JP7449103B2 - printer - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to printers.

A so-called serial type printer is known (for example, Patent Document 1 or 2). In a serial printer, a head (print head) that directly performs printing is mounted on a carriage. The carriage is capable of conveying along a recording medium (for example, paper). The direction in which the carriage is conveyed is perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. Conveyance of the recording medium and conveyance of the carriage are repeated alternately, and printing is performed by the head while the carriage is conveyed. As a result, a two-dimensional image is printed on the recording medium. Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose providing the carriage with a blower that sends cooling air to the head.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-43075 JP2018-99797A

A printer according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a movable carriage on which a head for printing is mounted; a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head; a first end connected to the supply device; a second end that is connected to the carriage and is allowed to move relative to the first end, and a connection path that allows the gas to flow from the first end to the second end. There is.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing main parts of a printer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a configuration related to scanning in the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a main part of the configuration related to cooling air in the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a head unit in the printer of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views showing the configuration of a head unit according to a modified example.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings used in the following explanation are schematic, and the dimensional ratios, etc. in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual ones. Even in a plurality of drawings showing the same member, the dimensional ratio etc. may not match each other to exaggerate the shape etc.

For convenience, an orthogonal coordinate system xyz may be attached to the drawings. The head according to the present disclosure may be used in any orientation with respect to the vertical direction, but for convenience, terms such as upper surface or lower surface may be used with the +z direction side being upward.

(Overall configuration of printer)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing main parts of a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The printer 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer. More specifically, for example, the printer 1 is of a piezo head type that ejects ink using a piezoelectric element, and is of a serial head type that moves the print head, as will be described in detail later. It is an off-carriage type that does not move with the movement of the vehicle. The printer 1 may be a monochrome printer or a color printer.

The printer 1 includes, for example, a conveyance unit 3 that conveys a recording medium (for example, paper) 101 in the conveyance direction indicated by an arrow y1, and a head unit 5 that discharges ink droplets (droplets) toward the recording medium 101 that is being conveyed. , a scanning unit 7 that reciprocates the head unit 5 in the scanning direction (arrow y2) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 101 , an ink tank 9 that supplies ink to the head unit 5 , and the operation of the printer 1 is controlled. It has a control section 11.

In the printer 1, for example, conveyance of the recording medium 101 by the conveyance section 3 and reciprocating movement of the head unit 5 by the scanning section 7 are performed alternately. Then, during the one-way movement of the head unit 5 in the reciprocating movement, ink droplets are ejected from the head unit 5 to the recording medium 101 based on the image data. As a result, a two-dimensional image is formed on the recording medium 101. Note that the recording medium 101 may be transported between the forward and backward movements of the head unit 5, and ink droplets may be ejected in each of the forward and backward paths.

The configuration of the transport section 3 may be, for example, a known configuration or an application of a known configuration. In the illustrated example, the conveyance unit 3 conveys a plurality of recording media 101 stacked on a supply stack (not shown) one by one to a discharge stack (not shown). An example of a different aspect from the illustrated example is a conveyance unit that sends out a roll of paper wound around a supply roller and winds the fed roll paper around a collection roller.

Further, in the illustrated example, the conveyance unit 3 includes a roller 13 that contacts the recording medium 101, an electric motor 15 that rotates the roller 13, and a driver 17 that applies driving power to the electric motor 15. The configuration and arrangement of the rollers 13 may be determined as appropriate. For example, the conveyance path of the recording medium 101 realized by the rollers 13 and the like may be in the +y direction or -y direction (straight path), or may be in a U-turn. The direction in which the recording medium 101 is conveyed may be opposite to the arrow y1.

The configuration of the scanning unit 7 may be, for example, a known configuration or an application of a known configuration. An example will be described later, but FIG. 1 schematically shows an electric motor 19 that generates a driving force for moving the head unit 5 and a driver 21 that applies driving power to the electric motor 19.

The ink tank 9 is installed at a separate location from the head unit 5 so that it does not move together with the head unit 5. The ink tank 9 is connected to the head unit 5 via a flexible tube 23, for example. In FIG. 1, four ink tanks 9 are illustrated assuming that the printer 1 is a color printer that uses four colors of ink. However, in the following description, only the head and ink tank 9 corresponding to one color are illustrated for convenience. The ink tank 9 may be a cartridge that is replaced when the ink runs out, or it may be a cartridge that is replenished with ink. The tube 23 has a tank side end 23 a connected to the ink tank 9 and a head side end 23 b connected to the head unit 5 . Due to its flexibility, the tube 23 allows relative movement between the tank side end 23a and the head side end 23b.

The control unit 11 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an external storage device, although not particularly shown. The control unit 11 outputs control signals to the driver 17 of the transport unit 3, the driver 21 of the scanning unit 7, and the driver of the head unit 5 (described later), and controls the operations of the transport unit 3, the scan unit 7, and the head unit 5. . Further, the control unit 11 may output a control signal to a supply device that supplies cooling air (described later) and a cooling device that cools the cooling air (described later) to control their operations.

(Example of configuration of head unit and scanning section)
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a configuration related to movement (scanning) of the head unit 5. As shown in FIG.

The head unit 5 includes a head 25 that directly performs printing, and a carriage 27 on which the head 25 is mounted. The scanning unit 7 directly holds the carriage 27 and moves the carriage 27 in the scanning direction indicated by the arrow y2.

(Overview of carriage)
The carriage 27 includes, for example, a base body 29 that is the main member of the head 25, and accessory parts (not shown) such as screws that assist in fixing the base body 29 and the head 25. The base body 29 supports the entire load of the head 25, for example. In FIG. 2, the base body 29 is shown as if it were integrally formed of one material. However, the base body 29 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of members. The material of the base body 29 may be any suitable material such as metal or resin.

The base body 29 has, for example, a main portion 29a to which the head 25 is attached, and an attached portion 29b that contributes to attachment of the carriage 27 to the scanning section 7.

The main portion 29a has, for example, a frame shape that faces the recording medium 101 (see also FIG. 4). In other words, the main portion 29a has an opening 29h (FIG. 4) facing the recording medium 101. Thereby, the main portion 29a can support the head 25 from below while exposing the lower surface of the head 25 (the surface from which ink droplets are ejected) toward the recording medium 101.

The attached portion 29b has, for example, a shape that extends upward (to the side opposite to the recording medium 101) from a portion of the main portion 29a that is closer to the +y direction than the head 25. In other words, the +y direction is a direction (+y direction) that is perpendicular to the direction in which the head 25 and the recording medium 101 face each other (+z direction or -z direction) and perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and -x direction). and -y direction).

Since FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, the main portion 29a and the attached portion 29b are illustrated in a plate shape. In reality, these parts may have a more complex shape than the illustrated example. In FIG. 2, the attached portion 29b extends perpendicularly to the main portion 29a. Unlike the illustrated example, the attached portion 29b may extend obliquely in the +y direction. Further, as will be understood from the explanation of the configuration of the scanning unit 7 described later, the main portion 29a may be directly supported by the scanning unit 7 depending on the configuration of the scanning unit 7. That is, the attached portion 29b, which can be conceptualized separately from the main portion 29a, does not necessarily need to be provided.

Although not particularly illustrated, the carriage 27 or the base body 29 may include a housing-like member surrounding the head 25. Further, when the printer 1 has two or more heads 25, for example, the base body 29 is made larger in the movement direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and -x direction) than in the illustrated example, and the plurality of openings 29h are made larger in the +x direction. may be arranged in

(Example of scanning part)
The scanning unit 7 includes, for example, a first rail 31 and a second rail 33 that guide the carriage 27 in the scanning direction (+x direction and -x direction), and a transmission mechanism 35 that transmits a driving force for moving the carriage 27 to the carriage 27. have. The first rail 31 and the second rail 33 may also contribute to supporting the load of the carriage 27 (and the head 25, etc.).

The first rail 31 and the second rail 33 extend in the moving direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and −x direction). Further, these rails are immovably supported by an unillustrated structural member (for example, a housing) of the printer 1.

The cross section (cross section perpendicular to the length direction) of the first rail 31 may have an appropriate shape, and is circular in the illustrated example. The carriage 27 is supported by the first rail 31 by being inserted therethrough, and is guided by the first rail 31 in the direction in which the first rail 31 extends (+x direction and −x direction). . The first rail 31 may be inserted into an appropriate portion of the carriage 27. In the illustrated example, the first rail 31 is inserted through a portion of the carriage 27 on the +y direction side (the connecting portion between the main portion 29a and the attached portion 29b). More specifically, the portion on the +y direction side is located on the +y direction side with respect to the entire head 25 or the center of the head 25, for example. Further, the first rail 31 is inserted into the carriage 27, for example, on the −z side (on the recording medium 101 side) of the volume center or center of gravity of the head 25.

The second rail 33 is provided, for example, in a shape and arrangement that can restrict rotation of the first rail 31 of the carriage 27 around the axis. In the illustrated example, the second rail 33 is located on the +z direction side with respect to the first rail 31. Further, the second rail 33 has a shape having a groove (symbol omitted) that is open on the −z side (from another perspective, the first rail 31 side) and extends in the movement direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and −x direction). It is said that The upper end portion of the attached portion 29b of the carriage 27 is inserted (for example, fitted) into this groove. As a result, the carriage 27 is restricted from rotating around the axis of the first rail 31, and is guided by the second rail 33 in the direction in which the second rail 33 extends (+x direction and −x direction).

Examples of rail configurations other than those described above include, for example, one having only one rail. Specifically, for example, a rail inserted into the carriage 27, such as the first rail 31, may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In addition, the two rails other than the above include, for example, a rail that supports and guides the main portion 29a in the +y direction side relative to the head 25 (see first rail 31), and a rail that supports and guides the main portion 29a in the -y direction relative to the head 25. Examples include rails that support and guide on the direction side. Further, for example, in another configuration of the rail, the rail contacts the attached part 29b over a wide range from near the end on the -z side to near the end on the +z direction of the attached part 29b. Examples include step-shaped (from another perspective, plate-shaped) rails.

The transmission mechanism 35 includes, for example, two pulleys 37 and a belt 39 stretched around the two pulleys 37. The two pulleys 37 are separated from each other in the movement direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and −x direction). The belt 39 is fixed to the carriage 27 at a predetermined portion (a portion hidden behind the attached portion 29b and not shown in FIG. 2). The carriage 27 is driven by one of the two pulleys 37 being rotationally driven by the electric motor 19 shown in FIG. Examples of configurations of the transmission mechanism 35 other than those described above include a screw mechanism and a rack and pinion mechanism. Further, instead of the rotary electric motor 19, a linear motor may be used.

(Configuration related to cooling air)
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of the configuration related to cooling air in the printer 1. As shown in FIG.

The cooling air is used, for example, to cool the head 25. The cooling air may be realized by any suitable type of gas, for example the gas is air. One of the features of the printer 1 is that the supply device 41 for sending out cooling air (applying pressure to the cooling air) is not mounted on the carriage 27 (does not move as the carriage 27 moves). The supply device 41 and the carriage 27 are connected by a flexible tube 43. The printer 1 may have a cooling device 45 for cooling the gas delivered by the supply device 41. Specific configurations of these are, for example, as follows.

(Device body)
In the following description, the concept of the device main body 47 may be used. The apparatus main body 47 includes, for example, the transport section 3, head unit 5, scanning section 7, ink tank 9, and control section 11 of the printer 1, and a structure to which each of these sections is attached directly or indirectly. have. That is, it has an essential configuration for printing itself and a structure that holds it. The structure may include a housing 49, for example. The housing 49 accommodates the transport section 3 , head unit 5 , scanning section 7 , ink tank 9 , and control section 11 . Some of these may be exposed to the outside of the housing 49.

(supply device)
The supply device 41 may be a blower (fan) that applies energy to the gas by the rotational movement of an impeller, or a compressor that pumps the gas by the rotational movement of an impeller or rotor or the reciprocating movement of a piston. There may be. The compressor may be a blower with an effective discharge pressure of 200 kPa or less (or 100 kPa or less) (the lower limit is, for example, 10 kPa), or may have a larger effective discharge pressure than the blower. The pressure (or air volume from another perspective) that the supply device 41 applies to the gas may be appropriately set depending on the configuration of the printer 1 related to the amount of heat generated by the head 25 and the like.

In the case where the supply device 41 is a compressor, its specific configuration may be appropriate. For example, the compressor may be a turbo compressor that applies pressure to the gas by kinetic energy acting on the gas, or a positive displacement compressor that applies pressure to the gas by changing the volume within the mechanism. Examples of the turbo compressor include a centrifugal compressor and an axial compressor. Examples of the positive displacement compressor include a reciprocating compressor, a swash plate compressor, a diaphragm compressor, and a screw compressor.

The supply device 41 may be located outside the device main body 47 (casing 49) of the printer 1 (as shown in the figure), or may be located inside the device main body 47 (casing 49). An example of a mode in which the supply device 41 is provided outside the device main body 47 is a mode in which the supply device 41 is not immovably connected to the device body 47 (connection is made by a tube 43). Can be mentioned. Further, for example, the entire or most part (for example, 80% or more of the volume) of the supply device 41 is located outside the housing 49, so that the device main body 47 can be disassembled (the tube 43 can be attached and detached without requiring disassembly). ), the supply device 41 can be attached to and detached from the device main body 47.

(tube)
The tube 43 is a flexible, hollow and elongated member. The tube 43 has a first end 43a connected to the supply device 41 and a second end 43b connected to the carriage 27. The gas sent out from the supply device 41 flows through the tube 43 from the first end 43a to the second end 43b, and is supplied to the carriage 27. Since the tube 43 has flexibility, it allows the second end 43b to move relative to the first end 43a (supply device 41) as the carriage 27 moves.

The material, shape, dimensions, etc. of the tube 43 may be set as appropriate. For example, the material of the tube 43 may be an elastic material, or may be a resin that is not generally considered an elastic material. The elastic material is, for example, a thermosetting elastomer (so-called rubber) or a thermoplastic elastomer (elastomer in the narrow sense). The thermosetting elastomer is, for example, vulcanized rubber (rubber in the narrow sense) or a thermosetting resin elastomer. Further, for example, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the tube 43 are constant over approximately the entire length of the tube 43. The cross-sectional shape (outer edge and inner edge) of the tube 43 is, for example, circular. Unlike the illustrated example, the tube 43 may be configured in a bellows shape. The inner diameter of the tube 43 may be set depending on the air volume required of the printer 1 and the like. The length of the tube 43 may be set as appropriate so as not to hinder movement of the carriage 27.

The position of the tube 43 may also be set appropriately. In the illustrated example, the second end 43b of the tube 43 is connected to a portion of the carriage 27 that is closer to the +y direction than the head 25. In other words, the +y direction side is the first rail 31 side and/or the second rail 33 side. For details of the connection position of the second end 43b, the explanation of the introduction port 51a (FIG. 4) described later may be used. Further, in the illustrated example, the tube 43 extends in the +y direction from the second end 43b, and most of the tube 43 (for example, 60% or more of the length located inside the device main body 47 (for example, inside the housing 49)) It is located on the +y direction side with respect to the carriage 27. The tube 43 extends from the inside of the device main body 47 to the outside at a position on the +y direction side with respect to the carriage 27.

A portion of the tube 43 located outside the device main body 47 may extend in any direction with respect to the device main body 47, and a first end 43a connected to the supply device 41 extends outside the device main body 47. may be placed at any position relative to the In the illustrated example, the first end 43a is located on the +y direction side with respect to the device main body 47, but it may be located on the -y direction side, -x direction side, or +x direction side. Note that, unlike the illustrated example, when the supply device 41 is located inside the device main body 47, the first end 43a may be located on the +y direction side with respect to the carriage 27, for example.

The portion of the tube 43 located at the boundary between the inside and the outside of the device main body 47 (or the first end 43a connected to the supply device 41 located inside the device main body 47, unlike the illustrated example) is, for example, , is located near one end of the movement range of the carriage 27 (in the illustrated example, near the end in the -x direction) in the moving direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and -x direction). Therefore, when the carriage 27 is located on the other end side (+x direction side), the slack of the tube 43 is reduced as shown in the figure. When the carriage 27 moves in the -x direction, the tube 43 becomes looser. Unlike the illustrated example, it is also possible to position the portion of the tube 43 located at the boundary between the inside and outside of the device main body 47 near the center of the movement range of the carriage 27.

The tube 43 may be bundled with the tube 23 for supplying ink from the ink tank 9 to the head 25. In the illustrated example, the tubes 43 and 23 are bound together by a plurality of restraints 53 arranged at a plurality of positions. The restraint device 53 may be constituted by, for example, a known resin restraint band used for bundling cables, metal fittings fastened with screws, or adhesive tape. An example of a method other than the one shown in the drawings for bundling the tubes 43 and 23 is to insert the tubes 43 and 23 together into another flexible tube.

The tubes 43 and 23 are bundled together so that parts of the tubes extend along each other. The lengths of the portions extending along each other may be set as appropriate. For example, the tube 43 may extend along the tube 23 for more than 50% or more than 80% of the total length of the tube 23, and/or the tube 23 can extend along the entire length of the tube 23 for more than 50% or more than 80% of the length of the tube 23. It may also be along the tube 43. In the illustrated example, the second end 43b of the tube 43 is adjacent to the head side end 23b of the tube 23, and the tube 43 is bundled with the tube 23 near the tank side end 23a of the tube 23. It extends to Therefore, it can be said that the tube 43 runs along substantially the entire length of the tube 23.

The connection path (tube 43 in this embodiment) connecting the carriage 27 and the supply device 41 and the supply path (tube 23 in this embodiment) connecting the head 25 and the ink tank 9 may be arranged in a manner other than being bundled. , some of which may lie along each other. For example, although not particularly shown, the tubes 43 and 23 may be held in a state in which deformation is restricted in portions near the head unit 5 by a positioning portion of the carriage 27, and may lie along each other. Further, the ends of the connection path and the supply path on the head unit 5 side may be constituted by a connecting member that can be regarded as a rigid body, and both may be fixed to the head unit 5 in a state where they are aligned with each other. In addition, in these cases, the length of the portion where the connection path and the supply path are along each other may be relatively short with respect to the total length of the connection path and the supply path.

Since FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram, the tube 43 is directly connected to the supply device 41 or the carriage 27. Although not particularly illustrated, a connecting member may be interposed between the tube 43 and the supply device 41 to connect them, or a connecting member may be interposed between the tube 43 and the carriage 27 to connect them. From another perspective, the first end 43a and the second end 43b of the connection path (tube 43 in this embodiment) connecting the supply device 41 and the carriage 27 are directly connected to the supply device 41 or the carriage 27. You don't have to. However, the connecting member as described above may be considered to be the first end or the second end of the connection path, or may be considered to be a part of the supply device 41 or the carriage 27. When a connecting member is provided, the entire tube 43 may be located within the device main body 47, and the connecting member connecting the tube 43 and the supply device 41 may extend from the inside of the device main body 47 to the outside. .

Although not particularly illustrated, when a plurality of heads 25 are provided, the tube 43 may be shared by the plurality of heads 25, or may be provided for each head 25. In the latter case, the plurality of tubes 43 may or may not be bundled together.

(Cooling system)
The cooling device 45 may be configured by a chiller, for example. Although not particularly shown, the basic configuration of a chiller includes, for example, a compressor that compresses refrigerant, a condenser that cools the compressed refrigerant, an expansion valve that lowers the pressure of the cooled refrigerant, and sends the cooled refrigerant to a lower pressure. In this enumerated order, the evaporators are arranged in an annular shape to cool the object to be cooled (in this embodiment, the gas constituting the cooling air) with the refrigerant. The gas (for example, air) cooled by the cooling device 45 is taken into the supply device 41 and sent to the head unit 5 by the supply device 41 .

(head)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head unit 5 with the head 25 removed from the carriage 27. Here, the attached portion 29b of the carriage 27 is not shown. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4.

The configuration of the head 25 may be a known configuration or an application of a known configuration. An example is shown below.

The head 25 includes, for example, a generally flat channel member 55 that faces the recording medium 101, and a generally flat piezoelectric actuator 57 (FIG. 5) that overlaps the upper surface of the channel member 55.

Although not particularly shown, the flow path member 55 communicates with a plurality of nozzles opening on the lower surface of the flow path member 55, a plurality of pressurizing chambers that individually communicate with the plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of pressurizing chambers. It has a common flow path. The plurality of pressurizing chambers are located on the upper surface side of the flow path member 55, and the piezoelectric actuator 57 has a plurality of piezoelectric elements that individually apply pressure to the plurality of pressurizing chambers. When pressure is applied to the pressurizing chamber by the piezoelectric element, ink droplets are sent from the pressurizing chamber to the nozzle, and the ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle. As a result, printing is performed on the recording medium 101. The pressurized chamber that sent ink to the nozzle is replenished with ink from the common flow path.

As shown in FIG. 5, the head 25 has an electrical configuration for driving a piezoelectric actuator 57. For example, the head 25 includes a driver IC (Integrated Circuit) 59. The driver IC 59 generates a drive signal based on the control signal from the control unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, and individually inputs the generated drive signal to the plurality of piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric actuator 57. The drive signal is generated for each dot of the image, for example, and has a voltage that changes in a waveform depending on the density of the dot. The division of roles regarding specific processing between the control unit 11 and the driver IC 59 may be set as appropriate.

The connection between the piezoelectric actuator 57 and the driver IC 59 and the connection between the driver IC 59 and the control unit 11 are realized by providing appropriately configured wiring, a rigid board, and/or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). good. In the illustrated example, the head 25 includes two FPCs 61 connected to a piezoelectric actuator 57, a circuit board 63 connected to the FPC 61, and connectors 65 and 67 mounted on the circuit board 63.

The FPC 61 includes a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown). A region on one end side of the FPC 61 faces the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 57. In this opposing region, the plurality of wiring patterns of the FPC 61 and the plurality of piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric actuator 57 are joined by conductive bumps (not shown). Further, the driver IC is mounted on the FPC 61 and connected to the wiring pattern of the FPC 61. Thereby, the driver IC and piezoelectric actuator 57 are electrically connected.

The circuit board 63 is, for example, a rigid circuit board. The other end side region of the FPC 61 is electrically connected to the circuit board 63 by being connected to the connector 65 . Connector 65 is electrically connected to connector 67 via circuit board 63. The connector 67 is exposed outside the head 25 and can be electrically connected to the control unit 11 via a cable (not shown). Therefore, the driver IC 67 is electrically connected to the control unit 11 via the FPC 61, the connector 65, the circuit board 63, and the connector 67.

The head 25 may include a reservoir 69 that stores ink to be supplied to the channel member 55. The reservoir 69 has a supply port 71 (FIG. 4) to which the head side end 23b of the tube 23 is connected, and ink is supplied from the ink tank 9 via the tube 23. The inside of the reservoir 69 is connected to the above-mentioned common flow path of the flow path member 55 via a flow path (not shown). However, the reservoir 69 may not be provided and the channel member 55 and the tube 23 may be directly connected.

The various components of the head 25 described above may be provided in an appropriate arrangement, and the structure (for example, a housing) for holding the various components may also have an appropriate configuration. In the illustrated example, the head 25 includes a support member 73 and a cover 75 that covers the support member 73. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the support member 73 and the cover 75 are each shown as if they are integrally constructed. However, these may be configured by a combination of a plurality of members.

The shape of the support member 73 is, for example, approximately cylindrical with a space penetrating in the +z direction. The lower end of the support member 73 is joined to the outer periphery of the upper surface of the flow path member 55. In other words, the lower opening of the support member 73 is closed by the channel member 55. The shape of the cover 75 is generally a box-like shape that is open at the bottom. A lower end of the cover 75 is joined to a portion of the upper surface of the support member 73 surrounding the opening. Thereby, a space surrounded by the channel member 55, the support member 73, and the cover 75 is configured.

The piezoelectric actuator 57 is housed inside the support member 73, for example. For example, most of the reservoir 69 is housed inside the support member 73. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the reservoir 69 has, for example, flange-like portions that extend outward from the support member 73 at both ends in the +y direction and the −y direction, and the flange-like portions extend from the inside of the support member 73. A portion (not shown and hidden by the cover 75) on the way to the support member 73 is fixed to the upper end of both ends of the support member 73 in the +y direction and the −y direction. Further, the supply port 71 described above is opened, for example, on the upper surface of the flange-shaped portion of the reservoir 69 on the +y direction side.

For example, the FPC 61 extends from a region connected to the piezoelectric actuator 57 into the cover 75 via between the side faces of the reservoir 69 facing the +x direction and the -x direction and the inner surface of the support member 73. There is. Further, the FPC 61 extends upward along inner walls of the cover 75 that are opposed to each other in the +x direction and the -x direction. The head 25 has two FPCs 61, and the two FPCs 61 are located on opposite sides (+x direction side and −x direction side) with respect to the reservoir 69 and the like. The circuit board 63 is arranged to face the upper surface portion of the cover 75.

The driver IC 59 is mounted, for example, on a surface of the FPC 61 that faces the inner wall of the cover 75 in a region that extends approximately vertically within the cover 75 . The driver IC 59 is overlapped (pressed) by the inner wall of the cover 75. The driver ICs 59 are provided in each of the two FPCs 61, and the two driver ICs 59 overlap at mutually opposing positions on the two inner walls of the cover 75. In each FPC 61, only one driver IC 59 may be provided, or two or more driver ICs 59 may be arranged in the penetrating direction of the paper.

The force that presses the driver IC 59 against the inner wall of the cover 75 may be realized, for example, by the force that causes the FPC 61 to bend toward the inner wall of the cover 75. Further, a member (not shown) may be provided that is fixed to the reservoir 69 or the support member 73 and urges the area of the FPC 61 where the driver IC 59 is mounted from the inside of the cover 75 toward the inner wall of the cover 75. good. The driver IC 59 and the inner wall of the cover 75 may be in direct contact with each other, or may overlap with each other via a member or material for improving the efficiency of heat transfer between them.

The outer shape of the support member 73 and the cover 75 or the shape of the space formed by the support member 73 and the cover 75 may be any suitable shape. In the illustrated example, the outer shape and internal space of the support member 73 are approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. For example, the length of the rectangular parallelepiped in the +y direction is longer than the length in the +x direction and the length in the +z direction (eg, more than twice as long). Further, the outer shape and internal space of the cover 75 are approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. This rectangular parallelepiped has, for example, a length in the +y direction and a length in the +z direction that is longer than the length in the +x direction (eg, twice or more).

In the illustrated example, the flow path member 55 and the support member 73 constitute a portion inserted into the opening 29h of the carriage 27. The shape of this inserted portion is generally a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the length of this rectangular parallelepiped in the +y direction is longer than the length in the +x direction and the length in the +z direction, and the length in the +x direction is slightly longer than the length in the +z direction. There is. Further, the support member 73 and the reservoir 69 form a flange portion that extends outward from the inserted portion. This flange portion engages, for example, with a portion of the carriage 27 around the opening 29h from above to below.

The material of the support member 73 and the cover 75 may be any suitable material. For example, these materials may be metals or resins. When the cover 75 is made of metal, the cover 75 may be regarded as a heat sink that radiates heat from the driver IC 59 and the like to the outside of the head 25. The specific material and thickness of the heat sink may be set as appropriate.

(ventilation path)
The head unit 5 may be configured with a ventilation passage 51 through which the cooling air from the supply device 41 is applied to the head 25 . This ventilation passage 51 may be configured by an appropriate member included in the head unit 5. In the illustrated example, the entire ventilation passage 51 is formed in the base body 29 of the carriage 27.

The ventilation passage 51 has an inlet 51a to which the tube 43 is connected and gas is introduced from the tube 43, and an outlet 51b that opens toward the head 25 and discharges the gas toward the head 25. . Further, in the illustrated example, a plurality (more specifically, two) of discharge ports 51b are provided. The ventilation passage 51 has a confluence passage 51c extending from the inlet 51a, and two branch passages 51d that branch from the confluence passage 51c and are individually connected to the two discharge ports 51b. Note that the inlet 51a may be considered as a part of the merging channel 51c, and the outlet 51b may be considered as a part of the branching channel 51d, but in the description of the embodiment, for convenience, these are It shall be a separate part.

The positions, shapes, dimensions, etc. of the introduction port 51a, the discharge port 51b, the merging channel 51c, and the branching channel 51d may be set as appropriate. For example, the inlet 51a and/or the outlet 51b may be opened in the main portion 29a of the base 29, or may be opened in the attached portion 29b of the base 29. The inlet port 51a and/or the outlet port 51b may be located on either the +y direction side or the -y direction side with respect to the head 25, or may be located on either the -x direction side or the +x direction side. The position in the +z direction may also be arbitrary.

In the illustrated example, the introduction port 51a is located on the +y direction side (rail side) with respect to the head 25. Further, the introduction port 51a is open on the upper surface of the main portion 29a. The introduction port 51a opens at the center of the main portion 29a in the +x direction and the -x direction (the moving direction of the carriage 27). From another perspective, the introduction port 51a is located within the arrangement range of the head 25 in the +x direction and the -x direction. Further, the discharge port 51b is open on the upper surface of the main portion 29a. The two discharge ports 51b are located on both sides of the head 25 in the +x direction and the -x direction. From another perspective, the discharge port 51b is located within the arrangement range of the head 25 in the +y direction and the -y direction.

Corresponding to the positions of the inlet port 51a and the outlet port 51b, the merging channel 51c extends downward from the upper surface of the main portion 29a at a position on the +y direction side with respect to the head 25. The two branch channels 51d are branched to both sides in the +x direction and the -x direction at the lower end of the merging channel 51c. The two branch channels 51d extend along the upper surface of the main portion 29a so as to go around the opening 29h in opposite directions.

As shown in FIG. 5, the opening direction (see arrow y3) of the discharge port 51b is inclined toward the head 25 with respect to the +z direction. Furthermore, the discharge port 51b opens toward the cover 75 as a heat sink, and more specifically, opens toward the driver IC 59 (via the cover 75). In addition, from another viewpoint, the discharge port 51b opens in a direction including a component parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and −x direction). Further, the discharge port 51b emits a component parallel to the direction in which the recording medium 101 and the head 25 face each other (+z direction or -z direction), and a component from the recording medium 101 side to the head 25 side (+z direction). It is open in the including direction.

Note that the opening direction of the discharge port 51b may be determined rationally. For example, in the xz cross section as shown in FIG. 5, when the outlet 51b extends linearly from the branch channel 51d (the part extending along the It may also be a direction. Alternatively, the direction in which gas is actually released from the release port 51b may be investigated, and the direction in which the gas is released may be specified as the opening direction of the release port 51b. It may also be reasonably determined whether the discharge port 51b is directed toward the driver IC 59 or the cover 75. For example, when the opening direction is specified as described above and the discharge port 51b is projected in the opening direction, if at least a portion of the discharge port 51b and at least a portion of the driver IC 59 (or cover 75) overlap, It may be understood that the discharge port 51b is facing the driver IC 59.

The shapes of the inlet port 51a and the outlet port 51b may be any appropriate shape, such as a circle (the illustrated example) or a polygon. The shape of the cross section of the confluence channel 51c and the branch channel 51d may also be an appropriate shape such as a circle or a polygon. In FIG. 5, the diameter of the outlet 51b is shown to be smaller than the diameter of the branched channel 51d in order to clarify the boundary between the outlet 51b and the branched channel 51d. Unlike FIG. 5, the diameter of the discharge port 51b and the diameter of the branch flow path 51d may be the same.

(Modified example of outlet)
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are plan views of the head unit showing a modification of the discharge port 51b. In these figures, for convenience, the same reference numerals may be used for the constituent elements of the embodiment and the constituent elements of the modified example even if their specific shapes are different.

In the head unit 5-1 shown in FIG. 6(a), the number of discharge ports 51b is greater than the number of discharge ports 51b in the embodiment. Specifically, for example, on each of the +x direction side and the -x direction side with respect to the head 25, a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) discharge ports 51b are arranged along the +y direction and the -y direction. There is. The plurality of discharge ports 51b arranged in the −x direction side or the +x direction side may have the same diameter (as shown in the figure), or may have different diameters, or may have branched flow paths. 51d may be shared (as shown in the figure), or may not be shared.

In the head unit 5-2 shown in FIG. 6(b), the discharge port 51b is shaped like a long hole. Specifically, the diameter of the discharge port 51b in the +y direction and the -y direction is longer than the diameter in the +x direction and the -x direction. In other words, the discharge port 51b extends along the head 25 in the longitudinal direction of the head 25. The diameter of the discharge port 51b in the longitudinal direction may be, for example, 50% or more, 80% or more, or 100% or more of the total length of the head 25 in the longitudinal direction. In the discharge port 51b, the difference in length between the diameter in the longitudinal direction and the diameter in the lateral direction may be set appropriately, and for example, the former is twice or more or five times or more the latter.

As described above, in this embodiment, the printer 1 includes the carriage 27, the supply device 41, and the connection path (tube 43). The carriage 27 is equipped with a printing head 25 and is movable (relative to the housing 49 and the like). The supply device 41 sends out gas for cooling the head. The tube 43 has a first end 43a connected to the supply device 41, and a second end 43b connected to the carriage 27 and allowed to move relative to the first end 43a. The gas from the supply device 41 is caused to flow from the supply device 41 to the second end 43b.

Therefore, compared to, for example, a technique in which a blower is mounted on the carriage 27, the weight of the head unit 5 can be reduced. As a result, for example, printing speed can be improved. In addition, from another point of view, the degree of freedom in designing the supply device 41 is improved compared to a technique in which a blower is mounted on the carriage 27. As a result, for example, it becomes easier to increase the volume of cooling air or to send out cooled gas.

Further, in this embodiment, the printer 1 further includes a ventilation path 51 that moves together with the carriage 27. The ventilation passage 51 has an inlet 51a connected to the second end 43b, and an outlet 51b communicating with the inlet 51a and opening toward the head 25.

In this case, for example, a mode in which a flow path that can be considered as a ventilation path is not provided and the gas released from the second end 43b is directly directed toward the head 25 (this mode is also included in the technology according to the present disclosure) (Good), there is a high degree of freedom in design regarding air volume and direction. Furthermore, for example, compared to a mode in which the head 25 is disposed within a ventilation channel (this mode may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure), the ventilation channel may be made smaller, or the head 25 may be mainly cooled. Cooling air can be applied to desired parts (driver IC 59, etc.). In other words, cooling efficiency is improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the carriage 27 has a base body 29 that supports the head 25. The base body 29 (more specifically, the frame-shaped main portion 29a) has a ventilation passage 51 from the inlet 51a to the outlet 51b.

In this case, for example, the base body 29 is used both to support the head 25 and to form the ventilation passage 51. As a result, for example, the increase in size and complexity of the structure of the carriage 27 can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the printer 1 has a head 25 including an IC (driver IC 59). The discharge port 51b is open toward the driver IC 59.

Generally, in the head 25, the driver IC 59 tends to become a heat source. By applying cooling air mainly to such driver IC 59, the head 25 can be efficiently cooled.

Further, in this embodiment, the printer 1 has the head 25 including an IC (driver IC 59) and a heat sink (cover 75) on which the driver IC 59 overlaps (directly or indirectly). The discharge port 51b is open toward the cover 75.

In this case, for example, the heat of the driver IC 59 can be dissipated to the cooling air through an area larger than the area of the driver IC 59. As a result, for example, it is facilitated to sufficiently cool the driver IC 59.

In addition, in this embodiment, a head 25 that performs printing by ejecting liquid (ink) and a supply path (tube 23) are included. The tube 23 is connected to the head 25 with a third end (tank side end 23a) connected to a tank (ink tank 9) that stores liquid to be supplied to the head 25, and a third end (tank side end 23a) connected to the tank side end 23a. It has a fourth end (head side end 23b) that is allowed to move, and allows ink to flow from the tank side end 23a to the head side end 23b. The connection path (tube 43) has a portion that runs along at least a portion (substantially the entirety in the example of FIG. 3) of the tube 23.

In this case, for example, the space reserved for arranging the ink tubes 23 can be used for arranging the cooling air tubes 43. As a result, the space efficiency within the printer 1 is improved and the printer 1 can be made smaller. Further, for example, the ink tube 23 is normally designed to have less influence on the movement of the carriage 27. This design is also applied to the tube 43 for cooling air, and as a result, the influence of the tube 43 on the movement of the carriage 27 is reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the connection path (tube 43) and the supply path (tube 23) are respectively constituted by flexible tubes 43 and 23, and are bundled together.

In this case, the effect of the tubes 43 and 23 partially extending along each other is improved. Further, since the tube 43 and the tube 23 are in contact with each other, the gas inside the tube 43 can exchange heat with the ink inside the tube 23. Therefore, for example, temperature changes in the ink can be reduced, and the amount of ink ejected can be stabilized.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, one direction perpendicular to the facing direction (+z direction or -z direction) between the head 25 and the object (recording medium 101) printed by the head 25 is referred to as the first direction (+x direction). ), and if one direction perpendicular to the first direction (+x direction) is the second direction (+y direction) when viewed in the +z direction or -z direction, then the printer 1 will move along the first direction (+x direction). The carriage 27 is guided by rails (a first rail 31 and/or a second rail 33; hereinafter, the first rail 31 will be referred to). Further, the first rail 31 is located on the second direction (+y direction) side with respect to the carriage 27 and the head 25 when viewed in the +z direction or the -z direction. The introduction port 51a is located on the first rail 31 side (+y direction side) with respect to the head 25 when viewed in the +z direction or -z direction.

In this case, for example, the tube 43 connected to the introduction port 51a can be arranged on the first rail 31 side through a simple route. Consequently, the probability that the tube 43 will interfere with the head unit 5 is reduced. In another aspect, the need for providing a special member for routing the tube 43 so that the tube 43 does not affect the movement of the head unit 5 is reduced.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment (and modified example), the ventilation passage 51 shares one inlet 51a and has a plurality of branch passages 51d that are individually connected to a plurality of discharge ports 51b. ing.

In this case, compared to an embodiment in which there is only one ejection port 51b (this embodiment may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure), the focus is placed on a wide range of the head 25 and on any part. Therefore, it is easy to spray the gas. As a result, for example, the entire head 25 can be efficiently cooled. Furthermore, compared to an embodiment having a plurality of introduction ports 51a corresponding to a plurality of discharge ports 51b (this embodiment may also be included in the technology according to the present disclosure), the introduction port 51a and the The number of tubes 43 can be reduced. Consequently, the probability that the tube 43 will affect the movement of the head unit 5 is reduced.

In addition, in this embodiment, a direction opposite to the first direction (+x direction) is defined as a third direction (-x direction), and a direction opposite to the second direction (+y direction) is defined as a fourth direction (-y direction). Then, when viewed in the +z direction or -z direction, the plurality of branch flow paths 51d are mutually branched on the first rail 31 side with respect to the head 25, and also in the first direction (+x direction) with respect to the head 25. ) on the side that extends in the direction including the fourth direction (-y direction); ) a branch flow path having a portion extending in a direction including the component.

In this case, for example, it is easier to uniformly cool the +x direction side and the -x direction side of the carriage 27. Furthermore, it is possible to equalize the temperature of the head 25 mounted on the carriage 27 and reduce variations in printing accuracy (for example, ink ejection accuracy).

Further, as shown in the modified example, the discharge port 51b is perpendicular to the direction in which the head 25 faces the object (recording medium 101) on which printing is performed by the head 25 (+z direction or -z direction). Even if the diameter in the direction (+y direction and -y direction) perpendicular to the moving direction (+x direction and -x direction) of the carriage 27 is made longer than the diameter in other directions (+x direction and -x direction), good.

Normally, in the head 25, in order to improve the printing speed, a plurality of printing elements (nozzles in an inkjet head) each capable of forming image dots are arranged in directions intersecting the moving direction of the head 25 (+y direction and - y direction). As a result, the +y direction and the -y direction tend to be the longitudinal directions of the head 25. Since the discharge port 51b is formed in the shape of a long hole along the longitudinal direction of the head 25, cooling air can be applied to a wide range of the head 25.

Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge port 51b opens in a direction including a component parallel to the moving direction of the carriage 27 (+x direction and −x direction) and toward the head 25.

When the head 25 moves, for example, in the +x direction, the front surface located in the direction of movement (for example, the surface on the +x direction side) receives the wind generated by the head 25's movement, and the back surface located in the opposite direction to the direction of movement (for example, - (the surface on the x-direction side) does not receive wind. As a result, the temperature of the head 25 tends to rise at the back surface in the direction of movement. Then, when the head 25 reciprocates in the +x direction and the -x direction, if the discharge port 51b opens in a direction including components parallel to the +x direction and the -x direction and faces the head 25, the forward or backward movement In at least one of the above, the cooling air from the supply device 41 can be applied to the back surface of the head 25 in the moving direction. As a result, the rise in temperature of the head 25 can be effectively reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the discharge port 51b is a component parallel to the direction in which the object (recording medium 101) printed by the head 25 and the head 25 face each other, and is directed from the recording medium 101 side to the head 25 side. It opens in a direction including the component (+z direction component).

In this case, for example, the gas heated by hitting the head 25 can be released in a direction that is not blocked by the recording medium 101. As a result, it is easy to move the warmed gas away from the head 25.

Further, in this embodiment, the supply device 41 may be a compressor.

In this case, for example, the volume of cooling air can be increased. As described above, in this embodiment, since the supply device 41 is not mounted on the carriage 27, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the supply device 41, and it is easy to use a compressor with a high discharge pressure.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printer 1 includes a scanning section 7 that movably holds a carriage 27, a conveying section 3 that conveys the object (recording medium 101) to be printed by the head 25, and a scanning section 7. and a casing 49 that accommodates the transport section 3. The supply device 41 is located outside the housing 49.

In this case, for example, the device main body 47 can be made smaller and lighter. Further, for example, it is easy to sell the supply device 41 separately from the device main body 47 (make the supply device 41 an option for the printer 1). Since the supply device 41 is not mounted on the carriage 27, the presence or absence of the supply device 41 has less influence on the movement of the carriage 27 than in the case where the supply device 41 is mounted on the carriage 27. As a result, fluctuations in image quality due to the provision of the supply device 41 as an option are reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the printer 1 may include a cooling device 45 that cools the gas sent out by the supply device 41.

In this case, for example, the cooling capacity of the printer 1 is improved. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, since the carriage 27 is not equipped with a device for sending out cooling air, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the device for sending out cooling air, and the cooling device 45 can be added. It has been made easier.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the tube 43 is an example of a connection path. The driver IC 59 is an example of an IC. The cover 75 is an example of a heat sink. Ink (not shown) is an example of a liquid. The ink tank 9 is an example of a tank. The tube 23 is an example of a supply path. The tank side end portion 23a is an example of a third end. The head side end portion 23b is an example of the fourth end. The recording medium 101 is an example of an object. The +z direction and the -z direction are examples of opposing directions. The first rail 31 and the second rail 33 are each examples of rails. The +x direction is an example of the first direction. The +y direction is an example of the second direction. The -x direction is an example of the third direction. The -y direction is an example of the fourth direction.

The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and may be implemented in various ways.

For example, the printer is not limited to a serial printer, and may be a handy printer in which the head is manually moved. Further, the printer is not limited to an inkjet type (non-contact type from another perspective), but may be a thermal type or a dot impact type (contact type from another perspective), for example. In the thermal type, for example, the head applies heat to thermal paper as a recording medium or to an ink ribbon interposed between the recording medium and the ink ribbon. In the dot impact method, for example, the head strikes a thin pin against the ink ribbon.

Inkjet printers are not limited to piezo printers, and may be, for example, thermal printers that apply heat to ink. Further, the inkjet printer may be an on-carriage printer in which an ink tank (for example, an ink cartridge) is mounted on a carriage.

When a printer discharges liquid, the liquid is not limited to ink. For example, the liquid may contain conductive particles forming a wiring pattern. Further, the printer may have a flow path that collects the liquid from the head so as to circulate the liquid around the head in order to reduce hardening of the liquid and the like.

The object to be printed is not limited to paper, but may be cloth, wood, tiles, etc., or may be something that is difficult to conceptualize as a recording medium.

The connection path connecting the cooling air supply device and the carriage is not limited to a flexible tube. For example, the connection path may include a telescopic structure in which tubes having different diameters are connected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Printer, 25... Head, 27... Carriage, 41... Supply device, 43... Tube (connection path), 43a... First end, 43b... Second end.

Claims (16)

a movable carriage on which a printing head is mounted;
a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head;
a first end connected to the supply device; and a second end connected to the carriage and allowed to move relative to the first end, from the first end to the second end. a connection path through which the gas flows;
a ventilation passage that moves with the carriage;
It has
The ventilation passage has an inlet connected to the second end, and an outlet communicating with the inlet and opening toward the head,
One direction perpendicular to the facing direction of the head and the object printed by the head is a first direction, and one direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the facing direction is a second direction. ,
the first direction is a moving direction of the carriage;
The introduction port is located on the second direction side with respect to the head.
printer. a movable carriage on which a printing head is mounted;
a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head;
a first end connected to the supply device; and a second end connected to the carriage and allowed to move relative to the first end, from the first end to the second end. a connection path through which the gas flows;
a ventilation passage that moves with the carriage;
It has
The ventilation passage has an inlet connected to the second end, and an outlet communicating with the inlet and opening toward the head,
One direction perpendicular to the facing direction of the head and the object printed by the head is a first direction, and one direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the facing direction is a second direction. ,
further comprising a rail for guiding the carriage along the first direction,
The rail is located on the second direction side with respect to the head when viewed in the opposing direction,
The introduction port is located on the rail side with respect to the head when viewed in the opposing direction. If the direction opposite to the first direction is a third direction, and the direction opposite to the second direction is a fourth direction,
The ventilation passage shares one of the inlet ports and has a plurality of branch channels that are individually connected to the plurality of outlet ports,
The plurality of branch flow paths are branched from each other on the rail side with respect to the head when viewed in the opposing direction, and have a component in the fourth direction on the first direction side with respect to the head. a branch flow path having a portion extending in a direction including the component in the fourth direction; and a branch flow path having a portion extending in a direction including the component in the fourth direction on the third direction side with respect to the head. The printer according to claim 2. a movable carriage on which a printing head is mounted;
a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head;
a first end connected to the supply device; and a second end connected to the carriage and allowed to move relative to the first end, from the first end to the second end. a connection path through which the gas flows;
a ventilation passage that moves with the carriage;
It has
The ventilation passage has an inlet connected to the second end, and an outlet communicating with the inlet and opening toward the head,
The discharge port is perpendicular to a direction in which the head faces the object to be printed by the head, and has a diameter longer in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage than in other directions. printer. a movable carriage on which a printing head is mounted;
a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head;
a first end connected to the supply device; and a second end connected to the carriage and allowed to move relative to the first end, from the first end to the second end. a connection path through which the gas flows;
a ventilation passage that moves with the carriage;
It has
The ventilation passage has an inlet connected to the second end, and an outlet communicating with the inlet and opening toward the head,
In the printer, the ejection port opens in a direction including a component parallel to the moving direction of the carriage, and in a direction toward the head . a movable carriage on which a printing head is mounted;
a supply device that sends out gas to cool the head;
a first end connected to the supply device; and a second end connected to the carriage and allowed to move relative to the first end, from the first end to the second end. a connection path through which the gas flows;
a ventilation passage that moves with the carriage;
It has
The ventilation passage has an inlet connected to the second end, and an outlet communicating with the inlet and opening toward the head,
The discharge port is opened in a direction that includes a component parallel to a direction in which the object to be printed by the head and the head face each other, and a component oriented from the object side to the head side. The carriage has a base supporting the head,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base body has the ventilation path from the inlet to the outlet . further comprising the head including an IC;
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the discharge port opens toward the IC . The head further includes an IC and a heat sink on which the IC overlaps,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the discharge port opens toward the heat sink . The ventilation path shares one of the inlet ports and has a plurality of branch flow paths that are individually connected to the plurality of outlet ports.
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The discharge port is opened in a direction that includes a component parallel to a direction in which the object to be printed by the head and the head face each other and a direction from the object side to the head side. The printer according to any one of items 1 to 4 . the head that performs printing by ejecting liquid;
a third end connected to a tank for storing liquid to be supplied to the head; and a fourth end connected to the head and allowed to move relative to the third end; a supply path that causes liquid to flow from the third end to the fourth end;
It further has
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connection path has a portion extending along at least a portion of the supply path. The printer according to claim 12, wherein the connection path and the supply path are each formed by a flexible tube and are bundled together. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the supply device is a compressor. a scanning unit movably holding the carriage;
a transport unit that transports the object to be printed by the head;
a housing housing the scanning unit and the transport unit;
It has
The printer according to claim 14, wherein the supply device is located outside the housing. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a cooling device that cools the gas sent out by the supply device.

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