Transport control device, transport control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a transport control device, a transport control method, and a storage medium storing a transport control program, which contribute to suppressing at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption. The conveyance control device includes: a conveyance unit that conveys a platen on which a printing medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are connected to a printer that performs printing on the printing medium on the platen, and perform a medium heating operation that heats the printing medium on the platen; and a control unit. The control unit performs a conveyance process of controlling the conveyance unit to convey a target platen, which is a platen to be controlled on which the print medium is placed, to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyance control device, a conveyance control method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport unit, a head, a first heater, and a second heater. The transport unit transports the print medium. The head prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit. The first heater is positioned upstream of the head in the transport direction and heats the print medium before printing. The second heater is positioned downstream of the head in the transport direction and heats the print medium after printing.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-76424 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned printing device, the transport unit transports the print medium so that the print medium passes through both the first and second heaters. Therefore, for example, a prolonged heating time of one heater could reduce productivity. Alternatively, if the heating temperature of the heater differs for each print medium, the heating temperature of the heater would need to be varied depending on the print medium. In this case, the energy consumption caused by the increased temperature of the heater could increase.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a transport control device, a transport control method, and a storage medium that contribute to suppressing at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The first embodiment of the conveying control device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a conveying unit that conveys a platen on which a printing medium is carried; a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are connected to a printer that prints the printing medium on the platen and performs a medium heating action to heat the printing medium on the platen; and a control unit that controls the conveying unit to convey the target platen, which is the control object and carries the printing medium, to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0011] According to the first embodiment, the target platen is conveyed to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit. Therefore, the conveyance control device helps to suppress at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption depending on whether the target platen is conveyed to the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0012] Alternatively, during the conveying process, if one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit is an empty heating unit that is not performing the medium heating operation, the control unit may convey the target platen to the empty heating unit. In this case, the conveying control device helps to suppress a decrease in productivity.

[0013] Alternatively, during the conveying process, if one of the first and second heating sections is an empty heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation and has not yet made a reservation, the control section may convey the target platen to the empty heating section. In this case, the conveying control device helps to suppress a decrease in productivity.

[0014] Alternatively, the control unit obtains a first start time and a second start time, the first start time being based on a sum of a first processing completion time and a first transfer time, the first processing completion time being the time taken until the medium heating action being executed by the first heating unit is completed or the time taken until the last medium heating action among the medium heating actions scheduled for execution is completed, the first transfer time being the time from the first processing completion time to the corresponding set temperature corresponding to the printing medium placed on the target platen, among the set temperatures set according to the printing medium, being reached, and the second start time being based on a sum of the second processing completion time and the second transfer time. The second processing completion time is the time taken for the second heating unit to complete the medium heating operation being executed, or the time taken for the last medium heating operation among the scheduled medium heating operations to be executed. The second transfer time is the time from the second processing completion time to the second heating temperature of the second heating unit reaching the corresponding set temperature. During the conveying process, if the first start time is less than the second start time, the control unit conveys the target platen to the first heating unit. If the second start time is less than the first start time, the control unit conveys the target platen to the second heating unit. In this case, the target platen is conveyed to the heating unit with the earlier start time of the first or second heating unit. Therefore, the conveying control device helps to suppress deterioration in productivity.

[0015] Alternatively, the control unit may obtain, from among the set temperatures set for the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature of the second heating unit. During the conveying process, if the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature, the control unit conveys the target platen to the first heating unit. If the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature, the control unit conveys the target platen to the second heating unit. In this case, the smaller the difference between the heating temperature and the corresponding set temperature, the shorter the time it takes for the heating temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the conveying control device helps suppress deterioration in productivity.

[0016] Alternatively, the control unit may obtain, from the set temperatures set for the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, the first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and the second heating temperature of the second heating unit. During the conveying process, if a low heating unit is present, the control unit conveys the target platen to the low heating unit, where the first heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature or the second heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature. In this case, the conveying control device controls the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by increasing the heating temperature of the low heating unit. Therefore, compared to controlling the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by decreasing the heating temperature, the conveying control device can more easily control the time it takes for the heating temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the conveying control device helps to suppress deterioration in productivity.

[0017] Alternatively, the control unit may obtain, from the set temperatures set based on the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, the first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and the second heating temperature of the second heating unit. During the conveying process, if a high-heating unit exists, the control unit conveys the target platen to the high-heating unit, where the first heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature or the second heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature. In this case, the conveying control device controls the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by lowering the heating temperature of the high heating unit. Therefore, compared to controlling the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by raising the heating temperature, the conveying control device does not need to consume energy until the heating temperature reaches the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the conveying control device helps suppress an increase in energy consumption.

[0018] Alternatively, after the conveying process, if there is an inactive heating unit in the first heating unit and the second heating unit that has no scheduled heating operation for the medium, the control unit may stop heating in the inactive heating unit. In this case, the conveying control device helps to suppress an increase in energy consumption.

[0019] Alternatively, the transport control device may include a receiving unit that receives a setting of either a productivity mode or an energy-saving mode, wherein the productivity mode prioritizes improving productivity in the first and second heating units, or the energy-saving mode prioritizes reducing energy consumption in the first and second heating units. During the transport process, the control unit transports the target platen to either the first or second heating unit based on whether the setting received by the receiving unit is the productivity mode setting or the energy-saving mode setting. In this case, the transport control device facilitates a user's selection of whether to prioritize improving productivity or reducing energy consumption.

[0020] Alternatively, during the conveying process, the control unit may convey the target platen to one of the first and second heating units before the number of times the medium heating operation is performed within a predetermined period in one of the first and second heating units reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period, and the control unit may maintain the heating of the other of the first and second heating units stopped until the number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period in one of the first and second heating units reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period. In this case, the conveying control device helps to suppress an increase in energy consumption while ensuring target productivity.

[0021] The control method of the second embodiment of the present invention is a control method of a conveying control device, wherein the conveying control device comprises: a conveying unit for conveying a platen carrying a printing medium; a first heating unit and a second heating unit for connecting to a printer for printing the printing medium on the platen, and performing a medium heating action for heating the printing medium on the platen. The conveying control method is characterized in that it includes a conveying process for controlling the conveying unit to convey the target platen carrying the printing medium as the control object to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0022] The second approach contributes to the same advantages as the first approach.

[0023] The third-party storage medium of the present invention is characterized in that it stores a conveyance control program, which enables a computer that controls a conveyance control device to execute a conveyance process, and the conveyance control device comprises: a conveyance unit that conveys a platen carrying a printing medium; a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are connected to a printer that prints the printing medium on the platen and performs a medium heating action to heat the printing medium on the platen. In the conveyance process, the conveyance unit is controlled to convey the object platen of the control object carrying the printing medium to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0024] The third embodiment contributes to the same advantages as the first embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the printing system 1 .

[0026] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system 1 .

[0027] Figure 3 This is the main processing flow chart.

[0028] Figure 4 This is the main processing flow chart.

[0029] Figure 5 This is the main processing flow chart.

[0030] Figure 6 This is the main processing flow chart.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the transport destination determination process.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the transport destination determination process.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the transport destination determination process.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the transport destination determination process.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the transport destination determination process.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram of a temperature setting table.

[0037] Figure 13 is a schematic top view of the printing system 1A.

[0038] Figure 14 is a schematic top view of the printing system 1B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the mechanical elements in the drawings are shown in actual scale. Figure 1 The top, bottom, left, right, back of the paper and front of the paper are respectively set as the back, front, left, right, bottom and top of the printing system 1.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The printing system 1 will now be described. The printing system 1 is a system that performs a coating process, a treatment liquid drying process, a printing process, and an ink drying process on the printing medium M placed on each of the plurality of platens 10 while transporting the plurality of platens 10. The coating process, the treatment liquid drying process, the printing process, and the ink drying process are sequentially performed in this order. The printing medium M is, for example, cloth or paper, and in this embodiment, a T-shirt. Details of each process will be described later.

[0041] The printing system 1 includes a plurality of platens 10, a plurality of printers 2A and 2B, a coating device 3, a first heating device 5A, a second heating device 5B, a first heating device 6A, a second heating device 6B, and a conveyor device 7. The platen 10 is plate-shaped and extends in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. A print medium M is placed on the upper surface of the platen 10.

[0042] The printer 2A, coating unit 3, first heating unit 5A, and first heating unit 6A are arranged in the order of coating unit 3, first heating unit 5A, printer 2A, and first heating unit 6A from front to back. The printer 2B, second heating unit 5B, and second heating unit 6B are arranged in the order of second heating unit 5B, printer 2B, and second heating unit 6B from front to back. The printer 2B is arranged to the left of the printer 2A. The second heating unit 5B is arranged to the left of the first heating unit 5A. The second heating unit 6B is arranged to the left of the first heating unit 6A.

[0043] Printers 2A and 2B each perform printing, and in this embodiment, are inkjet printers. Printing involves applying liquid ink to a print medium M on a platen 10 to print an image. Printers 2A and 2B each include a transport support 23, a sub-scanning transport mechanism 22, an inkjet head 26, and a main scanning transport mechanism 24.

[0044] The platen 10 is attached to and removed from the transport support platform 23. The transport support platform 23 supports the platen 10 when it is attached. The sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 is, for example, a shaft extending in the left-right direction, and supports the transport support platform 23. The sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 reciprocates the transport support platform 23 in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is the left-right direction.

[0045] The inkjet head 26 ejects ink downward. The main scanning transport mechanism 24 is, for example, a pair of rails extending in the front-to-back direction, and supports the inkjet head 26. The main scanning transport mechanism 24 transports the inkjet head 26 back and forth in the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction is the front-to-back direction.

[0046] The printers 2A and 2B each transport the transport support table 23, on which the platen 10 is mounted, in the left-right direction using the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22, and transport the inkjet head 26 in the front-back direction using the main scanning transport mechanism 24. This transports the print medium M on the platen 10 in the left-right and front-back directions relative to the inkjet head 26. With the print medium M on the platen 10 and the lower surface of the inkjet head 26 facing each other in the vertical direction, the printers 2A and 2B eject ink downward from the inkjet head 26. This allows printing on the print medium M.

[0047] The coating device 3 performs a coating process. This process is performed before the printing process. The coating process applies a treatment liquid to the print medium M on the platen 10. The treatment liquid is a primer, for example, an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymer or a polyvalent metal salt. Examples of the polyvalent metal salt are calcium chloride or calcium nitrite. The treatment liquid facilitates the fixing of the ink to the print medium M and improves the color development of the ink.

[0048] The coating device 3 includes a coating unit 31. The coating unit 31 is a sprayer in this embodiment. Figure 2 The treatment liquid is sprayed by driving the driving unit 32 shown. The driving unit 32 is composed of, for example, a compressor and a solenoid valve. In addition, the coating unit 31 can also be a spray head, a coating blade, etc.

[0049] In the coating device 3 , with the platen 10 positioned directly below the coating unit 31 , the coating unit 31 sprays the process liquid onto the print medium M on the platen 10 . Thus, a coating process of coating the print medium M with the process liquid is performed.

[0050] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B each perform a drying process for the treatment liquid. This drying process is performed after the coating process and before the printing process. The drying process heats the print medium M on the platen 10 to evaporate the water in the treatment liquid applied to the print medium M during the coating process. This improves the fixation of the solute in the treatment liquid to the print medium M.

[0051] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are each an air blower dryer. The first heating device 5A includes a heater 55A and a fan 56A. Similarly, the second heating device 5B includes a heater 55B and a fan 56B. Heaters 55A and 55B are heating resistors that generate heat when energized. Heaters 55A and 55B heat the air. Fans 56A and 56B are each an air blower. Fan 56A blows the air heated by heater 55A into the first heating device 5A. Fan 56B blows the air heated by heater 55B into the second heating device 5B.

[0052] In the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, with the platen 10 housed therein, air heated by the heaters 55A and 55B is blown into the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B by fans 56A and 56B, respectively. Thus, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B perform a process liquid drying process, drying the print medium M in a high-temperature atmosphere and evaporating water from the process liquid.

[0053] The first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B each perform an ink drying process. This process is performed after the printing process. The ink drying process heats the print medium M on the platen 10 to evaporate the water in the ink applied to the print medium M during the printing process. This improves the fixation of the pigment or dye in the ink to the print medium M.

[0054] The first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B are each an air blower dryer. The first heating device 6A includes a heater 65A and a fan 66A. Similarly, the second heating device 6B includes a heater 65B and a fan 66B. Heaters 65A and 65B are heating resistors that generate heat when energized. Heaters 65A and 65B heat the air. Fans 66A and 66B are each an air blower. Fan 66A blows the air heated by heater 65A into the first heating device 6A. Fan 66B blows the air heated by heater 65B into the second heating device 6B.

[0055] In the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, with the platen 10 housed therein, air heated by the heaters 65A and 65B is blown into the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B via the fans 66A and 66B. This allows the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B to perform an ink drying process, drying the print medium M in a high-temperature atmosphere and evaporating the water in the ink.

[0056] The conveyor device 7 forms a conveyance path for the platen 10, conveying the platen 10 so that the coating process, the treatment liquid drying process, the printing process, and the ink drying process are sequentially performed. The conveyor device 7 includes a main path 71, transfer mechanisms 83-86, and branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B. The main path 71 has a two-layer structure, including an outgoing path 72, a return path (not shown), and elevator mechanisms 74 and 75.

[0057] The outbound path 72 is the second-layer portion, extending in the front-to-back direction between the printers 2A and 2B, to the left of the coating unit 3, between the first and second heating units 5A and 5B, and between the first and second heating units 6A and 6B. The outbound path 72 extends from a position in front of the coating unit 3 to a position behind each of the first and second heating units 6A and 6B. The return path is the first-layer portion, extending from a position in front of the coating unit 3 to a position behind each of the first and second heating units 6A and 6B. Specifically, the return path is located directly below the outbound path 72 and extends parallel to it.

[0058] Pass towards Route 72 Figure 2 The conveying motor 701 of the outgoing path 72 shown is driven to convey the platen 10 from the front to the rear. In this embodiment, the outgoing path 72 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722. The belt conveyor 721 is arranged at the left end of the outgoing path 72. The belt conveyor 722 is arranged at the right end of the outgoing path 72. The pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 extend in parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction. The rotation axis of each of the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 extends in the left-right direction. The return path has the same structure as the outgoing path 72. The return path passes Figure 2 The driving of the transport motor 701 in the return path shown transports the platen 10 from the rear to the front.

[0059] The elevator mechanism 74 is arranged at the front end of the main path 71. The elevator mechanism 75 is arranged at the rear end of the main path 71. Therefore, the outward path 72 and the return path are located between the elevator mechanism 74 and the elevator mechanism 75 in the front-back direction. Figure 2 The driving of each lifting motor 702 shown in FIG. 1 raises and lowers the elevator between the position at the same height as the outgoing path 72 (second floor portion) and the position at the same height as the return path (first floor portion). Figure 2 The driving of each of the transport motors 701 shown transports the platen 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0060] In this embodiment, the elevator mechanism 74 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742. Belt conveyor 741 is located at the left end of the elevator mechanism 74. Belt conveyor 742 is located at the right end of the elevator mechanism 74. The pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742 extend parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 741 and 742 extend in the left-to-right direction. The elevator mechanism 75 has the same structure as the elevator mechanism 74. Therefore, the description of the structure of the elevator mechanism 75 will be omitted.

[0061] The transfer mechanisms 83 to 86 are arranged in the left-right direction between the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722. The transfer mechanisms 83 to 86 are arranged on the outgoing path 72 in the order of transfer mechanisms 83, 84, 85, and 86 from the front to the rear. The transfer mechanisms 83 to 86 convey the platen 10 in the left-right direction, respectively. The transfer mechanism 83 transfers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the branch path 87 described later. The transfer mechanism 84 transfers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the branch path 88A or the branch path 88B described later. The transfer mechanism 85 transfers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the conveying support table 23 of the printer 2A or printer 2B. The transfer mechanism 86 transfers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the branch path 89A or the branch path 89B described later.

[0062] Handover agency 84 passed Figure 2 The transfer mechanism 84 shown is driven by the lifting motor 702 to move up and down between a position below the path 72 and a position above the path 72. Figure 2 The rotary motor 703 of the illustrated delivery mechanism 84 is driven to rotate the platen 10 on the delivery mechanism 84 clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above. The delivery mechanism 84 switches the orientation of the platen 10 so that the rear surface of the platen 10, i.e., the rear surface of the back plate 65, faces the direction of travel of the platen 10.

[0063] In this embodiment, the delivery mechanism 84 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842. Belt conveyor 841 is located at the front end of the delivery mechanism 84. Belt conveyor 842 is located at the rear end of the delivery mechanism 84. The pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axis of each of the pair of belt conveyors 841 and 842 extends in the front-back direction. The delivery mechanisms 83, 85, and 86 each have the same structure as the delivery mechanism 84. Therefore, the description of the structure of the delivery mechanisms 83, 85, and 86 will be omitted.

[0064] The branch path 87 is arranged on the right side of the handover mechanism 83 and branches off from the main path 71 to the right. The branch path 87 extends into the coating device 3. The branch path 88A is arranged on the right side of the handover mechanism 84 and branches off from the main path 71 to the right. The branch path 88A extends into the first heating device 5A. The branch path 88B is arranged on the left side of the handover mechanism 84 and branches off from the main path 71 to the left. The branch path 88B extends into the second heating device 5B. The branch path 89A is arranged on the right side of the handover mechanism 86 and branches off from the main path 71 to the right. The branch path 89A extends into the first heating device 6A. The branch path 89B is arranged on the left side of the handover mechanism 86 and branches off from the main path 71 to the left. The branch path 89B extends into the second heating device 6B. The branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B transport the platen 10 in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0065] In this embodiment, branch path 88A is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882. Belt conveyor 881 is located at the front end of branch path 88A. Belt conveyor 882 is located at the rear end of branch path 88A. Belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of each of the belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend in the front-back direction. Branch paths 87, 88B, 89A, and 89B each have the same structure as branch path 88A. Therefore, the description of the structures of branch paths 87, 88B, 89A, and 89B will be omitted.

[0066] According to the structure of the conveyor device 7, the first heating device 5A is connected to the coating device 3 via the branch path 88A, the handover mechanism 84, the outgoing path 72, the handover mechanism 83, and the branch path 87. The first heating device 5A is connected to the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 88A, the handover mechanism 84, the outgoing path 72, and the handover mechanism 85. The second heating device 5B is connected to the coating device 3 via the branch path 88B, the handover mechanism 84, the outgoing path 72, the handover mechanism 83, and the branch path 87. The second heating device 5B is connected to the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 88B, the handover mechanism 84, the outgoing path 72, and the handover mechanism 85.

[0067] The first heating device 6A is connected to the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 89A, the interface 86, the outbound path 72, and the interface 85. The second heating device 6B is connected to the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 89B, the interface 86, the outbound path 72, and the interface 85.

[0068] The following describes the operation flow of the printing system 1. For convenience, it is assumed that when the printing system 1 starts operating, the transfer mechanisms 83 to 85 are each located below the outbound path 72, and the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 are each located at the same height as the outbound path 72.

[0069] Hereinafter, the position of the platen 10 when the print medium M is placed on the platen 10 is referred to as the "setting position P0." Regarding the setting position P0, in this embodiment, the setting position P0 is located on the elevator mechanism 74. Furthermore, for example, when the elevator mechanism serves as the starting point for upstream and downstream, the setting position P0 may be located upstream of the coating device 3, such as at the transfer mechanism 83, in the outbound path 72. As described later, the platen 10 is transported from the elevator mechanism 74 in the order of the outbound path 72, the elevator mechanism 75, and the return path (not shown), and then returned to the elevator mechanism 74. Therefore, the setting position P0 may be located downstream of each of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B in the main path 71, or may be located on the return path (not shown). In this embodiment, the user places the print medium M on the platen 10 with the platen 10 located at the setting position P0, that is, on the elevator mechanism 74. With the print medium M placed on the platen 10 , the elevator mechanism 74 transports the platen 10 rearward and delivers it to the outward path 72 .

[0070] The outgoing path 72 conveys the platen 10 rearward to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rises to a position above the outgoing path 72. The platen 10 is thus delivered from the outgoing path 72 to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rotates the platen 10 90° clockwise when viewed from above, conveying the platen 10 rightward to the branch path 87. The delivery mechanism 83 descends to a position below the branch path 87. The platen 10 is thus delivered from the delivery mechanism 83 to the branch path 87. The coating device 3 performs the coating process.

[0071] When the coating process of the coating device 3 is completed, the branch path 87 conveys the platen 10 to the left to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rises to a position above the branch path 87. Thus, the platen 10 is delivered from the branch path 87 to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rotates the platen 10 90 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above and descends to a position below the outgoing path 72. Thus, the platen 10 is delivered from the delivery mechanism 83 to the outgoing path 72.

[0072] The delivery of the platen 10 by the delivery mechanisms 84 and 85 is similar to the delivery of the platen 10 by the delivery mechanism 83. Therefore, the description of the delivery of the platen 10 by the delivery mechanisms 84 and 85 will be omitted or simplified below.

[0073] The forward path 72 transports the platen 10 to the rear and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 84. The delivery mechanism 84 transports the platen 10 to the right or left and delivers it to the branch path 88A or the branch path 88B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 84 becomes the branch point for whether the platen 10 is transported to the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. The first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B to which the platen 10 is transported performs a treatment liquid drying process. When the treatment liquid drying process performed by the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B is completed, the branch path 88A transports the platen 10 to the left or the branch path 88B transports the platen 10 to the right and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 84. The delivery mechanism 84 delivers the platen 10 to the forward path 72.

[0074] The outgoing path 72 conveys the platen 10 rearward and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 85. The delivery mechanism 85 conveys the platen 10 to the right or left and delivers it to the delivery support platform 23 of the printer 2A or printer 2B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 85 serves as a branch point for whether the platen 10 is delivered to the printer 2A or the printer 2B. The printer 2A or printer 2B to which the platen 10 is conveyed performs the printing process. When the printing process by the printer 2A or printer 2B is completed, the delivery support platform 23 of the printer 2A conveys the platen 10 to the left, or the delivery support platform 23 of the printer 2B conveys the platen 10 to the right, and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 85. The delivery mechanism 85 delivers the platen 10 to the outgoing path 72.

[0075] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 to the rear and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 86. The delivery mechanism 86 transports the platen 10 to the right or left and delivers it to the branch path 89A or the branch path 89B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 86 becomes a branch point for whether the platen 10 is transported to the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B. The first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B on which the platen 10 is transported performs an ink drying process. When the ink drying process performed by the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B is completed, the branch path 89A transports the platen 10 to the left or the branch path 89B transports the platen 10 to the right and delivers it to the delivery mechanism 86. The delivery mechanism 86 delivers the platen 10 to the outgoing path 72.

[0076] The outward path 72 conveys the platen 10 rearward and transfers it to the elevator mechanism 75. The elevator mechanism 75 descends to the same height as the return path (not shown). The elevator mechanism 75 conveys the platen 10 forward and transfers it to the return path. The return path conveys the platen 10 forward and transfers it to the elevator mechanism 74, with the elevator mechanism 74 positioned at the same height as the return path.

[0077] While the platen 10 is being transported from the elevator mechanism 75 to the elevator mechanism 74 via the return path, the user removes the print medium M with the image printed on it from the platen 10. For example, the user removes the print medium M with the image printed on it from the platen 10 while the platen 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 75. The user then places the next print medium M to be printed on the platen 10 at the set position P0, i.e., while the platen 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 74. The same operations of the printing system 1 are then repeated.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 The electrical structure of the printing system 1 will be described. The printing system 1 includes a system computer 100 and printer computers 20A and 20B. The system computer 100 is located, for example, on a control panel (not shown) and controls the coating device 3, the first heating device 5A, the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, the second heating device 6B, and the conveying device 7. The printer computer 20A is located in the printer 2A and controls the printer 2A. The printer computer 20B is located in the printer 2B and controls the printer 2B. The system computer 100 and the printer computers 20A and 20B communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0079] The system computer 100 includes a CPU 101 , a flash memory 102 , a RAM 103 , a reception unit 104 , and a display 105 . The CPU 101 functions as a processor and is electrically connected to the flash memory 102 , the RAM 103 , the reception unit 104 , and the display 105 .

[0080] The flash memory 102 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores various information. For example, a program is stored in the flash memory 102. The program includes a program for executing Figure 3 The transport control program for the main process described later is executed by CPU 101. RAM 103 is a volatile storage medium that temporarily stores various information. For example, information calculated, acquired, determined, decided, received, or accepted by CPU 101 during the execution of the main process described later is temporarily stored in RAM 103.

[0081] The reception unit 104 is a user interface and includes a touch panel, a power button, etc. The user operates the reception unit 104 to input various instructions to the system computer 100. The display 105 displays various information under the control of the CPU 101.

[0082] The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the drive unit 32, heaters 55A, 55B, 65A, 65B, temperature sensors 58A, 58B, 68A, 68B, conveying motor 701, lifting motor 702, rotating motor 703, position sensor 704, printer computer 20A, and printer computer 20B via the input / output interface 106. The drive unit 32 is driven by the control of the CPU 101. Figure 1 The coating section 31 shown sprays the treatment liquid.

[0083] Heaters 55A, 55B, 65A, and 65B generate heat under the control of CPU 101, thereby heating the air. A temperature sensor 58A is disposed within the first heating device 5A. The temperature sensor 58A detects the temperature of the atmosphere within the first heating device 5A and outputs a signal indicating the detected temperature to CPU 101. Similarly, temperature sensors 58B, 68A, and 68B are disposed within the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 6B, respectively. The temperature sensors 58B, 68A, and 68B detect the temperature of the atmosphere within the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 6B, respectively, and output signals indicating the detected temperatures to CPU 101. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the temperature sensors 58A, 58B, 68A, and 68B will be referred to as the "detected temperature." For example, the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 58A, which is the temperature within the first heating device 5A.

[0084] There are multiple conveying motors 701. The multiple conveying motors 701 are respectively arranged at Figure 1 Each of the outgoing path 72 shown, the return path (not shown), the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the transfer mechanisms 83 to 86, and the branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B. A plurality of transport motors 701 are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to transport the platen 10. For example, the transport motor 701 of the outgoing path 72 is driven to transport the platen 10 on the outgoing path 72.

[0085] There are multiple lifting motors 702. Multiple lifting motors 702 are respectively arranged at Figure 1 Each of the elevator mechanisms 74, 75 and the transfer mechanisms 83 to 86 shown in FIG. A plurality of lift motors 702 are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to lift and lower the platen 10. For example, the lift motor 702 of the elevator mechanism 74 is driven to lift and lower the platen 10 on the elevator mechanism 74.

[0086] There are multiple rotating motors 703. Figure 1Each of the handover mechanisms 83 to 86 shown. A plurality of rotary motors 703 are driven by the control of the CPU 101 to rotate the platen 10 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. For example, the rotary motor 703 of the handover mechanism 84 is driven to rotate the platen 10 on the handover mechanism 84.

[0087] The number of position sensors 704 is multiple. The multiple position sensors 704 can be any one of a limit switch, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, etc., and can be set at Figure 1 The outgoing route 72 shown, the return route not shown, the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the transfer mechanisms 83 to 86, the branch routes 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, 89B, and Figure 1 Each of the judgment positions P1 described later is shown. The plurality of position sensors 704 detect the platen 10 present at the position where each position sensor is provided and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 101. For example, when the position sensor 704 of the branch path 88A detects the platen 10 on the branch path 88A, it outputs a signal indicating the presence of the platen 10 on the branch path 88A to the CPU 101.

[0088] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The main process is described below. When the system computer 100 is powered on, the CPU 101 reads the conveying control program from the flash memory 102 and executes it, thereby starting the main process. The main process controls the coating device 3, the first and second heating devices 5A and 5B, the first and second heating devices 6A and 6B, and the conveying device 7. The following describes the main process primarily related to the control of the first and second heating devices 5A and 5B, as well as the control of the conveying device 7. Unless specifically referring to either the first or second heating device 5A and 5B, they are simply referred to as "heating devices."

[0089] If the plurality of platens 10 are constantly conveyed to one of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, the time required to complete the printing process on the plurality of print media M may be increased. In other words, the productivity of the printing process may be reduced. To prevent the reduction in productivity, the CPU 101 performs the main process described below.

[0090] like Figure 3As shown, when the main process starts, the CPU 101 performs system control processing (S100). The system control processing includes conveying the platen 10 by the conveying device 7 upstream of the judgment position P1 (described later), coating processing in the coating device 3, conveying the platen 10 by the conveying device 7 downstream of each of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, and ink drying processing in the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. Each process included in the system control processing is performed in parallel with the processes performed after S101.

[0091] CPU 101 determines whether Figure 2 The receiving unit 104 shown receives a mode switching operation for switching the setting mode (S101). The setting mode is a mode set by the user from among multiple modes and is stored in the flash memory 102. The multiple modes each specify a priority for determining the transport destination of the target platen, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the multiple modes include a productivity mode and an energy-saving mode. The productivity mode prioritizes improving productivity in the heating device. The energy-saving mode prioritizes reducing energy consumption in the heating device.

[0092] If the mode switching operation has not been accepted (S101: No), CPU 101 transfers the processing to the judgment of S103. If the mode switching operation has been accepted (S101: Yes), CPU 101 switches the setting mode in flash memory 102 (S102). For example, if the mode switching operation is accepted while the setting mode is productivity mode, CPU 101 switches the setting mode from productivity mode to energy saving mode. For example, if the mode switching operation is accepted while the setting mode is energy saving mode, CPU 101 switches the setting mode from energy saving mode to productivity mode. CPU 101 transfers the processing to the judgment of S103.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, in the conveying device 7, Figure 1 The judgment position P1 is set at any position from the setting position P0 shown to the delivery mechanism 84. The judgment position P1 can be arranged on the coating device 3, that is, the branch road 87, or on the delivery mechanism 83 or the delivery mechanism 84, or on the elevator mechanism 74, that is, the setting position P0. In the present embodiment, the judgment position P1 is arranged at a position downstream of the delivery mechanism 83 and upstream of the delivery mechanism 84 in the outgoing path 72. That is, in the present embodiment, the judgment position P1 is arranged in the conveying device 7 at a position where the platen 10 before being coated by the coating device 3 does not pass and where the platen 10 after being coated by the coating device 3 passes.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, in the determination at S103, the CPU 101 determines whether the platen 10 conveyed by the system control process in S100 has reached the determination position P1 based on the detection signal from the position sensor 704 at the determination position P1 (S103). Hereinafter, the platen 10 that has reached the determination position P1 is referred to as the "target platen." Specifically, the target platen is the platen 10 that is at the determination position P1 at the time of the determination in S103 and is the platen 10 that is the subject of control in the main process after S111. In other words, the target platen is the platen 10 that is the subject of a transport destination decision, either the first heating apparatus 5A or the second heating apparatus 5B, and is the subject of transport to the determined destination.

[0095] If the platen 10 has not yet reached the determination position P1 (S103: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to the determination in S101. If the platen 10 has reached the determination position P1 (S103: Yes), the CPU 101 transfers the process to the determination in S111. If the platen 10 has reached the determination position P1 (S103: Yes), the CPU 101 may stop the conveyance of the target platen at the determination position P1 or may maintain the conveyance of the target platen at the determination position P1 without stopping the conveyance of the target platen.

[0096] For example, when the conveyance of the target platen is maintained, Figure 4 Before the target platen is conveyed to the first heating device 5A in the process of S131 described later, or before Figure 5 Before the object platen is carried to the second heating device 5B in the processing of shown S151 described later, the object platen might arrive at the handover mechanism 84. Before the processing of S131 or S151, CPU101 stops the object platen from judging position P1 at the position upstream than the handover mechanism 84. CPU101 proceeds to the processing of S131 or S151 under the state that the object platen is stopped from judging position P1 at the position upstream than the handover mechanism 84. Even on the handover mechanism 84, as long as the platen 10 that is not the object platen can be in the position that the handover mechanism 84 hands over from branch road 88A or branch road 88B, then CPU101 also can stop the object platen on the handover mechanism 84. That is, the CPU 101 performs the processes from S111 to S131 or from S111 to S151 in a state where the target platen is arranged at any position from the determination position P1 to the delivery mechanism 84 in the transport device 7 .

[0097] The heating operation will be described. The heating operation of the first heating device 5A is an operation to generate heat in the heater 55A. The heating operation of the second heating device 5B is an operation to generate heat in the heater 55B. The heating operation includes a medium heating operation and a preheating operation.

[0098] The media heating operation maintains the power supply to heater 55A or heater 55B so that the detected temperature reaches a corresponding set temperature, thereby heating the print medium M at the corresponding set temperature. The corresponding set temperature is a set temperature corresponding to the print medium M placed on the target platen, among multiple set temperatures corresponding to the print medium M. The media heating operation of the first heating device 5A is performed while the print medium M is housed in the first heating device 5A. The media heating operation of the second heating device 5B is performed while the print medium M is housed in the second heating device 5B. In this embodiment, a scheduled execution of the media heating operation can be set. The scheduled execution of the media heating operation is stored in RAM 103.

[0099] The preheating operation controls the power supplied to heater 55A or heater 55B to raise the detected temperature to the corresponding set temperature before the media heating operation begins. The preheating operation of the first heating device 5A is performed when the print medium M is not contained in the first heating device 5A. The preheating operation of the second heating device 5B is performed when the print medium M is not contained in the second heating device 5B.

[0100] An "empty heating device" is defined. An empty heating device is a heating device that is not in the process of executing a medium heating action and has no scheduled execution of a medium heating action. No scheduled execution of a medium heating action means that the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating action is "0". In other words, no scheduled execution of a medium heating action means that there is no scheduled transport of the target platen in the processing of S131 or S151 described later. A heating device that is not an empty heating device is a heating device that is in the process of executing a medium heating action and has no scheduled execution of a medium heating action, a heating device that is not in the process of executing a medium heating action and has a scheduled execution of a medium heating action, or a heating device that is in the process of executing a medium heating action and has a scheduled execution of a medium heating action.

[0101] When the target platen is conveyed to an empty heating device, there is no need to wait until the target platen performs the medium heating operation. Therefore, as described below, when there is an empty heating device, in principle, control is performed so that the target platen is conveyed to the empty heating device.

[0102] The CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111). If the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111: Yes), the CPU 101 sends the processing to Figure 4The judgment of S121 shown in FIG. 1 is transferred to each process for conveying the target platen to the first heating device 5A. If the first heating device 5A is not an empty heating device (S111: No), the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112). If the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112: Yes), the CPU 101 transfers the process to Figure 5 In this case, the CPU 101 performs various processes for conveying the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B according to the reserved number of executions of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A.

[0103] If the second heating device 5B is not an empty heating device (S112: No), the CPU 101 performs a transport destination determination process (S113). Although the details will be described later, in the transport destination determination process, the transport destination of the target platen is determined to be either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B, depending on whether the setting mode is productivity mode or energy-saving mode.

[0104] The case where the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111: Yes) will be described. Figure 4 As shown, CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is preheating (S121). For example, at the start of the main process, the first heating device 5A has not yet preheated. If the first heating device 5A is not preheating (S121: No), CPU 101 starts preheating in the first heating device 5A (S122). CPU 101 transfers the process to S131. If the first heating device 5A is preheating (S121: Yes), CPU 101 transfers the process to S131.

[0105] The CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the first heating device 5A (S131). For example, if the target platen has not yet been subjected to the coating process by the coating device 3, the process of S131 is performed after the coating process. In the process of S131, the target platen is placed in the Figure 1 In the state shown above, the transfer mechanism 84 is in the state shown, and the conveying motor 701 of the transfer mechanism 84 is controlled to convey the target platen to the right and transfer it to the branch path 88A. When the target platen is transferred to the branch path 88A and transported to the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 starts heating the medium in the first heating device 5A (S132). When the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is completed, the CPU 101 transfers the process to the judgment step S133.

[0106] A "non-operating heating device" is defined. A non-operating heating device is a heating device that has no scheduled execution of a medium heating action. When there is a non-operating heating device, CPU 101 stops the heating action of the non-operating heating device. Therefore, when the medium heating action is completed, CPU 101 refers to RAM 103 to determine whether there is a scheduled execution of a medium heating action in the first heating device 5A (S133). When there is no scheduled execution of a medium heating action in the first heating device 5A (S133: No), CPU 101 stops the preheating action in the first heating device 5A (S134). As a result, the temperature in the first heating device 5A naturally drops. CPU 101 returns the processing to Figure 3 The judgment of S101 is shown.

[0107] If the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is scheduled to be performed ( S133 : YES), the CPU 101 skips the process of S134 and returns the process to Figure 3 The judgment of S101 is shown. In this case, the power supply to the heater 55A, that is, the heating or stopping of the heater 55A, is controlled so that the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A reaches the next corresponding set temperature of the first heating device 5A through the preheating operation of the first heating device 5A or through natural cooling of the first heating device 5A. The next corresponding set temperature of the first heating device 5A is the set temperature corresponding to the printing medium M placed on the platen 10 next to the platen 10 that completed the media heating operation in the process of S132 in the order of execution of the media heating operation of the first heating device 5A.

[0108] The following describes the case where the second heating device 5B is empty (S112: Yes). For example, if the number of times the first heating device 5A has executed the medium heating operation within a specified period is less than the target number of times the first heating device 5A has executed the medium heating operation within the specified period (hereinafter referred to as the "target execution count"), the second heating device 5B does not need to execute the medium heating operation. In this case, if the second heating device 5B remains in the non-heating state, the printing system 1 can execute the target number of times of medium heating operation without consuming the energy required to raise the temperature within the second heating device 5B to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, even if the second heating device 5B is empty, the CPU 101 determines whether to supply the medium to the second heating device 5B based on the target execution count, as described below.

[0109] like Figure 5As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in preheating operation (S141). If the second heating device 5B is in preheating operation (S141: YES), the CPU 101 transfers the process to S151. For example, at the start of the main process, the second heating device 5B has not yet performed preheating operation. If the second heating device 5B is not in preheating operation (S141: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is less than the target scheduled number (S142). The scheduled execution number of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A corresponds to the number of times the medium heating operation is performed by the first heating device 5A within a predetermined period. The target scheduled number is the same as the target execution number. The target scheduled number is the number of platen standby times permitted by the user. The platen standby number is the number of platens 10 that are to be placed in standby before the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is performed. The target scheduled number is pre-set by the user via the reception unit 104, for example, and is stored in the flash memory 102.

[0110] If the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A exceeds the target scheduled number ( S142 : NO), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation in the second heating device 5B ( S143 ) and proceeds to S151 .

[0111] The CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the second heating device 5B (S151). For example, if the target platen has not yet been subjected to the coating process by the coating device 3, the process of S151 is performed after the coating process. In the process of S151, the target platen is placed in the Figure 1 In the state shown above, the transfer mechanism 84 is in the state shown, and the conveying motor 701 of the transfer mechanism 84 is controlled to convey the target platen to the left and transfer it to the branch path 88B. When the target platen is transferred to the branch path 88B and transported to the second heating device 5B, the CPU 101 starts heating the medium in the second heating device 5B (S152). When the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B is completed, the CPU 101 transfers the process to the judgment step S153.

[0112] As described above, if there is an inactive heating device, the CPU 101 stops the heating operation of the inactive heating device. Therefore, when the medium heating operation is completed, the CPU 101 refers to the RAM 103 to determine whether there is a reservation for executing the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B (S153). If there is no reservation for executing the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B (S153: No), the CPU 101 stops the preheating operation in the second heating device 5B (S154). As a result, the temperature in the second heating device 5B naturally decreases. The CPU 101 returns the processing to Figure 3 The judgment of S101 is shown.

[0113] If there is a reservation for executing the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B (S153: YES), the CPU 101 skips the process of S154 and returns the process to Figure 3 The judgment in S101 is shown. In this case, the power supply to the heater 55B, that is, the heating of the heater 55B, is controlled so that the detected temperature of the second heater 5B reaches the next corresponding set temperature of the second heater 5B through preheating of the second heater 5B or natural cooling of the second heater 5B. The next corresponding set temperature of the second heater 5B is the set temperature corresponding to the print medium M placed on the platen 10 next to the platen 10 that completed the media heating operation in the process of S152, in the order in which the media heating operation of the second heater 5B is executed.

[0114] In the judgment of S142, if the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is less than the target scheduled number (S142: YES), the CPU 101 transfers the processing to the next step. Figure 6 The judgment of S161 shown is transferred. Thus, the preheating operation of the second heating device 5B is kept stopped.

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is in the medium heating operation (S161). If the first heating device 5A is not in the medium heating operation (S161: No), the CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is in the preheating operation (S162). If the first heating device 5A is not in the preheating operation (S162: No), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation in the first heating device 5A (S163). The CPU 101 sends the processing to Figure 4 The processing of S131 shown in FIG. 1 is transferred. When the first heating device 5A is in the preheating operation (S162: YES), the CPU 101 sends Figure 4 The process of S131 shown is transferred, and the process after S131 is performed as described above. In this case, the target platen is conveyed to the first heating device 5A.

[0116] When the first heating device 5A is in the medium heating action (S161: Yes), the CPU 101 makes an execution reservation for the medium heating action in the first heating device 5A (S164). The CPU 101 makes the target platen stand by until the execution sequence of the medium heating action in the first heating device 5A arrives (S165). For example, when a standby position of the platen 10 is provided between the transfer mechanism 84 and the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 may also transport the target platen to the standby position in the processing of S165 and make it stand by at the standby position. When the execution sequence of the medium heating action in the first heating device 5A arrives, the CPU 101 will process to Figure 4 The process of S131 shown is transferred, and the process after S131 is performed as described above. In this case, the target platen is conveyed to the first heating device 5A.

[0117] The following describes a case where the destination of the target platen is determined to be either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B in the destination determination process (S113). Figure 3 As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether the destination of the target platen determined in the destination determination process is the first heating device 5A (S114). If the destination of the target platen is the first heating device 5A (S114: Yes), the CPU 101 forwards the process to Figure 6 The processing of S161 shown in FIG. 1 is transferred, and the processing after S161 is performed as described above. When the destination of the target platen is the second heating device 5B (S114: No), the CPU 101 transfers the processing to Figure 7 The process of S171 shown is transferred.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in the medium heating operation (S171). If the second heating device 5B is not in the medium heating operation (S171: No), the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in the preheating operation (S172). If the second heating device 5B is not in the preheating operation (S172: No), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation in the second heating device 5B (S173). The CPU 101 sends the processing to Figure 5 The processing of S151 shown in FIG. 1 is transferred. When the second heating device 5B is in the preheating operation (S172: YES), the CPU 101 sends Figure 5 The process of S151 shown is transferred, and the process after S151 is performed as described above. In this case, the target platen is conveyed to the second heating device 5B.

[0119] When the second heating device 5B is in the medium heating action (S171: Yes), the CPU 101 makes an execution reservation for the medium heating action in the second heating device 5B (S174). The CPU 101 makes the target platen stand by until the execution sequence of the medium heating action in the second heating device 5B arrives (S175). For example, when a standby position of the platen 10 is provided between the transfer mechanism 84 and the second heating device 5B, the CPU 101 may also transport the target platen to the standby position in the processing of S175 and make it stand by at the standby position. When the execution sequence of the medium heating action in the second heating device 5B arrives, the CPU 101 will process to Figure 5 The process of S151 shown is transferred, and the process after S151 is performed as described above. In this case, the target platen is conveyed to the second heating device 5B.

[0120] Reference Figures 8 to 11 , the transport destination determination process is explained. Figure 8 As shown, when the destination determination process is started, the CPU 101 refers to Figure 12 The set temperature table shown is used to obtain the corresponding set temperature (S201). Figure 12 The set temperature table shown is stored in the flash memory 102. Figure 12 As shown, in the set temperature table, set temperatures are associated with the type of print medium M. The type of print medium M is determined, for example, by the type of fiber contained in the print medium M. The type of fiber contained in the print medium M is, for example, cotton or chemical fiber. Chemical fiber is, for example, polyester fiber.

[0121] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, category A is associated with temperature A, and category B is associated with temperature B. Category A is, for example, cotton, and temperature A is, for example, 180° C. Category B is, for example, chemical fiber, and temperature B is, for example, 110° C.

[0122] Furthermore, the type of the print medium M may be specified, for example, by the color of the print medium M. The type of the print medium M may be specified, for example, by the type of ink applied to the print medium M by the printer 2A or printer 2B, or by the type of treatment liquid applied to the print medium M by the coating device 3. The type of the print medium M may be specified, for example, by the amount of ink applied to the print medium M by the printer 2A or printer 2B, or by the amount of treatment liquid applied to the print medium M by the coating device 3.

[0123] For example, when a user places a print medium M on the platen 10, the user inputs the identifier of the platen 10 and the type of the print medium M on the platen 10 to the system computer 100 via the receiving unit 104. The CPU 101 associates the received identifier of the platen 10 with the type of the print medium M on the platen 10 and stores them in the RAM 103. In the process of S201, the CPU 101 identifies the type of the print medium M corresponding to the identifier of the target platen. The CPU 101 refers to the set temperature table and obtains the set temperature corresponding to the identified type of the print medium M as the corresponding set temperature.

[0124] like Figure 8 As shown, CPU101 refers to Figure 12 The first completion temperature is obtained from the set temperature table shown (S202). The first completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation currently being executed by the first heating device 5A, or the set temperature for the last medium heating operation for which an execution schedule has been set. In other words, if there is no execution schedule for the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A, the first completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation currently being executed by the first heating device 5A. If there is a execution schedule for the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A, the first completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation corresponding to the last execution schedule in the execution order of the first heating device 5A.

[0125] CPU101 reference Figure 12 The second completion temperature is obtained from the set temperature table shown (S203). The second completion temperature is based on the set temperature of the medium heating operation currently being executed by the second heating device 5B or the set temperature of the last medium heating operation for which an execution schedule has been set. In other words, if there is no execution schedule for the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B, the second completion temperature is the set temperature of the medium heating operation currently being executed by the second heating device 5B. If there is a execution schedule for the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B, the second completion temperature is the set temperature of the medium heating operation corresponding to the last execution schedule in the execution order of the second heating device 5B.

[0126] CPU 101 refers to flash memory 102 and determines whether the setting mode is energy saving mode (S204). If the setting mode is energy saving mode (S204: Yes), CPU 101 sends the processing to Figure 9 If the setting mode is the productivity mode (S204: No), the CPU 101 transfers the processing to the S211 shown in FIG. Figure 10 The process of S231 shown is transferred.

[0127] The case where the set mode is energy-saving mode (S204: Yes) will be described. A "high-pressure heating device" will be defined. A high-pressure heating device is a heating device whose first or second finishing temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature. For example, when a target platen is conveyed to the high-pressure heating device, the high-pressure heating device lowers the temperature within the high-pressure heating device from the first or second finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature within the high-pressure heating device is lowered from the first or second finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature through natural cooling. In this case, the energy consumed by the heating device to reach the corresponding set temperature from the first or second finishing temperature is likely to be lower than when the temperature within the heating device is raised from the first or second finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature through heating. Therefore, in energy-saving mode, if a high-pressure heating device is present, control is performed so that the target platen is conveyed to the high-pressure heating device. Thus, in energy-saving mode, the CPU 101 controls the conveyance of the target platen to the high-pressure heating device in a manner that prioritizes reducing energy consumption within the heating device over improving productivity within the heating device. This will be described in detail below.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, CPU 101 determines whether the first completion temperature obtained in the process of S202 is greater than or equal to the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S211). If the first completion temperature is greater than or equal to the corresponding set temperature (S211: Yes), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature obtained in the process of S203 is greater than or equal to the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S212).

[0129] If the second completion temperature is higher than the corresponding set temperature (S212: Yes), the CPU 101 transfers the process to the process of S221. If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S212: No), the CPU 101 transfers the process to the process of S221. Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be transported to the first heating device 5A (S251). The CPU 101 returns the process to Figure 3 The main process shown.

[0130] like Figure 9 As shown, in the judgment of S211, if the first completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S211: No), CPU101 judges whether the second completion temperature obtained in the process of S203 is higher than the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S213). If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S213: No), CPU101 transfers the process to the process of S221. If the second completion temperature is higher than the corresponding set temperature (S213: Yes), as shown in FIG. Figure 11As shown, the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be transported to the second heating device 5B (S252). The CPU 101 returns the process to Figure 3 The main process shown.

[0131] like Figure 9 As shown, if both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are high-pressure heating devices (S211: Yes, S212: Yes), or if neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B is high-pressure heating devices (S211: No, S213: No), the CPU 101 needs to determine to which of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B the target platen should be conveyed. Therefore, the CPU 101 performs the processing from S221 onwards.

[0132] In S221, CPU 101 calculates a first temperature difference based on the corresponding set temperature obtained in S201 and the first completion temperature obtained in S202. It also calculates a second temperature difference based on the corresponding set temperature obtained in S201 and the second completion temperature obtained in S203 (S221). The first temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first completion temperature. The second temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second completion temperature.

[0133] CPU 101 determines whether the first temperature difference calculated in the process of S221 is less than the second temperature difference calculated in the process of S221 (S222). If the first temperature difference is less than the second temperature difference (S222: Yes), Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 2 , the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be transported to the first heating device 5A ( S251 ). Figure 9 As shown, in the case where the second temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference (S222: No), as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 101 determines the second heating device 5B as the conveyance destination of the target platen ( S252 ).

[0134] The case where the setting mode is productivity mode (S204: No) is described below. A "low heating device" is defined below. A low heating device is a heating device whose first or second finishing temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature. For example, when the target platen is conveyed to the low heating device, the low heating device raises the detected temperature from the first or second finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature through heating. In this case, the time it takes for the detected temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature from the first or second finishing temperature is likely to be shorter than, for example, when the detected temperature is lowered from the first or second finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature through natural cooling. Therefore, in productivity mode, if a low heating device is present, control is performed so that the target platen is conveyed to the low heating device. Thus, in productivity mode, CPU 101 controls the conveyance of the target platen in a manner that prioritizes improving productivity in the heating device over suppressing energy consumption in the heating device. This is described in detail below.

[0135] like Figure 10 As shown, CPU 101 determines whether the first completion temperature obtained in the process of S202 is lower than the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S231). If the first completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S231: Yes), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature obtained in the process of S203 is lower than the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S232).

[0136] If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S232: Yes), the CPU 101 transfers the process to the process of S241. If the second completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature (S232: No), the CPU 101 transfers the process to the process of S241. Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 101 determines the first heating device 5A as the conveyance destination of the target platen ( S251 ).

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, in the judgment of S231, if the first completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature (S231: No), CPU101 judges whether the second completion temperature obtained in the process of S203 is lower than the corresponding set temperature obtained in the process of S201 (S233). If the second completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature (S233: No), CPU101 transfers the process to the process of S241. If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S233: Yes), as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 101 determines the second heating device 5B as the conveyance destination of the target platen ( S252 ).

[0138] like Figure 10As shown, if both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are low-temperature heating devices (S231: Yes, S232: Yes), or if neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B is low-temperature heating devices (S231: No, S233: No), the CPU 101 needs to determine to which of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B the target platen should be conveyed. Therefore, the CPU 101 performs the processing from S241 onwards.

[0139] In processing S241, CPU 101 references flash memory 102 and obtains a first processing completion time (S241). The first processing completion time is the time required for the first heating device 5A's currently executing medium heating operation to complete, or the time required for the completion of the last medium heating operation among the scheduled executions. Specifically, if there is no scheduled execution of a medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A, the first processing completion time is the time required for the first heating device 5A's currently executing medium heating operation to complete. If there is a scheduled execution of a medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A, the first processing completion time is the time required for the first heating device 5A's corresponding medium heating operation in the order of execution corresponding to the last scheduled execution. Flash memory 102 stores a processing timetable (not shown). The processing timetable determines the time required for one media heating operation, for example, based on the type of print medium M. CPU 101 references the processing timetable and obtains the first processing completion time based on the time required for one media heating operation corresponding to the type of print medium M and the number of scheduled executions of the first heating device 5A's medium heating operations.

[0140] CPU 101 references flash memory 102 and obtains a first transition time (S242). The first transition time is the time from the first process completion time until the detected temperature in first heating device 5A reaches the corresponding set temperature. In other words, the first transition time is the time from the first completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature in first heating device 5A. Flash memory 102 stores a transition timetable (not shown). The transition timetable specifies the time from the first temperature to the second temperature. CPU 101 sets the first completion temperature as the first temperature and the corresponding set temperature as the second temperature, references the transition timetable, and obtains the time from the first temperature to the second temperature as the first transition time.

[0141] CPU 101 references flash memory 102 and obtains a second processing completion time (S243). The second processing completion time is the time required for the second heating device 5B to complete the currently executing medium heating operation or the time required for the completion of the last scheduled medium heating operation. Specifically, if there is no scheduled execution of the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B, the second processing completion time is the time required for the currently executing medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B to complete. If there is a scheduled execution of the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B, the second processing completion time is the time required for the completion of the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B corresponding to the last scheduled execution order. CPU 101 references the processing time table and obtains the second processing completion time based on the time required for one medium heating operation corresponding to the type of print medium M and the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B.

[0142] CPU 101 references flash memory 102 and obtains a second transition time (S244). The second transition time is the time from the second process completion time until the detected temperature in second heating device 5B reaches the corresponding set temperature. In other words, the second transition time is the time from the second completion temperature to the detected temperature in second heating device 5B reaching the corresponding set temperature. CPU 101 uses the second completion temperature as the first temperature and the corresponding set temperature as the second temperature, references the transition time table, and obtains the time from the first temperature to the second temperature as the second transition time.

[0143] CPU 101 calculates a first start time based on the first process completion time obtained in S241 and the first transfer time obtained in S242. It then calculates a second start time based on the second process completion time obtained in S243 and the second transfer time obtained in S244 (S245). The first start time is the sum of the first process completion time and the first transfer time. In this embodiment, it is equal to the sum of the first process completion time and the first transfer time. For example, the first start time may also take into account the time required to transport the target platen to the first heating device 5A. The second start time is the sum of the second process completion time and the second transfer time. It is equal to the sum of the second process completion time and the second transfer time. For example, the second start time may also take into account the time required to transport the target platen to the second heating device 5B.

[0144] CPU 101 determines whether the first start time calculated in the process of S245 is less than the second start time calculated in the process of S245 (S246). If the first start time is less than the second start time (S246: Yes), Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 2 , the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be transported to the first heating device 5A ( S251 ). Figure 10 As shown, in the case where the first start time exceeds the second start time (S246: No), as shown in Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 101 determines the second heating device 5B as the conveyance destination of the target platen ( S252 ).

[0145] As described above, in the above embodiment, the CPU 101 controls the transfer mechanism 84 to transfer the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B (S131 or S151). Therefore, the printing system 1 helps suppress at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption, depending on whether the target platen is transferred to the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B.

[0146] When the target platen is conveyed to a heating device that is not an empty heating device, there is a possibility that the target platen will wait for a while before the medium heating operation begins. In the above embodiment, if an empty heating device is present ( S111 : Yes or S112 : Yes), the CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the empty heating device. This reduces the waiting time for the target platen before the medium heating operation begins. Consequently, the printing system 1 helps to prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 obtains the first start time and the second start time (S245). If the first start time is less than the second start time (S246: Yes), the CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the first heating device 5A. If the second start time is less than the first start time (S246: No), the CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the second heating device 5B. Therefore, the target platen is conveyed to the heating device with the earlier start time, the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. Consequently, the printing system 1 helps to prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0148] For example, the smaller the difference between the finish temperature and the corresponding set temperature, the shorter the time it takes for the finish temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. In the above embodiment, CPU 101 obtains the corresponding set temperature, the first finish temperature, and the second finish temperature (S201, S202, and S203). When the first temperature difference is less than the second temperature difference (S222: Yes), CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the first heating device 5A. When the second temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference (S222: No), CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the second heating device 5B. Therefore, the target platen is conveyed to the heating device that takes the shorter time for the finish temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature, the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. Therefore, printing system 1 helps to suppress the deterioration of productivity.

[0149] In the above embodiment, CPU 101 obtains the corresponding set temperature, the first finishing temperature, and the second finishing temperature (S201, S202, and S203). If a low-temperature heating device is present (S231: Yes, or S233: Yes), CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the low-temperature heating device. In this case, the printing system 1 controls the temperature within the low-temperature heating device from the finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature by increasing the detected temperature of the low-temperature heating device. Therefore, compared to controlling the temperature within the low-temperature heating device to the corresponding set temperature by decreasing the detected temperature from the finishing temperature, the printing system 1 can more easily control the time it takes for the temperature within the low-temperature heating device to reach the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the printing system 1 helps to suppress a decrease in productivity.

[0150] In the above embodiment, CPU 101 obtains the corresponding set temperature, the first finishing temperature, and the second finishing temperature (S201, S202, and S203). If a high-pressure heating device is present (S211: Yes or S213: Yes), CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the high-pressure heating device. In this case, the printing system 1 controls the temperature within the high-pressure heating device to decrease from the finishing temperature to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the printing system 1 does not need to consume energy until the temperature within the high-pressure heating device reaches the corresponding set temperature. This helps to minimize increases in energy consumption.

[0151] In the above embodiment, if an inoperative heating device exists after the processing of S131 or S151 ( S133 : No or S153 : No), the CPU 101 stops the warm-up operation of the inoperative heating device.

[0152] The receiving unit 104 receives the setting of either productivity mode or energy-saving mode. Based on whether the setting is productivity mode or energy-saving mode ( S204 ), the CPU 101 conveys the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. In this case, the printing system 1 allows the user to select whether to prioritize productivity improvement or energy consumption reduction.

[0153] In the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 conveys the target platen to the first heating device 5A until the number of times the medium heating operation has been executed within the specified period reaches the target number of times the medium heating operation has been executed within the specified period (S142: YES). In the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 maintains the preheating operation of the second heating device 5B stopped until the number of times the medium heating operation has been executed within the specified period reaches the target number of times the medium heating operation has been executed within the specified period (S142: YES). In this case, the printing system 1 maintains the target productivity while helping to suppress an increase in energy consumption.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the system computer 100 and the conveying device 7 correspond to the "conveyance control device" of the present invention. The printing medium M corresponds to the "printing medium" of the present invention. The platen 10 corresponds to the "platen" of the present invention. The handover mechanism 84 corresponds to the "conveyance unit" of the present invention. The printers 2A and 2B correspond to the "printer" of the present invention. The first heating device 5A corresponds to the "first heating unit" of the present invention. The second heating device 5B corresponds to the "second heating unit" of the present invention. The CPU 101 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention. The processes of S131 and S151 correspond to the "conveyance process" of the present invention. The receiving unit 104 corresponds to the "receiving unit" of the present invention. The system computer 100 corresponds to the "computer" of the present invention. The first completion temperature corresponds to the "first heating temperature" of the present invention. The second completion temperature corresponds to the "second heating temperature" of the present invention.

[0155] In addition, in the above embodiment, the conveyance of the platen 10 to any one of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B in the main process is described. In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 controls the conveyance of the platen 10 to any one of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B in the main process in the same manner as the conveyance of the platen 10 to any one of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B. In this case, in the description of the above main process, the first heating device 5A is replaced by the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 5B is replaced by the second heating device 6B. In this case, it is determined that the position P1 is set at any position from the setting position P0 to the handover mechanism 86 in the conveying device 7. It is preferred that the judgment position P1 is set at any position from the handover mechanism 85 to the handover mechanism 86 in the conveying device 7. The judgment position P1 is preferably located in the conveying device 7 at a position where the platen 10 does not pass before printing by the printer 2A or printer 2B, but passes after printing by the printer 2A or printer 2B. In the process of S131 or S151, if the target platen has not yet been printed by the printer 2A or printer 2B, the target platen is conveyed to the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B after printing. As described above, when the printing system 1 controls the conveyance of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B, the same effects as when the printing system controls the conveyance of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B are achieved.

[0156] The present invention can also be modified in various ways based on the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 13 The printing system 1A will be described. In the printing system 1A, components having functions equivalent to those of the printing system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0157] The printing system 1A is different from the above embodiment in that the transport device 7A further includes transfer mechanisms 191, 192, and 193, and the main path 71 includes an outgoing path 72A instead of Figure 1 The detailed structure of the transfer mechanism 191, 192, 193 is as follows. Figure 1 The delivery mechanism 84 is the same as that shown in FIG. The outgoing path 72A includes conveying paths 171 to 187. The detailed structures of the conveying paths 171 to 187 are respectively the same as those of FIG. Figure 1 The main paths 71 shown are identical.

[0158] Conveyor path 171 is connected to elevator mechanism 74, extends rearward from elevator mechanism 74, and connects to the front end of branch path 87. Conveyor path 172 is connected to the rear end of branch path 87, extends rearward from the rear end of branch path 87, and connects to handover mechanism 84. Conveyor path 173 is connected to handover mechanism 84, extends leftward from handover mechanism 84, and connects to the front end of branch path 88A. Conveyor path 175 is connected to the rear end of branch path 88A, extends rearward from the rear end of branch path 88A, and connects to handover mechanism 191.

[0159] Conveyor path 174 is connected to delivery mechanism 84 , extends rightward from delivery mechanism 84 , and connects to the front end of branch path 88B. Conveyor path 176 is connected to the rear end of branch path 88B, extends rearward from the rear end of branch path 88B, and connects to delivery mechanism 191 .

[0160] The conveyor path 177 is connected to the interface mechanism 191, extends rearward from the interface mechanism 191, and connects to the interface mechanism 85. The conveyor path 178 is connected to the interface mechanism 85, extends leftward from the interface mechanism 85, and connects to the front end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22 of the printer 2A. The conveyor path 179 is connected to the interface mechanism 85, extends rightward from the interface mechanism 85, and connects to the front end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22 of the printer 2B.

[0161] The conveyor path 180 connects to the rear end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22 of the printer 2A, extends rightward from the rear end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22, and connects to the handover mechanism 192. The conveyor path 181 connects to the rear end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22 of the printer 2B, extends rearward from the rear end of the sub-scanning conveyor mechanism 22, and connects to the handover mechanism 192.

[0162] Conveyor path 182 is connected to delivery mechanism 192, extends rearward from delivery mechanism 192, and connects to delivery mechanism 86. Conveyor path 183 is connected to delivery mechanism 86, extends leftward from delivery mechanism 86, and connects to the front end of branch path 89A. Conveyor path 184 is connected to delivery mechanism 86, extends rightward from delivery mechanism 86, and connects to the front end of branch path 89B.

[0163] Conveyor path 185 is connected to the rear end of branch path 89A, extends rearward from the rear end of branch path 89A, and is connected to transfer mechanism 193. Conveyor path 186 is connected to the rear end of branch path 89B, extends rearward from the rear end of branch path 89B, and is connected to transfer mechanism 193. Conveyor path 187 is connected to transfer mechanism 193, extends rearward from transfer mechanism 193, and is connected to elevator mechanism 75.

[0164] According to the printing system 1A, the platen 10 is transported from the elevator mechanism 74 to the delivery mechanism 84 in the order of the conveying path 171, the branch path 87, and the conveying path 172. The platen 10 is then transported from the delivery mechanism 84 to the conveying path 173 or 174. For example, when the platen 10 is transported to the conveying path 173, the platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 84 to the delivery mechanism 191 in the order of the conveying path 173, the branch path 88A, and the conveying path 175. The platen 10 is then transported from the delivery mechanism 191 to the delivery mechanism 85 via the conveying path 177.

[0165] The platen 10 is conveyed from the delivery mechanism 85 to the conveyance path 178 or 179. For example, when the platen 10 is conveyed to the conveyance path 178, the platen 10 is conveyed from the delivery mechanism 85 to the delivery mechanism 192 in the order of the conveyance path 177, the sub-scanning conveyance mechanism 22, and the conveyance path 180. The platen 10 is then conveyed from the delivery mechanism 192 to the delivery mechanism 86 via the conveyance path 182.

[0166] The platen 10 is conveyed from the delivery mechanism 86 to the conveyance path 183 or 184. For example, when the platen 10 is conveyed to the conveyance path 183, the platen 10 is conveyed from the delivery mechanism 86 to the delivery mechanism 193 in the order of the conveyance path 183, the branch path 89A, and the conveyance path 185. The platen 10 is conveyed from the delivery mechanism 193 to the elevator mechanism 75 via the conveyance path 187.

[0167] In the printing system 1A, for example, a standby position may be provided on the conveyor path 173, where the platen 10 waits until the first heating device 5A starts heating the medium. For example, a standby position may be provided on the conveyor path 174, where the platen 10 waits until the second heating device 5B starts heating the medium. A standby position may also be provided on the conveyor path 183, where the platen 10 waits until the first heating device 6A starts heating the medium. For example, a standby position may also be provided on the conveyor path 184, where the platen 10 waits until the second heating device 6B starts heating the medium.

[0168] Reference Figure 14 The printing system 1B will be described. In the printing system 1B, components having the same functions as the printing system 1 or the printing system 1A are marked with the same reference numerals as the printing system 1 or 1A and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. Figure 13 As shown, the outgoing path 72A from the conveying path 171 to the conveying path 187, the coating device 3, the first heating device 5A, the second heating device 5B, the printers 2A and 2B, the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 6B are referred to as the "printing unit 70".

[0169] The printing system 1B differs from the printing system 1A in that the transport device 7 further includes transfer mechanisms 291 and 292, and the main path 71 includes an outgoing path 72B instead of the outgoing path 72B. Figure 13 The detailed structure of the transfer mechanism 291, 292 is as follows. Figure 1 The outgoing path 72B has a plurality of printing units 70 and conveying paths 271 to 276. The detailed structures of the conveying paths 276 to 276 are respectively the same as those of the example Figure 1 The main paths 71 shown are identical.

[0170] The plurality of printing units 70 are arranged in parallel between the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75. The number of the plurality of printing units 70 is not limited to a specific number, and may be two, for example. The conveying path 271 is connected to the elevator mechanism 74, extends from the elevator mechanism 74 to the rear, and is connected to the handover mechanism 291. The conveying path 272 is connected to the handover mechanism 291, extends from the handover mechanism 291 to the left, and is connected to the conveying path 171 of the left printing unit 70 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 13 ) is connected to the front end. The conveying path 273 is connected to the handover mechanism 291, extends to the right from the handover mechanism 291, and is connected to the conveying path 171 of the right printing unit 70 (refer to Figure 13 ) front-end connection.

[0171] The conveyance path 274 and the conveyance path 187 of the left printing unit 70 (see Figure 13 ) is connected to the rear end of the conveying path 187, extends backward from the conveying path 187, and is connected to the handover mechanism 292. The conveying path 275 is connected to the conveying path 187 of the right printing unit 70 (refer to Figure 13 ) is connected to the rear end of the conveying path 187, extends rearward from the conveying path 187, and is connected to the handover mechanism 292. The conveying path 276 is connected to the handover mechanism 292, extends rearward from the handover mechanism 292, and is connected to the elevator mechanism 75.

[0172] According to the printing system 1B, the platen 10 is transported from the elevator mechanism 74 to the delivery mechanism 291 via the delivery path 271. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 291 to the delivery path 272 or 273. For example, when the platen 10 is transported to the delivery path 272, the platen 10 is transported to the delivery path 171 of the printing unit 70 on the left (see FIG. Figure 13 In this case, the platen 10 is transported from the transport path 187 (see Figure 13 ) is transported to the delivery mechanism 292 via the transport path 274. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 292 to the elevator mechanism 75 via the transport path 276.

[0173] Other variations will be described. In the above embodiment, printing system 1 may omit one of printers 2A and 2B. In addition to printers 2A and 2B, printing system 1 may also include one or more other printers. Printers 2A and 2B may also be changed from inkjet printers to laser printers, thermal printers, and the like. Printers 2A and 2B may be different types of printers.

[0174] The printing system 1 may also omit the coating device 3. In addition to the coating device 3, the printing system 1 may also include one or more other coating devices. When the printing system 1 includes the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, one or both of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may be omitted. In addition to the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, the printing system 1 may also include one or more other heating devices. When the printing system 1 includes the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, one or both of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B may be omitted. In addition to the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, the printing system 1 may also include one or more other heating devices.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the number of printers 2A and 2B (two), the number of first heating devices 5A and second heating devices 5B (two), and the number of first heating devices 6A and second heating devices 6B (two) may differ from one another. For example, the number of first heating devices 5A and second heating devices 5B may be three, while the number of printers 2A and 2B (two) is three.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the first heating device 5A is an air-supply dryer. In contrast, the first heating device 5A may be a hot press instead of the air-supply dryer, or may include an air-supply dryer and a hot press. For example, when the first heating device 5A is a hot press, the first heating device 5A may have a stamping mechanism instead of the fan 56A. In this case, the heater 55A may heat the stamping mechanism. For example, when the first heating device 5A includes an air-supply dryer and a hot press, the number of air-supply dryers may be the same as or different from the number of hot presses. The air-supply dryer and the hot press may be arranged in series or in parallel with each other. The second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 6B may also be changed in the same manner as the first heating device 5A.

[0177] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may each have a different structure from the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. For example, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may both include an air dryer and a heat press, and the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B may both be air dryers.

[0178] The transport device 7 transports the platen 10 so that the coating process, the treatment liquid drying process, the printing process, and the ink drying process are sequentially performed. Alternatively, the transport device 7 may transport the platen 10 so that the treatment liquid drying process is skipped, or both the coating process and the treatment liquid drying process are skipped. The transport device 7 may also transport the platen 10 so that the ink drying process is skipped.

[0179] In the above embodiment, for example, in the determination of S211, if the first completion temperature is equal to the corresponding set temperature, the CPU 101 may transfer the process to the determination of S213. Similarly, in the process of comparing two values, if the two values ​​are equal, the CPU 101 may transfer the process to a process different from the process transferred in the above embodiment.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the energy saving mode and the productivity mode may not be provided. In this case, the CPU 101 may omit the determination in S204 and perform either the process after S211 or the process after S231.

[0181] The CPU 101 may also obtain the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A in place of the first completion temperature during the process of S202, and obtain the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B in place of the second completion temperature during the process of S203. In this case, in the determinations from S204 onwards, the CPU 101 may make determinations based on the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A instead of the first completion temperature, and based on the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B instead of the second completion temperature. For example, the CPU 101 may make determinations based on the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A in the determination of S211, and based on the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B in the determination of S212.

[0182] If both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are equivalent to high-speed heating devices (S211: Yes, S212: Yes), the CPU 101 may perform the processes from S241 onwards instead of the processes from S221 onwards. If neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B is equivalent to high-speed heating devices (S211: No, S213: No), the CPU 101 may perform the processes from S241 onwards instead of the processes from S221 onwards.

[0183] If both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are equivalent to the low heating device (S231: Yes, S232: Yes), the CPU 101 may perform the processes from S221 onwards instead of the processes from S241 onwards. If neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B is equivalent to the low heating device (S231: No, S233: No), the CPU 101 may perform the processes from S221 onwards instead of the processes from S241 onwards.

[0184] If the set mode is energy saving mode (S204: YES), CPU 101 may skip the determinations in S211, S212, and S213 and proceed to S221. If the set mode is productivity mode (S204: NO), CPU 101 may skip the determinations in S231, S232, and S233 and proceed to S241. If the target platen has reached determination position P1 (S103: YES), CPU 101 may proceed to S221 or S241.

[0185] In the above embodiment, if no empty heating device exists (S111: No, S112: No), CPU 101 performs the transport destination determination process (S113). Alternatively, CPU 101 may place the target platen on standby until an empty heating device becomes available, without performing the transport destination determination process. In this case, CPU 101 may not store the execution reservation for the medium heating operation in RAM 103. CPU 101 may omit the determination in one or both of S111 and S112. For example, if the determination in both S111 and S112 is omitted, CPU 101 may perform the transport destination determination process (S113) when the target platen reaches the determination position P1 (S103: Yes), regardless of whether an empty heating device exists.

[0186] In the above embodiment, an idle heating device is defined as a heating device that is not currently performing a medium heating operation and has no scheduled execution of a medium heating operation. Alternatively, an idle heating device may be a heating device that is not currently performing a medium heating operation, regardless of whether a medium heating operation has been scheduled. In this case, the printing system 1 also helps to prevent a decrease in productivity.

[0187] In the above embodiment, if the second heating device 5B is unused (S112: YES), the target platen may be conveyed to the second heating device 5B (S151) regardless of the number of scheduled executions of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A. In other words, if the second heating device 5B is not preheating (S141: NO), the CPU 101 may skip the determination in S142 and proceed to S143.

[0188] The CPU 101 may omit the determination of S133 and the processing of S134. The CPU 101 may omit the determination of S153 and the processing of S154. That is, even if there is an inoperative heating device, the CPU 101 may not stop the preheating operation of the inoperative heating device.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the platen 10 is transported by the transport path. However, the platen 10 may be transported by a robot. In this case, the robot transports the platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B.

[0190] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B do not need to be separate devices. That is, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may each constitute part of a single device, and be provided as a single device. For example, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may be arranged in two layers in the vertical direction. The first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B also do not need to be separate devices.

[0191] The first calculated value and the second calculated value are defined. The nth power of the absolute value of the difference between the first completion temperature and the corresponding set temperature is set as the "first temperature parameter". The first calculated value is the total value of the first completion time, the first transfer time, and the coefficient k×the first temperature parameter. The nth power of the absolute value of the difference between the second completion temperature and the corresponding set temperature is set as the "second temperature parameter". The second calculated value is the total value of the second completion time, the second transfer time, and the coefficient k×the second temperature parameter. n can be a positive number or a negative number. For example, in the processing of S211 or S245, CPU101 can also calculate the first calculated value based on the first completion time, the first transfer time, the first completion temperature, the corresponding set temperature and the coefficient k, and calculate the second calculated value based on the second completion time, the second transfer time, the second completion temperature, the corresponding set temperature and the coefficient k. For example, in the judgment of S222 or S246, CPU101 can also determine whether the first calculated value is less than the second calculated value. If the first calculated value is less than the second calculated value, CPU 101 may also determine that the destination of the target platen is the first heating device 5A (S251). If the second calculated value is less than the first calculated value, CPU 101 may also determine that the destination of the target platen is the second heating device 5B (S252). In this case, CPU 101 may set the value of coefficient k based on the setting mode. For example, if the setting mode is energy saving mode, CPU 101 sets coefficient k to k1; if the setting mode is productivity mode, CPU 101 sets coefficient k to k2. In this case, if n is a positive number, coefficient k2 can be greater than 0 and less than coefficient k1.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the system computer 100 controls the coating device 3, the first heating device 5A, the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, the second heating device 6B, and the conveyor device 7, respectively. Alternatively, the printing system 1 may include, in place of or in addition to the system computer 100, a computer controlling the coating device 3, a computer controlling the first heating device 5A, a computer controlling the second heating device 5B, a computer controlling the first heating device 6A, a computer controlling the second heating device 6B, and a computer controlling the conveyor device 7. In this case, for example, the computer controlling the conveyor device 7 may also execute the main process. When the computer controlling the conveyor device 7 executes the main process, for example, in the determination of S111, the computer controlling the conveyor device 7 may obtain information indicating whether the first heating device 5A is empty from the computer controlling the first heating device 5A and determine whether the first heating device 5A is empty based on the obtained information. In other determinations in the main process, the computer controlling the conveyor device 7 may also perform each determination based on information obtained from other computers.

[0193] Instead of CPU 101, a microcomputer, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used as a processor. The main processing may also be distributed among a plurality of processors. A non-temporary storage medium such as the flash memory 102 may be any storage medium that retains information regardless of the period during which the information is stored. The non-temporary storage medium may not include a temporary storage medium (for example, a transmitted signal). The control program may be downloaded from a server connected to a network not shown (that is, sent as a transmission signal) and stored in the flash memory 102. In this case, the control program may be stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD possessed by the server.

[0194] Description of labels

[0195] 1. 1A, 1B: Printing system

[0196] 2A, 2B: Printers

[0197] 5A, 6A: First heating device

[0198] 5B, 6B: Second heating device

[0199] 7.7A: Conveying device

[0200] 10: Imprinting plate

[0201] 84, 86: Handover agency

[0202] 100: System computer

[0203] 101: CPU

[0204] 102: Flash memory

[0205] 104: Receiving department.

Claims

1. A conveying control device, characterized in that: have: A conveying unit, for conveying a platen carrying a printing medium; The first heating unit and the second heating unit are connected to a printer for printing the print medium on the platen and perform a medium heating operation for heating the print medium on the platen; and Control Department, The control section performs a conveying process of controlling the conveying unit to convey a target platen of the platen as a control target on which the print medium is placed to one of the first heating section and the second heating section.

2. The conveying control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the conveying process, when there is an empty heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation among the first heating section and the second heating section, the control section conveys the target platen to the empty heating section.

3. The conveying control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the conveying process, when there is an empty heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation and has not executed a reservation among the first heating section and the second heating section, the control section conveys the target platen to the empty heating section.

4. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit obtains a first start time and a second start time, The first start time is a time based on the sum of a first processing completion time and a first transfer time, the first processing completion time being the time taken until the medium heating action being executed by the first heating unit is completed or the time taken until the last medium heating action among the medium heating actions scheduled to be executed is completed, and the first transfer time is the time from the first processing completion time to the corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen among the set temperatures set according to the print medium. The second start time is a time based on the sum of a second processing completion time and a second transfer time, wherein the second processing completion time is the time taken until the medium heating action being executed by the second heating unit is completed or the time taken until the last medium heating action among the medium heating actions scheduled for execution is completed, and the second transfer time is the time from the second processing completion time to the second heating temperature of the second heating unit becoming the corresponding set temperature. In the conveying process, when the first start time is less than the second start time, the control unit conveys the target platen toward the first heating unit, When the second start time is smaller than the first start time, the control unit conveys the target platen toward the second heating unit.

5. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit obtains, among the set temperatures set according to the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature of the second heating unit, In the conveying process, when the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature is smaller than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature, the control unit conveys the target platen to the first heating unit, The control unit conveys the target platen toward the second heating unit when the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature is smaller than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature.

6. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit obtains, among the set temperatures set according to the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature of the second heating unit, In the conveying process, when there is a low heating section, the control section conveys the object stamping plate to the low heating section, and the low heating section is the first heating section whose first heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature or the second heating section whose second heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature.

7. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit obtains, among the set temperatures set according to the print medium, a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature of the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature of the second heating unit, In the conveying process, when there is a high heating section, the control section conveys the object stamping plate to the high heating section, and the high heating section is the first heating section whose first heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature or the second heating section whose second heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature.

8. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: After the conveying process, if there is a non-operating heating unit that has no reservation to perform the medium heating operation among the first heating unit and the second heating unit, the control unit stops heating by the non-operating heating unit.

9. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The conveying control device includes a receiving unit, the receiving unit receiving a setting of either a productivity mode or an energy-saving mode, the productivity mode giving priority to improving productivity in the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and the energy-saving mode giving priority to suppressing energy consumption in the first heating unit and the second heating unit, The control section conveys the target platen to one of the first heating section and the second heating section based on whether the setting accepted by the acceptance section is the setting of the productivity mode or the setting of the energy saving mode in the conveyance process.

10. The conveying control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit, in the conveying process, conveys the target platen to one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit before the number of executions of the medium heating operation within a predetermined period in one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit reaches a target number of executions of the medium heating operation within the predetermined period, The control unit maintains stopping heating of the other of the first heating unit and the second heating unit until the number of executions of the medium heating operation within the predetermined period reaches a target number of executions of the medium heating operation within the predetermined period in one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit.

11. A conveying control method, which is a control method of a conveying control device, wherein the conveying control device comprises: a conveying unit for conveying a platen on which a printing medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer for printing the printing medium on the platen and performing a medium heating operation for heating the printing medium on the platen, wherein the conveying control method is characterized in that: The method includes controlling the conveying unit to convey a target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the print medium is placed, to one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit.

12. A storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a transport control program that causes a computer controlling a transport control device to execute a transport process. The conveying control device comprises: a conveying unit for conveying a platen on which a printing medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer for printing the printing medium on the platen and performing a medium heating operation for heating the printing medium on the platen, In the conveying process, the conveying unit is controlled to convey the target platen of the platen as the control target on which the print medium is placed to either the first heating section or the second heating section.

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