Light irradiation device

Abstract

To provide a light irradiation device capable of suppressing inflow of ink mist into a housing and easily replacing a filter.SOLUTION: The light irradiation device includes a housing having a light emission window for emitting ultraviolet light to the outside, a light source accommodated in the housing and configured to emit the ultraviolet light, an opening formed in a first side surface of the housing, a flow mechanism configured to cause cooling air for cooling the light source to flow into the housing from the opening, and a filter having an area larger than an opening area of the opening and inserted into the housing from the opening by being elastically deformed to cover the opening on a first main surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The technology of changing a liquid state into a solid state using the action of light energy is called "photo-curing," and is used in a variety of fields, including inks and adhesives. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a printer that uses ultraviolet-curable ink. Such a printer is equipped with an ink head that ejects the ink and a light irradiation device located adjacent to the ink head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7059683 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The light irradiation device includes, for example, a box-shaped housing that houses a light source that emits ultraviolet light. A window for light extraction is provided on one side of the housing, and the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source is irradiated onto the substrate to be printed through this window.

[0005] As an example, the light source is configured with an array of multiple solid-state light sources, such as LED elements. Considering that the luminous efficiency of solid-state light sources decreases due to a temperature rise caused by light emission, light irradiation devices typically use air cooling to cool the light sources. Furthermore, to prevent foreign matter from entering the housing when cooling air is circulated through the housing, a filter is attached to the side of the housing. One example of such foreign matter is ink mist floating inside or around the printer. One example is ink mist originating from an ink head located adjacent to the light irradiation device. The captured ink mist accumulates in the filter, which is replaced as needed.

[0006] Fig. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a filter mounting structure for a light irradiation device in a printer according to Patent Document 1. As shown in Fig. 16, a light irradiation device 100 has a housing 80, a filter cover 90 attached to a side surface 80a of the housing 80, and a filter 91 supported by the filter cover 90. The filter cover 90 has a frame 92 that supports the filter 91 and a positioning groove 93 for positioning the filter cover 90 relative to the housing 80. The housing 80 has a protrusion 81 protruding from the side surface 80a and an opening (not shown) covered by the filter cover 90. When the filter cover 90 is attached to the side surface 80a of the housing 80, the protrusion 81 provided on the housing 80 engages with the positioning groove 93 of the filter cover 90, allowing the filter cover 90 to be attached in a desired position.

[0007] 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a conventional light irradiation device. In the example of Fig. 17, a filter cover 90 has a protrusion 95 bent toward the housing 80, and the housing 80 has a notch 85 that engages with the protrusion 95. A filter 91 is arranged to cover an opening (not shown) provided in a side surface 80a of the housing 80, and the protrusion 95 of the filter cover 90 engages with the notch 85 of the housing 80, thereby attaching the filter 91 to the housing 80.

[0008] However, the inventor realized that with conventional filter mounting methods, gaps tend to form between the filter cover that holds the filter and the housing, and that there is room for improvement in preventing ink mist from entering the housing.

[0009] 16, for example, a gap may occur between the positioning groove 93 of the filter cover 90 and the protrusion 81 of the housing 80, and ink mist may flow into the housing 80 through the gap. Also, in the light irradiation device 100 of FIG. 17, ink mist may flow into the housing 80 through the notch 85 provided in the housing 80.

[0010] If ink mist flows into the housing, it may adhere to, for example, a driver that drives the light source, causing a short circuit in the driver wiring, resulting in malfunction of the light source. Furthermore, if ink mist adheres to the light-emitting surface of the light source or the light exit window located opposite the light source inside the housing, it may cause uneven illuminance in the ultraviolet light emitted from the light irradiation device.

[0011] To prevent such an inflow of ink mist, it is conceivable to reduce the gap between the housing 80 and the filter cover 90 by fixing the filter cover 90 to the housing 80, for example, by screws, instead of the protrusion 81 and the positioning groove 93 in Fig. 16. Also, in the example of Fig. 17, it is conceivable to reduce the gap through which the ink mist can flow by forming, instead of the notch 85, a recess that is recessed toward the inside of the housing 80 and engages with the protrusion 95 of the filter cover 90.

[0012] However, forming a recess instead of the notch 85 requires increasing the thickness of the outer wall of the housing 80 or bending the outer wall of the housing 80. Therefore, this method complicates the manufacturing process of the housing 80 and is difficult to implement. Furthermore, fixing the filter cover 90 to the housing 80 by, for example, screwing it is not practical because it significantly complicates the filter replacement process. This is also true for the example shown in FIG. 17 . In particular, ink heads that eject ink are often arranged adjacent to the light irradiation device, leaving little working space for filter replacement. Therefore, it is desirable for the light irradiation device to facilitate filter replacement.

[0013] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a light irradiation device that can suppress the inflow of ink mist into the housing and that allows for easy filter replacement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The light irradiation device according to the present invention comprises: A light irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light toward a substrate on which a photocurable ink has been applied, thereby curing the photocurable ink, a housing having a light exit window for emitting the ultraviolet light to the outside; a light source housed in the housing and emitting the ultraviolet light; an opening formed in a first side surface of the housing; a ventilation mechanism for circulating cooling air for cooling the light source through the opening into the housing; a filter having an area larger than an opening area of ​​the opening, being inserted into the housing through the opening by being elastically deformed, and covering the opening at a first main surface; and a support member that partially abuts on a second main surface of the filter opposite to the first main surface.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the filter covers the opening when inserted into the housing and is supported by the support member abutting the second main surface. Therefore, as described with reference to Figures 16 and 17, it is possible to support the filter without a filter cover. In other words, with the above configuration, it is not necessary to provide a notch or the like around the opening for attaching the filter cover, and gaps through which ink mist can flow around the opening are suppressed.

[0016] 16 and 17, ink mist flows into the housing through local gaps. Therefore, it is thought that ink mist is likely to adhere locally inside the housing, and problems caused by ink mist adhesion are likely to occur. In light of this, the above configuration is also advantageous in that it is less likely to create localized inflow paths for ink mist.

[0017] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the above configuration allows the filter to be attached and detached through a simple process of manipulating the filter while elastically deforming it, making it easy to replace the filter even when, for example, there is little working space around the light irradiation device.

[0018] In the light irradiation device, The support member may have a plurality of ventilation holes through which the cooling air that has passed through the filter passes.

[0019] The above-described configuration is preferable because it can efficiently introduce cooling air into the housing while increasing the area where the support member and the second main surface of the filter abut against each other.

[0020] In the light irradiation device, The support member may have a shape that is recessed toward the interior space of the housing, forming a recessed region in which the filter is disposed.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the filter is less likely to become misaligned within the housing, and the filter can be more easily attached to the housing.

[0022] In addition, in the light irradiation device, the support member has a first region in which a first vent hole having a large opening area is formed, and a second region in which a second vent hole having a smaller opening area than the first vent hole is formed, The first region and the second region may be continuous in a direction along the edge of the first side surface.

[0023] As will be described in more detail later, with the above configuration, by inserting the filter from the second area along the edge of the first side surface of the housing, it is possible to insert the filter into the opening while reducing the risk of the filter getting caught on the support member.

[0024] In the light irradiation device, The support member may be in the form of a mesh.

[0025] In addition, the light irradiation device The openings are adjacent to each other in a direction along the edge of the first side surface, A single filter may cover multiple openings.

[0026] In the light irradiation device, the support member has a protrusion extending toward the openings while inclining with respect to the second main surface in a direction in which the openings are adjacent to each other, The protrusion may be located between the plurality of openings in the direction in which the plurality of openings are adjacent to each other.

[0027] As will be described in detail later, with this configuration, the filter can be slid along the protrusion when inserted into the housing. Furthermore, the portions that correspond to the spaces between the openings prevent the filter from floating up toward the openings, making it easier to insert the filter into the housing.

[0028] In the light irradiation device, The support member may have a protrusion that extends toward the opening while being inclined with respect to the second main surface.

[0029] According to the above configuration, by inserting the filter along the direction in which the protrusion extends, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the filter getting caught on the support member, and it is possible to easily insert the filter into the opening, which is preferable.

[0030] The outer edge of the opening may be made of a metal material. This makes it easier to chamfer or plate the outer edge that forms the opening on the side of the housing, which makes it easier to prevent the filter from getting caught when attaching or detaching the filter. This makes it easier to attach and detach the filter, which is preferable. From the same perspective, the housing may also be made of a metal material.

[0031] The outer edge of the opening may be made of a resin material, which reduces the risk of burrs forming on the outer edge of the opening, thereby preventing the filter from getting caught and making it easier to attach and remove the filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, a light irradiation device is provided that can suppress the inflow of ink mist into the housing and allows the filter to be easily replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of a light irradiation device. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the light irradiation device in FIG. 1 as seen from another direction. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of a light irradiation device. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a filter is removed from the light irradiation device in FIG. 1. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a support member. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view of the support member according to FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a scene in which a filter is attached to an opening. [Figure 6B] 10 is a diagram showing another example of a scene in which a filter is attached to an opening. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram schematically showing a scene in which a filter is removed from an opening. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light irradiation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view of the light irradiation device in FIG. 8 when viewed in the +Y direction. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a support member in a second embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10B is a diagram showing an end face of the support member according to FIG. 10A in the YZ plane. [Figure 11A] 10B is a view similar to FIG. 10A showing another example of the configuration of the support member. [Figure 11B] 11B is a diagram showing an end face of the support member according to FIG. 11A in the YZ plane. [Figure 12A] 10B is a diagram showing still another example of the configuration of the support member, following FIG. 10A. [Figure 12B]12B is a diagram showing an end face of the support member according to FIG. 12A in the YZ plane. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the support member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the support member. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the support member. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure for attaching a filter to a light irradiation device in a printer according to Patent Document 1. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a conventional light irradiation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Embodiments of the light irradiation device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic illustrations, and the dimensional ratios and numbers in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual dimensional ratios and numbers.

[0035] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of a light irradiation device, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the light irradiation device of Fig. 1 when viewed from another direction. Also, Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the light irradiation device 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the light irradiation device 1 includes a housing 3, a light source 4, a light exit window 5, a flow mechanism 9, a filter 10, and a support member 20 that supports the filter 10.

[0036] In the following drawings, the description will be made with appropriate reference to an XYZ coordinate system in which the direction perpendicular to the main surface 5a of the light exit window 5 is the Z direction and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction is the XY plane.

[0037] In the following description, when a positive or negative direction is to be distinguished from the positive or negative direction, the direction is described with a positive or negative sign, such as "+X direction" and "-X direction." When a direction is to be described without distinguishing between positive and negative directions, the direction is simply described as "X direction." In other words, in this specification, when simply described as "X direction," both the "+X direction" and the "-X direction" are included. The same applies to the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0038] 3, the light irradiation device 1 irradiates an irradiation target (not shown) with ultraviolet light L1 emitted from a light source 4 through a light exit window 5. An example of the irradiation target is a substrate coated with photocurable ink, and the light irradiation device 1 can be used to cure the photocurable ink.

[0039] 3, the housing 3 accommodates the light source 4, a heat sink 6 on which the light source 4 is arranged, a driver 7 that drives the light source 4, a flow mechanism 9, and a support member 20. As an example, the housing 3 has a box-like shape as shown in FIG.

[0040] For example, the length of the housing 3 (dimension in the X direction) is 10 cm to 70 cm, the width of the housing 3 (dimension in the Y direction) is 4 cm to 150 cm, and the height of the housing 3 (dimension in the Z direction) is 10 cm to 50 cm.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the filter 10 has been removed from the light irradiation device 1 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 3 has an opening 11 formed in a side surface 3a on the -Y side. The side surface 3a corresponds to the "first side surface."

[0042] The shape of the opening 11 is arbitrary, but as shown in Fig. 4, the outer edge E1 that forms the opening 11 may have a convex portion 11a that is convex toward the center of the opening 11. This is preferable because it makes it difficult for the filter 10 attached to the housing 3 to come off the opening 11.

[0043] 3, the housing 3 may have a partition plate 30 facing the opening 11 in the internal space. As an example, the partition plate 30 has a flat plate shape extending in the XZ plane, and extends from the inner wall surface on the +X side to the inner wall surface on the -X side of the housing 3. By arranging the partition plate 30 at a position facing the opening 11, when cooling air W1, which will be described later, is introduced through the opening 11, the cooling air W1 can easily flow toward the light source 4.

[0044] 3, the housing 3 has a light exit window 5 that closes an opening formed in the bottom surface 3b relating to the -Z side, and an exhaust port 15 formed in the top surface 3c relating to the +Z side (see also FIGS. 1 and 2). For convenience of explanation, the surface relating to the -Z side will be described as the bottom surface 3b and the surface relating to the +Z side as the top surface 3c, but in the light irradiation device 1, it is not limited to whether the bottom surface 3b is located vertically downward.

[0045] 1, the light exit window 5 has a shape that is elongated in the X direction. The light exit window 5 is made of a glass material such as quartz glass, and allows the ultraviolet light L1 emitted by the light source 4 to pass through.

[0046] In this embodiment, the light source 4 is composed of a plurality of LED elements arranged on a substrate 4a extending along the XY plane. The light sources 4 are arranged in the X and Y directions, and the light-emitting surfaces of the light sources 4 face the light exit window 5. As shown in Fig. 3, the optical axis (light emission direction) of each LED element is oriented in the -Z direction, and ultraviolet light L1 is irradiated toward the outside of the housing 3 through the light exit window 5.

[0047] The wavelength of the ultraviolet light L1 emitted by the light source 4 is set appropriately depending on the object to be irradiated. For example, if the object to be irradiated is a substrate coated with photocurable ink, the light source 4 is configured to emit ultraviolet light L1 with a wavelength corresponding to the absorption spectrum of the ink. As an example, the main wavelength of the ultraviolet light L1 may be set to be between 360 nm and 410 nm. Here, the "main wavelength" may refer to a wavelength range showing a light intensity of 40% or more of the highest light intensity (peak intensity) in an emission spectrum obtained by breaking down the light intensity by wavelength.

[0048] The heat sink 6 is located on the +Z side of the substrate 4a. As an example, the heat sink 6 has a plurality of flat heat dissipation fins 6a extending in the YZ plane. Although not shown in the figure, the heat dissipation fins 6a are arranged at intervals in the X direction. As will be described later, cooling air W1 is passed between the heat dissipation fins 6a, thereby performing heat exchange from the heat sink 6 and promoting cooling of the light source 4.

[0049] The heat sink 6 is made of, for example, a metal material such as copper or aluminum.

[0050] The ventilation mechanism 9 is, for example, a fan. When the ventilation mechanism 9 is driven, cooling air W1 is introduced from the opening 11, as shown in FIG. 3. The cooling air W1 travels toward the light source 4 and is passed through the heat sink 6 toward the exhaust port 15. In FIG. 3, the manner in which the cooling air W1 flows is schematically shown by a dashed dotted line. Note that the ventilation mechanism 9 may have any configuration and position as long as it can generate an airflow within the housing 3. For example, the ventilation mechanism 9 may be disposed near the inner wall surface on the -Z side of the housing 3.

[0051] As an example, the driver 7 is disposed on the +Y side of the partition plate 30. The driver 7 includes a lighting circuit (not shown) that controls the lighting of the light source 4, and drives the light source 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the driver 7 is preferably disposed on a path through which the cooling air W1 flows, so that the driver 7 can be cooled together with the light source 4.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, exhaust port 15 is also formed on top surface 3c at a position on the -Y side of partition plate 30. However, this is optional in the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, partition plate 30 has, on the +Z side of filter 10, partition portion 30a extending on the -Y side and a through-hole (not shown) penetrating in the Y direction. As a result, cooling air W1 that has passed around driver 7 is exhausted from exhaust port 15 formed on top surface 3c.

[0053] When cooling air W1 is introduced into the housing 3 through the opening 11, in order to reduce the ink mist that flows into the housing 3, the opening 11 is covered by the first main surface 10a on the -Y side of the filter 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 3, the filter 10 is disposed within the housing 3, and the first main surface 10a is in partial contact with the inner wall surface on which the opening 11 is formed. The filter 10 is made of, for example, a sponge-like, breathable material. The filter 10 is also flexible and elastically deformable. The first main surface 10a of the filter 10 is larger than the opening area of ​​the opening 11.

[0055] For example, the filter 10 is made of urethane foam, but the material of the filter 10 is not limited. In this embodiment, the filter 10 has a rectangular shape. As an example, the dimensions of the filter 10 in the X and Z directions are 5 cm to 10 cm, and the dimension in the Y direction is 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm. The shape of the filter 10 can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the opening 11.

[0056] 3, the support member 20 is housed in the housing 3 and partially abuts against the second main surface 10b on the +Y side of the filter 10. Fig. 5A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the support member 20, and Fig. 5B is a plan view of the support member 20 shown in Fig. 5A.

[0057] 5A, the support member 20 has a bottom surface 20a extending in the XZ plane and a sidewall 20b extending in the -Y direction from the bottom surface 20a, forming a recessed region recessed in the +Y direction. The filter 10 is inserted into the recessed region (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0058] 4, multiple filters 10 are arranged on the support member 20. In view of this, the support member 20 may have a partition portion 20c that protrudes in the -Y direction from the bottom surface portion 20a in the central portion in the X direction. This is preferable because the recessed region in which the filters 10 are arranged is partitioned in the X direction for each filter 10.

[0059] The support member 20 also has a plurality of ventilation holes (21, 22) formed in the bottom surface portion 20a. This allows the support member 20 to partially abut against the filter 10, allowing the cooling air W1 that has passed through the filter 10 to be introduced into the housing 3. In this embodiment, the ventilation holes 21 are hexagonal. As a result, the bottom surface portion 20a includes, in addition to the frame 23a extending in the X direction, a frame extending in a direction different from the X direction within the XZ plane.

[0060] 5B, the multiple air vents (21, 22) may have different opening areas. That is, when air vent 21 is used as a reference, support member 20 may include air vent 22 having a smaller opening area than air vent 21. Specifically, air vent 22 has a shape in which air vent 21 is divided by frame 23b extending approximately in the Z direction, and the opening area of ​​air vent 22 is smaller than the opening area of ​​air vent 21.

[0061] By including the frame 23b that extends substantially in the Z direction in the support member 20, it is expected that the filter 10 will be easier to insert in the Z direction.

[0062] 5B, in the present embodiment, in the support member 20, an area A1 in which the air vent 21 is formed and an area A2 in which the air vent 22 is formed are continuous in approximately the Z direction. The air vent 21 and the air vent 22 correspond to the "first air vent" and the "second air vent", respectively, and the area A1 and the area A2 correspond to the "first area" and the "second area", respectively.

[0063] Furthermore, the support member 20 may have a plurality of mounting portions 24 extending in the Z direction from the end portion on the -Y side of the side wall 20b. For example, the mounting portions 24 can be attached to the inner wall surface on the -Y direction of the housing 3 by screwing or the like, thereby fixing the support member 20. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the bottom surface portion 20a of the support member 20 has a mesh shape, but the configuration of the support member 20 is not limited to this. Other configuration examples of the support member 20 will be described later.

[0064] When cooling air W1 is passed through the housing 3, the ink mist captured by the filter 10 accumulates in the filter 10. For this reason, the filter 10 is replaced as needed. How the filter 10 is attached and detached will be described below.

[0065] Fig. 6A is a diagram schematically illustrating a scene in which filter 10 is attached to opening 11. As shown in Fig. 6A, filter 10 is inserted into opening 11 while being elastically deformed. As described above, the area of ​​filter 10 is larger than the opening area of ​​opening 11, but as shown in Fig. 6A, filter 10 can be inserted into opening 11 by elastically deforming filter 10.

[0066] Then, filter 10 is slid along bottom surface portion 20a of support member 20. Fig. 6B is a diagram showing another example of a scene in which filter 10 is attached to opening 11, following Fig. 6A. Fig. 6A shows an example in which filter 10 is inserted into opening 11 in the +Z direction, but it is also possible to insert filter 10 in the X direction, for example, as shown in Fig. 6B.

[0067] As described above, the support member 20 preferably has a recessed region recessed toward the +Y side, which prevents the filter 10 from being displaced or the like within the housing 3. In view of this, the support member 20 preferably has side walls 20b at both ends in the X direction and both ends in the Z direction of the bottom surface portion 20a, as shown in Fig. 5A.

[0068] Furthermore, inserting the filter 10 in the direction in which the frame included in the bottom surface portion 20a extends is thought to reduce the likelihood of the filter 10 getting caught on the bottom surface portion 20a. In light of this, forming hexagonal ventilation holes 21 in the bottom surface portion 20a can be said to reduce the likelihood of the filter 10 getting caught when inserted. That is, by including a frame 23a extending in the X direction and a frame extending in a direction different from the X direction in the support member 20, the filter 10 is less likely to get caught on the bottom surface portion 20a regardless of the direction in which the filter 10 is inserted, which is preferable. Furthermore, as described above, the support member 20 has a frame 23b extending in the Z direction. This makes it easier to insert the filter 10 in the Z direction along the frame 23b, which is also preferable. That is, the support member 20 preferably has frames (23a, 23b) extending in a direction along the edge included in the side surface 3a of the housing 3.

[0069] From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that support member 20 has a mesh shape, since filter 10 can be easily inserted from any direction parallel to the XZ plane.

[0070] To facilitate sliding of the filter 10 along the support member 20 when inserting the filter 10, it is preferable to increase the area of ​​contact between the support member 20 and the filter 10. However, simply increasing the area of ​​contact between the support member 20 and the filter 10 makes it difficult for the cooling air W1 to be introduced into the housing 3. Comparing a case where a single vent hole is formed in the support member 20 with a case where multiple vent holes (21, 22) are formed in the support member 20, the latter case allows for a larger area of ​​contact between the support member 20 and the filter 10 while efficiently introducing the cooling air W1 into the housing 3. In light of this, it is preferable for the support member 20 to have multiple vent holes (21, 22). The present invention does not exclude the case where the support member 20 has a single vent hole. The shape and opening area of ​​the vent hole can be designed appropriately depending on the shape and dimensions of the filter 10.

[0071] Furthermore, in support member 20, region A1 where vent hole 21 is formed and region A2 where vent hole 22, which has a smaller opening area than vent hole 21, are formed are connected substantially in the Z direction (see FIG. 5B). This allows filter 10 to be inserted from the -Z side, i.e., region A2, thereby reducing the likelihood of filter 10 getting caught on bottom surface portion 20a. As a result, filter 10 can be more easily inserted into opening 11, which is preferable.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the regions A1 and A2 have been described as being continuous in approximately the Z direction, but they may be continuous in, for example, approximately the X direction. Even in this case, by inserting the filter 10 from the region A2 side, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the filter 10 getting caught on the bottom surface portion 20a. In other words, from the viewpoint of easily inserting the filter 10 into the opening 11, it is preferable that the regions A1 and A2 are continuous in a direction along the edge of the side surface 3a of the housing 3. The formation areas of the regions A1 and A2 can be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the installation mode of the light irradiation device 1.

[0073] It should be noted that even when the regions A1 and A2 are continuous in the Z direction, the filter 10 can be inserted from the X direction. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the filter 10 is not limited.

[0074] 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a scene in which filter 10 is removed from opening 11. As shown in Fig. 7, an operator can remove filter 10 from opening 11, for example, by pinching filter 10 and elastically deforming it. Fig. 7 shows an example in which filter 10 is removed in the +Z direction, but in this embodiment, the direction in which filter 10 is removed is arbitrary.

[0075] According to this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, the filter 10 can be attached or detached by a simple process of manipulating the filter 10 while elastically deforming it. In other words, the light irradiation device 1 does not require the filter cover configuration described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. Because a filter cover for holding the filter 10 is not required, the light irradiation device 1 does not need to provide a notch or the like around the opening 11, and the creation of a gap into which ink mist can flow is suppressed. This more firmly suppresses the flow of ink mist into the housing 3, making it less likely that a malfunction or the like will occur in the driver 7 that turns on the light source 4.

[0076] Furthermore, if ink mist adheres to the heat sink 6, it is expected that the cooling efficiency of the light source 4 will decrease, shortening the lifespan of the light source 4. In contrast, in this embodiment, the inflow of ink mist is more firmly suppressed, making it less likely that the lifespan of the light source 4 will be shortened. In other words, the present invention is preferably applicable to cases where the light source 4 is made up of an LED element and the heat sink 6 is housed in the housing 3.

[0077] In the light irradiation device 1, the filter 10 can be attached or detached simply by manipulating the filter 10. Therefore, even if the working space around the light irradiation device 1 is limited, the replacement work of the filter 10 can be easily performed.

[0078] When replacing the filter 10, it is often difficult to move the light irradiation device 1 itself, which has already been attached to a predetermined position. If the light irradiation device 1 were to be moved, it would be necessary to adjust the distance and angle between the light irradiation device 1 and the substrate to be irradiated when placing the light irradiation device 1 back in its original position after replacing the filter 10, which would be cumbersome. In contrast, in this embodiment, the filter 10 can be attached and detached simply by manipulating the filter 10, which is preferable because the filter 10 can be easily replaced without having to move the light irradiation device 1.

[0079] Furthermore, since the filter 10 of the light irradiation device 1 is easy to replace, when the light irradiation device 1 is installed in a printer or the like, it is easy to arrange other units closer to the light irradiation device 1, which also has the effect of reducing the volume of the printer or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the filter 10 can be attached and detached in the direction parallel to the side surface 3a of the housing 3, which is preferable as it increases the degree of freedom when installing the light irradiation device 1.

[0081] From the viewpoint of preventing the filter 10 from getting caught when attaching or detaching the filter 10, the housing 3 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. This makes it easy to chamfer or plate the outer edge E1 that forms the opening 11 on the side surface 3a of the housing 3. Note that this embodiment is not limited to cases where the entire housing 3 is made of a metal material. In other words, making the side surface 3a, or more specifically the outer edge E1, from a metal material makes it easier to prevent the filter 10 from getting caught.

[0082] Furthermore, the outer edge E1 of the opening 11 may be made of a resin material such as polycarbonate or polyimide. By making the outer edge E1 out of a resin material, it is possible to prevent burrs from occurring on the outer edge E1 and prevent the filter 10 from getting caught, compared to when the outer edge E1 is made of a metal material.

[0083] The support member 20 may be made of the above-mentioned metal material or the above-mentioned resin material.

[0084] [Second embodiment] Next, a configuration example of a second embodiment of the light irradiation device 1 will be described, focusing on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a light irradiation device 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the filter 10 has been removed, following FIG. 4. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of openings (12a, 12b) are formed adjacent to each other in the Z direction on the side surface 3a, and a single filter 10 covers the openings 12a and 12b. Note that, like the first embodiment, two filters 10 are inserted into the housing 3.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a plan view of the light irradiation device 1 in Fig. 8 when viewed in the +Y direction. Fig. 9 shows a state in which the filter 10 is attached. In this embodiment, the separation distance d1 in the Z direction between the opening 12a and the opening 12b is set to 5 mm to 10 mm. In other words, the opening 12a and the opening 12b are divided by a rod-shaped bar 31, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

[0087] The first main surface 10a of the filter 10 abuts against the bar 31. This is preferable because the attached filter 10 is less likely to come off the openings 12a and 12b.

[0088] Fig. 10A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the support member 20 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10A, the support member 20 may have a protrusion 25 extending from the bottom surface 20a toward the openings (12a, 12b). Note that, as in the first embodiment, the support member 20 forms a recessed region recessed in the +Y direction.

[0089] 10B is a diagram showing an end surface of the support member 20 in FIG. 10A in the YZ plane. In FIG. 10B, the end surface of the support member 20 in FIG. 10A along line BB is indicated by a solid line, and the position of the housing 3 is also shown schematically. As shown in FIG. 10B, the protrusion 25 includes a base 25a that is inclined from the bottom surface 20a with respect to the XZ plane and an end 25b that is located on the +Z side of the base 25a, and has a shape that extends toward the openings (12a, 12b). In other words, the protrusion 25 extends in the Z direction while inclining with respect to the second main surface 10b of the filter 10, thereby protruding from the bottom surface 20a to the -Y side.

[0090] Protruding portion 25 protrudes toward the -Y side, which reduces the likelihood of filter 10 getting caught on bottom surface portion 20a when filter 10 is inserted. In other words, by inserting filter 10 through opening 12b, filter 10 can be easily slid in the +Z direction along protruding portion 25. As a result, filter 10 can be inserted more easily, which is preferable.

[0091] The angle θ1 (see FIG. 10B) formed between the bottom surface portion 20a and the protrusion 25 is preferably 10° to 45°. Specifically, the angle θ1 is 30°.

[0092] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of facilitating insertion of filter 10 in the +Z direction, protrusion 25 is preferably located between openings 12a and 12b. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 10B, base 25a of protrusion 25 preferably overlaps bar 31 in the Y direction. When filter 10 is moved along protrusion 25, bar 31 prevents filter 10 from floating up in the -Y direction, allowing filter 10 to slide easily in the +Z direction. More preferably, end 25b of protrusion 25 is located on the +Z side of bar 31.

[0093] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the filter 10 can be attached and detached by a simple process of manipulating the filter 10 while elastically deforming it, and the replacement of the filter 10 can be easily performed. Also in this embodiment, there is no need to provide a notch or the like around the openings (12a, 12b), and gaps through which ink mist can flow around the openings (12a, 12b) are prevented from being formed. As a result, the flow of ink mist into the housing 3 is more firmly prevented.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the filter 10 has been described as covering a plurality of openings (12a, 12b) adjacent to each other in the Z direction. However, the filter 10 may also cover a plurality of openings adjacent to each other in the X direction and be attached or detached in the X direction. In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion 25 extends in the X direction while being inclined with respect to the second main surface 10b of the filter 10, thereby protruding from the bottom surface 20a to the -Y side.

[0095] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the support member 20, following Figures 10A and 10B. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the protrusion 25 may have a V-shape that is convex in the -Y direction.

[0096] 11A and 11B, the same discussion as in the example of FIG. 10B can be applied to the point that protrusion 25 has base 25a that is inclined from bottom surface 20a with respect to the XZ plane. That is, protrusion 25 includes base 25a that is inclined with respect to second main surface 10b of filter 10 and protrudes toward the -Y side. Base 25a is located between opening 12a and opening 12b (see FIG. 11B). This reduces the likelihood of filter 10 getting caught on bottom surface 20a when filter 10 is inserted, making it easier to insert filter 10 through opening 12b.

[0097] Similarly to angle θ1, angle θ2 (see FIG. 11B) formed between bottom surface portion 20a and protrusion 25 is preferably 10° to 45°. As a specific example, angle θ2 is 25°.

[0098] 12A and 12B are diagrams, following Figures 10A and 10B, showing yet another example configuration of support member 20. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, protrusion 25 may have an arc shape that is convex in the -Y direction.

[0099] 12A and 12B, the same discussion as in the example of Fig. 10B can be made regarding the point that protrusion 25 has base 25a that is inclined from bottom surface 20a with respect to the XZ plane. That is, protrusion 25 includes base 25a that is inclined with respect to second main surface 10b of filter 10 and protrudes to the -Y side. Base 25a is located between opening 12a and opening 12b (see Fig. 12B).

[0100] [Variations] Modified examples of the light irradiation device 1 will be described below.

[0101] 13 and 14 are perspective views showing modified examples of the support member 20. In Fig. 13 and 14, the support member 20 forms a recessed region recessed in the +Y direction, and the filter 10 is disposed in the recessed region, similar to the first embodiment.

[0102] In the above description, hexagonal ventilation holes 21 are formed in the bottom surface portion 20a. However, the ventilation holes 21 may have any shape in the support member 20. As an example, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, rectangular ventilation holes 21 may be formed in the bottom surface portion 20a.

[0103] 13 and 14, the support member 20 includes frames (23a, 23b) extending in a direction along the edge of the side surface 3a of the housing 3, which is expected to have the effect of making it easier to insert the filter 10. Specifically, the support member 20 of FIG. 13 includes a frame 23a extending in the X direction and a frame 23b extending in the Z direction, which makes it easier to insert the filter 10 in the X direction and the Z direction. Furthermore, the support member 20 of FIG. 14 includes a frame 23b extending in the Z direction, which makes it easier to insert the filter 10 in the Z direction.

[0104] In the above description, the bottom surface 20a is described as having a plurality of regions with different opening regions of the air holes (21, 22). However, as shown in Fig. 14, for example, in the present invention, it is optional whether the bottom surface 20a of the support member 20 includes both the region A1 and the region A2.

[0105] <2> In the above description, two filters 10 are inserted into the housing 3. However, in the present invention, any number of filters 10 may be used. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the support member 20 having the partition portion 20c.

[0106] <3> Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of the support member 20. As shown in Fig. 15, the support member 20 may have a shape recessed toward the +Y side and may be composed of multiple members arranged in the X direction. In the above, the support member 20 has been described as having air vents (21, 22), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the support member 20 may be composed of multiple members and may be configured to partially abut against the filter 10.

[0107] In FIG. 15, the point that it is fixed to the housing 3 via the attachment portion 24 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0108] <4> In the above description, with reference to the second embodiment, the support member 20 has been described as having the protrusion 25 in a state in which multiple openings (12a, 12b) are formed in the side surface 3a. However, for example, in the first embodiment, the support member 20 may have the protrusion 25 extending toward the opening 11 while inclined with respect to the second main surface 10b of the filter 10. This reduces the likelihood of the filter 10 getting caught on the bottom surface 20a of the support member 20, allowing the filter 10 to be easily inserted into the opening 11 by inserting the filter 10 along the direction in which the protrusion 25 extends. The same discussion can be applied to each of the modified examples.

[0109] That is, when the support member 20 has the protrusion 25, it is optional whether or not a plurality of openings (12a, 12b) are formed in the side surface 3a.

[0110] <5> In the above description, the light source 4 is described as being composed of multiple LED elements. However, the light source 4 may be composed of, for example, a discharge lamp. As an example, the light source 4 may be an excimer lamp filled with a light-emitting gas including, for example, KrCl, KrBr, or ArF, or a low-pressure mercury lamp. Even when the light source 4 is composed of a discharge lamp, it is expected that ink mist may flow into the housing 3, causing a malfunction of the lighting power supply that drives the discharge lamp or uneven illuminance due to dirt on the arc tube of the discharge lamp. In other words, the present invention is also suitably applicable when the light source 4 is composed of a discharge lamp.

[0111] <6> The above embodiments can be realized by combining them as appropriate. The configuration of the light irradiation device 1 is not limited to the above example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 : Light irradiation device 3: Housing 3a: Side 3b: Bottom 3c: Top 4 : Light source 4a: Substrate 5: Light exit window 6: Heat sink 7: Driver 9: Flow mechanism 10: Filter 10a: First principal surface 10b: Second principal surface 11,12a,12b: Opening 11a: Convex part 15: Exhaust port 20: Support member 20a: Bottom part 20b: Side wall 20c: Partition 21,22: Ventilation holes 23a, 23b: Frame 24: Mounting part 25: Protrusion 25a: base 25b: End 30: Partition board 30a: Partition 31: Bar 80: Case 81 : Protrusion 85: Notch 90: Filter cover 91: Filter 92: Frame 93: Positioning groove 95: Protrusion 100: Light irradiation device

Claims

1. A light irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light toward a substrate on which a photocurable ink has been applied, thereby curing the photocurable ink, a housing having a light exit window for emitting the ultraviolet light to the outside; a light source housed in the housing and emitting the ultraviolet light; an opening formed in a first side surface of the housing; a ventilation mechanism for circulating cooling air for cooling the light source through the opening into the housing; a filter having an area larger than an opening area of ​​the opening, being inserted into the housing through the opening by being elastically deformed, and covering the opening at a first main surface; a support member that partially abuts a second main surface of the filter opposite to the first main surface.

2. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a plurality of ventilation holes through which the cooling air that has passed through the filter passes.

3. The light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member has a shape recessed toward the internal space of the housing, and forms a recessed region in which the filter is disposed.

4. the support member has a first region in which a first vent hole having a large opening area is formed, and a second region in which a second vent hole having a smaller opening area than the first vent hole is formed, The light irradiation device according to claim 2 , wherein the first region and the second region are continuous in a direction along the edge of the first side surface.

5. 5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is mesh-shaped.

6. The openings are adjacent to each other in a direction along the edge of the first side surface, 5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein a single filter covers a plurality of the openings.

7. the support member has a protrusion extending toward the openings while inclining with respect to the second main surface in a direction in which the openings are adjacent to each other, The light irradiation device according to claim 6 , wherein the protrusion is located between the plurality of openings in the direction in which the plurality of openings are adjacent to each other.

8. 5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a protrusion extending toward the opening while being inclined with respect to the second main surface.

9. 5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the opening is made of a metal material.

10. 5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein an outer edge of the opening is made of a resin material.

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