Printing device

Abstract

A printing device according to the present disclosure comprises a guide member, a heating unit, and a heating passage. The heating unit is provided with: a body case which is disposed facing the guide member; a heating chamber which is provided in the body case; a fan and a heater which are accommodated in the heating chamber; a supply port which supplies heated air to the heating passage; an air blowing chamber; an air blowing fan; and an air blowing port which is provided on the downstream side of the supply port in a transport direction and feeds air of the air blowing chamber by the air blowing fan. The body case is provided with: a first cover which is disposed facing the guide member on the downstream side of the supply port in the transport direction and forms the heating passage with the guide member; a second cover which is disposed facing the first cover; an air blowing passage which is formed between the first cover and the second cover, and through which the air fed from the air blowing port flows; and a blowout port which blows out air that has passed through the air blowing passage.

Description

printing device

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-32558, filed on March 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-144992 describes an inkjet printer equipped with a drying device that blows hot air onto a recording medium.

[0003] JP 2023-95350 A

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for suppressing the rise of heated air by ejecting an air curtain from a non-heating chamber in order to prevent the front part of the drying device from becoming hot due to the rising of heated air. However, the structure described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the air forming the air curtain diffuses before reaching the heated air outlet, and therefore the effect of suppressing the rise of heated air by the air curtain cannot be fully obtained.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reliably suppress the rise of heated air discharged from a heating unit by using an air curtain.

[0006] A main invention for achieving the above object comprises: a guide member that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from a printing area and that guides a medium; a heating unit that supplies heated air to the medium guided by the guide member; and a heating passage that is formed between the guide member and the heating unit and through which the heated air flows; the heating unit comprises: a main body case that is arranged opposite the guide member; a heating chamber that is provided in the main body case; a fan that is housed in the heating chamber; a heater that is housed in the heating chamber and that heats the air blown by the fan; a supply port that supplies the heated air heated by the heater to the heating passage; an air blower chamber that is provided in the main body case separately from the heating chamber; an air blower fan that is housed in the air blower chamber; and an air blower port that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from the supply port and through which the air in the air blower chamber is blown out by the air blower fan; and the main body case comprises: a first cover that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from the supply port to the guide member and that forms the heating passage between itself and the guide member; The printing device comprises a second cover disposed opposite the first cover, an air passage formed between the first cover and the second cover through which air sent out from the air outlet flows, and an air outlet through which air that has passed through the air passage is blown out.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of air that forms an air curtain.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the exterior of the printing device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the printing device 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view for explaining the configuration of the heating unit 50. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit 50 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the peripheral structure of the extension cover 78 and outer cover 79 of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the state after removing the outer cover 79 to expose the lower air outlet 622. FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of the position of the lower end of the outer cover 79. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a spacer. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reference example.

[0010] <Overall Configuration> As an example of a printing device, a printing device 1 that prints images using an inkjet method will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the exterior of the printing device 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 as viewed from the right side. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the printing device 1.

[0011] In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in FIG. 1 . The direction parallel to the vertical direction is referred to as the "up-down direction." The movement direction of the carriage 21 of the printing device 1 is referred to as the "left-right direction," with the right side as seen from the operator operating the printing device 1 being referred to as the "right" and the opposite side being referred to as the "left." The movement direction of the carriage 21 is sometimes referred to as the "scanning direction." The direction perpendicular to the up-down and left-right directions is referred to as the "front-rear direction," with the operator's side as seen from the printing device 1 being referred to as the "front" and the opposite side being referred to as the "rear." The movement direction of the medium M is referred to as the "transport direction," with the supply source side of the medium M being referred to as the "upstream transport direction (upstream side in the transport direction)" and the discharge side of the medium M being referred to as the "downstream transport direction (downstream side in the transport direction)."

[0012] The printing device 1 is a device that prints an image on a medium M (printing paper, printing film, etc.). In this example, the printing device 1 is an inkjet printer. The printing device 1 includes a controller 10, a carriage unit 20, a transport unit 30, a head 41, and a heating unit 50.

[0013] The controller 10 is a control unit that controls the printing device 1. The controller 10 controls each part of the printing device 1 (such as the carriage unit 20, the transport unit 30, the head 41, and the heating unit 50). For example, the controller 10 controls each part of the printing device 1 based on commands from a computer (not shown), such as a personal computer, operated by a user.

[0014] The carriage unit 20 is a unit for moving the carriage 21 back and forth in the left and right direction. The carriage unit 20 has a carriage 21 and a carriage motor 22. The carriage 21 is a member that moves back and forth in the left and right direction. A head 41 is mounted on the carriage 21, and the head 41 can be moved back and forth in the left and right direction by the carriage 21 moving back and forth in the left and right direction. The carriage motor 22 is a drive source for moving the carriage 21. The carriage motor 22 is controlled by the controller 10.

[0015] The transport unit 30 is a unit for transporting the medium M. The transport unit 30 has a transport member 31 and a transport motor 32. The transport member 31 is a member for transporting the medium M, and in this case is composed of a transport roller 31A and a pinch roller 31B. The medium M can be transported in the transport direction by rotating the transport roller 31A with the medium M sandwiched between the transport roller 31A and the pinch roller 31B. The transport motor 32 is a drive source that rotates the transport member 31 (here, the transport roller 31A). The transport motor 32 is controlled by the controller 10.

[0016] The transport unit 30 has guide members 33 that guide the medium M, including a platen 33A, a rear apron 33R, and a front apron 33F (see FIG. 2). The platen 33A is a member that guides the medium M in the printing area (the area where printing is performed on the medium M; the area facing the head 41). The platen 33A has a guide surface that is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The rear apron 33R is a guide member 33 that guides the medium M upstream of the printing area in the transport direction. The rear apron 33R is positioned upstream of the platen 33A in the transport direction, and has a guide surface that extends forward and upward toward the downstream side in the transport direction (the side closer to the platen 33A). The front apron 33F is a guide member 33 that guides the medium M downstream of the printing area in the transport direction. The front apron 33F is disposed downstream of the platen 33A in the conveying direction and has a guide surface that extends forward and downward toward the downstream side in the conveying direction (away from the platen 33A). The guide surface of the front apron 33F is disposed opposite the heating unit 50.

[0017] The head 41 has nozzles that eject ink onto the medium M. The head 41 is mounted on the carriage 21 and moves back and forth in the left and right direction together with the carriage 21. The head 41 is controlled by the controller 10 to eject or not eject ink from the nozzles.

[0018] The heating unit 50 is a unit for supplying heated air to the medium M. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 50 is provided in front of the printing device 1. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 50 has a structure that extends in the left-right direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 50 is disposed opposite the front apron 33F (the guide member 33 disposed downstream in the transport direction from the printing area), and is configured to supply heated air to the medium M guided by the front apron 33F. As shown in FIG. 2, a heating passage 52 through which heated air flows is formed between the heating unit 50 and the front apron 33F.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the configuration of the heating unit 50. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating unit 50 as viewed from the right side. In Fig. 5, the flow of air is indicated by arrows. Note that the arrows indicated by thick lines indicate the flow of heated air.

[0020] The heating unit 50 has heating chambers 51 (51A, 51B) and air blowing chambers 60 (61A, 61B, 62A, 62B). The heating unit 50 also has a main body case 70 that partitions the spaces of the heating chamber 51, the air blowing chamber 60, etc.

[0021] The heating chamber 51 (51A, 51B) is a space for generating heated air. The heating chamber 51 houses a fan 511A and a heater 511B for generating heated air. The fan 511A sends air to the heater 511B, which heats the air. The fan 511A and the heater 511B generate heated air, and therefore are sometimes called "hot air generating units 511." The heating chamber 51 is configured as a space extending in the left-right direction. The heating chamber 51 is also called a "heating unit" because it supplies heated air to the medium M to heat the medium M. In the heating chamber 51, multiple hot air generating units 511 (fans 511A and heaters 511B) are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0022] The heating chamber 51 is provided with a supply port 512 and a recovery port 513. The supply port 512 is an opening for supplying heated air from the heating chamber 51 (more specifically, the downstream chamber 51B of the heating chamber 51) to the heating passage 52. The supply port 512 connects the heating chamber 51 and the heating passage 52. The recovery port 513 is an opening for recovering heated air flowing through the heating passage 52. The recovery port 513 connects the heating chamber 51 (more specifically, the upstream chamber 51A of the heating chamber 51) and the heating passage 52. The supply port 512 is arranged upstream of the recovery port 513 in the transport direction. The supply port 512 is also arranged above the recovery port 513. However, the supply port 512 may be arranged downstream of the recovery port 513 in the transport direction and below the recovery port 513.

[0023] The heating chamber 51 is composed of an upstream chamber 51A and a downstream chamber 51B. The upstream chamber 51A is a space (chamber) that supplies air to the fan 511A and the heater 511B (hot air generator 511). The downstream chamber 51B is a space to which air (heated air) is supplied from the fan 511A and the heater 511B. The heated air supplied to the downstream chamber 51B from the fan 511A and the heater 511B is supplied to the heating passage 52 through a supply port 512. As a result, the medium M is heated by the heated air. The heating passage 52 through which the heated air flows is sometimes referred to as the "heating region." The medium M is heated in the heating region. A portion of the heated air that flows through the heating passage 52 is recovered through a recovery port 513 to the upstream chamber 51A and then supplied again to the fan 511A and the heater 511B. Circulating the heated air makes it possible to quickly increase the temperature of the heated air.

[0024] The upstream chamber 51A and the downstream chamber 51B of the heating chamber 51 are provided with a rectifying plate 77. The rectifying plate 77 is a plate-shaped member that rectifies the flow of air. The rectifying plate 77 has a large number of through-holes, and the air is rectified by passing through the rectifying plate 77 having the large number of through-holes. The rectifying plate 77 is made of, for example, punched metal. Note that the rectifying plate 77 does not necessarily have to be provided in both the upstream chamber 51A and the downstream chamber 51B, and the rectifying plate 77 may be provided in either the upstream chamber 51A or the downstream chamber 51B, or the rectifying plate 77 may not be provided in either the upstream chamber 51A or the downstream chamber 51B.

[0025] The air blowing chamber 60 (61A, 61B, 62A, 62B) is a space (chamber) for blowing out the taken-in air (outside air). The air blowing chamber 60 is provided with an upper air blowing chamber 61 (61A, 61B) and a lower air blowing chamber 62 (62A, 62B). The air blowing chamber 60 is divided into two spaces by a partition wall portion 76, thereby forming the upper air blowing chamber 61 and the lower air blowing chamber 62. The air blowing chamber 60 (upper air blowing chamber 61 and lower air blowing chamber 62) is formed as a space extending in the left-right direction. The air blowing chamber 60 is the part that blows out the taken-in air, and is therefore sometimes called the "air injection section" (or "air blowing section" or "blow-out section").

[0026] The upper air blowing chamber 61 (61A, 61B) is an air blowing chamber provided above the heating unit 50. The upper air blowing chamber 61 is a space (chamber) for generating an air curtain above the heating area. The upper air blowing chamber 61 houses an upper air blowing fan 611. In the upper air blowing chamber 61, multiple upper air blowing fans 611 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0027] The upper blower chamber 61 is provided with an upper air intake 741U and an air outlet 612. The upper blower fan 611 takes in air (outside air) through the upper air intake 741U and blows the taken-in air out through the air outlet 612. The upper air intake 741U is an opening for taking in outside air into the upper blower chamber 61. The upper air intake 741U connects the outside of the heating unit 50 to the upper blower chamber 61. The air outlet 612 is a slit-shaped opening extending in the left-right direction. The slit-shaped air outlet 612 extending in the left-right direction is formed by arranging two plate-shaped members facing each other. The air outlet 612 is configured to blow air toward the guide member 33 (or the medium M). An air curtain is formed by blowing air out of the air outlet 612. The air outlet 612 is positioned above the supply port 512. The air curtain blown out from the air outlet 612 suppresses the rise of the heated air supplied from the supply port 512 to the heating passage 52 and prevents the heated air from flowing into the printing area. The upper air blowing chamber 61 constitutes an air injection unit for blowing air (air curtain) toward the medium M. The air (outside air) taken in from the upper air intake 741U is at a lower temperature than the air inside the heating passage 52. Therefore, the air outlet 612 blows out low-temperature air, forming a low-temperature air curtain.

[0028] The upper blower chamber 61 is composed of an upstream chamber 61A and a downstream chamber 61B. The upstream chamber 61A is a space (chamber) that supplies air to the upper blower fan 611. The downstream chamber 61B is a space to which air is supplied from the upper blower fan 611. The downstream chamber 61B is configured to taper so that the space gradually decreases toward the air outlet 612. The air supplied from the upper blower fan 611 to the downstream chamber 61B is blown out from the air outlet 612 to form an air curtain. A rectifying plate 77 is provided in the downstream chamber 61B of the upper blower chamber 61. This allows a uniform air curtain to be formed in the left-right direction. However, the rectifying plate 77 does not have to be provided in the upper blower chamber 61.

[0029] The lower ventilation chamber 62 (62A, 62B) is a ventilation chamber provided below the heating unit 50. The lower ventilation chamber 62 accommodates a lower ventilation fan 621. In the lower ventilation chamber 62, a plurality of lower ventilation fans 621 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction (see dotted lines in FIG. 4).

[0030] The lower air blowing chamber 62 is provided with a lower air intake 741D and a lower air outlet 622. The lower air blowing fan 621 draws air through the lower air intake 741D and sends it out through the lower air outlet 622. The lower air intake 741D is an opening for drawing outside air into the lower air blowing chamber 62. The lower air intake 741D connects the outside of the heating unit 50 to the lower air blowing chamber 62. The lower air outlet 622 is configured to send air downward from the heating unit 50. An air curtain is formed by the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622. This air curtain prevents the heated air discharged from the underside of the heating unit 50 from rising and prevents the heated air from re-entering the lower air intake 741D (or the upper air intake 741U). A large number of lower air outlets 622 are uniformly arranged along the left-right direction. This allows for the formation of a uniform air curtain in the left-right direction. The lower blowing chamber 62 constitutes an air injection section for blowing air (air curtain) downward in front of the heated air outlet.

[0031] The lower air blowing chamber 62 is composed of an upstream chamber 62A and a downstream chamber 62B. The upstream chamber 62A is a space (chamber) that supplies air to the lower air blowing fan 621. The downstream chamber 62B is a space to which air is supplied from the lower air blowing fan 621. The air supplied from the lower air blowing fan 621 to the downstream chamber 62B is sent out from the lower air blowing port 622 to form an air curtain.

[0032] An intake port 721 is provided in the lower air blowing chamber 62. The intake port 721 is an opening for supplying air (outside air) from the air blowing chamber 60 (here, the lower air blowing chamber 62) to the heating chamber 51. The intake port 721 connects the lower air blowing chamber 62 and the heating chamber 51. Air from the lower air blowing chamber 62 is taken into the upstream chamber 51A of the heating chamber 51 via the intake port 721. This reduces the temperature of the air supplied to the fan 511A and the heater 511B (hot air generating unit 511), preventing the temperatures of the fan 511A and the heater 511B (hot air generating unit 511) from rising excessively. Note that the intake port 721 does not necessarily have to be provided in the lower air blowing chamber 62.

[0033] The main body case 70 (71-76) is a member (wall) that defines the interior and exterior spaces of the heating unit 50. The main body case 70 is disposed opposite the front apron 33F and has a shape that extends in the left-right direction. The spaces of the heating chamber 51, the upper air blower chamber 61, and the lower air blower chamber 62 are partitioned by the main body case 70. Therefore, the heating chamber 51, the upper air blower chamber 61, and the lower air blower chamber 62 also extend in the left-right direction. The main body case 70 has a first wall portion 71 and a second wall portion 72 that define the heating chamber 51, an outer wall portion 74, a fan mounting wall portion 75, and a partition wall portion 76.

[0034] The first wall portion 71 is a wall-like portion disposed opposite the front apron 33F (the guide member 33 disposed downstream in the transport direction from the printing area). The first wall portion 71 constitutes the rear outer wall (rear wall) of the heating unit 50. The first wall portion 71 has a shape extending in the left-right direction. The first wall portion 71 is also a wall-like portion that extends forward and downward toward the downstream side in the transport direction. The first wall portion 71 is disposed forward of the front apron 33F and is spaced apart from the front apron 33F. The space between the first wall portion 71 and the front apron 33F forms the heating passage 52 for heated air. In other words, by disposing the first wall portion 71 opposite the front apron 33F, the heating passage 52 for heated air is formed along the surface of the medium M guided by the front apron 33F. The first wall portion 71 separates the heating chamber 51 from the heating passage 52 for heated air. The first wall portion 71 is provided with a supply port 512 and a recovery port 513 .

[0035] The second wall portion 72 is a wall-like portion that, together with the first wall portion 71, forms the heating chamber 51. The second wall portion 72 is a wall-like portion shaped like an inverted C. The space between the second wall portion 72 and the first wall portion 71 forms the heating chamber 51, and the fan 511A and the heater 511B (hot air generating unit 511) are housed in the space between the second wall portion 72 and the first wall portion 71. The second wall portion 72 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction. The second wall portion 72 separates the heating chamber 51 from the air blowing chamber 60 (the upper air blowing chamber 61 and the lower air blowing chamber 62). The second wall portion 72 forms the inner wall surface (rear wall surface) of the air blowing chamber 60.

[0036] The second wall portion 72 is covered with a heat insulating material 73 to insulate the heating chamber 51. In the figure, both the rear surface (the wall surface on the heating chamber 51 side) and the front surface (the wall surface on the blower chamber 60 side) of the second wall portion 72 are covered with the heat insulating material 73. However, one surface may be covered with the heat insulating material 73. Furthermore, the second wall portion 72 does not have to be covered with the heat insulating material 73. The second wall portion 72 has an air intake 721. The air intake 721 is provided near the lower edge of the second wall portion 72, and a recess 73B is provided in the lower edge 73A of the heat insulating material 73 covering the second wall portion 72. The recess 73B is a concave portion provided in the edge of the heat insulating material 73. The recess 73B exposes the air intake 721 and ensures air flow.

[0037] The outer wall portion 74 is a wall-shaped portion that constitutes the outer wall surface of the heating unit 50. The outer wall portion 74 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction. The outer wall portion 74 is disposed so as to surround the outside of the second wall portion 72 with a gap between it and the second wall portion 72. The space between the outer wall portion 74 and the second wall portion 72 forms the air blowing chamber 60 (the upper air blowing chamber 61 and the lower air blowing chamber 62). In other words, the outer wall portion 74, together with the second wall portion 72, constitutes the air blowing chamber 60 (the upper air blowing chamber 61 and the lower air blowing chamber 62). The outer wall portion 74 constitutes the outer wall surface of the air blowing chamber 60 (the upper air blowing chamber 61 and the lower air blowing chamber 62).

[0038] The outer wall portion 74 has an upper wall portion 74U, a front wall portion 74F, and a lower wall portion 74D. The upper wall portion 74U constitutes the upper surface of the heating unit 50. The front wall portion 74F constitutes the front surface of the heating unit 50. The front wall portion 74F is provided with an upper air intake port 741U and a lower air intake port 741D. The lower wall portion 74D constitutes the lower surface of the heating unit 50. The lower wall portion 74D is provided with a lower air outlet 622.

[0039] An extension cover 78 and an outer cover 79 are provided on the lower surface of the lower wall portion 74D, and the lower air outlet 622 discharges air into the space between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79. A slit-shaped air outlet 623 extending in the left-right direction is formed by the lower ends of the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79, and an air curtain is formed by air being blown out from the air outlet 623. The air curtain blown out from the air outlet 623 suppresses the rise of the heated air discharged from the heating passage 52. The extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 will be described later.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4 , the front wall 74F is provided with a plurality of air intake areas 742. Each air intake area 742 has an array of multiple lower air intake ports 741D (or upper air intake ports 741U). The front wall 74F has a plurality of air intake areas 742 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. A non-air intake area 743, which does not have a lower air intake port 741D, is provided between the air intake areas 742 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The front wall 74F has a plurality of non-air intake areas 743 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0041] The downward blowing fan 621 (see dotted line in FIG. 4) is disposed at the same left-right position as the non-air-intake area 743. In other words, the downward blowing fan 621 is disposed so as to overlap with the left-right position of the non-air-intake area 743, and is disposed at a position offset from the left-right position of the air-intake area 742. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter (e.g., the worker's hair) that has entered through the lower air intake port 741D of the air-intake area 742 from being caught in the downward blowing fan 621.

[0042] The fan mounting wall portions 75 (75A to 75C) are wall-shaped portions for mounting fans. Here, the fan mounting wall portions 75 include the fan mounting wall portion 75A to which the fan 511A (and heater 511B) of the heating chamber 51 is mounted, the fan mounting wall portion 75B to which the upper blower fan 611 of the upper blower chamber 61 is mounted, and the fan mounting wall portion 75C to which the lower blower fan 621 of the lower blower chamber 62 is mounted. The fan mounting wall portion 75 separates the upstream chambers (51A, 61A, 62A) from the downstream chambers (51B, 61B, 62B). The fan mounting wall portion 75 has through holes (not shown) that communicate the upstream chambers (51A, 61A, 62A) with the downstream chambers (51B, 61B, 62B), and the fans (511A, 611, 621) are mounted at the positions of the through holes.

[0043] The partition wall portion 76 is a wall-like portion for dividing the air blowing chamber 60. Here, the partition wall portion 76 divides the air blowing chamber 60 into two spaces, thereby forming an upper air blowing chamber 61 and a lower air blowing chamber 62. Note that the partition wall portion 76 does not have to be provided, and the air blowing chamber 60 does not have to be divided into two spaces.

[0044] <Regarding the Outer Cover> FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reference example.

[0045] An extension cover 78 is provided on the underside of the lower wall portion 74D. The extension cover 78 is a plate-shaped member disposed opposite the front apron 33F (the guide member 33 disposed downstream of the printing area in the transport direction). The extension cover 78 is provided to extend from the first wall portion 71. Therefore, the extension cover 78 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction and is inclined forward toward the lower end. The extension cover 78 is also disposed forward of the front apron 33F, with a gap between it and the front apron 33F. The space between the extension cover 78 and the front apron 33F serves as the heating passage 52 for heated air. The extension cover 78 is provided to extend downward the heating passage 52 formed by the first wall portion 71 and the front apron 33F. The heating passage 52 through which heated air flows is sometimes referred to as the "first passage."

[0046] The heated air flowing through the heating passage 52 is discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. By providing the extension cover 78, the discharge position of the heated air can be lowered, preventing the discharged heated air from re-entering the lower air intake 741D (or the upper air intake 741U) (the discharged heated air can be diffused before re-entering the lower air intake 741D). Furthermore, the lower air outlet 622 of the lower air supply chamber 62 is provided on the outer side (front side) of the extension cover 78. The air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 forms an air curtain, further preventing the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78 from rising. By preventing the heated air from rising using the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622, an increase in temperature of the outer wall portion 74 (upper wall portion 74U, front wall portion 74F, and lower wall portion 74D) of the heating unit 50 can also be prevented.

[0047] 10 does not include an outer cover 79. Therefore, the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622 diffuses before reaching the lower end of the extension cover 78. If the air (air curtain) sent out from the lower air outlet 622 diffuses, there is a risk that the exhausted heated air will re-enter the lower air intake 741D (or the upper air intake 741U). Furthermore, if the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622 diffuses, it becomes difficult to suppress the rise in temperature of the outer wall portion 74 of the heating unit 50.

[0048] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the peripheral structure of the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 of this embodiment.

[0049] In this embodiment, an extension cover 78 and an outer cover 79 are provided on the lower surface of the lower wall portion 74D. The extension cover 78 shown in Fig. 6 (and Figs. 4 and 5) is similar to the extension cover 78 shown in Fig. 10 .

[0050] The outer cover 79 is a plate-shaped member disposed opposite the extension cover 78. Like the extension cover 78, the outer cover 79 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction. The outer cover 79 is disposed forward of the extension cover 78, with a gap between the outer cover 79 and the extension cover 78. The space between the outer cover 79 and the extension cover 78 serves as an air passage 81 for air discharged from the lower air outlet 622. The air passage 81 through which the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 flows is sometimes referred to as the "second passage." By providing the outer cover 79, the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 can be blown out from the lower end (air outlet 623) of the outer cover 79. This allows the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 to be blown out near the heated air outlet. This makes it easier to suppress the rising of heated air. Furthermore, the air supply passage 81 is disposed adjacent to the heating passage 52, and as a result, the air outlet 623 is disposed adjacent to the outlet through which heated air is discharged from the heating passage 52. This makes it possible to suppress the diffusion of air that forms the air curtain, and makes it easier to suppress the rising of the heated air.

[0051] The outer cover 79 has a main body portion 79A and a chamber forming portion 79B.

[0052] The main body 79A constitutes the main body of the outer cover 79. It is a plate-shaped portion disposed opposite the extension cover 78. The main body 79A, together with the extension cover 78, constitutes the air passage 81 for air discharged from the lower air outlet 622. In other words, the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 flows between two plate-shaped members (the main body 79A of the outer cover 79 and the extension cover 78). The main body 79A constitutes the outer wall surface (front wall surface) of the air passage 81. The main body 79A is inclined downwards toward the front. The distance between the main body 79A and the extension cover 78 (the width of the air passage 81) is substantially constant. The air passage 81 is disposed outside (on the front side) of the heating passage 52 for heated air. By allowing the air discharged from the lower air outlet 622 to flow outside the extension cover 78, an increase in the temperature of the extension cover 78 can be suppressed.

[0053] The lower end of the main body 79A forms an air outlet 623 that blows out air sent out from the lower air outlet 622. The air blown out from the air outlet 623 forms an air curtain to suppress the rise of heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. Because the air outlet 623 is located outside (front side) of the extension cover 78, the air curtain is formed outside (front side) of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. Because the air curtain is formed outside the heated air, the air curtain can more easily suppress the rise of the heated air. Furthermore, the air blown out from the air outlet 623 (air curtain) is sent out obliquely downward, like the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78, and is formed above the heated air. Since the air curtain is formed above the heated air in this way, the air curtain can more easily suppress the rise of the heated air.

[0054] It is desirable that the flow velocity of the air (air curtain) blown out from the air outlet 623 be faster than the flow velocity of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. In other words, it is desirable that the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air passage 81 be faster than the flow velocity of the heated air flowing through the heating passage 52. This makes it easier for the air curtain to suppress the rising of the heated air. Furthermore, the distance between the main body 79A and the extension cover 78 (the width of the air passage 81) is configured to be narrower than the distance between the extension cover 78 and the front apron 33F (the width of the heating passage 52). This results in a configuration that makes it easier to make the flow velocity of the air curtain faster than the flow velocity of the heated air, and makes it easier to suppress the rising of the heated air by the air curtain.

[0055] The chamber forming portion 79B is the upper portion (top portion) of the outer cover 79. The chamber forming portion 79B is provided above the main body portion 79A. The chamber forming portion 79B, together with the extension cover 78, constitutes a chamber 82 that stores air sent out from the lower air outlet 622. The chamber 82 is an air chamber (air reservoir) provided above the air passage 81. The air sent out from the lower air outlet 622 is supplied to the air passage 81 via the chamber 82. By providing the chamber 82 above the air passage 81, the air flow in the air passage 81 is stabilized, and as a result, a stable air curtain can be formed.

[0056] The chamber forming portion 79B is attached to the lower surface of the lower wall portion 74D. A lower air outlet 622 is disposed between the upper end of the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78. The lower air outlet 622 connects the lower air blowing chamber 62 (more specifically, the downstream chamber 62B of the lower air blowing chamber 62) with the chamber 82. The distance between the upper end of the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78 (the width at the top of the chamber 82) is larger than the distance between the main body portion 79A of the outer cover 79 and the extension cover 78 (the width of the air blowing passage 81). At the lower end of the chamber forming portion 79B, the distance between the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78 is approximately the same as the distance between the main body portion 79A of the outer cover 79 and the extension cover 78 (the width of the air blowing passage 81).

[0057] The chamber forming portion 79B has a shape that extends in the left-right direction. The chamber forming portion 79B is also inclined toward the rear as it approaches the bottom. In other words, the chamber forming portion 79B is inclined so that the distance between the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78 narrows as it approaches the bottom. Therefore, the chamber 82 is configured to narrow as it approaches the bottom, thereby narrowing the flow path of the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622. By narrowing the flow path in the chamber 82, the flow velocity of the air flowing through the air passage 81 increases and the air flow is regulated, thereby suppressing the diffusion of the air (air curtain) blown out from the air outlet 623.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the outer cover 79 is removed to expose the lower air outlets 622. As shown in FIG. 7, the multiple lower air outlets 622 are uniformly arranged along the left-right direction. This allows the lower wall portion 74D having the multiple lower air outlets 622 to function as a rectifying plate, regulating the air sent from the lower air outlets 622 to the chamber 82. Therefore, in order to form an air curtain that is uniform in the left-right direction, it is desirable that the chamber 82 be configured to narrow the flow path and that the lower air outlets 622 that send air into the chamber 82 be uniformly arranged along the left-right direction. However, the multiple lower air outlets 622 do not have to be uniformly arranged along the left-right direction.

[0059] The chamber forming portion 79B may not be provided on the outer cover 79, and the outer cover 79 may be configured with only the main body portion 79A. Even if the outer cover 79 does not have the chamber forming portion 79B, if the outer cover 79 is configured to supply air from the lower air outlet 622 between the outer cover 79 (main body portion 79A) and the extension cover 78 and to blow air (an air curtain) from the lower edge of the outer cover 79, it is possible to suppress the rising of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78.

[0060] 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams showing the position of the lower end of the outer cover 79. FIG.

[0061] The dotted line in FIG. 8A indicates a line that passes through the lower end of the extension cover 78 and is parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the dotted line in FIG. 8A indicates the position above the lower end of the extension cover 78. As shown in FIG. 8A (and FIGS. 8B and 8C ), the lower end of the outer cover 79 is positioned forward of the lower end of the extension cover 78, which makes it easier to suppress the rising of heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. However, even in a structure in which the lower end of the outer cover 79 is positioned rearward of the lower end of the extension cover 78, if air is supplied from the lower air outlet 622 between the outer cover 79 (main body 79A) and the extension cover 78 so that air (an air curtain) is blown out from the lower edge of the outer cover 79, it is possible to suppress the rising of heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78 compared to a structure in which the outer cover 79 is not provided (see FIG. 10 ).

[0062] The dotted line in Fig. 8B indicates a line that passes through the lower end of the extension cover 78 and is perpendicular to the outer surface of the extension cover 78. In other words, the dotted line in Fig. 8B indicates the position aligned with the lower end of the extension cover 78. As shown in Fig. 8B (and Fig. 8C), the lower end of the outer cover 79 is positioned forward of the position aligned with the lower end of the extension cover 78 (or at a position aligned with the lower end of the extension cover 78), resulting in a structure in which the outer cover 79 covers the extension cover 78. As a result, a structure is achieved in which the rising of heated air can be suppressed not only by the air curtain but also by the outer cover 79.

[0063] The dotted line in Fig. 8C indicates a line that passes through the lower end of the extension cover 78 and is parallel to the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction). That is, the dotted line in Fig. 8C indicates the height of the lower end of the extension cover 78. As shown in Fig. 8C, by arranging the lower end of the outer cover 79 below the height of the lower end of the extension cover 78, a structure is created in which heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78 is less likely to rise.

[0064] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the spacer 83.

[0065] The spacer 83 is a component disposed between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 and serves to maintain a predetermined distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79. The spacer 83 shown in FIG. 9 is cylindrical. One end of the spacer 83 contacts the outer cover 79, and the other end of the spacer 83 contacts the extension cover 78, thereby maintaining the distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 at the length of the spacer 83. The spacer 83 shown in FIG. 9 is fixed between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 by screwing one end to the outer cover 79 and screwing the other end (not shown) to the outer cover 79. Note that the shape of the spacer 83 and the fixing structure of the spacer 83 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 9. The spacer 83 is provided near the lower edge (air outlet 623) of the extension cover 78. The extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 are flexible plate-like members that extend in the left-right direction, but by arranging the spacers 83 at intervals in the left-right direction, it is possible to maintain a predetermined distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79. This makes it possible to maintain a constant width of the air outlet 623 (the distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79) in the left-right direction, thereby forming a uniform air curtain in the left-right direction.

[0066] The spacers 83 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction, which makes it easier to maintain a constant width of the air outlet 623 in the left-right direction, thereby forming a uniform air curtain in the left-right direction.

[0067] <Summary> The printing device 1 includes a front apron 33F (a guide member 33 that is positioned downstream of the printing area in the transport direction and that guides the medium M), a heating unit 50 that supplies heated air to the medium M guided by the front apron 33F, and a heating passage 52 through which the heated air flows that is formed between the front apron 33F and the heating unit 50. The heating unit 50 includes a main body case 70 that is positioned opposite the front apron 33F, a heating chamber 51 provided in the main body case 70, a fan 511A and a heater 511B housed in the heating chamber 51, and a supply port 512 that supplies the heated air to the heating passage 52. The heating unit 50 also includes a lower air blowing chamber 62 provided in the main body case 70 separately from the heating chamber 51, a lower air blowing fan 621 housed in the lower air blowing chamber 62, and a lower air blowing port 622 (air blowing port) provided downstream in the conveyance direction from the supply port 512 and through which the lower air blowing fan 621 blows out air from the lower air blowing chamber 62. The main body case 70 also includes an extension cover 78 (first cover) disposed downstream in the conveyance direction from the supply port 512 facing the front apron 33F and forming a heating passage 52 between itself and the front apron 33F, an outer cover 79 (second cover) disposed opposite the extension cover 78, an air blowing passage 81 formed between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 and through which air blown out from the lower air blowing port 622 (air blowing port) flows, and an air outlet 623 through which air that has passed through the air blowing passage 81 flows. 10 , if the outer cover 79 is not provided, the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622 will diffuse before reaching the lower end of the extension cover 78, making it difficult to suppress the rise of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. In contrast, in this embodiment, the outer cover 79 (second cover) is provided, so that the air sent out from the lower air outlet 622 can be blown out near the heated air outlet. This makes it possible to suppress the diffusion of the air that forms the air curtain, making it easier to suppress the rise of the heated air.

[0068] Furthermore, the air outlet 623 is disposed adjacent to the outlet through which heated air is discharged from the heating passage 52. This makes it possible to suppress the diffusion of air that forms the air curtain, and makes it easier to suppress the rising of the heated air.

[0069] The distance between the extension cover 78 (first cover) and the outer cover 79 (second cover) is narrower than the distance between the front apron 33F (guide member) and the extension cover 78. This makes it easier to make the flow speed of the air curtain faster than the flow speed of the heated air, and makes it easier to suppress the rising of the heated air by the air curtain. Note that regardless of the distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 or the distance between the front apron 33F (guide member) and the extension cover 78, if the flow speed of the air discharged from the lower end of the outer cover 79 is faster than the flow speed of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78, the air curtain will be able to easily suppress the rising of the heated air.

[0070] The outer cover 79 (second cover) has a main body portion 79A and a chamber forming portion 79B. The main body portion 79A is a portion disposed opposite the extension cover 78 so as to form an air passage 81. The chamber forming portion 79B is a portion provided above the main body portion 79A. A chamber 82 is formed between the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78 (first cover). By forming the chamber 82 above the air passage 81, the air flow is stabilized, thereby forming a stable air curtain.

[0071] Furthermore, the chamber 82 is configured so that the distance between the chamber forming portion 79B and the extension cover 78 (first cover) becomes narrower toward the bottom. By configuring the chamber 82 so that it becomes narrower toward the bottom (toward the air passage 81), the flow rate of the air flowing through the air passage 81 can be increased and the air flow can be regulated, which in turn makes it possible to suppress the diffusion of the air (air curtain).

[0072] 7, by arranging the lower air outlets 622 uniformly along the left-right direction, the air sent out from the lower air outlets 622 is adjusted, and a uniform air curtain can be formed in the left-right direction. Therefore, in order to form a uniform air curtain in the left-right direction, it is desirable that the chamber 82 be configured to narrow the flow path, and that the lower air outlets 622 that send air into the chamber 82 be arranged uniformly along the left-right direction.

[0073] As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, it is desirable that the lower end of the outer cover 79 be positioned in front of the lower end of the extension cover 78. This results in a structure that makes it easier to suppress the rising of heated air discharged from the lower end of the extension cover 78. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8B and 8C, it is desirable that the lower end of the outer cover 79 be positioned forward of a position aligned with the lower end of the extension cover 78. This results in a structure in which the outer cover 79 covers the extension cover 78, making it even easier to suppress the rising of heated air. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8C, it is even more desirable that the lower end of the outer cover 79 be positioned below the height of the lower end of the outer cover 79. This results in a structure that makes it even easier to suppress the rising of heated air.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, it is desirable to place a spacer 83 between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79. This makes it possible to maintain a predetermined distance between the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79. Note that since the extension cover 78 and the outer cover 79 are flexible plate-shaped members that extend in the left-right direction, providing the spacer 83 is particularly effective.

[0075] ===Other Embodiments===The above embodiments are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be implemented in appropriate combinations, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0076] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Printing device, 10 Controller, 20 Carriage unit, 21 Carriage, 22 Carriage motor, 30 Transport unit, 31 Transport member, 31A Transport roller, 31B Pinch roller, 32 Transport motor, 33 Guide member, 33A Platen, 33R Rear apron, 33F Front apron, 41 Head, 50 Heating unit, 51 Heating chamber, 51A Upstream chamber, 51B Downstream chamber, 511 Hot air generating section, 511A Fan, 511B Heater, 512 Supply port, 513 Recovery port, 52 Heating passage, 60 Air blowing chamber, 61 Upper air blowing chamber, 61A Upstream chamber, 61B Downstream chamber, 611 Upper air blowing fan, 612 Air outlet, 62 Lower air blowing chamber, 62A Upstream chamber, 62B downstream chamber, 621 lower blower fan, 622 lower blower port (blower port), 623 blower port, 70 main body case, 71 first wall portion, 72 second wall portion, 721 intake port, 73 heat insulating material, 73A lower edge, 73B recessed portion, 74 outer wall portion, 74U upper wall portion, 74F front wall portion, 74D lower wall portion, 741 intake port, 741U upper intake port, 741D lower intake port, 742 intake area, 743 non-intake area, 75 (75A to 75C) fan mounting wall portion, 76 partition wall portion, 77 current plate, 78 extension cover (first cover), 79 outer cover (second cover), 79A main body portion, 79B chamber forming portion, 81 Air passage, 82 chamber, 83 spacer

Claims

1. A device comprising: a guide member that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from a printing area and that guides a medium; a heating unit that supplies heated air to the medium guided by the guide member; and a heating passage that is formed between the guide member and the heating unit and through which the heated air flows, wherein the heating unit comprises: a main body case arranged opposite the guide member; a heating chamber provided in the main body case; a fan housed in the heating chamber; a heater that is housed in the heating chamber and that heats the air blown by the fan; a supply port that supplies the heated air heated by the heater to the heating passage; an air blower chamber that is arranged in the main body case separately from the heating chamber; an air blower fan housed in the air blower chamber; and an air blower port that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from the supply port and through which air from the air blower chamber is blown out by the air blower fan, wherein the main body case comprises: a first cover that is arranged opposite the guide member downstream in the transport direction from the supply port and that forms the heating passage between itself and the guide member; and a second cover that is arranged opposite the first cover. a ventilation passage formed between the first cover and the second cover, through which air sent out from the ventilation port flows; and an air outlet through which the air that has passed through the ventilation passage is blown out.

2. A printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the air outlet is arranged adjacent to an outlet through which the heated air is discharged from the heating passage.

3. A printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first cover and the second cover is narrower than the distance between the guide member and the first cover.

4. A printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow velocity of the air discharged from the lower end of the second cover is faster than the flow velocity of the heated air discharged from the lower end of the first cover.

5. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second cover has a main body portion arranged opposite the first cover so as to form the air passage, and a chamber forming portion provided above the main body portion, and a chamber is formed between the chamber forming portion and the first cover.

6. A printing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the chamber is configured so that the distance between the chamber forming portion and the first cover becomes narrower towards the bottom.

7. A printing device according to claim 5, wherein the air outlets are uniformly arranged along the left-right direction.

8. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower end of the second cover is disposed in front of the lower end of the first cover.

9. A printing device according to claim 8, wherein the lower end of the second cover is positioned forward of the position aligned with the lower end of the first cover.

10. A printing device according to claim 9, wherein the lower end of the second cover is positioned lower than the lower end of the first cover.

11. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a spacer is disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

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