Liquid ejection device and conveying device

Abstract

To solve a risk that a flight state of liquid changes by an air flow from a fan acting on a discharged liquid.SOLUTION: A printer 10 includes a discharge head 32 capable of discharging ink Q, a glue belt 26 having a support surface 28A, a pressing roller 42 for pressing a medium M against the support surface 28A, a frame member 46 which has a lower surface 47 and supports the discharge head 32, and a blowing unit 60 capable of blowing air to a medium M upstream of the discharge head 32. The pressing roller 42 is reciprocally movable in a +Y direction and a -Y direction. The frame member 46 is provided upstream of the discharge head 32 in the +Y direction. The blowing unit 60 is provided downstream of the pressing roller 42 in the +Y direction and upstream of the frame member 46 in the +Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device and a transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] The recording device of Patent Document 1 includes a recording head that ejects ink onto a recording medium, a drive roller that is arranged to be in contact with a first side of the recording medium and applies a feeding force to the first side, and a fan that is arranged opposite the drive roller and can blow air to a second side of the recording medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-137164 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration such as that of Patent Document 1, if part of the airflow that is blown out from the fan and then diffused in multiple directions by collision with any surface flows toward the ejection head that ejects liquid, the airflow may act on the ejected liquid, changing the flight state of the liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejection device of the present invention comprises an ejection section capable of ejecting liquid onto media, a transport belt having a support surface capable of supporting the media and capable of transporting the media, a pressing member arranged upstream of the ejection section in the transport direction of the media and pressing the media against the support surface, a frame member having a frame surface facing the support surface and supporting the ejection section, and an air blowing section capable of blowing air to the media upstream of the ejection section in the transport direction, wherein the pressing member is capable of reciprocating in the transport direction and a reverse transport direction opposite to the transport direction, the frame member is arranged upstream of the ejection section in the transport direction, and the air blowing section is arranged downstream of the pressing member in the transport direction and upstream of the frame member in the transport direction.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the conveying device of the present invention comprises a conveying belt having a support surface capable of supporting media and capable of conveying the media, a pressing member that presses the media against the support surface, a frame member having a frame surface opposite to the support surface and arranged downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction of the media and upstream of an ejection section that can eject liquid onto the media, and an air blowing section that can blow air to the media upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction, wherein the pressing member is capable of reciprocating movement in the conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction, and the air blowing section is arranged downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction and upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a blower unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a unit of the blower unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the blower unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first airflow direction member of the air blowing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the blower unit and the surrounding area of ​​the blower unit of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an airflow generated in the blower unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an airflow generated in the blower unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic diagram showing air currents generated around a first fan and a first air direction member of the blower unit according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an airflow generated around an opening of the blower unit according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the results of a simulation of the state of airflow when the blower unit according to the embodiment is used with the interval d3A. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the results of a simulation of the state of airflow when the blower unit according to the embodiment is used with the interval d3B. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a medium being transported is pressed against a support surface and air is being blown in the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the results of a simulation of the state of air currents when the blower units according to the comparative example are used with an arrangement distance DA. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the results of a simulation of the state of air currents when the blower unit according to the comparative example is used in an arrangement state with a distance DB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The present invention will now be briefly described. The liquid ejection device according to a first aspect comprises an ejection section capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium, a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting the medium and capable of conveying the medium, a pressing member arranged upstream of the ejection section in a conveying direction of the medium and pressing the medium against the support surface, a frame member having a frame surface facing the support surface and supporting the ejection section, and an air blowing section capable of blowing air to the medium upstream of the ejection section in the conveying direction, wherein the pressing member is capable of reciprocating in the conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction, the frame member is arranged upstream of the ejection section in the conveying direction, and the air blowing section is arranged downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction and upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction.

[0009] It has been found that if foreign matter such as dust is attached to the surface of the media, the foreign matter is more likely to separate from the surface of the media after it has passed through the pressing member which moves back and forth in the conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. According to this aspect, the air blowing section blows air onto the media in a state in which foreign matter is likely to separate from the surface, thereby further improving the ability to remove foreign matter. Furthermore, by providing the frame member between the blower and the discharge part in the transport direction, the size of the space between the blower and the discharge part through which gas can flow is smaller than the size of the space in a configuration without the frame member. In other words, the magnitude of the flow path resistance in the space formed by the support surface and the frame surface is larger than the magnitude of the flow path resistance in a configuration without the frame member. As a result, the component of the airflow sent from the blower to the support surface toward the downstream in the transport direction is reduced, i.e., the airflow toward the discharge part is reduced, thereby suppressing changes in the flight state of the liquid discharged from the discharge part to the media.

[0010] The liquid ejection device of the second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, a spacing change portion is provided between the frame surface and the support surface, which narrows the spacing between the frame surface and the support surface. According to this aspect, the gap between the frame surface and the support surface is narrowed by providing the gap changing portion, which further increases flow path resistance against the airflow flowing downstream in the transport direction on the support surface, thereby further reducing the airflow flowing toward the discharge portion.

[0011] The liquid ejection device of the third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the frame member is made of a ferromagnetic material, the air blowing section has an attachment section including a permanent magnet, and is detachable from the frame by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. According to this aspect, the blower unit is detached from the frame by applying an external force greater than the magnetic force of the permanent magnet to the attachment portion. Also, the blower unit is attached to the frame by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. In this way, the blower unit can be attached with a simple structure.

[0012] A liquid ejection device according to a fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the blowing section includes a first fan that blows air toward the support surface, a second fan that is aligned with the first fan in a width direction that intersects the transport direction and the width direction and blows air toward the support surface, and an opposing member that faces the support surface in a height direction that intersects the transport direction and the width direction, the opposing member facing a part of the first fan and a part of the second fan in the height direction, the opposing member has an opening that opens in the height direction, the opening is located between the first fan and the second fan in the width direction as viewed from the height direction, and when a first interval is defined as a spacing between the openings in the width direction at a first position in the transport direction and a second interval is defined as a spacing between the openings in the width direction at a second position upstream of the first position in the transport direction, the second interval is larger than the first interval. According to this aspect, in the portion in the height direction where the first fan and the second fan do not face the opposing member, the airflows sent out from the first fan and the second fan reach the medium as they are, thereby making it possible to remove foreign matter such as dust adhering to the medium by the airflow. The airflow that collides with the medium or the support surface spreads radially from the collision position along the medium or the support surface, and therefore, a part of the airflow that collides with the medium or the support surface may flow toward the discharge unit. Here, when viewed from the height direction, the shape of the opening of the opposing member is such that the upstream side in the transport direction is more open in the width direction than the downstream side, so that part of the airflow passing through the edge of the opening toward the media or the support surface has a component in a direction that intersects the transport direction. Furthermore, the width of the opening is narrower downstream in the transport direction than the width of the opening upstream in the transport direction, so that parts of the air currents are more likely to collide with each other. These actions enable the airflow passing through the edge of the opening toward the media or the support surface to function as an air curtain, effectively reducing the airflow toward the discharge section after colliding with the media or the support surface. Furthermore, by reducing the airflow toward the discharge portion, it is possible to suppress changes in the flight state of the liquid discharged from the discharge portion onto the medium.

[0013] The liquid ejection device of the fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the opening has a first ridge portion and a second ridge portion that face each other in the width direction and constitute at least a part of the opening, the first ridge portion is located within the air blowing range of the first fan in the transport direction when viewed from the height direction, and the second ridge portion is located within the air blowing range of the second fan in the transport direction when viewed from the height direction. According to the present aspect, compared to a configuration in which the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion are not within the air blowing range of the first fan and the air blowing range of the second fan in the conveying direction, a portion of the airflow heading in the width direction from the first fan and the second fan, respectively, can be efficiently utilized as an air curtain.

[0014] The liquid ejection device of the sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect, each of the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion is inclined with respect to the width direction so that the second distance is larger than the first distance. According to this aspect, each of the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion is inclined with respect to the width direction so that the second spacing is larger than the first spacing, thereby making it possible to continuously reduce the width direction size of the opening from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction.

[0015] The liquid ejection device of the seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the opposing member has an opposing surface facing each of the first fan and the second fan, and when a direction intersecting the opposing surface and extending from the opposing member toward the first fan and the second fan is defined as a first direction, the opposing member is provided with a first extension portion extending from the first ridge portion along the first direction, and a second extension portion extending from the second ridge portion along the first direction. According to this aspect, a portion of the airflow along the opposing surface collides with the first extension portion or the second extension portion and heads upward in the height direction. The upward-heading airflow passes over the first extension portion or the second extension portion and heads downward in the height direction. In this way, by colliding with the first extension portion or the second extension portion, the directional component of the airflow is aligned with a component heading downward in the height direction, so that even if the distance between the opposing member and the media in the height direction is changed, the directional component of the airflow heading toward the media can be aligned. And, by aligning the directional component of the airflow heading toward the media, a change in the flight state of the liquid ejected from the ejection portion to the media can be suppressed.

[0016] The liquid ejection device of the eighth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the blower section has a holding section that holds both the first fan and the second fan, and a connecting section is provided that connects the holding section and the opposing member so that the position of the opposing member relative to the support surface can be changed in response to an external force. According to this aspect, the connecting portion connects the holding portion and the opposing member such that the opposing member can change its position relative to the support surface in response to an external force. Here, when the media or the like comes into contact with the opposing member during the operation of setting the media on the support surface, the opposing member changes its position relative to the support surface in response to the external force acting thereon. This makes it possible to retract at least a portion of the opposing member from the support surface, i.e., to create a gap between the opposing member and the support surface, thereby improving the ease of setting the media on the support surface.

[0017] A conveying device according to a ninth aspect comprises a conveying belt having a support surface capable of supporting media and capable of conveying the media, a pressing member pressing the media against the support surface, a frame member having a frame surface opposite to the support surface and arranged downstream of the pressing member in a conveying direction of the media and upstream of an ejection section capable of ejecting liquid onto the media, and an air blowing section capable of blowing air to the media upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction, wherein the pressing member is capable of reciprocating movement between the conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction, and the air blowing section is arranged downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction and upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction.

[0018] It has been found that if foreign matter such as dust is attached to the surface of the media, the foreign matter is more likely to separate from the surface of the media after it has passed through the pressing member which moves back and forth in the conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. According to this aspect, the air blowing section blows air onto the media in a state in which foreign matter is likely to separate from the surface, thereby further improving the ability to remove foreign matter. Furthermore, by providing the frame member between the blower and the discharge part in the transport direction, the size of the space between the blower and the discharge part through which gas can flow is smaller than the size of the space in a configuration without the frame member. In other words, the magnitude of the flow path resistance in the space formed by the support surface and the frame surface is larger than the magnitude of the flow path resistance in a configuration without the frame member. As a result, the component of the airflow sent from the blower to the support surface toward the downstream in the transport direction is reduced, i.e., the airflow toward the discharge part is reduced, thereby suppressing changes in the flight state of the liquid discharged from the discharge part to the media.

[0019] Hereinafter, a printer 10, which is an example of a liquid ejection device, will be specifically described as an embodiment. 1 shows the overall configuration of a printer 10 installed on a floor 2, which is an example of an installation location. The printer 10 records on a medium M. Examples of the medium M include fabric and paper. In this embodiment, fabric is used as an example of the medium M. Note that the XYZ coordinate system shown in each drawing is a Cartesian coordinate system. An exhaust device (not shown) is installed on the floor portion 2. The exhaust device is connected to an exhaust duct 54 (described later) and performs intake air.

[0020] The X direction is an example of the device depth direction of the printer 10. The base end of the arrow indicating the X direction is the -X direction, and the tip end of the arrow indicating the X direction is the +X direction. The X direction is also an example of the width direction. The Y direction is an example of the device width direction of the printer 10. The tip end of the arrow indicating the Y direction is the +Y direction, and the base end of the arrow indicating the Y direction is the -Y direction. The +Y direction is also an example of the transport direction of the medium M. The Z direction is an example of the height direction of the printer 10, and is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction. The tip of the arrow indicating the Z direction is the +Z direction, and the base of the arrow indicating the Z direction is the -Z direction. In the following explanation, the +Z direction may be referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction may be referred to as the downward direction.

[0021] The printer 10 includes, as an example, a main unit 12, a transport unit 20, a recording unit 30, a cleaning unit (not shown), a control unit 38, a pressing unit 40, a frame member 46, an air intake unit 50, and an air blowing unit 60. The printer 10 performs, as an example, inkjet recording.

[0022] The main unit 12 is configured as a base on which each part of the printer 10 is provided. The main unit 12 includes a main body frame 13 that forms part of the skeleton of the main body unit 12, a side plate 14 attached to the main body frame 13, a first support frame 16 positioned in the -Y direction relative to the main body frame 13, and a second support frame 18 positioned in the +Y direction relative to the main body frame 13. The first support frame 16 comes into contact with an inner circumferential surface 27 of a glue belt 26, which will be described later. The first support frame 16 supports the glue belt 26 and the media M by receiving a load applied from a pressing roller 42, which will be described later. The second support frame 18 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface 27. The second support frame 18 is located below a discharge head 32, which will be described later, and supports the glue belt 26 and the media M.

[0023] The transport unit 20 includes a drive roller 21, a driven roller 22, and a glue belt 26. The glue belt 26 is an example of a support portion that supports the media M. In the +Y direction, the driving roller 21 is disposed downstream of the driven roller 22. In addition, both the driving roller 21 and the driven roller 22 have rotation axes along the X direction. The rotation of the driving roller 21 is controlled by a control unit 38, which will be described later. The driving roller 21 and the driven roller 22 are examples of a plurality of rotatable rollers.

[0024] The glue belt 26 is an example of a conveyor belt having a support surface 28A described below and wound around the drive roller 21 and the driven roller 22. The glue belt 26 is configured as an endless belt formed by joining both ends of an elastic flat plate. The glue belt 26 can convey the media M in the +Y direction by being rotated. In this way, the conveyor unit 20 can convey the media M in the +Y direction as the glue belt 26 is rotated by the rotation of the drive roller 21.

[0025] The outer peripheral surface 28 of the glue belt 26 has, for example, adhesiveness and is capable of supporting and adsorbing the media M. Adhesiveness means a property that allows temporary adhesion to another member and allows separation from the adhered state. Of the outer circumferential surface 28, a flat portion located between the driving roller 21 and the driven roller 22 in the +Z direction is the support surface 28A. In other words, the glue belt 26 has the support surface 28A capable of supporting the medium M. A part of the support surface 28A faces the recording unit 30, which will be described later, in the Z direction. The cleaning unit (not shown) is located downstream of the drive roller 21 in the direction in which the glue belt 26 moves around, and cleans the outer circumferential surface 28.

[0026] The recording unit 30 is configured to be capable of recording on the medium M transported in the +Y direction. Specifically, the recording unit 30 includes an ejection head 32 as an example of an ejection section, and a carriage 34 that supports the ejection head 32 so that the ejection head 32 can move back and forth along the X direction. In addition, the recording unit 30 is disposed above the glue belt 26. The ejection head 32 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown), and is located above the support surface 28A. The ejection head 32 is configured to be able to eject ink Q, as an example of a liquid, from the plurality of nozzles onto a recording surface of the medium M, and is capable of recording on the medium M. Air can flow through a space 33 between the ejection head 32 and the support surface 28A or the medium M.

[0027] The control unit 38 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and storage (not shown), and controls the operation of each part of the printer 10.

[0028] The pressing unit 40 includes, for example, a pressing roller 42 and a roller support portion 44 . As one example, the pressing roller 42 is a roller in which an elastic portion containing silicone rubber is formed on the outer circumferential surface of a core metal that constitutes the shaft portion. The shaft portion (not shown) of the pressing roller 42 extends in the X direction. The pressing roller 42 is an example of a pressing member that is provided upstream of the discharge head 32 in the +Y direction, which is the transport direction of the media M, and presses the media M against the support surface 28A from a position in the +Z direction toward a position in the -Z direction.

[0029] The roller support part 44 includes a bearing part (not shown), and rotatably supports the pressing roller 42. The roller support part 44 also functions as a linear slider, and moves the shaft part of the pressing roller 42 back and forth in the +Y direction and the -Y direction while the pressing roller 42 maintains contact with the media M. In other words, the pressing roller 42 can move back and forth in the +Y direction, which is an example of a transport direction, and in the -Y direction, which is an example of a reverse transport direction opposite to the +Y direction. Furthermore, the roller support portion 44 moves the pressing roller 42 in a direction away from the support surface 28A and the media M by operating a cam (not shown).

[0030] The frame member 46 is provided upstream of the discharge head 32 and downstream of the pressing roller 42 in the +Y direction. The frame member 46 is made of a metal containing iron, which is an example of a ferromagnetic material. In this embodiment, the ferromagnetic material means a material with a relative magnetic permeability of 10 or more. The frame member 46 is configured as a rectangular tubular member extending in the X direction. A slide portion 48, which will be described later, is provided on the frame member 46. The frame member 46 supports the carriage 34 and the ejection head 32 via the slide portion 48. An exhaust duct 54, which will be described later, is provided inside the frame member 46.

[0031] A lower surface 47 below the frame member 46 is a flat surface along the XY plane. The lower surface 47 is an example of a frame surface that faces the support surface 28A or the media M in the Z direction. The distance in the Z direction between the lower surface 47 and the support surface 28A is set to a distance d1 [mm] (FIG. 6). As an example, the slide portion 48 has a movable portion 48A attached to the frame member 46 and capable of reciprocating in the X direction, an arm portion 48B attached to the +Y direction end of the movable portion 48A and supporting the recording unit 30, and a protective portion 48C attached to the -Y direction end of the movable portion 48A to protect wiring and tubes (not shown).

[0032] As an example, the intake unit 50 includes a lower duct 52, an exhaust duct 54, and an intake fan (not shown). The intake unit 50 is provided between the lower surface 47 and the support surface 28A. The intake unit 50 is an example of a gap changer that narrows the gap in the Z direction between the lower surface 47 and the support surface 28A. A space 55 is formed between the intake unit 50 and the support surface 28A.

[0033] 6, the lower duct 52 has, as an example, a length in the X direction that is approximately equal to the length of the glue belt 26. The end of the lower duct 52 in the +Y direction opens toward the discharge head 32 (FIG. 1). The lower surface 53 below the lower duct 52 is a flat surface along the XY plane. The lower surface 53 faces the support surface 28A or the media M in the Z direction. The distance in the Z direction between the lower surface 53 and the support surface 28A is set to distance d2 [mm]. The size of distance d2 is smaller than the size of distance d1. The exhaust duct 54 is connected to the lower duct 52 via the frame member 46. An intake fan (not shown) is attached to one end of the exhaust duct 54.

[0034] 1, the intake unit 50 sucks in air in a lower duct 52 by rotating an intake fan (not shown). Mist, dust, and the like remaining between the ejection head 32 and the medium M or the support surface 28A are sucked in by the intake unit 50. The intake direction in the intake unit 50 is indicated by an arrow N (FIG. 13).

[0035] The blower unit 60 is an example of a blower section capable of blowing air to the medium M upstream of the discharge head 32 in the +Y direction. The blower unit 60 is provided downstream of the press roller 42 in the +Y direction and upstream of the discharge head 32 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the blower unit 60 is provided upstream of the frame member 46 in the +Y direction. In the present embodiment, as an example, the glue belt 26 and the blower unit 60 configure the blower device 25. The glue belt 26, the pressing roller 42, the frame member 46, and the blower unit 60 configure the conveying device 24.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the blower unit 60 includes, for example, a holding frame 62, a mounting frame 67, a bracket 68, a magnet 69, and five units 70 aligned in the X direction.

[0037] The holding frame 62 is an example of a holding portion that holds both a first fan 72 and a second fan 76 (FIG. 3) described below. The holding frame 62 is a member that is elongated in the X direction. The length of the holding frame 62 in the X direction is longer than the length of the glue belt 26 (FIG. 1) in the X direction. An imaginary line that passes through the center of the holding frame 62 in the X direction and extends in the Y direction is defined as a center line C1. As an example, each portion of the blower unit 60 is configured to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line C1 in the X direction.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the holding frame 62 has an upper wall 63, a front wall 64, and a rear wall 65 when viewed from the X direction, and has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape that is open toward the -Y and -Z directions. In the following description, the direction in which the central rotation axes of first fan 72 and second fan 76 (FIG. 3), which will be described later, extend is defined as direction A. The base end side of the arrow indicating direction A is defined as direction -A, and the tip end side of the arrow indicating direction A is defined as direction +A. Also, when viewed from the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the A direction is defined as the B direction. The base end side of the arrow indicating the B direction is defined as the -B direction, and the tip end side of the arrow indicating the B direction is defined as the +B direction.

[0039] The upper wall 63 extends in a direction intersecting the +Y direction so that its upstream end in the +Y direction is located further in the +Z direction than its downstream end. The upper wall 63 is provided with a plurality of slits 63A (FIG. 2) spaced apart in the X direction. A first fan 72 and a second fan 76 (FIG. 3), which will be described later, are attached to the upper wall 63 using screws (not shown) and are thereby held by the upper wall 63. The front wall 64 extends in the A direction from the upstream end of the upper wall 63 in the +Y direction. The rear wall 65 extends in the A direction from the downstream end in the +Y direction of the upper wall 63. For example, the length of the rear wall 65 in the A direction is longer than the length of the front wall 64 in the A direction. The rear wall 65 is provided with a cutout 66 that opens in the A direction. The cutout portion 66 is provided in accordance with the positions of a first airflow direction member 84 and a second airflow direction member 104 (FIG. 3) which will be described later.

[0040] 2, the mounting frame 67 extends in the +Y direction from both ends in the X direction of the holding frame 62. The mounting frame 67 has an upper surface 67A along the XY plane. The bracket 68 is provided at the center in the X direction of the holding frame 62. The bracket 68 has an upper surface 68A along the XY plane.

[0041] The magnets 69 are an example of a mounting portion including a permanent magnet, and five of them are provided on the mounting frame 67. As an example, the magnets 69 have a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and a disk-shaped outer shape. As an example, two magnets 69 are provided on each of the upper surfaces 67A and one magnet 69 is provided on each of the upper surfaces 68A. The lower surfaces of the magnets 69 in the Z direction are fixed to the mounting frame 67. The upper surface of the magnet 69 in the Z direction is attached by magnetic force to a part of the lower surface 47 (FIG. 6) of the frame member 46. When an external force larger than the magnetic force acts on the magnet 69, the magnet 69 is detached from the frame member 46. In this way, the blower unit 60 is detachable from the frame member 46 by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the unit 70 includes, for example, a first fan 72, a second fan 76, an opposing portion 82, and two hinge portions 126 (FIG. 4). The first fan 72 rotates when power is supplied from a power supply (not shown). The rotation of the first fan 72 is controlled by the control unit 38 (FIG. 1). The first fan 72 blows air toward the support surface 28A (FIG. 1). Specifically, the first fan 72 includes a main body 73 and blades (not shown). The main body 73 is provided with an outlet 74 that is made up of eight annular holes equally divided in the rotation direction of the blades and penetrates the main body 73 in the A direction. A circular area obtained by connecting the arcs on the outer periphery of the outlet 74 is defined as a virtual airflow area S1. When the first fan 72 operates, an airflow K1 (FIG. 7) is generated inside the airflow area S1.

[0043] The second fan 76 rotates when power is supplied from a power supply (not shown). The rotation of the second fan 76 is controlled by the control unit 38 (FIG. 1). The second fan 76 is aligned with the first fan 72 in the X direction intersecting with the +Y direction, and blows air toward the support surface 28A. Specifically, the second fan 76 includes a main body 77 and blades (not shown). The main body 77 is provided with an outlet 78 that is made up of eight annular holes divided into eight equal parts in the rotation direction of the blades and that penetrates the main body 77 in the A direction. A circular area obtained by connecting the arcs on the outer periphery of the outlet 78 is defined as a virtual airflow area S2. When the second fan 76 operates, an airflow K8 (FIG. 7) is generated inside the airflow area S2.

[0044] In the present embodiment, for example, the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 are made of similar materials. That is, the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 are made of the same material, have approximately the same size and mass, and have approximately the same air blowing capacity. The first fan 72 and the second fan 76 are positioned so that they entirely overlap when moved in parallel in the X direction. The length equivalent to the distance in the X direction between the center of rotation CA of the first fan 72 and the center of rotation CB of the second fan 76 is defined as length L1.

[0045] The facing portion 82 faces support surface 28A (FIG. 1) in the Z direction that intersects the +Y direction and the X direction. The facing portion 82 is an example of a facing member that faces a part of the first fan 72 and a part of the second fan 76 in the Z direction. As an example, the part of the first fan 72 is a portion in the +Y direction from the center of rotation CA of the first fan 72. As an example, the part of the second fan 76 is a portion in the +Y direction from the center of rotation CB of the second fan 76.

[0046] The facing portion 82, for example, has a first airflow direction member 84, a second airflow direction member 104, and an opening 132. The facing portion 82 also has facing surfaces 87, 107 (described later) that face the first fan 72 and the second fan 76, respectively. A direction intersecting with the opposing surfaces 87, 107 and directed from the opposing part 82 toward the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 is defined as direction D ( FIG. 5 ), which is an example of a first direction. The base end side of the arrow indicating direction D is defined as direction -D, and the tip end side of the arrow indicating direction D is defined as direction +D. Also, the direction perpendicular to both the X and D directions when viewed from the D direction is defined as the C direction (FIG. 5). The C direction is a direction extending toward a position in the +Y and +Z directions. The base end side of the arrow indicating the C direction is defined as the -C direction, and the tip end side of the arrow indicating the C direction is defined as the +C direction. The distance in the Z direction between the end of facing portion 82 in the -C direction, which is the lowest part of facing portion 82, and support surface 28A is set to distance d3 [mm] (FIG. 6).

[0047] 5, the first wind direction member 84 has, as an example, a bottom plate portion 86, a side plate portion 88, and a folded portion 92. The first wind direction member 84 is also provided with a first extending portion 96 and a second extending portion 94. The first wind direction member 84 further has a first ridge portion 102 and a second ridge portion 98. In this embodiment, as an example, the first wind direction member 84 and the second wind direction member 104 (FIG. 3) have the same configuration.

[0048] The bottom plate portion 86 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the D direction, and extends in the X direction. The bottom plate portion 86 has an opposing surface 87. The opposing surface 87 is an end surface of the bottom plate portion 86 in the +D direction, and faces the first fan 72 (FIG. 3). The bottom plate portion 86 is provided with fastening holes 89 for fastening a hinge portion 126 (FIG. 4) described later. The side plate portion 88 stands upright in the +D direction from the end portion in the +C direction of the bottom plate portion 86. The folded portion 92 is formed in the center in the X direction at the end portion in the -C direction of the bottom plate portion 86. The folded portion 92 is folded back toward the fastening hole 89, and is therefore thicker than the thickness of the bottom plate portion 86 in the D direction. An end surface 93 along the X direction is located at the end of the folded portion 92 in the -C direction.

[0049] The second ridge portion 98 is located in the -X direction relative to the folded portion 92 at the -C direction end of the bottom plate portion 86. The second ridge portion 98 is adjacent to the folded portion 92. The second ridge portion 98 extends in an oblique direction intersecting with the X direction so that the +X direction end is located in the -C direction relative to the -X direction end. The +X direction end of the second ridge portion 98 is located in the -C direction from the folded portion 92. A recess 99 is formed at the end of the bottom plate portion 86 in the -C direction, in the -X direction relative to the second edge portion 98. The recess 99 is a portion recessed in the +C direction relative to the second edge portion 98.

[0050] The second extending portion 94 is a plate-like portion extending in the +D direction from the second ridge portion 98. The height of the second extending portion 94 in the +D direction is set so that the airflow heading in the -C direction along the opposing surface 87 can flow in the -C direction beyond the second extending portion 94.

[0051] The first ridge portion 102 is located in the +X direction relative to the folded portion 92 at the -C direction end of the bottom plate portion 86. The first ridge portion 102 is adjacent to the folded portion 92. The first ridge portion 102 extends in an oblique direction intersecting with the X direction so that the +X direction end is located in the +C direction relative to the -X direction end. The -X direction end of the first ridge portion 102 is located in the -C direction from the folded portion 92. A recessed portion 103 is formed at the end portion in the -C direction of the bottom plate portion 86, in the +X direction relative to the first edge portion 102. The recessed portion 103 is a portion recessed in the +C direction relative to the first edge portion 102.

[0052] The first extending portion 96 is a plate-like portion extending in the +D direction from the first ridge portion 102. The height of the first extending portion 96 in the +D direction is set so that the airflow heading in the -C direction along the opposing surface 87 can flow in the -C direction beyond the first extending portion 96. In addition, the height of the first extending portion 96 in the +D direction is, for example, approximately the same as the height of the second extending portion 94 in the +D direction.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 3, the second airflow direction member 104 has, as an example, a bottom plate portion 106, a side plate portion 108, and a folded portion 112. The second airflow direction member 104 is also provided with a second extension portion 114 and a first extension portion 116. The second airflow direction member 104 further has a second ridge portion 118 and a first ridge portion 122. Note that the arrows in the directions C and D are omitted in Fig. 3.

[0054] The bottom plate portion 106 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the D direction, and extends in the X direction. The bottom plate portion 106 has an opposing surface 107. The opposing surface 107 is an end surface of the bottom plate portion 106 in the +D direction, and faces the second fan 76. The bottom plate portion 106 is provided with fastening holes (not shown) for fastening hinge portions 126 (FIG. 4) described below. The side plate portion 108 stands upright in the +D direction from the end portion in the +C direction of the bottom plate portion 106 . The folded portion 112 is formed in the center in the X direction at the end in the -C direction of the bottom plate portion 106. The folded portion 112 is a portion that is thicker in the D direction than the bottom plate portion 106 by being folded back toward the fastening hole.

[0055] The second ridge portion 118 is located in the -X direction relative to the folded portion 112 at the -C direction end of the bottom plate portion 106. The second ridge portion 118 is adjacent to the folded portion 112. The second ridge portion 118 extends in an oblique direction intersecting with the X direction so that the +X direction end is located in the -C direction relative to the -X direction end. The +X direction end of the second ridge portion 118 is located in the -C direction from the folded portion 112. At the end of the bottom plate portion 106 in the -C direction, a recessed portion 119 is formed in the -X direction relative to the second edge portion 118. The recessed portion 119 is a portion recessed in the +C direction relative to the second edge portion 118.

[0056] Second extending portion 114 is a plate-like portion extending in the +D direction from second ridge portion 118. The height of second extending portion 114 in the +D direction is set so that the airflow heading in the -C direction along opposing surface 107 can flow over second extending portion 114 in the -C direction.

[0057] The first ridge portion 122 is located in the +X direction relative to the folded portion 112 at the -C direction end of the bottom plate portion 106. The first ridge portion 122 is adjacent to the folded portion 112. The first ridge portion 122 extends in an oblique direction intersecting with the X direction so that the +X direction end is located in the +C direction relative to the -X direction end. The -X direction end of the first ridge portion 122 is located in the -C direction from the folded portion 112. A recess 123 is formed at the end of the bottom plate portion 106 in the -C direction, in the +X direction relative to the first edge portion 122. The recess 123 is a portion recessed in the +C direction relative to the first edge portion 122.

[0058] The first extending portion 116 is a plate-like portion extending in the +D direction from the first ridge portion 122. The height of the first extending portion 116 in the +D direction is set so that the airflow heading in the -C direction along the opposing surface 107 can flow in the -C direction beyond the first extending portion 116. In addition, the height of the first extending portion 116 in the +D direction is, for example, approximately the same as the height of the second extending portion 114 in the +D direction.

[0059] The bottom plate portion 86 and the bottom plate portion 106 are positioned with a gap therebetween in the X direction. That is, a gap portion 125 is formed between the first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104. The gap portion 125 is a space portion extending in the Y direction, and allows air, which is an example of a gas, to flow therethrough. The first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104 are aligned in the Y direction.

[0060] The opening 132 is a space formed by the first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104, and is an area that opens in the Z direction. The opening 132 is located between the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 in the X direction when viewed from the Z direction, and has a shape in which the portion located upstream in the +Y direction is more open in the X direction than the portion located downstream. That is, as one example, the opening 132 is configured in a trapezoid shape with its upper base located in the +Y direction and its lower base located in the -Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. The portion corresponding to the upper base and the portion corresponding to the lower base are open in the Y direction.

[0061] Specifically, the opening 132 has a first ridge 102 and a second ridge 118 that face each other in the X direction. The first ridge 102 of the first airflow direction member 84 and the second ridge 118 of the second airflow direction member 104 form the oblique side of the trapezoid described above. In other words, the first ridge 102 and the second ridge 118 form at least a part of the opening 132. The first ridge portion 102 is located within the air blowing range E1 of the first fan 72 in the +Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. The air blowing range E1 is a range in the Y direction that includes positions from the -Y end to the +Y end of the air blowing region S1. Being located within the air blowing range E1 means that the air blowing range E1 and the first ridge portion 102 overlap when viewed from the X direction. The second ridge portion 118 is located within the air blowing range E2 of the second fan 76 in the +Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. The air blowing range E2 is a range in the Y direction that includes positions from the -Y end to the +Y end of the air blowing region S2. Being located within the air blowing range E2 means that the air blowing range E2 and the second ridge portion 118 overlap when viewed from the X direction.

[0062] Among the positions in the Y direction, the position of the end of second ridge portion 118 in the +Y direction and the position of the end of first ridge portion 102 in the +Y direction are defined as a first position P1. At first position P1 in the +Y direction, the distance in the X direction between second ridge portion 118 and first ridge portion 102 is defined as a first distance W1 [mm]. Among the positions in the Y direction, the position of the -Y direction end of the second ridge portion 118 and the position of the -Y direction end of the first ridge portion 102 are defined as a second position P2. In other words, the second position P2 is located upstream in the +Y direction from the first position P1. At the second position P2, the distance in the X direction between the second ridge portion 118 and the first ridge portion 102 is defined as a second distance W2 [mm]. The second edge portion 118 and the first edge portion 102 are each inclined with respect to the X direction such that the second distance W2 is greater than the first distance W1.

[0063] In other words, when the spacing between the openings 132 in the X direction at a first position P1 in the +Y direction is defined as a first spacing W1, and the spacing between the openings 132 in the X direction at a second position P2 upstream of the first position P1 in the +Y direction is defined as a second spacing W2, the second spacing W2 is larger than the first spacing W1.

[0064] 4, hinge portion 126 is provided in blower unit 60. Hinge portion 126 is an example of a connecting portion that connects holding frame 62 and facing portion 82 so that facing portion 82 can change its position with respect to support surface 28A (FIG. 1) in response to an external force.

[0065] 9, the hinge portion 126 has, when viewed from the X direction, an axis portion 129 having a central axis along the X direction, a plate portion 127 extending from the axis portion 129 along the opposing surface 87, and a plate portion 128 extending from the axis portion 129 along the rear wall 65. The plate portion 127 is fastened to the first air direction member 84. The plate portion 128 is fastened to the rear wall 65. The hinge portion 126 allows the plate portion 127 and the plate portion 128 to rotate relatively around the shaft portion 129, so that the angle that the first airflow direction member 84 forms with respect to the rear wall 65 can be adjusted. In this embodiment, as an example, the side plate portion 88 passes through the cutout portion 66 and is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the rear wall 65, and contacts the rear wall 65, thereby determining the inclination of the first airflow direction member 84 with respect to the Y direction. It should be noted that the hinge portion 126 of the second airflow direction member 104 (FIG. 4) has a similar configuration, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] <Comparative Example> Next, a blower unit 200 as a comparative example for the blower unit 60 of this embodiment will be described. 14, the direction of airflow K is indicated by arrows, which is a result of a simulation in which air is blown by the blower unit 200 of the comparative example. Note that each arrow is a rough summary, and the length of the arrow does not represent the speed or pressure of the airflow K. The blower unit 200 of the comparative example includes a holding frame 62, a first fan 72, and an opposing plate 204.

[0067] The opposing plate 204 is inclined at an angle similar to that of the first airflow direction member 84 (FIG. 3) when viewed from the X direction, and faces a part of the first fan 72 in the Z direction. An end 205 of the opposing plate 204 in the -Y direction is not bent. In FIG. 14, the distance in the Z direction between the end 205 and the support surface 28A is distance DA [mm]. In the blower unit 200 of the comparative example, when the distance is DA, the airflow K flows substantially in the -Y direction at a position in the -Y direction relative to the end portion 205. On the other hand, at a position in the +Y direction relative to the end portion 205 and below the opposing plate 204, directional disturbance is observed in part of the airflow K.

[0068] In Figure 15, an arrow shows the direction of airflow K in the comparative example blower unit 200 when the blower unit 200 is moved in the +Z direction and the Z-direction distance DB [mm] between the end 205 and the support surface 28A is greater than the distance DA (Figure 14). In the case of the distance DB, the direction of the airflow K in the periphery of the end portion 205 differs from that in the case of the distance DA. Moreover, the state of the airflow K flowing in the +Y direction below the opposing plate 204 differs from that in the case of the distance DA. Thus, when the blower unit 200 of the comparative example is used, it can be seen that the change in the distance between the opposing plate 204 and the support surface 28A from distance DA to distance DB increases the likelihood that the direction and flow rate of the airflow K heading toward the ejection head 32 (Figure 1) will fluctuate.

[0069] <Action of this embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the printer 10, transport unit 20, and blower unit 60 of this embodiment. For each component of the printer 10, please refer to Figures 1 to 6, and the description of individual figure numbers may be omitted. As described above, the airflow generated from the first fan 72 toward the first airflow direction member 84 is referred to as airflow K1, and the airflow generated from the second fan 76 toward the second airflow direction member 104 is referred to as airflow K8.

[0070] 7, the generation of airflow K1 generates airflow K2 having a component directed in the -Y direction from the first airflow direction member 84, and airflow K3 having a component in the +X direction. In the space where the airflow K1 and the airflow K2 join together, airflow K4 that is diffused while having a -Y direction component, and airflow K5 that has a +X direction component are generated. On the other hand, the generation of airflow K8 generates airflow K9 having a component heading in the -Y direction from the second airflow direction member 104, and airflow K10 having a -X direction component. In the space where airflow K8 and airflow K9 join together, airflow K11 that is diffused while having a -Y direction component, and airflow K12 that has a -X direction component are generated. It should be noted that illustration and description of the air currents located in the -X direction with respect to the air current K1 and the air currents located in the +X direction with respect to the air current K8 are omitted.

[0071] In FIG. 8, the positions in the X direction indicated by lines 9-9 and 10-10 are positions where it is assumed that airflow K tends to flow toward ejection head 32 (FIG. 1). At the position indicated by line 10-10, airflow K3 and airflow K10 collide to generate an airflow KA having a component in the -Y direction. Airflow K5 and airflow K12 collide to generate an airflow KE having a component in the +Y direction and an airflow KD having a component in the -Y direction. Furthermore, a portion of the airflow K3 becomes an airflow KB that passes over the first extension portion 96 and heads toward the opening 132. A portion of the airflow K10 becomes an airflow KC that passes over the second extension portion 114 and heads toward the opening 132. Here, the airflow KF is generated by combining the airflow KA, the airflow KB, and the airflow KC with the airflow KD. On the other hand, the airflow KE is reduced by collision between at least one of the parts of the airflow KA, the airflow KB, and the airflow KC and the airflow KE.

[0072] As shown in line 9-9 of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, in the portion where the first fan 72 is located in the X direction, the airflow K4 toward the support surface 28A is the main component. Therefore, the magnitude of the airflow K6 having a -Y directional component is larger than the magnitude of the airflow K7 having a +Y directional component. In other words, the airflow K7 toward the ejection head 32 (Fig. 1) can be reduced.

[0073] As shown in line 10-10 of Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, an airflow KE having a component in the +Y direction tends to flow in the area where the opening 132 is located, but a part of the airflow KA flows toward this airflow KE. In other words, the airflow KE functions as an air curtain. Then, the airflow KE collides with the airflow KA, thereby reducing the airflow KE. Although not shown in the figures, as a comparative example to this embodiment, if the second extension portion 114 and the first extension portion 96 were each a straight wall portion extending along the X direction, the confluence point of the airflows KA would be shifted in the -Y direction from point G shown in Figure 10, and the airflow KE would be less likely to be reduced.

[0074] FIG. 11 shows the direction of airflow K by an arrow, which is a result of a simulation in which the distance d3 (FIG. 6) in the blower unit 60 is set to distance d3A [mm] and air is blown. 12, the arrows show the direction of the airflow K, which is a result of a simulation in which the interval d3 is set to interval d3B [mm] in the blower unit 60 and air is blown. Interval d3B is greater than interval d3A. Note that the arrows are merely rough summaries, and the length of the arrows does not represent the speed or pressure of the airflow K.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the area where the second extension portion 94 is provided in the first airflow direction member 84, the airflow K rises in the +Z direction along the second extension portion 94. Then, the rising airflow K passes over the second extension portion 94 and then descends in the -Z direction. In this way, by providing the second extension portion 94, the airflow K rises and then descends in the periphery of the second extension portion 94. Therefore, the flow state of the airflow K in the periphery of the second extension portion 94 is more stable than in a configuration in which the first airflow direction member 84 does not have the second extension portion 94. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the direction and flow rate of the airflow K toward the discharge head 32 (FIG. 1) will fluctuate even if the distance between the first airflow direction member 84 and the support surface 28A or the media M is changed. It should be noted that a similar state of the airflow K can be obtained with the second airflow direction member 104, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] 13, a case will be described in which media M is placed on support surface 28A and being transported. When press roller 42 moves back and forth while rotating, media M receives a pressing force from press roller 42 and receives a frictional force generated between media M and the outer circumferential surface of press roller 42, which makes it easier for small pieces MA, which are part of the constituent parts of media M, to peel off. The strips MA are an example of foreign matter. In this embodiment, since the media M is a fabric, the strips MA refer to fluff. In particular, the strips MA that were attached to the media M before the pressing roller 42 was pressed against it are peeled off from the media M by the pressing of the pressing roller 42, and are then transported while still on the media M due to the action of electrostatic force or the like. Here, when the air blowing unit 60 blows air toward the media M, the pieces MA of the media M are subjected to the wind pressure and are detached from the media M. In other words, the pieces MA are removed.

[0077] When the fine particles MA are being removed by the air blowing from the air blowing unit 60, there is a possibility that part of the airflow K will head downstream in the +Y direction. Here, by providing the air intake unit 50, the spatial portion through which the airflow K advances on the support surface 28A is narrowed compared to a configuration in which the air intake unit 50 is not provided, and the flow path resistance acting on the airflow K is increased, so that the airflow K flowing between the ejection head 32 and the support surface 28A can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the flight state of the ink Q ejected from the ejection head 32 to the medium M.

[0078] As described above, according to the printer 10, in the portions in the Z direction where the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 do not face the opposing portion 82, the airflow K sent out from the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 reaches the media M as is. This allows foreign matter such as dust adhering to the media M to be removed by the airflow. The airflow K that collides with the medium M or the support surface 28A spreads radially from the collision position along the medium M or the support surface 28A. For this reason, a part of the airflow K that collides with the medium M or the support surface 28A may flow toward the discharge head 32. Here, when viewed from the Z direction, the shape of the opening 132 of the opposing portion 82 is such that the upstream side in the +Y direction is more open in the X direction than the downstream side, so that a portion of the airflow K passing through the edge of the opening 132 toward the media M or the support surface 28A has a component in a direction that intersects the +Y direction. Furthermore, downstream of the opening 132 in the +Y direction, the area is narrower in the X direction than upstream of the opening 132 in the +Y direction, which makes it easier for parts of the air currents K to collide with each other. These actions enable the airflow K passing through the edge of the opening 132 toward the media M or the support surface 28A to function as an air curtain, effectively reducing the airflow K that flows toward the ejection head 32 after colliding with the media M or the support surface 28A. Furthermore, by reducing the airflow K flowing toward the ejection head 32, changes in the flight state of the ink Q ejected from the ejection head 32 onto the medium M can be suppressed.

[0079] According to the printer 10, compared to a configuration in which the second ridge portion 118 and the first ridge portion 102 are not within the airflow range E1 of the first fan 72 and the airflow range E2 of the second fan 76 in the +Y direction, a portion of the airflow K heading in the X direction from the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 can be efficiently utilized as an air curtain.

[0080] According to the printer 10, the second ridge portion 118 and the first ridge portion 102 are each inclined with respect to the X direction so that the second distance W2 is greater than the first distance W1, thereby making it possible to continuously reduce the size of the opening 132 in the X direction from the upstream to the downstream in the +Y direction.

[0081] According to the printer 10, a part of the airflow K along the facing surface 87, 107 collides with the second extending portion 94, 114 or the first extending portion 96, 116 and heads upward in the Z direction. Then, the upward-heading airflow K passes over the second extending portion 94, 114 or the first extending portion 96, 116 and heads downward in the Z direction. In this way, by colliding with the second extending portion 94, 114 or the first extending portion 96, 116, the directional component of the airflow K is aligned with the component heading downward in the Z direction. Therefore, even if the distance between the facing portion 82 and the medium M in the Z direction is changed, the directional component of the airflow K heading toward the medium M can be aligned. Then, by aligning the directional component of the airflow K heading toward the medium M, a change in the flight state of the ink Q ejected from the ejection head 32 to the medium M can be suppressed.

[0082] According to the printer 10, the hinge portion 126 connects the holding frame 62 and the facing portion 82 so that the facing portion 82 can change its position relative to the support surface 28A in response to an external force. Here, if the media M comes into contact with the facing portion 82 during the operation of setting the media M on the transport unit 20, the facing portion 82 changes its position relative to the support surface 28A in response to the external force acting on it. This makes it possible to retract at least a portion of the facing portion 82 from the support surface 28A, in other words, the distance between the facing portion 82 and the support surface 28A can be increased, thereby improving the ease of operation when setting the media M on the transport unit 20.

[0083] According to the printer 10, an external force that is greater than the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is applied to the magnet 69, thereby removing the fan unit 60 from the frame member 46. The fan unit 60 can also be attached to the frame member 46 by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. In this manner, the fan unit 60 can be attached with a simple configuration.

[0084] It has been found that when foreign matter such as dust is attached to the surface of the media M, the foreign matter is easily separated from the surface of the media M after the media M has passed through the reciprocating pressure roller 42 . According to the printer 10, the blower unit 60 blows air onto the media M in a state in which foreign matter is likely to separate from the surface, thereby further improving the ability to remove foreign matter.

[0085] The blower unit 60, by virtue of an action similar to that already described in the printer 10, makes it possible to cause the airflow K passing through the edge of the opening 132 toward the media M or the support surface 28A to function as an air curtain, thereby effectively reducing the airflow K that flows toward the ejection head 32 after colliding with the media M or the support surface 28A.

[0086] According to the blower unit 60, a portion of the airflow K heading in the X direction from the first fan 72 and the second fan 76 can be efficiently utilized as an air curtain, compared to a configuration in which the second ridge portion 118 and the first ridge portion 102 are not within the blowing range E1 of the first fan 72 and the blowing range E2 of the second fan 76 in the +Y direction.

[0087] According to the blower unit 60, the second ridge portion 118 and the first ridge portion 102 are each inclined with respect to the X direction so that the second spacing W2 is larger than the first spacing W1, thereby making it possible to continuously reduce the size of the opening 132 in the X direction from upstream to downstream in the +Y direction.

[0088] It has been found that if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the surface of media M, the foreign matter is more likely to separate from the surface of media M after media M passes through pressing roller 42, which moves back and forth in the +Y and -Y directions. According to the printer 10, the blower unit 60 blows air onto the media M in a state in which the fine particles MA are likely to separate from the surface, thereby further improving the ability to remove the fine particles MA. Furthermore, by providing the frame member 46 between the blower unit 60 and the ejection head 32 in the +Y direction, the size of the space between the blower unit 60 and the ejection head 32 through which air, as an example of gas, can flow is smaller than the size of the space in a configuration without the frame member 46. In other words, the magnitude of the flow path resistance in the space formed by the support surface 28A and the lower surface 47 is larger than the magnitude of the flow path resistance in a configuration without the frame member 46. As a result, the component of the airflow K sent from the blower unit 60 to the support surface 28A that heads downstream in the +Y direction is reduced, that is, the airflow K heading toward the ejection head 32 is reduced, thereby suppressing changes in the flight state of the ink Q ejected from the ejection head 32 to the medium M.

[0089] According to the printer 10, the intake unit 50 is provided, thereby narrowing the gap between the lower surface 47 and the support surface 28A. This further increases the flow path resistance to the airflow K flowing downstream in the +Y direction over the support surface 28A, so that the airflow K flowing toward the ejection head 32 can be further reduced.

[0090] It has been found that if foreign matter such as dust is attached to the surface of the media M, the foreign matter is more likely to separate from the surface of the media M after it has passed through the pressing roller 42, which moves back and forth in the +Y and -Y directions. Here, according to the transport unit 20, the blowing unit 60 blows air onto the media M in a state in which the fine pieces MA are easily separated from the surface, so that the ability to remove the fine pieces MA can be further improved. Furthermore, by providing the frame member 46 between the blower unit 60 and the ejection head 32 in the +Y direction, the size of the space between the blower unit 60 and the ejection head 32 through which air, as an example of gas, can flow is smaller than the size of the space in a configuration without the frame member 46. In other words, the magnitude of the flow path resistance in the space formed by the support surface 28A and the lower surface 47 is larger than the magnitude of the flow path resistance in a configuration without the frame member 46. As a result, the component of the airflow K sent from the blower unit 60 to the support surface 28A that heads downstream in the +Y direction is reduced, that is, the airflow K heading toward the ejection head 32 is reduced, thereby suppressing changes in the flight state of the ink Q ejected from the ejection head 32 to the medium M.

[0091] The printer 10, the air blower 25, and the conveying device 24 according to the embodiment of the present invention are basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to modify, omit, or combine parts of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0092] In the printer 10, the blower device 25, and the transport device 24, an opening 132 may be provided between adjacent units 70 in the X direction. In other words, the space between the first edge portion 122 and the second edge portion 98 may be considered to be the opening 132. The number of the units 70 is not limited to five, and may be one or any number other than five. The gap 125 may not be formed between the first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104. The first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104 may not have the recesses 99, 103, 119, 123. The first airflow direction member 84 and the second airflow direction member 104 may not have the folded-back portions 92, 112.

[0093] The first ridge portion 102 and the second ridge portion 118 are not limited to inclined linear portions, and may be portions having curved portions. The opening portion 132 does not have to have the first extension portion 96 and the second extension portion 114. A latch mechanism may be provided in place of the hinge portion 126 to make it possible to change the position of the facing portion 82 relative to the support surface 28A.

[0094] The frame member 46 does not have to be made of a material having ferromagnetic properties. In this configuration, the blower unit 60 may be attached to the frame member 46 using bolts and nuts, etc., without using the magnets 69 as the attachment parts. The number of magnets 69 provided may be other than five. A pressing pad may be used instead of the pressing roller 42. The medium M may be paper. The removal of the particles MA may be performed by providing a recovery section that recovers the particles MA using electrostatic force. The intake unit 50 does not necessarily have to be provided between the lower surface 47 and the support surface 28A. Moreover, instead of the intake unit 50, another unit or another member may be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 2...floor portion, 10...printer, 12...main unit, 13...main body frame, 14: side plate; 16: first support frame; 18: second support frame; 20: conveying unit; 21: driving roller; 22: driven roller; 24: conveying device; 25: blower device; 26...Glue belt, 27...Inner circumferential surface, 28...Outer circumferential surface, 28A...Support surface, 30: recording unit; 32: ejection head; 33: space; 34: carriage; 38: control unit, 40: pressing unit, 42: pressing roller, 44: roller support portion, 46... frame member, 47... lower surface, 48... slide portion, 48A... movable portion, 48B...arm portion, 48C...protection portion, 50...intake unit, 52...lower duct, 53...underside, 54...exhaust duct, 55...space, 60...blower unit, 62...holding frame, 63...upper wall, 63A...slit, 64...front wall, 65...rear wall, 66...notch, 67...mounting frame, 67A...upper surface, 68...bracket, 68A...upper surface, 69... magnet, 70... unit, 72... first fan, 73... main body, 74: Outlet, 76: Second fan, 77: Main body, 78: Outlet, 82: Opposing portion, 84...first wind direction member, 86...bottom plate part, 87...opposite surface, 88...side plate part, 89...fastening hole, 92... Turned part, 93... End face, 94... Second extension part, 96... First extension part, 98... Second ridgeline part, 99: recessed portion; 102: first ridge portion; 103: recessed portion; 104: second airflow direction member; 106...Bottom plate part, 107...Opposing surface, 108...Side plate part, 112...Folding part, 114: second extension portion; 116: first extension portion; 118: second ridge portion; 119: recess portion; 122: first ridge portion, 123: recess portion, 125: gap portion, 126: hinge portion, 127: plate portion, 128: plate portion, 129: shaft portion, 132: opening portion, 200: blower unit, 204...Opposing plate, 205...End, C1...Center line, CA...Rotation center, CB...Rotation center, d1... interval, d2... interval, d3... interval, d3A... interval, d3B... interval, DA... interval, DB...spacing, E1...airflow range, E2...airflow range, G...point, K1...airflow, K2...airflow, K3...airflow, K4...airflow, K5...airflow, K6...airflow, K7...airflow, K8...airflow, K9...airflow, K10...airflow, K11...airflow, K12...airflow, KA...airflow, KB...airflow, KC...airflow, KD...airflow, KE...airflow, KF...airflow, L1...length, M...media, P1...1st position, P2...2nd position, Q...ink, S1...ventilation area, S2...ventilation area, W1: First interval, W2: Second interval

Claims

1. A discharge unit capable of discharging liquid onto a medium; a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting the medium and capable of conveying the medium; a pressing member that is provided upstream of the discharge portion in a transport direction of the medium and presses the medium against the support surface; a frame member having a frame surface facing the support surface and supporting the discharge portion; a blower capable of blowing air to the medium upstream of the discharge portion in the transport direction; Equipped with the pressing member is reciprocally movable in the conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction, the frame member is provided upstream of the discharge portion in the transport direction, the air blowing section is provided downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction and upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction. A liquid ejection device comprising:

2. A gap change portion that narrows the gap between the frame surface and the support surface is provided between the frame surface and the support surface. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 .

3. The frame member is made of a ferromagnetic material, The air blowing unit has an attachment portion including a permanent magnet, and is detachable from the frame member by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection device is a liquid ejection device.

4. The blower section includes: A first fan that blows air toward the support surface; a second fan arranged next to the first fan in a width direction intersecting the transport direction and configured to blow air toward the support surface; an opposing member facing the support surface in a height direction intersecting the transport direction and the width direction, the opposing member facing a portion of the first fan and a portion of the second fan in the height direction; Equipped with The opposing member has an opening that opens in the height direction, the opening is located between the first fan and the second fan in the width direction as viewed from the height direction, When a first interval is defined as a spacing between the openings in the width direction at a first position in the conveying direction, and a second interval is defined as a spacing between the openings in the width direction at a second position upstream of the first position in the conveying direction, The second spacing is greater than the first spacing. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The opening has a first ridge portion and a second ridge portion that face each other in the width direction and form at least a portion of the opening, the first ridge portion is located within an air blowing range of the first fan in the transport direction as viewed from the height direction, the second ridge portion is located within an air blowing range of the second fan in the transport direction as viewed from the height direction.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4.

6. Each of the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion is inclined with respect to the width direction such that the second interval is larger than the first interval.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5.

7. the opposing member has opposing surfaces facing the first fan and the second fan, When a direction intersecting the opposing surface and a direction from the opposing member toward the first fan and the second fan are defined as a first direction, The opposing member is provided with a first extending portion extending from the first ridge portion along the first direction, and a second extending portion extending from the second ridge portion along the first direction.

7. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the liquid ejection apparatus is a liquid ejection apparatus.

8. the blower unit has a holder that holds both the first fan and the second fan, A connecting portion is provided to connect the holding portion and the opposing member so that the opposing member can change its position relative to the support surface in response to an external force. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. a conveyor belt having a support surface capable of supporting a medium and capable of conveying the medium; a pressing member that presses the medium against the support surface; a frame surface facing the support surface, the pressing portion being disposed in the transport direction of the medium; a frame member provided downstream of the medium and upstream of a discharge portion capable of discharging liquid onto the medium; a blower capable of blowing air to the medium upstream of the frame member in the transport direction; Equipped with the pressing member is reciprocally movable in the conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction, the air blowing section is provided downstream of the pressing member in the conveying direction and upstream of the frame member in the conveying direction. A conveying device characterized by the above.

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