Printing apparatus

Abstract

If pressure loss in the ink heating channel reduces the damper's function, it may result in a structure that makes it difficult to stabilize ink ejection. [Solution] The printing apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a head for ejecting ink onto a medium, a damper for storing the ink and supplying the ink to the head, and a heating unit having a heating channel that constitutes the flow path of the ink and a heating heater for heating the ink in the heating channel. In the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the heating unit is positioned upstream of the damper in the direction of ink delivery.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus provided with a damper. The damper alleviates the pressure fluctuations of the ink and stabilizes the ejection of the ink from the head.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the temperature of the ink becomes low, the viscosity of the ink increases, and there is a risk that the ejection of the ink from the head becomes unstable. In order to lower the viscosity of the ink, it is desirable to heat the ink. However, if the function of the damper (the function of alleviating the pressure fluctuations of the ink in the head) deteriorates due to the pressure loss in the flow path for heating the ink, there is a risk that the structure becomes difficult to stabilize the ejection of the ink.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to heat the ink while suppressing the deterioration of the function of the damper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a head that ejects ink onto a medium, a damper that stores the ink and supplies the ink to the head, a heating unit having a heating flow path that constitutes the flow path of the ink and a heating heater that heats the ink in the heating flow path, Equipped with, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the heating unit is positioned upstream of the damper in the ink flow direction.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be revealed by the description herein. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the ink can be heated while suppressing a decrease in the damper's function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the printing apparatus 100. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the printing device 100. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the ink supply unit 5. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of an example of the heating unit 50. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the damper 60. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the damper 60. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the damper 60. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flow chart of the ink supply process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a timing diagram for the ink supply process. [Figure 10] Figures 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the heat retention unit 70 installed on the carriage 21. [Figure 11] Figures 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the heat retention unit 70. [Figure 12] Figures 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the drive mechanism 77 of the shutter 76. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modified heating unit 50. [Figure 14] FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram of the flow of ink in the heating channel 54 of a modified example. FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram of the heating channel 54 of a comparative example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram of the heating heater 51 of the first modified example. FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram of the second modified example of the heating heater 51. FIG. 15C is an explanatory diagram of the third modified example of the heating heater 51. [Figure 16] FIGS. 16A to 16C are explanatory diagrams of the heating heater 51 of a reference example.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] ===EMBODIMENT=== <OVERALL CONFIGURATION> FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing apparatus 100.

[0011] In the following description, the direction in which the carriage 21 (or the head 10) moves may be referred to as the "scanning direction" or the "left - right direction". Among the left - right direction, the right side as viewed from the operator who operates the printing apparatus 100 may be referred to as "right", and the opposite side may be referred to as "left". Also, the vertical direction may be referred to as the "up - down direction", the upper side in the vertical direction may be referred to as "up", and the opposite side may be referred to as "down". Further, the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction and the up - down direction may be referred to as the "front - back direction". Among the front - back direction, the side of the operator who operates the printing apparatus 100 as viewed from the printing apparatus 100 may be referred to as "front", and the opposite side may be referred to as "back". [[ID=...]]

[0012] [[ID=...]] [[ID=...]] The printing apparatus 100 is a device for performing printing on the medium M. Here, the printing apparatus 100 discharges photocurable ink (here, ultraviolet - curable ink) onto the medium M and irradiates light (here, ultraviolet light) onto the dots formed on the medium M to cure the dots. That is, the printing apparatus 100 is a so - called UV printer. However, the ink discharged by the printing apparatus 100 onto the medium M does not have to be photocurable ink.

[0013] The printing apparatus 100 comprises a head 10, a carriage unit 20, a transport unit 30, an irradiation unit 40, an ink supply unit 5, and a controller 80.

[0014] The head 10 ejects ink. Here, the head 10 ejects UV-curable ink (so-called UV ink) that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. However, the ink ejected by the head 10 is not limited to photocurable ink (UV-curable ink). The head 10 is mounted on the carriage 21 and is movable in the scanning direction. The head 10 ejects color inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Multiple nozzle rows are provided on the underside of the head 10. The area on the medium M where liquid (ink) is ejected is sometimes called the "printing area." The printing area is the area opposite the nozzle rows of the head 10. The printing apparatus 100 has one or more heads 10, and one or more heads 10 are mounted on the carriage 21.

[0015] The carriage unit 20 moves the carriage 21 in the scanning direction. The carriage unit 20 includes the carriage 21 and the carriage motor 22. The carriage 21 is mounted on the head 10 and is capable of reciprocating movement in the scanning direction. The carriage motor 22 is the drive source for moving the carriage 21. The carriage unit 20 also has a transmission mechanism (not shown; e.g., gears, pulleys, belts, etc.) for transmitting the driving force of the carriage motor 22 to the carriage 21.

[0016] The transport unit 30 transports the medium M. The transport unit 30 has a transport member 31 and a transport motor 32. The transport member 31 is a member that transports the medium M, and in this case has a transport roller and a pinch roller. The transport motor 32 is a drive source that rotates the transport member 31 (in this case the transport roller). When the medium M is sandwiched between the transport roller and the pinch roller, the transport motor 32 rotates the transport roller, causing the medium M to be transported in the transport direction.

[0017] The irradiation unit 40 irradiates the medium M with light. Here, the irradiation unit 40 has a light source 41 that emits ultraviolet (UV) light, and is configured to irradiate the medium M with ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 41. The light source 41 is composed of, for example, an LED array in which multiple LEDs (UV-LEDs) are arranged. The irradiation unit 40 is mounted on the carriage 21. Therefore, the irradiation unit 40 can move along the scanning direction together with the carriage 21 (and head 10), and can irradiate the printing area with light. Note that if the ink ejected by the head 10 is not a photocurable ink (UV-curable ink), the printing apparatus 100 does not need to be equipped with the irradiation unit 40.

[0018] The ink supply unit 5 supplies ink to the print head 10. The configuration of the ink supply unit 5 will be described later.

[0019] The controller 80 controls the printing device 100. The controller 80 has, for example, an arithmetic processing unit and a memory device (not shown), and various processes are performed by the arithmetic processing unit executing a program stored in the memory device. The controller 80 has a printing processing unit 81 and an ink supply processing unit 82.

[0020] The printing processing unit 81 causes the printing device 100 to perform a printing process on the medium M. Specifically, the printing processing unit 81 alternately repeats a dot formation operation, in which the carriage unit 20 (carriage motor 22) drives the head 10 to move in the scanning direction and ejects ink from the head 10 to form dots on the medium M, and a transport operation, in which the transport unit 30 transports the medium M in the transport direction, thereby printing an image on the medium M. In addition, during the printing operation, the printing processing unit 81 hardens the dots by irradiating the medium M with light (in this case, ultraviolet light) from the irradiation unit 40.

[0021] The ink supply processing unit 82 causes the printing device 100 to perform the process of supplying ink to the head 10 (ink supply process). The ink supply process will be described later.

[0022] <Ink supply unit> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the ink supply unit 5.

[0023] The ink supply unit 5 supplies ink from the ink cartridge 5A to the print head 10. The ink cartridge 5A is the source of the ink and is detachably mounted on the printing device 100. In the following description, the direction in which the ink flows from the ink cartridge 5A towards the print head 10 may be referred to as the "ink supply direction." The upstream and downstream sides of the ink supply direction may also be referred to as the "upstream side of the ink supply direction" and the "downstream side of the ink supply direction," respectively. The ink cartridge 5A is located furthest upstream in the ink supply direction, and the print head 10 is located furthest downstream in the ink supply direction.

[0024] The ink supply unit 5 comprises a liquid transfer pump 5B, a heating unit 50, a damper 60, and a heat retention unit 70. The ink cartridge 5A and the liquid transfer pump 5B are located on the main body side of the printing device 100, while the heating unit 50, damper 60, and heat retention unit 70 are located on the carriage 21. The carriage 21 is also equipped with a temperature sensor 21A for detecting the internal temperature of the carriage 21.

[0025] The liquid delivery pump 5B is a component (liquid delivery unit) for delivering ink towards the print head 10. The liquid delivery pump 5B is located on the main body side of the printing device 100 and is situated between the ink cartridge 5A and the carriage 21. The liquid delivery pump 5B can be driven and stopped by the controller 80. Alternatively, the ink supply unit 5 may use hydrostatic pressure to supply ink instead of using the liquid delivery pump 5B. In this case, the ink supply unit 5 is equipped with an on-off valve instead of the liquid delivery pump 5B, and the controller 80 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve to supply ink from the ink cartridge 5A to the print head 10. In this case, the on-off valve functions as the liquid delivery section (a component for supplying ink towards the print head 10).

[0026] The heating unit 50 heats the ink to raise its temperature. Here, the heating unit 50 heats the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 5A so that it reaches 35-45°C. If the ink temperature falls below the lower limit of 35°C, the viscosity of the ink will increase, which may cause unstable ink ejection from the head 10. In contrast, the heating unit 50 heats the ink to a predetermined viscosity, which stabilizes ink ejection from the head 10. On the other hand, if the ink temperature rises above the upper limit of 50°C, the composition of the ink may change. Therefore, the heating unit 50 needs to heat the ink so that its temperature is 35°C or higher, while ensuring that the ink temperature does not rise above 50°C. In other words, in this embodiment, there are limitations on the output of the heater that heats the ink (heating heater 51; described later), and there are limitations on increasing the heater temperature. Note that the lower and upper limits of the ink temperature are not limited to 35°C and 50°C.

[0027] The heating unit 50 is mounted on the carriage 21. The heating unit 50 is located downstream of the liquid transfer pump 5B in the liquid transfer direction. The heating unit 50 is located between the liquid transfer pump 5B and the damper 60. In other words, the heating unit 50 is located upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid transfer direction.

[0028] Figures 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of an example of the heating unit 50.

[0029] The heating unit 50 is constructed in a flat, plate-like (block-like) form. Here, the heating unit 50 is integrally molded from resin. However, the heating unit 50 may also be constructed by laminating multiple plate-like members. In the following description, the thickness direction of the plate-like heating unit 50 will be referred to as the "Z direction," and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction will be referred to as the "XY direction (X direction and Y direction)." The heating unit 50 includes a heating heater 51, a supply port 52, an outlet 53, and a heating channel 54.

[0030] The heating element 51 is a heat source for heating the ink. The heating element 51 is configured as a thin sheet and is flat along the XY direction. The heating element 51 is sometimes called a film heater or film sheet heater. The heating element 51 can be driven and stopped by the controller 80, and its temperature can also be controlled.

[0031] The supply port 52 is the part (inlet) through which ink is introduced from the outside to the inside of the heating unit 50. A tube is connected to the supply port 52 to introduce ink from the outside to the inside of the carriage 21. The discharge port 53 is the part (outlet) that leads the ink from the inside of the heating unit 50 to the outside. A tube that supplies ink from the heating unit 50 to the damper 60 is connected to the discharge port 53.

[0032] The heating channel 54 is a channel provided between the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53. The ink is heated by the heating heater 51 while flowing through the heating channel 54. The heating channel 54 is configured so that the ink flows along the XY direction. The heating channel 54 is positioned opposite the heating surface of the heating heater 51. In other words, the heating channel 54 is configured so that the ink flows along the heating surface of the heating heater 51. By configuring the heating channel 54 so that the ink flows along the heating surface of the heating heater 51, a structure is created that makes it easier to heat the ink. Furthermore, in situations where the output of the heating heater 51 is restricted so that the ink temperature does not rise above 50°C, a structure that makes it easier to heat the ink is particularly effective.

[0033] The heating channel 54 is provided with a pair of first walls 541, a pair of second walls 542, and a plurality of partition walls 543. The first wall portion 541 is a wall portion aligned with the X direction, and the pair of first wall portions 541 are arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The second wall portion 542 is a wall portion aligned with the Y direction, and the pair of second wall portions 542 are arranged opposite each other in the X direction. The pair of first wall portions 541 and the pair of second wall portions 542 form a rectangular region. The heating surface of the heating heater 51 is positioned opposite the region enclosed by the pair of first wall portions 541 and the pair of second wall portions 542. Ink entering from the supply port 52 flows through the rectangular region enclosed by the pair of first wall portions 541 and the pair of second wall portions 542, is heated by the heating heater 51 in this region, and then exits from the discharge port 53.

[0034] The partition wall 543 is a wall that separates two flow paths. The partition wall 543 also has the function of regulating the direction of ink flow. Here, the partition wall 543 is arranged so that the ink flows in a zigzag pattern. In other words, the partition wall 543 is arranged so that the ink flows in an S-shape (or Z-shape). Specifically, two partition wall sections 543 are provided in a region enclosed by a pair of first walls 541 and a pair of second walls 542, and the two partition wall sections 543 are arranged alternately along the X direction. In other words, one of the two partition walls 543 (the upper partition wall 543 in Figure 4A; the partition wall 543 closer to the supply port 52) ​​extends from one of the pair of second walls 542 (the second wall 542 on the left in the figure; the second wall 542 closer to the supply port 52) ​​toward the other second wall 542 (the second wall 542 on the right in the figure), and the other partition wall 543 (the lower partition wall 543) extends from the other of the pair of second walls 542 (the second wall 542 on the right in the figure) toward the first second wall 542 (the second wall 542 on the left in the figure). As a result, the heating channel 54 is configured so that the ink flows in a zigzag pattern. However, as will be described later, the heating channel 54 does not have to be configured in a zigzag pattern.

[0035] The cross-section of the heating channel 54 is rectangular in shape and flattened, extending in the Y direction (or X direction). For example, the cross-section of the heating channel 54 is configured as a rectangle of 8 mm x 1 mm. However, the cross-section of the heating channel 54 is not limited to a rectangular shape; it may also be an elliptical shape extending along the heating surface of the heating heater 51. By configuring the cross-section of the heating channel 54 to extend along the heating surface of the heating heater 51, a structure is created that makes it easier to heat the ink.

[0036] The damper 60 is an ink storage component. The damper 60 has the function of mitigating fluctuations in ink pressure at the print head 10. The presence of the damper 60 stabilizes the ink ejection from the print head 10. The damper 60 is located upstream of the print head 10 in the ink flow direction and is situated between the heating unit 50 and the print head 10.

[0037] Figure 5 is a side view of the damper 60. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the damper 60. Note that Figure 6 shows the AA cross-section of the damper 60 shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the damper 60.

[0038] The damper 60 comprises a main body case 61, a damper membrane 62, a spring 63, and a pressure receiving plate 64.

[0039] The main body case 61 is a component that constitutes the main body of the damper 60. The main body case 61 is a hollow component with one side open. The main body case 61 is provided with an inlet 61A through which ink flows in and an outlet 61B through which ink flows out. The inlet 61A is connected to the heating unit 50 via a tube, and the outlet 61B is connected to the head 10. The damper membrane 62 is a component that covers the opening of the main body case 61 and is an elastically deformable film-like component. The space enclosed by the main body case 61 and the damper membrane 62 becomes a storage chamber for storing ink. The spring 63 is a component that presses against the damper membrane 62 and is made of tapered spring material. One end of the spring 63 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the main body case 61 (the inner wall surface facing the damper membrane 62), and the other end of the spring 63 is fixed to the pressure plate 64. The pressure plate 64 is a plate-shaped member that presses against the damper membrane 62. The pressure plate 64 presses the damper membrane 62 outward by the force of the spring 63. The pressure plate 64 is positioned approximately in the center of the damper membrane 62 and is circular in shape in order to press the damper membrane 62 uniformly. As shown in Figure 6, the pressure plate 64 presses against the damper membrane 62, causing the damper membrane 62 to deform and bend outward. The bending of the damper membrane 62 changes depending on the amount of ink in the damper 60. Specifically, the less ink there is in the damper 60, the more the damper membrane 62 shown in Figure 6 deforms inward.

[0040] The damper 60 has an ink volume detection unit 65. The ink volume detection unit 65 detects the amount of ink in the damper 60. Here, the ink volume detection unit 65 has a lever 651 and a sensor 652. The lever 651 is positioned outside the damper membrane 62 and is in contact with the damper membrane 62. One end of the lever 651 is rotatably supported by the main body case 61. The other end of the lever 651 is a free end and is displaced in accordance with the bending deformation of the damper membrane 62. The other end of the lever 651 is provided with a detectable portion 651A that is detected by the sensor 652. The sensor 652 detects the detectable portion 651A of the lever 651 and outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the detectable portion 651A of the lever 651. The sensor 652 outputs the detection result to the controller 80. Based on the detection result of the sensor 652, the controller 80 can detect the amount of ink in the damper 60. Furthermore, the ink quantity detection unit 65 may have other configurations as long as it can detect the amount of ink in the damper 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, the heating unit 50 is positioned upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction. If the heating unit 50 were positioned downstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction, the pressure loss in the heating channel 54 of the heating unit 50 would make it difficult for the damper 60 to mitigate pressure fluctuations within the head 10. In contrast, by positioning the heating unit 50 upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction, the pressure loss in the channel between the damper 60 and the head 10 can be suppressed, resulting in a structure that makes it easier for the damper 60 to mitigate pressure fluctuations within the head 10. However, because the heating unit 50 is positioned upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction, there is a risk that the ink heated to a predetermined temperature in the heating unit 50 may cool down before being ejected from the head 10. Therefore, a heat retention unit 70 is provided to prevent the ink heated in the heating unit 50 from cooling down.

[0042] The heat retention unit 70 maintains the internal temperature of the carriage 21. By maintaining the temperature inside the carriage 21 at a predetermined temperature, the heat retention unit 70 prevents the ink, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating unit 50, from cooling down. The heat retention unit 70 is equipped with a heat retention heater 71 (see Figure 2), and the heat retention heater 71 can be controlled by the controller 80 to be driven and stopped, as well as to set its temperature. The controller 80 controls the heat retention heater 71 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 21A (internal temperature of the carriage 21). Since the ink is heated by the heating unit 50, the heat retention heater 71 only needs to maintain the ink heated by the heating unit 50 at a predetermined temperature, thus the output of the heat retention unit 70 (heat retention heater 71) can be suppressed, and the heat retention unit 70 (heat retention heater 71) can be made smaller.

[0043] <Ink supply process> Figure 8 is a flowchart of the ink supply process. Each process in Figure 8 is executed by the controller 80 (ink supply processing unit 82) controlling each component of the printing device 100. Figure 9 is a timing diagram in the ink supply process. In Figure 9, "print data" indicates the timing at which the controller 80 processes the received print data. "printing process" indicates the timing at which the printing device 100 performs the printing process based on the print data. "ink amount" indicates the amount of ink in the damper 60. "liquid pump" indicates the timing at which the liquid pump 5B is driven. "heating heater" indicates the set temperature of the heating heater 51.

[0044] First, the ink supply processing unit 82 sets the temperature of the heating heater 51 to 35°C and also sets the temperature of the heat retention heater 71 to 35°C (S001). In the following description, the setting of the heating heater 51 in S001 may be referred to as the "normal setting" or "first setting".

[0045] Next, the ink supply processing unit 82 determines whether the amount of ink in the damper 60 is below a first threshold (S002). The first threshold is a threshold used to determine whether or not to supply ink to the damper 60. When the amount of ink in the damper 60 falls below the first threshold, the ink supply processing unit 82 determines that it is necessary to supply ink to the damper 60. For example, the ink supply processing unit 82 determines the amount of ink in the damper 60 based on the detection result of the ink amount detection unit 65 of the damper 60 and compares the amount of ink in the damper 60 with the first threshold. However, the method for determining the amount of ink in the damper 60 is not limited to this. For example, the ink supply processing unit 82 may determine the amount of ink in the damper 60 by calculating the amount of ink consumed based on the print data used in the printing process.

[0046] If the ink supply processing unit 82 determines that the amount of ink in the damper 60 is greater than the first threshold (NO in S002), it does not supply ink to the damper 60 because there is sufficient ink stored in the damper 60. However, when ink is ejected from the head 10 by the controller 80 (printing processing unit 81) executing the printing process, the amount of ink in the damper 60 decreases. Figure 9 shows that the amount of ink in the damper 60 decreases during the printing process. When the amount of ink in the damper 60 decreases due to the execution of the printing process, the amount of ink in the damper 60 reaches the first threshold. In addition, the amount of ink in the damper 60 may also decrease and reach the first threshold when ink is ejected from the head 10 by processes other than printing, such as the cleaning process of the head 10.

[0047] If the ink supply processing unit 82 determines that the amount of ink in the damper 60 is below the first threshold (YES in S002), it raises the set temperature of the heating heater 51 from 35°C to 50°C (S003). In this embodiment, the ink supply processing unit 82 raises the set temperature of the heating heater 51 before driving the liquid transfer pump 5B to supply ink to the damper 60 in S005. Figure 9 shows that the timing of the temperature rise of the heating heater 51 is earlier than the timing of the start of driving of the liquid transfer pump 5B. The reason for this will be explained later. In the following explanation, the setting of the heating heater 51 in S003 may be referred to as the "heating setting" or "second setting".

[0048] The ink supply processing unit 82 raises the set temperature of the heating heater 51 to 50°C (S003), and after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S004), starts driving the liquid transfer pump 5B (S005). The driving of the liquid transfer pump 5B supplies ink to the heating unit 50, and ink is also supplied from the heating unit 50 to the damper 60. At this time, the damper 60 is supplied with ink heated by the heating unit 50. Figure 9 shows that the amount of ink in the damper 60 increases while the liquid transfer pump 5B is being driven.

[0049] The ink supply processing unit 82 determines whether the amount of ink in the damper 60 is equal to or greater than the second threshold while the liquid delivery pump 5B is being driven (S006). The second threshold is used to determine whether sufficient ink has been stored in the damper 60. The second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold used in the determination in S002. The ink supply processing unit 82 will continue to drive the liquid delivery pump 5B until the amount of ink in the damper 60 reaches the second threshold (NO in S006). If the operation of the liquid delivery pump 5B continues, the amount of ink in the damper 60 will reach the second threshold.

[0050] If the ink supply processing unit 82 determines that the amount of ink in the damper 60 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (YES in S006), it stops the liquid transfer pump 5B (S007). Stopping the liquid transfer pump 5B stops the supply of ink to the heating unit 50, and also stops the supply of ink from the heating unit 50 to the damper 60. Furthermore, the ink supply processing unit 82 sets the temperature of the heating heater 51 to 35°C (S008). In other words, the ink supply processing unit 82 returns the setting of the heating heater 51 from the heating setting back to the normal setting. Note that the process in S008 may be performed before or simultaneously with the process in S007. The ink supply processing unit 82 will repeat the processes in S002 to S009 until the power to the printing device 100 is turned off.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the ink supply processing unit 82 increases the set temperature of the heating heater 51 in S003, and then drives the liquid transfer pump 5B in S005 to supply ink to the damper 60. If the set temperature of the heating heater 51 is increased after the liquid transfer pump 5B has started to drive, ink may flow into the heating channel 54 of the heating unit 50 before the heating heater 51 rises from the normal setting of 35°C to the heating setting of 50°C, and there is a risk that ink that has not been heated to the predetermined temperature will be supplied to the damper 60. In particular, under conditions where the output of the heating heater 51 is limited, if ink flows into the heating channel 54 when the heating heater 51 is at the normal setting which is lower than the heating setting, it is more likely that ink that has not been heated to the predetermined temperature will be supplied to the damper 60. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the liquid transfer pump 5B is driven after the set temperature of the heating heater 51 is increased, it is possible to suppress the supply of unheated ink to the damper 60 compared to the case where the set temperature of the heating heater 51 is increased after the driving of the liquid transfer pump 5B is started.

[0052] <Insulation Unit> Figures 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the heat retention unit 70 provided on the carriage 21. Figures 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the configuration of the heat retention unit 70. Figures 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the drive mechanism 77 of the shutter 76.

[0053] As already explained, the heating unit 70 maintains the temperature inside the carriage 21. The heating unit 70 is equipped with a heating heater 71 (see Figure 2), and if the temperature inside the carriage 21 drops, the controller 80 drives the heating heater 71 to maintain the temperature inside the carriage 21 at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 35°C). The heating unit 70 also circulates the air inside the carriage 21 to maintain the temperature inside the carriage 21 at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 35°C) (see Figure 10A).

[0054] Incidentally, the carriage 21 is equipped with a print head 10, and when ink is ejected, the print head 10 generates heat, which can cause the temperature inside the carriage 21 to rise. In such cases, the controller 80 controls the heat retention unit 70 (solenoid 772, described later) to introduce outside air into the carriage 21 to cool the inside of the carriage 21, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the carriage 21 at a predetermined temperature (for example, 35°C) (see Figure 10B).

[0055] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the heating unit 70 includes a heating heater 71, a fan 72, a first passage 73A, a second passage 73B, an opening 74, a circulation path 75, a shutter 76, and a drive mechanism 77.

[0056] The heat-insulating heater 71 is a heat source that heats the air inside the carriage 21. The heat-insulating heater 71 is equipped with a heat radiating plate, which is located in the first passage 73A. The air passing through the first passage 73A is heated by the heat radiating plate.

[0057] Fan 72 is an air supply device (blower). Fan 72 is installed in the first passage 73A. Here, the heat-insulating heater 71 (heat radiating plate) is located downstream of the fan 72 in the direction of airflow, but the heat-insulating heater 71 may also be located upstream of the fan 72 in the direction of airflow.

[0058] The first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are air passages. The first passage 73A is a passage for sending air into the carriage 21 and is equipped with a heating element 71 and a fan 72. The second passage 73B is a passage for recovering air from the inside of the carriage 21.

[0059] The opening 74 is a part that connects the inside and outside of the carriage 21. The opening 74 is a part that is opened and closed by the shutter 76. The opening 74 has a first opening 74A and a second opening 74B. The first opening 74A is a part that connects the first passage 73A to the outside. The second opening 74B is a part that connects the second passage 73B to the outside.

[0060] The circulation path 75 is the section that connects the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B.

[0061] The shutter 76 opens and closes the opening 74. The shutter 76 is configured to be rotatable on a pivot shaft 76A. The opening 74 is opened and closed as the shutter 76 rotates.

[0062] Figure 11A (and Figure 10A) shows how the shutter 76 closes the opening 74. In the following description, the state in which the opening 74 is closed may be referred to as the "closed state". When in the closed state, the first opening 74A and the second opening 74B are closed by the shutter 76, thereby separating the outside from the inside of the carriage 21. Figure 11B (and Figure 10B) shows the shutter 76 opening the opening 74. In the following description, the state in which the opening 74 is open may be referred to as the "open state". When in the open state, the first opening 74A and the second opening 74B are opened, thereby creating communication between the outside and the inside of the carriage 21.

[0063] The shutter 76 also opens and closes the circulation path 75. In other words, the opening and closing of the opening 74 and the opening and closing of the circulation path 75 are performed by a common component (shutter 76). This makes it possible to link the opening and closing of the opening 74 with the opening and closing of the circulation path 75.

[0064] Figure 11A (and Figure 10A) shows the shutter 76 opening the circulation path 75. When the circulation path 75 is opened, the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are connected. As shown in Figure 11A, when the opening 74 is closed, the circulation path 75 is open, and the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are connected. This makes it possible to circulate the air inside the carriage 21, as shown in Figure 10A.

[0065] Figure 11B (and Figure 10B) shows how the shutter 76 closes the circulation path 75. When the circulation path 75 is closed, the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are blocked. As shown in Figure 11B, when the opening 74 is open, the circulation path 75 is closed, the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are blocked, and the first passage 73A and the second passage 73B are in communication with the outside of the carriage 21, respectively. As a result, as shown in Figure 10B, outside air can be introduced into the carriage 21, and the air inside the carriage 21 can be discharged to the outside.

[0066] Figures 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the drive mechanism 77. Figure 12A shows the drive mechanism 77 when the opening 74 is in the closed position. Figure 12B shows the drive mechanism 77 when the opening 74 is in the open position.

[0067] The drive mechanism 77 rotates the shutter 76. The drive mechanism 77 includes a lever 771 and a solenoid 772. One end of the lever 771 is fixed to the rotation axis 76A of the shutter 76. The other end of the lever 771 is rotatably fixed to the movable part 772A (plunger) of the solenoid 772. The solenoid 772 drives the movable part 772A, causing the shutter 76 to rotate on the rotation axis 76A. Note that the drive mechanism 77 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 12A and 12B (configuration using a solenoid 772), as long as it can rotate the shutter 76. For example, the drive mechanism 77 may be composed of a motor and gears.

[0068] The controller 80 acquires the detection result of the temperature sensor 21A, and if the temperature inside the carriage 21 falls below a predetermined temperature (e.g., 35°C), it drives the solenoid 772 to close the shutter 76 and drives the heat-retaining heater 71 and fan 72. This increases the temperature of the air inside the carriage 21 while circulating the air inside the carriage 21, thereby suppressing the decrease in the temperature inside the carriage 21. Furthermore, the controller 80 acquires the detection result of the temperature sensor 21A, and if the temperature inside the carriage 21 rises above a predetermined temperature, it drives the solenoid 772 to open the shutter 76, stops the heat-retaining heater 71, and drives the fan 72. This allows outside air to be introduced into the carriage 21 from the first opening 74A while the air inside the carriage 21 is discharged from the second opening 74B, thereby suppressing the rise in the temperature inside the carriage 21.

[0069] <Example 1> Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modified heating unit 50.

[0070] In the modified example, the heating unit 50 also includes a sheet-shaped heating heater 51 (not shown in Figure 13), a supply port 52, a discharge port 53, and a heating channel 54. In the modified example, the heating unit 50 is configured in a flat plate-like (block-like) shape, and the heating channel 54 is configured so that ink flows along the heated surface of the heating heater 51. In the modified example, the heating channel 54 is configured so that the ink flows in a branched manner.

[0071] In the modified heating channel 54, a pair of first walls 541, a pair of second walls 542, and a plurality of partition walls 543 are also provided. In the modified example, the heating surface of the heating heater 51 (not shown) is positioned to face the region enclosed by the pair of first walls 541 and the pair of second walls 542.

[0072] In the modified heating channel 54, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are also arranged diagonally. In the modified example, the supply port 52 is provided in one of the pair of second wall portions 542, and the discharge port 53 is provided in the other second wall portion 542. In the modified example, ink enters the heating channel 54 from the supply port 52 along the X direction, and ink exits the heating channel 54 from the discharge port 53 along the X direction.

[0073] In the modified example, the partition wall 543 has the function of separating the two flow paths and also has the function of restricting the direction of ink flow. In the modified example, the partition wall 543 has the function of branching the ink flow. The partition wall 543 is provided along the Y direction. Multiple partition wall sections 543 are arranged in a region enclosed by a pair of first wall sections 541 and a pair of second wall sections 542, and are arranged away from the first wall sections 541 and the second wall sections 542. Multiple partition wall sections 543 are arranged side by side in the X direction with space between them. The space between the second wall section 542 and the partition wall section 543, and the space between the partition wall sections 543 and the partition wall section 543 become ink flow paths. Here, the width of the flow path between the second wall section 542 and the partition wall section 543 is X0, and the width of the flow path between the partition wall sections 543 and the partition wall section 543 is X1. Furthermore, the space between the first wall portion 541 and the partition wall portion 543 also serves as an ink flow path.

[0074] The heating flow path 54 is provided with N (here N = 6) partition walls 543. In the following description, the partition wall 543 closest to the supply port 52 is referred to as the "first partition wall 543_1", and the i-th partition wall 543 from the supply port 52 may be referred to as the "i-th partition wall 543_i" (i is 1 to N).

[0075] The lengths of the plurality of partition walls 543 in the Y direction are substantially the same. The length L1 of each partition wall 543 in the Y direction is shorter than the distance L0 between the pair of first wall portions 541 (L1 < L0). A gap is formed between the partition wall 543 and the first wall portion 541. The gap between the partition wall 543 and the first wall portion 541 also serves as an ink flow path.

[0076] The plurality of partition walls 543 are arranged such that their positions in the Y direction gradually differ. Here, the positions of the partition walls 543 in the Y direction gradually differ by Y1 each. Note that the length Y1 is set to be shorter than the length X0 and the length X1 (Y1 < X0, Y1 < X1).

[0077] The gap between the end of the partition wall 543 closer to the supply port 52 (the upper end in the figure of FIG. 13) and the first wall portion 541 becomes narrower for the partition wall 543 farther from the supply port 52 (the partition wall 543 on the right side in the figure). Thereby, the flow of the ink can be branched in each partition wall 543 (see FIG. A14 described later). Also, the gap between the end of the partition wall 543 closer to the discharge port 53 (the lower end in the figure) and the first wall portion 541 becomes wider for the partition wall 543 closer to the discharge port 53 (the partition wall 543 on the right side in the figure).

[0078] FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram of the flow of ink in the heating flow path 54 of a modified example.

[0079] The ink that enters from the supply port 52 along the X direction is branched in the X and Y directions by the first partition wall 543_1. That is, the ink that enters from the supply port 52 along the X direction is branched into one that flows along the X direction through the gap between the first partition wall 543_1 and the first wall 541, and one that flows along the Y direction along the first partition wall 543_1. Ink flowing through the gap between the first partition 543_1 and the first wall 541 along the X direction is branched in the X and Y directions by the second partition 543_2. That is, ink flowing through the gap between the first partition 543_1 and the first wall 541 along the X direction is branched into ink flowing through the gap between the second partition 543_2 and the first wall 541 along the X direction, and ink flowing along the second partition 543_2 along the Y direction. Similarly, ink flowing along the X direction through the gap between the i-th partition 543_i (where i is 1 to N-1) and the first wall 541 is branched in the X and Y directions by the i+1th partition 543_i+1. That is, ink flowing along the X direction through the gap between the i-th partition 543_1 and the first wall 541 is branched into two: one that flows along the X direction through the gap between the i+1th partition 543_i+1 and the first wall 541, and another that flows along the i+1th partition 543_i+1 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the ink that flows along the X direction through the gap between the Nth partition 543_N (here, N=6) and the first wall 541 is redirected in the Y direction by the second wall 542 and flows along the second wall 542 in the Y direction. As described above, the ink entering from the supply port 52 along the X direction is branched by each partition wall 543 and flows along the partition wall 543 or the second wall 542 in the Y direction. In the modified example, the heating channel 54 has N+1 channels configured along the Y direction.

[0080] The ink flowing in the Y direction along the partition portion 543 (or the second wall portion 542) has a slower flow velocity compared to the ink flowing in the X direction from the supply port 52. This is because the width of the flow path along the Y direction (X0 or X1) is larger than the amount of change Y1 in the Y-direction position of the partition portions 543 (Y1 < X0, Y1 < X1). That is, the ink flows relatively slowly along the partition portion 543.

[0081] The ink flowing along the first partition portion 543_1 is changed in the X direction by the first wall portion 541, passes through the gap between the first partition portion 543_1 and the first wall portion 541, and flows in the X direction along the first wall portion 541. The ink flowing along the second partition portion 543_2 merges with the ink that has passed through the gap between the first partition portion 543_1 and the first wall portion 541, is changed in the X direction by the first wall portion 541, passes through the gap between the second partition portion 543_2 and the first wall portion 541, and flows in the X direction along the first wall portion 541. Similarly, the ink flowing along the i-th partition portion 543_i merges with the ink that has passed through the gap between the (i - 1)-th partition portion 543_i- and the first wall portion 541, is changed in the X direction by the first wall portion 541, passes through the gap between the i-th partition portion 543_i and the first wall portion 541, and flows in the X direction along the first wall portion 541. Also, the ink flowing along the second wall portion 542 (the second wall portion 542 on the right side in the figure) merges with the ink that has passed through the gap between the N-th partition portion 543_N and the first wall portion 541, and the merged ink will exit from the discharge port 53. <0,

[0082] FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram of the heating flow path 54 of the comparative example.

[0083] In the comparative example, the heating channel 54 does not have a partition wall 543. Therefore, in the comparative example, the ink that enters from the supply port 52 along the X direction continues to flow along the X direction, then changes direction to the Y direction by the second wall 542, and exits from the discharge port 53. In the comparative example, the area where the ink remains in the heating channel 54 is wider, and only a portion of the heating surface of the heating heater 51 can be utilized, which may prevent the ink from being sufficiently heated. Also, in the comparative example, the ink flow rate is high in the area where the ink is flowing, so the time from when the ink enters from the supply port 52 until it exits from the discharge port 53 is shortened, which may prevent the ink from being sufficiently heated.

[0084] In contrast, in the case of the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 14A, the flow of ink is branched by multiple partition walls 543. Compared to the comparative example, this reduces the area where ink stagnates, widening the area where the heating surface of the heating heater 51 can be utilized, resulting in a structure that makes it easier to heat the ink. Furthermore, in the case of the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 14A, the flow velocity of the ink flowing along the Y direction is slower. Compared to the comparative example, this increases the time it takes for the ink to enter from the supply port 52 and exit from the discharge port 53, resulting in a structure that makes it easier to heat the ink.

[0085] Furthermore, in the case of a heating channel 54 in which the ink flows in a zigzag pattern, as shown in Figure 4A, the range over which the heating surface of the heating heater 51 can be utilized becomes wider, and the time from when the ink enters the supply port 52 until it exits the discharge port 53 becomes longer, resulting in a structure that makes it easier to heat the ink compared to the comparative example. However, in the case of the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 4A, the flow path from the supply port 52 to the discharge port 53 becomes longer, resulting in a larger pressure loss in the heating channel 54. In contrast, in the case of the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 14A, the flow path from the supply port 52 to the discharge port 53 (each branched flow path) is shorter compared to the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 4A. Therefore, the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 14A has a structure that makes it easier to suppress pressure loss. Furthermore, with the heating channel 54 shown in Figure 14A, since pressure loss can be suppressed, it becomes possible to place the heating unit 50 between the damper 60 and the head 10.

[0086] <Modification 2> Figure 15A is an explanatory diagram of the heating heater 51 of the first modified example. The heating heater 51 of the first modified example is configured to heat the ink in the heating channel 54 (not shown in Figure 15) of the heating unit 50, as well as the ink stored in the damper 60. The side surface of the heating unit 50 (heating channel 54) and the side surface of the main body case 61 of the damper 60 are arranged on the same plane, and the heating heater 51 is positioned on the side surface of the heating unit 50 and the side surface of the main body case 61 of the damper 60. By heating the ink in the damper 60 with the heating heater 51, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the temperature of the ink that has come out of the heating unit 50. In addition, by heating the ink in the damper 60 with the heating heater 51, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case in which a separate heater is provided in the damper 60.

[0087] Figure 15B is an explanatory diagram of a second modified example of the heating element 51. In the second modified example, the heating heater 51 is positioned between two heating units 50 (heating channels 54). The heating heater 51 is configured to heat the ink in each heating channel 54. This reduces the number of parts compared to the case where each heating unit 50 is provided with a separate heating heater 51.

[0088] Figure 15C is an explanatory diagram of a third modified example of the heating element 51. The heating heater 51 in the third modified example is configured to heat the ink in the respective heating channels 54 of the two heating units 50, as well as the ink stored in the two dampers 60. This reduces the number of parts.

[0089] Figures 16A to 16C are explanatory diagrams of a reference example heating heater 51. In the reference example shown in Figures 16A to 16C, the heating unit 50 is positioned between the damper 60 and the head 10. As already explained, if the heating flow path 54 shown in Figure 14A is used, pressure loss can be suppressed, making it possible to position the heating unit 50 between the damper 60 and the head 10. With the configuration shown in the reference example in Figures 16A to 16C, the number of parts can be reduced, similar to the first to third modifications shown in Figures 15A to 15C.

[0090] <Summary> The above-described printing apparatus 100 includes a head 10 that ejects ink onto a medium M, a damper 60 that stores ink and supplies ink to the head 10, and a heating unit 50 having a heating channel 54 and a heating heater 51. The heating unit 50 heats the ink, thereby bringing it to a predetermined viscosity. In this embodiment, the heating unit 50 is positioned upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction. This suppresses pressure loss in the channel between the damper 60 and the head 10, resulting in a structure that makes it easier for the damper 60 to mitigate pressure fluctuations within the head 10 compared to a case where the heating unit 50 is positioned downstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction. In other words, according to the above-described printing apparatus 100, by positioning the heating unit 50 upstream of the damper 60 in the liquid delivery direction, it is possible to heat the ink while suppressing a decrease in the function of the damper 60.

[0091] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the heating element 51 is configured in a sheet shape, and the heating channel 54 is configured along the heating surface of the heating element. This creates a structure that facilitates heating of the ink. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4B, the cross-section of the heating channel 54 is configured to extend along the heating surface of the heating channel 54. This also creates a structure that facilitates heating of the ink.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the controller 80 is configured to supply ink from the heating unit 50 to the damper 60 after raising the temperature of the heating heater 51 (S003). This makes it possible to suppress the supply of unheated ink to the damper 60 compared to when the set temperature of the heating heater 51 is raised after the ink supply has started.

[0093] Furthermore, the controller 80 is configured to raise the temperature of the heating heater 51 (S003) and then supply ink from the heating unit 50 to the damper 60 when it determines, based on the detection result of the ink amount detection unit 65, that the amount of ink in the damper 60 has fallen below a predetermined value (YES in S002). However, the controller 80 may also determine the amount of ink in the damper 60 by calculating the amount of ink consumed based on the print data used in the printing process.

[0094] The carriage 21 described above is equipped with a heat retention unit 70 for maintaining the internal temperature of the carriage 21. In this embodiment, when the heating unit 50 is located upstream of the damper 60 in the ink flow direction, there is a risk that the ink heated by the heating unit 50 will cool down before it is ejected from the head 10. Therefore, providing a heat retention unit 70 in the carriage 21 is particularly effective in such cases.

[0095] The heating unit 70 shown in Figures 11A and 11B includes a heating heater 71, a fan 72, an opening 74, and a shutter 76. As shown in Figure 11A, by closing the opening 74 with the shutter 76, driving the heating heater 71, and driving the fan 72, it is possible to heat the carriage 21 while circulating the air inside it. Also, as shown in Figure 11B, by opening the opening 74 with the shutter 76, stopping the heating heater 71, and driving the fan 72, it is possible to introduce outside air into the carriage 21. As a result, the heating unit 70 can not only raise the temperature inside the carriage 21 but also cool the temperature inside the carriage 21, and maintain the temperature inside the carriage 21 at a predetermined temperature. However, the heating unit 70 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 11A and 11B, and other configurations are acceptable as long as they can maintain the temperature inside the carriage 21.

[0096] The heating channel 54 shown in Figure 13 has a pair of first walls 541 along the X direction (corresponding to the first direction), a pair of second walls 542 along the Y direction (corresponding to the second direction perpendicular to the first direction), and a plurality of partition walls 543 arranged away from the first walls 541 and the second walls 542. As shown in Figure 13, the partition walls 543 are provided along the Y direction, and the plurality of partition walls 543 are arranged in a line along the X direction with space between them, and their positions in the second direction gradually differ. The gap between the end of the partition wall 543 closer to the ink supply port 52 (the upper end in Figure 13) and the first wall 541 is narrower for partition walls 543 further from the supply port 52 (the rightmost partition wall 543 in the figure). This makes it easy to branch the ink flow in each partition wall 543.

[0097] The heating element 51 shown in Figure 15A (and Figure 15C) is configured to heat the ink stored in the damper 60. This reduces the number of parts compared to a case where a separate heater is provided in the damper 60.

[0098] Furthermore, the heating element 51 shown in Figure 15B (and Figure 15C) is positioned between the two heating channels 54 and is configured to heat the ink in each heating channel 54. This reduces the number of parts compared to the case where a separate heating element 51 is provided for each heating channel 54.

[0099] ===Other Embodiments=== The above embodiments are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be combined as appropriate, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 5. Ink supply unit, 5A. Ink cartridge, 5B. Liquid transfer pump, 10 heads, 20 carriage units, 21 Carriage, 21A Temperature Sensor, 22 Carriage Motor, 30 Conveying unit, 31 Conveying component, 32 Conveying motor, 40 Irradiation unit, 41 Light source, 50 heating unit, 51 heating heater, 52 supply port, 53 discharge port, 54 heating channel, 541 first wall section, 542 second wall section, 543 partition wall section, 60 dampers, 61 main case, 61A inlet, 61B outlet, 62 Damper membrane, 63 Spring, 64 Pressure plate, 65 Ink volume detection unit, 651 Lever, 651A Detected unit, 652 Sensor, 70 Insulation unit, 71 Insulation heater, 72 Fan, 73A 1st aisle, 73B 2nd aisle, 74 opening, 74A first opening, 74B second opening, 75 Circulation path, 76 Shutter, 76A Rotating shaft, 77 Drive mechanism, 771 Lever, 772 Solenoid, 772A Movable part, 80 Controller, 81 Printing Processing Unit, 82 Ink Supply Processing Unit, 100 Printing device, M media

Claims

1. A head that ejects ink onto the medium, A damper that stores the ink and supplies the ink to the head, A heating unit having a heating channel that constitutes the flow path of the ink, and a heating heater that heats the ink in the heating channel, Equipped with, The heating unit is positioned upstream of the damper in the ink flow direction. A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned heating element is configured in a sheet shape, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the heating channel is configured along the heating surface of the heating heater.

3. A printing apparatus according to claim 2, A printing apparatus characterized in that the cross-section of the heating channel has a shape that extends along the heating surface.

4. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes a controller for controlling the aforementioned heating element. The printing apparatus is characterized in that the controller increases the temperature of the heating heater and then supplies the ink from the heating unit to the damper.

5. A printing apparatus according to claim 4, The damper has an ink amount detection unit that detects the amount of ink, The printing apparatus is characterized in that, when the controller determines, based on the detection result of the ink amount detection unit, that the amount of ink in the damper has fallen below a predetermined value, it raises the temperature of the heating heater and then supplies the ink from the heating unit to the damper.

6. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The damper and the heating element are housed inside a carriage that is movable in the scanning direction. A printing apparatus characterized in that the carriage is provided with a heat retention unit for maintaining the internal temperature.

7. A printing apparatus according to claim 6, The aforementioned heating unit includes a heating element, a fan, an opening, and a shutter. By closing the opening with the shutter, driving the heating element, and driving the fan, it is possible to heat the carriage while circulating the air inside it. A printing apparatus characterized in that it is possible to introduce outside air into the carriage by opening the opening with the shutter, stopping the heating element, and driving the fan.

8. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The heating channel is, A pair of first wall portions aligned in a first direction, A pair of second wall portions along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A region enclosed by the pair of first walls and the pair of second walls includes a plurality of partition walls, which are arranged away from the first and second walls. It has, The partition wall portion is provided along the second direction, The multiple partition walls are arranged in the first direction with space between them, The multiple partition walls are arranged such that their positions in the second direction gradually differ. A printing apparatus characterized in that the gap between the end of the partition wall closest to the ink supply port and the first wall portion is narrower the further away the partition wall portion is from the supply port.

9. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the heating element is configured to heat the ink stored in the damper.

10. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The printing apparatus is characterized in that the heating element is positioned between two heating channels and is configured to heat the ink in each of the heating channels.

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