Liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

To provide a liquid ejection apparatus capable of suppressing the occurrence of dew condensation in a recording head without increasing the size of the apparatus.SOLUTION: A first air flow generation mechanism is arranged at a position other than a conveyance direction with respect to a recording head, and is arranged so as to blow an air flow to an ejection port surface of the recording head. A heat source is provided between the first air flow generating means and the recording head to raise the temperature of the air flow from the first air flow generating mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid ejection devices are known that eject ink onto a recording medium to record characters, images, etc. In a liquid ejection device, after liquid is ejected onto the recording medium from a recording head, moisture in the liquid on the recording medium evaporates as the recording medium is transported. As a result, a high-humidity environment is created around the recording head, and condensation can form on the recording head.

[0003] When condensation occurs on the print head, droplets of the condensed liquid may fall from the print head onto the print medium, degrading the image quality on the print medium.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a blowing mechanism is provided to send low-humidity air under the recording head, and the shape of the image-forming medium is used to ventilate the air under the recording head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-162506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 has a blowout mechanism provided between the print heads, which raises concerns about the device becoming larger. Therefore, the present invention provides a liquid ejection device that can suppress the occurrence of condensation on the print heads without increasing the size of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the liquid ejection device of the present invention is a liquid ejection device comprising a recording means in which ejection ports for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the recording medium is transported, a first air current generating means capable of generating an air current, and a heat source capable of generating heat, wherein the first air current generating means and the recording means are arranged in overlapping positions in the first direction, and the air current generated by the first air current generating means passes through the heat source and reaches the ejection port surface in the recording means on which the ejection ports are provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection apparatus that can suppress the occurrence of condensation on the recording head without increasing the size of the apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a recording head. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a print module. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of a second airflow generating mechanism and a recording head. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a recording unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism as streamlines. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a print module. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a print module. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a recording unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a recording unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a recording unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a recording unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a print module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a liquid ejection apparatus 8000 according to this embodiment. The liquid ejection apparatus 8000 is a sheet-fed inkjet recording apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, which is a recording medium such as paper, using two types of liquid: a primer and ink.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 8000 includes a paper feed module 1000, a print module 2000, a drying module 3000, a fixing module 4000, a cooling module 5000, an inverting module 6000, and a paper discharge stacking module 7000. A cut sheet supplied from the paper feed module 1000 is transported along a transport path, processed in each module, and discharged to the paper discharge stacking module 7000.

[0013] The paper feed module 1000 is provided with three storage cabinets, storage cabinet 1100a to storage cabinet 1100c, which can be pulled out toward the front of the device (-Y direction). In each of storage cabinets 1100a to 1100c, sheets are fed one by one by a separation belt and a transport roller, and transported to the print module 2000. The number of storage cabinets is not limited to three, and the configuration may include one, two, four or more.

[0014] The print module 2000 includes a pre-imaging registration correction unit (not shown), a print belt unit 2200, and a recording unit 2300. The sheet conveyed from the paper feed module 1000 has its tilt and position corrected by the pre-imaging registration correction unit before being conveyed to the print belt unit 2200. The recording unit 2300 is disposed opposite the print belt unit 2200 along the conveyance path. The print belt unit 2200 has multiple recording heads 22 (see FIG. 2) arranged along the conveyance direction (X direction, first direction). The recording unit 2300 forms an image on the sheet conveyed in the X direction by recording on the sheet from above using the recording heads. The sheet is suction-conveyed by a conveyor belt 2201 of the print belt unit 2200, ensuring clearance with the recording head 22. This embodiment includes a total of five line-type recording heads, one for each of four colors: Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black), plus P (primer). The number of colors and the number of recording heads are not limited to five.

[0015] The liquid ejection method used in the recording head can be a method using heat elements, a method using piezoelectric elements, a method using electrostatic elements, a method using MEMS elements, or the like. Ink of each color is supplied to the recording head from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube. The sheet recorded by the recording unit 2300 is transported by the print belt unit 2200, and an inline scanner (not shown) located downstream in the transport direction of the recording unit 2300 detects misalignment and color density of the image formed on the sheet and corrects the printed image.

[0016] The drying module 3000 includes a decoupling unit 3200, a drying belt unit 3300, and a hot air blowing unit 3400. The drying module 3000 quickly reduces the liquid component of the ink applied to the sheet by the recording unit 2300, improving the fixation of the ink to the sheet. The drying module 3000 can accelerate the printing speed. The sheet recorded by the recording unit 2300 of the print module 2000 is transported to the decoupling unit 3200 located within the drying module 3000. The decoupling unit 3200 transports the sheet using air pressure from above in the Z direction and belt friction. By loosely holding the sheet on the belt while transporting it, it prevents the sheet from shifting on the print belt unit 2200 when forming an image.

[0017] The sheet conveyed from the decoupling section 3200 is adsorbed and conveyed by the drying belt unit 3300, and hot air is blown onto the ink-applied surface of the sheet from the hot air blowing section 3400 arranged above the belt in the Z direction, drying the ink-applied surface of the sheet. Note that the drying method may be a combination of a method of applying hot air, a method of irradiating the sheet surface with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, etc.), or a conductive heat transfer method using contact with a heating element.

[0018] The fixing module 4000 has a fixing belt unit 4100, and fixes the ink onto the sheet by passing the sheet conveyed from the drying module 3000 between a heated upper belt unit and a heated lower belt unit.

[0019] The cooling module 5000 has multiple cooling units 5100 and cools the high-temperature sheet transported from the fixing module 4000. The cooling units 5100 use a fan to draw in outside air into the cooling box, increasing the pressure inside the cooling box, and cool the sheet by blowing air from nozzles formed in the transport guide onto the sheet. The cooling units 5100 are arranged on both sides of the transport path and cool the sheet from both sides. The cooling module 5000 also has a transport path switching unit that switches the sheet transport path depending on whether the sheet is being transported to the reversing module 6000 or to a duplex transport path used for duplex printing.

[0020] During double-sided printing, the sheet is transported to a transport path below the cooling module 5000, and then further transported along a double-sided transport path through the fixing module 4000, drying module 3000, print module 2000, and paper feed module 1000. The sheet is then transported again to the pre-image registration correction unit of the print module 2000, the print belt unit 2200, and the recording unit 2300, where the image is recorded. The double-sided transport unit of the fixing module 4000 has a first reversing unit 4200 that reverses the front and back of the sheet.

[0021] The reversing module 6000 has a second reversing section 6400, which can reverse the front and back of the conveyed sheet and freely change the front and back orientation of the discharged sheet.

[0022] The discharged sheet stacking module 7000 has a top tray 7200 and a stacking section 7500, and aligns and stacks the sheets conveyed from the reversing module 6000.

[0023] The maintenance unit 17 includes a mechanism for restoring the ejection performance of the print head. Examples of the recovery mechanism include a cap mechanism 18 that protects the ink ejection surface of the print head, a wiper mechanism that wipes the ink ejection surface, and a recovery mechanism 19 that includes a suction mechanism that negatively pressure-sucks ink from the ink ejection surface inside the print head. The maintenance unit 17 also includes a drive mechanism and rails (not shown), and is capable of reciprocating horizontally along the rails. When performing maintenance on the print head 22, the maintenance unit 17 can move either the cap mechanism 18 or the recovery mechanism 19 to a position directly below the print head 22, and when not performing maintenance, it moves to a position away from directly below the print head.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view showing the recording head 22. The recording head 22 is provided so as to extend in the Y direction, which intersects with the sheet transport direction. The recording head 22 has an ejection port plate 223 having a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the recording head (the sheet width direction, Y direction). This longitudinal direction of the recording head is a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the recording medium transport direction. The periphery of the ejection port plate 223 is covered and protected by a resin face cover 227, and the surface including the ejection port plate 223 and the face cover 227 is referred to as the ejection port surface 224.

[0025] The recording head 22 has positioning portions 221 at both ends in the Y direction. Specifically, it has a first contact portion 221a consisting of a recess with a conical slope on the front side in the head longitudinal direction, a second contact portion 221b consisting of a groove with two V-shaped flat surfaces on the back side in the head longitudinal direction, and a third contact portion 221c consisting of a flat surface.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the print module 2000. For ease of explanation, the print belt unit 2200 and subsequent units are not shown. The print module 2000 in this embodiment includes a first airflow generating mechanism 101 that sends an airflow to the nozzle surface 224 of the print head 22, and a second airflow generating mechanism 102 that can send ambient air around the apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as outside air) into the interior space of the apparatus. The first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the second airflow generating mechanism 102 correspond to a first airflow generating means and a second airflow generating means, respectively. This makes the environment between the print head 22 and the image forming surface of the sheet less susceptible to condensation. The configurations of the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the second airflow generating mechanism 102 will be described below.

[0027] The first airflow generating mechanism 101 is capable of generating an airflow and sends the generated airflow to the ejection port surface 224 of the print head 22. The print module 2000 also includes a PC space 103 in which a PC can be mounted. In Fig. 3, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is provided above the print head 22 in the Z direction when the print head 22 is in the printing position, and sends the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 to the ejection port surface 224 where the ejection port plate 223 of the print head 22 is located.

[0028] If the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is disposed in the sheet transport direction relative to the recording head 22, the presence of the first airflow generating mechanism 101 makes it difficult to narrow the distance between the recording heads, which raises concerns about an increase in the size of the device in the transport direction, i.e., an increase in the installation area of ​​the device. Therefore, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is preferably disposed in a position where it at least partially overlaps the recording head 22 in the sheet transport direction. More specifically, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording head 22 are preferably disposed in positions where they appear to at least partially overlap when viewed from the Z direction, or where they appear to at least partially overlap when viewed from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the former arrangement is used, i.e., the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording head 22 are disposed so that they appear to overlap when viewed from the Z direction.

[0029] The first airflow generating mechanism 101 can be a general-purpose fan. For example, a sirocco fan, turbo fan, ventilation fan, pressure fan, or axial fan can be used for the first airflow generating mechanism 101 depending on the device space and purpose. In this embodiment, an axial fan is used as the first airflow generating mechanism 101 because it is relatively small, quiet, and can generate a large amount of air. Two 40 mm square (40 mm × 40 mm) axial fans are provided per recording head. A total of ten axial fans are used, corresponding to four heads for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and one head for primer. The size of the axial fans is not limited to the above size and can be, for example, 16 mm square to 60 mm square (16 mm × 16 mm to 60 mm × 60 mm). The shape is also not limited to the above.

[0030] The second airflow generating mechanism 102 sends ambient air from the surroundings of the apparatus into the space inside the apparatus. In Fig. 3, the second airflow generating mechanism 102 draws in outside air from outside the print module 2000 and blows it toward the location of the first airflow generating mechanism 101. The second airflow generating mechanism 102 is provided on the top surface of the housing 30 of the print module 2000 when it is in the in-use position.

[0031] 3, the second airflow generating mechanism 102 does not need to be disposed above the first airflow generating mechanism 101 in the Z direction, and air can be blown toward the first airflow generating mechanism 101 from any angle, such as from the side. However, a configuration in which outside air from the second airflow generating mechanism 102 is sent between the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the outlet surface 224 is not suitable because the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the outside air from the second airflow generating mechanism 102 interfere with each other, causing airflow stagnation within the device.

[0032] In this embodiment, the second airflow generating mechanism 102, which is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 30 in the Z direction to send outside air into the space inside the apparatus, has a fan 102a and a fan 102b. The fan 102a is provided within a range that overlaps the projection plane of the multiple print heads in the Z direction, while the fan 102b is provided outside the projection plane of the multiple print heads in the Z direction. Note that it is not essential to use two types of fans in the second airflow generating mechanism 102. In this embodiment, the print module 2000 has two second airflow generating mechanisms 102, each with two fans 102b, and one second airflow generating mechanism 102 with two fans 102a.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second airflow generating mechanism 102 and the print head 22 in the print module 2000 of this embodiment. The second airflow generating mechanism 102 may be installed in one location in the housing 30 as long as it can sufficiently blow air to the first airflow generating mechanism 101 located above the print head 22. However, blowing air to the first airflow generating mechanism 101 from two or more locations, such as fans 102a and 102b in FIG. 4, is preferable because it suppresses the diffusion of the airflows and allows air to be sent efficiently over the first airflow generating mechanism 101.

[0034] FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing a recording unit 50 corresponding to one recording head 22 in the recording section 2300, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram of the recording unit 50, with the airflow indicated by arrows. Above the recording head 22 in the Z direction is an electric board 225 connected to the recording head 22 by a flexible board 23. The electric board 225 controls the ejection of the recording head 22 and is always energized while the recording head 22 is in operation. The electric board 225 is covered by a metal plate 226, which is shown in perspective in FIG. 5. A first airflow generating mechanism 101 is disposed further above the electric board 225 in the Z direction. As described above, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 serves to send air from above the recording section 2300 in the Z direction to the ejection port surface 224. Here, the recording section 2300, the recording unit 50, and the recording head 22 can each be called a recording means.

[0035] The airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 passes near the electric board 225 and flows toward the recording head 22. The metal plate 226 prevents the airflow from diffusing as it passes near the electric board 225. For this reason, the metal plate 226 is preferably provided, but the airflow can be directed toward the recording head 22 even without the metal plate 226. In this embodiment, the electric board 225 is disposed above the recording head 22 in the Z direction, but their relative positions are not limited. The electric board 225 can be provided at a location away from the recording head 22, or it can be provided inside the recording head. The design can be appropriate, taking into account the spatial configuration within the recording apparatus. In this case, however, a separate heat source must be provided between the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording head 22 to prevent condensation, as described in detail below.

[0036] In this embodiment, the electric substrate 225 functions as a heat source capable of raising the temperature of the airflow. Therefore, the electric substrate 225 is positioned so that the heat generated by the electric substrate 225 is efficiently circulated to the lower ejection port surface 224 in the −Z direction of the print head 22 by the airflow of the first airflow generating mechanism 101.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 passes through the electric board 225, passes beside the recording head 22, and flows into the ejection port surface 224. At this time, it is preferable to have partitions shown by the two-dot chain lines before and after the recording head 22 in the transport direction (X direction), because this controls the direction of travel of the airflow and makes it easier for the airflow to flow under the recording head 22. Note that the partitions can be other units such as the adjacent recording unit 50, or sheet metal partitions. In particular, when multiple recording heads are used, the adjacently arranged recording heads of other colors act as partitions to control the airflow.

[0038] The airflow configuration in this embodiment is particularly effective when the distance between adjacent recording heads 22 is narrower than the width of each head in the X direction. The wider the distance between adjacent recording heads 22, the stronger the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 needs to be. However, an airflow that is too strong can cause turbulence inside the device, making it impossible to control the ejection direction of the liquid, and can lead to problems such as distorted ejection.

[0039] Therefore, preferably, a plurality of recording heads 22 are arranged in the transport direction (X direction), and the distance between the recording heads arranged side by side is set within a range narrower than the width in the X direction of the recording heads 22, without the recording heads 22 contacting each other. It is preferable that adjacent recording heads 22 do not contact each other, from the viewpoint of suppressing obstruction of the airflow blown from the first airflow generating mechanism 101 to the ejection port surface 224. Furthermore, it is desirable that the distance between adjacent recording heads 22 be as narrow as possible, because this narrower distance can suppress diffusion of the airflow blown from the first airflow generating mechanism 101 to the ejection port surface 224.

[0040] In this embodiment, the width of the recording head 22 in the X direction is set to 55 mm, and the interval between adjacent recording heads 22 is set to approximately 10 mm, thereby efficiently blowing the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 to the discharge port surface 224. Of the multiple adjacent recording heads 22, a scanner (not shown) is disposed next to the recording head 22 corresponding to the black color, which is located at the end, at an interval of approximately 10 mm, thereby efficiently blowing the airflow to the discharge port surface 224.

[0041] In this embodiment, the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 passes near the electric board 225, which is a heat source, and flows into the outlet surface 224 in a heated state. This reduces the relative humidity of the airflow, and allows the heated airflow to flow into the outlet surface 224. That is, when the air containing moisture is heated by the heat source, the temperature rises while the moisture content in the air decreases or remains the same, and therefore the relative humidity of the airflow with respect to the surrounding air decreases.

[0042] A decrease in the relative humidity in the airflow can reduce the possibility of condensation occurring due to environmental changes. Meanwhile, heated air directly raises the temperature of areas at high risk of condensation. Condensation generally occurs when the temperature of an object falls below the dew point temperature of the surrounding environment. Therefore, the temperature of the outlet plate 223 and face cover 227 (see Figure 2) on the outlet surface 224 increases due to the constantly flowing heated airflow, reducing the risk of condensation.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 in the recording unit 2300, indicated by flow lines (solid arrows). The first airflow generating mechanisms 101 are provided at two locations near the center of the recording head 22 in the Y direction. For example, when the device installation environment is 27°C and 60% RH, air (outside air) sent from outside the device to the inside of the device by the second airflow generating mechanism 102 passes through the first airflow generating mechanism 101 at temperatures of 27°C and 60% RH, similar to those outside the device. The airflow is then heated to approximately 31°C by the electrical board 225, which has been heated from 50°C to 80°C, before flowing into the ejection port surface 224. During this process, the moisture content of the air remains unchanged or decreases due to the temperature increase. In this embodiment, the relative humidity decreases to 47% RH. The heated air enters the ejection port surface 224 in this state, ultimately reaching 32°C and 45% RH.

[0044] In order to reliably raise the temperature of the airflow by the electric board 225, it is desirable to place the electric board 225 on a straight line connecting both ends of the width of the recording head 22 in the Y direction and the width of the first airflow generating mechanism 101. This allows the present invention to be used effectively.

[0045] In this embodiment, the electric substrate 225 is used as the heat source, but a separate heat source for raising the temperature of the airflow may be provided. Meanwhile, the electric substrate 225 is an essential unit for operating the liquid ejection device, such as for controlling the ejection of the print head 22, and as it operates constantly, it needs to be equipped with a cooling mechanism to prevent temperature rise. Therefore, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 can be used not only as a cooling mechanism for the electric substrate 225, but also as a countermeasure against condensation by sending the airflow that escapes during cooling to the ejection port surface 224. For these reasons, this embodiment is preferable in terms of device operating efficiency.

[0046] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 2201 used to convey paper below the ejection port surface 224 has numerous holes on the belt, and is configured to allow suction through the holes. This configuration is not only useful for maintaining the smoothness of the ejection port surface 224, but also serves to suck air near the ejection port surface 224 and direct it below the belt. Therefore, when implemented in combination with the present invention, which blows air from above the print head 22 to the ejection port surface 224, it is preferable because it promotes replacement of air near the ejection port surface 224 and makes it less likely for condensation to occur.

[0047] (First Modification) 7(a) is a diagram showing a print module 2000 of a first modified example of this embodiment. In the first modified example, the number of second airflow generating mechanisms 102 is increased. The more second airflow generating mechanisms 102 there are, the more easily outside air can reach the first airflow generating mechanisms 101, and the more easily an airflow can be sent to the discharge port surface 224.

[0048] (Second Modification) 7(b) is a diagram showing a print module 2000 of a second modified example of this embodiment. In the second modified example, the position of the second airflow generating mechanism 102 is changed. The position of the second airflow generating mechanism 102 is not limited to the upper wall surface in the Z direction of the wall surface of the housing 30, but may be provided on the side surface (X direction) of the housing 30 in the posture during use. An advantage of providing the second airflow generating mechanism on the side surface is that the filter is less likely to become clogged with dirt and dust in the environment.

[0049] (Third Modification) FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing a print module 2000 according to a third modified example of this embodiment. In the third modified example, the position of the second airflow generation mechanism 102 is not limited to a single surface of the device. The position of the second airflow generation mechanism 102 is not limited to a single surface, but may be arranged across multiple surfaces. In other words, the second airflow generation mechanism 102 may be arranged separately on the side wall surface and the top surface of the housing 30 in the in-use position. An advantage of arranging the second airflow generation mechanism 102 on multiple surfaces is that it reduces the number of points where the airflow stagnates compared to a single surface.

[0050] (Fourth Modification) 7(d) is a diagram showing a print module 2000 according to a fourth modified example of this embodiment. In this fourth modified example, the size of the second airflow generating mechanism 102 is changed. The size of the second airflow generating mechanism 102 can be changed as needed. A larger size has the advantage of being able to increase the amount of air blown per fan, but the uniformity of the airflow is compromised compared to when multiple smaller fans are used.

[0051] The second airflow generating mechanism 102 used in the above embodiment is an axial fan with a 120 mm square (120 mm x 120 mm) size, whereas the second airflow generating mechanism 102 illustrated in this modified example is equipped with two axial fans with a 240 mm square (240 mm x 240 mm) size. The size of the second airflow generating mechanism 102 is not limited to this and can be, for example, 60 mm square to 240 mm square (60 mm x 60 mm to 240 mm x 240 mm). The shape is also not limited to the above.

[0052] (Fifth Modification) 7(e) is a diagram showing a print module 2000 according to a fifth modification of this embodiment. In the fifth modification, the second airflow generating mechanisms 102 are arranged separately on the top and rear surfaces. The second airflow generating mechanisms 102 may be arranged separately on the top and rear surfaces of the device. Even with this configuration, the number of points where the airflow stagnates can be reduced compared to when the second airflow generating mechanisms 102 are provided on a single surface.

[0053] (Sixth Modification) 8A is a diagram showing a print module 2000 according to a sixth modified example of the present embodiment. In the sixth modified example, the PC space 103 is not provided within the housing 30, thereby increasing the space within the housing 30. The PC space 103 may be provided in a module other than the print module 2000, such as the drying module 3000. Even if the PC space 103 is removed, the positional relationship between the second airflow generating mechanism 102 and the print head 22 remains unchanged, and therefore the amount of air blown to the print head 22 remains roughly the same.

[0054] (Seventh Modification) 8(b) is a diagram showing a recording unit 2300 of a seventh modified example of this embodiment. In the seventh modified example, the type of second airflow generating mechanism 102 is changed. In this modified example, an air conditioner is provided as the second airflow generating mechanism 102. The second airflow generating mechanism 102 is not limited to an axial fan, and may be any device that can replace air, such as an air conditioner.

[0055] (Eighth Modification) 9 is a diagram showing a part of a recording unit 50 according to an eighth modified example of the present embodiment. In the eighth modified example, the recording section 2300 is provided with four fans of the first air current generating mechanisms 101. The number of first air current generating mechanisms 101 may be increased or decreased, and the greater the number of first air current generating mechanisms 101, the easier it is to blow air current to the discharge port surface 224. In this modified example, the fan that cools the electric board 225, which is a heat source, can be efficiently used by also serving as the first air current generating mechanism 101.

[0056] (Ninth Modification) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a portion of a recording unit 50 according to a ninth modified example of the present embodiment. In the ninth modified example, an electric heater 229 is used as the heat source. By using the electric heater 229 as the heat source, the electric substrate 225 can be provided in a location other than above the recording head 22. In a recording section 2300 according to this modified example, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), instead of using an electric substrate 225, an electric heater 229 capable of generating heat is provided on a metal plate 226, and the electric substrate 225 is provided in a location other than above the recording head 22. In this modified example, two electric heaters 229 are provided as shown in FIG. 10(b), and the airflow generated by the first airflow generating mechanism 101 passes between the two electric heaters 229.

[0057] The airflow blown down from above the recording head 22 in the Z direction by the fan of the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is heated by the electric heater 229 and flows into the discharge port surface 224 below the recording head 22. This modified example has the advantage that the airflow temperature can be controlled by adjusting the temperature of the electric heater 229.

[0058] (Tenth Modification) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a portion of a recording unit 50 according to a tenth modification of this embodiment. In this tenth modification, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the electric heater 229 are disposed within the width of the recording unit 50 in the Y direction and on either side of the recording head 22 in the Y direction. That is, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording unit 2300 are disposed so as to appear overlapping when viewed from the Y direction. The airflow generated by the fan of the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is heated by the electric heater 229 and flows into the ejection port surface 224 from both ends of the recording head 22 in the Y direction. According to this modification, by causing the air to flow from a position other than above the recording head 22 in the Z direction, the space above the recording head 22 in the Z direction can be effectively utilized, thereby providing flexibility in device design.

[0059] (Eleventh Modification) FIG. 12 shows a portion of a recording unit 50 according to an eleventh modification of this embodiment. In this modification, a sirocco fan is used as the first airflow generating mechanism 101 instead of an axial fan. The sirocco fan is disposed between adjacent recording heads and within the Y-direction width of the recording unit 50, but outside the range of the projection plane of the recording head 22 in the Z-direction. That is, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording unit 2300 are disposed so that they appear overlapping when viewed from the Y-direction. An airflow is then blown from the upper portion of the recording head 22 in the Z-direction to the ejection port surface 224 via a duct 228. This allows the destinations of the air blown by the second airflow generating mechanism 102 to be concentrated in one location. Furthermore, by passing the air through a duct provided along the Y-direction of the recording head 22, the air can be blown evenly throughout the Y-direction of the recording head 22.

[0060] (12th Modification) In the above-described modified examples, the print module 2000 includes the second airflow generating mechanism 102, but it is not necessary to include the second airflow generating mechanism 102. In that case, it is sufficient to have a configuration in which a portion of the housing 30 is open so that outside air can be taken in without air stagnating inside the housing 30.

[0061] The above modifications may be implemented in any suitable combination where possible.

[0062] In this way, the first airflow generating mechanism 101 is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the recording head 22 in the transport direction, making it possible to send an airflow to the ejection port surface 224 of the recording head 22. A heat source is provided between the first airflow generating mechanism 101 and the recording head 22 to heat the airflow from the first airflow generating mechanism 101. This makes it possible to provide a liquid ejection device that suppresses the occurrence of condensation on the recording head 22 and prevents the device from becoming larger.

[0063] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a configuration in which an image is recorded on a roll-shaped sheet traveling along a conveying path with a curve by a plurality of recording heads 22 will be described. Note that the following describes the characteristic configuration of this embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a print module 2000 in this embodiment. In the print module 2000 in this embodiment, the sheet transport path is curved. Multiple print heads 22 are arranged along the curved transport path. The print heads 22 closer to the apex of the curvature of the transport path have ejection port surfaces 224 that are closer to horizontal, and the print heads 22 further from the apex have ejection port surfaces 224 that are more inclined relative to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, the distance between each print head 22 needs to be wider than in the first embodiment, in which all print heads are arranged horizontally.

[0065] The sheet is supported by rollers (224a to 224e) located opposite the recording head 22. In the case of a roll paper type transport system, if the distance between the rollers supporting the sheet is not wide, the sheet will sag and the ejection port surface will not be stable. For this reason, the distance between adjacent recording heads facing the rollers (224a to 224e) is also widened. In this embodiment, the width of the recording head 22 in the X direction is approximately 55 mm, and the distance between adjacent recording heads is a maximum of approximately 50 mm, and even at the smallest position at the end, it is approximately 40 mm.

[0066] The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment. The second airflow generating mechanism 102 blows outside air toward the first airflow generating mechanism 101. The first airflow generating mechanism 101 then sends an airflow that has been heated by passing near the electrical board 225, which serves as a heat source, to the ejection port surface 224 of each print head, replacing the air below the print head. The variations described in the first embodiment can also be appropriately adopted in this embodiment. In the case of a roll paper transport system, the sheet transport path may not have a curvature. In this case, a known configuration, such as a roll pair or a transport belt and roll, can be used to maintain tension on the roll paper.

[0067] Unlike the first embodiment, this embodiment has a large gap between adjacent print heads, which increases the overall size of the print module 2000. However, in this embodiment, the airflow blown from above the print head has a curvature, which allows it to gently flow into the ejection port surface 224 below the print head, which has the advantage of facilitating air replacement.

[0068] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0069] (Configuration 1) a recording means in which ejection ports for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium are arranged in a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the recording medium is transported; a first airflow generating means capable of generating an airflow; A heat source capable of generating heat; A liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection device characterized in that the first air current generating means and the recording means are arranged in overlapping positions in the first direction, and the air current generated by the first air current generating means passes through the heat source and reaches an ejection port surface of the recording means on which the ejection ports are provided.

[0070] (Configuration 2) a second airflow generating means capable of drawing outside air into the device; 2. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, wherein the second airflow generating means is capable of blowing the outside air taken in to the first airflow generating means.

[0071] (Configuration 3) The liquid ejection device according to configuration 2, further comprising a plurality of the second airflow generating means.

[0072] (Configuration 4) 4. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the heat source is an electric board that controls the liquid ejection device.

[0073] (Configuration 5) a plurality of the recording means are arranged in the first direction; 5. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first airflow generating means is provided for each of the recording means.

[0074] (Configuration 6) 6. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first airflow generating means is disposed above the recording means.

[0075] (Configuration 7) 3. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 2, wherein the second air current generating means is provided on a wall surface of a housing that houses the recording means, the first air current generating means, and the heat source.

[0076] (Configuration 8) 8. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface of the housing.

[0077] (Configuration 9) 8. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on a side wall surface of the housing.

[0078] (Configuration 10) 8. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface and a side wall surface of the housing in the first direction.

[0079] (Configuration 11) 8. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface and a side wall surface of the housing in the second direction.

[0080] (Configuration 12) 11. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the first airflow generating means is an axial flow fan of 16 mm×16 mm to 60 mm×60 mm.

[0081] (Configuration 13) 12. The liquid ejection device according to any one of configurations 2 to 11, wherein the second airflow generating means is an axial flow fan of 60 mm×60 mm to 240 mm×240 mm.

[0082] (Configuration 14) 8. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is an air conditioner.

[0083] (Configuration 15) 3. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 2, wherein the heat source is a heater.

[0084] (Configuration 16) The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, wherein the airflow generated by the first airflow generating means passes between the two heaters that serve as the heat source and reaches the ejection port surface.

[0085] (Configuration 17) The liquid ejection device according to configuration 7, wherein the heat source is disposed at both ends of the recording means in the second direction, and the first airflow generating means causes an airflow to flow into the ejection port surface from both ends of the recording means in the second direction.

[0086] (Configuration 18) 2. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, wherein the first airflow generating means is a sirocco fan.

[0087] (Configuration 19) 2. The liquid ejection device according to configuration 1, comprising a conveying path for a recording medium having a curvature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 22 Recording head 101 First airflow generation mechanism 102 Secondary airflow generating mechanism 224 Discharge port surface 225 Electrical Board 2000 Print Module 2300 Recording Department

Claims

1. a recording means in which ejection ports for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium are arranged in a second direction intersecting a first direction in which the recording medium is transported; a first airflow generating means capable of generating an airflow; A heat source capable of generating heat; A liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection device characterized in that the first air current generating means and the recording means are arranged in overlapping positions in the first direction, and the air current generated by the first air current generating means passes through the heat source and reaches an ejection port surface of the recording means on which the ejection ports are provided.

2. a second airflow generating means capable of drawing outside air into the device; 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second airflow generating means is capable of blowing the outside air taken in to the first airflow generating means.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , comprising a plurality of the second airflow generating means.

4. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, wherein the heat source is an electric board that controls the liquid ejection device.

5. a plurality of the recording means are arranged in the first direction; 3. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first airflow generating means is provided for each of the recording means.

6. 2. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow generating means is disposed above the recording means.

7. 3. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on a wall surface of a housing that houses the recording means, the first airflow generating means, and the heat source.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface of the housing.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on a side wall surface of the housing.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface and a side wall surface in the first direction of the housing.

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7 , wherein the second airflow generating means is provided on an upper wall surface and a side wall surface in the second direction of the housing.

12. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow generating means is an axial flow fan measuring 16 mm×16 mm to 60 mm×60 mm.

13. 3. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second airflow generating means is an axial flow fan of 60 mm×60 mm to 240 mm×240 mm.

14. 8. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second airflow generating means is an air conditioner.

15. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2 , wherein the heat source is a heater.

16. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the airflow generated by the first airflow generating means passes between the two heaters that serve as the heat source and reaches the ejection port surface.

17. 8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 7, wherein the heat source is disposed at both ends of the recording means in the second direction, and the first airflow generating means causes airflow to flow into the ejection port surface from both ends of the recording means in the second direction.

18. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first airflow generating means is a sirocco fan.

19. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, further comprising a conveying path for the recording medium having a curvature.

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