Patent Description:
An inkjet device disclosed in <CIT> includes a carriage, a cover, a head driver integrated circuit, and a heat sink. The cover covers the head, the head driver integrated circuit, and the heat sink. The cover is provided with a fan for taking in air for cooling the heat sink and a vent hole for discharging the air.

In a case of a holding unit including an discharge unit that discharges liquid, such as the carriage in the inkjet device disclosed in <CIT>, there is a concern that liquid in the form of mist that has entered from a gap around the discharge unit in the holding unit may adhere to the inside of the holding unit.

<CIT> discloses a liquid discharge apparatus that includes a body and a carriage disposed inside the body. A head is mounted on the carriage. The head discharges ink onto a recording medium and generates ink mist. An ink mist collector includes a fan that generates an air current that circulates in an air flow direction inside the body. A filter collects the ink mist generated by the head. At least one duct adjusts the air flow direction. An encoder is mounted on the carriage. The encoder is disposed downstream from the fan and disposed upstream from the head in the air flow direction.

<CIT> and <CIT> also disclose relevant printers.

In order to solve the above problems, a holding unit according to the present invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

In order to solve the above problems, a liquid discharge device according to the present invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a printer <NUM> and a carriage <NUM> according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will be specifically described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a printer <NUM> is an example of a liquid discharge device that performs recording by discharging ink K (<FIG>), which is an example of liquid, onto a medium M.

The printer <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM>. The printer <NUM> performs recording on the medium M by a recording head <NUM> which will be described below. Examples of the medium M include cloth and paper. In addition, as an example, the medium M is pulled out from a front surface of the printer <NUM>. Note that an X-Y-Z coordinate system illustrated in each drawing is an orthogonal coordinate system.

An X-direction is a device width direction of the printer <NUM>, and is a horizontal direction. A tip end side of an arrow indicating the X direction is defined as a +X direction, and a base end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is defined as a -X direction. The X direction is an example of a width direction of the medium M.

A Y-direction is the depth direction of the printer <NUM> and is a horizontal direction. A tip end side of an arrow indicating the Y direction is defined as a +Y direction, and a base end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is defined as a -Y direction. The +Y direction is an example of a transport direction of the medium M.

The Z direction is an example of a height direction of the printer <NUM>. A tip end side of an arrow indicating the Z direction is defined as a +Z direction, and a base end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is defined as a -Z direction. The -Z direction is a direction in which gravity acts.

The main body portion <NUM> is an example of an device main body that holds the holding portion <NUM> described below. The main body portion <NUM> is configured to include a base portion <NUM>, a medium support portion <NUM>, a medium transport unit <NUM>, a scanning unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> includes support units 13A and 13B, and a vertical wall unit 13C supported by the support units 13A and 13B.

The medium support portion <NUM> is provided at the base portion <NUM> and supports the medium M in the Z direction. An upper surface 14A of the medium support portion <NUM> is, for example, a plane along the X-Y plane.

The medium transport unit <NUM> is an example of a transport unit that transports the medium M to a position facing a plurality of recording heads <NUM> (<FIG>) which will be described below. The medium transport unit <NUM> includes a transport roller 16A and a motor (not illustrated). The medium transport unit <NUM> transports the medium M in the +Y direction by the rotation of the transport roller 16A. In the present exemplary embodiment, the +Y direction corresponds to the main scanning direction.

The scanning unit <NUM> includes a slide rail <NUM>, a slider, a carriage motor, and a timing belt (not illustrated), and a cable clamp <NUM>.

The slide rail <NUM> is supported by the vertical wall unit 13C and extends in the X direction. A slider (not illustrated) is provided at the slide rail <NUM> so as to be movable in the X direction.

The cable clamp <NUM> supports a cable (not illustrated) coupled to the plurality of recording heads <NUM>.

In the scanning unit <NUM>, the carriage motor drives the timing belt in accordance with an instruction from the control unit <NUM> to reciprocate the holding portion <NUM> in the X direction. In other words, the scanning unit <NUM> scans the plurality of recording heads <NUM> in the X direction as the sub-scanning direction.

The control unit <NUM> is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage, which are not illustrated. The control unit <NUM> controls the transport of the medium M in the printer <NUM>, the recording operation on the medium M by the plurality of recording heads <NUM>, etc..

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holding portion <NUM> is an example of a holding unit held by the main body <NUM> (<FIG>). The holding portion <NUM> includes the plurality of recording heads <NUM>, the carriage <NUM>, a cover portion <NUM>, and a blowing unit <NUM>.

The recording heads <NUM> are an example of at least one discharge unit capable of discharging the ink K (<FIG>) onto the medium M (<FIG>). Eight recording heads <NUM> are arranged in the X direction, and four recording heads <NUM> are arranged in the Y direction. That is, as an example, <NUM> recording heads <NUM> are provided at the carriage <NUM>. In addition, the recording heads <NUM> are provided to face the upper surface 14A or the medium M (<FIG>) in the Z direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the recording head <NUM> includes a head main body <NUM> and a bracket (not illustrated) provided at the head main body <NUM>. The bracket is for attaching the head main body <NUM> to a bottom wall portion <NUM> which will be described below.

The head main body <NUM> includes, for example, four nozzle units <NUM>. The nozzle unit <NUM> is composed of a plurality of nozzles that are exposed in the -Z direction. The plurality of nozzles are not illustrated. The head main body <NUM> has a crank-shaped outer shape when viewed in the +Z direction.

The plurality of recording heads <NUM> are arranged at an interval d1 [mm] in the X direction. In addition, the plurality of recording heads <NUM> are arranged at an interval d2 [mm] in the Y direction. The distance d2 is smaller than the distance d1.

The ink K (<FIG>) is supplied to the recording head <NUM> through a pipe (not illustrated). In addition, a piezoelectric element (not illustrated) and a pressure chamber which accommodates the ink K are provided in the recording head <NUM>. The piezoelectric element is attached to a wall surface of the pressure chamber. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the volume of the pressure chamber changes in accordance with the deformation of the piezoelectric element, and thus the ink K is discharged from the nozzle unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> has the bottom wall portion <NUM>, side wall portions <NUM> and <NUM>, a front wall portion <NUM>, and a rear wall portion <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> is formed in a box shape which is exposed in the +Z direction. The carriage <NUM> is an example of an accommodating unit that accommodates the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. The carriage <NUM> can reciprocate in the X direction by the above-described slider.

The bottom wall portion <NUM> is a plate-like portion having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The bottom wall portion <NUM> has a quadrangular outer shape having sides along the X direction and sides along the Y direction when viewed from the Z direction. The bottom wall portion <NUM> is an example of an attachment portion to which the plurality of recording heads <NUM> are attached. The bottom wall portion <NUM> includes, for example, a first bottom plate <NUM> and a second bottom plate <NUM>.

The plurality of recording heads <NUM> are attached to the first bottom plate <NUM>. The plurality of recording heads <NUM> extend in the +Z direction from the first bottom plate <NUM>.

The second bottom plate <NUM> is located in the -Y direction with respect to the first bottom plate <NUM>. The blowing unit <NUM>, which will be described below, is attached to the second bottom plate <NUM>.

The side wall portion <NUM> extends in the +Z direction from an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the +X direction. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inclined wall 46A and a vertical wall 46B. The inclined wall 46A extends in an inclined direction from an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the +X direction toward a position in the +X direction and the +Z direction. The vertical wall 46B extends in the +Z direction from an end portion of the inclined wall 46A in the +Z direction.

The side wall portion <NUM> extends in the +Z direction from an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -X direction. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inclined wall 47A and a vertical wall 47B. The inclined wall 47A extends in an inclined direction from an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -X direction toward a position in the -X direction and the +Z direction. The vertical wall 47B extends in the +Z direction from an end portion of the inclined wall 47A in the +Z direction.

The front wall portion <NUM> stands upright in the +Z direction at an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the +Y direction. The front wall <NUM> is coupled to an end portion of the side wall <NUM> in the +Y direction and an end portion of the side wall <NUM> in the +Y direction.

The rear wall portion <NUM> stands upright in the +Z direction at an end portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Y direction. The rear wall portion <NUM> is coupled to an end portion of the side wall portion <NUM> in the -Y direction and an end portion of the side wall portion <NUM> in the -Y direction. A surface of the rear wall portion <NUM> in the +Y direction is referred to as a front surface 49A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover portion <NUM> covers an opening portion of the carriage <NUM> in the +Z direction. Specifically, the cover portion <NUM> includes an upper wall <NUM>, a front wall <NUM>, and two side walls <NUM>.

The upper wall <NUM> is a plate-like wall having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The upper wall <NUM> has a rectangular outer shape in which the dimension in the X direction is longer than the dimension in the Y direction.

The front wall <NUM> extends in an inclined direction from an end portion of the upper wall <NUM> in the +Y direction toward a position in the +Y direction and the -Z direction. A surface of the front wall <NUM> in the -Y direction is referred to as a rear surface 57A (<FIG>).

The two side walls <NUM> extend in the -Z direction from both end portions of the upper wall <NUM> in the X direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a facing surface <NUM> is provided at an end portion of the upper wall <NUM> in the -Z direction. The facing surface <NUM> is, for example, a plane along the X-Y plane. A portion of the facing surface <NUM> faces the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the Z direction with the plurality of recording heads <NUM> sandwiched therebetween.

In other words, the cover portion <NUM> is an example of a facing portion having the facing surface <NUM> facing the bottom wall portion <NUM>.

When viewed from the X direction, a region in the Y direction corresponding to the facing surface <NUM> is divided into a first region S1 facing the plurality of recording heads <NUM> in the Z direction and a second region S2 not facing the plurality of recording heads <NUM> in the Z direction. Here, a portion of the facing surface <NUM> located inside the first region S1 is referred to as a first facing surface 56A. A portion of the facing surface <NUM> located inside the second region S2 is referred to as a second facing surface 56B.

The first facing surface 56A faces, in the -Z direction, a portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> to which the plurality of recording heads <NUM> are attached. To be specific, the first facing surface 56A faces, in the -Z direction, the plurality of recording heads <NUM> and a portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> located around the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. The first facing surface 56A does not face the blowing unit <NUM> described below.

On the other hand, the second facing surface 56B faces, in the -Z direction, a portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> to which the plurality of recording heads <NUM> are not attached. To be specific, the second facing surface 56B faces, in the -Z direction, a portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> located in the -Y direction with respect to the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. Further, the second facing surface 56B faces the blowing unit <NUM> in the -Z direction.

The blowing unit <NUM> blows an air A toward the facing surface <NUM> so that the air A reaches the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. The air A is an example of a gas.

Specifically, the blowing unit <NUM> includes a plurality of air nozzles <NUM> arranged at intervals in the X direction and the Y direction. The plurality of air nozzles <NUM> are attached to a portion of the bottom wall portion <NUM> facing the second facing surface 56B. The plurality of air nozzles <NUM> blow the air A toward the second facing surface 56B by ejecting the air A in the +Z direction. Each of the plurality of air nozzles <NUM> has a nozzle opening (not illustrated). The nozzle opening is exposed toward the second facing surface 56B.

Note that an ejection amount of the air A in the plurality of air nozzles <NUM> is adjusted in advance so that the air A reaches the recording head <NUM> located at the end in the +Y direction. The blowing unit <NUM> may include a single air nozzle <NUM>. That is, the blowing unit <NUM> may include at least one air nozzle <NUM>. In a case where the blowing unit <NUM> includes the single air nozzle <NUM>, it is preferable that the single air nozzle <NUM> has a nozzle opening having a rectangular shape in which a dimension in the X direction is greater than a dimension in the Y direction.

Next, operations of the printer <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a main flow (air flow) of the air A in the holding portion <NUM> is indicated by an arrow A. The air A flows from the plurality of air nozzles <NUM> toward the second facing surface 56B. Subsequently, the air A collides with the second facing surface 56B and then flows from the second facing surface 56B toward the first facing surface 56A. Further, the air A flows toward the plurality of recording heads <NUM> while descending in the -Z direction. The air A ejected from the plurality of air nozzles <NUM> also includes air that flows in the +Y direction without contacting the second facing surface 56B and reaches the plurality of recording heads <NUM>.

When the air A flows into the holding portion <NUM> from the blowing unit <NUM>, the pressure in the holding portion <NUM> becomes positive. A portion of the air A also flows in between the plurality of recording heads <NUM>.

There is a possibility that part of the ink K discharged in the -Z direction from the plurality of recording heads <NUM> does not become an ink droplet, but becomes the ink K in a mist state, that is, mist MS, and enters the inside of the carriage <NUM> in the +Z direction from the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM>.

Here, as described above, the air A flows in the -Z direction in the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM> and the peripheral portion of the gap. Since the direction in which the air A flows is opposite to the direction in which the mist MS enters, it is possible to prevent the mist MS from entering the inside of the holding portion <NUM>.

As described above, according to the holding portion <NUM>, the blowing unit <NUM> blows the air A toward the facing surface <NUM> so that the air A reaches the plurality of recording heads <NUM> inside the holding portion <NUM>. The flow direction of the air A blown toward the facing surface <NUM> is changed by colliding with the facing surface <NUM>, and the air A is dispersed in a plurality of directions. At least a portion of the dispersed air A flows around the plurality of recording heads <NUM> or to the bottom wall portion <NUM>. Then, the air A restricts the flow of the mist MS that tends to enter the periphery of the plurality of recording heads <NUM> from the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM>. In this manner, since the air A flowing to the plurality of recording heads <NUM> suppresses the entry of the mist MS into the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM>, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the ink K to the inside of the holding portion <NUM>.

According to the printer <NUM>, similarly to the holding portion <NUM>, it is possible to suppress the ink K which enters from the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM> from adhering to the inside of the holding portion <NUM>. Accordingly, since the ink K is suppressed from adhering to the coupling portion of the wiring, etc. for operating the plurality of recording heads <NUM>, it is possible to suppress the operation failure of the plurality of recording heads <NUM> in a case of discharging the ink K onto the medium M.

In <FIG>, the relationship between the air ejection amount [m<NUM>/s] corresponding to the ejection amount of the air A in the blowing unit <NUM> and the inflow amount [m<NUM>/s] of the mist MS flowing in between the plurality of recording heads <NUM> from the gap of the bottom wall portion <NUM> is illustrated by graphs G1 and G2. The greater the number attached to A is, the greater the air ejection amount is. The greater the number attached to Q is, the greater the inflow amount is. The results of the graphs G1 and G2 are results obtained by simulation.

The graph G1 is a result in a case where the air A is blown in the +Z direction using the blowing unit <NUM> of the present exemplary embodiment inside the holding portion <NUM>. The graph G2 is a result in a case where the air A is blown in the -Z direction from an air nozzle (not illustrated) inside the holding portion <NUM> as a comparative example. When the graphs G1 and G2 are compared, in a case where the air ejection amount is the same, the inflow amount of the mist MS to the inside of the holding portion <NUM> is smaller in the present exemplary embodiment in which the air A is blown in the +Z direction than in the comparative example in which the air A is blown in the -Z direction.

Hereinafter, the printer <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM> according to a second exemplary embodiment will be specifically described. The same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and signs, and description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holding portion <NUM> is provided in place of the holding portion <NUM> (<FIG>) in the printer <NUM> (<FIG>). The configurations other than the holding portion <NUM> is basically the same as those of the printer <NUM>. Specifically, the holding portion <NUM> further includes a changing unit <NUM> in addition to the configuration of the holding portion <NUM>. The holding portion <NUM> is an example of a holding unit held by the main body portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

The changing unit <NUM> is at least one portion that can change the flow direction of the air A blown toward the facing surface <NUM> to a direction toward the bottom wall portion <NUM>. The changing unit <NUM> includes, for example, a first changing member <NUM> and a second changing member <NUM>.

The first changing member <NUM> is provided extending across a portion of the front surface 49A and an end portion of the second facing surface 56B in the -Y direction inside the holding portion <NUM>. The first changing member <NUM> is a member having a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The first changing member <NUM> has an upstream guide surface <NUM> including an arc-shaped curved surface when viewed in the X direction.

The upstream guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface recessed toward a corner portion formed by the front surface 49A and the second facing surface 56B. The upstream guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface such that the direction in which a tangent line at each point of the upstream guide surface <NUM> extends changes from the +Z direction to the +Y direction toward the +Y direction when viewed from the X direction. In other words, the upstream guide surface <NUM> guides, in the +Y direction, the air A that has risen in the +Z direction toward the upstream guide surface <NUM>.

The second changing member <NUM> is provided extending across an end portion of the rear surface 57A in the +Z direction and an end portion of the first facing surface 56A in the +Y direction inside the holding portion <NUM>. The second changing member <NUM> is a member having a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The second changing member <NUM> has a downstream guide surface <NUM> including an arc-shaped curved surface as viewed in the X direction.

The downstream guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface recessed toward a corner portion formed by the rear surface 57A and the first facing surface 56A. The downstream guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface such that the direction of a tangent line at each point of the downstream guide surface <NUM> extends changes from the +Y direction to the -Z direction toward the +Y direction when viewed from the X direction. In other words, the downstream guide surface <NUM> guides, in the +Y direction, the air A flowing toward the downstream guide surface <NUM> in the -Z direction, that is, toward the plurality of recording heads <NUM> and the bottom wall portion <NUM>. As viewed in the X direction, the curvature of the downstream guide surface <NUM> is, for example, smaller than the curvature of the upstream guide surface <NUM>.

Next, operation of the holding portion <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The air A blown in the +Z direction from the blowing unit <NUM> toward the second facing surface 56B is directed in the +Y direction by being guided by the upstream guide surface <NUM>. Further, the air A flowing in the +Y direction is guided by the downstream guide surface <NUM> to flow in the -Z direction. Accordingly, the air A reaches the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. Here, the air A can suppress the mist MS from entering the inside of the holding portion <NUM>.

In this manner, according to the holding portion <NUM>, the flow direction of the air A blown toward the facing surface <NUM> is changed to the direction toward the bottom wall portion <NUM> by the changing unit <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a portion of the air A from staying in the vicinity of the facing surface <NUM> and to increase the amount of the air A flowing toward the bottom wall portion <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the ink K (mist MS) entering from the gap from adhering to the inside of the holding portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the printer <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM> according to a third exemplary embodiment will be specifically described. The same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the holding portions <NUM> and <NUM> according to the first and second exemplary embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and signs, and description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holding portion <NUM> is provided in place of the holding portion <NUM> (<FIG>) in the printer <NUM> (<FIG>). The configurations other than the holding portion <NUM> is basically the same as those of the printer <NUM>. Specifically, the holding portion <NUM> includes a changing unit <NUM> instead of the changing unit <NUM> in the configuration of the holding portion <NUM> (<FIG>). The holding portion <NUM> is an example of a holding unit held by the main body portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

The changing unit <NUM> is at least one portion that can change the flow direction of the air A blown toward the facing surface <NUM> to a direction toward the bottom wall portion <NUM>. The changing unit <NUM> includes, for example, a plurality of the first changing members <NUM>, a plurality of the second changing members <NUM>, and a plurality of third changing members <NUM>.

The plurality of third changing members <NUM> are provided at the center portion of the facing surface <NUM> in the Y direction inside the holding portion <NUM>. That is, the plurality of third changing members <NUM> are located between the first changing member <NUM> and the second changing member <NUM> in the Y direction. The plurality of third changing members <NUM> are located in the +Z direction with respect to the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. The third changing member <NUM> is a member having a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The third changing member <NUM> has a guide surface <NUM> including an arc-shaped curved surface when viewed in the X direction.

The guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface that is recessed toward a position in the +Y direction and the +Z direction. The guide surface <NUM> is a curved surface such that the direction of a tangent line at each point of the guide surface <NUM> extends changes from the +Y direction to the -Z direction toward the +Y direction when viewed from the X direction. In other words, the guide surface <NUM> guides, in the -Z direction, the air A flowing in the +Y direction toward the downstream guide surface <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the third changing member <NUM> is a block-shaped member having a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The third changing member <NUM> includes, for example, an upper surface 84A, a vertical surface 84B, two side surfaces 84C, and a guide surface <NUM>.

The upper surface 84A is a surface along the X-Y plane. The upper surface 84A is attached to the facing surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The vertical surface 84B is a surface along the X-Z plane. The vertical surface 84B extends in the -Z direction from an end portion in the +Y direction of the upper surface 84A. The two side surfaces 84C couple both end portions of each of the upper surface 84A and the vertical surface 84B in the X direction. The two side surfaces 84C are surfaces along the Y-Z plane.

The guide surface <NUM> extends from an end of the upper surface 84A in the -Y direction to an end of the vertical surface 84B in the -Z direction.

The changing unit <NUM> is provided with, for example, a plurality of through holes <NUM> that extend through the changing unit <NUM> in the Y direction. In the present exemplary embodiment, as an example, six through holes <NUM> are provided.

The six through holes <NUM> extend from the guide surface <NUM> to the vertical surface 84B. Each of the six through holes <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the X direction is longer than the dimension in the Z direction when viewed in the +Y direction. For example, two through holes <NUM> are arranged in the X direction and three through holes <NUM> are arranged in the Z direction at intervals. In the guide surface <NUM>, the air A can be guided in the -Z direction in a portion located between two through holes <NUM> adjacent to each other in the X direction and a portion located outside the two through holes <NUM> in the X direction.

In this manner, in the changing unit <NUM>, both the guide of the air A by the guide surface <NUM> and the flow of the air A in the +Y direction in the six through holes <NUM> are possible.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the inside of the holding portion <NUM> is viewed in the - Z direction from the facing surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The plurality of recording heads <NUM> include a first recording head 32A and a second recording head 32A which is attached to the bottom wall portion <NUM> side by side with the first recording head 32B in the X direction. In the present exemplary embodiment, as an example, the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B are alternately arranged in the X direction. In addition, as an example, the configuration of the first recording head 32A and the configuration of the second recording head 32B have the same configuration.

The first recording head 32A is an example of a first discharge unit. The plurality of first recording heads 32A are arranged in the Y direction.

The second recording head 32B is an example of a second discharge unit. The plurality of second recording heads 32B are arranged in the Y direction.

The plurality of second changing members <NUM> are disposed extending across the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B in the X direction in plan view of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Z direction. The plurality of second changing members <NUM> are disposed extending across, in the Y direction, two first recording heads 32A arranged in the Y direction and two second recording heads 32B arranged in the Y direction in plan view of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Z direction.

The plurality of third changing members <NUM> are disposed extending across the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B in the X direction in plan view of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Z direction. In addition, the plurality of third changing members <NUM> are disposed extending across, in the Y direction, two first recording heads 32A arranged in the Y direction and two second recording heads 32B arranged in the Y direction in plan view of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Z direction.

Next, operation of the holding portion <NUM> according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

According to the holding portion <NUM>, in a case where a space portion facing the facing surface <NUM> is also present in the +Y direction which is the back side with respect to the third changing member <NUM>, the air A can reach the space portion on the back side by passing through the plurality of through holes <NUM> of the third changing member <NUM>, and thus it is possible to suppress the range in which the air A flows from being limited by the third changing member <NUM>.

A space portion between the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B is narrower than other space portions in the carriage <NUM>. Therefore, the mist MS is likely to stay in the space portion between the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B.

Here, according to the holding portion <NUM>, the plurality of second changing members <NUM> and the plurality of third changing members <NUM> are disposed extending across the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B in plan view of the bottom wall portion <NUM> in the -Z direction. Therefore, the air A of which the flow direction is changed by the plurality of second changing members <NUM> and the plurality of third changing members <NUM> also flows between the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B. Accordingly, it is possible to flow the air A toward the mist MS existing between the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, since the air A can flow between the plurality of first recording heads 32A arranged in the Y direction and between the plurality of second recording heads 32B arranged in the Y direction, it is possible to prevent the mist MS from entering.

Hereinafter, the printer <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM> according to a fourth exemplary embodiment will be specifically described. The same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the holding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and signs, and description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holding portion <NUM> is provided in place of the holding portion <NUM> (<FIG>) in the printer <NUM> (<FIG>). The configurations other than the holding portion <NUM> is basically the same as those of the printer <NUM>. Specifically, the holding portion <NUM> has a configuration in which a drive substrate <NUM> and a Peltier cooler <NUM> are further added to the configuration of the holding portion <NUM> (<FIG>). The holding portion <NUM> is an example of a holding unit held by the main body portion <NUM> (<FIG>).

The drive substrate <NUM> is accommodated in the carriage <NUM>.

The drive substrate <NUM> is an example of an electronic element portion that generates heat when being driven. As an example, the drive substrate <NUM> is coupled to an end portion of each recording head <NUM> in the +Z direction. The drive substrate <NUM> can be energized from a power supply unit (not illustrated) via wiring.

The Peltier cooler <NUM> is provided at the cover portion <NUM>.

The Peltier cooler <NUM> is an example of a cooling portion that cools the cover portion <NUM>. The Peltier cooler <NUM> is attached to an upper surface 54A of the upper wall <NUM> in the +Z direction, for example. When a region SA of the upper surface 54A to which the Peltier cooler <NUM> is attached is projected in the -Z direction, a portion of the plurality of recording heads <NUM> is located inside the region SA. The Peltier cooler <NUM> can be energized from a power supply unit (not illustrated) via wiring. When energized, the Peltier cooler <NUM> absorbs heat from the upper wall <NUM> to cool the air inside the holding portion <NUM>.

Next, operation of the holding portion <NUM> according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

When the air A inside the holding portion <NUM> is heated by the heat generated by the driving of the drive substrate <NUM>, the air A moves in the +Z direction as an ascending air current, and there is a possibility that the air A is not easily directed to the bottom wall portion <NUM>.

Here, according to the holding portion <NUM>, since the Peltier cooler <NUM> cools the cover portion <NUM>, the temperature of the air A existing around the cover portion <NUM> in the inside of the holding portion <NUM> can be reduced, and an ascending air current is less likely to be generated. Therefore, the air A can be easily directed toward the bottom wall portion <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a printer <NUM> and a holding portion <NUM> according to a fifth exemplary embodiment will be specifically described. The same configurations as those of the printer <NUM> and the holding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to the first, second, third, and fourth exemplary embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and signs, and description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> includes a moving unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, and a holding portion <NUM>. The configurations of the printer <NUM> other than the moving unit <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> is the same as those of the printer <NUM> (<FIG>).

The moving unit <NUM> is provided at the main body portion <NUM> (<FIG>), and is capable of moving the holding portion <NUM> in the X direction intersecting the +Y direction of the medium M. Specifically, the moving unit <NUM> includes the slide rail <NUM>, a slider <NUM>, a carriage motor and a timing belt (not illustrated), and the cable clamp <NUM> (<FIG>).

The slider <NUM> is provided so as to be movable from one to the other of the +X direction and the -X direction along the slide rail <NUM>. The rear wall portion <NUM> of the holding portion <NUM> is attached to the slider <NUM>. Accordingly, the holding portion <NUM> can reciprocate in the X direction.

The moving unit <NUM> reciprocates the holding portion <NUM> along the X direction by the carriage motor driving the timing belt in accordance with an instruction from the control unit <NUM>. In other words, the moving unit <NUM> scans the plurality of recording heads <NUM> in the X direction.

The holding portion <NUM> is an example of a holding unit held by the main body portion <NUM> via the moving unit <NUM>. The holding portion <NUM> includes the plurality of recording heads <NUM>, the carriage <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM>, and a blowing unit <NUM>. As an example, the holding portion <NUM> is not provided with the blowing unit <NUM> (<FIG>).

The blowing unit <NUM> blows the air A toward the facing surface <NUM> so that the air A reaches the plurality of recording heads <NUM>. Specifically, at least one blowing unit <NUM> includes a first blowing unit <NUM> provided in the +X direction which is one side of the X direction and a second blowing unit <NUM> provided in the -X direction which is the other side of the X direction with respect to the plurality of recording heads <NUM>.

The first blowing unit <NUM> includes, for example, a plurality of air nozzles (not illustrated) arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The first blowing unit <NUM> is attached to the inclined wall 46A and is capable of ejecting the air A in the +Z direction. The first blowing unit <NUM> faces the end portion of the facing surface <NUM> in the +X direction in the Z direction. The ejection amount of the air A in the first blowing unit <NUM> is adjusted in advance so that the air A reaches the recording head <NUM> located at the end in the -X direction.

As an example, the second blowing unit <NUM> has the same configuration as that of the first blowing unit <NUM>, and only an arrangement thereof is different. The second blowing unit <NUM> is attached to the inclined wall 47A and is capable of ejecting the air A in the +Z direction. The second blowing unit <NUM> faces the end portion of the facing surface <NUM> in the -X direction in the Z direction. The ejection amount of the air A in the second blowing unit <NUM> is adjusted in advance so that the air A reaches the recording head <NUM> located at the end in the +X direction.

The control unit <NUM> controls the blowing of the air A by at least one blowing unit <NUM>, that is, the operation of the first blowing unit <NUM> and the operation of the second blowing unit <NUM>. Specifically, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the +X direction, the control unit <NUM> causes the second blowing unit <NUM> to blow air. That is, the control unit <NUM> causes the second blowing unit <NUM> to blow the air A as indicated by a broken-line arrow A2. In other words, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the +X direction, the control unit <NUM> operates the second blowing unit <NUM> and stops the operation of the first blowing unit <NUM>.

Further, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the -X direction, the control unit <NUM> causes the first blowing unit <NUM> to blow air. That is, the first blowing unit <NUM> is caused to blow the air A as indicated by a solid arrow A1. In other words, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the -X direction, the control unit <NUM> operates the first blowing unit <NUM> and stops the operation of the second blowing unit <NUM>.

Next, the operation of the printer <NUM> and the holding portion <NUM> according to the fifth exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. The air existing outside the holding portion <NUM> is simply referred to as air without being denoted by the reference sign A. Thus, the air existing outside is distinguished from the air A flowing inside the holding portion <NUM>.

When the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the +X direction, the mist MS easily enters the inside of the holding portion <NUM> in the periphery of the recording head <NUM> located in the +X direction. It is considered that this is because the pressure of the air acting from the +X direction toward the holding portion <NUM> increases. Similarly, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the -X direction, the mist MS easily enters the inside of the holding portion <NUM> in the periphery of the recording head <NUM> located in the -X direction.

Here, according to the printer <NUM>, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the +X direction, the control unit <NUM> causes the second blowing unit <NUM> to blow air. Accordingly, inside the holding portion <NUM>, an air A2 flowing in the +X direction from the second blowing unit <NUM> via the facing surface <NUM> restricts the entry of the mist MS.

Similarly, when the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM> in the -X direction, the control unit <NUM> causes the first blowing unit <NUM> to blow air. Accordingly, inside the holding portion <NUM>, the air A1 flowing in the -X direction from the first blowing unit <NUM> via the facing surface <NUM> restricts the entry of the mist MS. In this manner, even when the holding portion <NUM> is moved in any of the +X direction and the -X direction, it is possible to suppress the mist MS from entering the inside of the holding portion <NUM>.

That is, the control unit <NUM> can operate the first blowing unit <NUM> or the second blowing unit <NUM> in accordance with the direction in which the moving unit <NUM> moves the holding portion <NUM>. Accordingly, as compared to a case where both the first blowing unit <NUM> and the second blowing unit <NUM> operate, it is possible to suppress the action of suppressing the entry of the mist MS into the holding portion <NUM> from being hindered due to the interference of the air A ejected from one of the first blowing unit <NUM> and the second blowing unit <NUM> with the air A ejected from the other.

The printers <NUM> and <NUM> and the holding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> according to the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are based on a configuration having the configurations as described above, but it is of course possible to change, omit, or combine partial configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Hereinafter, a modification example will be described.

In the holding portion <NUM>, the second changing member <NUM> and the third changing member <NUM> may not extend across the first recording head 32A and the second recording head 32B in plan view. In the holding portion <NUM>, the plurality of third changing members may be arranged in the X direction without forming the through hole <NUM> in the third changing member <NUM>. In this configuration, for example, the third changing member may be formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the X direction.

In the holding portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the number of recording heads <NUM> may be one or a plurality other than <NUM>. The number of nozzle units <NUM> is not limited to four, and may be one or a plurality other than four.

The facing surface <NUM> may be inclined or curved in a direction intersecting with the Y direction.

The changing unit <NUM> may include only one of the first changing member <NUM> and the second changing member <NUM>.

The changing unit <NUM> is not limited to one in which the plurality of through holes <NUM> are formed in one member, and may be one in which a plurality of members are arranged at intervals in the Z direction. The shape of the through hole <NUM> is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a circle or an ellipse. The number of through holes <NUM> is not limited to six, and may be one or a plurality other than six.

The guide surface <NUM> is not limited to a curved surface, and may be formed of one inclined surface or a plurality of inclined surfaces having different angles with respect to the Y direction.

The liquid is not limited to the ink K and may be water, a cleaning liquid, etc. For example, the holding unit may be a cleaning unit that cleans an object by discharging water. Also in this configuration, water in the form of mist may enter from the gap.

The gas is not limited to the air A and may include, for example, a chlorofluorocarbon gas, etc..

Claim 1:
A holding unit (<NUM>) held by a device main body (<NUM>), the holding unit comprising:
at least one discharge unit (<NUM>) configured to discharge liquid;
an accommodating unit (<NUM>) including an attachment portion (<NUM>) to which the at least one discharge unit is attached, the accommodating unit being configured to accommodate the at least one discharge unit;
a facing portion (<NUM>) having a facing surface (<NUM>) facing the attachment portion;
a blowing unit (<NUM>) configured to blow a gas toward the facing surface so that the gas reaches the discharge unit;
at least one changing unit (<NUM>) configured to change, to a direction toward the attachment portion, a flow direction of the gas blown toward the facing surface, wherein
the at least one discharge unit includes a first discharge unit (32A) and a second discharge unit (32B), the first discharge and the second discharge unit being attached to the attachment portion side by side with each other, and characterized in that
the at least one changing unit is disposed extending across the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit when the attachment portion is viewed in plan view.