Dryer apparatus and recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a dryer apparatus and a recording apparatus which can suppress influence on surroundings resulting from generation of an electromagnetic wave.SOLUTION: A dyer apparatus comprises a plurality of drying parts for drying an object by generating an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. Each of the plurality of drying parts has: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed so as to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward the object; a first conductor for electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage and the first electrode; and a second conductor for electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode. The plurality of drying parts each include a first drying part and a second drying part. The first drying part and the second drying part are disposed adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying part and the second electrode of the second drying part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drying device that dries an object by generating electromagnetic waves toward the object. This drying device applies a high-frequency voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode to generate electromagnetic waves toward the object, thereby causing the object to generate heat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-16742 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since the heating area of ​​such a drying device is limited, it is effective to line up multiple drying devices when heating a large object. However, there is a risk that the increased radiated waves may affect surrounding equipment. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the impact of electromagnetic waves on the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A drying device that solves the above problem includes a plurality of drying sections that dry an object by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, each of the plurality of drying sections having a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the object, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, and the plurality of drying sections include a first drying section and a second drying section, and the first drying section and the second drying section are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a positive-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying section and the second electrode of the second drying section.

[0006] A recording device that solves the above problem includes a recording unit that records on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium, and a plurality of drying units that dry the medium recorded by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, each of the plurality of drying units having a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the medium recorded by the recording unit, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, and the plurality of drying units include a first drying unit and a second drying unit, and the first drying unit and the second drying unit are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying unit and the second electrode of the second drying unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the drying unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the drying unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the drying unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the drying device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the drying unit and unwanted radiation waves in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a drying device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] An embodiment of a recording system including a drying device will be described below. In the following description, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the width direction X, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the width direction X will be referred to as the depth direction Y. One direction along the width direction X will be referred to as the first width direction X1, and the other direction along the width direction X will be referred to as the second width direction X2. One direction along the depth direction Y will be referred to as the first depth direction Y1, and the other direction along the depth direction Y will be referred to as the second depth direction Y2. The upper side of the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the upper direction Z1, and the lower side of the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the lower direction Z2. The vertical direction Z corresponds to an example of a first direction. The width direction X corresponds to an example of a second direction. The depth direction Y corresponds to an example of a third direction.

[0009] <Configuration of recording system 10> 1, the recording system 10 is a system that performs recording on a medium 90. In particular, the recording system 10 is a system that performs recording on the medium 90 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium 90. The recording system 10 is a system that dries the medium 90 after recording by ejecting the liquid.

[0010] The recording system 10 includes a recording device 11. The recording device 11 is configured to record on a medium 90. In particular, the recording device 11 records on the medium 90 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium 90. The recording device 11 may be an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 90. The medium 90 includes a front surface 90A and a back surface 90B. The medium 90 is fabric, but may also be, for example, paper.

[0011] The recording system 10 includes a drying device 12. The drying device 12 is configured to dry the medium 90 after recording onto which the recording device 11 ejects the liquid. In particular, the drying device 12 dries the medium 90 after recording by generating electromagnetic waves.

[0012] The recording system 10 includes a feed unit 13. The feed unit 13 feeds a pre-recorded medium 90 to the recording device 11. The feed unit 13 includes a feed roller 13A. The feed roller 13A extends along the width direction X. In the width direction X, the width of the feed roller 13A is longer than the width of the medium 90. The feed roller 13A is configured to rotatably hold a first roll body 91. The first roll body 91 is a wound pre-recorded medium 90. The medium 90 may be long. In this manner, the feed roller 13A holds the medium 90 to be fed to the recording device 11.

[0013] The recording system 10 includes a winding unit 14. The winding unit 14 winds up the recorded medium 90 that has been recorded by the recording device 11. In particular, the winding unit 14 winds up the recorded medium 90 that has been dried by the drying device 12. The winding unit 14 includes a winding roller 14A. The winding roller 14A extends along the width direction X. In the width direction X, the width of the winding roller 14A is longer than the width of the medium 90. The winding roller 14A is configured to rotatably hold a second roll body 92. The second roll body 92 is the recorded medium 90 that has been wound up. In this way, the winding roller 14A winds up the medium 90 that has been recorded by the recording device 11 and dried by the drying device 12.

[0014] <Configuration of Recording Device 11> Here, the configuration of the recording device 11 will be described in detail. The recording device 11 includes a recording unit 20, a support unit 21, and a recording transport unit 22. The recording unit 20 is configured to perform recording on the medium 90 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium 90. The recording unit 20 is configured to perform recording on the medium 90 by ejecting a liquid onto a surface 90A of the medium 90. The recording unit 20 performs recording on the medium 90 supported by the support unit 21. The recording unit 20 performs recording on the medium 90 transported by the recording transport unit 22.

[0015] The recording unit 20 includes a head 23. The head 23 may be a serial head or a line head. A serial head is a head that scans the width direction X of the medium 90. A line head is a head that records simultaneously across the width direction X of the medium 90.

[0016] The head 23 has a nozzle surface 24 in which a plurality of nozzles (not shown) open. The nozzle surface 24 faces downward Z2. The nozzle surface 24 faces the surface 90A of the medium 90 transported by the recording transport unit 22. Each of the plurality of nozzles is configured to open downward Z2. Each of the plurality of nozzles is configured to eject liquid.

[0017] The recording unit 20 may include a carriage 25 and a carriage support unit 26. The carriage 25 is configured to support the head 23. The carriage support unit 26 extends along the width direction X. The carriage support unit 26 supports the carriage 25 so that it can move along the width direction X. The carriage 25 can move in the width direction X along the carriage support unit 26 by a driving force from a driving source (not shown).

[0018] The support unit 21 is configured to support the medium 90 transported by the recording transport unit 22. The support unit 21 is located below the recording unit 20 in the Z2 direction. The support unit 21 supports the back surface 90B of the medium 90 transported by the recording transport unit 22. The support unit 21 is located below the head 23 in the Z2 direction.

[0019] The recording transport unit 22 is configured to transport the medium 90 in a transport direction D. The transport direction D is a direction along the depth direction Y. The recording transport unit 22 may include multiple rollers. The recording transport unit 22 transports the medium 90 in the transport direction D using multiple rollers, but may also transport the medium 90 in the transport direction D using a transport belt driven by multiple rollers. The recording transport unit 22 may perform intermittent transport by repeatedly transporting and stopping the medium 90.

[0020] <Configuration of Drying Device 12> Next, the configuration of the drying device 12 will be described in detail. The drying device 12 includes a drying unit 30. The drying unit 30 is configured to dry the medium 90 after recording. That is, the drying device 12 dries the medium 90 that has been recorded by the recording section 20.

[0021] The drying unit 30 is configured to dry the recorded medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves. The drying unit 30 is located below the medium 90 at Z2, but may also be located above the medium 90 at Z1, or may be located both above the medium 90 at Z1 and below the medium 90 at Z2. Thus, the vertical direction Z is the direction toward the medium 90.

[0022] The drying device 12 includes a high-frequency voltage generating unit 31. The high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage. The high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 supplies a high-frequency voltage to the drying unit 30. The high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 may include a plurality of high-frequency voltage generating sections 39, which will be described later.

[0023] The drying device 12 includes a dry conveying section 32. The dry conveying section 32 is configured to convey the medium 90 in the conveying direction D. The dry conveying section 32 may convey the medium 90 in the conveying direction D using multiple rollers. The dry conveying section 32 may perform continuous conveyance, which continuously conveys the medium 90. Slack in the medium 90 may occur between the recording conveying section 22 and the dry conveying section 32.

[0024] <Configuration of Drying Unit 30> Next, the configuration of the drying unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the drying unit 30 is disposed below the medium 90 at position Z2. The drying unit 30 dries the medium 90 by heating the medium 90 from the rear surface 90B. The drying unit 30 includes a plurality of drying sections 33. That is, the drying device 12 includes a plurality of drying sections 33. The drying sections 33 may be rectangular in plan view.

[0025] The drying unit 33 is configured to generate electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. The drying unit 33 is configured to dry the medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. In other words, the drying unit 33 is an electromagnetic wave generating unit. The drying unit 33 generates an AC electric field by generating electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves generated by the drying unit 33 are mainly composed of an electric field. Compared to an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates normal electromagnetic waves, the drying unit 33 can significantly reduce the induction of a magnetic field by the generated electric field.

[0026] As a specific example, the drying unit 33 generates electromagnetic waves of 2.4 GHz, but is not limited to this. The drying unit 33 may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 3 MHz to 300 MHz. The drying unit 33 may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 300 MHz to 30 GHz, and particularly, may generate electromagnetic waves of 10 MHz to 20 GHz.

[0027] The multiple drying sections 33 include multiple first drying sections 33A and multiple second drying sections 33B. The first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B themselves have the same configuration. High-frequency voltages of opposite phases are applied to the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B. In this way, the multiple drying sections 33 include multiple first drying sections 33A and multiple second drying sections 33B. The multiple drying sections 33 may include the same number of first drying sections 33A and second drying sections 33B.

[0028] The multiple drying sections 33 are arranged in a row 34 aligned in the width direction X. The multiple rows 34 are arranged in a row aligned in the depth direction Y. The multiple rows 34 include a first row 34A and a second row 34B. The multiple drying sections 33 are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned in the width direction X in a plan view. The multiple drying sections 33 are arranged in each of the multiple rows 34 spaced apart from each other by a distance d1 in the width direction X.

[0029] The multiple first drying sections 33A and the multiple second drying sections 33B are arranged so as to be alternately aligned in the width direction X. More specifically, in each of the first row 34A and the second row 34B, the multiple first drying sections 33A and the multiple second drying sections 33B are arranged so as to be alternately aligned in the width direction X. In other words, the first drying sections 33A and the second drying sections 33B are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the width direction X.

[0030] The drying section 33 in the first row 34A and the drying section 33 in the second row 34B are arranged at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 in the width direction X. Specifically, the first drying section 33A in the first row 34A and the first drying section 33A in the second row 34B are arranged at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 in the width direction X. The second drying section 33B in the first row 34A and the second drying section 33B in the second row 34B are arranged at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 in the width direction X.

[0031] The predetermined distance d2 is longer than the distance d1. Therefore, even when the plurality of drying units 33 are arranged in each of the first row 34A and the second row 34B at intervals of the distance d1 in the width direction X, the plurality of drying units 33 can be arranged without providing an area in the depth direction Y where no drying unit 33 is arranged.

[0032] The drying unit 30 includes an opposing portion 35. The opposing portion 35 is located between the medium 90 and the multiple drying portions 33. The opposing portion 35 may be flat. The opposing portion 35 is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves generated by the multiple drying portions 33. The opposing portion 35 is arranged to face the back surface 90B of the medium 90. The opposing portion 35 may or may not abut the medium 90. The opposing portion 35 protects the multiple drying portions 33. The opposing portion 35 is made of an insulating member. The opposing portion 35 may be a glass plate. The opposing portion 35 may be highly transparent ceramic. The opposing portion 35 may be made of a resin with a low dielectric tangent.

[0033] <Configuration of Drying Unit 33> Next, the configuration of the drying unit 33 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 3, the drying unit 33 includes a first electrode 41, a second electrode 42, a first conductor 43, and a second conductor 44. For convenience, Fig. 3 is a diagram in which the top plate 44C of the second conductor 44 is omitted. Fig. 3 is a diagram in which the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are arranged on the upper Z1 side.

[0034] The first electrode 41 has a flat plate shape. The first electrode 41 may have a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the width direction X in a plan view. The first electrode 41 has a first electrode surface 41A. The first electrode surface 41A faces upward Z1. In other words, the first electrode surface 41A faces the back surface 90B of the medium 90. The first electrode 41 is arranged so that the first electrode surface 41A abuts against the facing portion 35.

[0035] The second electrode 42 has a flat plate shape. The second electrode 42 has a second electrode surface 42A. The second electrode surface 42A faces upward Z1. In other words, the second electrode surface 42A faces the back surface 90B of the medium 90. The second electrode 42 is disposed so that the second electrode surface 42A abuts against the facing portion 35.

[0036] The second electrode 42 has an opening 42B. The opening 42B has a rounded rectangular shape in a plan view. The first electrode 41 is located in the opening 42B. In other words, the second electrode 42 is disposed so as to surround the first electrode 41 in a plan view from the vertical direction Z.

[0037] The first conductor 43 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 38 (described later) and the first electrode 41. The first conductor 43 includes a coil 43A. The coil 43A extends in the vertical direction Z. One end of the coil 43A is connected to the first electrode 41. The other end of the coil 43A is connected to the conducting wire 43B.

[0038] The second conductor 44 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 38, which will be described later, and the second electrode 42. The second conductor 44 may include a support pillar 44A. The second conductor 44 may include a plurality of support pillars 44A. The support pillar 44A is electrically connected to the second electrode 42. The support pillar 44A extends downward Z2 from the second electrode 42. The support pillar 44A is made of metal.

[0039] The second conductor 44 may include a connecting portion 44B. The connecting portion 44B is electrically connected to the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B is provided at the lower end of the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B connects multiple support pillars 44A together. The connecting portion 44B may be integral with the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B may be H-shaped in a plan view. The connecting portion 44B is made of metal.

[0040] The second conductor 44 may include a top plate 44C. Because the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are arranged on the upper Z1 side, the top plate 44C is located below the connecting portion 44B in the Z2 direction. The top plate 44C is electrically connected to the connecting portion 44B. The top plate 44C is provided below the connecting portion 44B in the Z2 direction. The top plate 44C may be integral with the connecting portion 44B. The top plate 44C is made of metal.

[0041] By configuring the drying unit 33 in this manner, when a high-frequency voltage is applied, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 generate electromagnetic waves in response to the application of the high-frequency voltage, thereby heating the medium 90.

[0042] Such a drying unit 33 can transmit large amounts of heat energy to the medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves. The drying unit 33 uses electromagnetic waves rather than heat conduction, and does not need to include components such as heating wires for heating. This allows the drying unit 33 to be made smaller.

[0043] Furthermore, the minimum separation distance between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves output from the drying unit 33. This allows the electromagnetic waves generated when a high-frequency voltage is applied to be attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. This allows the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reaching distant locations from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 to be reduced. In other words, the electromagnetic waves generated from the drying unit 33 are very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and very weak in the distant locations.

[0044] By appropriately controlling the frequency band of the generated electromagnetic waves, such drying unit 33 can generate an AC electric field intensively near the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. In other words, it is possible to suppress the influence of the generated electromagnetic waves on the surroundings beyond the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 may correspond to a range of 3 mm to 3 cm, for example.

[0045] <Method of connecting the drying unit 33> Next, a method of connecting the drying sections 33 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. For convenience, Fig. 4 shows one first drying section 33A and one second drying section 33B, and omits the other drying sections 33.

[0046] 4, the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B are connected to a connection terminal 37. More specifically, the first drying unit 33A in the first row 34A and the second drying unit 33B in the second row 34B are connected to the connection terminal 37. The first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B that overlap in the depth direction Y are connected to the connection terminal 37.

[0047] The connection terminal 37 includes a first terminal 37A and a second terminal 37B. The first terminal 37A and the second terminal 37B are insulated from each other. A transmission line 38, which will be described later, can be connected to the first terminal 37A and the second terminal 37B.

[0048] The first conductor 43 of the first drying section 33A is connected to the first terminal 37A via the first connecting section 36A. The second conductor 44 of the first drying section 33A is connected to the second terminal 37B via the second connecting section 36B.

[0049] On the other hand, the first conductor 43 of the second drying section 33B is connected to the second terminal 37B via the third connecting section 36C. The second conductor 44 of the second drying section 33B is connected to the first terminal 37A via the fourth connecting section 36D.

[0050] In this way, the first conductor 43 of the first drying section 33A and the second conductor 44 of the second drying section 33B are electrically connected via the first terminal 37A. The second conductor 44 of the first drying section 33A and the first conductor 43 of the second drying section 33B are electrically connected via the second terminal 37B.

[0051] <Electrical configuration of the drying device 12> Next, the electrical configuration of the drying device 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Here, to facilitate understanding of the invention, one first drying section 33A, one second drying section 33B, one connection terminal 37, one transmission line 38, and one high-frequency voltage generating section 39 will be described as representatives, and a description of the other configurations will be omitted. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing one first drying section 33A, one second drying section 33B, one connection terminal 37, one transmission line 38, and one high-frequency voltage generating section 39.

[0052] 5, the drying device 12 includes a first drying section 33A, a second drying section 33B, a connection terminal 37, a transmission line 38, and a high-frequency voltage generating section 39. In the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B, a first electrode 41 and a first conductor 43 are connected. In the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B, a second electrode 42 and a second conductor 44 are connected.

[0053] The first conductor 43 of the first drying unit 33A is connected to a first terminal 37A of the connection terminal 37. The second conductor 44 of the first drying unit 33A is connected to a second terminal 37B of the connection terminal 37. The first conductor 43 of the second drying unit 33B is connected to a second terminal 37B of the connection terminal 37. The second conductor 44 of the second drying unit 33B is connected to a first terminal 37A of the connection terminal 37. In the connection terminal 37, the first terminal 37A is connected to a first line 38A of the transmission line 38. The second terminal 37B is connected to a second line 38B of the transmission line 38.

[0054] The transmission line 38 is a line that connects the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B with the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39. The transmission line 38 is a line for transmitting the high-frequency voltage generated by the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 to the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B. In other words, the transmission line 38 is capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage.

[0055] The transmission line 38 may be, but is not limited to, a coaxial cable. The transmission line 38 may include a first line 38A and a second line 38B. The first line 38A may be the core wire of the transmission line 38. The second line 38B may be an electromagnetic shield that covers the first line 38A.

[0056] The high-frequency voltage generating section 39 is included in the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31. The high-frequency voltage generating section 39 is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage. The high-frequency voltage generating section 39 can supply the high-frequency voltage to the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B via the transmission line 38 and the connection terminal 37.

[0057] With this configuration, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 applies a high-frequency voltage to the multiple drying units 33. In particular, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 is configured to apply a high-frequency voltage to both the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B.

[0058] Furthermore, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A is in opposite phase to the first electrode 41 of the second drying section 33B. The second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B is in opposite phase to the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. The first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A is in normal phase to the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. The second electrode 42 of the first drying section 33A is in normal phase to the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A.

[0059] In this way, a normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. In other words, an opposite-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B.

[0060] Next, the relationship between the number of drying sections 33 and unwanted radiant waves will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a graph 50 showing the relationship between the number of drying sections 33 and unwanted radiant waves in the conventional embodiment and the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, a graph 51 showing the relationship between the number of drying sections 33 and unwanted radiant waves in the conventional embodiment is shown by a dashed dotted line. In Fig. 6, a graph 52 showing the relationship between the number of drying sections 33 and unwanted radiant waves in the first embodiment is shown by a solid line.

[0061] In the conventional configuration, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the first electrode 41 of the second drying section 33B are in normal phase. In the conventional configuration, the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B are in normal phase. In the conventional configuration, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B are in opposite phase. In the conventional configuration, the second electrode 42 of the first drying section 33A and the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A are in opposite phase.

[0062] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the first electrode 41 of the second drying section 33B are in opposite phase. In the first embodiment, the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B are in opposite phase. In the first embodiment, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B are in normal phase. In the first embodiment, the second electrode 42 of the first drying section 33A and the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A are in normal phase.

[0063] In such a configuration, in the case of the conventional configuration, the unwanted radiant waves increase proportionally as the number of drying sections 33 increases. In contrast, in the case of the first embodiment, the unwanted radiant waves do not increase proportionally even if the number of drying sections 33 increases. In the case of the first embodiment, this phenomenon is caused by the radiant waves from the first drying section 33A and the radiant waves from the second drying section 33B canceling each other out.

[0064] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The drying device 12 includes a plurality of drying sections 33 that dry the medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage. The plurality of drying sections 33 include a first drying section 33A and a second drying section 33B. The first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction X. A normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. With this configuration, in the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B that are arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction X, the radiant waves from the first drying section 33A and the radiant waves from the second drying section 33B cancel each other out. This suppresses the radiant waves, thereby reducing the impact on peripheral devices. This also reduces the impact on the surroundings caused by the generation of electromagnetic waves.

[0065] In particular, in the area surrounding the first drying section 33A, the radiant waves from the first drying section 33A are significantly stronger than the radiant waves from the second drying section 33B that is adjacent to the first drying section 33A. Therefore, in the area surrounding the first drying section 33A, the radiant waves from the first drying section 33A are not significantly affected by the radiant waves from the second drying section 33B that is adjacent to the first drying section 33A. As a result, the radiant waves in the area surrounding the first drying section 33A and the radiant waves in the area surrounding the second drying section 33B do not significantly cancel each other out, and the drying quality does not deteriorate.

[0066] On the other hand, radiant waves farther than the first drying section 33A and radiant waves farther than the second drying section 33B cancel each other out. In particular, the drying device 12 includes multiple drying sections 33 for drying the medium 90. Therefore, even if the radiant waves from the drying sections 33 are farther away, if they are amplified, there is a risk that the increased radiant waves will affect peripheral devices. Therefore, by using the above configuration, radiant waves can be suppressed even if the radiant waves are farther away from the drying section 33, and therefore the effects on peripheral devices can be suppressed. Therefore, the effects on the surroundings caused by the generation of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed.

[0067] (1-2) The multiple drying sections 33 include multiple first drying sections 33A and multiple second drying sections 33B. The multiple first drying sections 33A and multiple second drying sections 33B are arranged alternately in the width direction X. With this configuration, in the multiple first drying sections 33A and multiple second drying sections 33B arranged alternately in the width direction X, the radiant waves from the first drying sections 33A and the radiant waves from the second drying sections 33B cancel each other out. This makes it possible to suppress the radiant waves, thereby reducing the impact on peripheral devices. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the impact on the surroundings caused by the generation of electromagnetic waves.

[0068] (1-3) In each of the first row 34A and the second row 34B aligned in the depth direction Y, the multiple first drying sections 33A and the multiple second drying sections 33B are arranged alternately in the width direction X. The first drying section 33A in the first row 34A and the first drying section 33A in the second row 34B are arranged at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 in the width direction X. The second drying section 33B in the first row 34A and the second drying section 33B in the second row 34B are arranged at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance d2 in the width direction X. With this configuration, even when the multiple drying sections 33 are arranged at intervals in the width direction X in each of the first row 34A and the second row 34B, it is difficult to create an area in the depth direction Y where no drying section 33 is arranged. This makes it possible to suppress the impact of electromagnetic waves on the surroundings and improve drying quality.

[0069] (1-4) The multiple drying sections 33 include the same number of first drying sections 33A and second drying sections 33B. This configuration can improve the degree to which the radiant waves from the first drying section 33A and the radiant waves from the second drying section 33B cancel each other out. This further suppresses the radiant waves, thereby reducing the impact on peripheral devices. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the impact on the surroundings caused by the generation of electromagnetic waves.

[0070] (1-5) The drying device 12 includes a high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 that applies a high-frequency voltage to the multiple drying units 33. The high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 applies a high-frequency voltage to both the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B. This configuration allows the high-frequency voltage generated by the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 to be applied to both the first drying unit 33A and the second drying unit 33B. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of electromagnetic waves on the surroundings and to reduce the size of the drying device 12.

[0071] (1-6) Each of the multiple drying sections 33 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the width direction X in a plan view. This configuration makes it difficult to create an area in the depth direction Y where no drying section 33 is arranged, without increasing the number of the multiple drying sections 33. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of electromagnetic waves on the surroundings and improve drying quality.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as in the already described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and only the configuration different from the already described embodiment will be described.

[0073] 7, in the drying device 12 of the second embodiment, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 includes a first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A and a second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B. The first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A is connected to the first drying unit 33A via a connection terminal 37. The second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B is connected to the second drying unit 33B via a connection terminal 37. In other words, the high-frequency voltage generating units 39 and the drying units 33 are connected one-to-one.

[0074] The first conductor 43 of the first drying unit 33A is connected to the first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A via the first terminal 37A of the connection terminal 37 and the first line 38A of the transmission line 38. The second conductor 44 of the first drying unit 33A is connected to the first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A via the second terminal 37B of the connection terminal 37 and the second line 38B of the transmission line 38. The first conductor 43 of the second drying unit 33B is connected to the second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B via the second terminal 37B of the connection terminal 37 and the second line 38B of the transmission line 38. The second conductor 44 of the second drying unit 33B is connected to the second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B via the first terminal 37A of the connection terminal 37 and the first line 38A of the transmission line 38.

[0075] The first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage and can supply the high-frequency voltage to the first drying unit 33A via a transmission line 38 and a connection terminal 37.

[0076] The second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage and can supply the high-frequency voltage to the second drying unit 33B via a transmission line 38 and a connection terminal 37.

[0077] With this configuration, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 can apply a high-frequency voltage to each of the multiple drying units 33. In particular, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 is configured so that the first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A applies a high-frequency voltage to the first drying unit 33A, and the second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B applies a high-frequency voltage to the second drying unit 33B.

[0078] Furthermore, the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A is in opposite phase to the first electrode 41 of the second drying section 33B. The second electrode 42 of the first drying section 33A is in opposite phase to the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. The first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A is in normal phase to the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. The second electrode 42 of the first drying section 33A is in normal phase to the first electrode 41 of the second drying section 33B.

[0079] In this way, a normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 41 of the first drying section 33A and the second electrode 42 of the second drying section 33B. In other words, an opposite-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first drying section 33A and the second drying section 33B.

[0080] <Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 includes a first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A and a second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B. The first high-frequency voltage generating unit 39A applies a high-frequency voltage to the first drying unit 33A. The second high-frequency voltage generating unit 39B applies a high-frequency voltage to the second drying unit 33B. With this configuration, the high-frequency voltage generating unit 39 can apply a high-frequency voltage to each of the multiple drying units 33 in a one-to-one relationship. This makes it easy to apply a high-frequency voltage of sufficient strength. This makes it possible to suppress the impact of electromagnetic waves on the surrounding area and to reduce the size of the drying device 12.

[0081] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0082] The drying device 12 may connect two or more first drying sections 33A and two or more second drying sections 33B to the connection terminal 37. In this case, the drying device 12 may be configured so that the connection terminal 37 is connected to one high-frequency voltage generating section 39, and a high-frequency voltage is applied to the connection terminal 37 from the one high-frequency voltage generating section 39. This allows the one high-frequency voltage generating section 39 to apply a high-frequency voltage to two or more first drying sections 33A and two or more second drying sections 33B.

[0083] The multiple rows 34 may be three or more rows. That is, the multiple drying sections 33 may be arranged in three or more rows. The multiple drying sections 33 may also be arranged in one row. The multiple drying sections 33 may be arranged so that their longitudinal directions are along the depth direction Y when viewed from the vertical direction Z. In this case, the number of rows in the depth direction Y in which the multiple drying sections 33 are arranged can be reduced.

[0084] As long as the distance between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and the medium 90 is within a predetermined range, the facing portion 35 does not have to contact the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 at a surface, but may contact the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 at a point. Furthermore, the facing portion 35 does not have to contact the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42.

[0085] At least one of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is not limited to a flat plate shape and may be, for example, a substantially flat plate shape. The substantially flat plate shape may include, for example, a shape curved in the thickness direction, which is the direction along the vertical direction Z, or a linear shape with an extremely large aspect ratio of a rectangular shape.

[0086] The drying device 12 may include an air blower. The air blower may blow air along the depth direction Y to dry the medium 90. In this case, the air blower may blow air across the drying unit 30.

[0087] The object to be dried by the drying device 12 is not limited to the medium 90 onto which liquid has been ejected, as long as it is heated by the transfer of thermal energy due to the generation of electromagnetic waves. The multiple drying sections 33 may include at least one first drying section 33A and at least one second drying section 33B. In other words, the multiple drying sections 33 may include one or more first drying sections 33A and one or more second drying sections 33B.

[0088] The multiple drying sections 33 may be provided in the recording device 11, rather than in the drying device 12. In other words, the recording device 11 may be equipped with multiple drying sections 33. In this case, the multiple drying sections 33 may be provided downstream of the recording unit 20 in the transport direction D. In this way, the multiple drying sections 33 may be applied to the recording device 11, rather than the drying device 12.

[0089] A lateral printer may be used as the recording device 11. A lateral printer is a printer in which a carriage 25 can move in two directions, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0090] The medium 90 is not limited to a roll, and may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, clothing, or the like.

[0091] Any liquid can be selected as long as it can be applied to a medium and record on that medium. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0092] The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0093] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0094] (A) A drying device includes a plurality of drying sections that dry an object by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage, each of the plurality of drying sections having a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the object, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, and the plurality of drying sections include a first drying section and a second drying section, and the first drying section and the second drying section are arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a positive-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying section and the second electrode of the second drying section.

[0095] According to this configuration, in the first drying section and the second drying section that are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction, the radiant waves from the first drying section and the second drying section cancel each other out. This suppresses the radiant waves, thereby suppressing the effects on peripheral devices. Therefore, the effects on the surroundings due to the generation of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed.

[0096] (B) In the drying device, the plurality of drying sections may include a plurality of the first drying sections and a plurality of the second drying sections, and the plurality of the first drying sections and the plurality of the second drying sections may be arranged alternately in the second direction.

[0097] According to this configuration, even when multiple first drying sections and multiple second drying sections are provided, the radiant waves from the first drying sections and the radiant waves from the second drying sections cancel each other out in the multiple first drying sections and multiple second drying sections that are arranged alternately in the second direction. This suppresses the radiant waves, thereby reducing the impact on peripheral devices. Therefore, the impact on the surroundings due to the generation of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed.

[0098] (C) In the above drying device, in each of a first row and a second row aligned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the plurality of first drying sections and the plurality of second drying sections may be arranged alternately in the second direction, the first drying sections of the first row and the first drying sections of the second row may be arranged at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the second direction, and the second drying sections of the first row and the second drying sections of the second row may be arranged at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the second direction.

[0099] With this configuration, even if multiple drying units are arranged in each row at intervals in the second direction, it is difficult to create an area in the third direction where no drying unit is arranged, thereby improving drying quality while suppressing the impact of electromagnetic waves on the surrounding area.

[0100] (D) In ​​the drying device, the plurality of drying sections may include the same number of first drying sections and second drying sections. This configuration improves the degree to which the radiant waves from the first drying unit and the radiant waves from the second drying unit cancel each other out. This further reduces the radiant waves, thereby minimizing the impact on peripheral devices. This also reduces the impact on the surroundings caused by the generation of electromagnetic waves.

[0101] (E) The drying device may include a high-frequency voltage generating unit that applies a high-frequency voltage to the plurality of drying units, and the high-frequency voltage generating unit may apply a high-frequency voltage to both the first drying unit and the second drying unit.

[0102] With this configuration, the high-frequency voltage generated by the high-frequency voltage generating unit can be applied to both the first drying unit and the second drying unit, thereby suppressing the influence of electromagnetic waves on the surroundings and enabling the drying device to be made more compact.

[0103] (F) The drying device may include a high-frequency voltage generating unit that applies a high-frequency voltage to the plurality of drying sections, the high-frequency voltage generating unit including a first high-frequency voltage generating unit and a second high-frequency voltage generating unit, the first high-frequency voltage generating unit applying a high-frequency voltage to the first drying section, and the second high-frequency voltage generating unit applying a high-frequency voltage to the second drying section.

[0104] This configuration allows a high-frequency voltage to be applied from the high-frequency voltage generator to each of the multiple drying sections in a one-to-one relationship. This makes it easy to apply a high-frequency voltage of sufficient strength. This reduces the impact of electromagnetic waves on the surrounding area and allows for a more compact drying device.

[0105] (G) A recording device includes a recording unit that records on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium, and a plurality of drying units that dry the medium recorded by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, each of the plurality of drying units having a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward the medium recorded by the recording unit, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the plurality of drying units including a first drying unit and a second drying unit, the first drying unit and the second drying unit being arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, and a positive-phase high-frequency voltage being applied to the first electrode of the first drying unit and the second electrode of the second drying unit. This configuration can achieve the same effect as (A). [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] D...conveying direction, d1...distance, d2...predetermined distance, X...width direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y...depth direction, Y1...first depth direction, Y2...second depth direction, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upward, Z2...downward, 10...recording system, 11...recording device, 12...drying device, 13...feeding section, 13A...feeding roller, 14...winding section, 14A...winding roller, 20...recording section, 21...support section, 22...recording conveying section, 23...head, 24...nozzle surface, 25...carriage, 26...carriage support section, 30...drying unit, 31...high frequency generating unit, 32...drying conveying section, 33...drying section, 33A...first drying section, 33B...second drying section, 34...multiple rows, 34A...first row, 34B...second row, 35...opposing portion, 36A...first connection portion, 36B...second connection portion, 36C...third connection portion, 36D...fourth connection portion, 37...connection terminal, 37A...first terminal, 37B...second terminal, 38...transmission line, 38A...first line, 38B...second line, 39...high frequency voltage generating portion, 41...first electrode, 41A...first electrode surface, 42...second electrode, 42A...second electrode surface, 42B...opening, 43...first conductor, 43A...coil, 43B...conductor, 44...second conductor, 44A...support, 44B...connecting portion, 44C...top plate, 90...medium, 90A...surface, 90B...back surface, 91...first roll body, 92...second roll body.

Claims

1. The drying device includes a plurality of drying units that generate electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage to dry an object, Each of the plurality of drying sections includes A first electrode; A second electrode disposed so as to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward an object; a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; having The plurality of drying sections include a first drying section and a second drying section, the first drying section and the second drying section are disposed adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying section and the second electrode of the second drying section. A drying device characterized by:

2. 2. The drying device according to claim 1, The plurality of drying sections include a plurality of the first drying sections and a plurality of the second drying sections, The first drying units and the second drying units are arranged alternately in the second direction. A drying device characterized by:

3. The drying device according to claim 2, in each of a first row and a second row aligned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the first drying sections and the second drying sections are arranged alternately with respect to the second direction, the first drying section of the first row and the first drying section of the second row are disposed at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the second direction, the second drying unit of the first row and the second drying unit of the second row are disposed at positions spaced a predetermined distance apart in the second direction. A drying device characterized by:

4. In the drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The plurality of drying units include the same number of first drying units and second drying units. A drying device characterized by:

5. In the drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a high-frequency voltage generating unit that applies a high-frequency voltage to the plurality of drying units, The high frequency voltage generating unit applies a high frequency voltage to both the first drying unit and the second drying unit. A drying device characterized by:

6. In the drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a high-frequency voltage generating unit that applies a high-frequency voltage to the plurality of drying units, the high frequency voltage generating unit includes a first high frequency voltage generating unit and a second high frequency voltage generating unit, The first high frequency voltage generating unit applies a high frequency voltage to the first drying unit, The second high frequency voltage generating unit applies a high frequency voltage to the second drying unit. A drying device characterized by:

7. a recording unit that performs recording on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium; a plurality of drying units that generate electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage to dry the medium recorded by the recording unit; Equipped with Each of the plurality of drying sections includes A first electrode; a second electrode disposed to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward a medium recorded by the recording unit; a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; having The plurality of drying sections include a first drying section and a second drying section, the first drying section and the second drying section are disposed adjacent to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A normal-phase high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode of the first drying section and the second electrode of the second drying section. A recording device comprising:

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