Ink jet printing systems typically operate by applying ink from print head nozzles onto a print media such as paper. The wetted print media is then typically moved to a drying station that contains one or more heaters that are positioned to heat the ink and hence facilitate its drying on the print media. The heaters typically consist of a number of bulbs that produce the drying heat that is utilized to dry the ink on the page. To facilitate circulation of the heat within the drying station, a fan is typically used to ensure that the heat is moved or otherwise circulated within the drying station.
As an example, consider FIG. 1 which schematically shows an exemplary ink jet printing system generally at 100. System 100 typically includes a print head assembly 102 which can include a number of different nozzles for selectively applying ink to a print media such as a piece of paper 103. Paper is advanced into the region in which the assembly resides, has ink applied to it, and is moved into a drying station generally indicated at 104. The drying station typically includes a heater assembly 106 that includes one or more heat sources, and a fan 108 to direct heated air in the direction of the paper to facilitate the ink drying process.
One of the problems that systems, such as system 100, can experience is that the air that is circulated to facilitate the drying process can undesirably move into the region occupied by the print head assembly, as indicated by the arrows. When this happens, ink that is being expelled from the nozzles can be dispersed by the air and provided into an aerosol state. When this occurs, the ink can otherwise be deposited onto portions of the print media that are not intended to carry the deposited ink. Hence, the print quality is undesirably decreased. Additionally, another problem that can be caused by this undesired air circulation is that the performance of the print head assembly can be adversely impacted. Specifically, the print head assembly, also termed “TIJ pens”, has temperature ranges within which its operation is desired to fall. When the print head assembly operates outside of this temperature range, as for example, operating at elevated temperatures, the overall performance and lifetime of the print head assembly can be undesirably reduced.