Blower and printer

Abstract

To provide a blower which can increase an air blowing distance, and to provide a printer.SOLUTION: A blower includes: a blower part 38 which sends a gas; a first blowing passage 37 for blowing the gas sent by the blower part 38 from a discharge port 41 in an air blowing direction Db; a first partition wall 35 forming the discharge port 41; a second air blowing passage 48 partitioned from the first blowing passage 37 by the first partition wall 35; and a second partition wall 46 which faces the first partition wall 35 to form a second blowing passage 48. A downstream end of the second partition wall 46 is located at the downstream of the discharge port 41 in the air blowing direction Db.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blower device and a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air duct for airflow. The air duct has a recessed portion and a through hole. The recessed portion is formed by the wall of the air duct protruding outward. The through hole is provided in the recessed portion. The air duct draws air in through the through hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-285871 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the suction duct of Patent Document 1, the cross-sectional area changes at the recessed portion, and the direction of the air flowing in from the through-hole is not fixed, resulting in pressure loss. When pressure loss occurs, the flow rate decreases and the air blowing distance becomes shorter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A blower device that solves the above problem comprises a blower section that blows out gas, a first blowing flow path that blows the gas blown by the blower section out of an outlet in the blowing direction, a first partition that forms the outlet, a second blowing flow path that is separated from the first blowing flow path by the first partition, and a second partition that faces the first partition and forms the second blowing flow path, and the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream of the outlet in the blowing direction.

[0006] A printing device that solves the above problem includes a printing unit that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium, and a drying unit that dries the printed medium, wherein the drying unit has an air blowing unit that sends out gas, a first air flow path that blows the gas sent by the air blowing unit out of an outlet in the air flow direction, a first partition that forms the outlet, a second air flow path that is separated from the first air flow path by the first partition, and a second partition that faces the first partition and forms the second air flow path, and the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream of the outlet in the air flow direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a blower device provided in the printing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment] An embodiment of a blower and a printing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, or vinyl.

[0009] In the drawings, the printing device 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X.

[0010] <Printing device> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 11 may include a printing unit 12, a conveying unit 13, and a drying unit .

[0011] <Print section> The printing unit 12 performs printing by ejecting a liquid onto a medium 16. The printing unit 12 may include a carriage 17 and a liquid ejection unit .

[0012] The carriage 17 carries a liquid ejection unit 18. The carriage 17 is configured to scan relative to the medium 16. The liquid ejection unit 18 has a plurality of nozzles 20. The liquid ejection unit 18 is configured to be able to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles 20. The liquid ejection unit 18 prints an image on the medium 16 by ejecting liquid while scanning. The liquid ejection unit 18 prints on the surface of the medium 16. The liquid ejection unit 18 of this embodiment is a serial type that scans the medium 16. The liquid ejection unit 18 may also be a line type that is provided long relative to the width of the medium 16.

[0013] <Transportation section> The transport unit 13 is configured to transport the medium 16. In this embodiment, the transport unit 13 transports a long medium 16. The transport unit 13 may include a payout spindle 22, one or more support units 23, one or more driven rollers 24, one or more drive rollers 25, and a take-up spindle 26.

[0014] The payout spindle 22 rotatably supports the unprinted medium 16 wound in a roll. The payout spindle 22 pays out the medium 16 by rotating the roll-shaped medium 16. The support portion 23 is configured to support the medium 16. The support portion 23 contacts the rear surface of the medium 16.

[0015] The driven roller 24 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller 25 . The drive roller 25 rotates with the medium 16 sandwiched between it and the driven roller 24, thereby transporting the medium 16. The medium 16 is transported along the support portion 23 in the transport direction Dc.

[0016] The winding shaft 26 winds up the printed medium 16. The winding shaft 26 rotatably supports the rolled medium 16. The winding shaft 26 rotates the rolled medium 16, thereby drawing the medium 16 toward it.

[0017] <Drying section> The drying unit 14 is provided downstream of the printing unit 12 in the conveyance direction Dc. The drying unit 14 dries the printed medium 16. After being dried by the drying unit 14, the printed medium 16 is taken up around the take-up shaft 26. The drying unit 14 may include a heating unit 28 and an air blower 29.

[0018] The heating unit 28 heats the medium 16. The heating unit 28 may be, for example, a heater that irradiates infrared rays or a heating wire that generates heat when an electric current is passed through it. The heating unit 28 may heat the medium 16 from the back side. For example, the heating unit 28 may heat the support unit 23, thereby heating the medium 16 supported by the support unit 23.

[0019] <Blower> The blower 29 blows gas onto the surface of the medium 16. In this embodiment, the direction in which the gas flows is also referred to as the blowing direction Db. The blower 29 may include a main body 31 and an attachment 32. The attachment 32 may be detachably attached to the main body 31.

[0020] 2, the main body 31 may include a plurality of first side walls 34, a first partition wall 35, and a third partition wall 36. The main body 31 includes a first air-blowing flow path 37 and an air blower 38. The multiple first side walls 34 are arranged side by side in the width direction X. In this embodiment, two first side walls 34 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction X. In FIG. 2, the first side wall 34 on the rear side is illustrated, and the first side wall 34 on the front side is not illustrated. The first partition wall 35 and the third partition wall 36 are arranged between the two first side walls 34 in the width direction X.

[0021] The first partition wall 35 may form an inlet 40. The inlet 40 is located at the upstream end of the first partition wall 35 in the air blowing direction Db. The first partition wall 35 forms an outlet 41. The outlet 41 is located at the downstream end of the first partition wall 35 in the air blowing direction Db. In this embodiment, the inlet 40 and the outlet 41 are openings surrounded by the two first side walls 34, the first partition wall 35, and the third partition wall 36.

[0022] The first air-blowing flow path 37 is a flow path that connects the inlet 40 and the outlet 41. The first air-blowing flow path 37 is a space surrounded by the two first side walls 34, the first partition wall 35, and the third partition wall 36. The first air-blowing flow path 37 blows the gas sent by the blower 38 from the outlet 41 in the air-blowing direction Db.

[0023] The blower 38 may be provided in the first air flow path 37. The blower 38 sends out gas. In this embodiment, the gas flowing through the first air flow path 37 is air. The blower 38 has a fan 43 that generates an airflow. The blower 38 causes the gas that has flowed into the first air flow path 37 from the inlet 40 to flow toward the outlet 41. The blower 38 causes the gas in the first air flow path 37 to flow in an air flow direction Db. The air flow direction Db is also a direction along the first air flow path 37.

[0024] The annex 32 may include a plurality of second side walls 45, a second partition wall 46, and a fourth partition wall 47. The annex 32 includes a second air flow passage . The multiple second side walls 45 are arranged side by side in the width direction X. In this embodiment, two second side walls 45 are arranged at an interval in the width direction X. In FIG. 2, the second side wall 45 on the rear side is illustrated, and the second side wall 45 on the front side is not illustrated. The second partition wall 46 and the fourth partition wall 47 are arranged between the two second side walls 45 in the width direction X.

[0025] The second partition wall 46 may form an inlet 50. The inlet 50 may be located at the upstream end of the second partition wall 46 in the air blowing direction Db. The second partition wall 46 may form a junction port 51. The junction port 51 is located at the downstream end of the first partition wall 35 in the air blowing direction Db. The inlet 50 and the junction port 51 in this embodiment are openings surrounded by the two second side walls 45, the first partition wall 35, and the second partition wall 46.

[0026] The second partition wall 46 may form an outlet 52. The outlet 52 is located at the downstream end of the second partition wall 46 in the air blowing direction Db. The outlet 52 in this embodiment is an opening surrounded by the two second side walls 45, the second partition wall 46, and the fourth partition wall 47.

[0027] The second partition wall 46 faces the first partition wall 35. Specifically, the second partition wall 46 upstream of the merging port 51 faces the downstream section 35d of the first partition wall 35. The downstream section 35d is a section having a plane perpendicular to the discharge port 41. The second partition wall 46 may be provided parallel to the downstream section 35d. The second partition wall 46 downstream of the merging port 51 faces the fourth partition wall 47.

[0028] The downstream end of the second partition wall 46 is located downstream of the discharge port 41 in the air blowing direction Db. The second partition wall 46 protrudes from the discharge port 41 in the air blowing direction Db. In FIG. 2, an imaginary line Lv is shown by a dashed dotted line. The imaginary line Lv is an imaginary line that extends from the downstream end of the first partition wall 35 at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the air blowing direction Db. The second partition wall 46 intersects with the imaginary line Lv. The downstream end of the second partition wall 46 is located downstream of the imaginary line Lv in the air blowing direction Db.

[0029] In the air blowing direction Db, the length from the junction port 51 to the downstream end of the second partition wall 46 may be longer than the downstream portion 35d. In the air blowing direction Db, the length from the junction port 51 to the downstream end of the second partition wall 46 may be longer than the length of the second partition wall 46 from the inlet 50 to the junction port 51. In the air blowing direction Db, the length from the junction port 51 to the downstream end of the second partition wall 46 may be longer than the length from the first partition wall 35 at the junction port 51 to the second partition wall 46.

[0030] The fourth partition wall 47 is provided to extend downstream in the air blowing direction Db from the downstream end of the third partition wall 36. The fourth partition wall 47 may be provided in parallel with the downstream portion 35d. The second air-blowing flow path 48 is separated from the first air-blowing flow path 37 by the first partition wall 35. The second partition wall 46 constitutes the second air-blowing flow path 48. The second air-blowing flow path 48 is a space surrounded by the first partition wall 35, the second partition wall 46, and the pair of second side walls 45. The second air-blowing flow path 48 is a flow path that connects the inlet 50 and the junction port 51. The second air-blowing flow path 48 is provided in parallel to the first air-blowing flow path 37.

[0031] The inlet 50 is open to the atmosphere. That is, the second air-blowing flow path 48 is open to the atmosphere. The second air-blowing flow path 48 takes in gas from the inlet 50 as if drawn by the gas flowing through the first air-blowing flow path 37. The second air-blowing flow path 48 allows gas to flow. In this embodiment, the gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path 48 is air.

[0032] The cross-sectional area of the first air-blowing flow path 37 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second air-blowing flow path 48. The area of the discharge port 41 perpendicular to the air-blowing direction Db may be larger than the area of the junction port 51 perpendicular to the air-blowing direction Db.

[0033] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. When the blower 38 is driven, the gas in the first air flow path 37 is blown out from the outlet 41. If the attachment 32 is not attached, the first air flow path 37 suddenly expands at the outlet 41, which makes it easy for vortexes of air to form near the outlet 41.

[0034] With the attachment 32 attached, the gas flowing from the discharge port 41 toward the outlet port 52 attracts the gas in the second air-blowing flow path 48. The second air-blowing flow path 48 takes in the gas from the inlet port 50 and causes the gas to flow in the air-blowing direction Db. The gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path 48 merges with the gas blown out from the discharge port 41, canceling out the vortex near the discharge port 41.

[0035] The volume of gas blown out from the outlet 52 is increased by the amount of gas taken in from the inlet 50. The gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path 48 reduces turbulence in the gas blown out from the first air-blowing flow path 37. Therefore, the gas blown out from the outlet 52 reaches a greater distance than when gas is blown out from the outlet 41 without the attachment 32 attached.

[0036] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The second air-blowing flow path 48 is separated from the first air-blowing flow path 37 by the first partition wall 35. Therefore, the direction of the gas blown out from the first air-blowing flow path 37 and the direction of the gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path 48 can be aligned. The downstream end of the second partition wall 46 is located downstream of the discharge port 41 in the air-blowing direction Db. Therefore, turbulence of the gas blown out from the discharge port 41 can be reduced. Therefore, the air-blowing distance can be increased.

[0037] (1-2) The downstream end of the second partition wall 46 is located downstream of the imaginary line Lv in the air blowing direction Db. By ensuring a sufficient length of the second partition wall 46 located downstream of the discharge port 41 in the air blowing direction Db, turbulence of the gas blown out from the discharge port 41 can be further reduced.

[0038] (1-3) The second air-blowing passage 48 is open to the atmosphere, so that the second air-blowing passage 48 can take in the atmosphere. (1-4) When the cross-sectional area of the second air-blowing flow path 48 is large, the flow rate of the second air-blowing flow path 48 increases. That is, the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path 48 decreases, and there is a risk that the turbulence of the air flow occurring at the discharge port 41 cannot be sufficiently regulated. In this regard, the cross-sectional area of the first air-blowing flow path 37 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second air-blowing flow path 48. Therefore, it is possible to easily reduce the turbulence of the gas blown out from the discharge port 41.

[0039] (1-5) The heating unit 28 heats the medium 16. Therefore, the medium 16 can be dried efficiently. [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0040] The first air supply flow path 37 and the second air supply flow path 48 may each flow different gases. The first air supply flow path 37 may flow a first gas. The second air supply flow path 48 may flow a second gas. This allows multiple types of gases to be blown out. The combination of the first gas and the second gas may be selected from gases such as air, nitrogen, and argon. For example, when printing with a liquid that is easily oxidized, a gas with a low oxygen concentration may be selected. For example, when printing with a liquid that hardens upon reacting with gas, a gas that hardens the liquid may be selected. When the second gas is not air, the second air supply flow path 48 is not open to the atmosphere. When the second gas is not air, the second air supply flow path 48 is connected to a storage unit that stores the second gas.

[0041] The air blower 29 may blow gas onto the medium 16 across the width direction X. In the width direction X, the sizes of the discharge port 41, the confluence port 51, and the inlet 40 may be larger than the size of the medium 16. The air blower 29 may include multiple air blowing sections 38 in accordance with the size of the discharge port 41.

[0042] The attachment portion 32 may not have the fourth partition wall 47. The attachment portion 32 may not have the plurality of second side walls 45. The attachment 32 may be fixed to the main body 31. The attachment 32 and the main body 31 may be integrally formed. For example, the third partition 36 and the fourth partition 47 may be integrally formed. For example, the first side wall 34 and the second side wall 45 may be integrally formed.

[0043] The main body 31 may not include the third partition wall 36 and the plurality of first side walls 34. The attached portion 32 may not include the fourth partition wall 47 and the plurality of second side walls 45. For example, the first air-blowing passage 37 may be tubular. The second air-blowing passage 48 may be tubular. That is, the first air-blowing passage 37 may be formed by a tubular first partition wall 35. The second air-blowing passage 48 may be formed by a tubular second partition wall 46 having a larger diameter than the tubular first partition wall 35. The tubular first partition wall 35 may be provided inside the tubular second partition wall 46 to separate the first air-blowing passage 37 and the second air-blowing passage 48.

[0044] The heating unit 28 may heat the medium 16 from the surface side. The heating unit 28 may be provided between the support unit 23 and the air blower 29. The heating unit 28 may heat the medium 16 by heating the gas sent out by the air blower 29.

[0045] The drying unit 14 may not be equipped with the heating unit 28 and may perform drying by blowing air. The cross-sectional area of the first air flow passage 37 may be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second air flow passage 48 . The downstream end of the second partition 46 may be located on the imaginary line Lv.

[0046] When printing is performed by ejecting liquid, the ejected liquid may become misty and form a cloud of mist. The air blower 29 may blow air toward the area where the printing unit 12 performs printing, thereby blowing away the mist.

[0047] The air blower 29 may be provided separately from the printing device 11. The air blower 29 may be a device that cools, for example, a projector, a computer, etc. by blowing air.

[0048] The printing device 11 is a device that prints images such as letters, pictures, and photographs by applying a liquid such as ink to a medium, and may be a serial printer, lateral printer, line printer, page printer, etc. The printing device may also be an offset printing device, textile printing device, etc.

[0049] [Definition] The phrase "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of two options" when the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used herein means "only one option," "any combination of two options," or "any combination of three or more options" when the number of options is three or more.

[0050] [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0051] (A) The blower device includes a blower section that blows out gas, a first air flow path that blows the gas sent by the blower section out of an outlet in the air flow direction, a first partition that forms the outlet, a second air flow path that is separated from the first air flow path by the first partition, and a second partition that faces the first partition and forms the second air flow path, and the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream of the outlet in the air flow direction.

[0052] According to this configuration, the second air-blowing flow path is separated from the first air-blowing flow path by the first partition wall. Therefore, the direction of the gas blown out of the first air-blowing flow path and the direction of the gas flowing through the second air-blowing flow path can be aligned. The downstream end of the second partition wall is located downstream of the discharge port in the air-blowing direction. Therefore, turbulence of the gas blown out of the discharge port can be reduced. Therefore, the air-blowing distance can be increased.

[0053] (B) In the air blowing device, the downstream end of the second partition wall may be located downstream in the air blowing direction from an imaginary line extending from the downstream end of the first partition wall at an angle of 45 degrees to the air blowing direction.

[0054] With this configuration, the downstream end of the second partition wall is located downstream of the imaginary line in the air blowing direction. By ensuring a sufficient length of the second partition wall located downstream of the discharge port in the air blowing direction, turbulence of the gas blown out from the discharge port can be further reduced.

[0055] (C) In the air blowing device, the second air blowing passage may be open to the atmosphere. According to this configuration, the second air-blowing flow path is open to the atmosphere, and therefore can take in the atmosphere.

[0056] (D) In the air blower, when the gas is a first gas, the second air blowing passage may allow a second gas to flow. According to this configuration, the first air-blowing flow path allows a first gas to flow, and the second air-blowing flow path allows a second gas to flow, so that a plurality of types of gas can be blown out.

[0057] (E) In the air blower, the cross-sectional area of the first air flow path may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second air flow path. If the cross-sectional area of the second air-blowing passage is large, the flow rate of the second air-blowing passage increases. That is, the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the second air-blowing passage 48 decreases, which may make it difficult to sufficiently control the turbulence of the airflow generated at the discharge port 41. In this regard, with this configuration, the cross-sectional area of the first air-blowing passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second air-blowing passage. This makes it easier to reduce the turbulence of the gas blown out from the discharge port.

[0058] (F) A printing device includes a printing unit that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium, and a drying unit that dries the printed medium, wherein the drying unit has an air blowing unit that sends out gas, a first air flow path that blows the gas sent by the air blowing unit out of an outlet in an air flow direction, a first partition that forms the outlet, a second air flow path that is separated from the first air flow path by the first partition, and a second partition that faces the first partition and forms the second air flow path, and the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream of the outlet in the air flow direction.

[0059] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the above-described blower device. (G) In the printing device, the drying unit may include a heating unit that heats the medium. According to this configuration, the heating unit heats the medium, so that the medium can be dried efficiently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 11...printing device, 12...printing unit, 13...conveying unit, 14...drying unit, 16...medium, 17...carriage, 18...liquid ejection unit, 20...nozzle, 22...feeding shaft, 23...supporting unit, 24...driven roller, 25...driving roller, 26...winding shaft, 28...heating unit, 29...blowing device, 31...main body, 32...attached unit, 34...first side wall, 35...first partition wall, 35d...downstream unit, 36...third partition wall, 37...first air flow path, 38...blowing unit, 40...inlet, 41...discharge outlet, 43...fan, 45...second side wall, 46...second partition wall, 47...fourth partition wall, 48...second air flow path, 50...inlet, 51...junction port, 52...outlet, Db...air flow direction, Dc...conveying direction, Lv...imaginary straight line, X...width direction.

Claims

1. A blower that sends out gas; a first air flow path that blows the gas sent by the air blowing unit from a discharge port in an air blowing direction; a first partition wall that forms the discharge port; a second air flow path separated from the first air flow path by the first partition wall; a second partition wall that faces the first partition wall and forms the second air flow path; Equipped with The air blowing device, wherein the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream of the discharge port in the air blowing direction.

2. The air blower according to claim 1, wherein the downstream end of the second partition is located downstream in the air blowing direction from an imaginary line extending from the downstream end of the first partition at an angle of 45 degrees to the air blowing direction.

3. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein the second blowing passage is open to the atmosphere.

4. When the gas is a first gas, The blower device according to claim 1 , wherein the second blowing passage allows a second gas to flow.

5. 5. The blower device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the first air flow passage is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second air flow passage.

6. a printing unit that ejects liquid onto a medium to perform printing; a drying unit that dries the printed medium; Equipped with The drying section A blower that sends out gas; a first air flow path that blows the gas sent by the air blowing unit from a discharge port in an air blowing direction; a first partition wall that forms the discharge port; a second air flow path separated from the first air flow path by the first partition wall; a second partition wall that faces the first partition wall and forms the second air flow path; and The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the downstream end of the second partition wall is located downstream of the discharge port in the air blowing direction.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the drying unit includes a heating unit that heats the medium.

Images