Technical field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a liquid droplet ejection apparatus such as an ink jet printer.
BACKGROUND
[0002]
Conventionally, as an example of a droplet discharge apparatus, a head (ejection head) for ejecting ink, comprising a carriage moves in the scanning direction while supporting the head, a medium from a head while moving the carriage in the scanning direction in towards by discharging ink, printing apparatus is known for printing.
[0003]
　Further, in such printing device, a head driver integrated circuit for driving the head (head drive circuit), and a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the head driver integrated circuit, a fan (blower for cooling the heat radiating portion and parts) are followed by a placing carriage (for example, Patent Document 1).
CITATION
Patent Document
[0004]
Patent Document 1: JP 2013-120861 JP
Summary of the Invention
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0005]
　However, in the printing apparatus as described above, that the vibration generated by the actuation of the fan is transmitted to the head, there is a possibility that the influence on the discharge mode of the ink head arises. For example, the deviation in the landing position of ink ejected toward the medium from a head that occurs, printing quality may decrease.
[0006]
　Incidentally, this situation is not limited to a printing device, a droplet discharge device to place a head drive circuit for driving the ejection head and the ejection head for ejecting liquid droplets to the carriage is generally a common problem.
[0007]
　The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Its purpose is, while suppressing influence the discharge mode of a droplet discharge head is to provide a droplet ejection apparatus capable of suppressing heat generation of the head driving circuit for driving the ejection head.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008]
　Hereinafter referred to as the means and effects in order to solve the above problems.
　The droplet discharge device for solving the above problems, an ejection head that ejects liquid droplets toward the medium, a head drive circuit for driving the ejection head, a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the head drive circuit, the discharge head, a carriage for moving while supporting the head driving circuit and the heat radiating portion is arranged outside the movement area of the carriage, can flow generator generating a supported airflow towards the heat radiating unit to the carriage It comprises a part, a.
[0009]
　According to the above arrangement, since the air flow toward the heat radiating portion by the airflow generating unit generates, it is possible to increase the cooling efficiency of the head driving circuit according to the heat radiating portion. Further, the air flow generator may be placed in the outside movement region of the carriage, not easily transmitted to the ejection head vibrations from the airflow generating portion caused by the generation of the air flow is supported by the carriage. Therefore, while suppressing influence the discharge mode of a droplet discharge head, heat generation of the head driving circuit for driving the ejection head can be suppressed.
[0010]
　Further, in the droplet ejection apparatus, the the movement region, and the droplet ejection area for discharging droplets on the medium, and maintenance area for maintenance of the discharge head, includes, the airflow generating portion, at least when the carriage to the maintenance area is located, it is preferable airflow toward the heat radiating portion which is supported by the carriage can be generated.
[0011]
　According to the above configuration, it is possible to cool the head drive circuit in the middle of performing a maintenance of the ejection head. Thus, for example, in a situation where cooling is needed for execution and the head driving circuit of the maintenance of the ejection head, as compared to the case where the cooling run and the head driving circuit of the maintenance of the ejection head independently, discharge head can be a short time the downtime can not discharge droplets.
[0012]
　Further, in the droplet ejection apparatus, the airflow generating unit is preferably provided with a plurality along the movement region of the carriage.
　According to the above configuration, the discharge head is even while ejecting droplets on a medium, can be cooled head driving circuit. Further, since the air flow in the moving area of the carriage by the airflow generating unit is generated, the mist ejection head occurs along with that for discharging droplets, it may be removed from the moving region of the carriage.
[0013]
　Further, in the droplet ejection apparatus, the the movement region, and the droplet ejection area for discharging droplets on the medium, and maintenance area for maintenance of the discharge head, includes a plurality of the airflow generating portion of, the droplet located on the discharge region is supported by the carriage the said airflow generating unit capable of generating an air flow toward the heat radiating portion is a first air flow generating unit, supported by the carriage positioned in the maintenance area when the airflow generating unit capable of generating an air flow toward the heat radiating portion which is defined as a second air flow generating unit, when the carriage to the maintenance area is located, airflow from said first air flow generator unit while limiting the generation, it is preferable to allow the generation of the airflow from the second air flow generating unit.
[0014]
　According to the above configuration, when performing maintenance of the ejection head, because the generation of the airflow from the second air flow generating unit is permitted, it can be cooled head driving circuit while performing maintenance of the ejection head. Meanwhile, since the generation of the airflow from the first air flow generating unit is limited, that the first air flow generating unit generates unwanted air flow is suppressed while performing the maintenance of the discharge head. Thus, while cooling the head driving circuit, it is possible to suppress the generation of the airflow from the first air flow generating unit that does not contribute to the cooling of the head driving circuit.
[0015]
　Furthermore, the droplet ejection apparatus is provided with a temperature detecting portion which is supported on the carriage, in accordance with the detected temperature of the temperature detecting unit, it is preferable to control the generation of the airflow from the airflow generating unit.
[0016]
　According to the above configuration, for example, or strengthening the airflow from the airflow generating unit when the detected temperature is high, if the detected temperature is low can weaken the airflow from the airflow generating unit. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate the airflow in the airflow generator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017]
[1] a side view of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment.
[2] a side view of the peripheral configuration of the printing unit of the printing apparatus.
[Figure 3] a front view of the peripheral configuration of the printing section.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control unit of the printing apparatus.
[5] In order to determine the first blower and the driving mode of the second blower, a flow chart showing the flow of processing the control unit performs.
[6] a partial front view of the peripheral configuration of the printing unit during the printing.
[7] a partial front view of the peripheral configuration of the printing unit during maintenance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018]
　It will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a droplet discharge device. The liquid droplet ejection apparatus of the present embodiment is an ink jet printing apparatus for forming characters and images by discharging ink as an example of a droplet on a medium M such as paper.
[0019]
　1, the printing apparatus 10 includes a feed unit 20 which feeds the medium M, and a support portion 30 for supporting the medium M, the conveying unit 40 that conveys the medium M, the printing unit 50 for printing on the medium M When provided with a blower 60 for blowing air toward the printing unit 50, a control unit 100 for controlling these configurations, the.
[0020]
　In the following description, the width direction of the printing apparatus 10 as "scan direction X", the depth direction of the printing apparatus 10 as "front-rear direction Y", the height direction of the printing apparatus 10 and the "vertical direction Z ', the direction in which the medium M is conveyed to the "conveying direction F". Scanning direction X, the longitudinal direction Y and vertical direction Z is a direction intersecting (orthogonal) to each other, the conveying direction F is a direction intersecting the scanning direction X (perpendicular).
[0021]
　And feed unit 20 includes a holding member 21 for rotatably holding the roll R of repeated winding medium M. The holding member 21, different media M and different sizes in the scanning direction X roll R is held. Then, the feed unit 20, by rotating the roll R in one direction (in Fig. 1 counter-clockwise), the medium M that has been unwound from the roll R is fed toward the support portion 30.
[0022]
　Support 30, towards the transport direction downstream from the conveying direction upstream, and a first support portion 31, the second support portion 32 and the third support portion 33 constituting the conveyance path of the medium M. The first support portion 31, the medium M fed out from the feeding unit 20 and guided toward the second supporting portion 32, the second support portion 32 supports the medium M printing is performed, the third of the support portion 33 guides toward the printed medium M in the conveying direction downstream.
[0023]
　The first support portion 31, the second support portion 32 and the third support portion 33, on the opposite side of the transport path of the medium M, the first supporting portion 31, the second support portion 32 and the heating unit 34 for heating the third support portion 33 is provided. Heating unit 34, the first support portion 31, through the second support portion 32 and the third support portion 33 to heat the medium M supported on these support portions 31-33 indirectly. The heating unit 34 may be, for example, constituted by a heating wire (heater wire).
[0024]
　Conveying unit 40 includes a transport roller 41 for imparting a conveying force to the medium M, a driven roller 42 for pressing the medium M to the conveying roller 41, a rotating mechanism 43 for driving the transport roller 41. Transport roller 41 and the driven roller 42 is a scanning direction X a roller whose axial direction. The transport roller 41 is arranged vertically below the transport path of the medium M, the driven roller 42 is arranged vertically above the transport path of the medium M. Rotation mechanism 43 may be, for example, constituted by a motor and reduction gear. Then, the transport unit 40, in a state where the conveying roller 41 and the driven roller 42 to sandwich the medium M, by rotating the conveying roller 41, the medium M is transported in the transport direction F.
[0025]
　Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be described in detail printing unit 50.
　As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, printing unit 50 includes a guide shaft 51 to the scanning direction X and the axial direction, a carriage 52 supported by the movable guide shaft 51 in the scanning direction X, the ink on the medium M an ejection head 54 having a nozzle 53 for ejecting, and a moving mechanism 55 for moving the carriage 52 in the scanning direction X, a. Further, the printing unit 50, a head drive circuit 56 for driving the ejection head 54, the heat radiating portion 57 for radiating heat generated by the head driving circuit 56, a temperature detector 58 for detecting the temperature of the head drive circuit 56, It includes a maintenance unit 70, a to maintain the ejection head 54.
[0026]
　The carriage 52 is a box-like space for accommodating the part of the discharge head 54 therein is formed. The carriage 52 supports the ejection head 54 in the vertical lower portion, and supports the head drive circuit 56 and the heat radiating portion 57 in the vertical upper portion.
[0027]
　As shown in FIG. 2, the ejection head 54 is a so-called ink-jet head having an actuator 531 such as a piezoelectric element driven to eject ink for each nozzle 53. Ejection head 54, in a state of being supported by the carriage 52, is directed toward the opening of the nozzle 53 to the second support portion 32. The moving mechanism 55 includes a motor and reduction gear, a mechanism for converting the rotation of the motor to move in the scanning direction X of the carriage 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, by the moving mechanism 55 is driven, the carriage 52 is moved in the scanning direction X.
[0028]
　As shown FIG. 2, the head drive circuit 56 via the heat radiating portion 57, and is supported on the carriage 52. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head drive circuit 56 is connected to the control unit 100 via a first cable 101, and is connected via a discharge head 54 second cable 102. Here, the first cable 101, a head drive circuit 56 disposed on the carriage 52 which reciprocates in the scanning direction X, the control unit 100 fixedly disposed in the housing 11, since it is configured to connect the preferably a FFC to follow deformation in accordance with movement of the carriage 52 (Flexible Flat Cable).
[0029]
　As shown in FIG. 2, the heat radiating portion 57 has a substantially box-like shape, are provided in positions rearward a vertically upward of the carriage 52. Inside the heat radiating portion 57 is accommodated in a state in which the head driving circuit 56 are in contact. Further, the heat radiating portion 57 are the structure for radiating the heat generated by the head driving circuit 56 to the outside, it is preferably configured as described below.
[0030]
　That is, the heat radiating portion 57, in order to increase the amount of heat transfer from the head drive circuit 56, it is preferable to increase the contact area between the head driving circuit 56. Further, the heat radiating portion 57, in order to facilitate conducting heat to the outer contact with the outside air from the inside in contact with the head drive circuit 56, it is preferable that thermal conductivity such as aluminum is formed with high metal material. Further, the heat radiating portion 57, in order to increase the amount of heat released to the outside air, the heat radiation fins are provided on the outside, it is preferable to increase the area in contact with ambient air.
[0031]
　As shown in FIG. 3, the maintenance unit 70, in the scanning direction X, it is provided so as to be adjacent to the second support portion 32. The maintenance unit 70, by contact with the ejection head 54 has a cap 71 for capping the closed space a space in which the nozzles 53 are opened. Capping is performed in order to suppress drying of the nozzle 53 of the ejection head 54, which is an example of the maintenance of the present embodiment.
[0032]
　Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 3, of the movement area A1 of the carriage 52, "ink area for ejecting ink toward the discharge head 54 supported medium M to the second support portion 32 referred to as the discharge area A2 ", it refers to a region to perform maintenance of the ejection head 54 and the" maintenance area A3 ". That is, the ink ejection area A2 is an area where the carriage 52 is positioned when the discharge head 54 faces the second support portion 32, which is an example of the "droplet ejection area." Moreover, the maintenance area A3, the ejection head 54 is a region where the carriage 52 is positioned when facing the maintenance unit 70. In FIG. 3, but illustrating the respective areas A1 ~ A3 as one-dimensional length, in fact, refers to a three-dimensional space in which the carriage 52 passes when moving.
[0033]
　As shown in FIG. 2, the blower unit 60 includes a duct 61 for communicating the inside and outside of the housing 11, and a blower fan 62 provided in the duct 61, the. Duct 61 has a blower opening 63 which opens towards the moving area A1 of the carriage 52. As shown in FIG. 2, an air outlet 63 of the duct 61, in the conveying direction F, it is formed so as to overlap the heat radiating portion 57 arranged on the carriage 52.
[0034]
　Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the blower unit 60, movement area A1 outside the carriage 52, more particularly, to the mobile region vertically above the movement region A1 of the carriage 52 A1 (scanning direction X) along it is arranged. Thus, blower 60 of the present embodiment, it is made possible to blow the gas toward the entire movement area A1 of the carriage 52. That is, the blower unit 60 is disposed along the moving path of the carriage 52, it is made possible to blow the gas toward the moving path of the carriage 52 and the carriage 52.
[0035]
　Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 3, of the plurality of blower 60, said air blowing unit 60 which is disposed vertically above the ink ejection area A2 as "first blower 601" maintenance area the blower 60 disposed vertically above the A3 referred to as "second blower 602 '. Moreover, refers to generating an air flow from the first blower unit 601 drives the blower fan 62 of the first blower 601 also simply "driving the first blower 601", the second blower 602 refers to generating an air flow from the second blower unit 602 drives the blower fan 62 is also simply as "driving the second blower unit 602".
[0036]
　The first blower unit 601 is configured to blow gas into the ink ejection area A2, to generate an air flow toward the heat radiating portion 57 of the carriage 52 located in the ink ejection region A2. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the first blower 601 corresponds to an example of the "first air flow generating unit". The second blower 602 is configured to blow gas into the maintenance area A3, to generate an air flow toward the heat radiating portion 57 of the carriage 52 located in the maintenance area A3. In this regard, the second blower 602 corresponds to an example of the "second air flow generating unit".
[0037]
　Then, by blower 60 to blow gas in a region where the carriage 52 is not located within the moving area A1 of the carriage 52, by the airflow of the blower unit 60, pieces of ink mist or medium M floating the region (e.g. paper dust) and the like are discharged to the outside housing 11 through the outlet 12. Therefore, the carriage 52 to move the moving region A1 can be reduced to fragments of ink mist or medium M is attached, for example, ink from the nozzles 53 by pieces of ink mist or medium M in the vicinity of the nozzle 53 is attached it is possible to reduce that problem to the discharge occurs.
[0038]
　Further, in a region where the carriage 52 is positioned out of the movement area A1 of the carriage 52, by a gas which is blown from the blower unit 60 hits the heat radiating portion 57 arranged on the carriage 52, the heat radiating portion 57 and a head drive circuit 56 There is cooling. That is, the air flow toward the heat radiating portion 57 which is supported on the carriage 52, the heat radiating portion 57 and a head drive circuit 56 is cooled.
[0039]
　Next, referring to FIG. 4, it will be described the control configuration of the printing apparatus 10.
　As shown in FIG. 4, the input-side interface of the control unit 100, the temperature detector 58 for detecting the temperature of the head drive circuit 56 is connected. On the other hand, the output side interface of the control unit 100, the rotation mechanism 43, the moving mechanism 55, a head driving circuit 56, the blower fan 62 and the maintenance unit 70 are connected.
[0040]
　Then, the control unit 100, when the print job from the terminal (not shown) is turned on, by controlling the driving of each component, to perform printing on the medium M. That is, the control unit 100, a conveying operation for conveying by the predetermined conveying distance of the medium M in the conveying direction F to the transport unit 40, and the ejection operation of ejecting ink from the ejection head 54 while moving the carriage 52 in the scanning direction X, the by causing alternately to perform the printing on the medium M. Furthermore, the control unit 100, when causing the printing medium M, to drive the blower 60, is blown gas to the movement area A1 of the carriage 52.
[0041]
　The control unit 100, when to perform the discharging operation to the printing unit 50, to eject ink to the ejection head 54 through the head driving circuit 56. That is, the control unit 100 outputs a control waveform for controlling the timing of outputting the shape and driving waveform of the driving waveforms head drive circuit 56 outputs. The head drive circuit 56, a driving waveform according to the control waveform and inputs to the actuator 531, ink is ejected from the nozzle 53 corresponding to the actuator 531. For example, the head drive circuit 56, when it is desired to eject large ink droplets from the nozzles 53 enter the large driving waveform amplitude to the actuator 531, when it is desired to eject a small ink droplet from the nozzle 53, the amplitude entering a small drive waveform to the actuator 531.
[0042]
　Now, in the printing device 10 to place the head drive circuit 56 for driving the ejection head 54 on the carriage 52, the heat generation of the head driving circuit 56, the temperature of the head drive circuit 56 and the discharge head 54 may rise. Therefore, although the air blowing fan for blowing air toward the head driving circuit 56 be arranged on the carriage 52 is believed to cool the head drive circuit 56, in this case, carriage 52 along with the driving of the blower fan by vibrating, the ink ejection performance of the ejection head 54 may be reduced.
[0043]
　Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat radiating portion 57 for cooling the head drive circuit 56 on the carriage 52 is provided, and the strike airflow for discharging debris ink mist or medium M to the heat radiating portion 57. Thus, without providing the blower 60 to the carriage 52, toward the heat radiating portion 57 it is possible to blow the gas, while suppressing the vibration is transmitted it to the ejection head 54, the suppression of heat generation of the head driving circuit 56 it is possible.
[0044]
　Incidentally, by arranging a head driving circuit 56 outside the carriage 52, it can suppress the heat generated by the head driving circuit 56 is transmitted to the ejection head 54, in this case, the discharge head 54 and the head drive circuit 56 due to the second cable 102 to be connected is long, there is a possibility that the following problem arises.
[0045]
　That is, the inductance of the second cable 102 is increased by the second cable 102 which connects the head drive circuit 56 and the discharge head 54 is increased, the drive waveform is easily distorted. Drive waveform, since they are to directly determine the operation of the actuator 531, the drive waveform is distorted affect the ejection timing of the size and the ink occurs in the ink ejected from the ejection head 54, the printing quality is lowered risk there is.
[0046]
　Further, in recent years of the ejection head 54, with the higher function, the absolute value tends to increase the current flowing through the second cable 102, the current is large easily changed in a short time. Further, there is a tendency to increase the number of the ejection head 54 in order to improve the printing speed, the combined order to increase the number of actuators 531 which also increases the absolute value of the current flowing through the second cable 102. Therefore, the inductance of the second cable 102 is increased, that the counter-electromotive force generated in the second cable 102 is further increased, the drive waveform is more easily distorted.
[0047]
　Incidentally, the waveform output from the control section 100 (control circuit) to the head drive circuit 56 are the control waveforms for controlling the head drive circuit 56, first connects the controller 100 and the head drive circuit 56 1 even cable 101 is long, its effect is relatively small.
[0048]
　Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100, depending on the position in the scanning direction X of the carriage 52 will be described the processing content for changing the driving mode of the blower unit 60.
[0049]
　5, the control unit 100 determines whether the carriage 52 is positioned in the ink ejection region A2 (step S11), and when the carriage 52 is positioned in the ink ejection region A2 (step S11 : YES), the control unit 100, a first blower unit 601 and the second blower 602 to the driving state (step S12). That is, by the first blower 601 and the second blower 602 is driven, or floating matter, such as debris ink mist or medium M is discharged to the outside of the housing 11, the heat radiating portion 57 (head drive circuit 56) or is cooled. Thereafter, the control unit 100 temporarily ends the series of processes.
[0050]
　On the other hand, in the previous step S11, when the carriage 52 is positioned in the maintenance area A3 (step S11: NO), the control unit 100 determines whether the carriage 52 is stopped at the maintenance area A3 (step S13) to. Then, when the carriage 52 is not stopped in the maintenance area A3 (step S13: NO), the control unit 100 shifts the process to the previous step S12. That is, in this case A, since the carriage 52 may move to the ink ejection area A2 from the maintenance area A3, it is necessary to first blower 601 and the second blower unit 602 continues the state in which the drive it is the case.
[0051]
　On the other hand, when the carriage 52 is stopped at the maintenance area A3 (step S13: YES), the control unit 100, based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 58 obtains the detected temperature is the temperature of the head drive circuit 56 determines the detected temperature is whether less than the reference temperature (step S14). Here, the reference temperature is determined value in determining whether it is necessary to cool the head driving circuit 56.
[0052]
　When the detected temperature is less than the reference temperature (step S14: YES), the control unit 100, the first blower 601 and the second blower 602 and the stop state (step S15). That is, in this case, since the head drive circuit 56 does not have to be cooled, by the first blower 601 and the second blower 602 and the stop state, the first blower 601 and the second power consumption and noise caused by the driving of the blower 602 is suppressed. Thereafter, the control unit 100 temporarily ends the series of processes.
[0053]
　On the other hand, if the detected temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature (step S14: NO), the control unit 100, while the first blower 601 and the stop state, the second blower 602 to the driving state (step S16 ). That is, in this case, although the head drive circuit 56 needs to be cooled, since the carriage 52 to which the head driving circuit 56 is provided is located in the maintenance area A3, for cooling the head drive circuit 56 it is not necessary to drive the first blower 601. Thus, power consumption and noise caused by the driving of the first blower unit 601 is prevented. Thereafter, the control unit 100 temporarily ends the series of processes.
[0054]
　In the process content described above, when the carriage 52 is stopped in the maintenance area A3, the first blower 601 is stopped regardless of the detected temperature, the second blower unit 602 according to the detected temperature or or is stopped is driven Te. In this regard, when the carriage 52 is positioned in the maintenance area A3, it can be said that the drive of the first blower 601 is limited, the generation of air flow from the second blower unit 602 is allowed.
[0055]
　Further, in step S13, in response to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 58, in that the driving mode of the second blower 602 is changed, in this embodiment, the second according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 58 it can be said that the generation of the airflow from the blower 602 is controlled.
[0056]
　Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a description will be given of the operation of the printing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. Incidentally, in FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the flow of gas to be blown from the blower unit 60 in outline arrows.
[0057]
　As shown in FIG. 6, in the printing apparatus 10, when printing, while moving the carriage 52 of the ink ejection area A2 in the scanning direction X, the support from the ejection head 54 of the second, which is supported by the carriage 52 ink is ejected toward the supported medium M to section 32. Therefore, when printing, the head driving circuit 56 for driving the ejection head 54 generates heat.
[0058]
　In this respect, according to the present embodiment, when the carriage 52 to perform printing reciprocates ink ejection area A2 in the scanning direction X, the blower unit 60 disposed in the extension above the ink ejection area A2 (second gas is blown from the first blower unit 601) hits the heat radiating portion 57. Therefore, heat generated by the head driving circuit 56 is dissipated via the heat radiating unit 57, the temperature rise of the head drive circuit 56 is suppressed. Further, in the present embodiment, since the blower 60 is provided over the movement area A1 of the carriage 52, even when the carriage 52 is performing a printing at any position of the ink ejection region A2, the heat radiating portion 57 state in which the gas is blown is continued.
[0059]
　On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to perform maintenance of the ejection head 54, a gas carriage 52 when stopping at a maintenance area A3, which is blown from the blower unit 60 disposed vertically above the maintenance area A3 There by hitting the heat radiating portion 57, a head drive circuit 56 is cooled via the heat radiating portion 57. Further, in the present embodiment, when the carriage 52 is stopped in the maintenance area A3, driving the first blower 601 is positioned directly above the ink ejection area A2 is stopped. Further, even when the carriage 52 is stopped at the maintenance area A3, when the temperature of the head drive circuit 56 becomes less than the cooling required temperature (reference temperature) also driving the second blower 602 It is stopped.
[0060]
　According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the following effects.
　(1) The heat radiating portion 57 for radiating heat generated by the head drive circuit 56 directly above the carriage 52 is provided, it was decided that blows air from the blower unit 60 toward to the heat radiating portion 57. Therefore, the heat transfer with the gas that is blown from the blower unit 60, it is possible to enhance the cooling efficiency of the head drive circuit 56 by the heat radiating portion 57. Also, the blower unit 60 may be placed in the outer movement area A1 of the carriage 52, not easily transmitted to the ejection head 54 vibration due to the generation of the airflow from the blower unit 60 is supported on the carriage 52. Therefore, while suppressing influence the discharge mode of the ink jet head 54, the heat generation of the head driving circuit 56 for driving the ejection head 54 can be suppressed.
[0061]
　(2) due to the second blower 602 is provided vertically above the maintenance area A3, it is possible to cool the head drive circuit 56 in the middle of performing a maintenance of the ejection head 54. Comparative Therefore, for example, in a situation where cooling is needed for the execution of maintenance of the discharge head 54 and the head driving circuit 56, when performing the cooling of the maintenance of the execution and the head driving circuit 56 of the ejection head 54 independently to the ejection head 54 can be a short time the downtime that can not eject ink to the medium M.
[0062]
　(3) for the blower 60 are provided a plurality along the movement area A1 (the scanning direction X), the ejection head 54 even while ejecting ink onto a medium M, it can be cooled head driving circuit 56. Further, since the air current is generated in the movement area A1 of the carriage 52 by the blower 60, the mist generated in association with the ejection head 54 ejects ink can be removed from the movement area A1 of the carriage 52.
[0063]
　(4) When performing maintenance of the ejection head 54, while the second blower unit 602 drive state for blowing air toward the maintenance area A3 (air stream generating state), the blows air towards the ink ejection area A2 the first blower unit 601 was to the stopped state. Therefore, when performing maintenance of the ejection head 54, to suppress the occurrence of air flow from the first blower unit 601 which does not contribute to the cooling of the head drive circuit 56, the generation of the airflow from the first blower 601 possible to reduce power consumption and noise caused.
[0064]
　(5) In whether the detected temperature is less than or reference temperature of the head drive circuit 56, it was decided to switch the driving state of the second blower 602 (air stream generating state). Therefore, when the cooling of the head drive circuit 56 is required, because the air flow from the second blower unit 602 is generated, it is possible to efficiently generate air flow from the blower unit 60.
[0065]
　The above embodiment may be modified as shown below.
　Maintenance unit 70 may perform maintenance other than the capping. For example, the maintenance unit 70 is provided with a wiper, it may perform the wiping of the nozzle forming surface in which the nozzles 53 are formed in the ejection head 54. Further, the maintenance unit 70 is provided with a pressure reducing unit for reducing the pressure in the cap 71, the inside of the cap 71 by vacuum after capping, the forced ink from the nozzles 53 of the ejection head 54 may be performed cleaning for discharging. Further, the maintenance unit 70 is provided with a flushing box having an opening vertically upward, the ink may be received in the flushing box independently discharged from the print from the ejection head 54. That is, the maintenance unit 70 may be a maintenance unit 70 for performing such maintenance. Furthermore, the maintenance unit 70, in order to confirm whether or not to perform wiping or cleaning, discharging position accuracy of the discharge head 54 may detect such discharge amount or discharge existence.
[0066]
　- if from the ejection head 54 performs maintenance for discharging ink, because the actuator 531 is driven by a head driving circuit 56, even when located carriage 52 is in the maintenance area A3, the head drive circuit 56 is exothermic there is a case to be. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the heat generation of the head driving circuit 56 by driving the second blower unit 602.
[0067]
　- the maintenance area A3 may not be provided the maintenance section 70. And when the carriage 52 is stopped at the maintenance area A3 in order to wait for printing, when the carriage 52 moves the maintenance area A3, by generating an air flow from the second blower unit 602, cooling the head drive circuit 56 it is possible to become.
[0068]
　- blowing direction of the blower unit 60 may not be vertically downward. For example, it may be one for blowing air toward the blower 60 provided in the rear of the housing 11 on the carriage 52 (radiator unit 57).
[0069]
　- blowing section 60, in addition to blowing fan 62, it is possible to employ various configurations capable of generating an air flow. For example, it may be configured to generate an air stream fed to the gas inside the printing apparatus 10 from the blower unit 60 from the outside is supplied with such pressure gas of the printing apparatus 10. In this case, the closing portion or the like is provided on the blower 60 and the generation of airflow stopping or may be capable of controlling the amount.
[0070]
　Also, the blower unit 60 may be a suction unit such as a suction pump for sucking the gas. For example, a suction unit for sucking gas from the interior of the housing 11 to the outlet port 12 is provided, by driving the suction unit may generate the air flow toward the heat radiating portion 57 which is supported on the carriage 52. That is, in this case, the suction unit is that which corresponds to an example of "flow generator unit".
[0071]
　- the heat radiating unit 57 may not intended to cool only the head drive circuit 56. For example, the heat radiating portion 57, the ejection head 54 may be configured to cool.
　If the head drive circuit 56 as it can radiate heat, shape and material of the heat radiating portion 57 may be appropriately changed.
[0072]
　In step S12, the second blower 602 may be stopped. That is, when the carriage 52 is positioned in the ink ejection region A2 stops the second blower 602, may suppress the power consumption and noise caused by the driving of the second blower 602.
[0073]
　In step S15, S16, the first blower 601 may be driven. That is, the carriage 52 even when it is stopped in the maintenance area A3, may be driven first blower 601.
[0074]
　- steps S14, S15 may be omitted. That is, when the carriage 52 is stopped in the maintenance area, regardless of the detected temperature, a second blower 602 may be driven. That is, in this case, by the second blower 602, when the carriage 52 is positioned at least maintenance area A3, so that the air flow toward the heat radiating portion 57 which is supported on the carriage 52 occurs.
[0075]
　· A first drive manner of the blower 601 and the second blower 602 may be equal. That is, regardless of the position of the carriage 52 in the movement area A1, the first blower 601 and the second blower 602 may always be driven.
[0076]
　• When both drive the first blower 601 and the second blower 602, the first blower 601 and the second may be driven stronger than the blower unit 602 may be driven weakly.
　- when the difference between the detected temperature and the reference temperature by the temperature detection unit 58 is large, than when the difference is small, it may be strengthened driving the second blower unit 602. According to this, together with the case of cooling strongly head drive circuit 56 can be enhanced driving the second blower 602, when the head drive circuit 56 is not necessary to cool the second blower 602 it is possible to weaken the drive.
[0077]
　Temperature detection unit 58, be provided on the carriage 52 may not be provided on the head driving circuit 56. Alternatively, depending on the heat generation of the head driving circuit 56, if the area of ​​the temperature rise may not be provided on the carriage 52.
[0078]
　The medium M is other paper, textile, leather, plastics, or may be wood and ceramics.
　The medium M is other wound solved media M from the roll body R, it may be a single-cut medium M, may be a medium M just long.
[0079]
　· Droplet discharge head 54 is discharged or injected is not limited to ink, for example, particles of a functional material may be a liquid material is dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, a liquid crystal display, performs printing by discharging a liquid material containing a material such as EL (electroluminescence) displays and field emission displays of manufacturing such electrodes used in material or color material (pixel material) dispersed or in the form of dissolution configuration may be.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS
[0080]
　10 ... printing apparatus (an example of the droplet discharge device), 11 ... housing, 12 ... outlet, 20 ... feeding unit, 21 ... holding member, 30 ... support portion, 31 ... first support portion, 32 ... second support of the, 33 ... third support portion, 34 ... heating section, 40 ... transport unit, 41 ... transport roller, 42 ... driven roller, 43 ... rotating mechanism, 50 ... printing section, 51 ... guide shaft, 52 ... carriage , 53 ... nozzle, 531 ... actuator, 54 ... discharge head, 55 ... moving mechanism, 56 ... head drive circuit, 57 ... heat radiating portion, 58 ... temperature detecting unit, 60 ... blower, 601 ... first blower (first An example of one of the airflow generating portion), 602 ... second blower (an example of a second air flow generating portion), 61 ... duct 62 ... blowing fan, 63 ... blower opening, 70 ... maintenance section, 71 ... cap, 100 ... control unit, 101 ... first cable, 10 ... second cable, A1 ... movement area, A2 ... ink ejection area (an example of a droplet ejection region), A3 ... maintenance area, M ... medium, R ... roll body, F ... conveying direction, X ... scanning direction, Y ... the front-rear direction, Z ... the vertical direction.

The scope of the claims
[Requested item 1]
　An ejection head that ejects liquid droplets toward the medium,
　a head drive circuit for driving the ejection head,
　a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the head drive circuit,
　the ejection head, wherein the head driving circuit and the heat dissipation a carriage for moving in a state where parts supporting the,
　disposed outside the movement area of the carriage, and a stream generating unit capable of generating a supported airflow towards the heat radiating unit to the carriage
　liquid, characterized in that droplet ejection device.
[Requested item 2]
　Wherein the moving region includes a droplet ejection area for discharging droplets on the medium, and maintenance area for maintenance of the discharge head, includes,
　the airflow generating portion, the carriage is positioned at least in the maintenance area when, the air flow toward the heat radiating portion supported on the carriage can be generated
　the apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.
[Requested item 3]
　The airflow generating portion are provided along the movement region of the carriage
　The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.
[Requested item 4]
　Wherein the moving region includes a droplet ejection area for discharging droplets on the medium, and maintenance area for maintenance of the discharge head, includes,
　among a plurality of the airflow generating portion, the liquid-droplet ejection area the airflow generating unit capable of generating an air flow toward the heat radiating portion supported on said carriage is located as a first air stream generating unit, the air flow toward the heat radiating portion supported on the carriage positioned in the maintenance area when the possible occurrence the airflow generating unit is a second air flow generating unit,
　when the carriage to the maintenance area is located, while limiting the occurrence of air flow from the first air flow generating portion, the first allowing the generation of the airflow from the second air flow generating unit
　the apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that.
[Requested item 5]
　Comprising a temperature detecting portion which is supported on the carriage,
　in accordance with the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit, and controls the generation of the airflow from the airflow generating portion
　any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the apparatus according to one paragraph or.