Printing device

Abstract

To solve the risk that strength of an opening / closing cover provided on an enclosure may not be secured sufficiently.SOLUTION: A printing device 1 comprises: a head 25, stored in an enclosure 100, which discharges ink to a medium 2; an opening / closing cover 200 that has a first bulkhead 210 constituting a portion of a top surface 100a of the enclosure 100 and a second bulkhead 220 constituting a portion of a front surface of the enclosure 100, which opens and closes the top surface 100a of the enclosure 100; a suction part 240 that suctions gas inside the enclosure 100, from a suction hole 241; and a duct 231 communicated with the suction part 240, where the duct 231 is fixed to an outer surface 220f of the second bulkhead 220.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to printing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer, which is an example of a printing device, that includes a platen on which a recording medium is placed, an ink head, a transport mechanism, a cover member, a front cover, and an air blower. The ink head is provided so as to be movable in the main scanning direction and ejects ink onto the recording medium. The transport mechanism transports the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The cover members are provided above and to the sides of the platen, and have an opening formed downstream of the ink head in the sub-scanning direction. The front cover is attached to the cover member and opens and closes the opening. The air blower is provided in the front cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-176455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the inkjet printer of Patent Document 1, an air blower made of aluminum is attached to the bottom of a front cover made of transparent acrylic resin. In this case, since the air blower is provided at the bottom of the front cover, there is a risk that the front cover may not be strong enough. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device is housed in a housing and has a head that ejects liquid onto a medium, a first partition that forms part of the top surface of the housing, and a second partition that forms part of the front surface of the housing, and is also equipped with an opening / closing cover that opens and closes the top surface of the housing, a suction unit that sucks gas inside the housing through a suction hole, and a duct that communicates with the suction unit, and the duct is fixed to the outer surface of the second partition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing apparatus. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the printing device shown in FIG. 2 with the access cover in the open position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration around the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is in the closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration around the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is in the open position. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration around the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is in the closed position. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of a suction unit and a duct. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of an inner duct and a vertical duct. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing another embodiment of the suction portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure will be described below based on embodiments. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In this specification, the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" do not necessarily mean that something is completely the same.

[0008] For example, in this specification, when the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are used, they are intended to include cases where they are the same taking into account measurement error. For example, in this specification, when the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are used, they are intended to include cases where they are the same taking into account manufacturing variations of components. For example, in this specification, when the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are used, they are intended to include cases where they are the same to the extent that their functionality is not impaired. Therefore, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that, taking into account measurement error and manufacturing variations of components, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±5% of one dimension, and particularly preferably within ±3%.

[0009] 1. Embodiment 1 The printing device 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs on a medium 2 such as paper by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 2.

[0010] In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are orthogonal to one another. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is indicated by "+" and the negative direction by "-", and both positive and negative signs are used to indicate the direction, with the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure being the + direction and the direction opposite the arrow being the - direction.

[0011] The Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates the vertically downward direction. The plane containing the X-axis and Y-axis is referred to as the XY plane, the plane containing the X-axis and Z-axis as the XZ plane, and the plane containing the Y-axis and Z-axis as the YZ plane. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the three spatial axes of X, Y, and Z, which are not limited to positive and negative directions, will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0012] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the printing device 1, the width direction of the medium 2 on which the image is printed, and the width direction of the transport path along which the medium 2 is transported. As seen from the operator positioned in front of the printing device 1, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side.

[0013] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the printing device 1 and is the direction along the transport direction of the medium 2 during printing. The +Y direction is the direction from the back of the printing device 1 to the front, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front of the printing device 1 to the back. In this embodiment, of the side surfaces that make up the periphery of the printing device 1, the side surface in the -Y direction is the back surface of the printing device 1, and the side surface in the +Y direction is the front surface of the printing device 1.

[0014] Hereinafter, the direction in which the medium 2 is fed may be referred to as “downstream,” and the opposite direction may be referred to as “upstream.” Hereinafter, a view from the +Z direction or the −Z direction may be referred to as a planar view or planar.

[0015] 1, the printing device 1 includes a payout spindle 5, an upstream support unit 6, an upstream transport unit 7, a platen 8, a printing unit 3, a downstream transport unit 9, a downstream support unit 10, and a take-up spindle 12. The upstream support unit 6, the upstream transport unit 7, the platen 8, the downstream transport unit 9, and the downstream support unit 10 are located on a transport path along which the medium 2 is transported.

[0016] The printing device 1 further includes an upstream heating section 40, a printing heating section 41, and a downstream heating section 42. The printing device 1 further includes a blower section 130, a control unit 13, and a housing 100.

[0017] The payout spindle 5 is a rod-shaped member extending along the X-axis direction. Both ends of the payout spindle 5 in the X-axis direction are supported by a frame or the like (not shown). The payout spindle 5 rotatably supports a roll 15 in which a long medium 2 is wound in a cylindrical shape. The payout spindle 5 pays out the medium 2 from the roll 15 toward the upstream support part 6 by rotating.

[0018] The upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 are members that support the long medium 2 transported in the transport direction. The medium 2 is transported along the surfaces of the upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10. The direction along the surfaces of the upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 is the transport direction of the medium 2. The transport direction intersects with the X-axis direction. The upstream support unit 6, platen 8, and downstream support unit 10 are fixed to a frame (not shown) or the like that supports the entire printing device 1.

[0019] The upstream support unit 6 includes an upstream heating support unit 61 and an upstream guide support unit 62. The upstream support unit 6 supports a portion of the medium 2 that is upstream in the transport direction of the portion facing the printing unit 3. The platen 8 is located downstream in the transport direction of the upstream support unit 6. The medium 2 supported by the upstream support unit 6 is transported to the platen 8 by the upstream transport unit 7.

[0020] The upstream transport unit 7 is located downstream of the upstream support unit 6 in the transport direction. The upstream transport unit 7 is also located upstream of the platen 8 in the transport direction. The upstream transport unit 7 has a first roller 71 and a second roller 72. The first roller 71 and the second roller 72 each extend along the X-axis direction. The upstream transport unit 7 has a motor (not shown). Power from the motor is transmitted to the second roller 72. The second roller 72 can rotate by the power from the motor.

[0021] The medium 2 is sandwiched between a first roller 71 and a second roller 72. The medium 2 can be transported by rotating the second roller 72 while the medium 2 is sandwiched between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72. The upstream transport unit 7 transports the medium 2 toward a platen 8.

[0022] In the printing device 1, the second roller 72 is a drive roller, and the first roller 71 is a driven roller. The drive roller is driven to rotate by power from a motor. The driven roller is driven by the rotation of the drive roller. Regarding the first roller 71 and the second roller 72, one of the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 may be a drive roller, and the other may be a driven roller.

[0023] Note that sandwiching the medium 2 between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 is also expressed as nipping. In the printing device 1, the nipping of the medium 2 by the first roller 71 and the second roller 72 can be released by moving the first roller 71 away from the second roller 72.

[0024] The presence or absence of the medium 2 does not affect the nip state or the nip release state. Regardless of the presence or absence of the medium 2, the state in which the first roller 71 is separated from the second roller 72 is the nip release state.

[0025] Similarly, the nip state is when the first roller 71 comes into contact with the second roller 72 after the nip is released, regardless of whether or not the medium 2 is present. For example, when a new roll 15 is set on the supply spindle 5, the nip is released to allow the leading edge of the medium 2 unwound from the roll 15 to pass between the first roller 71 and the second roller 72.

[0026] The platen 8 is located on the -Z direction side of the printing unit 3. The platen 8 faces the printing unit 3 across the transport path. The platen 8 supports the portion of the medium 2 that is printed by the printing unit 3. The support surface 8A, which is the surface of the platen 8 facing the +Z direction, is the surface that supports the medium 2. The support surface 8A is approximately horizontal.

[0027] The platen 8 can apply a suction force to the medium 2. The surface of the platen 8 facing the printing unit 3 is flat. The support surface 8A of the platen 8 extends over an area where printing by the printing unit 3 is possible. A suction fan may be used to suck air through multiple suction holes formed in the support surface 8A of the platen 8, thereby sucking the medium 2 onto the support surface 8A of the platen 8.

[0028] The printing unit 3 includes a head 25, a carriage 26, and a guide shaft 27. The head 25 is formed with a plurality of nozzles 28 that eject ink. The plurality of nozzles 28 open to a nozzle surface 25A of the head 25. The guide shaft 27 is a rod-shaped member that extends along the X-axis direction. Both ends of the guide shaft 27 in the X-axis direction are supported by a frame or the like (not shown). The guide shaft 27 guides the movement of the carriage 26.

[0029] The carriage 26 holds the head 25, and is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) to move the head 25 back and forth in the X-axis direction along a guide shaft 27. The head 25 prints on the medium 2 by ejecting ink toward the medium 2 while moving.

[0030] The printing unit 3 of this embodiment is a so-called serial printer that performs printing while moving back and forth in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the medium 2. The printing unit 3 may also be configured as a so-called line printer that has a head 25 in which nozzles 28 are provided across the width dimension of the medium 2.

[0031] In the printing device 1, printing is performed by ejecting ink from the head 25 toward an area of ​​the medium 2 that is supported by the support surface 8A of the platen 8.

[0032] The medium 2 supported by the platen 8 is transported to the downstream support unit 10 by the downstream transport unit 9. The medium 2 is transported in the +Y direction while being supported on the support surface 8A of the platen 8. The downstream transport unit 9 is located downstream of the platen 8 in the transport direction. The downstream transport unit 9 is also located upstream of the downstream support unit 10 in the transport direction.

[0033] The downstream conveying section 9 has a third roller 91 and a fourth roller 92. The third roller 91 and the fourth roller 92 each extend along the X-axis direction. The downstream conveying section 9 has a motor (not shown). Power from the motor is transmitted to the fourth roller 92. The fourth roller 92 can be rotated by the power from the motor.

[0034] The medium 2 is sandwiched between a third roller 91 and a fourth roller 92. The downstream conveying unit 9 can convey the medium 2 by rotating the fourth roller 92 while the medium 2 is sandwiched between the third roller 91 and the fourth roller 92. The downstream conveying unit 9 conveys the medium 2 toward the downstream support unit 10.

[0035] The downstream support section 10 is located downstream in the transport direction from the platen 8. The downstream support section 10 supports a portion of the medium 2 that is downstream in the transport direction from a portion that faces the printing section 3.

[0036] The winding shaft 12 is located downstream of the printing unit 3 in the transport direction. The winding shaft 12 winds up the transported medium 2. The winding shaft 12 is located downstream of the downstream support unit 10 in the transport direction. After the medium 2 is transported along the downstream support unit 10, it is wound up by the winding shaft 12.

[0037] The upstream heating section 40 is provided on the upstream support section 6. The upstream heating section 40 heats the medium 2 supported on the first support surface 61A via the upstream support section 6. The print heating section 41 is provided on the platen 8. The print heating section 41 heats the medium 2 supported on the support surface 8A via the platen 8. The downstream heating section 42 is provided on the downstream support section 10. The downstream heating section 42 heats the medium 2 supported on the downstream support surface 10A via the downstream support section 10.

[0038] The air blowing unit 130 is provided at a position facing the downstream support unit 10. The air blowing unit 130 is capable of blowing an air current onto the medium 2 supported by the downstream support unit 10. The air blowing unit 130 is capable of drying the ink ejected onto the medium 2 by blowing an air current onto the medium 2.

[0039] The control unit 13 controls the entire printing device 1. The control unit 13 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application specific integrated circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination of these.

[0040] The processor executes various processes according to a computer program. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0041] For example, the control unit 13 controls the upstream transport unit 7 to transport the medium 2 toward the platen 8. The control unit 13 controls the printing unit 3 to print an image by ejecting ink onto an area of ​​the medium 2 that is supported by the support surface 8A of the platen 8. The control unit 13 controls the take-up shaft 12 to take up the medium 2 on which the image has been printed onto the take-up shaft 12.

[0042] The housing 100 defines part of the outer hull of the printing device 1. The housing 100 forms part of the front side, which is the side facing the +Y direction of the printing device 1, and part of the back side, which is the side facing the -Y direction. The housing 100 forms the right side, which is the side facing the -X direction of the printing device 1, and the left side, which is the side facing the +X direction. The housing 100 forms the top surface 100a, which is the surface facing the +Z direction of the printing device 1.

[0043] Inside the housing 100, a printing unit 3, an upstream transport unit 7, a platen 8, a downstream transport unit 9, and a control unit 13 are provided.

[0044] Housing 100 may be made up of multiple members. Part of housing 100 in this embodiment is made up of opening / closing cover 200. Opening / closing cover 200 opens and closes part of top surface 100a of housing 100 by rotating around the axis of rotation shaft 250. The axis of rotation shaft 250 is aligned with the X-axis, and rotation shaft 250 extends in the X-axis direction.

[0045] Openable cover 200 is provided so as to be movable between a closed position (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (see FIG. 3) by rotating about the axis of rotation shaft 250. In the closed position, openable cover 200 covers the inside of housing 100 and forms top surface 100a of housing 100. In the open position, openable cover 200 exposes the inside of housing 100, allowing an operator to access the inside of housing 100.

[0046] The opening / closing cover 200 constitutes a portion of the front surface of the housing 100 that is vertically above the transport path for the medium 2. The opening / closing cover 200 constitutes a portion of the front surface 100a of the housing 100 that is vertically above the transport path for the medium 2 and is on the -Y direction side of the center in the Y axis direction.

[0047] Openable cover 200 has a first partition wall 210 that forms part of top surface 100a of housing 100, and a second partition wall 220 that forms part of the front surface of housing 100.

[0048] First partition 210 forms the top surface 100a side of opening / closing cover 200. First partition 210 forms part of top surface 100a of housing 100. First partition 210 has a rectangular shape that extends along the XY plane and in the X-axis direction of opening / closing cover 200. First partition 210 has a window 211.

[0049] The window 211 is located on the +Z direction side, vertically above the support surface 8A of the platen 8. The window 211 is located on the +Z direction side, vertically above the movement area of ​​the carriage 26 along the X-axis direction. The window 211 is made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to see the inside of the housing 100 from the outside of the housing 100 through the window 211 when the opening / closing cover 200 is in the closed position.

[0050] Second partition 220 is provided at a position on the +Y direction side, which is closer to the front side than the center of first partition 210. Second partition 220 is provided on the -Z direction side of first partition 210. Second partition 220 has a rectangular shape that extends along the XZ plane and in the X-axis direction of opening / closing cover 200.

[0051] The upper end, which is the end on the +Z direction side of the second partition wall 220, is fixed to the surface on the -Z direction side of the first partition wall 210. The lower end, which is the end on the -Z direction side of the second partition wall 220, is located on the +Z direction side, with a gap between it and the medium 2 supported on the support surface 8A and the downstream support surface 10A. A duct 231 and a suction unit 240 are attached to the second partition wall 220.

[0052] The suction unit 240 is fixed to the inner surface 220b of the second partition wall 220 so as to be able to suck the gas 300 inside the housing 100 through the suction holes 241. The inner surface 220b is the surface of the second partition wall 220 on the -Y direction side that defines the space inside the housing 100. This forms a suction space between the suction unit 240 and the second partition wall 220, into which the gas 300 inside the housing 100 sucked through the suction holes 241 flows.

[0053] The suction unit 240 is provided near the upper end of the second partition wall 220 in the Z-axis direction. The suction unit 240 is made of, for example, a resin member. The bottom surface, which is the surface on the -Z direction side of the suction unit 240, is located on the +Z direction side of the lower end of the second partition wall 220. The bottom surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the +Z direction side of the nozzle surface 25A of the head 25. In the Z-axis direction, the distance between the bottom surface of the suction unit 240 and the nozzle surface 25A is longer than the distance between the support surface 8A and the nozzle surface 25A.

[0054] The bottom surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the -Z side of the upper end, which is the end on the +Z side of the downstream side surface of the carriage 26. The downstream side surface of the carriage 26 is the +Y side surface of the side surface of the carriage 26 that is located downstream in the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0055] The suction unit 240 has suction holes 241 in a facing surface, which is the side surface on the -Y direction side facing the carriage 26. The facing surface of the suction unit 240 extends in a stepped manner in the +Z direction, continuing from the bottom surface of the suction unit 240. The facing surface of the suction unit 240 includes a lower facing surface and an upper facing surface.

[0056] The downward facing surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the +Z direction side of the nozzle surface 25A of the head 25, and on the +Y direction side downstream in the transport direction relative to the downstream side surface of the carriage 26. The downward facing surface of the suction unit 240 faces the downstream side surface of the carriage 26. The downward facing surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the +Y direction side downstream in the transport direction relative to the nozzles 28.

[0057] The upper facing surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the +Z side of the lower facing surface, and on the -Y side, which is upstream in the transport direction, of the downstream side surface of the carriage 26. The upper facing surface of the suction unit 240 is located on the +Y side, which is downstream in the transport direction, of the nozzle 28. The suction unit 240 has suction holes 241 on each of its lower facing surface and upper facing surface.

[0058] Therefore, when the carriage 26 is not positioned on the -Y direction side, the opposing surface of the suction unit 240 and the suction holes 241 opening in the opposing surface are visible through the window 211. The suction holes 241 are, for example, rectangular through-holes whose longitudinal direction is in the X-axis direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0059] The duct 231 is provided near the upper end of the second partition wall 220 in the Z-axis direction. The duct 231 is provided at a position separated in the +Z direction from the lower end of the second partition wall 220. The duct 231 is made of, for example, a resin member. The bottom portion, which is the end of the duct 231 on the -Z direction side, is located on the +Z direction side of the nozzle surface 25A of the head 25. The bottom portion of the duct 231 is located on the +Z direction side of the lower end of the second partition wall 220.

[0060] Duct 231 is located on the +Y direction side of second partition wall 220. A side surface of duct 231 on the -Y direction side is fixed to outer surface 220f of second partition wall 220, thereby providing duct 231 on the +Y direction side of second partition wall 220. Outer surface 220f is the surface of second partition wall 220 on the +Y direction side. Outer surface 220f is the surface opposite inner surface 220b of second partition wall 220. Duct 231 extends along the X axis direction across the X axis direction of opening / closing cover 200.

[0061] The duct 231 has an outer surface 231f that forms part of the front surface of the housing 100. The outer surface 231f is inclined obliquely downward in a direction that includes a +Y direction component and a -Z direction component. In other words, the outer surface 231f of the duct 231 is inclined downward.

[0062] Of outer surface 220f of second partition wall 220, a lower end portion located on the -Z direction side of the bottom of duct 231 constitutes part of the front surface of housing 100. Second partition wall 220 is made of a transparent resin member. This makes it possible to see the inside of housing 100 from the outside of housing 100 through the lower end portion of outer surface 220f when open-close cover 200 is in the closed position.

[0063] Furthermore, outer surface 231f of duct 231 located on the +Z direction side of the lower end portion of outer surface 220f is inclined downward. Because outer surface 231f is inclined downward, the space between duct 231 and blower 130 is wider. This makes it easier to see the inside of housing 100 from the outside of housing 100 through the lower end portion of outer surface 220f when openable cover 200 is in the closed position. Also, because the space between duct 231 and blower 130 is wider, the user can more easily access the upstream side of the transport path from blower 130, improving the workability of required work.

[0064] The duct 231 and the suction unit 240 are adjacent to each other with a communication portion 221 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) provided in the second partition wall 220 sandwiched therebetween. The communication portion 221 is a fluid passage connecting the duct 231 and the suction unit 240. The communication portion 221 is a rectangular through-hole that penetrates the second partition wall 220. The communication portion 221 may be, for example, a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the upper end of the second partition wall 220. The internal space of the duct 231 communicates with the suction space of the suction unit 240 via the communication portion 221.

[0065] A filter 242 is provided in the communication portion 221 of the second partition wall 220 so as to close the communication portion 221. The end of the filter 242 on the +Y direction side is located in the internal space of the duct 231, and the end of the filter 242 on the −Y direction side is located in the suction space of the suction portion 240.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, leg frames 110 are attached to the housing 100 near both ends in the X-axis direction. Casters 111 and adjusters 112 are provided below the leg frames 110. Using the casters 111, the printing device 1 can be easily moved. Using the adjusters 112, the height can be adjusted at multiple points, allowing the printing device 1 to be appropriately installed on the installation surface.

[0067] The printing device 1 includes a liquid supply unit 120 that supplies ink to the head 25 of the printing unit 3. The liquid supply unit 120 is configured to be able to supply ink to the head 25 via a liquid supply path (not shown).

[0068] As described above, opening / closing cover 200 is provided on the front side, which is the +Y direction side, of housing 100. As described above, opening / closing cover 200 has first partition 210 that forms part of top surface 100a of housing 100, and second partition 220 that forms part of the front surface of housing 100.

[0069] Next, the configuration around the opening / closing cover 200 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 10. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the opening / closing cover 200 and the inner duct 232 when the opening / closing cover 200 of the housing 100 is in the closed position. Figure 5 shows the configuration of the opening / closing cover 200 and the inner duct 232 when the opening / closing cover 200 is in the open position.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows the configuration of the opening / closing cover 200 when the components on the +Y direction side of the second partition wall 220 are removed, and the configuration of the inner duct 232 including the vertical duct 233. Fig. 7 shows the configuration of the opening / closing cover 200 as seen from the front side. Fig. 8 shows the configuration of the opening / closing cover 200 as seen from the rear side. Fig. 9 shows the internal configuration of the duct 231 and the suction part 240 by removing the first partition wall 210 side of the opening / closing cover 200. Fig. 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the inner duct 232 and the vertical duct 233.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the opening / closing cover 200 has a first partition 210 that forms part of the top surface 100a of the housing 100, and a second partition 220 that forms part of the front surface of the housing 100, as described above.

[0072] A duct 231 is fixed to the outside of the second partition wall 220, i.e., on the +Y direction side (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 5, an inner duct 232 communicating with the duct 231 is fixed to the housing 100. As shown in FIG. 4, connecting portions 230 that connect the duct 231 and the inner duct 232 are provided at both ends of the second partition wall 220 in the X-axis direction.

[0073] 8 and 9, second partition 220 of open-close cover 200 is provided with suction section 240 that sucks gas 300 inside housing 100. In this embodiment, two suction sections 240 are fixed side by side in the X-axis direction to inner surface 220b of second partition 220. Therefore, in this embodiment, one communication section 221 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) is provided at a position on the +X direction side of the center of second partition 220 and one communication section 221 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) is provided at a position on the −X direction side of the center of second partition 220.

[0074] The plurality of suction holes 241 of the suction unit 240 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction on the surface facing the suction unit 240, across the width direction of the medium 2 supported by the platen 8. In this embodiment, the suction holes 241 are arranged in positions that do not overlap with the filter 242 when viewed from the front or rear. As a result, the plurality of suction holes 241 are arranged in the suction unit 240 so as to sandwich the filter 242 when viewed from the front or rear.

[0075] Note that "viewed from the front" means viewing as indicated by arrow A in Figures 2 and 3, i.e., viewing the printing device 1 in the -Y direction from the front side, which is the +Y direction. "Viewed from the rear" means viewing as indicated by arrow B in Figures 2 and 3, i.e., viewing the printing device 1 in the +Y direction from the rear side, which is the -Y direction.

[0076] Liquid particles, known as ink mist, are generated by ejecting ink from the nozzles 28 of the head 25. The liquid particles generated during printing on the medium 2 are also dispersed in the +Z direction from the nozzle surface 25A due to movement of the carriage 26 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the liquid particles generated during printing on the medium 2 reach a position in the +Z direction from the suction holes 241.

[0077] Therefore, the gas 300 sucked through the suction holes 241 of the suction unit 240 contains liquid particles that remain inside the housing 100 when ink is ejected from the nozzles 28 onto the medium 2. As described above, the suction unit 240 and the duct 231 communicate with each other via the filter 242 provided in the communication unit 221.

[0078] For example, assume that with the open / close cover 200 in the closed position, the control unit 13 controls the printing unit 3 to print on the medium 2 by ejecting ink from the nozzles 28. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the airflow generating unit 234 (see FIG. 6 ), such as an exhaust fan, to suck in the gas 300 inside the housing 100 through the suction holes 241 of the suction unit 240.

[0079] As a result, gas 300 sucked through suction holes 241 of suction unit 240 passes through filter 242, which adsorbs liquid particles contained in gas 300. Gas 300 that has passed through filter 242 passes through duct 231 and flows into inner duct 232 via connection unit 230 (see FIG. 4). Gas 300 that has flowed into inner duct 232 passes through vertical duct 233 (see FIG. 6) and is discharged to the outside of housing 100 via airflow generation unit 234 (see FIG. 6).

[0080] As shown in Fig. 5, inner duct 232 has an inner connection opening 230A that opens toward the front side and connects to duct 231. Specifically, inner connection opening 230A is inclined so as to face toward the front side and upward, i.e., in the +Z direction. In other words, inner connection opening 230A is inclined obliquely upward. As shown in Fig. 8, duct 231 has an outer connection opening 230B that is configured to be able to move toward and away from inner connection opening 230A as opening and closing cover 200 is opened and closed.

[0081] 6 and 10, the inner duct 232 has a vertical duct 233. The vertical duct 233 is in communication with the airflow generation unit 234. That is, the vertical duct 233 is disposed closer to the airflow generation unit 234 than the inner connection opening 230A. In other words, the vertical duct 233 is disposed midway in the flow path connecting the inner connection opening 230A and the airflow generation unit 234.

[0082] The vertical duct 233 is made of, for example, a hollow angular member. The vertical duct 233 also functions as a frame that constitutes the housing 100.

[0083] Since the printer 1 has the vertical duct 233, the gas 300 that has passed through the duct 231 from the suction hole 241 of the suction unit 240 can be discharged to the lower outside of the housing 100 via the vertical duct 233. Therefore, the printer 1 can remove the gas 300 containing liquid particles that remains inside the housing 100.

[0084] Furthermore, vertical duct 233, which is made of a hollow, angular member, can be used as a frame for housing 100, and printing device 1 can exhaust gas 300 below housing 100. Furthermore, because vertical duct 233 functions as a frame, it is possible to reduce the amount of material used, thereby reducing the costs of printing device 1. Furthermore, because airflow generating unit 234 is provided on the vertical duct 233 side, it is easier to ensure the strength of opening-closing cover 200 compared to when airflow generating unit 234 is provided on opening-closing cover 200.

[0085] 5 and 6, the vertical duct 233 made of a rectangular member has an upper opening 233a that opens across multiple surfaces, and a lower opening 233b that is formed below the upper opening 233a and also opens across multiple surfaces. Specifically, the upper opening 233a opens across, for example, two side surfaces of the rectangular member extending along the Z direction. The lower opening 233b opens across, for example, two surfaces of the rectangular member. By providing openings across multiple surfaces, the opening area can be made larger than when an opening is provided on a single surface.

[0086] Gas 300 flowing from inner connection opening 230A flows into upper opening 233a. Gas 300 flows out from lower opening 233b toward airflow generating section 234. Lower opening 233b is formed above lower end 233b1 of the horn-shaped member.

[0087] In this way, by using a horn-shaped member having an upper opening 233a and a lower opening 233b, the printing device 1 can discharge the gas 300 inside the housing 100 in the direction of the airflow generating section 234 while changing the flow direction.

[0088] The lower opening 233b is formed above the lower end 233b1. In other words, the vertical duct 233 extends below the lower opening 233b. Therefore, a light object such as the gas 300 changes direction and flows out from the lower opening 233b provided midway through the vertical duct 233 toward the airflow generating unit 234. On the other hand, a heavy object such as a solid falls down inside the vertical duct 233 below the lower opening 233b due to gravity.

[0089] In this embodiment, because the inner connection opening 230A is inclined obliquely upward, there is a possibility that foreign matter may enter through the inner connection opening 230A. However, if a foreign matter enters through the inner connection opening 230A, the foreign matter falls below the lower opening 233b as it passes through the vertical duct 233 and is not discharged toward the airflow generating unit 234. In other words, the foreign matter can be captured below the lower opening 233b in the vertical duct 233. This reduces the chance of the invading foreign matter coming into contact with the airflow generating unit 234, thereby reducing the occurrence of malfunctions.

[0090] The configuration of the flow path that sucks in the gas 300 inside the housing 100 and exhausts it to the outside of the housing 100 is substantially the same on the +X side of the center of the printer 1 as on the -X side of the center of the printer 1 described above. Note that independent flow paths may be formed on the -X side and +X side of the center of the printer 1, and the gas 300 inside the housing 100 may be exhausted to the outside of the housing 100.

[0091] As described above, the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0092] The printing device 1 includes a head 25 housed in a housing 100 and configured to eject ink onto a medium 2. The printing device 1 includes an opening / closing cover 200 that has a first partition 210 that forms part of a top surface 100a of the housing 100 and a second partition 220 that forms part of a front surface of the housing 100, and that opens and closes the top surface 100a of the housing 100. The printing device 1 includes a suction unit 240 that sucks gas 300 inside the housing 100 through a suction hole 241, and a duct 231 that communicates with the suction unit 240. The duct 231 is fixed to an outer surface 220f of the second partition 220.

[0093] In this case, duct 231 is fixed to outer surface 220f of second partition wall 220, and therefore, compared to when duct 231 is provided at the lower end of second partition wall 220, it is easier to ensure the strength of open-close cover 200.

[0094] Suction part 240 is fixed to inner surface 220b of second partition wall 220, and communicates with duct 231 via communication part 221 provided in second partition wall 220. With this, suction part 240, which communicates with duct 231 via communication part 221, is fixed to inner surface 220b of second partition wall 220, making it easy to ensure the strength of open-close cover 200.

[0095] First partition 210 has window 211 through which the inside of housing 100 can be seen, and suction unit 240 is provided so as to be visible through window 211. This allows suction unit 240 to be seen when opening / closing cover 200 is closed.

[0096] Printing device 1 is provided with filter 242 arranged in duct 231, and suction hole 241 is provided in a position that does not overlap filter 242 when viewed from the front. As a result, when opening / closing cover 200 is in the open position, filter 242, which has become contaminated by capturing liquid particles contained in gas 300 inside housing 100, is difficult to see.

[0097] When viewed from the front, a plurality of suction holes 241 are provided so as to sandwich the filter 242. With this, since a plurality of suction holes 241 are provided, the gas 300 inside the housing 100 can be efficiently sucked.

[0098] Second partition 220 is made of a transparent member, and duct 231 is provided at a position away from the lower end of second partition 220. This allows the inside of housing 100 to be seen through second partition 220 when openable cover 200 is in the closed position.

[0099] Duct 231 has outer surface 231f that forms part of the front surface of housing 100, and outer surface 231f is inclined downward. This makes it easier to see the inside of housing 100 through second partition wall 220 when open-close cover 200 is in the closed position.

[0100] The printing device 1 according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit parts of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The above embodiment and other embodiments described below can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the suction holes 241 of the suction unit 240 may be provided at positions overlapping with the filter 242 when viewed from the front. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the plurality of suction holes 241 may be provided across the X-axis direction of the opposing surface of the suction unit 240, including positions overlapping with the filter 242 when viewed from the front.

[0102] In this case, suction holes 241 of a different shape may be provided at positions overlapping with filter 242 when viewed from the front, compared to suction holes 241 provided at positions not overlapping with filter 242. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, suction holes 241 larger than suction holes 241 provided at positions not overlapping with filter 242 may be provided at positions overlapping with filter 242 when viewed from the front.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the second partition wall 220 does not necessarily have to have a plurality of communication sections 221. For example, one communication section 221 may be provided in the center of the second partition wall 220 in the X-axis direction. In this case, one suction section 240 may be provided across the second partition wall 220 in the X-axis direction.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the suction holes 241 of the suction unit 240 may be provided on the bottom surface of the suction unit 240. In this case, the suction holes 241 may be provided on the opposing surface of the suction unit 240 in addition to the bottom surface of the suction unit 240, or may not be provided on the opposing surface.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the side surface of the duct 231 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the outer surface 220f of the second partition wall 220, and in addition, the side surface of the duct 231 on the +Z direction side may be fixed to the first partition wall 210.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the internal space of the duct 231 may be formed by the duct 231 and the outer surface 220f of the second partition wall 220. In this case, the side surface of the duct 231 on the +Z direction side may be fixed to the first partition wall 210, and the bottom of the duct 231 may be fixed to the outer surface 220f of the second partition wall 220. In this case, the side surface of the duct 231 on the -Y direction side may not be present. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...printing device, 2...medium, 3...printing unit, 5...feeding spindle, 6...upstream support unit, 7...upstream transport unit, 8...platen, 8A...support surface, 9...downstream transport unit, 10...downstream support unit, 10A...downstream support surface, 12...winding spindle, 13...control unit, 15...roll, 25...head, 25A...nozzle surface, 26...carriage, 27...guide shaft, 28...nozzle, 40...upstream heating unit, 41...print heating unit, 42...downstream heating unit, 61...upstream heating support unit, 61A...first support surface, 62...upstream guide support unit, 71...first roller, 72...second roller, 91...third roller, 92...fourth roller, 100...casing, 100a...top surface, 11 0...leg frame, 111...caster, 112...adjuster, 120...liquid supply section, 130...air blowing section, 200...opening / closing cover, 210...first partition wall, 211...window, 220...second partition wall, 220b...inner surface, 220f...outer surface, 221...communicating section, 230...connection section, 230A...inner connection opening, 230B...outer connection opening, 231...duct, 231f...outer surface, 232...inner duct, 233...vertical duct, 233a...upper opening, 233b...lower opening, 233b1...lower end, 234...airflow generating section, 240...suction section, 241...suction hole, 242...filter, 250...rotating shaft, 300...gas, A, B...arrows.

Claims

1. a head housed in a housing and configured to eject liquid onto a medium; an opening / closing cover that has a first partition wall that forms a part of the top surface of the housing and a second partition wall that forms a part of the front surface of the housing, and that opens and closes the top surface of the housing; a suction unit that sucks gas inside the housing through a suction hole; a duct communicating with the suction portion; Equipped with The duct is fixed to the outer surface of the second partition wall. A printing device characterized by:

2. the suction portion is fixed to the inner surface of the second partition wall and communicates with the duct via a communication portion provided in the second partition wall.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. the first partition has a window through which the inside of the housing can be seen, The suction unit is provided so as to be visible through the window.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. a filter disposed in the duct; When viewed from the front, the suction hole is provided at a position that does not overlap with the filter.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

5. When viewed from the front, a plurality of the suction holes are provided so as to sandwich the filter.

5. The printing device according to claim 4.

6. the second partition wall is made of a transparent material, The duct is provided at a position away from a lower end of the second partition wall.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

7. the duct has an outer surface that forms a part of the front surface of the housing; The outer surface is downwardly sloping.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

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