Drying device, recording device and control method

Abstract

To provide a technique that can perform adjustment of a temperature of air inside a drying device in a shorter time.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; 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 a ratio of indoor air that is circulated through the circulation passage and outdoor air outside the circulation passage.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] When starting up a drying device, it takes time for the inside air circulating inside the device to reach a specified temperature. If it takes a long time to start up, it is not possible to move quickly to the drying operation, and the conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of shortening the time it takes for the inside air to heat up. Also, when a user works on the drying device to replace media or respond to an error, the worker's workability can be improved by lowering the temperature of the hot air. However, if it takes a long time to lower the temperature of the hot air, convenience for the worker decreases. The conventional technology also has room for improvement in terms of shortening the time it takes for the inside air to cool down.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for adjusting the temperature of the inside air of a drying device in a shorter time. [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; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating the air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and an area on the transport path of the transport means; A drying device comprising: an adjusting means for adjusting a ratio of the inside air circulated through the circulation passage and the outside air outside the circulation passage introduced into the circulation passage, A drying apparatus is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for adjusting the temperature of the inside air of a drying device in a shorter time. [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] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [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] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the drying device. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are diagrams 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. 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-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 conveyance direction of the recording medium P. The hot air blowing device 8 includes an air blowing unit 81 for blowing air and a heating unit 82 for heating the air blown from the air blowing unit 81, and blows hot air toward the region 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 to the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the air blowing unit 81 is an electric fan, and the heating unit 82 uses a coil-type electro-thermal conversion element, but the air blowing mechanism of the air blowing unit 81 and the heat source of the heating unit 82 are not limited to this.

[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 includes a blowing unit 12 that blows air and a heating unit 13 that heats the air, and is a mechanism for generating hot air. In the present embodiment, the blowing unit 12 is an electric fan, and the heating unit 13 uses a coil-type electro-thermal conversion element, but the blowing mechanism of the blowing unit 12 and the heat source of the heating unit 13 are not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 13 is disposed downstream of the blowing unit 12 in the blowing direction, and heats the air blown from the blowing unit 12. However, the heating unit 13 may be disposed upstream of the blowing unit 12.

[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 guide unit 9 or the surface of the recording medium P, and 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 shown by the two-dot dashed line) 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 to 15c. The temperature sensor 15a is disposed in the internal space SP, and in particular, is disposed in the circulation passage RT1, downstream of the heating unit 13 and upstream of the region R or the blowing plate 14c in the flow direction of the circulation 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 on the inner wall surface of the circulation passage RT1 formed by the chamber 14a, and can detect the temperature of the inner wall surface. The temperature sensor 15c is disposed in the region R, and can detect the temperature of the region R. In this embodiment, three temperature sensors 15a to 15c are provided and disposed at different positions, but the number of temperature sensors may be one.

[0023] The drying device 10 includes an adjustment unit 16. The adjustment unit 16 adjusts the ratio of the inside air circulated in the circulation passage RT1 and the outside air outside the circulation passage RT1 introduced into the circulation passage RT1 with respect to the air flowing through the internal space SP. In the case of this embodiment, the adjustment unit 16 adjusts the amount of outside air outside the circulation passage RT1 (outside the chamber 14a) supplied to the blowing unit 12. As a mode of adjustment, the adjustment unit 16 adjusts the exhaust amount of the inside air in the circulation passage RT1 exhausted to the outside of the circulation passage RT. The flow rate of the inside air exhausted from the exhaust unit RTo and the flow rate of the outside air flowing in from the introduction unit RTi are approximately equal. When the exhaust amount is increased, the amount of the outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1 increases, and the amount of circulating air decreases. That is, the amount of the outside air supplied to the blowing unit 12 increases. Conversely, when the exhaust amount is decreased, the amount of the outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1 decreases, and the amount of circulating air increases. That is, the amount of the outside air supplied to the blowing unit 12 decreases.

[0024] In this way, the ratio between the inside air circulated through the circulation passage RT1 and the outside air outside the circulation passage RT1 introduced into the circulation passage RT1 can be adjusted. The temperature of the air in the internal space SP becomes relatively low when the ratio of the outside air is high, and becomes relatively high when the ratio of the outside air is low. By adjusting the adjustment unit 16, it is possible to control the increase and decrease in temperature of the air in the internal space SP. The temperature adjustment of the inside air of the drying device 10 can be performed in a shorter time.

[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 rotates 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 even though the set temperature of the hot air set by the user is high, it is also possible to control to lower the temperature of the hot air (to lower the heat generation amount of the heating unit 13). Note that the position detection sensor 16d may be a microswitch that detects the position where the opening by the movable member 16a is large and the position where the opening is small.

[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 a state in which the movable member 16a is fully open, and the aperture ratio of the exhaust section RTo is 100%. When the aperture ratio of the exhaust section RTo is set to 100% as in FIG. 2(A), the high-temperature inside air is more likely to flow out to the outside, while the amount of outside air taken in from the introduction section RTi increases accordingly. As a result, the temperature of the inside air in the drying device 10 can be reduced quickly. In this embodiment, the aperture ratio here is set to 100%, but is not limited thereto, and may be sufficiently larger than the fully closed state of the movable member 16a described later.

[0030] The operation of FIG. 2(A) is advantageous when lowering the temperature of the air inside the drying device 10. For the convenience of the user's work, when performing maintenance such as replacing the recording medium P or removing a jam, the drying device 10 is stopped and the temperature is lowered. At that time, as shown in FIG. 2(B), the movable member 16a is displaced in the opening direction to widen the opening of the exhaust section RTo. It is effective to rotate the blower unit 12, particularly at a higher speed. The power supply to the heating unit 13 is reduced or the power supply is stopped. In this way, the circulation rate of the hot air is reduced, and more outside air is taken into the circulation passage RT1, so that the temperature of the entire drying device 10 can be lowered quickly. As a result, the waiting time until the user starts work can be reduced, improving convenience.

[0031] 2A is also advantageous when a new recording job is set at a lower temperature than the previous fixing conditions, since the temperature of the entire drying device 10 can be lowered quickly and the time required to start a new recording job can be reduced, thereby improving throughput.

[0032] FIG. 2B shows a state in which the movable member 16a is fully closed (initial state), and the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo is 10% or less. When the opening ratio of the exhaust part RTo is 10% or less as in FIG. 2B, 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 part RTi is correspondingly reduced. As a result, the circulation rate of the inside air is increased, and the inside air can be heated promptly by the heating unit 13. In addition, since the inside air is repeatedly heated by the heating unit 13 by circulating, the power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced. In this embodiment, the opening ratio is set to 10%, but is not limited thereto. For example, the opening ratio needs to be narrowed as the flow rate of the blower unit 12 increases.

[0033] The operation in Fig. 2(B) is suitable for raising the temperature of the inside air, such as when starting up the drying device 10. The opening of the exhaust section RTo is narrowed by the movable member 16a, the blower unit 12 is rotated, and power is supplied to the heating unit 13. This increases the circulation rate of the hot air, quickly raising the temperature of the entire drying device 10, and stable hot air can be obtained in a short time. This makes it possible to reduce the waiting time from the start of recording until the ink is dried and fixed on the recording medium P, thereby reducing power consumption and improving throughput.

[0034] 2B is also advantageous when a new recording job has a higher fixing temperature than the previous one, since it can quickly heat up the entire drying device 10 and reduce the time required to start a new recording job, thereby improving throughput.

[0035] 2(A) and 2(B) can be performed until the detection result of the temperature sensor 15a indicates a predetermined temperature. Instead of the detection result of the temperature sensor 15a, or as an additional condition, the detection result of the temperature sensor 15b or the temperature sensor 15c may be used as a reference. When the drying device 10 is started up, the temperature of the chamber 14a is in a transitional period until it approaches the temperature of the hot air, so the hot air heated by the heating unit 13 is cooled by the inner wall of the chamber 14a. If the operation of FIG. 2(B) is performed until the detection result of the temperature sensor 15b provided on the inner wall of the chamber 14a indicates a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the entire drying device 10 becomes steady, and more stable hot air can be blown to the recording medium P. Whether the amount of heat acting on the recording medium P satisfies the intended amount of heat can be determined by the detection result of the temperature sensor 15c being the predetermined temperature, so the intended amount of heat can be applied to the recording medium P by using the detection result of the temperature sensor 15c as a reference.

[0036] <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.

[0037] The operation panel 31 is an input device that accepts user input. The operation panel 31 may be a touch panel having a display function that provides information to the user. The user can set the temperature and air volume of the hot air in the drying device 10 by inputting the temperature and air volume 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 memory unit 22, and a temperature corresponding to the type of recording medium P to be used may be read out 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.

[0038] 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 each heat generating element of the heating unit 82.

[0039] The drying device 10 also includes temperature sensors 15a to 15c and a position detection sensor 16d as sensors. The drying device 10 also includes actuators (motor) 16c, a drive motor for the blower unit 12, and a heat generating element for the heating unit 13 as actuators.

[0040] <Example of drying device control> A description will now be given of an example of control of the drying device 10. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 20 relating to control of the drying device 10, and in particular, a flowchart showing an example of processing when the temperature of the inside air of the drying device 10 is changed.

[0041] In S1, it is determined whether the temperature increase condition is met. If the temperature increase condition is met, the process proceeds to S2, and if not, the process proceeds to S6. The temperature increase condition may include a user's instruction to increase the temperature. The user's instruction to increase the temperature includes an operation to start up the drying device 10, an instruction to the operation panel 31, and an instruction from the external terminal 32. In all cases, a target temperature is set. An instruction from the external terminal 32 includes an instruction to execute a recording job (an instruction to perform the ejection operation of the ejection head 2). If a recording job is received that instructs drying at a temperature higher than the current hot air temperature, the temperature increase condition is met. The temperature of the hot air may be set according to the type of recording medium P.

[0042] In S2, a temperature increase process is executed. Here, the drying device 10 is controlled so that the ratio of the internal air in the internal space SP increases. For example, the movable member 16a of the adjustment unit 16 is set to a fully closed state. Also, the hot air blowing unit 11 is driven so that the temperature of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 increases. For example, the blowing unit 12 is driven to blow air, and the heating unit 13 is supplied with power to heat the air from the blowing unit 12.

[0043] In S3, it is determined whether the air temperature in the internal space SP has reached a target temperature, and if it has reached the target temperature, the process proceeds to S5. This determination is made using the detection results of the temperature sensors 15a to 15c. The detection results used may be the detection results of all the sensors, or any one of them. The target temperature may be the same as the temperature of the hot air used in the subsequent ink drying process, or may be a temperature close to that temperature.

[0044] In S4, the temperature increase process is completed, and the process proceeds to S5. In S5, the blower unit 12 and the heating unit 13 are driven according to the ink drying conditions scheduled thereafter. The movable member 16a of the adjustment unit 16 is maintained in a fully closed state, but may be displaced to a position set according to the drying conditions, etc.

[0045] In S6, it is determined whether the temperature lowering condition is satisfied. If the temperature lowering condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S7, and if not, the process of FIG. 4 ends. The temperature increasing condition may include a user's temperature lowering instruction or a condition based on the state of the recording device 1. The user's temperature lowering instruction includes an operation to shut down the drying device 10, an instruction to the operation panel 31, and an instruction from the external terminal 32. In all cases, a target temperature is set. An instruction from the external terminal 32 includes an instruction to execute a recording job (an instruction to perform the ejection operation of the ejection head 2). If a recording job is received that instructs drying at a temperature lower than the current hot air temperature, the temperature lowering condition is satisfied. The hot air temperature may be set according to the type of recording medium P.

[0046] The occurrence of maintenance is included as a condition based on the state of the recording device 1. The occurrence of maintenance includes replacement of the recording medium P, replacement of the ejection head 2, and recovery from an error (such as clearing a jam).

[0047] In S7, a temperature reduction process is performed. Here, the drying device 10 is controlled so that the ratio of outside air in the internal space SP increases. For example, the movable member 16a of the adjustment unit 16 is fully opened. Also, the hot air blowing unit 11 is driven so that the temperature of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing unit 11 decreases. For example, the blowing unit 12 is driven to blow air, but the power supply to the heating unit 13 is reduced or the power supply is stopped.

[0048] In S8, it is determined whether the air temperature in the internal space SP has reached the target temperature, and if it has reached the target temperature, the process proceeds to S9. This determination is made using the detection results of the temperature sensors 15a to 15c. The detection results used may be the detection results of all the sensors, or any one of them. The target temperature may be set according to the temperature reduction condition determined to be met in S6. For example, when shutting down the drying device 10, the target temperature may be room temperature. Also, for example, when maintenance is required, the target temperature may be a temperature at which an operator can work (room temperature to about body temperature). Also, for example, when a recording job is executed, the target temperature may be the same as the temperature of the hot air used to dry the ink in that recording job, or a temperature close to that temperature.

[0049] In S9, the temperature lowering process is ended, and the process proceeds to S10. In S10, it is determined whether the temperature lowering condition determined to be satisfied in S6 was for a new recording job. If it is determined that the temperature lowering condition was for a new recording job, the process proceeds to S5, where the blower unit 12 and the heating unit 13 are driven according to the ink drying scheduled thereafter, and the position of the movable member 16a of the adjustment unit 16 is set. If it is determined that the temperature lowering condition is not for a new recording job, the process proceeds to S11, where the drying device 10 is stopped.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, the adjustment unit 16 adjusts the ratio of the inside air circulated in the circulation passage RT1 and the outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1, so that the temperature of the inside air in the drying device 10 can be adjusted in a shorter time.

[0051] Second 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. Figure 5 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.

[0052] The user may determine whether the temperature increase condition or the temperature decrease condition is met and operate the movable member 16a. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may notify the user of the temperature increase condition or the temperature decrease condition through the operation panel 31, and prompt the user to operate the movable member 16a.

[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] <Third embodiment> The adjustment unit 16 may be 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, instead of a mechanism that changes the aperture ratio of the exhaust part RTo as in the first embodiment. Figures 6(A) and 6(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 in the exhaust direction of the exhaust part RTo near the exhaust part RTo. The blowing unit 17b is covered by a cover member 14d.

[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 temperature rise of the blowing unit 17b due to the hot air exhausted from the exhaust section RTo can be suppressed.

[0057] The air volume of the blower unit 17b can be controlled by the control unit 20. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of control of the adjustment unit 17 during the temperature reduction process (S7 in Fig. 4). The blower unit 17b is driven to increase its flow rate (increasing the rotation speed of the electric fan). When the flow rate of the blower unit 17b is increased, the hot air exhausted from the exhaust section RTo becomes more easily exhausted due to the influence of the viscosity of the air from the blower unit 17b. As a result, the amount of outside air taken in by the introduction section RTi increases, and the proportion of outside air in the internal space SP is increased, thereby accelerating the temperature reduction of the inside air of the drying device 10.

[0058] Fig. 6(B) shows an example of control of the adjustment unit 17 during the temperature increase process (S2 in Fig. 4). The blower unit 17b is driven to reduce its flow rate (reducing the rotation speed of the electric fan). The hot air exhausted from the exhaust part RTo is hardly affected by the viscosity of the air from the blower unit 17b, and is therefore less likely to be exhausted. As a result, the amount of outside air taken in by the introduction part RTi is reduced, the circulation rate of the hot air is increased, and the temperature increase of the air inside the drying device 10 can be promoted.

[0059] Next, as another 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 configuration example of Fig. 7 can also be adopted. 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. In the example of Fig. 7, similar to the examples of Figs. 6(A) and 6(B), a cooling unit 30 that cools the adjustment unit 17' is provided.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The flow rate of the adjustment unit 17' can be controlled by the control unit 20, and is controlled to be large during the temperature reduction process (S7 in FIG. 4). Exhaust from the exhaust section RTo is promoted, and more outside air is taken in by the introduction section RTi, thereby lowering the temperature of the air inside the drying device 10. During the temperature increase process (S2 in FIG. 4), the flow rate is controlled to be small or stopped. Exhaust from the exhaust section RTo is suppressed, and the amount of outside air taken in by the introduction section RTi is reduced, increasing the circulation rate of hot air, and promoting the increase in the temperature of the air inside the drying device 10.

[0062] In this embodiment, the adjustment units 17 and 17' are configured to exhaust outside air, but the exhausted air may be, for example, air exhausted from another location within the recording device 1, or air (warm air) within the internal space SP.

[0063] <Fourth embodiment> The adjustment unit may adjust the amount of outside air introduced into the circulation passage RT1. An example is shown in Fig. 8(A) and Fig. 8(B). 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.

[0064] 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-like 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. Alternatively, the position detection sensor 18d may be a microswitch that detects the opening and closing by the movable member 18a. In addition, if the position detection sensor 18d detects that the opening amount of the opening 14e is small 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 amount of heat generated by the heating unit 13).

[0065] 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.

[0066] The adjustment unit 18 can be controlled by the control unit 20. In the temperature reduction process (S7 in FIG. 4), each movable member 18a is displaced so that the opening amount of the opening 14e is increased. FIG. 8(A) shows an example in which each movable member 18a is fully open, and the opening ratio of the opening 14e is 100%. When the opening ratio of the opening 14e is set to 100% as in FIG. 8(A), the proportion of outside air in the internal space SP increases, and the temperature reduction of the air inside the drying device 10 can be promoted. Note that in this embodiment, the opening ratio here is set to 100%, but is not limited thereto, and it may be sufficiently larger than the fully closed state of the opening 14e described later.

[0067] In the temperature increase process (S2 in FIG. 4), each movable member 18a is displaced so that the opening amount of the opening 14e becomes smaller. FIG. 8(B) shows, as an example, a state (initial state) in which each movable member 18a is fully closed, and the opening ratio of the opening 14e is 0%. Setting the opening ratio of the opening 14e to 0% increases the circulation rate of the inside air, and can promote the increase in temperature of the inside air of the drying device 10. Also, the power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced. Note that, although the opening ratio here is set to 0% in this embodiment, even if it is only slightly open, it can be considered to be substantially 0% if it is narrow.

[0068] In this embodiment as well, the movable member 18a may be manually displaced as in the second embodiment.

[0069] 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.

[0070] <Fifth embodiment> In the first and fourth 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 9(A) and 9(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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The adjustment unit 18 can be controlled by the control unit 20. In the temperature decreasing process (S7 in FIG. 4), the movable member 18e is displaced so that the opening amount of the opening 14e' is increased. FIG. 9(A) shows an example in which the movable member 18e is substantially fully open, and the opening ratio of the opening 14e' is 90% or more. Increasing the opening ratio of the opening 14e' increases the proportion of outside air in the internal space SP, and can promote the decrease in temperature of the air inside the drying device 10. In this embodiment, the opening ratio here is set to 90%, but is not limited to this, and may be sufficiently larger than the fully closed state of the opening 14e' described later.

[0073] In the temperature increase process (S2 in FIG. 4), each movable member 18e is displaced so that the opening amount of the opening 14e' becomes smaller. FIG. 9(B) shows, as an example, a state (initial state) in which the movable members 18e are fully closed, and the opening ratio of the opening 14e' is 0%. Setting the opening ratio of the opening 14e' to 0% increases the circulation rate of the inside air, and can promote the increase in temperature of the inside air in the drying device 10. Also, the power consumption of the heating unit 13 can be reduced. Note that, in this embodiment, the opening ratio here is set to 0%, but even if it is only slightly open, it can be considered to be substantially 0% if it is narrow.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Sixth Embodiment The hot air blowing unit 8 may also serve as an adjustment unit for the drying device 10. Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(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.

[0076] In the temperature reduction process (S7 in FIG. 4), the air volume of the air blowing unit 81 is relatively increased (the electric fan is driven at high speed), and the power supply to the heat generating unit 82 is relatively decreased or the power supply is stopped. FIG. 10(A) shows an example. By blowing air from the air blowing unit 81 of the warm air blowing unit 8 to the introduction part RTi, the proportion of outside air entering the air blowing unit 12 can be increased. The heating unit 82 has stopped generating heat. The proportion of outside air in the internal space SP increases, and the temperature reduction of the inside air of the drying device 10 can be promoted.

[0077] In the temperature increase process (S2 in FIG. 4), the air volume of the blower unit 81 is relatively reduced (the electric fan is driven at low speed), and the power supply to the heat generation unit 82 is relatively increased. FIG. 10(B) shows an example. The flow rate of air blown from the blower unit 81 of the warm air blowing unit 8 to the introduction section RTi is reduced. The amount of outside air taken in at the introduction section RTi decreases, and the amount of inside air exhausted from the exhaust section RTo decreases, increasing the circulation rate of the inside air. This can promote the temperature increase of the inside air in the drying device 10. In addition, the power consumption in the heating unit 13 can be reduced.

[0078] In this way, by utilizing the hot air blowing unit 8 as an adjustment unit, the temperature of the air inside the drying device 10 can be adjusted, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0079] Moreover, the adjustment unit (hot air blowing unit 8) of this embodiment can be used in combination with each of the adjustment units of the second to fifth embodiments.

[0080] As the external blowing unit, the configuration of FIG. 11 can also be adopted. In the illustrated example, an air curtain fan 19 that blows air to 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 intake of ink mist that does not reach the recording medium P and floats into the drying device 10. In addition, in the temperature reduction process (S7 in FIG. 4), the air curtain fan 19 is driven to blow air into the introduction part RTi, thereby increasing the proportion of outside air that enters the blowing unit 12 and promoting temperature reduction. In the temperature increase process (S2 in FIG. 4), the flow rate of the air curtain fan 19 is reduced or the air curtain fan 19 is stopped, thereby increasing the circulation rate of the inside air in the drying device 10 and promoting temperature increase.

[0081] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described 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) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0082] 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]

[0083] 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; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating the air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and an area on the transport path of the transport means; A drying device comprising: an adjusting means for adjusting a ratio of the inside air circulated through the circulation passage and the outside air outside the circulation passage introduced into the circulation passage, A drying device characterized by:

2. The drying device according to claim 1, A control means for controlling the adjustment means is provided, The control means When the temperature rise condition is satisfied, the adjustment means is controlled so as to increase the ratio of the inside air. When a temperature drop condition is met, the adjustment means is controlled so as to increase the ratio of the outside air. A drying device characterized by:

3. The drying device according to claim 2, The temperature increase condition includes a temperature increase instruction from a user, The temperature lowering condition includes a temperature lowering instruction from a user. A drying device characterized by:

4. The drying device according to claim 2, the temperature rise condition includes an instruction for a discharge operation of the discharge head with respect to the medium, The temperature drop condition includes the occurrence of maintenance, A drying device characterized by:

5. The drying device according to claim 2, When the temperature decreasing condition is satisfied, the control means controls the hot air blowing means so that the temperature of the air blown by the hot air blowing means is lowered. When the temperature increase condition is satisfied, the hot air blowing means is controlled so that the temperature of the air blown by the hot air blowing means is increased. A drying device characterized by:

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

7. 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:

8. 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:

9. 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 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:

10. 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:

11. 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:

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 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 blowing means than the area. A drying device characterized by:

13. The drying device according to claim 2, A temperature sensor is provided to detect 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:

14. The drying device according to claim 2, A temperature sensor is provided to detect the temperature of an inner wall surface of the circulation passage, The control means controls the adjustment means based on a detection result of the temperature sensor. A drying device characterized by:

15. The drying device according to claim 2, A temperature sensor is provided to detect the temperature of the region; The control means controls the adjustment means based on a detection result of the temperature sensor. A drying device characterized by:

16. 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; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating the air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and an area on the transport path of the transport means; A recording device comprising: an adjusting means for adjusting a ratio of the inside air circulated through the circulation passage and the outside air outside the circulation passage introduced into the circulation passage, A recording apparatus comprising:

17. 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; a passage forming means for forming a circulation passage for circulating the air blown by the hot air blowing means between the hot air blowing means and an area on the transport path of the transport means; A method for controlling a drying device comprising: an adjusting step of adjusting a ratio of the inside air circulated through the circulation passage and the outside air outside the circulation passage introduced into the circulation passage, A control method comprising:

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