Drying machine

Abstract

A dryer (10) capable of applying an appropriate tension to a medium in a drying furnace, the dryer (10) being provided with: a heating unit (15) for heating the medium (M); a drying furnace (14) provided with a heating unit (15) for drying the medium (M); and transport units (11, 12, 13) that transport the medium (M) in the drying furnace (14), the transport units (11, 12, 13) having: a first support unit (11) that supports the medium (M) at an inlet-side end (14b) of the drying furnace (14) in the transport direction (A) of the medium (M); a second support section that supports the medium (M) at an outlet-side end section (14c) of the drying furnace (14) in the conveyance direction (A); and a third support section (13) for supporting the medium (M) at a position between the first support section (11) and the second support section (12) in the medium (M) conveyance path of the drying furnace (14), the third support section (13) being configured so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drying machine. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various dryers are used to dry a medium. Among them, there is a dryer that can dry a medium transported by a transport unit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heating drying device that has movable rollers as a transport unit at the inlet side end and the outlet side end in the transport direction of the medium, and the arrangement of these movable rollers can be changed in the up-down direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-242044

[0004] By applying appropriate tension to the medium transported by the transport unit, for example, the distance from the medium to the heating unit can be finely set, and the drying efficiency can be improved. Among them, in the heating drying device of Patent Document 1, although the movable roller at the inlet side end and the movable roller at the outlet side end can be changed in the up and down direction, a structure that can apply appropriate tension to the medium is not formed. Thus, in the conventional dryer that can dry the medium transported by the transport unit, it is sometimes impossible to apply appropriate tension to the medium in the drying furnace. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the dryer of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a heating part for heating a medium; a drying furnace provided with the heating part for drying the medium; and a conveying part for conveying the medium in the drying furnace, the conveying part comprising: a first supporting part for supporting the medium at an end portion on an inlet side of the medium conveying direction of the drying furnace; a second supporting part for supporting the medium at an end portion on an outlet side of the medium conveying direction of the drying furnace; and a third supporting part for supporting the medium at a position between the first supporting part and the second supporting part in a conveying path of the medium in the drying furnace, the third supporting part being configured to be movable in a vertical direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing an example of a printing system including an inkjet printing apparatus and a dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a schematic side view showing the dryer of Example 1, and is a diagram showing a state when the third support roller is located at the first position and the medium is set in the drying furnace.

[0008] Figure 3 1 is a schematic side view of the dryer of Example 1, showing a state where the third support roller is located at the second position and the medium is set in the drying oven.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a schematic side view showing the dryer of Example 1, and is a diagram showing a state where the third support roller is moved to the third position.

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the dryer of Example 1, showing that the third support roller is located at the third position and the heating part is moved from Figure 4 The diagram of the state after the state shift.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a transition diagram when the medium is set in the dryer of Example 1.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a transition diagram of the clamp portion in the dryer of Example 1.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a schematic side view showing the dryer of Example 2, and is a diagram showing a state when the third support roller is located at the first position and the medium is set in the drying furnace.

[0014] Fig. 9 This is a transition diagram when the medium is set in the dryer of Example 2.

[0015] Fig.10 This is a transition diagram of the clamp portion in the dryer of Example 2.

[0016] Fig.11 This is a transition diagram when a medium is set in the dryer of Example 3.

[0017] Fig.12 This is a transition diagram when a medium is set in the dryer of Example 4.

[0018] Fig.13 This is a perspective view of a clamp portion in the dryer of Example 4.

[0019] Fig.14 It is a side view of the clamp part in the dryer of Example 4.

[0020] Description of Reference Numerals

[0021] 1. Printing device; 2. Holding part; 3. Follower roller; 4. Driving roller; 5. Conveyor belt; 5a. Outer peripheral surface; 6. Slide; 7. Head; 10. Dryer; 11. First support roller (conveying part, first support part); 12. Second support roller (conveying part, second support part); 13. Third support roller (conveying part, third support part); 14. Drying furnace; 14a. Exhaust port; 14b. End part on the inlet side; 14c. End part on the outlet side; 14d. Window part; 15. Heating part; 15A. First heating part; 15B. Second heating part; 16. Exhaust fan; 17. Control part; 18. Third support roller position adjustment part (third support part position adjustment part); 19. Heating part displacement part; 21. Reflection plate; 21A. First reflection plate; 21B. Second reflection plate; 30. Clamp part (medium movement auxiliary part); 21. Reflection plate; 21B. Second reflection plate; 3 0, clamp part (medium moving auxiliary part); 30A, first clamp part (first medium moving auxiliary part); 30B, second clamp part (second medium moving auxiliary part); 32, connecting part; 311, movable part; 311A, first movable part; 311B, second movable part; 312, base; 312A, first base; 312B, second base; 313, guide rail part; 313A, first guide rail part; 313B, second guide rail part Rail portion; 314, bridging portion; 315, pin; 316, reverse sliding prevention pin; 317, inclined portion; 318, clamp portion supporting movable portion; 318A, first chuck supporting movable portion; 318B, second clamp portion supporting movable portion; 321, magnet; 322, hook; 323, rotating shaft; M, medium; Ma, front end; P1, first position; P2, second position; P3, third position; R, cylinder; S, sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] First, the present invention will be schematically described.

[0023] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a dryer characterized in that it comprises: a heating unit for heating a medium; a drying furnace provided with the heating unit for drying the medium; and a conveying unit for conveying the medium in the drying furnace, the conveying unit comprising: a first supporting unit for supporting the medium at an end portion on an inlet side of the medium conveying direction of the drying furnace; a second supporting unit for supporting the medium at an end portion on an outlet side of the medium conveying direction of the drying furnace; and a third supporting unit for supporting the medium at a position between the first supporting unit and the second supporting unit in a conveying path of the medium in the drying furnace, the third supporting unit being configured to be movable in a vertical direction.

[0024] According to this aspect, the conveying section includes: a first support section that supports the medium at the end on the inlet side; a second support section that supports the medium at the end on the outlet side; and a third support section that supports the medium at a position between the first support section and the second support section in the conveying path of the medium in the drying furnace, and the third support section is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. Therefore, by changing the configuration of the third support section relative to the first support section and the second support section, it is possible to apply appropriate tension to the medium in the drying furnace. In addition, since the medium can be set in the drying furnace in a state where the interval between the third support section and the heating section is enlarged, the settability of the medium in the drying furnace can be improved.

[0025] Based on the first aspect, a second aspect of the present invention provides a dryer comprising a reflecting plate disposed at a position facing the heating unit and reflecting heat generated by the heating unit, wherein the reflecting plate is configured to support the medium.

[0026] According to this aspect, a reflector is provided, which is arranged at a position opposite to the heating unit and reflects the heat generated by the heating unit, and the reflector is configured to support the medium. That is, the reflector is provided to also serve as a medium support unit. Therefore, the drying efficiency is improved, and the medium can be particularly well supported in the drying furnace.

[0027] Based on the second aspect, the dryer of the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, as the reflecting plate, it comprises: a first reflecting plate, which is arranged at a position between the first supporting part and the third supporting part; and a second reflecting plate, which is arranged at a position between the third supporting part and the second supporting part, and at least one of the first reflecting plate and the second reflecting plate is configured to be able to be displaced according to the position of the third supporting part.

[0028] According to this aspect, as a reflector, there are provided: a first reflector disposed between the first support and the third support; and a second reflector disposed between the third support and the second support, and at least one of the first reflector and the second reflector is configured to be displaceable according to the position of the third support. With such a structure, the drying efficiency can be particularly well improved, and the medium can be particularly well supported in the drying furnace.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the present invention, based on any one of the first to third aspects, comprises a medium movement assisting portion that assists in moving the medium from an inlet side in the conveying direction toward an outlet side in the conveying direction in the drying furnace.

[0030] According to this aspect, a medium movement auxiliary unit is provided, which assists in moving the medium from the inlet side of the conveying direction toward the outlet side of the conveying direction in the drying furnace. Therefore, when the medium is placed in the drying furnace, the medium can be easily moved from the inlet side of the conveying direction toward the outlet side of the conveying direction in the drying furnace.

[0031] Based on the third aspect, the dryer of the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first medium movement auxiliary unit, which assists in moving the medium from the first support unit side toward the third support unit side along the first reflector in the drying furnace; a second medium movement auxiliary unit, which assists in moving the medium from the third support unit side toward the second support unit side along the second reflector in the drying furnace, and the first medium movement auxiliary unit and the second medium movement auxiliary unit are configured to be able to transfer the medium at a position between the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0032] According to this aspect, there is provided: a first medium movement auxiliary part, which assists in moving the medium from the first support part side to the third support part side along the first reflector in the drying furnace; and a second medium movement auxiliary part, which assists in moving the medium from the third support part side to the second support part side along the second reflector in the drying furnace, wherein the first medium movement auxiliary part and the second medium movement auxiliary part are configured to be able to deliver the medium at a position between the first reflector and the second reflector. Therefore, when the medium is set in the drying furnace, the medium can be easily moved from the inlet side of the conveying direction to the outlet side of the conveying direction in the drying furnace.

[0033] Based on the third aspect, the dryer of the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a medium movement auxiliary unit, which assists in moving the medium from the entrance side of the conveying direction toward the exit side of the conveying direction in the drying furnace, the first reflector can be arranged downward from the first support part side toward the third support part side, the second reflector can be arranged downward from the third support part side toward the second support part side, and the medium movement auxiliary unit can utilize gravity to move the medium from the entrance side of the conveying direction toward the exit side of the conveying direction while maintaining the medium.

[0034] According to this aspect, the medium movement auxiliary unit can use gravity to move the medium from the inlet side of the conveying direction to the outlet side of the conveying direction while holding the medium. Therefore, when the medium is placed in the drying oven, gravity can be used to make the medium move particularly easily from the inlet side of the conveying direction to the outlet side of the conveying direction in the drying oven.

[0035] Based on any one of the first to third aspects, the dryer of the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it has a heating part displacement part, which displaces at least one of the position and posture of the heating part, and the heating part displacement part displaces the heating part based on the position of the third support part.

[0036] According to this aspect, a heating unit displacement unit is provided, which displaces at least one of the position and posture of the heating unit, and the heating unit displacement unit displaces the heating unit based on the position of the third support unit. Therefore, when the medium is set in the drying furnace, the heating unit can be prevented from becoming an obstacle, and when the medium is dried, the heating unit can be brought close to the medium.

[0037] Based on any one of the first to third aspects, the dryer of the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that an exhaust port is provided in the drying furnace, and as the heating unit, it has: a first heating unit, which is located upstream of the exhaust port in the conveying direction; and a second heating unit, which is located downstream of the exhaust port in the conveying direction.

[0038] According to this aspect, since the drying furnace is provided with an exhaust port, steam in the drying furnace can be discharged by ventilating the drying furnace, thereby improving drying efficiency. In addition, by arranging the heating unit both upstream and downstream of the exhaust port in the conveying direction, the drying efficiency can be particularly improved.

[0039] Based on any one of the first to third aspects, the dryer of the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a third support part position adjustment part, which adjusts the position of the third support part in the vertical direction, and the third support part position adjustment part adjusts the position of the third support part in the vertical direction according to the type of the medium.

[0040] According to this aspect, the third support position adjustment unit adjusts the vertical position of the third support according to the type of medium. Since there are media with weak heat resistance, the appropriate distance from the heating unit when drying the medium varies according to the type of medium, but the distance can be made appropriate.

[0041] Based on any one of the first to third aspects, the dryer of the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is equipped with a third support part position adjustment part, which adjusts the position of the third support part in the vertical direction, and the third support part position adjustment part adjusts the position of the third support part in the vertical direction according to the conveying state of the medium.

[0042] According to this aspect, the third support position adjustment unit adjusts the position of the third support in the vertical direction according to the medium conveying state. Depending on the type of the medium, the medium may present different conveying states such as expansion and contraction even when heated at the same temperature. Therefore, the appropriate distance of the medium from the heating unit when drying the medium may be different according to the conveying state of the medium, but the distance can be made appropriate.

[0043] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, based on any one of the first to third aspects, the drying furnace is provided with a window portion through which the third support portion can be visually viewed from the outside.

[0044] According to this aspect, the drying furnace is provided with a window portion through which the third supporting portion can be visually viewed from the outside. Therefore, an operator can visually check the position of the third supporting portion through the window portion.

[0045] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, based on the tenth aspect, the third support portion position adjusting unit adjusts so that when the medium is not conveyed, at least a portion of the third support portion is farther from the heating portion than when the medium is conveyed.

[0046] According to this aspect, the third support position adjustment unit adjusts the third support so that at least a portion of the third support is farther from the heating unit when the medium is not being transported than when the medium is being transported. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the medium caused by heating the medium that does not need to be heated when not being transported.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The outline of the printing system is described. The printing system includes an inkjet printing device 1 as an example and a dryer 10A of the first embodiment, which is an example of the dryer 10 of the present invention. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the dryer 10A is an example of a printing system used together with the inkjet printing device 1, and can also be used as a printing system used together with a printing device other than the inkjet printing device, and can also be used separately from the printing device.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the inkjet printing device 1 used in the printing system of this embodiment includes a holding portion 2 that can rotatably hold a roll body R wound with a medium M such as cloth. The holding portion 2 passes through a paper tube constituting a rotation axis of the roll body R and holds the roll body R. The holding portion 2 can rotate in a rotation direction C to deliver the medium M from the roll body R to a conveyor belt 5.

[0050] The inkjet printing device 1 of this embodiment comprises: a driven roller 3 located on the upstream side of the conveying direction A; a driving roller 4 located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A; and a conveying belt 5, which is an endless belt stretched between the driven roller 3 and the driving roller 4. The conveying belt 5 is an adhesive belt having an outer peripheral surface 5a on which an adhesive is applied on the outer surface, i.e., the supporting surface of the medium M.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the medium M is supported and transported by the conveyor belt 5 in a state where the medium M is adhered to the outer peripheral surface 5a. In the inkjet printing device 1 of this embodiment, the medium supporting area of ​​the conveyor belt 5 that supports the medium M is an upper area that is cross-linked to the driven roller 3 and the driving roller 4. In addition, the driving roller 4 is a roller that rotates in the rotation direction C by the driving force of a motor not shown in the figure, and the driven roller 3 is a roller that rotates driven by the rotation of the conveyor belt 5, and the conveyor belt 5 rotates along with the rotation of the driving roller 4.

[0052] The inkjet printing device 1 of this embodiment includes a carriage 6 capable of reciprocating in the width direction B of the conveyor belt 5 and a head 7 mounted on the carriage 6. The head 7 is a printing unit capable of ejecting liquid ink onto a medium M conveyed in the conveying direction A based on printing data to form an image.

[0053] Furthermore, the inkjet printing device 1 according to the present embodiment can form an image by ejecting ink from the head 7 onto the transported medium M while reciprocating the carriage 6 in the width direction B intersecting the transport direction A. The inkjet printing device 1 of the present embodiment repeatedly transports the medium M in the transport direction A at a predetermined transport amount and ejects ink while moving the carriage 6 in the width direction B while stopping the medium M, so that a desired image can be formed on the medium M, by using the carriage 6 having such a structure.

[0054] The medium M on which an image is formed by ejecting ink from the head 7 is discharged from the inkjet printing device 1 of this embodiment and then sent to a dryer 10A of this embodiment, which is provided at a later stage than the inkjet printing device 1 of this embodiment and is used to volatilize the components of the ink ejected onto the medium M. In this way, the dryer 10A of this embodiment constitutes a printing system together with the inkjet printing device 1. However, although the description is repeated, the dryer 10 of this embodiment can also be used separately from the inkjet printing device 1.

[0055] Among them, as the medium M, the material to be printed and dyed can be preferably used. The material to be printed and dyed refers to the cloth, clothing or other clothing products that are the objects of printing and dyeing. Cloth fabrics include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool; chemical fibers such as nylon; or textiles, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc. of composite fibers mixed therewith. In addition, clothing and other clothing products include not only furniture such as T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, handbags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, etc. that have been sewn, but also cloth before and after cutting that exists as an element in the state before sewing. Among them, in addition to the above-mentioned materials to be printed and dyed, special paper for inkjet recording, such as ordinary paper, high-quality paper, glossy paper, etc., can also be used.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the dryer 10A of this embodiment includes: a heating unit 15 for heating the medium M; a drying furnace 14, which is provided with the heating unit 15 for drying the medium M; and a first support roller 11, a second support roller 12, and a third support roller 13 as a conveying unit for conveying the medium M in the drying furnace 14. It should be noted that the heating unit 15 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of infrared irradiation units arranged in a plane, but the heating unit 15 is not limited to this structure. The first support roller 11 supports the medium M at an inlet side end 14b in the conveying direction A of the drying furnace 14 as a first support unit. The second support roller 12 supports the medium M at an outlet side end 14c in the conveying direction A of the drying furnace 14 as a second support unit. The third support roller 13 is configured as a third support unit to support the medium M at a position between the first support roller 11 and the second support roller 12 in the conveying path of the medium M in the drying furnace 14.

[0057] Below, in Figure 1 Based on Figures 2 to 5 The drying machine 10A of this embodiment is further described in detail. The third support roller 13 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. Specifically, the third support roller 13 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first position P1 is lower than the first support roller 11 and the second support roller 12 in the vertical direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second position P2 is a position higher in the vertical direction than the first support roller 11 and the second support roller 12. By moving the third support roller 13 in the direction D from the first position P1, it is possible to arrange it in the second position P2.

[0058] Thus, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment includes a first support roller 11, a second support roller 12, and a third support roller 13 as a conveying portion. The first support roller 11 supports the medium M at the inlet side end 14b, the second support roller 12 supports the medium M at the outlet side end 14c, and the third support roller 13 supports the medium M at the outlet side end 14c. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the medium M is supported at a position between the first support roller 11 and the second support roller 12 in the conveying path of the medium M in the drying oven 14. Figure 3 The state shown is shifted to Figure 4 In the state shown, tension can be applied to the medium M. That is, in the dryer 10A of this embodiment, by changing the arrangement of the third support roller 13 relative to the first support roller 11 and the second support roller 12 , appropriate tension can be applied to the medium M in the drying oven 14 .

[0059] It should be noted that the dryer 10A of this embodiment can also be configured to be configured to be capable of performing the following steps: Figure 3 The medium M is conveyed at the third position P3 indicated by the dotted line. By conveying the medium M with the third support roller 13 at the third position P3, the medium M can be conveyed without any problem even when the medium M is used which is easily stretched by application of tension.

[0060] When the medium M is set, the third support roller 13 is arranged so that Figure 2 Based on the state shown, the dryer 10A of this embodiment can move the medium M until the front end Ma of the medium M reaches the center of the drying furnace 14. That is, the medium M can be set in the drying furnace 14 in a state where the interval between the third support roller 13 and the heating unit 15 is increased. Therefore, the dryer 10A of this embodiment can improve the installation performance of the medium M in the drying furnace 14.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dryer 10A of the present embodiment includes a reflector 21 disposed at a position opposite to the heating unit 15 and reflecting the heat generated by the heating unit 15. The reflector 21 is configured to support the medium M. That is, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment includes the reflector 21 which also serves as a medium support unit. Therefore, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment improves drying efficiency and can particularly well support the medium M in the drying furnace 14.

[0062] In detail, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the dryer 10A of this embodiment includes a first reflector 21A and a second reflector 21B as the reflector 21, the first reflector 21A is arranged between the first support roller 11 and the third support roller 13, and the second reflector 21B is arranged between the third support roller and the second support roller. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the first reflector 21A is configured to be displaceable according to the position of the third support roller 13. On the other hand, the second reflector 21B is hooked to the first reflector 21A and is configured to be displaceable according to the position of the first reflector 21A.

[0063] In this way, at least one of the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B is configured to be displaceable according to the position of the third support roller 13, so that the support position of the heating unit 15 and the medium M can be matched, the drying efficiency can be particularly well improved, and the medium M can be particularly well supported in the drying furnace 14. In particular, the first reflector 21A is configured to be displaceable according to the position of the third support roller 13, so that the ease of setting the medium M in the drying furnace 14 can be improved.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the dryer 10 of this embodiment includes: a control unit 17 having a CPU, a storage unit, etc.; a third support roller position adjustment unit 18, which adjusts the position of the third support roller 13 in the vertical direction through the control of the control unit 17; and a heating unit displacement unit 19, which displaces at least one of the position and posture of the heating unit 15. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the third support roller 13 is at the first position P1, the heating unit 15 is located at the upper position. Figure 4 As shown, when the third support roller 13 moves to the second position P2, as shown in Figure 5 As shown, the position of the heating unit 15 can be moved downward along the direction F accordingly.

[0065] So, compare Figures 2 to 5 It can be seen that the heating unit displacement unit 19 can displace the heating unit 15 based on the position of the third support roller 13. Therefore, when the medium M is set in the drying furnace 14, the drying machine 10 of this embodiment can prevent the heating unit 15 from becoming an obstacle, and when the medium M is dried, the heating unit 15 can be brought close to the medium M.

[0066] Specifically, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment controls the third support roller 13 to move in the direction D from the position Figure 2 and Figure 3 The state of the first position P1 shown changes to that of Figure 4 Then, the heating unit 15 is moved linearly along the direction F as a whole to move from Figure 4 The status shown changes to Figure 5 However, the method of displacing the heating unit 15 is not limited to moving the heating unit 15 linearly as a whole, and at least one of the position and the posture may be displaced by a method other than moving the heating unit 15 linearly as a whole, such as rotating the heating unit 15 and arranging it horizontally.

[0067] In addition, the dryer 10A of this embodiment can increase the distance between the medium M and the heating unit 15 when the medium M is not being transported, such as when the power is off, for example, the heating unit 15 is located at the top, or the third support roller 13 is arranged at the first position P1, and the reflector 21 is located at the bottom. In this way, when the medium M is not being transported, damage to the medium M caused by unnecessary heat being applied to the medium M can be suppressed.

[0068] From another perspective, in the dryer 10A of the present embodiment, the third support roller position adjusting unit 18 as the third support portion position adjusting unit can be adjusted so that the position of at least a portion of the third support roller 13 when the medium M is not being conveyed becomes farther from the heating unit 15 than when the medium M is being conveyed. Therefore, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment can suppress damage to the medium M caused by heating the medium M when it is not being conveyed and is in a state where heating is not required.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the drying machine 10 of this embodiment has an exhaust port 14a in the drying furnace 14. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the heating unit 15 includes a first heating unit 15A located upstream of the exhaust port 14a in the conveying direction A and a second heating unit 15B located downstream of the exhaust port 14a in the conveying direction A.

[0070] Thus, the dryer 10 of this embodiment has an exhaust port 14a in the drying furnace 14, so that the steam in the drying furnace 14 can be discharged by ventilating the drying furnace 14a, thereby improving the drying efficiency. In addition, the dryer 10 of this embodiment has the heating unit 15 both upstream and downstream of the exhaust port 14a in the conveying direction, thereby improving the drying efficiency. In particular, the first heating unit 15A and the second heating unit 15B are located above the exhaust port 14a as they are closer to the exhaust port 14a, and the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B are located above the exhaust port 14a as they are closer to the exhaust port 14a, so that the steam can be discharged particularly effectively through the chimney effect, thereby improving the drying efficiency particularly.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the dryer 10 of this embodiment is connected to a duct having an exhaust fan 16 at the exhaust port 14a. Therefore, the drying efficiency can be particularly improved, but the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0072] As described above, the dryer 10 of this embodiment includes the third support roller position adjustment unit 18 for adjusting the vertical position of the third support roller 13. The third support roller position adjustment unit 18 can adjust the vertical position of the third support roller 13 according to the type of the medium M used under the control of the control unit 17.

[0073] Since some of the media M have poor heat resistance, the appropriate distance of the media M from the heating unit 15 when drying the media M varies depending on the type of the media M. However, the distance can be made appropriate by the structure of the dryer 10 of this embodiment. The media M used may be input to the dryer 10 from a PC (not shown) or the like, or may be input from an operation panel or the like provided in the dryer 10.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the dryer 10 of this embodiment is provided with a sensor S capable of measuring the stress of the medium M on the third support roller 13. The third support roller position adjustment unit 18 can adjust the position of the third support roller 13 in the vertical direction according to the stress of the medium M as an example of the conveying state of the medium M under the control of the control unit 17. In other words, the second position P2 of the third support roller 13 in the vertical direction can be automatically fine-tuned according to the stress of the medium M under the control of the control unit 17. Depending on the type of the medium M, the medium M may present different conveying states such as expansion and contraction even when heated at the same temperature. Therefore, the appropriate distance of the medium M relative to the heating unit 15 when drying the medium M varies according to the conveying state of the medium M, but this structure can make the distance appropriate.

[0075] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the conveying state of the medium M is detected by the sensor S capable of measuring the stress of the medium M, but the conveying state of the medium M is not particularly limited. As a device for measuring the conveying state of the medium M, a device for imaging the medium M, a device for measuring the amount of steam to detect the dry state of the medium M, a device for measuring the conveying sound of the medium M, etc. can be used. In addition, a structure can also be used in which the amount of ink ejected onto the medium M is calculated from the printing data, and the conveying state of the medium M is determined based on the amount of ink.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the drying machine 10A of the present embodiment is provided with a window portion 14d through which the third support roller 13 can be visually viewed from the outside in the drying furnace 14. Therefore, the operator can visually check the position of the third support roller 13 through the window portion 14d.

[0077] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the transition when the medium M is set in the dryer 10A of this embodiment is described. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the dryer 10A of this embodiment includes a clamping part 30 that can move along the reflector 21 while clamping the medium M. The clamping part 30 includes: a base part 312 that can move along a guide part 313 along the reflector 21 in the conveying direction A and in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A; and a movable part 311 that can move in the up-down direction relative to the base part 312.

[0078] Specifically, the clamp portion 30 includes a first clamp portion 30A including a first base portion 312A movable along a first rail portion 313A along a first reflector 21A, and a first movable portion 311A ​​movable relative to the first base portion 312A. In addition, the clamp portion 30 includes a second clamp portion 30B including a second base portion 312B movable along a first rail portion 313A along a second reflector 21B, and a second movable portion 311B movable relative to the second base portion 312B.

[0079] When the medium M is set in the dryer 10A of the present embodiment, first, Figure 6 As shown in the state diagram of the upper section of FIG. 1 , the medium M is clamped between the first base portion 312A and the first movable portion 311A ​​of the first clamp portion 30A, and is moved from the first support roller 11 side to the third support roller 13 side along the conveying direction A. Next, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in the middle section of the state diagram, near the third support roller 13, the state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the first base 312A and the first movable portion 311A ​​of the first clamping portion 30A changes to the state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the second base 312B and the second movable portion 311B of the second clamping portion 30B. This operation is performed by the operator so that the medium M changes from the state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the first base 312A and the first movable portion 311A ​​of the first clamping portion 30A. Figure 7 The state of the medium M clamped by the first clamping part 30A is changed to the state shown in the upper part of the state diagram. Figure 7 The state of the middle section of the figure shows the state where the medium M is clamped by the second clamp part 30B. It should be noted that the first base 312A of the first clamp part 30A and the second base 312B of the second clamp part 30B are provided with concave and convex parts, which form concave and convex parts in directions facing each other to bite each other.

[0080] From Figure 7 The state in which the medium M is sandwiched between the first base portion 312A and the first movable portion 311A ​​of the first clamp portion 30A is changed to the state shown in the upper stage of the figure. Figure 7 After the state of being clamped between the second base portion 312B and the second movable portion 311B of the second clamp portion 30B is shown in the middle section of the state diagram, as shown in Figure 6As shown in the state diagram of the lower section, the first clamping part 30A is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction A to the vicinity of the first support roller 11, and the second clamping part 30B in the state of clamping the medium M is moved in the conveying direction A to the vicinity of the second support roller 12. Thereafter, as Figure 7 As shown in the state diagram in the lower stage of FIG. , the second movable portion 311B is pulled upward relative to the second base portion 312B to remove the medium M from the second clamping portion 30B.

[0081] As described above, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment includes the clamp portion 30 as a medium movement assisting portion, which assists in moving the medium M from the inlet side of the conveying direction A toward the outlet side of the conveying direction A in the drying furnace 14. Therefore, when the dryer 10A of the present embodiment sets the medium M in the drying furnace 14, the medium M can be easily moved from the inlet side of the conveying direction A toward the outlet side of the conveying direction A in the drying furnace 14.

[0082] In detail, the dryer 10A of the present embodiment includes: a first clamp portion 30A as a first medium movement auxiliary portion, which assists in moving the medium M from the first support roller 11 side toward the third support roller 13 side along the first reflector 21A in the drying furnace 14; and a second clamp portion 30B as a second medium movement auxiliary portion, which assists in moving the medium M from the third support roller 13 side toward the second support roller 12 side along the second reflector 21B in the drying furnace 14. Moreover, the first clamp portion 30A and the second clamp portion 30B are configured to be able to deliver the medium M at a position between the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B. Therefore, when the dryer 10A of the present embodiment sets the medium M in the drying furnace 14, it is possible to easily move the medium M from the entrance side of the conveying direction A toward the exit side of the conveying direction A in the drying furnace 14.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] Next, through Figures 8 to 10 The dryer 10B of the second embodiment is described. It should be noted that: Figure 8 The dryer 10A of Example 1 is Figure 2 The corresponding figure, Fig. 9 The dryer 10A of the first embodiment Figure 6 The corresponding figure. Figures 8 to 10 , the same components as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. Among them, the structure of the dryer 10B of this embodiment is the same as that of the dryer 10A of embodiment 1 except for the parts to be described below. Therefore, the dryer 10B of this embodiment has the same features as the dryer 10A of embodiment 1 except for the parts to be described below.

[0085] like Figure 8As shown, the dryer 10B of this embodiment is configured so that the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B can be synchronously displaced in the up-down direction. The dryer 10B of this embodiment has only one clamping part 30 as the clamping part 30C, and the clamping part 30 can move along the conveying direction A from the first support roller 11 side to the third support roller 13 side, and can move along the conveying direction A from the third support roller 13 side to the second support roller 12 side.

[0086] When the medium M is set in the dryer 10B of the present embodiment, first, Fig. 9 As shown in the state diagram of the upper section of FIG. 3 , the medium M is clamped between the base 312 and the movable portion 311 of the clamp portion 30C, and is moved from the first support roller 11 side to the third support roller 13 side along the conveying direction A. At this time, the weight of the clamp portion 30C can be used to automatically move the medium M along the conveying direction A. Next, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in the middle stage of the state diagram, near the third support roller 13, the clamp portion 30C is changed from being supported only by the first rail portion 313A to being supported by both the first rail portion 313A and the second rail portion 313B.

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown in the state diagram of the upper stage of the clamp part 30C, a bridge part 314 is provided at the base 312 of the clamp part 30C. The bridge part 314 is provided with an inclined surface 317 and a pin 315. The inclined surface 317 can abut against the second guide rail part 313B, and the pin 315 is provided so that the bridge part 314 is engaged with the first guide rail part 313A even when the inclined surface 317 abuts against the second guide rail part 313B. With this structure, the clamp part 30C is automatically engaged with both the first guide rail part 313A and the second guide rail part 313B near the third support roller 13.

[0088] After the clamp portion 30C is set to a state supported by both the first rail portion 313A and the second rail portion 313B, by moving the third support roller 13 upward, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown in the lower part of the state diagram, the clamp part 30C is set to be supported only by the second rail part 313B. It should be noted that the second rail part 313B is formed with a reverse sliding prevention pin 316, which can prevent the clamp part 30C from sliding in the reverse direction opposite to the conveying direction A when the second rail part 313B is displaced. The second reflector 21B is displaced together with the second rail part 313B to Fig. 9 The state diagram in the middle section becomes Fig. 9 As shown in the state diagram in the lower section, the medium M can be automatically moved along the conveying direction A by utilizing the weight of the clamp portion 30C.

[0089] That is, in the dryer 10B of the present embodiment, the first reflector 21A can be arranged downward from the first support roller 11 side toward the third support roller 13 side, and the second reflector 21B can be arranged downward from the third support roller 13 side toward the second support roller 12 side. Moreover, the clamping part 30C can move the medium M from the inlet side of the conveying direction A toward the outlet side of the conveying direction A by the gravity accompanying the mass of the clamping part 30C while holding the medium M. Therefore, when the dryer 10B of the present embodiment sets the medium M in the drying furnace 14, the medium M can be moved particularly easily from the inlet side of the conveying direction A toward the outlet side of the conveying direction A in the drying furnace 14 by the gravity.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] Next, through Fig.11 The dryer 10C of Example 3 is described. It should be noted that, Fig.11 The dryer 10A of Example 1 is Figure 6 The corresponding figure. Fig.11 In the embodiment, the components common to the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. Among them, the structure of the dryer 10C of this embodiment is the same as that of the dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 except for the parts to be described below. Therefore, the dryer 10C of this embodiment has the same features as the dryer 10 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 except for the parts to be described below.

[0092] like Fig.11 As shown, similarly to the dryer 10B of the second embodiment, in the dryer 10C of the present embodiment, only one clamp portion 30 is provided as the clamp portion 30D, and the clamp portion 30 is movable from the first support roller 11 side to the third support roller 13 side in the conveying direction A, and is movable from the third support roller 13 side to the second support roller 12 side in the conveying direction A. In addition, a clamp portion support moving portion 318 is provided, and the clamp portion 30D is movable along the guide rail portion 313 while being held by both the first guide rail portion 313A and the second guide rail portion 313B.

[0093] like Fig.11 As shown in the top state diagram of the dryer 10C of the present embodiment, the first clamp portion supporting moving portion 318A provided on the first rail portion 313A supports the clamp portion 30D clamping the medium M, and simultaneously moves the first clamp portion supporting moving portion 318A together with the clamp portion 30D clamping the medium M along the conveying direction A from the first support roller 11 side to the third support roller 13 side. Fig.11As shown in the second state diagram from the top, the second reflector 21B can be displaced so that the first rail portion 313A and the second rail portion 313B are aligned in the horizontal direction, and the clamp portion 30D is replaced from being supported by the first clamp portion supporting the moving portion 318A to being supported by the second clamp portion supporting the moving portion 318B. Fig.11 As shown in the third state diagram from the top, the clamping portion 30D clamping the medium M can be moved along the conveying direction A together with the second clamping portion supporting and moving portion 318B. Fig.11 As shown in the lowermost state diagram, the first reflecting plate 21A and the second reflecting plate 21B can be displaced to apply appropriate tension to the medium M.

[0094] Example 4

[0095] Next, through Figure 12 to Figure 14 The dryer 10D of the fourth embodiment is described. It should be noted that: Fig.12 The dryer 10A of Example 1 is Figure 6 The corresponding figure. Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the embodiment, the components common to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. Among them, the structure of the dryer 10D of this embodiment is the same as that of the dryer 10 of embodiments 1 to 3 except for the parts to be described below. Therefore, the dryer 10D of this embodiment has the same features as the dryer 10 of embodiments 1 to 3 except for the parts to be described below.

[0096] like Fig.12 As shown, although the displacement direction of the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B is arranged differently, the dryer 10D of this embodiment can replace the support of the clamp part 30 (clamp part 30E) by the second clamp part support moving part 318B instead of the support by the first clamp part support moving part 318A. The connection part 32 is provided at the connection part of the first reflector 21A and the second reflector 21B. The connection part 32 is provided on the second guide rail part 313B, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the connection portion 32 is provided with a magnet 321 attracted by the metal base 312 by magnetic force and a hook 322 that can be fixed relative to the base 312 .

[0097] The hook 322 can rotate with the rotation axis 323 as a reference, and can be displaced between a fixed position that can be fixed relative to the base 312 and an open position that is not fixed relative to the base 312. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second rail portion 313B can be adhered to the base 312 by the magnet 321, but double-sided tape or the like can also be used instead of the magnet 321.

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and such modifications are naturally included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dryer, characterized in that: have: Heating part, heating medium; a drying furnace provided with the heating part for drying the medium; and a conveying unit, for conveying the medium in the drying oven, The conveying unit includes: a first support unit that supports the medium at an end portion on an inlet side of the drying furnace in a conveying direction of the medium; and a second support unit that supports the medium at an end portion on an outlet side of the drying furnace in the conveying direction. and a third support portion that supports the medium at a position between the first support portion and the second support portion in a conveying path of the medium in the drying furnace, The third support portion is configured to be movable in the vertical direction.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dryer includes a reflecting plate disposed at a position facing the heating unit and reflecting heat generated by the heating unit. The reflection plate is configured to be able to support the medium.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that: As a reflector, there are provided: a first reflector disposed at a position between the first support portion and the third support portion; and a second reflector disposed at a position between the third support portion and the second support portion. At least one of the first reflecting plate and the second reflecting plate is configured to be displaceable according to a position of the third supporting portion.

4. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The dryer includes a medium movement assisting portion that assists movement of the medium from an inlet side in the conveyance direction toward an outlet side in the conveyance direction in the drying furnace.

5. The dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that: have: a first medium movement auxiliary part, which assists in moving the medium from the first support part side toward the third support part side along the first reflection plate in the drying oven; and a second medium movement auxiliary part for assisting the movement of the medium from the third support part side toward the second support part side along the second reflection plate in the drying oven, The first medium movement assisting portion and the second medium movement assisting portion are configured to be able to transfer the medium at a position between the first reflector and the second reflector.

6. The dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dryer includes a medium movement assisting portion that assists movement of the medium from an inlet side in the conveying direction toward an outlet side in the conveying direction in the drying furnace. The first reflector can be arranged downward from the first support portion side toward the third support portion side. The second reflector can be arranged downward from the third support portion side toward the second support portion side. The medium movement assisting portion can move the medium from an inlet side in the conveying direction toward an outlet side in the conveying direction by utilizing gravity while holding the medium.

7. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The dryer includes a heating section displacement unit that displaces at least one of a position and a posture of the heating section. The heating portion displacing portion displaces the heating portion based on the position of the third supporting portion.

8. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drying furnace is provided with an exhaust port, The heating unit includes: a first heating unit located upstream of the exhaust port in the conveying direction; and a second heating unit located downstream of the exhaust port in the conveying direction.

9. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The dryer includes a third support portion position adjustment unit configured to adjust a position of the third support portion in a vertical direction. The third support portion position adjustment portion adjusts the position of the third support portion in the vertical direction according to the type of the medium.

10. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The dryer includes a third support portion position adjustment unit configured to adjust a position of the third support portion in a vertical direction. The third support portion position adjustment portion adjusts the position of the third support portion in the vertical direction according to a conveyance state of the medium.

11. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drying furnace is provided with a window portion through which the third supporting portion can be visually viewed from the outside.

12. The dryer according to claim 10, characterized in that The third supporting portion position adjusting portion adjusts the position so that when the medium is not being conveyed, at least a portion of the third supporting portion is farther from the heating portion than when the medium is being conveyed.

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