Drying device, recording device and control method

Abstract

To provide a technique that can suppress a service life of a device from being shortened.SOLUTION: A drying device comprises: conveying means that conveys a medium to which liquid is discharged from a discharge head; warm air blowing means that comprises blowing means that blows air and heating means that heats air blown by the blowing means; and passage forming means that forms a circulation passage through which air blown by the warm air blowing means is circulated between the warm air blowing means and a region on a conveyance passage of the conveying means, which further comprises adjusting means that adjusts amounts of outdoor air outside the circulation passage that is supplied to the blowing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drying device, a recording device, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technique for drying liquid on a medium such as paper, a technique is known in which hot air is blown onto the medium to promote drying of the liquid. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which emulsion ink is ejected onto a medium, and then the emulsion ink is dried using hot air to fix the ink on the medium. Patent Document 1 also discloses circulating hot air. By circulating hot air, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of a heater that heats the air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 222214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The drying device may be required to change the temperature of the hot air. For example, since the heat resistance of different media differs, the temperature of the hot air may be required to be changed to a temperature appropriate for the media. More specifically, for media with low heat resistance, the hot air must be kept at a low temperature, otherwise the media may deteriorate. On the other hand, for media with high heat resistance, the hot air can be kept at a high temperature to complete drying in a short time, thereby improving throughput. Although circulating the hot air improves the power saving effect of the heater, if the temperature of the hot air is close to the specified temperature (e.g., the heat resistance temperature) of the air blowing mechanism such as the circulation fan, the air blowing mechanism will deteriorate, which will shorten the life of the device.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for suppressing the shortening of the life span of an apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a conveying means for conveying the medium onto which the liquid is discharged from the discharge head; A hot air blowing means including a blowing means for blowing air and a heating means for heating the air blown by the blowing means; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and a region on the transport path of the transporting means; A drying device comprising: An adjustment means is provided for adjusting the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage that is supplied to the air blowing means. A drying apparatus is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a technique for suppressing a decrease in the life span of a device can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the adjustment unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Graphs (A) and (B) show the relationship between the set temperature and the aperture ratio. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 6] 6A is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drying device, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 8] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 9] Graphs (A) and (B) show the relationship between the set temperature and the flow rate. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 11] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 12] Graphs (A) and (B) show the relationship between the set temperature and the aperture ratio. [Figure 13] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 14] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 15] Graphs (A) and (B) show the relationship between the set temperature and the flow rate. [Figure 16] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <Recording device> 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting liquid ink onto a recording medium. However, the present invention is also applicable to other types of recording devices and liquid ejection devices. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that intersect with each other, and arrow Z indicates the up and down direction. In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] In addition, "recording" includes not only the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also the formation of images, patterns, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be perceived by humans visually. In addition, the "recording medium" may be paper, cloth, plastic film, etc. More specifically, the "recording medium" may be an ink-absorbing medium such as paper, or an ink-non-absorbing medium such as polyvinyl chloride. The liquid to be ejected is assumed to be emulsion ink, but other types of ink may also be used.

[0012] The recording device 1 includes a transport unit 6 that transports the recording medium P. The transport unit 6 includes a drive roller 6a that rotates by the driving force of a motor 6c, and a driven roller 6b that is in pressure contact with the drive roller 6a. The recording medium P is a sheet medium, and a so-called roll-to-roll method is used for supplying and discharging the recording medium P, in which the recording medium P is wound around different rollers (not shown) before and after recording. However, a cut sheet may also be used as the recording medium P.

[0013] The transport unit 6 transports the recording medium P in the Y direction (-Y direction). The drive roller 6a is a roller extending in the X direction. A platen 7 and an ejection head 2 facing the platen 7 are provided downstream of the transport unit 6 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The recording medium P is transported between the platen 7 and the ejection head 2.

[0014] The ejection head 2 is a recording head that ejects ink onto a recording medium P on a platen 7. The ejection head 2 is supported by a carriage 3. The carriage 3 is reciprocated in the X direction by a drive mechanism 5, guided by a guide 4 extending in the X direction. The drive mechanism 5 is, for example, a belt transmission mechanism equipped with an endless belt that can run freely in the X direction and driven by a motor, and the carriage 3 is fixed to the endless belt.

[0015] As described above, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is a serial type recording device in which the ejection head 2 is mounted on the carriage 3. The recording control for the recording medium P is performed by alternately repeating a conveying operation (intermittent conveying operation) for conveying the recording medium P by a predetermined amount by the conveying unit 6 and a recording operation while the conveying unit 6 is stopped. The recording operation is an operation for ejecting ink from the ejection head 2 while moving the carriage 3 carrying the ejection head 2. The platen 7 may be provided with a suction mechanism for sucking the recording medium P, and the recording medium P may be sucked onto the platen 7 during the recording operation to prevent it from floating. The recording device 1 may be a full-line type recording device that does not include the carriage 3 and in which the ejection head 2 is extended in the X direction.

[0016] Next, a configuration for drying the ink ejected onto the recording medium P and fixing it on the recording medium P will be described. A hot air blowing device 8 is provided at a position upstream of the ejection head 2 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The hot air blowing device 8 includes an air blowing unit 81 that blows air and a heating unit 82 that heats the air blown from the air blowing unit 81, and blows hot air toward the area between the platen 7 and the ejection head 2 (the surface of the recording medium P). This promotes evaporation of moisture contained in the ink ejected onto the surface of the recording medium P on the platen 7, and promotes drying of the ink and fixing of the ink on the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the air blowing unit 81 is an electric fan, and the heating unit 82 is a coil-type electro-thermal conversion element.

[0017] A drying device 10 is provided at a position downstream of the ejection head 2 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the drying device 10 uses a transport unit 6 as a transport mechanism for the recording medium P, which also serves as a recording mechanism (ejection head 2, carriage 3, etc.), and is disposed at a position facing a guide unit 9 that guides the transport of the recording medium P. The guide unit 9 guides the recording medium P diagonally downward. The drying device 10 is a fixing device that blows hot air onto the recording medium P after ink has been ejected from the ejection head 2 and transported onto the guide unit 9, thereby promoting drying of the ink and fixing of the ink to the recording medium P.

[0018] The drying device 10 includes a hot air blowing unit 11 and a passage forming unit 14. The hot air blowing unit 11 is a mechanism for generating hot air, including a blowing unit 12 that blows air and a heating unit 13 that heats the air blown from the blowing unit 12. In the present embodiment, the blowing unit 12 is an electric fan, and the heating unit 13 is a coil-type electro-thermal conversion element.

[0019] The passage forming unit 14 is a member that forms a circulation passage RT1 that circulates the air blown by the hot air blowing unit 11 between the hot air blowing unit 11 and an area R on the transport path (RT0) of the transport unit 6. The area R is a section of the transport path RT0 defined by the guide unit 9, and is a section that faces the bottom of the drying device 10. The passage forming unit 14 includes a chamber 14a that contains the hot air blowing unit 11 and defines an internal space SP, a partition wall 14b formed in the chamber 14a, a blowing plate 14c, and a cover member 14d. The blowing plate 14c is a porous member in which a large number of holes are formed. The circulation passage RT1 is defined by the chamber 14a, the partition wall 14b, and the surface of the guide unit 9, and the air blown by the blowing unit 12 is circulated in the order of the heating unit 13 → the blowing plate 14c → the surface of the guide unit 9 → the blowing unit 12.

[0020] The circulation passage RT1 has an introduction section RTi where the outside air outside the circulation passage (outside RT1) is introduced, and an exhaust section RTo where the inside air inside the circulation passage (inside RT1) is exhausted. In other words, the chamber 14a, together with the guide unit 9, forms an airtight space except for the introduction section RTi and the exhaust section RTo. The introduction section RTi is an opening formed at the upstream end of the circulation passage RT1 in the transport direction of the recording medium P, and the exhaust section RTo is an opening formed at the downstream end of the circulation passage RT1 in the transport direction of the recording medium P.

[0021] The hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 is blown through the blowing plate 14c to the recording medium P transported on the guide unit 9. By blowing the hot air towards the recording medium P, the temperature of the ink and the recording medium P is raised, the water and solvent contained in the ink are evaporated, and the emulsion ink is turned into a film. A part of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 forms a circulating flow that circulates through the circulation passage RT1. By circulating already heated hot air, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the heating unit 13.

[0022] The drying device 10 includes temperature sensors 15a and 15b. The temperature sensor 15a is disposed in the internal space SP, and in particular, is disposed within the circulation path RT1, downstream of the heating unit 13 and upstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c in the flow direction of the circulating flow. The temperature sensor 15a can detect the temperature of the hot air blown to the recording medium P. The temperature sensor 15b is disposed outside the circulation path RT1 (outside the chamber 14a). The temperature sensor 15b can detect the temperature of the outside air around the drying device 10.

[0023] The drying device 10 includes an adjustment unit 16. The adjustment unit 16 adjusts the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage RT1 (outside the chamber 14a) that is supplied to the blower unit 12. The adjustment unit 16 of this embodiment adjusts the exhaust amount of the inside air in the circulation passage RT1 that is exhausted outside the circulation passage RT. The flow rate of the inside air exhausted from the exhaust section RTo is approximately equal to the flow rate of the outside air that flows in from the introduction section RTi. When the exhaust amount is increased, the amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1 increases, and the amount of circulating air decreases. That is, the amount of outside air supplied to the blower unit 12 increases. Conversely, when the exhaust amount is decreased, the amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1 decreases, and the amount of circulating air increases. That is, the amount of outside air supplied to the blower unit 12 decreases.

[0024] In this way, the ratio of outside air and inside air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be adjusted. The temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 becomes relatively low when the ratio of outside air is high, and becomes relatively high when the ratio of outside air is low. The temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be controlled by adjusting the adjustment unit 16, and while blowing hot air at a higher temperature onto the recording medium P, the blower unit 12 can be prevented from being exposed to heat above its specified temperature. This prevents the blower unit 12 from deteriorating and the life of the drying device 10 from being shortened.

[0025] The adjustment unit 16 of this embodiment adjusts the exhaust volume by changing the opening amount of the exhaust part RTo by the displacement of the movable member 16a. The movable member 16a is a plate-shaped flapper that is rotatable around an axis CT in the X direction, and is rotated by the driving force of an actuator (here, a motor) 16c.

[0026] The position of the movable member 16a is detected by a position detection sensor 16d. The position detection sensor 16d is, for example, a potentiometer or a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the movable member 16a. By controlling the actuator 16c based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 16d, the position of the movable member 16a, that is, the opening amount of the exhaust part RTo, can be controlled more accurately. In addition, when the position detection sensor 16d detects that the opening amount of the exhaust part RTo is low despite the set temperature of the hot air set by the user being high, it is also possible to control the temperature of the hot air to be lowered (to lower the heat generation amount of the heating unit 13).

[0027] The position of the movable member 16a is held by a holding unit 16b. The holding unit 16b is a locking mechanism that locks the position of the movable member 16a so that it does not displace unnecessarily, and is, for example, a torque limiter provided on the axis CT. When the driving force of the actuator 16c exceeds the specified torque of the torque limiter, the movable member 16a rotates, but even if an external force less than the specified torque acts on the movable member 16a, the position of the movable member 16a is held. The position of the movable member 16a, that is, the opening amount of the exhaust part RTo, can be continuously maintained by the holding unit 16b.

[0028] The cover member 14d covers the exhaust part RTo and has an opening through which the exhaust air passes. This can prevent dust and the like from entering the circulation passage RT1. In this embodiment, the cover member 14d also covers the movable member 16a. The movable member 16a can be protected by the cover member 14d.

[0029] 2(A) and 2(B) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the adjustment unit 16. FIG. 2(A) shows the movable member 16a in a fully open state. In this embodiment, the distance between the guide unit 9 or an extension line of the guide unit 9 and the lower end 16c of the movable member 16a is set as the opening width D of the exhaust section RTo. That is, the movable member 16a is in a fully open state when the opening width D is the maximum value Dmax set by the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3), and the opening ratio of the exhaust section RTo is 100% at this time. For example, when the maximum value Dmax=50 mm, the opening ratio is 100% when the lower end 16c of the movable member 16a is located at a position where the opening width D=50 mm. The maximum value Dmax of the opening width is appropriately set according to various conditions such as the type of recording medium P and the set temperature. Therefore, the position that the movable member 16a can take when the movable member 16a is fully open is not limited to the position of being approximately parallel to the extension line of the guide unit 9 as shown in FIG. 2(A). 2(A) in a direction in which lower end 16c is located away from the extension line of guide unit 9, or in a direction in which lower end 16c is located closer to the extension line of guide unit 9, the aperture width D will be fully open if the aperture width D=the maximum aperture width Dmax. Note that the maximum aperture width Dmax may be set by control unit 20 according to a table stored in advance in control unit 20, or may be set by the user via operation panel 31 or external terminal 32.

[0030] For example, when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is high, the movable member 16a is fully opened. The blower unit 12 has a specified temperature determined by the bearings, grease, electric boards, etc. used. Therefore, the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 needs to be lower than the specified temperature of the blower unit 12. If the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is set high, the temperature of the circulating inside air is high, so the air flowing into the blower unit 12 also becomes high, and may become close to the specified temperature. If the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo is made high as shown in FIG. 2(A), the high-temperature inside air is easily discharged to the outside, while the amount of outside air taken in from the introduction part RTi increases accordingly. As a result, the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be made lower than the specified temperature of the fan.

[0031] FIG. 2B shows the movable member 16a in a fully closed state (initial state). In this embodiment, the movable member 16a is in a fully closed state and the opening rate of the exhaust section RTo is 20 to 30%. As in the case where the movable member 16a is in a fully open state, the opening rate of the exhaust section RTo when the movable member 16a is in a fully closed state can be set appropriately according to various conditions such as the type of recording medium P and the set temperature, and may be set to a rate greater than 0% and less than 100%. In order to prevent the lower end portion 16c of the movable member 16a from contacting the recording medium P being transported on the guide unit 9, it is desirable that the opening rate in the fully closed state is not 0%.

[0032] For example, when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is low, the movable member 16a is fully closed. When the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is set low, the temperature of the circulating inside air is low. Even if the proportion of the inside air flowing into the blower unit 12 is high, the temperature is lower than the specified temperature. When the opening rate of the exhaust section RTo is set to less than 10% as shown in FIG. 2(B), the low-temperature inside air is less likely to flow out to the outside, while the amount of outside air taken in from the introduction section RTi is correspondingly reduced. As a result, the circulation rate of the inside air can be increased, and the power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced.

[0033] <Control circuit> The configuration of the control circuit of the recording device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The recording device 1 includes a control unit 20 that controls the recording device 1. The control unit 20 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an input / output interface (I / O) 23. The processing unit 21 is composed of one or more processors, and executes a control program stored in the storage unit 22 to control the recording device 1. More specifically, for example, the processing unit 21 obtains the detection result of the sensor 33 and controls the driving of the actuator 34, the heating element 35, the ejection head 2, and the drying device 10. The storage unit 22 is composed of one or more storage devices, and stores the above-mentioned control program and various data. Examples of the storage device include semiconductor memories such as RAM and ROM, and magnetic storage devices such as hard disks. The I / O 23 relays input and output of signals between the processing unit 21 and external devices.

[0034] The operation panel 31 is an input device that accepts user input. The user can set the temperature and volume of the hot air in the drying device 10 by inputting them into the operation panel 31. The temperature of the hot air may be set by user input, or hot air temperature information determined according to the type of recording medium P may be stored in the storage unit 22, and a temperature corresponding to the type of recording medium P to be used may be read from the temperature information and set. The external terminal 32 is a host computer such as a personal computer, and transmits images and the like to be recorded on the recording medium P by the recording device 1 to the control unit 20.

[0035] The sensor 33 includes various sensors (a position detection sensor for the carriage 3, a rotation amount sensor for the drive roller 6a, etc.). The actuator 34 includes the motor 6c, a drive motor for the blower unit 81, a drive motor for the drive mechanism 5, etc. The heat generating element 35 includes the heat generating element of the heating unit 82.

[0036] The drying device 10 also includes temperature sensors 15a and 15b and a position detection sensor 16d as sensors. The drying device 10 also includes an actuator (motor) 16c, a drive motor for the blower unit 12, and a heat generating element for the heating unit 13 as actuators.

[0037] <Example of control of adjustment unit> An example of control of the adjustment unit 16 will be described. Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 4(B) show an example of the relationship between the set temperature T (horizontal axis) of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 to the recording medium P and the aperture ratio OS of the exhaust part RTo. The position of the movable member 16a corresponds to the aperture ratio OS. The adjustment unit 16 is controlled by the control unit 20.

[0038] Fig. 4(A) shows an example of the relationship when the opening rate OS of the exhaust section RTo is linearly controlled with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The opening rate OS of the exhaust section RTo is kept constant (initial state) up to the low-temperature set temperature T1, and above the set temperature T1, the opening rate OS of the exhaust section RTo is gradually increased as the set temperature rises. At the high-temperature set temperature T2, the opening rate OS of the exhaust section RTo becomes maximum (100%). In this manner, the position of the movable member 16a is controlled.

[0039] 4B shows an example of controlling the position of the movable member 16a so that the aperture ratio OS of the exhaust part RTo changes stepwise with respect to the set temperature. Up to the set temperature T1, the aperture ratio OS of the exhaust part RTo is set to the initial state, and as the set temperature rises, the aperture ratio OS of the exhaust part RTo increases stepwise. At the set temperature T2, the aperture ratio OS of the exhaust part RTo becomes maximum. In this manner, the position of the movable member 16a is controlled.

[0040] In this way, the ratio of the circulating flow of warm air to outside air can be changed by controlling the opening rate of the exhaust section RTo with the adjustment unit 16 according to the set temperature of the warm air. As a result, when the temperature of the warm air is high, the circulation rate is lowered so as not to exceed the specified temperature of the blower unit 12, and when the temperature of the warm air is low, the circulation rate is increased to reduce the power consumption of the heating unit 13. The circulation rate of the warm air can be appropriately changed according to the temperature of the generated warm air.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of processing by the control unit 20 related to the control of the drying device 10. It is assumed that the relationship of Fig. 4(A) or Fig. 4(B) is used. In S1, the temperature of the hot air blown out from the drying device 10 is set. The user can set the temperature of the hot air by inputting it from the operation panel 31.

[0042] In S2, it is determined whether the temperature of the hot air set in S1 exceeds temperature T1. If the set temperature exceeds temperature T1, the process proceeds to S4, and if not, the process proceeds to S3. In S3, the position of movable member 16a is set to the initial state. In S4, the position of movable member 16a is displaced according to the set temperature. The relationship in FIG. 4(A) or FIG. 4(B) used for control may be corrected based on the outside air temperature detected by temperature sensor 15b. For example, when the outside air temperature is low, the opening rate of exhaust section RTo relative to the set temperature can be made relatively low, and conversely, when the outside air temperature is high, the opening rate of exhaust section RTo relative to the set temperature can be made relatively high.

[0043] In S5, the hot air is started to be blown by the hot air blowing unit 11. Here, the blowing unit 12 is driven, and power according to the set temperature is supplied to the heating unit 13 to generate heat. Based on the difference between the detection result of the temperature sensor 15a and the set temperature, the air volume (motor rotation speed) of the blowing unit 12 and the heat generation amount (amount of power supplied) of the heating unit 13 are controlled to maintain the hot air at the set temperature.

[0044] In S6, it is determined whether the execution of the recording job sent to the recording device 1 has been completed. If not, the blowing of hot air that was started in S5 continues. If the execution of the recording job has been completed, the process proceeds to S7. In S7, a process of stopping the drying device 10 is executed. Here, first, the heating unit 13 is turned OFF, and the air blowing unit 12 is also turned OFF. The position of the movable member 16d is also returned to its initial state. In the process of S7, if the execution of the next recording job is scheduled, the blowing of hot air etc. may not be completely stopped, but the power supplied to the heating unit 13 may be reduced, and the amount of air blown by the air blowing unit 12 may be reduced after a delay, and the execution of the recording job may be waited for.

[0045] As described above, by controlling the adjustment unit 16 according to the set temperature and the detected temperature, the ratio of outside air and warm air supplied to the blower unit 12 can be changed, and the temperature can be controlled so as not to exceed the specification temperature of the blower unit 12. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the blower unit 12 and reduce power consumption at the same time.

[0046] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 15a is disposed downstream of the heating unit 13 and upstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c in the flow direction of the circulating air, but it may be disposed downstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c and upstream of the blowing unit 12. FIG. 6(A) shows one example. In the illustrated example, the temperature sensor 15a detects the temperature of air supplied to the blowing unit 12.

[0047] Fig. 6(B) is a flow chart showing an example of processing by the control unit 20 relating to the control of the drying device 10 in this embodiment. The relationship in Fig. 4(A) or 4(B) is not used, but the detection result of the temperature sensor 15a is used to control the displacement of the movable member 16a. In S11, the temperature of the hot air blown out from the drying device 10 is set. The user can set the temperature of the hot air by inputting it from the operation panel 31.

[0048] In S12, the hot air blowing unit 11 starts blowing hot air. Here, the blowing unit 12 is driven, and the heating unit 13 is supplied with power according to the set temperature to generate heat. The air volume of the blowing unit 12 and the heat generation amount of the heating unit 13 may be corrected based on the outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15b.

[0049] In S13, the detection result of the temperature sensor 15a is obtained. In S14, the difference between the threshold temperature and the detected temperature obtained in S13 is calculated, and it is determined whether the difference is a negative value. The threshold temperature is set taking into consideration the specification temperature of the blower unit 12. If the difference is a negative value, proceed to S16, and if not, proceed to S15. In S15, the position of the movable member 16a is set to the initial state. In S16, the position of the movable member 16a is displaced according to the difference calculated in S14.

[0050] In S17, it is determined whether the execution of the recording job sent to the recording device 1 has been completed. If not, the blowing of hot air that was started in S12 continues. If the execution of the recording job has been completed, the process proceeds to S18. In S18, a process of stopping the drying device 10 is executed. Here, first, the heating unit 13 is turned OFF, and the blowing unit 12 is also turned OFF. The position of the movable member 16d is also returned to its initial state. In the process of S7, if the execution of the next recording job is scheduled, the blowing of hot air etc. may not be completely stopped, but the power supplied to the heating unit 13 may be reduced, and the amount of air blown by the blowing unit 12 may be reduced after a delay, and the execution of the recording job may be waited for.

[0051] As described above, by controlling the adjustment unit 16 according to the detected temperature, the ratio of outside air and warm air supplied to the air blowing unit 12 can be changed, and the temperature can be controlled so as not to exceed the specification temperature of the air blowing unit 12. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the air blowing unit 12 and reduce power consumption at the same time.

[0052] <Third embodiment> The adjustment unit 16 may be driven manually instead of electrically. By using a manual drive, the recording device can be manufactured at low cost, and there is no need to provide a motor or the like, which allows the recording device 1 to be made more compact. FIG. 7 shows an example of this. In the example shown, an operating member 16e is connected to the movable member 16a, and the movable member 16a can be displaced by the user operating the operating member 16e from the outside. The actuator 16c and the sensor 16d are not provided.

[0053] The adjustment unit 16 may be driven by both electric and manual means. In this case, an actuator 16c and a sensor 16d are provided, and an operating member 16e is also provided. The adjustment unit 16 is basically automatically controlled, and the user may adjust the position of the movable member 16a by operating the operating member 16e as necessary.

[0054] <Fourth embodiment> The adjustment unit 16 may be an external blowing mechanism that blows air at a position adjacent to the exhaust part RTo, instead of a mechanism that changes the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo as in the first embodiment. Figures 8(A) and 8(B) show an example of this.

[0055] In this embodiment, an adjustment unit 17 is provided instead of the adjustment unit 16. The adjustment unit 17 is an external air blowing mechanism (downflow unit) having a passage forming unit 17a and a blowing unit 17b. The passage forming unit 17a forms an air passage having an inlet opening at a position adjacent to the introduction part RTi and an outlet opening at a position adjacent to the exhaust part RTo. The blowing unit 17b is disposed in the air passage, particularly near the outlet of the air passage, and is an electric fan that blows air along the exhaust direction of the exhaust part RTo near the exhaust part RTo. The blowing unit 17b is covered by a cover member 14d. The outlet of the passage forming unit 17a opens so as to face the guide unit 9, and the air blown from the blowing unit 17b is blown toward the guide unit 9.

[0056] The drying device 10 also includes a cooling unit 30 that cools the adjustment unit 17. The cooling unit 30 includes a blowing unit 31 and a duct 32 that guides the air blown by the blowing unit 31 to the blowing unit 17b. The outside air is blown to the blowing unit 17b by the blowing unit 31, thereby cooling the blowing unit 17b. A rise in temperature of the blowing unit 17b due to the hot air exhausted from the exhaust part RTo can be suppressed, and the temperature of the blowing unit 17b can be prevented from exceeding the specified temperature.

[0057] 8(A) shows a state in which the set temperature of the hot air is high and the flow rate of the blower unit 17b is correspondingly small. As in the first embodiment, the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 needs to be lower than the specified temperature of the blower unit 12. When the flow rate of the blower unit 17b is reduced, the hot air exhausted from the exhaust section RTo pushes aside the air from the blower unit 17b and becomes easier to exhaust. As a result, the amount of outside air taken in by the introduction section RTi increases, and the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be made lower than the specified temperature.

[0058] 8(B) shows a state in which the set temperature of the hot air is low and the flow rate of the blower unit 17b is correspondingly high. When the set temperature of the hot air is low and does not exceed the specification temperature of the blower unit 12, the power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced by increasing the circulation rate of the hot air. The hot air exhausted from the exhaust part RTo is blocked by the wind from the blower unit 17b, making it difficult to exhaust. As a result, the amount of outside air taken in by the introduction part RTi is reduced, and the circulation rate of the hot air can be increased.

[0059] The air volume of the air blowing unit 17b can be controlled by the control unit 20. Figures 9(A) and 9(B) show an example of the relationship between the set temperature T (horizontal axis) of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 to the recording medium P and the flow rate FR (maximum: 100%, minimum: 0%) of the air blowing unit 17b.

[0060] Figure 9(A) shows an example of the relationship when the flow rate is controlled linearly with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The flow rate is maximized (100%: initial state) up to the low-temperature set temperature T1, and the flow rate is gradually reduced as the set temperature rises above T1. The flow rate is minimized (0%) at the high-temperature set temperature T2.

[0061] Figure 9(B) shows an example of the relationship when the flow rate is controlled in stages with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The flow rate is maximized (100%: initial state) up to the set temperature T1, and the flow rate is gradually reduced as the set temperature rises. The flow rate is minimized (0%) at the high temperature set temperature T2.

[0062] In this way, the circulation rate of the hot air can be changed by controlling the flow rate of the blower unit 17b of the adjustment unit 17 according to the set temperature of the hot air, thereby obtaining the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0063] Next, the configuration example of Fig. 10 can be used as an example of an external blowing mechanism that blows air in the exhaust direction of the exhaust part RTo at a position adjacent to the exhaust part RTo. The adjustment unit 17' is a blowing unit and an electric fan that is arranged downstream of the exhaust part RTo in the transport direction of the recording medium P, and is covered by a cover member 14d. The example of Fig. 10 includes a cooling unit 30 that cools the adjustment unit 17', similar to the examples of Figs. 8(A) and 8(B).

[0064] The exhaust direction of the adjustment unit 17' coincides with the exhaust direction of the hot air from the exhaust part RTo. When air is exhausted from the adjustment unit 17', more hot air is exhausted from the exhaust part RTo due to its viscosity, and more outside air is taken in by the introduction part RTi.

[0065] The flow rate of the adjustment unit 17' can be controlled by the control unit 20, and the relationship between the set temperature of the hot air and the flow rate of the adjustment unit 17' is the opposite of the example of Figures 9(A) and 9(B). That is, the flow rate is minimized (0%: initial state) up to the set temperature T1 on the low-temperature side, and the flow rate is gradually increased as the set temperature rises above the set temperature T1. The flow rate is maximized (100%) at the set temperature T2 on the high-temperature side.

[0066] In this embodiment, the adjustment units 17 and 17' are configured to exhaust outside air, but the exhausted air may be air exhausted from other locations in the recording apparatus 1, or air (warm air) in the internal space SP. In addition, the lower limit of the flow rate of the adjustment units 17 and 17' is set to 0%, but the lower limit may be set to a rate greater than 0%. By setting the lower limit to a rate greater than 0%, warm air can be continuously exhausted from the exhaust section RTo, thereby suppressing condensation from occurring in the drying device 10.

[0067] <Fifth embodiment> The adjustment unit may adjust the amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1. Figures 11(A) and 11(B) show an example. In the passage forming unit 14 of this embodiment, the chamber 14a has an opening 14e. The opening 14e is formed in a portion downstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c in the flow direction of the circulation flow and upstream of the blowing unit 12, and connects the circulation passage RT1 to the outside.

[0068] The adjustment unit 18 includes a movable member 18a that changes the opening amount of the opening 14e. In the present embodiment, a plurality of movable members 18a are provided, which open and close the opening 14e in the form of louvers. Each movable member 18a is a plate-shaped flapper that is rotatable around an axis CT in the X direction, and rotates by the driving force of an actuator (here, a motor) 18c. The position of the movable member 18a is detected by a position detection sensor 18d. The position detection sensor 18d is, for example, a potentiometer or a rotary encoder that detects the rotation amount of the movable member 18a. By controlling the actuator 18c based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 18d, the position of the movable member 18a, that is, the opening amount of the opening 14e can be controlled more accurately. In addition, when the position detection sensor 18d detects that the opening amount of the opening 14e is low despite the set temperature of the hot air set by the user being high, it is also possible to control the temperature of the hot air to be lowered (the heat generation amount of the heating unit 13 to be lowered).

[0069] The position of the movable member 18a is held by a holding unit 18b. The holding unit 18b is a locking mechanism that locks the position of the movable member 18a so that it does not displace unnecessarily, and is, for example, a torque limiter provided on the axis CT. When the driving force of the actuator 18c exceeds the specified torque of the torque limiter, the movable member 18a rotates, but even if an external force less than the specified torque acts on the movable member 18a, the position of the movable member 18a is held. The position of the movable member 18a, that is, the opening amount of the opening 14e, can be continuously maintained. The opening 14e is covered by a cover member 14f having an opening through which air can pass, and the multiple movable members 18a are also covered by the cover member 14f.

[0070] FIG. 11(A) shows the state in which each movable member 18a is fully open. In this embodiment, the state in which each movable member 18a is fully closed is taken as a reference, and the state in which each movable member 18a rotates at a substantially right angle (90°) from the fully closed state is taken as a fully open state, and the aperture ratio of the opening 14e in the fully open state is 100%. The angle at which each movable member 18a is fully open is appropriately set according to various conditions such as the type of recording medium P and the set temperature. For example, when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is high, each movable member 18a is fully open. When the aperture ratio of the opening 14e is increased as shown in FIG. 11(A), the amount of outside air flowing into the blower unit 12 increases, and the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be made lower than the specified temperature of the fan.

[0071] FIG. 11(B) shows a state (initial state) in which each movable member 18a is fully closed, and the opening rate of the opening 14e is 0%. For example, when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is low, each movable member 18a is fully closed. When the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is set low, the temperature of the circulating inside air is low. Even if the proportion of the inside air flowing into the blower unit 12 is high, it is lower than the specified temperature. When the opening rate of the opening 14e is set to less than 100% as in FIG. 11(B), the circulation rate of the inside air can be increased and power consumption in the heating unit 13 can be reduced.

[0072] 12(A) and 12(B) show examples of the relationship between the set temperature T (horizontal axis) of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 to the recording medium P and the opening ratio OS of the opening 14e. The position of each movable member 18a corresponds to the opening ratio OS.

[0073] FIG. 12(A) shows an example of the relationship when the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e is linearly controlled with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e is kept constant (initial state) up to the set temperature T1 on the low temperature side, and above the set temperature T1, the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e is gradually increased as the set temperature rises. At the set temperature T2 on the high temperature side, the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e becomes maximum (100%). In this manner, the position of the movable member 18a is controlled. Here, the aperture ratio OS up to the set temperature T1 on the low temperature side does not have to be 0%, and can be appropriately set to a ratio between 0% and less than 100%, depending on various conditions such as the type of recording medium P and the set temperature.

[0074] 12(B) shows an example in which the position of each movable member 18a is controlled so that the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e changes stepwise with respect to the set temperature. Up to the set temperature T1, the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e is kept in the initial state, and as the set temperature rises, the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e increases stepwise. At the set temperature T2, the aperture ratio OS of the opening 14e becomes maximum. In this manner, the position of each movable member 18a is controlled.

[0075] In this way, the ratio of the circulating flow of warm air to outside air can be changed by controlling the opening ratio OS of the opening 14e with the adjustment unit 18 according to the set temperature of the warm air. As a result, when the temperature of the warm air is high, the circulation ratio is lowered so as not to exceed the specified temperature of the blower unit 12, and when the temperature of the warm air is low, the circulation ratio is increased to reduce the power consumption of the heating unit 13. The circulation ratio of the warm air can be appropriately changed according to the temperature of the generated warm air.

[0076] In this embodiment as well, the movable member 18a may be manually displaced as in the second embodiment.

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the structure is such that the opening 18e separate from the introduction part RTi is opened and closed, but the structure may be such that the introduction part RTi is opened and closed, in which case the area of ​​the flow path of the introduction part RTi may be adjusted by a valve or the like.

[0078] Sixth Embodiment In the first and fifth embodiments, the movable members 16a, 18a are configured to be displaced by rotation, but they may be configured to be displaced by linear motion. Figures 13(A) and 13(B) show an example. In the passage forming unit 14 of this embodiment, the chamber 14a has an opening 14e'. The opening 14e' is formed in a portion downstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c in the flow direction of the circulation flow and upstream of the blowing unit 12, and connects the circulation passage RT1 to the outside.

[0079] The adjustment unit 18' includes a movable member 18e that changes the opening amount of the opening 14e'. The movable member 18e is a plate-like member that is movable in parallel, and the movable member 18e opens and closes the opening 14e' in the form of a shutter. The movable member 18e is configured to be displaced by an actuator such as a motor, and a sensor that detects the position of the movable member 18e may be provided.

[0080] 13A shows the movable member 18e in a fully open state. For example, the movable member 18e is fully open when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto the recording medium P is high. Increasing the opening ratio of the opening 14e' increases the amount of outside air flowing into the blower unit 12, and the temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be made lower than the specified temperature of the fan.

[0081] Fig. 13(B) shows a state in which movable member 18e is fully closed. For example, when the set temperature of the hot air blown onto recording medium P is low, each movable member 18a is fully closed. When the set temperature of the hot air blown onto recording medium P is set low, the temperature of the circulating inside air is low. Even if the proportion of the inside air flowing into blower unit 12 is high, it is lower than the specified temperature. When the opening rate of opening 14e is set lower than fully open as in Fig. 13(B), the circulation rate of the inside air can be increased and power consumption in heating unit 13 can be reduced.

[0082] In this embodiment, the movable member 18e may be manually displaced as in the second embodiment. A holding unit may be provided to hold the position of the movable member 18e. As in the first embodiment, the movable member for adjusting the exhaust volume of the exhaust unit RTo may be displaced by linear motion as in the present embodiment.

[0083] Seventh Embodiment The hot air blowing unit 8 may also serve as an adjustment unit for the drying device 10. Fig. 14(A) and Fig. 14(B) are explanatory diagrams thereof. When the blowing unit 81 of the hot air blowing unit 8 is driven, the blown air passes through the platen 7 and the ejection head 2 and reaches the introduction part RTi. That is, the blowing unit 81 can be used as an external blowing unit that blows air toward the introduction part RTi. In this case, the temperature of the air blown to the introduction part RTi can also be adjusted by adjusting the heat generation amount of the heating unit 82 as an external heating unit.

[0084] 14(A) shows the operation when the set temperature of the hot air of the drying device 10 is high. By blowing air from the blower unit 81 of the hot air blowing unit 8 to the introduction part RTi, the ratio of outside air entering the blower unit 12 can be increased. At this time, the heating unit 82 may stop generating heat. The temperature of the air flowing into the blower unit 12 can be made lower than its specified temperature.

[0085] 14(B) shows the operation when the set temperature of the hot air of the drying device 10 is low. The flow rate of air blown from the blower unit 81 of the hot air blower unit 8 to the introduction part RTi is reduced. The amount of outside air taken in at the introduction part RTi is reduced, and the amount of inside air exhausted from the exhaust part RTo is reduced, and the circulation rate of the inside air is increased. The power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced.

[0086] The blower unit 81 and the heating unit 82 can be controlled by the control unit 20. Figures 15(A) and 15(B) show an example of the relationship between the set temperature T (horizontal axis) of the hot air blown from the hot air blower unit 11 to the recording medium P and the flow rate FR of the blower unit 81 (maximum: 100%, minimum: 0%).

[0087] Figure 15(A) shows an example of the relationship when the flow rate is linearly controlled with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The flow rate is kept at a minimum (0%: initial state) up to the low-temperature set temperature T1, and the flow rate is gradually increased as the set temperature rises above the set temperature T1. The flow rate is maximized (100%) at the high-temperature set temperature T2.

[0088] Figure 15(B) shows an example of the relationship when the flow rate is controlled in stages with respect to the set temperature of the hot air. The flow rate is kept at a minimum (0%: initial state) up to the set temperature T1, and the flow rate is increased in stages as the set temperature rises. The flow rate is maximized (100%) at the high temperature set temperature T2.

[0089] In this way, the air blowing unit 81 is used as an adjustment unit, and the circulation rate of the hot air can be changed by controlling the flow rate of the air blowing unit 81 according to the set temperature of the hot air. This provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0090] It is also possible to provide a configuration for preventing the ink mist ejected from the ejection head 2 from entering the drying device 10 by the air blown by the air blowing unit 81. Fig. 16(A) shows one example. In the illustrated example, an air curtain fan 19 for blowing air onto the recording medium P is provided between the carriage 3 and the drying device 10. By providing the air curtain fan 19, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink mist that floats around without reaching the recording medium P being taken into the drying device 10.

[0091] Eighth Embodiment A humidity sensor may be provided to detect the humidity of the air in the circulation passage RT1. Fig. 16(B) shows one example. In the example shown, a humidity sensor 15c is provided in the internal space SP in the configuration of the first embodiment, and the humidity of the inside air can be detected by the humidity sensor 15c. The detection result can be used to control the adjustment unit 16.

[0092] For example, the position of the movable member 16a is controlled so that the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo is lowered so that the circulation rate of the inside air is increased when the humidity is low, and the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo is increased so that the circulation rate of the inside air is decreased when the humidity is high. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption when the humidity is low, and improve drying efficiency by lowering the humidity of the circulating hot air when the humidity is high. This embodiment can also be applied to the control of other adjustment units 17-18', etc.

[0093] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the temperature sensors 15a and 15b are provided, but a configuration in which these sensors are not provided may also be adopted.

[0094] The adjustment units 16-18' may also be controlled based on the amount of ink ejected from the ejection head 2 onto the recording medium P. When the amount of ink ejected is small, the adjustment units may be controlled to increase the internal air circulation rate, and when the amount of ink ejected is large, the adjustment units may be controlled to decrease the internal air circulation rate. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption when the amount of ink ejected is small, and to improve drying efficiency by lowering the humidity of the circulating hot air when the amount of ink ejected is large. The amount of ink ejected may be the amount of ink ejected per unit area, or may be the amount of ink ejected per unit time.

[0095] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more functions.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 recording device, 10 drying device, 16 adjustment unit

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying the medium onto which the liquid is discharged from the discharge head; A hot air blowing means including a blowing means for blowing air and a heating means for heating the air blown by the blowing means; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and a region on the transport path of the transporting means; A drying device comprising: An adjustment means is provided for adjusting the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage that is supplied to the air blowing means. A drying device characterized by:

2. The drying device according to claim 1, The adjustment means is Adjusting at least one of an amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage and an amount of exhaust air exhausted from the inside air in the circulation passage to the outside of the circulation passage. A drying device characterized by:

3. The drying device according to claim 1, The circulation passage is An introduction section into which outside air from outside the circulation passage is introduced; an exhaust portion through which the internal air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The adjustment means is Adjusting the amount of exhaust in the exhaust section. A drying device characterized by:

4. The drying device according to claim 1, The circulation passage is An introduction section into which outside air from outside the circulation passage is introduced; an exhaust portion through which the internal air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The adjustment means is A movable member is provided to change the opening amount of the exhaust portion. A drying device characterized by:

5. The drying device according to claim 1, The circulation passage is An introduction section into which outside air from outside the circulation passage is introduced; an exhaust portion through which the internal air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The adjustment means is an external blowing means for blowing air in an exhaust direction of the exhaust section at a position adjacent to the exhaust section; A drying device characterized by:

6. The drying device according to claim 5, A cooling means for cooling the external blowing means is provided. A drying device characterized by:

7. The drying device according to claim 1, the passage forming means has an opening that connects the circulation passage to the outside, The adjustment means includes a movable member for changing the opening amount of the opening. A drying device characterized by:

8. The drying device according to claim 4 or claim 7, The movable member is displaced by rotation or linear motion. A drying device characterized by:

9. The drying device according to claim 4 or claim 7, A holding means for holding the position of the movable member is provided. A drying device characterized by:

10. The drying device according to claim 4 or claim 7, A control means for controlling the hot air blowing means; a position detection sensor that detects a position of the movable member, The control means controls the hot air blowing means based on a detection result of the position detection sensor. A drying device characterized by:

11. The drying device according to claim 1, The adjusting means adjusts the amount of the outside air manually. A drying device characterized by:

12. The drying device according to claim 1, The circulation passage is An introduction section into which outside air from outside the circulation passage is introduced; an exhaust portion through which the internal air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The adjustment means is An external blowing means for blowing air toward the introduction portion is provided. A drying device characterized by:

13. The drying device according to claim 1, The circulation passage is An introduction section into which outside air from outside the circulation passage is introduced; an exhaust portion through which the internal air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The adjustment means is an external blowing means for blowing air toward the introduction portion through a region where the ejection head ejects liquid onto the medium; and an external heating means for heating the air blown by the external blowing means at a position closer to the external blowing means than the area. A drying device characterized by:

14. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means is provided, The control means The adjusting means is controlled based on a set temperature of the air blown to the medium. A drying device characterized by:

15. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means; A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air in the circulation passage, The control means controls the adjustment means based on a detection result of the temperature sensor. A drying device characterized by:

16. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means; A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of air outside the circulation passage, The control means controls the adjustment means based on a detection result of the temperature sensor. A drying device characterized by:

17. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means; a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the air in the circulation passage; The control means controls the adjustment means based on the detection result of the humidity sensor. A drying device characterized by:

18. The drying device according to claim 1, the circulation passage has an exhaust portion through which air in the circulation passage is exhausted, The drying device includes a cover member that covers the exhaust section and has an opening through which the exhausted air passes. A drying device characterized by:

19. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means is provided, the control means controls the adjustment means based on the amount of liquid ejected from the ejection head onto the medium. A drying device characterized by:

20. The drying device according to claim 1, In the circulation passage, a circulating flow of air flows in the order of the blowing means, the heating means, the region, and the blowing means, The adjusting means adjusts the amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage at a position upstream of the blowing means and downstream of the region in a flow direction of the circulation flow. A drying device characterized by:

21. a conveying means for conveying the medium onto which the liquid is discharged from the discharge head; A hot air blowing means including a blowing means for blowing air and a heating means for heating the air blown by the blowing means; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and a region on the transport path of the transporting means; A recording device comprising: An adjustment means is provided for adjusting the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage that is supplied to the air blowing means. A recording device comprising:

22. a conveying means for conveying the medium onto which the liquid is discharged from the discharge head; A hot air blowing means including a blowing means for blowing air and a heating means for heating the air blown by the blowing means; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and a region on the transport path of the transporting means; A method for controlling a drying device comprising: An adjustment step of adjusting the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage supplied to the air blowing means, A control method comprising:

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