Printing device, control method of printing device

Abstract

The present application provides a printing device and a control method of the printing device, which appropriately performs heating and pressurization of a medium according to various conditions (kind of medium, printing condition, environmental condition) to enable winding while suppressing wrinkles and relaxation. The printing device (1) includes a winding-off section (20), a conveyance roller (25), a printing section (40), a guide section (50), a winding section (60), and a control section (3). The guide section has a heating section (first heating section 81) that heats a surface in contact with a printing medium (medium M), and the medium after printing is heated by the first heating section and a tension is applied. The control section adjusts the tension applied to the medium by the guide section by controlling the winding force of the winding section. Furthermore, the control section controls the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the first heating section in such a manner that they change according to the kind of medium, the printing condition at the time of printing, or the environmental condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a method for controlling the printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A printing apparatus for printing on media such as roll paper has been known for a long time. The printing apparatus performs printing by spraying ink from a nozzle toward the media. In such a printing apparatus, a heating unit such as a heater is provided in order to dry and fix the ink sprayed onto the media so as to prevent the printed media from swelling due to the ink and thus wrinkling.

[0003] In the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1, the problem is that the temperature of the medium decreases due to the contact portion that the medium comes into contact with after printing, thereby hindering the drying of the ink. The invention discloses a technique of providing a heater on the contact portion to suppress the temperature decrease of the medium.

[0004] However, although Patent Document 1 describes a structure that heats and applies tension to the medium by means of a guide section that guides the medium, there is a problem that it is difficult to implement appropriate drying and winding of the medium according to various conditions (type of medium, printing conditions, environmental conditions).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-30989 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The printing apparatus is characterized by comprising: an unwinding section for unwinding printing media wound into a roll; a conveying roller for conveying the printing media unwound from the unwinding section in a conveying direction; a printing section for applying liquid to the conveyed printing media to perform printing; a guiding section for contacting the printing media and applying tension; a winding section for winding the printed printing media; and a control section, wherein the unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction, and the guiding section has a control function for... The first heating unit heats the surface of the printing medium that is in contact with the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the first heating unit via the guide surface and tension is applied. The control unit adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide unit by controlling the winding force of the winding unit. The winding unit and the first heating unit are controlled in such a way that the winding force of the winding unit and the heating temperature of the first heating unit vary according to the type of printing medium, the printing conditions during printing, or the environmental conditions.

[0007] The control method for the printing apparatus is characterized in that the printing apparatus comprises: an unwinding section for unwinding a printing medium wound into a roll; a conveying roller for conveying the printing medium unwound from the unwinding section in a conveying direction; a printing section for applying liquid to the conveyed printing medium to perform printing; a guiding section for contacting the printing medium and applying tension; and a winding section for winding the printed printing medium. The unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The guide section has a heating section that heats the surface in contact with the printing medium, i.e., the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the heating section via the guide surface and tension is applied. The printing apparatus adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide section by controlling the winding force of the winding section, and controls the winding section and the heating section in a way that the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the heating section vary according to the type of printing medium, printing conditions during printing, or environmental conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the structure of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the general electrical structure of a printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a printing apparatus.

[0011] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for a printing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 1. Implementation Method

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the general structure of the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 A block diagram showing the general electrical structure of the printing apparatus 1.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a serial large-format printer (LFP) that processes a strip of medium M, which is an example of a printing medium (hereinafter referred to as medium M).

[0016] In addition, Figure 1 The diagram is shown using the XYZ coordinate system. The Z-direction is defined as the direction along the direction of gravity and the vertical direction. Hereinafter, this Z-direction will also be referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the X-direction intersects the up-down direction (orthogonal in this embodiment) and becomes the direction of the long side of the housing 10 (the width direction of the medium M). Hereinafter, this X-direction will also be referred to as the width direction or the scanning direction. The Y-direction is the direction that intersects both the Z-direction (up-down direction) and the X-direction (width direction) (orthogonal in this embodiment). Hereinafter, this Y-direction will also be referred to as the front-back direction.

[0017] In the front-to-back direction (Y direction), the front side or front face side of the printing device 1 is designated as the +Y direction, and the rear side or back face side is designated as the -Y direction. Furthermore, in the width direction (X direction), when viewing the printing device 1 from the front side, the left side is designated as the +X direction, and the right side is designated as the -X direction. Additionally, in the vertical direction (Z direction), the upper side, above, upper part, and top are designated as the +Z direction, and the lower side, lower part, lower part, and bottom are designated as the -Z direction.

[0018] Medium M is conveyed from unwinding section 20 (described later) toward winding section 60. The direction of conveying medium M is referred to as the conveying direction F. Furthermore, when referring to the positional relationship along the conveying direction F of medium M, the unwinding section 20 side is referred to as the upstream side, and the winding section 60 side is referred to as the downstream side.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The general structure of the printing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0020] The printing apparatus 1 comprises a frame 15, an unwinding section 20, a conveyor roller 25, a support section 30, a printing section 40, a guide section 50, a rewinding section 60, a pressing roller 70, a heating section 80, and a control section 3. Figure 1 As shown, the frame 15 is composed of a base frame 16 and a pair of foot frames 17, etc. The base frame 16 extends in the width direction, and the foot frames 17 are integral with the base frame 16 and extend in the front-back direction, and form a pair in the width direction to bear the weight of the printing device 1.

[0021] The heating unit 80, detailed below, includes a first heating unit 81, a second heating unit 82, and a third heating unit 83. By heating the printed medium M, the applied ink is rapidly dried and fixed on the medium M, thereby suppressing bleeding and blurring. Furthermore, the first heating unit 81 and the second heating unit 82 correct the swelling and deformation of the medium M due to the ink, making it flat and suppressing wrinkling.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the unwinding section 20, conveyor roller 25, support section 30, guide section 50, pressing roller 70, etc., are fixed to the base frame 16. The winding section 60 is fixed to the foot frame 17, etc. The printing section 40 is disposed inside a generally rectangular cuboid-shaped housing 10, which is fixed to the base frame 16 and is longer in the width direction. The control section 3 is disposed inside the housing 10 and provides comprehensive control over the operation of each part of the printing apparatus 1.

[0023] The printing device 1 has a pair of small casters 18 and a pair of adjusters 19 at the lower end of a pair of legs 17 forming in the width direction. After the printing device 1 is moved to the installation location by means of the small casters 18, the height of the printing device 1 is adjusted (leveling adjustment, etc.) by means of the adjusters 19, and it is fixed to the ground, for example.

[0024] The unwinding section 20 is located on the lower rear side of the housing 10. The unwinding section 20 includes a pair of holders 22 that clamp both ends of the core tube 21. A roll body R1, formed by winding unused printing media M onto the core tube 21, is held on the holders 22. An unwinding motor (not shown) is provided on one of the holders 22 to supply rotational force to the core tube 21. When the unwinding motor is driven in the unwinding direction (in... Figure 1 When the winding rotates (in a counter-clockwise direction), the core tube 21 rotates passively, thereby unwinding the medium M from the drum body R1 toward the conveyor roller 25. In addition, the control unit 3 controls the unwinding unit 20 (unwinding motor).

[0025] On the unwinding section 20, multiple roll bodies R1 of different sizes with different widths and number of rolls of the medium M are loaded in a replaceable manner. In addition, on the unwinding section 20, multiple roll bodies R1 of different types (materials) of the medium M are loaded in a replaceable manner.

[0026] The support portion 30 includes a first support portion 31, an impression plate 32, and a second support portion 33. The first support portion 31 is disposed upstream of the impression plate 32, and the second support portion 33 is disposed downstream of the impression plate 32. The first support portion 31 guides the medium M unwound from the unwinding portion 20 toward the impression plate 32. The second support portion 33 guides the medium M printed by the printing portion 40 toward the guiding portion 50 and the rewinding portion 60.

[0027] The impression plate 32 is formed with a generally rectangular surface having the scanning direction as its long side, and is positioned opposite the printing section 40 (ejector head 41). The impression plate 32 supports the medium M to be printed by the printing section 40 from below. Specifically, by applying negative pressure to the impression plate 32, the medium M is drawn in and supported on the upper surface of the impression plate 32. This suppresses the reduction in print quality caused by the floating of the medium M.

[0028] The conveying roller 25 conveys the medium M unwound from the unwinding section 20 in the conveying direction F. The conveying roller 25 includes a drive roller 26, a driven roller 27, and a drive motor (not shown). The drive roller 26 is disposed between the first support section 31 and the impression plate 32. The drive roller 26 is configured to extend in a direction intersecting the conveying direction F of the medium M.

[0029] The driven roller 27 is positioned above the drive roller 26 and is configured to move in a manner that allows it to separate from or press against the drive roller 26. By driving the drive motor and rotating the drive roller 26, the medium M sandwiched between the drive roller 26 and the driven roller 27 is conveyed in the conveying direction F. Furthermore, the control unit 3 controls the rotation of the conveying roller 25 (drive motor).

[0030] The printing unit 40 is located downstream of the conveyor roller 25 and is positioned above the impression plate 32. The printing unit 40 has an ejector head 41 and a carriage 42. The ejector head 41 ejects liquid ink toward the medium M supported on the upper surface of the impression plate 32 and allows it to adhere. The carriage 42, while supporting the ejector head 41, can reciprocate freely in a scanning direction orthogonal to the conveying direction F of the medium M.

[0031] The printhead 41 has multiple nozzles (not shown) and is configured to eject ink. Specifically, the printhead 41 is constructed by arranging multiple nozzles in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. Furthermore, each printhead 41 is arranged side-by-side in the scanning direction according to color. Additionally, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the printhead 41.

[0032] The carriage 42 is supported on two carriage shafts 46 in a reciprocating manner, and the two carriage shafts 46 are mounted on a carriage frame 45 and extend in the width direction. In this embodiment, the carriage 42 and the carriage shafts 46 are engaged via two bearings 43 fixed to the carriage 42. Furthermore, the carriage 42 moves along the carriage shafts 46 by means of a carriage motor (not shown). The bearings 43 are configured as ball bearings. In addition, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the carriage 42 (carriage motor).

[0033] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a predetermined image is printed on the medium M by alternately repeating the ejection action and the conveying action, thereby forming dots on the medium M. The ejection action is the action of ejecting ink in the form of ink droplets from the ejection head 41 while moving the ejection head 41 in the scanning direction (X direction). The conveying action is the action of the conveying roller 25 conveying a predetermined amount of the medium M in the conveying direction F.

[0034] In this embodiment, the printhead 41 is exemplified as a serial printhead that is mounted on a reciprocating carriage 42 and ejects ink while moving in the scanning direction. However, the printhead 41 may also be a line printhead that extends in the scanning direction and ejects ink in a fixed state.

[0035] The take-up section 60 is located downstream of the guide section 50, described later. The take-up section 60 includes a pair of holders 62 that clamp both ends of the core tube 61. A roll body R2, formed by winding the printing medium M (printed by the printing section 40) onto the core tube 61, is held on the holders 62. A take-up motor (not shown) is provided on one of the holders 62 to supply rotational force to the core tube 61. When the take-up motor is driven in the take-up direction (in... Figure 1 When the core tube 61 rotates counterclockwise, it rotates passively, thereby winding the medium M that has passed through the guide part 50 onto the core tube 61, thus forming a roll body R2.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the take-up unit 60, under the control of the control unit 3, synchronously takes up the medium M with the conveying action of the conveying roller 25. In addition, based on the speed at which the medium M is fed out, the inertia (torque of inertia) of the take-up unit 60, and the type of medium M described later, the printing conditions during printing, environmental conditions, etc., the torque of the roll body R2 is optimized, and the tension of the medium M is adjusted.

[0037] The guide portion 50 is located downstream of the second support portion 33 and upstream of the winding portion 60, guiding the printed medium M toward the winding portion 60. The guide portion 50 consists of a cylindrical portion 51 and a first heating portion 81. The cylindrical portion 51 is hollow and is formed to be longer than the width of the medium M. The first heating portion 81 is located inside the cylindrical portion 51. The guide portion 50 is supported and fixed at both ends of the cylindrical portion 51 by a holding portion (not shown), and is mounted on the base frame 16.

[0038] In this embodiment, the guide portion 50 does not rotate. Furthermore, the guide surface of the guide portion 50, which serves as the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51, abuts against the medium M, and is driven by the winding portion 60 to apply appropriate tension to the printed medium M being conveyed in the transport direction F. Therefore, the printed medium M is conveyed by sliding against the outer peripheral surface of the front side of the cylindrical portion 51 while a predetermined tension is applied at the guide portion 50. Additionally, the cylindrical portion 51 of the guide portion 50 abuts against the opposite surface of the printed medium M.

[0039] The tension applied to the medium M by the guide section 50 is generated by the winding force (rotational force) supplied to the core tube 61 by the winding motor of the winding section 60. In other words, the control section 3 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M by the guide section 50 by controlling the winding force of the winding section 60 (more specifically, controlling the winding motor).

[0040] The cylindrical portion 51 can be made of materials such as aluminum, which has good thermal conductivity. Furthermore, to improve strength, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and smoothness, the outer peripheral surface of the aluminum is subjected to surface treatments such as anodizing. Therefore, the heat generated by the first heating element 81 located inside the cylindrical portion 51 can be effectively transferred to the medium M.

[0041] The first heating unit 81 is, for example, an infrared heater that heats the material using infrared or far-infrared rays. Besides infrared heaters, other types of heaters, such as a sheath heater with an internal heating element (nickel-chromium alloy wire) or a ceramic heater with a ceramic heating element, can also be used as the first heating unit 81. The first heating unit 81 is connected to a heating drive unit (not shown) disposed on the outside of the guide portion 50. Furthermore, driven by the heating drive unit, the first heating unit 81 is heated, and the cylindrical portion 51 is heated from the inside, thereby heating the medium M that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51. The control unit 3 controls the heating drive unit to adjust the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 that heats the printed medium M.

[0042] The pressing roller 70 is disposed on the upper part of the roll body R2 of the take-up section 60 and rotates in response to the rotation of the take-up section 60. The pressing roller 70 consists of a roller section 71, a rotating shaft 72, and a second heating section 82. The roller section 71 is cylindrical and is formed to be longer than the width of the medium M. The rotating shaft 72 causes the roller section 71 to rotate. The second heating section 82 is disposed on the inner side of the roller section 71.

[0043] Furthermore, the pressing roller 70 includes a pressing mechanism (not shown). The pressing mechanism rotatably holds the rotation shaft 72 of the pressing roller 70 and rotatably supports both ends of the roller portion 71, causing the roller portion 71 to abut against the roll body R2 to press the wound medium M. The control unit 3 can adjust the pressing force applied to the roll body R2 by controlling the pressing mechanism.

[0044] In detail, the pressing roller 70 presses the outer peripheral surface of the medium M wound onto the take-up section 60. Furthermore, the pressing roller 70 heats the outer peripheral surface of the medium M by the second heating section 82. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the medium M to be heated is the surface opposite to the surface heated at the guide section 50. Thus, the pressing roller 70 heats and presses the outer peripheral surface of the medium M wound onto the take-up section 60 simultaneously. Additionally, in the pressing roller 70, the roller section 71 rotates in response to the rotation of the take-up section 60. For ease of explanation, the rotation of the roller section 71 will be referred to as the rotation of the pressing roller 70 in the following text.

[0045] The roller portion 71 is made of the same material as the cylindrical portion 51 of the guide portion 50 described above; for example, aluminum, a metal component with good thermal conductivity, can be used. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the aluminum is subjected to surface treatments such as anodizing. Therefore, the heat generated by the second heating portion 82 located inside the roller portion 71 can be effectively transferred to the medium M.

[0046] Like the first heating unit 81, the second heating unit 82 is an infrared heater, for example, that heats using infrared or far-infrared rays. In addition to infrared heaters, the second heating unit 82 can also be a sheathed heater with an internal heating element (nickel-chromium alloy wire) or a ceramic heater using ceramic as the heating element. The second heating unit 82 is connected to a heating drive unit disposed on the outside of the guide unit 50. Furthermore, driven by the heating drive unit, the second heating unit 82 is heated, and the roller 71 is heated from the inside, thereby heating the medium M that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 71. The control unit 3 controls the second heating unit 82 (heating drive unit) to adjust the heating temperature. Additionally, the control unit 3 controls the pressing mechanism to adjust the pressing force.

[0047] The third heating unit 83 is disposed between the printing unit 40 and the guide unit 50, opposite to the second support unit 33 that supports the printed medium M. The third heating unit 83 heats the support surface 331 of the second support unit 33 that supports the medium M, and the medium M supported on the support surface 331. The third heating unit 83 is composed of an infrared heater, a housing, a pipe, a suction fan, etc., all of which are omitted from the figure.

[0048] The purpose of the third heating unit 83 is to dry and fix the ink by heating the medium M, which is supported by the support surface 331 of the second support unit 33 and transported from the printing surface side of the medium M. Furthermore, the control unit 3 controls the third heating unit 83. In this embodiment, the control unit 3 controls the heating temperature of the third heating unit 83 to a fixed, initially set temperature.

[0049] In the printing apparatus 1, inside the housing 10 near the opening 11 that forms the housing 10, a temperature measuring unit 12 for measuring the temperature of the outside air and a humidity measuring unit 13 for measuring the humidity of the outside air are provided.

[0050] The details are described below. In this embodiment, the tension applied to the medium M in the guide section 50 (the winding force of the winding section 60), the heating temperature of the first heating section 81, the pressing force applied to the medium M in the pressing roller 70, and the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 are controlled by the control section 3 in a manner that varies according to the type of medium M, the printing conditions during printing, or the environmental conditions. Thus, by adjusting the tension of the guide section 50, the pressing force of the pressing roller 70, and the heating temperatures of the first heating section 81 and the second heating section 82, tension, pressing, and heating are applied to the medium M, thereby correcting the medium M, which has swelled and deformed due to ink, into a flat surface, thereby suppressing wrinkling during winding.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes an input unit 8, which provides instructions to the control unit 3 by performing setting operations and input operations. The input unit 8 may also be a touch panel type display or the like. Furthermore, the input unit 8 may be separately installed from the printing apparatus 1.

[0052] Control unit 3 is a control unit used to control the printing apparatus 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the interface (I / F) unit 5 is a component for transmitting and receiving data between the input unit 8 and the control unit 3. The CPU 6 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the printing apparatus 1 as a whole. The storage unit 7 is a component for storing the program of the CPU 6 in the working area. The CPU 6 controls each part of the pressing roller 70 from the unwinding unit 20 via the control circuit 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the storage unit 7 stores various tables. For example, it stores tables for ink-absorbing layers that correspond to heating temperature / pressure, tables for ink ejection amounts that correspond to heating temperature / pressure, and tables for water vapor pressure differences that correspond to heating temperature / pressure.

[0054] The printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a detector group (not shown), which monitors the conditions within the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 3 controls each structural component based on the detection results of the detector group. Additionally, the temperature measuring unit 12 and the humidity measuring unit 13 also constitute the detector group.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for printing apparatus 1. In detail, Figure 3 This is a flowchart for controlling the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension of the guide section 50 according to the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M.

[0056] As described above, the control unit 3 controls the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 in the guide unit 50 and the tension of the guide unit 50 based on the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M. Furthermore, the ink-absorbing layer refers to a coating layer provided on the outer surface (printing surface) of the medium M (substrate) for absorbing ink and fixing color materials such as dyes and pigments. By providing an ink-absorbing layer on the outer surface (printing surface) of the medium M (substrate), when ink is ejected onto the medium M, the ink-absorbing layer can absorb the ink, thereby preventing ink from reaching the substrate and suppressing wrinkling.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 3 determines whether the ink absorption amount of the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium (medium M) is greater than a predetermined ink absorption amount (step S10). Here, the ink absorption amount of the ink-absorbing layer corresponds to the thickness of the coated ink-absorbing layer. When the thickness of the ink-absorbing layer is set according to the type of medium M used, the ink absorption amount can be set by inputting the type of medium M to be used from the input unit 8. Alternatively, the ink absorption amount can also be set by inputting the thickness of the ink-absorbing layer from the input unit 8.

[0058] In step S10, if the ink absorption amount of the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M is greater than the predetermined ink absorption amount (yes), the control unit 3 lowers the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a first heating temperature (step S11). Furthermore, the control unit 3 lowers the tension of the guide unit 50 to a first tension (step S12). Additionally, the tension of the guide unit 50 is applied by controlling the winding force of the take-up unit 60, as described above.

[0059] The storage unit 7 stores a table for the ink-absorbing layer that corresponds to the heating temperature / pressure. The control unit 3 refers to the ink-absorbing layer table, reads a predetermined ink absorption amount (thickness) set as a reference ink absorption amount, and heats the first heating section 81 of the guide section 50 at a first heating temperature corresponding to the reference temperature and a first tension corresponding to the reference tension, while applying tension. Furthermore, the control unit 3 refers to the ink-absorbing layer table to set the temperature and tension corresponding to the ink absorption amount (thickness) of the input medium M.

[0060] When the ink absorption capacity of the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M exceeds a predetermined ink absorption capacity, the ink ejected onto the medium M can be absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer, and the penetration of ink into the substrate can be suppressed. This makes deformation caused by the swelling of the medium M less likely to occur, thus requiring prevention of excessive heating and excessive tension. Therefore, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 according to the temperature set in the ink-absorbing layer table, keeping it below the first heating temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor according to the tension set in the ink-absorbing layer table, thereby reducing the tension of the guide unit 50 to less than the first tension. Thus, by applying appropriate heating temperature and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, the medium M can be straightened to be flat. Therefore, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed during winding.

[0061] In step S10, if the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M is less than the predetermined amount of ink absorbed (no), the control unit 3 raises the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 above the first heating temperature (step S13). Furthermore, the control unit 3 raises the tension of the guide unit 50 to be stronger than the first tension (step S14).

[0062] When the ink absorption capacity of the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M is less than the predetermined ink absorption capacity, the ink cannot be completely absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer, resulting in ink penetration into the substrate. This causes the medium M to swell and become easily deformed, thus requiring a higher temperature and stronger tension. Therefore, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 according to the temperature set in the ink-absorbing layer table, making it higher than the first heating temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor according to the tension set in the ink-absorbing layer table, thereby making the tension of the guide unit 50 stronger than the first tension. Thus, by applying an appropriate heating temperature and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, the medium M can be straightened to be flat. Therefore, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed during winding.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for printing apparatus 1. In detail, Figure 4 This is a flowchart for controlling the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension of the guide section 50 according to the amount of ink ejected from the medium M.

[0064] As described above, the control unit 3 controls the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 in the guide unit 50 and the tension of the guide unit 50 based on the amount of ink ejected from the medium M (the amount of ink ejected per unit time).

[0065] Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 3 calculates the amount of ink ejected from the printing unit 40 (ejector head 41) onto the printing medium (medium M) (step S20). Specifically, the control unit 3 calculates the total amount of ink ejected from the ejector head 41 onto the medium M during image printing based on the image data included in the printing task input for printing. Then, based on the calculated total amount of ink, the control unit 3 calculates the amount of ink ejected by the ejector head 41 per unit time during image printing.

[0066] Additionally, the control unit 3 can calculate the printing duty cycle for the medium M based on the image data included in the printing task. In this case, the heating temperature and tension are controlled according to the size of the printing duty cycle.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S20, if the control unit 3 calculates the amount of ink ejected from the printing unit 40 and adheres to the medium M, then the control unit 3 determines whether the amount of ink ejected exceeds a predetermined amount (step S21). In step S21, if the amount of ink ejected exceeds the predetermined amount (yes), the control unit 3 raises the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 above the first heating temperature (step S22). Furthermore, the control unit 3 raises the tension of the guide unit 50 to be stronger than the first tension (step S23). Additionally, the tension of the guide unit 50 is applied by controlling the winding force of the winding unit 60, as described above.

[0068] The storage unit 7 stores a table of ink ejection volume corresponding to heating temperature / pressure. The control unit 3 refers to the ejection volume table, reads the predetermined ink ejection volume initially set as a reference, and heats the first heating section 81 of the guide section 50 at a first heating temperature corresponding to a reference temperature and a first tension corresponding to a reference tension, while applying tension. Then, the control unit 3 refers to the ejection volume table to set the temperature and tension corresponding to the calculated ink ejection volume adhered to the medium M.

[0069] When the amount of ink ejected from the medium M exceeds the predetermined amount, deformation due to swelling of the medium M is likely to occur, requiring a higher temperature and stronger tension. Therefore, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to the temperature set according to the ejection amount table, thus setting it above the first heating temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor to the tension set according to the ejection amount table, thereby making the tension of the guide unit 50 stronger than the first tension. As a result, by applying an appropriate heating temperature and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, the medium M, which has swelled due to the excessive amount of ink ejected, can be straightened to be flat, thereby suppressing wrinkling and slack during winding.

[0070] In step S21, if the amount of ink ejected is less than the predetermined amount (no), the control unit 3 lowers the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a first heating temperature (step S24). Furthermore, the control unit 3 lowers the tension of the guide unit 50 to a first tension (step S25).

[0071] When the amount of ink ejected is less than the predetermined amount, deformation caused by swelling of the medium M is unlikely to occur, thus it is necessary to prevent excessive heating and excessive tension. Therefore, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to the temperature set according to the ejection amount table, thereby lowering it below the first heating temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor to the tension set according to the ejection amount table, thereby making the tension of the guide unit 50 weaker than the first tension. As a result, by applying an appropriate heating temperature and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, excessive heating and excessive tension can be prevented, and the medium M can be straightened to be flat. Therefore, wrinkling and slack can be suppressed during winding.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for printing apparatus 1. In detail, Figure 5 This is a flowchart for controlling the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension of the guide section 50 based on the pressure difference of water vapor.

[0073] The control unit 3 controls the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 in the guide unit 50 and the tension of the guide unit 50 based on the temperature and humidity of the outside air and the pressure difference of water vapor between the surface of the medium M to which the ink is applied and the convection layer of the facing surface.

[0074] In detail, the water vapor pressure difference refers to the difference between the saturated water vapor pressure at the surface of medium M and the water vapor pressure (partial pressure of water vapor) in the troposphere facing the surface. This water vapor pressure difference affects the ease of water vapor diffusion; a larger difference makes drying easier, while a smaller difference makes drying difficult.

[0075] More specifically, during the drying process of the ink sprayed onto the medium M, the moisture in the ink needs to evaporate and become water vapor, which then moves. Furthermore, a pressure difference in water vapor is required between the surface of the medium M and the convective layer facing the surface during this movement. Additionally, since the surface of the medium M is saturated with water vapor, the pressure of the water vapor on the surface becomes the saturated vapor pressure. Moreover, the pressure of the water vapor in the convective layer facing the surface (partial vapor pressure) is proportional to the humidity.

[0076] The following section provides an example of a formula for calculating the pressure difference of water vapor.

[0077] When calculating the saturated water vapor pressure on the surface of medium M, the temperature of the external air [°C] is applied to the formula for calculating the saturated water vapor pressure [hPa] on the surface of medium M. Formula (1) is shown below.

[0078] Saturated water vapor pressure [hPa] = 6.11 * 10^(7.5 * temperature [°C]) / (237.3 + temperature)

[0079] [℃]))……(1)

[0080] Furthermore, when calculating the partial pressure of water vapor in the troposphere on the surface, it is obtained by multiplying the saturated water vapor pressure [hPa] by the relative humidity [%RH] (multiplication). Equation (2) for calculating the partial pressure of water vapor in the troposphere [hPa] is shown below.

[0081] Partial pressure of water vapor in the troposphere [hPa] = saturated water vapor pressure [hPa] * relative humidity [%RH] / 100……(2)

[0082] Therefore, the pressure difference of water vapor is obtained by subtracting the partial pressure of water vapor [hPa] from the saturated water vapor pressure [hPa]. Equation (3) for calculating the pressure difference of water vapor [hPa] is shown below.

[0083] The pressure difference of water vapor [hPa] = saturated water vapor pressure [hPa] - water vapor partial pressure [hPa] ... (3)

[0084] like Figure 5As shown, the control unit 3 measures the temperature of the external air (step S30). Specifically, the control unit 3 measures the temperature of the external air of the printing apparatus 1 using the temperature measuring unit 12. Next, the control unit 3 measures the humidity of the external air (step S31). Specifically, the control unit 3 measures the relative humidity of the external air of the printing apparatus 1 using the humidity measuring unit 13.

[0085] Next, the control unit 3 calculates the saturated water vapor pressure and the partial pressure of water vapor (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 3 initially calculates the saturated water vapor pressure and the partial pressure of water vapor based on the temperature and humidity of the outside air using the aforementioned equations (1) and (2). Next, the control unit 3 calculates the pressure difference of the water vapor (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 3 calculates the pressure difference of the water vapor based on the saturated water vapor pressure and the partial pressure of water vapor using the aforementioned equation (3).

[0086] Next, the control unit 3 determines whether the calculated pressure difference of the water vapor is greater than a predetermined pressure difference (step S34). In this embodiment, for example, the water vapor pressure difference is set to 13 [hPa] as a predetermined pressure difference.

[0087] In step S34, if the pressure difference of the water vapor is greater than a predetermined pressure difference (yes), the control unit 3 lowers the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a first heating temperature (step S35). Furthermore, the control unit 3 lowers the tension of the guide unit 50 to a first tension (step S36). Additionally, the tension of the guide unit 50 is applied by controlling the winding force of the winding unit 60, as described above.

[0088] The storage unit 7 stores a table of steam pressure differences that corresponds to heating temperature / pressure. The control unit 3 refers to the steam pressure difference table, reads the steam pressure difference (e.g., 13 hPa) initially set as a reference pressure difference, and heats the first heating section 81 of the guide section 50 at a first heating temperature corresponding to a reference temperature and a first tension corresponding to a reference tension, while applying tension. Then, the control unit 3 refers to the steam pressure difference table to set the temperature and tension corresponding to the calculated steam pressure difference.

[0089] When the pressure difference of water vapor is greater than a predetermined pressure difference, drying is easier, making deformation due to swelling of the medium M less likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent excessive heating and excessive tension. Thus, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to the temperature set according to the table of water vapor pressure differences, keeping it below the first heating temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor to the tension set according to the table of water vapor pressure differences, thereby making the tension of the guide unit 50 weaker than the first tension. Thus, by applying appropriate heating and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, excessive heating and excessive tension can be prevented, and the medium M can be straightened to be flat. Therefore, wrinkling and relaxation can be suppressed during winding.

[0090] In step S34, if the pressure difference of the water vapor is less than a predetermined pressure difference (no), the control unit 3 raises the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 above the first heating temperature (step S37). Furthermore, the control unit 3 raises the tension of the guide unit 50 to be stronger than the first tension (step S38).

[0091] When the pressure difference of water vapor is less than a predetermined pressure difference, drying is difficult, and deformation due to swelling of the medium M is likely to occur, requiring the application of higher temperatures and stronger tension. Therefore, the control unit 3 drives the heating drive unit to set the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to the temperature set according to the table of water vapor pressure differences, thus setting it above the first heating temperature. In addition, the control unit 3 also controls the winding force of the winding unit 60 by driving the winding motor to the tension set according to the table of water vapor pressure differences, thereby making the tension of the guide unit 50 stronger than the first tension. As a result, by applying appropriate heating and appropriate tension to the printed medium M, the medium M that has swelled due to the sprayed ink can be corrected to be flat. Therefore, wrinkling and relaxation can be suppressed during winding.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0093] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an unwinding section 20, a transport roller 25, a printing section 40, a guide section 50, a winding section 60, and a control section 3. The guide section 50 has a first heating section 81, which serves as a heating section 80 for heating the surface (outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section 51) in contact with the medium M. The printed medium M is heated and tensioned using the first heating section 81. Furthermore, the control section 3 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M by controlling the winding force of the winding section 60. The control section 3 also controls the winding force of the winding section 60 and the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in a manner that varies according to the type of ink-absorbing layer corresponding to the medium M, the amount of ink ejected corresponding to the printing conditions during printing, or the pressure difference of water vapor corresponding to the environmental conditions.

[0094] According to this structure, by controlling the heating temperature of the guide section 50 (first heating section 81) and the tension of the guide section 50 (winding force of the winding section 60) according to the type of medium M, the printing conditions during printing, or the environmental conditions, and by applying pressure and heating to the ink-coated medium M, it is possible to prevent excessive heating and pressure, or insufficient heating and pressure, and thus implement appropriate heating and pressure. This allows the medium M, which has swelled due to the ejected ink, to be straightened and flattened. Therefore, for the printed medium M, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0095] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the guide portion 50 contacts the opposite side of the printed surface of the printed medium M.

[0096] According to this structure, even if the medium M slides on the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion 50, damage to the printed surface of the medium M can be prevented.

[0097] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a pressing roller 70, which abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the medium M wound onto the take-up section 60 and presses it while being rotated by the take-up section 60. Furthermore, the pressing roller 70 includes a second heating section 82 that heats the outer peripheral surface of the medium M. In addition, the pressing roller 70 heats the medium M from the side of the medium M wound onto the take-up section 60 opposite to the side heated by the guide section 50 while pressing it.

[0098] According to this structure, by providing a second heating section 82 on the pressure roller 70 and heating and pressurizing the printed medium M while driven by the rotation of the winding section 60, wrinkling can be further suppressed and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling the medium M to be properly wound up.

[0099] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a support surface 331 for a second support portion 33 that supports the printed medium M, and a third heating portion 83 for heating the medium M supported on the support surface 331, between the printing portion 40 and the guide portion 50.

[0100] According to this structure, by providing a third heating section 83, it is possible to further prevent excessive heating and pressurization, or insufficient heating and pressurization. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wrinkling of the printed medium M and to properly wind the medium M.

[0101] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M has a predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a first heating temperature and the tension applied by the guide unit 50 to a first tension. Furthermore, when the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M has a greater than predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a lower than the first heating temperature and the tension to a weaker than the first tension. Conversely, when the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M has a less than predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a higher than the first heating temperature and the tension to a stronger than the first tension.

[0102] According to this structure, by controlling the heating temperature and tension of the guide section 50 (first heating section 81) based on the amount of ink absorbed in the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M corresponding to the type of medium M, appropriate heating and pressurization can be further implemented. Therefore, for the printed medium M, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0103] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 onto the medium M is a predetermined amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 to a first heating temperature and the tension applied by the guide section 50 to a first tension. Furthermore, when the amount of ink ejected is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 below the first heating temperature and the tension to be weaker than the first tension. Additionally, when the amount of ink ejected is greater than the predetermined amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 above the first heating temperature and the tension to be stronger than the first tension.

[0104] According to this structure, the heating temperature and tension of the guide section 50 (first heating section 81) can be controlled by adjusting the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 onto the medium M according to the printing conditions during printing, thereby enabling appropriate heating and pressurization. Therefore, for the printed medium M, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, allowing for proper winding of the medium M.

[0105] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a temperature measuring unit 12 for measuring the temperature of the outside air and a humidity measuring unit 13 for measuring the humidity (relative humidity) of the outside air. Furthermore, the control unit 3 calculates the pressure difference of water vapor between the surface of the ink-coated medium M and the convective layer facing the surface based on the measured outside air temperature and relative humidity. In addition, when the water vapor pressure difference is a predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 to a first heating temperature and sets the tension applied by the guide unit 50 to a first tension. Furthermore, when the water vapor pressure difference is greater than the predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 lower than the first heating temperature and the tension weaker than the first tension. Furthermore, when the water vapor pressure difference is less than the predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit 81 higher than the first heating temperature and the tension stronger than the first tension.

[0106] According to this structure, by calculating the pressure difference of water vapor based on the temperature and humidity corresponding to environmental conditions, and controlling the heating temperature and tension of the guide section 50 (first heating section 81), temperature and humidity can be centrally managed. Compared to handling and controlling temperature and humidity separately, the heating temperature and tension can be appropriately controlled, thereby correcting the swelling of the medium M due to the sprayed ink to a flat state. Therefore, for the printed medium M, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0107] The control method of the printing apparatus 1 in this embodiment is a control method for a printing apparatus comprising an unwinding section 20, a transport roller 25, a printing section 40, a guide section 50, and a take-up section 60. The guide section 50 has a first heating section 81 that heats the surface in contact with the medium M (the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical section 51), and the printed medium M is heated by the first heating section 81 and tension is applied. Furthermore, the tension applied to the medium M by the guide section 50 is adjusted by controlling the winding force of the take-up section 60. Moreover, the winding force of the take-up section 60 and the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 are controlled in a manner that varies according to the ink absorption layer corresponding to the type of medium M, the amount of ink ejected corresponding to the printing conditions during printing, or the pressure difference of water vapor corresponding to the environmental conditions.

[0108] According to this method, the heating temperature of the guide section 50 (first heating section 81) and the tension of the guide section 50 (winding force of the winding section 60) are controlled according to the type of medium M, printing conditions during printing, or environmental conditions. Pressure is applied to the ink-coated medium M and it is heated, thereby preventing excessive heating and pressure, or insufficient heating and pressure, and ensuring appropriate heating and pressure. Therefore, wrinkling and slack during winding are suppressed in the printed medium M, allowing for proper winding of the medium M.

[0109] 2. Variation Example 1

[0110] In this embodiment, the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension (winding force of the winding section 60) in the guide section 50 (cylindrical section 51) are adjusted according to the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M. However, this is not a limitation; the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 in the pressure roller 70 and the pressing force in the pressure roller 70 (roller section 71) can also be adjusted according to the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M.

[0111] In the following text, an example will be described whereby the heating temperature and pressing pressure of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 are controlled and adjusted according to the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M.

[0112] When the ink absorption layer of the medium M has a predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the second heating unit 82 to a second heating temperature and sets the pressing force applied by the pressing roller 70 to a first pressing force. Furthermore, when the ink absorption layer of the medium M has a greater than predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 lowers the heating temperature to the second heating temperature and applies a pressing force weaker than the first pressing force. Conversely, when the ink absorption layer of the medium M has a less than predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit 3 raises the heating temperature to the second heating temperature and applies a pressing force stronger than the first pressing force.

[0113] Additionally, the storage unit 7 can store a table for the ink absorption layer, showing the relationship between the ink absorption layer and the heating temperature / pressure, for use with the pressure roller 70. Furthermore, specific control methods can be configured... Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, the first heating unit 81 and the first heating temperature are replaced with the second heating unit 82 and the second heating temperature. Similarly, the guide unit 50, tension, and first tension are replaced with the pressing roller 70, pressing force, and first pressing force. Furthermore, the pressing force is adjusted by driving the pressing mechanism.

[0114] Therefore, similar to the embodiment, by controlling the heating temperature and pressing force of the pressing roller 70 (second heating section 82) according to the amount of ink absorbed in the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M corresponding to the type of medium M, appropriate heating and pressing can be implemented. Thus, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0115] 3. Variation Example 2

[0116] In this embodiment, the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension (winding force of the winding section 60) in the guide section 50 (cylindrical section 51) are adjusted according to the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 and adhered to the medium M. However, this is not a limitation; the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 and the pressing force in the pressing roller 70 (roller section 71) may also be adjusted according to the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 and adhered to the medium M.

[0117] In the following description, an example of controlling and adjusting the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 and the pressing pressure of the pressing roller 70 based on the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 and adhering to the medium M is given.

[0118] When the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 onto the medium M is a predetermined amount, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 to a second heating temperature and sets the pressing force applied by the pressing roller 70 to a first pressing force. Furthermore, when the amount of ink ejected is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 3 lowers the heating temperature to the second heating temperature and applies a weaker pressing force than the first pressing force. Conversely, when the amount of ink ejected is greater than the predetermined amount, the control unit 3 raises the heating temperature to the second heating temperature and applies a stronger pressing force than the first pressing force.

[0119] Additionally, the storage unit 7 can store a table showing the relationship between ink ejection volume and heating temperature / pressure for the pressure roller 70. Furthermore, specific control methods can also be configured in... Figure 4In the flowchart shown, the first heating unit 81 and the first heating temperature are replaced with the second heating unit 82 and the second heating temperature. Similarly, the guide unit 50, tension, and first tension are replaced with the pressing roller 70, pressing force, and first pressing force. Furthermore, the pressing force is adjusted by driving the pressing mechanism.

[0120] Therefore, similar to the embodiment, by controlling the heating temperature and pressing force of the pressing roller 70 (second heating section 82) according to the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 and adhering to the medium M corresponding to the printing conditions during printing, appropriate heating and pressing can be implemented. Thus, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0121] 4. Variation Example 3

[0122] In this embodiment, the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension (winding force of the winding section 60) in the guide section 50 (cylindrical section 51) are adjusted based on the pressure difference of water vapor between the surface of the ink-coated medium M and the convection layer facing the surface. However, this is not a limitation; the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 and the pressing force in the pressing roller 70 (roller section 71) can also be adjusted based on the pressure difference of water vapor.

[0123] In the following text, an example will be described in which the heating temperature and pressing pressure of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 are controlled and adjusted according to the pressure difference of water vapor between the surface of the ink-adhered medium M and the convection layer of the facing surface.

[0124] The printing apparatus 1 includes a temperature measuring unit 12 for measuring the temperature of the outside air and a humidity measuring unit 13 for measuring the humidity of the outside air. The control unit 3 calculates the pressure difference of water vapor between the surface of the ink-coated medium M and the convective layer facing the surface based on the measured outside air temperature and humidity. Furthermore, when the water vapor pressure difference is a predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the second heating unit 82 to a second heating temperature and sets the pressing force applied by the pressing roller 70 to a first pressing force. Moreover, when the water vapor pressure difference is greater than the predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the second heating unit 82 to a temperature lower than the second heating temperature and applies a pressing force weaker than the first pressing force. Furthermore, when the water vapor pressure difference is less than the predetermined pressure difference, the control unit 3 sets the heating temperature of the second heating unit 82 to a temperature higher than the second heating temperature and applies a pressing force stronger than the first pressing force.

[0125] Additionally, the storage unit 7 can store a table representing the steam pressure difference between the pressure difference and the heating temperature / pressure, used for the pressing roller 70. Furthermore, specific control methods can also be configured in... Figure 5 In the flowchart shown, the first heating unit 81 and the first heating temperature are replaced with the second heating unit 82 and the second heating temperature. Similarly, the guide unit 50, tension, and first tension are replaced with the pressing roller 70, pressing force, and first pressing force. Furthermore, the pressing force is adjusted by driving the pressing mechanism.

[0126] Therefore, similar to the embodiment, by calculating the pressure difference of water vapor based on temperature and humidity corresponding to environmental conditions, and controlling the heating temperature and pressing force of the pressing roller 70 (second heating section 82), temperature and humidity can be centrally managed. Compared to the case where temperature and humidity are processed and controlled separately, the heating temperature and pressing force can be appropriately controlled. Therefore, wrinkling and slack during winding can be suppressed, thereby enabling proper winding of the medium M.

[0127] 5. Variation Example 4

[0128] In this embodiment, the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension in the guide section 50 (cylindrical section 51) are adjusted based on the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M, the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 adhering to the medium M, or the pressure difference of the water vapor. Furthermore, in variations 1, 2, and 3, similarly to the embodiment, the heating temperature of the second heating section 82 in the pressing roller 70 and the pressing force in the pressing roller 70 (roller section 71) are adjusted based on the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M, the amount of ink ejected from the printing section 40 adhering to the medium M, or the pressure difference of the water vapor.

[0129] However, it can also be configured to not only control the heating temperature and tension of the guide section 50 and the heating temperature and pressing pressure of the pressing roller 70 according to the various conditions mentioned above, but also to control the heating temperature, tension and pressing pressure of the guide section 50 and the pressing roller 70 in a way that balances and balances (is established) various conditions within a predetermined heating temperature range, a predetermined tension range and a predetermined pressing pressure range.

[0130] This allows for the suppression of wrinkling and proper and reliable winding of the medium M.

[0131] 6. Variation Example 5

[0132] In this embodiment, the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension of the guide section 50 (the winding force of the take-up section 60) are varied according to the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer of the medium M corresponding to the type of medium M, the amount of ink ejected from the medium M through the printing section 40 corresponding to the printing conditions during printing, or the pressure difference of water vapor corresponding to the environmental conditions. However, this is not a limitation; the control section 3 may also control the heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the tension of the guide section 50 (the winding force of the take-up section 60) according to factors other than the amount of ink absorbed by the ink-absorbing layer, the amount of ink ejected, and the pressure difference of water vapor, such as the type of medium M, printing conditions, and environmental conditions. The same applies to the pressure roller 70.

[0133] 7. Variation Example 6

[0134] In this embodiment, the first heating element 81 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 51 of the guide portion 50. However, it is not limited to this; the first heating element 81 may also be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 opposite to the outer peripheral surface that contacts and slides with the medium M. Thus, the first heating element 81 can apply heat to the medium M by transferring heat from the outer peripheral surface side to the cylindrical portion 51.

[0135] 8. Variation Example 7

[0136] In this embodiment, the third heating unit 83 is disposed between the printing unit 40 and the guide unit 50, opposite to the second support unit 33 that supports the printed medium M. Furthermore, the third heating unit 83 faces the medium M, which is supported by the support surface 331 of the second support unit 33 and is transported, and heats the medium M from the printing surface side. However, this is not a limitation; the third heating unit 83 may also be disposed on the surface of the second support unit 33 opposite to the support surface 331. In such a case, the third heating unit 83 may be, for example, a sheet-like heater. A sheet-like heater is constructed by sandwiching a heating element such as a metal foil inside a sheet component such as flexible synthetic resin, and heats the medium M in a manner with a substantially uniform temperature distribution. Therefore, the third heating unit 83 can also apply heat to the medium M by transferring heat from the surface of the second support unit 33 opposite to the support surface 331 to the second support unit 33.

[0137] 9. Variation Example 8

[0138] In one embodiment, the pressing roller 70 includes a pressing mechanism for pressing the roller portion 71 against the roll body R2. However, it is not limited to this; a pressing mechanism may not be used, and the roll body R2 may be pressed using the weight of the roller portion 71 of the pressing roller 70. In such a case, the pressing force of the pressing roller 70 is approximately fixed.

[0139] 10. Variation Example 9

[0140] In this embodiment, the first heating temperature of the first heating section 81 in the guide section 50 and the first tension (winding force of the winding section 60) of the guide section 50 are set according to the type of medium M, the printing conditions during printing, or the environmental conditions. The first heating temperature includes cases where it is the same value under all conditions and cases where it is different values. Similarly, the first tension includes cases where it is the same value under all conditions and cases where it is different values.

[0141] Symbol Explanation

[0142] 1…Printing apparatus; 3…Control unit; 12…Temperature measuring unit; 13…Humidity measuring unit; 20…Unwinding unit; 21…Core tube; 22…Cage; 25…Conveyor roller; 26…Drive roller; 27…Driven roller; 30…Support unit; 31…First support unit; 32…Impression plate; 33…Second support unit; 40…Printing unit; 41…Extrude head; 42…Slide carriage; 50…Guide unit; 51…Cylindrical unit; 60…Rewinding unit; 61…Core tube; 62…Cage; 70…Press roller; 71…Roll unit; 80…Heating unit; 81…First heating unit; 82…Second heating unit; 83…Third heating unit; 331…Support surface; R1…Roll body; R2…Roll body; M…Media; F…Conveying direction.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The unwinding section unwinds the printing media that is wound into a roll. A conveyor roller that conveys the printing medium unwound from the unwinding section in the conveying direction; The printing section applies liquid to the delivered printing medium to perform printing. The guide portion contacts the printing medium and applies tension; The winding section winds up the printed medium after printing. The temperature measurement unit measures the temperature of the outside air; A humidity measuring unit that measures the humidity of the external air; Control Department The unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The guide portion has a first heating portion that heats the surface in contact with the printing medium, i.e., the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the first heating portion via the guide surface, and the tension is applied. The control unit adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide unit by controlling the winding force of the winding unit. The winding section and the first heating section are controlled in such a way that the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the first heating section vary according to environmental conditions. The control unit calculates the pressure difference of water vapor between the printed side of the printing medium with the liquid adhering to it and the troposphere facing that side, based on the measured temperature and humidity of the outside air. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is a predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature of the first heating unit is set to a first heating temperature, and the tension applied by the guide unit is set to a first tension. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is greater than the predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature, and the tension is weaker than the first tension. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is less than the predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature is made higher than the first heating temperature, and the tension is made stronger than the first tension.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It has a pressing roller that presses the outer peripheral surface of the printing medium wound onto the take-up section. The pressing roller has a second heating section for heating the outer peripheral surface. The pressing roller heats and presses one side of the printing medium that is wound onto the winding section.

3. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The unwinding section unwinds the printing media that is wound into a roll. A conveyor roller that conveys the printing medium unwound from the unwinding section in the conveying direction; The printing section applies liquid to the delivered printing medium to perform printing. The guide portion contacts the printing medium and applies tension; The winding section winds up the printed medium after printing. Control Department The unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The guide portion has a first heating portion that heats the surface in contact with the printing medium, i.e., the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the first heating portion via the guide surface, and the tension is applied. The control unit adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide unit by controlling the winding force of the winding unit. The winding section and the first heating section are controlled in such a way that the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the first heating section vary according to the type of printing medium. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium has a predetermined ink absorption amount, the control unit sets the heating temperature of the first heating unit to a first heating temperature and the tension applied by the guide unit to a first tension. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium has a greater ink absorption capacity than the predetermined amount, the heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature, and the tension is weaker than the first tension. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium is less than the predetermined ink absorption amount, the heating temperature is made higher than the first heating temperature, and the tension is made stronger than the first tension.

4. The printing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The guiding surface contacts the opposite side of the printed side of the printed medium.

5. The printing apparatus as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, Between the printing section and the guiding section, there is a support surface for supporting the printed medium and a third heating section for heating the printed medium supported on the support surface.

6. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing apparatus includes: The unwinding section unwinds the printing media that is wound into a roll. A conveyor roller that conveys the printing medium unwound from the unwinding section in the conveying direction; The printing section applies liquid to the delivered printing medium to perform printing. The guide portion contacts the printing medium and applies tension; The winding section winds up the printed medium after printing. The temperature measurement unit measures the temperature of the outside air; The humidity measuring unit measures the humidity of the external air. The unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The guide portion has a heating portion that heats the surface in contact with the printing medium, i.e., the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the heating portion via the guide surface, and the tension is applied. The printing apparatus adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide portion by controlling the winding force of the winding section, and... The winding section and the heating section are controlled in a manner that allows the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the heating section to vary according to environmental conditions. Based on the measured temperature and humidity of the external air, the pressure difference of water vapor between the printed side of the printing medium with the liquid attached and the troposphere facing that side is calculated. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is a predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature of the heating unit is set to a first heating temperature, and the tension applied by the guide unit is set to a first tension. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is greater than the predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature, and the tension is weaker than the first tension. When the pressure difference of the water vapor is less than the predetermined pressure difference, the heating temperature is made higher than the first heating temperature, and the tension is made stronger than the first tension.

7. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing apparatus includes: The unwinding section unwinds the printing media that is wound into a roll. A conveyor roller that conveys the printing medium unwound from the unwinding section in the conveying direction; The printing section applies liquid to the delivered printing medium to perform printing. The guide portion contacts the printing medium and applies tension; The winding section is used to wind up the printed medium after printing. The unwinding section, the conveying roller, the printing section, the guiding section, and the winding section are arranged sequentially from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The guide portion has a heating portion that heats the surface in contact with the printing medium, i.e., the guide surface, and the printed printing medium is heated by the heating portion via the guide surface, and the tension is applied. The printing apparatus adjusts the tension applied to the printing medium by the guide portion by controlling the winding force of the winding section, and... The winding section and the heating section are controlled in such a way that the winding force of the winding section and the heating temperature of the heating section vary according to the type of printing medium. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium has a predetermined ink absorption capacity, the heating temperature of the heating unit is set to a first heating temperature, and the tension applied by the guiding unit is set to a first tension. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium has a greater ink absorption capacity than the predetermined amount, the heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature, and the tension is weaker than the first tension. When the ink-absorbing layer of the printing medium is less than the predetermined ink absorption amount, the heating temperature is made higher than the first heating temperature, and the tension is made stronger than the first tension.

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