Recording device

Abstract

To inhibit deterioration of dry efficiency in a recording device including dry parts disposed in a plurality of housings.SOLUTION: A recording device dries a liquid composition applied to a recording medium while transporting the recording medium between a plurality of housings. A blower part for blowing air to the recording medium is disposed in at least one of the housings. Between a first housing in which a first blower part serving as the blower part is disposed and a second housing located adjacent to the first housing, a connection member for connecting an air blowing space of the first blower part in the first housing with a transport space in which the recording medium is transported in the second housing to form a closed space is disposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a drying section that dries a liquid composition applied onto a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in the field of recording devices that perform recording by an inkjet method, there has been known a recording device that includes a recording unit that deposits a liquid composition onto a recording medium to form an image, and a drying unit that dries the deposited liquid composition and fixes it onto the recording medium.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device having a drying unit. In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, a drying unit is arranged on each of multiple housing frames, and air heated by a heating device is supplied to each drying unit. Specifically, hot air is blown vertically toward the recording medium from a hot air supply port formed on the top surface of the housing, thereby drying the liquid applied to the recording medium.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a printing apparatus having a drying unit that circulates hot air heated by a heater and blows the hot air onto a sheet to dry the ink on the sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5600444 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5043980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that hot air may leak out between the housing frame containing the drying unit and the housing frame next to it, and this air leakage may reduce the efficiency of drying.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not take into consideration the arrangement of drying units on a plurality of housing frames.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to suppress a decrease in drying efficiency in a recording apparatus having drying units arranged in multiple housings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The recording device of the present invention is a recording device that dries a liquid composition applied to a recording medium while transporting the recording medium between multiple housings, and is characterized in that at least one of the multiple housings is provided with an air blowing means for blowing air onto the recording medium, and a connecting member is provided between a first housing in which the first air blowing means, which is the air blowing means, is provided and a second housing adjacent to the first housing, for connecting the air blowing space of the first air blowing means in the first housing and a transport space in the second housing for transporting the recording medium, thereby forming a closed space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in drying efficiency in a recording apparatus having drying units arranged in a plurality of housings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing of a sheet transport unit of the recording unit. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a drying unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of an airflow space in the drying section. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an airflow duct of the cooling unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration for a first recording step. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the configurations for the first recording step and the second recording step. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a recording apparatus made up of a plurality of housing frames. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an airflow sealing member disposed between drying units. [Figure 12] A perspective view of an airflow sealing member [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an airflow sealing member disposed between the drying section and the cooling section. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the housing frame is open. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drying unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a drying unit of a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating a process of pulling out the storage section of the drying unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an electrical connection portion of the drying unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exhaust unit in a drying unit of a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a maintenance method for an exhaust unit in a drying unit of a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an exhaust fan according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a method for removing the exhaust fan according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drying unit according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, the coordinate axes are defined as the top of the device in Figure 1 (z direction), the longitudinal direction (x direction) from right to left, and the sheet width direction (y direction) from the front to the back of the paper in the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction (x direction).

[0014] In this embodiment, a printer using a continuous sheet wound in a roll as the recording medium and equipped with a print head having an ejection port area equivalent to the width of the sheet, a so-called line head, will be described as an example. However, the present invention is also applicable to printers that use sheet-fed recording media, and to printers equipped with a serial head that records an image on the recording medium by moving a carriage equipped with a print head in a direction intersecting the recording medium transport direction. Furthermore, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and various other types of recording media that can be printed on can be used.

[0015] <Recording device> 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a recording apparatus 1. Inside the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, there are arranged the following units: an unwinding roll unit 2, a first dancer unit 3, a first main conveyance unit 4, a meandering correction unit 5, a conveyance detection unit 6, a recording unit 7, a conveyance tension detection unit 9, a recorded image position detection unit 10, a scanner unit 11, a second main conveyance unit 12, a second dancer unit 13, a take-up roll unit 14, a maintenance unit 15, a drying unit 40, and a cooling unit 50. A continuous sheet S, which is a recording medium, is conveyed along a sheet conveyance path indicated by a solid line in the figure and is processed by each unit.

[0016] In the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a first recording process and a second recording process are performed along the sheet transport path (sheet S). In the first recording process, an image is recorded on the sheet S through the processing of the first recording unit 7a, the first drying unit 40a, and the first cooling unit 50a. In the second recording process, an image is recorded on the sheet S that has passed through the first recording process through the processing of the second recording unit 7b, the second drying unit 40b, and the second cooling unit 50b. In this way, the recording apparatus 1 can record images consecutively on the sheet S by passing the sheet S through the first recording process and the second recording process. The recording apparatus 1 can also select one of the recording processes depending on the recording conditions. In this case, an image is recorded on the sheet S through only the selected recording process. Note that the operation of transporting the sheet S from the unwind roll unit 2 toward the winding roll unit 14 is defined as forward transport, and the operation of transporting the sheet S in the opposite direction is defined as reverse transport.

[0017] The unwinding roll unit 2 is a unit for holding and supplying a continuous sheet wound into a roll. The unwinding roll unit 2 is configured to store an unwinding roll and pull out and supply the sheet S. The number of rolls that can be stored is not limited to one, and the unit may store two or three or more rolls and selectively pull out and supply the sheet S. The unwinding roll unit 2 is configured to be independently rotatable in forward and reverse directions by a drive motor (not shown).

[0018] The first dancer section 3 is a unit for applying a constant tension to the sheet S between the unwinding roll section 2 and the first main conveying section 4. The first dancer section 3 applies tension to the sheet S using a tension applying means (not shown).

[0019] The first main conveying section 4 is a unit provided along the sheet conveying path (sheet S) for feeding the sheet S into each unit and for applying tension to the sheet S between the first main conveying section 4 and the second main conveying section 12. The first main conveying section 4 is rotated by a motor (not shown) and conveys the sheet S while applying tension to it.

[0020] The meandering correction unit 5 is a unit for correcting meandering in the width direction of the sheet S when the sheet S is conveyed with tension applied. In this embodiment, the meandering correction unit 5 includes a first meandering correction unit 5a and a second meandering correction unit 5b, which are disposed upstream of each recording process on the sheet conveyance path. The meandering correction unit 5 includes a meandering correction roller and a meandering detection sensor (not shown) that detects meandering of the sheet S. The meandering correction roller is driven by a motor (not shown), can change the inclination of the sheet S, and corrects meandering of the sheet S based on measurements by the meandering detection sensor. The meandering correction function is improved by wrapping the sheet S around the meandering correction roller.

[0021] The transport detection unit 6 is a unit for detecting the transport speed of the sheet S and marks printed in advance on the sheet S in order to control the image formation timing of the recording unit 7. In this embodiment, the transport detection unit 6 includes a first transport detection unit 6a and a second transport detection unit 6b, which are arranged upstream of each recording process in the sheet transport path. The first transport detection unit 6a and the second transport detection unit 6b are used to control the image formation timing of the first recording unit 7a and the second recording unit 7b, respectively.

[0022] The recording unit 7 is a processing unit that applies a liquid composition (ink) from above to the transported sheet S using a recording head 22 to form an image. The transport path in the recording unit 7 is formed by guide rollers 23 arranged in an arc shape that convex upward, and a certain amount of tension is applied to the sheet S, ensuring clearance with the recording head 22. The recording heads 22 are arranged in a plurality of rows along the transport direction. In this embodiment, the first recording unit 7a has two line-type recording heads: one corresponding to W (white) ink and one corresponding to a reaction liquid. The second recording unit 7b has four line-type recording heads corresponding to four colors: Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). In addition, the second recording unit 7b has four line-type recording heads: one corresponding to a reaction liquid and one corresponding to three special color inks: O (orange), G (green), and V (violet). In other words, the second recording unit 7b has a total of eight line-type recording heads. The types and number of colors and the number of recording heads 22 are not limited to the above examples.

[0023] Here, the reaction liquid is a liquid containing a component that increases the viscosity of the ink. Increasing the viscosity of the ink refers to a state in which the coloring material, resin, or other components of the ink come into contact with the component that increases the viscosity of the ink, resulting in a chemical reaction or physical adsorption, resulting in an increase in the viscosity of the ink. Increasing the viscosity of the ink is not limited to an increase in the viscosity of the entire ink, but also includes localized increases in viscosity due to partial aggregation of components that make up the ink, such as the coloring material or resin. Components that increase the viscosity of the ink can include polyvalent metal ions, cationic resins, organic acids, and the like. Applying a reaction liquid before applying the ink to the sheet S allows the ink to be fixed immediately after reaching the sheet S. This prevents adjacent inks from mixing, resulting in bleeding. Inkjet printing can be performed using a heating element, a piezoelectric element, an electrostatic element, a MEMS element, or other methods. The ink is supplied to the recording head 22 from ink tanks (not shown) via ink tubes.

[0024] 2, the sheet conveying unit housing 71 of the recording unit 7 is provided with a plurality of positioning members 711 for positioning the recording heads 22. The positioning members 711 are arranged on both sides of the sheet S in the width direction, sandwiching the sheet S between them, and one positioning member 711 is provided on the front side and two on the back side for each recording head 22 in FIG.

[0025] 3, the recording head 22 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 27 supported from below by a recording head holding unit 26 that holds the recording head 22 and moves it up and down. The recording head holding unit 26 moves up and down along lifting rails 29 provided in a recording head lifting frame 28 by a drive mechanism (not shown) provided inside. In this embodiment, the liquid composition is applied to the sheet S using an inkjet head, but the method for applying the liquid composition to the sheet in the recording unit 7 is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the reaction liquid is applied by the recording head 22, but it may also be applied by a roller, a die coating device (die coater), a blade coating device (blade coater), or the like.

[0026] The conveying tension detection unit 9 is a unit for detecting tension when the sheet S is conveyed between the first main conveying unit 4 and the second main conveying unit 12 with tension applied thereto.

[0027] The recording image position detection unit 10 is a unit for detecting misalignment of the image formed on the sheet S by the recording unit 7 during printing and correcting the printing.

[0028] The winding guide roller R1 is a roller that wraps the surface of the sheet S opposite the ink-applied surface at a constant winding angle downstream of the second recording unit 7b in the transport direction. In this embodiment, two winding guide rollers R1 are arranged between the second recording unit 7b and the second drying unit 40b. The sheet S is folded back approximately parallel to the top and bottom of the device by the winding guide rollers R1, and the second drying unit 40b is arranged below the recording unit 7b.

[0029] The drying section 40 (first drying section 40a, second drying section 40b) is a unit that reduces the liquid content contained in the liquid composition applied to the sheet S in the recording section 7, thereby improving the fixation of the ink between the sheet S and the sheet S. The drying section 40 blows air onto the recorded sheet S to dry the applied ink. Inside the drying section 40, air is blown onto the passing sheet S from at least the ink-applied side, drying the ink-applied surface of the sheet S. In addition to blowing air, the drying method may also use a method of irradiating the surface of the sheet S with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, etc.) or a conductive heat transfer method using contact with a heating element, or a combination of these.

[0030] The cooling section 50 (first cooling section 50a, second cooling section 50b) has the function of cooling the sheet S fixed in the drying section 40, solidifying the softened ink, and suppressing the amount of temperature change of the sheet S in downstream processes of the recording device. Inside the cooling section 50, air (cool air) at a lower temperature than the sheet S is blown onto at least the ink-applied side of the passing sheet S to cool the ink-applied side of the sheet S. Note that the cooling method is not limited to blowing air, and a conductive heat transfer method using contact with a heat dissipation member may also be used, or a combination of these may be used. Furthermore, air may be blown onto both sides of the sheet S to increase cooling efficiency.

[0031] The scanner unit 11 is a unit for reading a test image formed on a sheet S by the recording unit 7 before actual printing, detecting image misalignment and density, and correcting the actual printing.

[0032] The second main transport unit 12 is a unit that transports the sheet S between the first main transport unit 4 while applying tension to the sheet S, and adjusts the tension of the sheet S. The second main transport unit 12 has rollers driven by a motor (not shown), and controls the rotation speed of the rollers in the second main transport unit 12 according to the tension value detected by the transport tension detection unit 9. Note that, as a configuration for adjusting the tension of the sheet S, a configuration for adjusting the tension of the sheet S using a clutch (not shown) that can control the torque connected to the drive shaft may be added. In this case, two tension control methods are possible: a torque control method that controls the torque value transmitted from the clutch, and a speed control method that controls the speed of the rollers of the second main transport unit 12. Depending on the purpose, these tension control methods can be switched between, or both can be used simultaneously.

[0033] The second dancer section 13 is a unit for applying a constant tension to the sheet S between the second main transport section 12 and the winding roll section 14. The second dancer section 13 applies tension to the sheet S by a tension applying means (not shown).

[0034] The winding roll unit 14 is a unit for winding the recorded sheet S onto a core. The number of recoverable rolls is not limited to one. It may have two or more cores, and the sheet S may be recovered by selectively switching between them. The winding roll unit 14 is configured to be independently rotatable in the forward and reverse directions by a drive motor (not shown). The sheet S can be conveyed in the forward and reverse directions by controlling the drive motors of the unwinding roll unit 2 and the winding roll unit 14 to rotate in the forward or reverse direction. In the reverse direction, the sheet S is conveyed while tension is applied to it between the first main conveyance unit 4 and the second main conveyance unit 12, just as in the forward direction. Depending on the type of post-recording processing, the continuous sheet may be cut using a cutter and the cut sheets S may be stacked, rather than being wound onto a core.

[0035] The control unit 31 is a unit that controls each part of the entire recording apparatus. The control unit 31 has a CPU, a storage device that stores various information such as the discharge speed and the thickness of the recording medium, a controller equipped with various control units, an external interface, and an operation unit 32 through which the user inputs and outputs. The operation of the recording apparatus 1 is controlled based on instructions from the controller or a host device 33 such as a host computer connected to the controller via an external interface.

[0036] The maintenance unit 15 is a unit equipped with a mechanism for restoring the ejection performance of the recording head 22. Examples of such mechanisms include a cap mechanism for protecting the ink ejection surface of the recording head 22, a wiper mechanism for wiping the ink ejection surface, and a suction mechanism for negatively suctioning ink from the recording head 22 via the ink ejection surface. The maintenance unit 15 also has a drive mechanism and rails (not shown) and is capable of reciprocating horizontally along the rails. The maintenance unit 15 moves to a position directly below the recording head 22 during maintenance of the recording head 22, and moves to a position away from directly below the recording head 22 when maintenance is not being performed. In this embodiment, a first maintenance unit 15a and a second maintenance unit 15b are provided corresponding to the first recording unit 7a and the second recording unit 7b, respectively.

[0037] <Configuration of Drying Section 40> Next, the configuration for blowing air onto the sheet S in the drying section 40 (first drying section 40a, second drying section 40b) will be described in more detail.

[0038] 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of the drying section 40, as viewed from the side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. Fig. 4A shows the internal structure of the first drying section 40a, and Fig. 4B shows the internal structure of the second drying section 40b.

[0039] 4, the sheet conveyance direction is defined as the SD direction, the sheet width direction as the Y direction, the direction from right to left of the device as the X direction, and the direction from bottom to top of the device as the Z direction. The drying unit 40 has a housing 401, and the housing 401 is provided with a sheet support unit 410 in which a sheet support roller 411 is arranged in a position that contacts the sheet S being conveyed, and an air flow space 430.

[0040] The sheet support section 410 limits displacement of the sheet S in the Z direction by sheet support rollers 411. In the first drying section 40a, a gap is provided in the +Z direction from the sheet S transported opposite the sheet support section 410, forming an airflow space 430. In the second drying section 40b, a gap is provided in the -Z direction from the sheet S transported opposite the sheet support section 410, forming an airflow space 430.

[0041] The airflow space in this embodiment is configured by arranging one or more airflow ducts in one airflow space 430. In this embodiment, three airflow ducts 431a to 431c are installed in the airflow space 430. In this embodiment, the drying section 40 is configured by arranging a plurality of airflow ducts in parallel in the SD direction, which is the sheet conveying direction, depending on the required productivity (conveying speed of the sheet S). There is no limit to the number of airflow spaces 430, airflow ducts 431, and housings 401. A more detailed configuration of the internal configuration of the first drying section 40a will be described later.

[0042] <Configuration of Airflow Space 430> Next, the configuration of airflow space 430 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The definitions of directions in Fig. 5 are the same as those in Fig. 4. Specifically, the sheet conveyance direction is defined as the SD direction (X direction), and the sheet width direction is defined as the Y direction. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of airflow space 430 viewed in the +Z direction from sheet S. Airflow space 430 is made up of housing 401 and multiple airflow ducts 431 (431a to 431c) stored inside it.

[0043] The housing 401 is provided with a connection path (not shown) for sending air to the airflow duct 431, as well as circulation exhaust ports 434 (434a, 434b), a ventilation port 435, and an exhaust port 436.

[0044] An air circulation heating section 408 is provided outside the airflow space 430, and includes a fan 432 and heaters 433 (433a to 433c). The fan 432 draws air from the airflow space 430 in the direction of arrows F21 (F21a, F21b) through a circulation exhaust port 434. The drawn-in air is blown out from the fan 432 in the direction of arrows F22 (F22a to F22c), and passes through the heater 433 where it is heated.

[0045] The temperature of the heated air is detected by an air temperature detection unit (not shown). Based on the detected temperature, heating of heater 433 is controlled according to a predetermined target temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature of the air passing through heater 433 is controlled to a range of 50 to 100°C. The heated air flows in the direction of arrow F22 and is blown onto sheet S from air flow duct 431. Air flow duct 431 has a plurality of small-diameter (for example, 1.5 to 5 mm) circular holes regularly arranged, and air is blown out uniformly from the circular holes onto sheet S. Note that the holes formed in air flow duct 431 are not limited to circular holes, and may be linear slit holes, elliptical holes, or a combination thereof.

[0046] When the liquid portion of the ink on the sheet S evaporates, the vapor pressure in the airflow space 430 increases. If the vapor pressure in the airflow space 430 increases excessively, the desired amount of evaporation cannot be obtained, resulting in insufficient drying. Therefore, the housing 401 is ventilated by taking in outside air using an intake fan 437 provided in the housing 401 and expelling the air containing accumulated vapor using an exhaust fan 438.

[0047] The intake fan 437 takes in outside air through the ventilation opening 435 in the direction indicated by the arrow F23 and supplies it into the airflow space 430.

[0048] The exhaust fan 438 exhausts air from the airflow space 430 in the direction of the arrow F24 through the exhaust port 436. The exhausted air is discharged to the outside of the drying unit 40.

[0049] In this embodiment, ventilation is performed by the intake fan 437 and the exhaust fan 438, but the ventilation method is not limited to this. For example, ventilation may be performed by using only one of the fans. Furthermore, the ventilation port 435 and the exhaust port 436 may be provided on the air circulation heating unit 408 side.

[0050] Furthermore, any form of airflow space 430 that blows airflow onto sheet S can be applied. For example, airflow duct 431 and air circulation heating unit 408 are not limited to the above configuration, and any number of them may be installed, and may be realized by any air blowing means, heating means, etc. In addition, a drying method using a radiant heater may be used, or a configuration may be configured in combination with this.

[0051] Furthermore, although this embodiment is configured to circulate hot air by heater 433, it may be configured to circulate room temperature air without heater 433 being provided.

[0052] <Control of Drying Unit 40> Next, a description will be given of the control procedure of the drying unit 40, which is carried out by the control unit 31. When recording data is sent from the host device 33 to the control unit 31, the device starts a preparation operation for recording.

[0053] The control unit 31 determines the drive table values ​​for the drying unit 40 based on the printing conditions. The drive table conditions are determined based on the type of recording medium (sheet S), printing density, and user-specified values. The airflow temperature of each airflow duct and the drive duty of the airflow source are specified according to the conditions. DUTY refers to the drive pulse duty cycle of the airflow source, and a drive signal is output between 0% (stop) and 100% (full speed rotation). In this embodiment, the air volume of each airflow duct is adjusted by the drive duty of the airflow source, but this method is not limited to this. For example, a nozzle pressure detection unit (not shown) may be provided in each airflow duct, and the airflow source may be feedback-controlled so that the detected pressure value matches the target pressure value in the nozzle.

[0054] <Configuration of Cooling Unit 50> Next, the configuration of the cooling section 50 will be described in detail. The cooling section 50 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of airflow ducts and constitutes an air-cooling section, similar to the drying section 40. As an example, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling airflow duct 503 as seen from the sheet conveyance direction, with the left-right direction being the width direction of the sheet S.

[0055] The definitions of directions in Fig. 6 are the same as those in Fig. 4. Fans 501 and 502 are provided in the air path formed in cooling airflow duct 503. Air is taken in from outside the apparatus and, as shown by arrow 510, is blown onto sheet S on the conveying path via nozzle unit 504.

[0056] <Control of Cooling Unit 50> Next, a description will be given of the control procedure of the cooling unit 50, which is carried out by the control unit 31. When recording data is transmitted from the host device 33 to the control unit 31, the device starts a preparation operation for recording.

[0057] The control unit 31 determines the drive table values ​​of the cooling unit 50 based on the printing conditions. The drive table conditions are determined based on the type of printing medium (sheet S), printing density, and user-specified values. The drive duty of the fans 501 and 502 of each cooling airflow duct 503 is specified according to the conditions. DUTY refers to the fan drive pulse duty cycle, and a drive signal is output between 0% (stop) and 100% (full speed rotation). In this embodiment, the air volume of each cooling airflow duct 503 is adjusted based on the fan drive duty, but this is not limited to this method. For example, a nozzle pressure detection unit (not shown) may be provided in each cooling airflow duct, and the air source may be feedback-controlled so that the detected pressure value matches the target pressure value in the nozzle.

[0058] <Configuration of the first recording step> Next, the configuration of the first recording step will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. The first recording step is performed by a first recording unit 7a and a first transport path 8a arranged in parallel downstream of the first recording unit 7a in the transport direction. The first transport path 8a is a transport path for the sheet S from the time when the first recording unit 7a completes applying ink to the sheet S to the contact roller R2. A first drying unit 40a and a first cooling unit 50a are arranged on the first transport path 8a. In FIG. 7, the sheet transport direction in the first transport path 8a is defined as SD8a. The definitions of the other directions are the same as those in FIG. 4.

[0059] In the first recording step, the first recording unit 7a sequentially applies reaction liquid and W ink onto the sheet S. The ink-applied sheet S is then fixed by the first drying unit 40a in the first transport path 8a. A contact roller R2 is provided downstream of the first transport path 8a in the direction of SD8a to form a sheet transport path. The contact roller R2 brings the ink-applied surface of the sheet S into contact with the surface of the contact roller R2. To maintain the ink surface layer applied to the sheet S in good condition, it is desirable to solidify the ink before it reaches the contact roller R2. Therefore, in this embodiment, a first cooling unit 50a is provided downstream of the first drying unit 40a in the first transport path 8a to solidify the ink before it reaches the contact roller R2.

[0060] <Configuration of the second recording step> Next, the configuration of the second recording step described above will be explained in detail using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the first recording step and the second recording step. The second recording step is performed by a second recording unit 7b and a second transport path 8b provided downstream of the second recording unit 7b in the transport direction.

[0061] The second transport path 8b is a transport path for the sheet S from the time when the second recording unit 7b finishes applying ink to the sheet S until the sheet reaches the contact roller R3. The second transport path 8b is provided with a winding guide roller R1, a second drying unit 40b, and a second cooling unit 50b. In FIG. 8, the sheet transport direction in the second drying unit 40b is defined as SD8b. The definitions of the other directions are the same as those in FIG. 4.

[0062] In the second recording step, the second recording unit 7b sequentially applies a reaction liquid and color inks based on the recording image onto the sheet S. The sheet S to which the ink has been applied is folded back toward the bottom of the device by the winding guide roller R1, and then the ink is fixed by the second drying unit 40b in the second transport path 8b. Here, a contact roller R3 is provided downstream of the second transport path 8b in the direction of SD8b to form a sheet transport path. The surface of the contact roller R3 on which the ink has been applied comes into contact with the surface of the contact roller R3. In the second recording step, too, to maintain the surface of the ink applied to the sheet S in good condition, it is desirable to solidify the ink before it reaches the contact roller R3. Therefore, in this embodiment, a second cooling unit 50b is provided downstream of the second drying unit 40b in the second transport path 8b to solidify the ink before it reaches the contact roller R3.

[0063] <Recording device control> Next, the control unit that performs the recording process in the recording device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] The control unit 31 has a host I / F unit 324. Print data input from the host device 33 via the host I / F unit 324 is rendered by the RIP processing unit 303 and converted into multi-value bitmap data. The print data input here is configured in, for example, PDL (Page Description Language).

[0065] The multi-value bitmap data is subjected to ink color conversion and quantization processing in a print data generation unit 304, resulting in half-tone data of the ink colors. This half-tone data is assigned to each nozzle for each color by a nozzle data generation unit 305, and becomes nozzle data (binary data) for each line. This nozzle data is subjected to non-discharge complement processing (a process of reassigning ejection data assigned to non-discharge nozzles to nozzles that are not non-discharge nozzles) in a non-discharge complement processing unit 307, according to the non-discharge nozzle information stored in a non-discharge nozzle information storage unit 306.

[0066] The nozzle data that has undergone non-discharge complement processing is subjected to head tilt correction (correction that moves the data in the transport direction in accordance with the amount of tilt) by a head tilt correction unit 309 in accordance with the head tilt information stored in a head tilt information storage unit 308. The nozzle data that has undergone head tilt correction in this manner is stored in an image memory 323.

[0067] The CPU 320 transfers the nozzle data stored in the image memory 323 to the nozzle data thinning unit 310. The transferred nozzle data after tilt correction is subjected to thinning processing by the nozzle data thinning unit 310, and then transferred by the ejection data transfer unit 311 to each of the recording heads 22 of the first recording unit 7 a and the second recording unit 7 b.

[0068] The CPU 320 also controls the above-mentioned components. This control is executed based on a control program stored in a ROM 322. The control program stored in the ROM 322 includes an OS for time-sharing control in load module units using a system clock. A RAM 321 is used as a working area for the CPU 320. The components including the CPU 320 are connected to a system bus 325.

[0069] The control unit 31 also includes a drying control unit 326, a cooling control unit 327, and a conveyance control unit 328. The drying control unit 326 controls the temperatures of the first drying unit 40a and the second drying unit 40b and the driving of the fans. The cooling control unit 327 controls the cooling operation of the first cooling unit 50a and the second cooling unit 50b. The conveyance control unit 328 controls the conveyance units (the unwinding roll unit 2, the first dancer unit 3, the first main conveyance unit 4, the meandering correction unit 5, the conveyance detection unit 6, the conveyance tension detection unit 9, the second main conveyance unit 12, the second dancer unit 13, and the winding roll unit 14) from the unwinding roll unit 2 to the winding roll unit 14, and conveys the sheet S at a predetermined conveyance speed.

[0070] When print data is input from the host device 33, a drive table is applied to each unit of the drying control unit 326, cooling control unit 327, and conveyance control unit 328 based on the print data. The drive table stores predetermined values ​​based on recording conditions such as the image data and type of recording medium (sheet S), or values ​​entered by the user via the operation unit 32, etc. Control based on the recording conditions makes it possible to achieve appropriate recording processing according to the image data, recording medium, desired productivity, etc.

[0071] 1 shows the internal configuration of the recording device 1, but if all the components inside the recording device are contained within a single housing frame, it may be difficult to transport the recording device. For this reason, the housing frame of the recording device may be divided, and functional units may be separated into each housing frame.

[0072] FIG. 10 shows an example in which the recording device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is divided into eight housing frames 480 (480a to 480h).

[0073] The recording device 1 is divided into, from the right side of the device, a housing frame 480a in which the unwinding roll section 2 and the like are arranged, a housing frame 480b in which the first recording section 7a and the first main transport section 4 and the like are arranged, a housing frame 480c in which the first ink supply device 16a, the first drying section 40(a-1), the second cooling section 50b and the like are arranged, a housing frame 480d in which the second ink supply device 16b, the first drying section 40(a-2), and the second drying section 40(b-3) are arranged, a housing frame 480e in which the first cooling section 50a and the second drying section 40(b-2) and the like are arranged, a housing frame 480f in which the second recording section 7b and the second drying section 40(b-1) and the like are arranged, a housing frame 480g in which the second main transport section 12 and the like are arranged, and a housing frame 480h in which the take-up roll section 14 and the like are arranged. In such a divided housing frame configuration, the housing frames 480a to 480h are transported separately. At the transport destination, the housing frames 480 are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 14 using casters 481 provided on the undersides of the housing frames 480, and the housing frames 480 are further connected and fixed together using connecting members 482. This makes it possible to use the recording device 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the airflow space 430 described in FIG. 4 spans between two housing frames and is divided into an airflow space (air blowing space and transport space for sheet S) 430(a-1) in housing frame 480c and an airflow space (air blowing space and transport space for sheet S) 430(a-2) in housing frame 480d. In this case, a first airflow sealing member (connecting member) 460 is disposed between the housing frames, forming a closed space that prevents leakage of airflow.

[0075] 12(a) and 12(b) are detailed views of the first airflow sealing member 460. The first airflow sealing member 460 is composed of an upper first airflow sealing member (upper member) 460a and a lower first airflow sealing member (lower member) 460b, and the sheet S passes through the space between the two members. Without the first airflow sealing member 460, air flows indicated by arrows F31 and F32 in FIG. 11 would occur, causing warm air to leak and reducing the efficiency of drying the sheet S. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the airflow space 430(a-1) and the airflow space 430(a-2) are connected by the first airflow sealing member 460. As a result, the air flows generated in the first drying section 40(a-1) and the first drying section 40(a-2) flow in the direction of arrow F30, and the air flows in the directions of arrows F31 and F32 are suppressed. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the sheet S is maintained.

[0076] Furthermore, consider the case where a foreign object such as a paper clip falls through the gap between exterior surfaces 462 of housing frames 480c and 480d. In this case, if first air flow sealing member 460 were not provided, the foreign object could enter drying unit 40, causing a malfunction in the device. There is also a risk that the foreign object could enter the lower part of the housing frame, which is difficult to reach. In this regard, in this embodiment, first air flow sealing member 460 is provided, and therefore the fallen foreign object is held on the upper surface of first air flow sealing member 460, making it easy to collect the foreign object.

[0077] Furthermore, the air flow sealing member is not limited to being arranged between housing frames having adjacent first drying sections 40 as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 shows an example in which the second air flow sealing member 461 is arranged between housing frame 480d and housing frame 480e.

[0078] 12(c) and 12(d) are detailed views of the second airflow sealing member 461. Like the first airflow sealing member 460, the second airflow sealing member 461 is composed of an upper second airflow sealing member 461a and a lower second airflow sealing member 461b, with the sheet S passing through the space between the two members. Without the second airflow sealing member 461, air flows in the directions of arrows F34 and F35, as described above, could potentially reduce the drying efficiency of the sheet S. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the airflow space 430(a-2) and the first cooling section 50a are connected by the second airflow sealing member 461. As a result, the air flows generated in the first drying section 40(a-2) and the first cooling section 50a flow in the direction of arrow F33, while the air flows in the directions of arrows F34 and F35 are suppressed. This maintains the drying efficiency of the sheet S. Furthermore, like the first air flow sealing member 460 described above, it is also possible to prevent foreign matter from falling.

[0079] Furthermore, when considering separation of the housing frame during transportation, if the first airflow sealing member 460 overlaps the first drying unit 40(a-1) and the first drying unit 40(a-2) in the X direction as shown in FIG. 11 , the first airflow sealing member 460 and the housing frame interfere with each other, making separation of the housing frame difficult. Even if separation is possible, the first airflow sealing member 460 protrudes beyond the silhouette of the housing frame. Therefore, leaving the first airflow sealing member 460 attached to the housing frame wastes packaging space during transportation, which is undesirable. Therefore, it is desirable that the first airflow sealing member 460 be detachable from the recording apparatus 1. For the same reason, it is also desirable that the second airflow sealing member 461 be detachable. Furthermore, the first airflow sealing member 460 and the second airflow sealing member 461 may be retractable within the housing frame. In this case, storing them inside the housing frame during transportation reduces packaging space waste.

[0080] 14 is a perspective view illustrating how the sheet S passes through the first drying section 40(a-1) and the first drying section 40(a-2). The area around the airflow duct 431 opens upward in the Z-axis direction and can be retracted (opened and closed) using a hinge section (rotation shaft) 483 located at the back as a fulcrum, and the sheet support roller 411 is fixed to the housing frame. When passing the sheet S through this opening area in the SD direction, it is necessary to pass the sheet S between the upper first airflow sealing member 460a and the lower first airflow sealing member 460b, which is not very efficient.

[0081] For this reason, it is desirable that the upper first air flow sealing member 460a be configured so that it can be separated from the lower first air flow sealing member 460b, as shown in Fig. 12(b). Passing the sheet S through them in a separated state improves workability. The same applies when passing the sheet S through the second air flow sealing member 461; it is desirable that the upper second air flow sealing member 461a be configured so that it can be separated from the lower second air flow sealing member 461b, as shown in Fig. 12(d).

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the housing frame of the recording device is divided and the drying unit is arranged separately in each housing frame, it is possible to prevent leakage of warm air by arranging a sealing member between the housing frames.

[0083] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the overall configuration of the recording apparatus and the configuration of the drying unit 40 are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second drying section 40(b-2) among the second drying sections 40(b-1) to 40(b-3). As shown in FIG. 10, the second drying section 40(b-1) is a smaller unit in the conveying direction than the second drying section 40(b-2), and the second drying section 40(b-3) is a unit of the same size as the second drying section 40(b-2). FIG. 15(a) is a perspective view of the second drying section 40(b-2) when a cover 600 that closes the top of the second drying section 40(b-2) is closed. FIG. 15(b) is a perspective view of the second drying section 40(b-2) when the cover 600 is open.

[0085] The configuration of the drying unit will be described with reference to Fig. 15(a). For ease of understanding, an electric cable 608 and a connection part cover 610, which will be described later, are omitted from Fig. 15(a).

[0086] 15(a), a substantially box-shaped storage section 607 (blower unit) that houses the second drying section 40(b-2) is configured to be able to be pulled out in the -Y direction relative to the housing frame 480e. Slide rails 603a, 603b are provided between the housing frame 480e and the storage section 607 on the downstream and upstream sides in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and the storage section 607 can be pulled out toward the front side of the device (-Y direction) in FIG. 15(a).

[0087] The storage unit 607 is positioned in the housing frame 480e when housed therein by fitting pins (not shown) provided on the housing frame 480e into holes in positioning sections 602a and 602b provided on the storage unit 607 side. Filters 440a to 440e are provided on the front side (-Y direction) of the device and form inlets for taking in outside air to the second drying section 40(b-2). The filter 440 prevents dust contained in the outside air from entering the device. A cover 600 and its handle 601 are provided above the storage unit 607.

[0088] FIG. 15(b) shows a state in which the cover 600 is opened by an angle γ relative to FIG. 15(a). When the cover 600 is opened, the airflow duct 431 is exposed, and if paper dust adheres to the conveyance section during use of the device main body, the user can clean it with a cloth or the like. For this purpose, γ is set to 15° to ensure space for the user to reach the rear side of the device (+Y direction) in the paper width direction (width direction of the sheet S). In addition, because the first cooling section 50a is located above the second drying section 40(b-2) as shown in FIG. 10, the opening angle γ of the cover 600 is set to an angle that does not interfere with the first cooling section 50a when the cover 600 is open.

[0089] Figure 16 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the second drying unit 40(b-2) when a sheet S is present, in contrast to Figure 15. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which a long continuous sheet S is present in the device, corresponding to the state in which the cover 600 is released in Figure 15(b). Figure 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 16(a).

[0090] The structure of the second drying section 40(b-2) will be described using Figure 16(b). The second drying section 40(b-2) is configured as if the first drying sections 40(a-1) and 40(a-2) were arranged upside down, and is positioned so that hot air acts on the printing surface side of the sheet S.

[0091] Outside air drawn in through filter 440 on the front side of the apparatus is blown by intake fan 437 and sent to the rear of the apparatus along the path below storage section 607 shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure. The air is then blown back toward the front of the apparatus by blower 432 at the rear of the apparatus and heated by heater 433. The heated warm air is then blown in a U-turn toward the rear of the apparatus and ejected toward sheet S from the numerous holes in air flow duct 431.

[0092] A sheet support roller 411 is disposed above the sheet S, i.e., on the opposite side to the surface that is hit by the warm air, and regulates the position of the sheet S so that the distance between the sheet S and the airflow duct 431 is a desired appropriate distance. Both ends of the sheet support roller 411 are supported by the cover 600 so as to be rotatable in the sheet conveyance direction.

[0093] After being blown onto the sheet S, the warm air is sent toward the rear of the device (in the direction of the two-dot chain line in the figure), and a portion of the air is circulated toward the front of the device by the blower 432. In addition, the highly humid air generated by the evaporation of ink is sent by the exhaust fan 438 to the exhaust duct 415 via the interface unit 604 and discharged outside the device. In this way, the interior of the storage unit 607 is maintained at a desired humidity.

[0094] An electric cable 608 is arranged below the storage section 607 to supply power to the above-mentioned fan and heater and to send control signals.

[0095] Fig. 16(c) is a YY cross-sectional view of Fig. 16(b). Fig. 16(c) shows a state in which the sheet S is supported by the sheet support rollers 411a to 411f. In this embodiment, rollers are used as the sheet support means (backup members), but this is not limiting, and the same effect can be obtained even if the non-printing side of the sheet S is supported by a plate-shaped platen.

[0096] 17 is a diagram illustrating the process of opening the cover 600 upward and pulling out the storage section 607 toward the front of the device, in contrast to FIG.

[0097] Figure 17(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the cover 600 is opened in contrast to Figure 16(b). This state is the same as that shown in Figure 16(a) described above.

[0098] Cover 600 is configured to be able to be opened and closed around hinge portion 605 provided on bracket 606 provided at the rear of housing frame 480e as a pivot point. After cover 600 is opened, it is configured to be able to maintain the open state up to angle γ in FIG. 15(b) relative to housing frame 480e by elastic means (gas spring) not shown.

[0099] FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the storage unit 607 is pulled out toward the front of the device. Here, the interface unit 604 is a sealing member made of an elastic material. The interface unit 604a on the exhaust duct (exhaust path) 415 side and the interface unit 604c on the storage unit 607 side are separated when the storage unit 607 is pulled out as shown in the figure. As described above, the cover 600 is supported by the hinge unit 605 relative to the housing frame 480e, which prevents the cover 600 from getting caught on the sheet S and preventing the storage unit 607 from being pulled out. With this configuration, it is not necessary to cut the sheet S to pull out the storage unit 607, which eliminates the user's effort of reconnecting the cut portions of the sheet S.

[0100] 17(b), FIG. 17(c) shows the process of removing the drying module 615 from the storage section 607 when, for example, replacing the blower 432 or the heater 433.

[0101] The L-shaped portion 615a of the drying module 615 is fastened to the storage unit 607 with screws (not shown). As shown in FIG. 17(c), when the drying module 615 is rotated around the rear shaft 614 relative to the U-shaped groove 613 of the storage unit 607, the drying module 615 can be removed toward the front and top of the device as shown. If the storage unit 607 were not to be pulled out from the housing frame 480e, the opening angle of the cover 600 would need to be nearly doubled in order to remove the drying module 615 from the device body. This requires space for the rotation path of the cover 600, which necessitates increasing the height of the device body. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which the storage unit 607 can be pulled out in this embodiment, the device can be made more compact while maintaining its ease of service and maintenance.

[0102] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the electric cables on the front side of the device. Fig. 18(a) is a diagram in which an electric cable (wiring) 608 is added to Fig. 15(a). As described above, the electric cables 608a and 608b are a group of cables used to supply power to the fans and heaters inside the second drying section 40(b-2) and to transmit control signals.

[0103] The electric cables 608a and 608b are fixed by fixing members 612 provided on both sides of the storage section 607 in the transport direction. A connector 611, which will be described later, is covered by protective connection covers 610a and 610b to prevent accidental disconnection.

[0104] FIG. 18(b) is an enlarged view of the upstream side in the conveying direction of FIG. 18(a). Positioning portion 602b and slide rail 603b are arranged immediately beside connection portion cover 610b. Positioning portion 602b is fastened to storage portion 607 with screws 602bs. When storage portion 607 is pulled out from housing frame 480e, connection portion cover 610b is removed. Once removed, multiple connectors 611 to which electrical cables 608b are connected are exposed, as shown in FIG. 18(c). By unplugging electrical cables 608b from connectors 611 and releasing the fastening of screws 602bs, connection portion 609 is no longer physically constrained, as shown in FIG. 18(d), and storage portion 607 can be pulled out.

[0105] The same applies to the connection part 609 on the downstream side in the conveying direction. By adopting the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to make the device space-saving and low-cost compared to a configuration in which the length of the electric cable 608 is secured taking into account the amount of pull-out of the storage part 607.

[0106] Although the present embodiment has been described using a drying module as an example, the same effect can be obtained with a blower that does not heat the air but only cools the paper.

[0107] <Maintenance method for exhaust fan 438> Next, a configuration will be described that allows easy removal of the storage section 607 while providing an exhaust duct at the rear side of the drying section of the storage section 607.

[0108] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the interface section on the exhaust side of the second drying section 40(b-2). Figure 19(a) is a perspective view of the rear side of the second drying section 40(b-2).

[0109] Two exhaust fans 438a and 438b are provided on the rear surface of the second drying section 40(b-2) in accordance with the total flow rate of the gas. Interface sections 604 (604a, 604b) are arranged on the outer surfaces of the exhaust fans 438a and 438b.

[0110] FIG. 19(b) shows a state in which an exhaust duct 415 is connected to FIG. 19(a).

[0111] The interface portion 604D (604Da, 604Db) of the exhaust duct 415 abuts against the interface portions 604a and 604b. This prevents exhaust air from leaking to the outside. While it is conceivable to connect the storage portion 607 and the exhaust duct 415 with a flexible hose, such as a bellows hose, to accommodate the amount of movement of the storage portion 607 pulled out toward the front of the apparatus, this would require securing space to accommodate the length of the hose. Furthermore, a longer flow path would result in increased pressure loss. In contrast, providing the interface portion 604 as in this embodiment allows for movement of the storage portion 607 and efficient airflow. In this embodiment, the interface portion 604 is disposed in the front-to-rear direction of the apparatus. However, similar effects can be achieved by disposing the interface portion 604 in the left-to-right direction of the apparatus (i.e., the conveying direction).

[0112] Next, a method for performing maintenance on the exhaust fans 438a and 438b provided at the rear of the drying section will be described. Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a method for removing the exhaust fans 438a and 438b from the second drying section 40(b-2).

[0113] As shown in FIG. 19(a), exhaust fan 438a and exhaust fan 438b are arranged side by side in the X direction, and the method of removal does not change depending on the arrangement. Therefore, hereafter, no distinction will be made between exhaust fan 438a and 438b, and they will be described as exhaust fan 438.

[0114] 20(a) is a diagram showing the drying section and exhaust fan 438 in the drawn-out state. Exhaust fan unit 620, which is made up of exhaust fan 438 and interface section 604, is fixed to the drying section by fixing member 621. Since cover 600 is open, fixing member 621 and the relay part of the exhaust fan harness (not shown) can be accessed and removed from the +Z side (upper side).

[0115] 20(b) is a diagram showing the process of removing exhaust fan unit 620 from the drying section after removing fixing member 621. Similarly, exhaust fan unit 620 has an opening in cover 600, so it can be accessed from the +Z side (upper side) and removed in the direction indicated by arrow F41.

[0116] 20(c) is a diagram showing the exhaust fan unit 620 being removed outside the apparatus. After the exhaust fan unit 620 has been removed up to the opening between the cover 600 and the storage section 607, it can be completely removed outside the apparatus by tilting it in the direction indicated by arrow F42 and then removing it in the direction indicated by arrow F43. After maintenance of the exhaust fan 438 is complete, it can be installed by reversing this procedure.

[0117] Next, the exhaust fan unit 620 will be described in detail. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of the exhaust fan unit 620 and the second drying section 40(b-2). Fig. 21(a) is a perspective view of the exhaust fan unit 620, and Fig. 21(b) is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust fan unit 620.

[0118] The exhaust fan 438 and interface section 604 that constitute the exhaust fan unit 620 are fixed to an exhaust fan holding plate 622. The exhaust fan holding plate 622 is provided with guide pin insertion holes 623a and 623b and protrusions (regulating members) 624a and 624b. These shapes are used to determine the position when the exhaust fan unit 620 is fixed to the second drying section 40(b-2).

[0119] A drying interface part 627a is attached to the exhaust fan holding plate 622, and when attached to the drying part 40(b-2), it comes into contact with a drying interface part 627b (described later). The drying interface part 627a is made of a sponge material that is deformable in the compressive direction, and prevents exhaust air from leaking between the drying part 40(b-2) and the exhaust fan 438.

[0120] FIG. 21(c) is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the exhaust fan unit 620 attached to the drying section 40(b-2). The exhaust fan 438 is fixed to the drying section 40(b-2) together with an exhaust fan holding plate 622 by a fixing member 621. Guide pins 625a and 625b provided on the drying section 40(b-2) side are inserted into the guide pin insertion holes 623a and 623b. The protrusions 624a and 624b are inserted into the positioning holes 626a and 626b. FIG. 21(d) is a diagram showing the details of the drying section 40(b-2). The drying section 40(b-2) side is provided with the guide pins 625a and 625b, positioning holes 626a and 626b into which the protrusions 624a and 624b are inserted, and a drying interface section 627b. This allows the exhaust fan unit 620 to be fixed using only the fixing member 621, which is accessible when the storage section 607 is pulled out. In the above description, the drying interface section 627a made of a sponge material is attached to the exhaust fan holding plate 622, but the sponge material may also be provided on the drying section 40(b-2) side.

[0121] Next, a procedure for removing the exhaust fan unit 620 from the second drying section 40(b-2) will be described. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the path taken to remove the exhaust fan unit 620.

[0122] 22(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the exhaust fan unit 620 is fixed to the second drying section 40(b-2), and as described above, the guide pin 625a is inserted into the exhaust fan holding plate 622. The inserted portion of the guide pin 625a is indicated by a dotted line.

[0123] 22(b) is a diagram showing the process of removing the fixing member 621 and releasing the exhaust fan unit 620. By tilting the exhaust fan unit 620 in the direction shown by arrow F44, the inserted state of the guide pin 625a is released. This makes it possible to move the exhaust fan unit 620 in the +Z direction. At the same time, the compressed state of the drying interface part 627a, which was attached compressed in the Y direction to fill the gap between the exhaust fan unit 620 and the second drying part 40(b-2), can also be released, allowing for smooth subsequent removal.

[0124] FIG. 22(c) is a diagram showing a method for removing the exhaust fan unit 620 from the second drying section 40(b-2). As described above, with the guide pin 625a released, the exhaust fan unit 620 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow F45, whereby the protrusion 624a is pulled out of the positioning hole 626a. The same applies to the guide pin 625b, the protrusion 624b, and the positioning hole 626b. The direction indicated by arrow F45 is the direction of a vector component that moves the exhaust fan unit 620 away from the drying section 40(b-2) in the Y direction, so that the drying interface section 627a does not interfere with the second drying section 40(b-2), making removal difficult. The exhaust fan unit 620 can be installed by performing the above steps in reverse.

[0125] Note that by utilizing the above configuration, various devices arranged on the rear side of the second drying section 40(b-2) in the pull-out direction can also be replaced in a similar manner. For example, even when a temperature sensor (not shown) is arranged to measure the temperature of the airflow immediately before being drawn into the blower 432 shown in FIG. 16(b) or the airflow immediately before being exhausted by the exhaust fan 438, a similar configuration can be applied to the temperature sensor unit. This allows various devices, including the exhaust fan unit 620, to be removed from the second drying section 40(b-2) with good workability while avoiding the adverse effects of removal of the compressible drying interface section 627a, thereby improving maintainability.

[0126] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the drying unit can be configured to be pulled out from the recording apparatus, thereby improving ease of maintenance.

[0127] (Third embodiment) <Configuration of the drying unit 40 for easy maintenance> Next, we will explain another configuration that facilitates maintenance of the drying unit 40. In the following explanation, since the overall configuration of the recording apparatus and the configuration of the drying unit 40 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the first and second embodiments, and the explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] 23(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the drying section 40. The configurations of the first drying section 40(a-1) and the first drying section 40(a-2) are similar except for the nozzle pattern (arrangement and hole shape) of the air flow duct 431, and therefore will be collectively described as the drying section 40. The dashed dotted line in FIG. 23(a) indicates the air flow inside the drying section 40.

[0129] The drying unit 40 communicates with outside air in the -Y direction, which is the front of the device, via the aforementioned ventilation port 435. An intake space 412 is formed above the ventilation port 435 inside the drying unit 40. The intake space 412 is divided by a filter 440, and air flows from the upstream intake space 412a to the intake space 412b via the filter 440. By arranging the filter 440 at an angle, a filter larger than the opening of the ventilation port 435 can be placed in the intake space 412. The filter 440 serves to prevent dust contained in the outside air from entering the device. A filter opening 443 is provided on the -Z direction of the filter 440. When the first front cover 485 is removed, the filter opening 443 provided in the cover holding plate 488 is exposed.

[0130] The air in the intake space 412b is sent into the intake path 413 by the intake fan 437. The intake path 413 is formed above the drying unit 40 from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, and room temperature air flows through it. Therefore, the top cover 484, which can be touched by the user, is less likely to conduct heat from the air flow space 430 and the heating space 439, and temperature rise is suppressed. Temperature rise is also suppressed in the ink supply device 16 installed above the drying unit 40, so it is less likely to have an adverse effect on the ink stored in the ink supply device 16. In this way, the intake path 413 is formed as an air flow path that also has a heat insulating function as a whole.

[0131] In the +Y direction of the drying unit 40, the air intake path 413 and the air blower 432 are connected. The air blower 432 sends an air current into a heating space 439. A heater 433 is arranged in the heating space 439, and the air that passes through the heating space 439 is heated to a high temperature. The heating space 439 is a continuous space extending from the +Y direction to the -Y direction, and further communicates with an air flow duct 431 in the -Y direction. The air flow duct 431 faces the sheet S, and has multiple nozzle holes opening in the paper width direction (Y direction) of the sheet S. This makes it possible to blow a high-temperature air current uniformly toward the sheet S, thereby accelerating the drying of the ink applied to the sheet S.

[0132] Airflow space 430, through which high temperature air is blown onto sheet S, communicates with circulation exhaust port 434 and exhaust port 436. The gap between airflow space 430 and sheet support section 410, which includes sheet support rollers 411 that support sheet S, is sealed with a sponge material, so that high-temperature hot air does not leak into the device except through a paper transport section opening (not shown). The airflow that passes through circulation exhaust port 434 merges with the airflow in intake path 413 and is circulated again by fan 432 as a dry airflow.

[0133] On the other hand, the airflow that passes through without flowing into the circulation exhaust port 434 passes through the exhaust path 414 and is exhausted from the drying unit 40 by the exhaust port 436 and the exhaust fan 438. The exhaust fan 438 is connected to the exhaust duct 415, and merges with similar exhaust ducts connected from other drying units inside the electrical housing 200, and is exhausted to the outside of the apparatus through an opening (not shown) inside the electrical housing 200.

[0134] FIG. 23(b) is a cross-sectional view of the drying unit 40 when the filter 440 is being detached.

[0135] The drying unit 40 and the ink supply device 16 mounted thereon rotate about a hinge 448 and open approximately 30°. The first front cover 485 is removed, and the filter opening 443 is accessible as described above. The filter 440 installed in the drying unit 40 can be pulled out through the filter opening 443 in the direction indicated by arrow F101. To replace the filter 440, the filter 440 can be slid in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow F101. After the filter 440 has been installed, the first front cover 485 is reattached, which closes the filter opening 443 and prevents the filter 440 from accidentally coming off. This configuration allows for periodic cleaning of the surface of the filter 440 and periodic replacement of the filter 440.

[0136] Next, the procedure for replacing intake fan 437 will be described with reference to Figure 23(c). Intake fan 437 is an electrical device that functions when powered on, and needs to be replaced when it unexpectedly breaks down. Figure 23(c) is a cross-sectional view of drying unit 40 when replacing intake fan 437, and in this figure, first front cover 485 has been removed, and then top cover 484 has been removed.

[0137] As shown in Figures 23(a) to 23(c), the top cover 484 is separated from the ink supply device 16 on the front side of the device, and the ink supply device 16 can be removed in its original state. Furthermore, when replacing the intake fan 437, access to the intake fan 437 is easier when the drying unit 40 is not open, so the drying unit 40 is closed again around the hinge portion 448. In this state, the intake fan 437 can be released from its fixation to the device holding plate 487 by accessing it from the +Z direction, making it possible to replace it in the event of a malfunction. Other electrical devices attached to the device holding plate 487 can also be replaced in a similar manner.

[0138] Next, a procedure for performing maintenance on the exhaust fan 438 will be described with reference to Fig. 23(d). Fig. 23(d) is a cross-sectional view of the drying unit 40 when the exhaust fan 438 is replaced.

[0139] The electrical housing 200, which covers the +Y direction of the drying unit 40, has a first opening 201 and a second opening 202 for accessing the exhaust fan 438. These openings are exposed to the outside by removing or opening the cover member of the electrical housing 200. Furthermore, the internal components of the electrical housing 200 are also moved so as not to interfere with access to the exhaust fan 438. The exhaust duct 415 is detached from the exhaust fan 438 and the exhaust unit frame 490. The exhaust duct 415 is shaped like a hose and can be bent freely. As shown in FIG. 23(d), the exhaust duct 415 is stored so as not to interfere with the removal of the exhaust fan 438. This makes it possible to replace electrical devices arranged in the +Y direction inside the drying unit 40 from the +Y direction through the electrical housing. Other electrical devices attached to the exhaust unit frame 490 can also be replaced in a similar manner.

[0140] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the drying unit can be configured to be openable and closable from above and below the recording apparatus, thereby improving maintainability.

[0141] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0142] The disclosure of this specification includes the following recording device.

[0143] (Item 1) A recording apparatus that dries a liquid composition applied to a recording medium while transporting the recording medium between a plurality of housings, At least one of the plurality of housings is provided with a blower for blowing air onto the recording medium, A recording device characterized in that a connecting member is arranged between a first housing in which a first air blowing means, which is the air blowing means, is arranged and a second housing adjacent to the first housing, for connecting the air blowing space of the first air blowing means in the first housing and a transport space for transporting the recording medium in the second housing to form a closed space.

[0144] (Item 2) 2. The recording apparatus according to item 1, wherein the air blowing unit blows hot air onto the recording medium.

[0145] (Item 3) 3. The recording apparatus according to item 2, wherein the air blowing means has a heating means for heating the air.

[0146] (Item 4) 2. The recording apparatus according to item 1, wherein the air blowing unit blows cool air onto the recording medium.

[0147] (Item 5) 5. The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the connection member is detachable from the housing.

[0148] (Item 6) 6. The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the connecting member is composed of an upper member and a lower member, and the upper member is detachable from the lower member.

[0149] (Item 7) The recording device described in any one of items 1 to 6 is characterized in that the air blowing means is supported on the housing so as to be able to open and close with a rotation axis as a fulcrum, and is switchable between a state in which the air blowing space is formed and a state in which the air blowing space is open.

[0150] (Item 8) 8. The recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein a second air blowing unit is disposed in the transport space in the second housing.

[0151] (Item 9) 7. The recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein a blower unit including the blowing means is retractable from a housing of the recording apparatus.

[0152] (Item 10) Item 10. The recording device according to item 9, characterized in that an openable and closable cover is disposed above the air blowing unit and holds a backup member for maintaining a distance between the air blowing unit and the recording medium.

[0153] (Item 11) Item 11. The recording apparatus according to item 10, wherein the backup member is a roller.

[0154] (Item 12) Item 11. The recording apparatus according to item 10, wherein the backup member is a platen.

[0155] (Item 13) The recording device described in any one of items 9 to 12, characterized in that the air blowing unit can be pulled out from the main body of the recording device after disconnecting the wiring connected to the air blowing unit.

[0156] (Item 14) The recording device described in any one of items 9 to 13 is further provided with an exhaust path connected to the air blowing unit to exhaust air from the air blowing unit to the outside, the exhaust path being connected to the air blowing unit when the air blowing unit is stored in the housing, and being separated from the air blowing unit when the air blowing unit is pulled out from the housing.

[0157] (Item 15) 15. The recording device according to any one of items 9 to 14, wherein a device arranged at the rear side of the air blowing unit can be removed when the air blowing unit is pulled out from the housing.

[0158] (Item 16) Item 16. The recording apparatus according to item 15, further comprising an openable and closable cover, wherein the device can be removed from the space between the cover and the drawn-out blower unit.

[0159] (Item 17) The recording device described in item 15 or 16 is characterized in that a sealing member that is compressed between the device and the blower unit is disposed on the device, and further includes a regulating member that, when the device is removed, regulates the device so that it moves in the opposite direction to the compression direction of the sealing member.

[0160] (Item 18) 18. The recording apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 17, wherein the device is a fan of the blower unit.

[0161] (Item 19) 18. The recording apparatus according to any one of items 15 to 17, wherein the device is a temperature sensor.

[0162] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 1: Recording device, 2: Unwinding roll section, 3: First dancer section, 4: First main conveying section, 5: Meandering correction section, 6: Conveyance detection section, 7: Recording section, 9: Conveyance tension detection section

Claims

1. A recording apparatus that dries a liquid composition applied to a recording medium while transporting the recording medium between a plurality of housings, At least one of the plurality of housings is provided with a blower for blowing air onto the recording medium, A recording device characterized in that a connecting member is arranged between a first housing in which a first air blowing means, which is the air blowing means, is arranged and a second housing adjacent to the first housing, for connecting the air blowing space of the first air blowing means in the first housing and a transport space for transporting the recording medium in the second housing to form a closed space.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing unit blows hot air onto the recording medium.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the air blowing means has heating means for heating the air.

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing unit blows cool air onto the recording medium.

5. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection member is detachable from the housing.

6. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is composed of an upper member and a lower member, and the upper member is detachable from the lower member.

7. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing unit is supported on the housing so as to be openable and closable about a rotation axis, and is switchable between a state in which the air blowing space is formed and a state in which the air blowing space is opened.

8. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second air blowing unit is disposed in the transport space in the second housing.

9. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a blower unit including the blower is retractable from a housing of the recording apparatus.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an openable and closable cover disposed above the air blowing unit, the openable and closable cover holding a backup member for maintaining a distance between the air blowing unit and the recording medium.

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the backup member is a roller.

12. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the backup member is a platen.

13. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the air blowing unit can be pulled out from the main body of the recording apparatus after disconnecting a wiring connected to the air blowing unit.

14. The recording device described in claim 9, further comprising an exhaust path connected to the blower unit and discharging air from the blower unit to the outside, the exhaust path being connected to the blower unit when the blower unit is stored in the housing, and being separated from the blower unit when the blower unit is pulled out from the housing.

15. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a device disposed at the rear side of the air blowing unit can be removed when the air blowing unit is pulled out from the housing.

16. 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising an openable and closable cover, wherein the device can be removed from a space between the cover and the drawn-out blower unit.

17. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a restricting member that restricts the device from moving in a direction opposite to the direction of compression of the sealing member when the device is removed, and a sealing member that is compressed between the device and the blower unit is disposed on the device.

18. 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the device is a fan of the air blowing unit.

19. 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the device is a temperature sensor.

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