto the medium supported by the support roller; an irradiation unit located opposite the support roller and irradiating the ink ejected onto the medium with ultraviolet light; and an air supply unit that supplies air to the support roller. The support roller includes a rotating body and a sealing member mounted on the rotating body. The rotating body includes a shaft portion; a peripheral portion around which the medium is wound; and a connecting portion connecting the shaft portion and the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion defines a first opening and a second opening that are open in the axial direction. The sealing member is mounted on the rotating body so as to seal the second opening. The air supply unit supplies air to the rotating body from the first opening toward the second opening. According to the above configuration, air delivered by the air supply unit is retained within the support roller. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support roller. Therefore, the possibility of the support roller becoming heated is reduced.

[0075] (B) In the above printing device, the sealing member may be formed of a circular plate. According to the above configuration, the sealing member can effectively seal the second opening.

[0076] (C) In the above printing device, the sealing member may be composed of a plurality of plate members, and the plate members may be fan-shaped. According to the above configuration, the sealing member can effectively seal the second opening.

[0077] (D) In ​​the above-mentioned printing device, the connecting portion may include a plurality of ribs extending from the shaft portion toward the peripheral portion, the ribs dividing the internal space of the rotating body into a plurality of compartments, and the ribs may include through-holes that interconnect the compartments. This configuration facilitates air flow within the internal space, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the support roller.

[0078] (E) The printing device may also include a cooling unit comprising a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with a refrigerant and a cooling unit for cooling the refrigerant, wherein the support roller includes a cover member that covers the first opening, the heat exchanger is positioned between the cover member and the rotating body, and the air supply unit is positioned between the cover member and the rotating body. With this configuration, air in the internal space is directly cooled by the heat exchanger. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support roller.

[0079] (F) The printing device may also include a housing having an opening in the housing for the air supply unit to draw in air from the outside. According to the above configuration, the air supply unit conveys the outside air toward the interior space, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the support roller.

[0080] (G) In the above-mentioned printing device, the air supply unit may be located below the rotation axis of the support roller and supply air toward the space below the rotation axis in the internal space of the support roller. The air heated in the internal space tends to rise. Therefore, the heated air is easily discharged through the portion of the first opening that is above the rotation axis. According to the above-mentioned structure, since the air supply unit supplies air through the portion of the first opening that is below the rotation axis, the inflow and outflow of air in the internal space become smooth. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the support roller is improved.

[0081] (H) The printing device may also be configured to receive cool air from a portable air cooler. The printing device includes a housing having an opening for introducing the cool air into the housing, and the printing device includes a cooling flow channel for directing the cool air toward the air supply unit. With this configuration, the air supply unit delivers the cool air generated by the portable air cooler to the interior space. This improves the cooling efficiency of the support roller.

[0082] (I) The printing device may also include a cold air duct that directs the cold air toward the portion of the medium immediately preceding the support roller. With this configuration, the portion of the medium immediately preceding the support roller is cooled. This reduces the likelihood of the medium becoming hot. Consequently, the likelihood of the support roller becoming hot can be reduced.

[0083] Explanation of symbols

[0084] 11…Printing unit; 12…Casing; 13…Inlet; 14…Unwinding unit; 15…Unwinding shaft; 16…Rewinding unit; 17…Rewinding shaft; 18…Support roller; 19…Circumferential surface; 20…Conveyor unit; 21…First guide roller; 22…Second guide roller; 23…First conveyor roller; 24…Second conveyor roller; 25…First driven roller; 26…Second driven roller; 27…First support roller; 28…Second support roller; 30…Printing unit; 31…Dispensing unit; 32…Irradiation unit; 33…Irradiation unit; 34…Air supply unit; 36… Rotating body; 37…shaft portion; 38…peripheral portion; 39…first opening; 40…second opening; 41…connecting portion; 42…rib; 43…through-hole; 45…sealing member; 46…insertion port; 50…cooling unit; 51…cooling portion; 52…refrigerant pipe; 53…heat exchanger; 55…cover member; 61…cooling flow channel; 62…cold air flow channel; 65…mobile air cooler; 70…plate member; 99…medium; A1…rotating axis; C1…inner space; C2…dividing space; D1…axial direction; R1…reel body.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that have: A supporting roller supports the medium being hung; a printing unit located at a position facing the support roller and ejecting ultraviolet curing ink onto a medium supported by the support roller; an irradiation unit located at a position opposite to the support roller and irradiating ultraviolet rays to the ink ejected onto the medium; an air supply unit for supplying air to the supporting drum, The support drum includes a rotating body and a sealing member mounted on the rotating body. The rotating body has: Shaft part; The peripheral portion, on which the medium is hung; a connecting portion connecting the shaft portion and the peripheral portion, The circumferential surface portion defines a first opening and a second opening that are open in the axial direction. The sealing member is mounted on the rotating body in a manner of sealing the second opening. The air supply unit supplies air into the rotating body from the first opening toward the second opening.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The sealing member is composed of a circular plate.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The sealing member is composed of a plurality of plate members. The plate component is fan-shaped.

4. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connecting portion has a plurality of ribs extending from the shaft portion toward the peripheral portion, The ribs divide the internal space of the rotating body into a plurality of divided spaces. The ribs are provided with through openings for communicating the divided spaces with each other.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein Equipped with cooling unit, The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with a refrigerant and a cooling unit for cooling the refrigerant. The support drum includes a cover member that covers the first opening. The heat exchanger is located between the cover member and the rotating body. The air supply unit is located between the cover member and the rotating body.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein Having a housing, The housing is provided with an inlet for the air supply unit to take in air from the outside.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The air supply unit is located below the rotation axis of the support drum and supplies air toward a space below the rotation axis in the internal space of the support drum.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The printing device receives cold air from a mobile air conditioner. The printing device includes a housing, An inlet for introducing the cold air into the shell is opened on the shell. The printing device includes a cooling flow path that guides the cool air toward the air supply unit.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein A cold air flow path is provided for guiding the cold air toward a portion of the medium before the medium is wound around the support roller.

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