Printing system and dryer

Abstract

To provide a printing system which enables reduction of a possibility that a medium is excessively heated with a simple structure, and to provide a dryer.SOLUTION: A print system 11 includes: a printer 12 which makes prints on a medium 99; and a dryer 13 configured to dry the printed medium. The printer includes: a transport part 32 which transports the medium; a printing part 27 which makes prints on the transported medium; and a printing control part 38. The dryer includes: a heating part 48 which heats the printed medium; a rewinding part 43 which rewinds the heated medium; and a dry control part 54. The printing control part transmits a printing interruption signal to the dry control part when printing is interrupted. The dray control part receives the printing interruption signal to control the heating part 48 so that a temperature of the heating part 48 is changed from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a drying device.

Background Art

[0002] A printing system including a printing device for printing on a medium and a drying device for drying the printed medium has been conventionally known. The medium is conveyed from the printing device to the drying device. In the printing device, the medium may stop during printing. In this case, since the medium also stops in the drying device, there is a risk that the medium is overheated. In this regard, the drying device described in Patent Document 1 has a shutter that insulates the medium. When the conveyance of the medium stops, the drying device insulates with the shutter. Thereby, the risk that the medium stopped in the drying device is overheated is reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the drying device described in Patent Document 1, since the shutter is driven at a high temperature, there is a problem in durability. Therefore, a printing system that can reduce the risk of overheating the medium with a simple configuration is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing system for solving the above problems is a printing system including a printing device for printing on a medium and a drying device for drying the printed medium. The printing device includes a conveying unit for conveying the medium, a printing unit for printing on the conveyed medium, and a printing control unit. The drying device includes a heating unit for heating the printed medium, a winding unit for winding up the heated medium, and a drying control unit. When the printing control unit interrupts printing, it transmits a printing interruption signal to the drying control unit. The drying control unit controls the heating unit to change from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature upon receiving the printing interruption signal.

[0006] The drying device for solving the above problems is a drying device for drying a medium printed by a printing device. The drying device includes a heating unit for heating the printed medium, a winding unit for winding up the heated medium, and a drying control unit. When the drying control unit receives a printing interruption signal transmitted from the printing device when printing is interrupted, it controls the heating unit to change from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system including a drying device will be described with reference to the drawings. <Printing System> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 11 includes a printing device 12 and a drying device 13. The printing device 12 is configured to print on a medium 99. The printing device 12 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photos by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium 99 such as paper or fabric. The drying device 13 is configured to dry the printed medium 99. Specifically, the drying device 13 dries the medium 99 by heating the medium 99. The printing system 11 performs printing and drying on a long medium 99 extending from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13. The printing device 12 and the drying device 13 cooperate by transmitting signals to each other.

[0009] The printing device 12 and the drying device 13 are arranged in the transport direction D1. The transport direction D1 is the direction in which the medium 99 is transported from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13. In one example, the printing device 12 and the drying device 13 are arranged at intervals in the transport direction D1. This is because a user may enter between the printing device 12 and the drying device 13.

[0010] The printing system 11 includes an input unit 14. The input unit 14 is an interface for inputting information into the printing system 11. The user operates the printing system 11 by operating the input unit 14. The input unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel. The input unit 14 may include buttons, levers, switches, etc. The input unit 14 may be attached to the printing device 12 or the drying device 13. The input unit 14 may be provided in the printing device 12 or the drying device 13. The input unit 14 may be provided in each of the printing device 12 and the drying device 13.

[0011] <Printing Device> The printing device 12 may include a feeding unit 21. The feeding unit 21 is configured to feed the medium 99. The feeding unit 21 feeds the medium 99 from, for example, a roll body. The roll body is an article around which the medium 99 is wound.

[0012] The feeding unit 21 has a feeding case 22. The feeding case 22 houses the first roll body R1. The first roll body R1 is a roll body around which the medium 99 before printing is wound. The feeding unit 21 has a feeding section 23. The feeding section 23 is housed in the feeding case 22. The feeding section 23 feeds the medium 99 from the first roll body R1. The feeding section 23 has a feeding shaft 24. The feeding shaft 24 rotatably supports the first roll body R1. The feeding shaft 24 may rotate actively, may rotate passively, or may be fixed to the feeding case 22. When the first roll body R1 rotates, the medium 99 is fed from the first roll body R1. In the feeding section 23, the first roll body R1 may rotate when the feeding shaft 24 rotates, or may rotate when the medium 99 is pulled.

[0013] The printing device 12 includes a printing unit 25. The printing unit 25 is configured to print on the medium 99. The printing unit 25 prints on the medium 99 fed from the feeding unit 21. The printing unit 25 may also print on the medium 99 fed from another device.

[0014] The printing unit 25 has a housing 26. The housing 26 is adjacent to the feeding case 22, for example. In one example, the housing 26 is aligned with the feeding case 22 in the conveying direction D1. The printing unit 25 has a printing section 27. The printing section 27 is housed in the housing 26. The printing section 27 prints on the medium 99 by discharging liquid onto the medium 99. The printing section 27 prints on the medium 99 fed from the feeding section 23. The printing section 27 prints on the medium 99 conveyed within the housing 26.

[0015] The printing section 27 has a head 28. The head 28 has a nozzle surface 30 through which one or more nozzles 29 open. The head 28 discharges liquid from the nozzles 29 onto the medium 99. The nozzle surface 30 faces the medium 99.

[0016] The printing unit 27 may have a carriage 31. The carriage 31 mounts the head 28. The carriage 31 scans the medium 99. That is, in one example, the head 28 is a serial head that prints across the width of the medium 99 by scanning the medium 99. The head 28 may also be a line head capable of ejecting liquid all at once across the width of the medium 99.

[0017] The printing unit 25 has a conveyance unit 32. The conveyance unit 32 is configured to convey the medium 99. The conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 within the housing 26. In one example, the conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 in the conveyance direction D1. In one example, the conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 intermittently. This is because, in one example, the head 28 is a serial head. When the head 28 is a line head, the conveyance unit 32 may convey the medium 99 continuously.

[0018] The conveyance unit 32 is housed in the housing 26. The conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 fed out from the feeding unit 23. The conveyance unit 32 may cause the feeding unit 23 to feed out the medium 99 by pulling the medium 99 from the first roll body R1. The conveyance unit 32 faces the printing unit 27. In one example, the conveyance unit 32 is located directly below the printing unit 27.

[0019] The conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 at a predetermined conveyance speed. The conveyance speed is indicated, for example, by the average speed of the medium 99. In one example, the conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 at a first speed during printing. The conveyance unit 32 stops the conveyance of the medium 99 during a printing interruption. For example, when maintenance of the printing unit 27 becomes necessary, printing is interrupted. In this case, the conveyance unit 32 stops.

[0020] When printing resumes, the conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 at the second speed. For example, when the maintenance of the printing unit 27 is completed, printing resumes. In this case, the conveyance unit 32 resumes driving. The second speed is slower than the first speed. That is, the conveyance unit 32 conveys the medium 99 at a speed slower than normal when printing resumes. After the conveyance unit 32 has conveyed the medium 99 at the second speed for a predetermined time, it conveys the medium 99 at the first speed again.

[0021] The conveyance unit 32 includes a first pulley 33, a second pulley 34, and a belt 35. The first pulley 33 and the second pulley 34 are arranged in the conveyance direction D1, for example. The belt 35 is wound around the first pulley 33 and the second pulley 34. The belt 35 rotates together with the first pulley 33 and the second pulley 34.

[0022] The belt 35 supports the medium 99. Specifically, the belt 35 is configured to adsorb the medium 99. In one example, the belt 35 adsorbs the medium 99 with an adhesive. An adhesive is applied to the surface of the belt 35. The belt 35 holds the medium 99 by adsorbing it. Thereby, the posture of the medium 99 is stabilized. The belt 35 may adsorb the medium 99 by, for example, static electricity or by negative pressure due to suction. As the belt 35 rotates while adsorbing the medium 99, the medium 99 is conveyed. The conveyance unit 32 is not limited to conveying the medium 99 by the belt 35 and may convey the medium 99 by, for example, rollers.

[0023] The printing unit 25 may have one or more printing guide rollers. In one example, the printing unit 25 includes a first printing guide roller 36 and a second printing guide roller 37. The printing guide rollers are configured to guide the medium 99. The printing guide rollers guide the medium 99 by contacting it. The printing guide rollers guide the medium 99 from the feeding unit 21 to the printing unit 25 or from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13.

[0024] The printing guide roller may be located inside the housing 26 or outside the housing 26. In one example, the first printing guide roller 36 and the second printing guide roller 37 are located outside the housing 26. The first printing guide roller 36 guides the medium 99 so that the medium 99 is supplied from outside the housing 26 into the housing 26. In one example, the first printing guide roller 36 guides the medium 99 fed out from the feeding unit 23 into the housing 26. The second printing guide roller 37 guides the medium 99 so that the medium 99 is discharged from inside the housing 26 to the outside of the housing 26. Specifically, the second printing guide roller 37 guides the printed medium 99 to the outside of the housing 26.

[0025] The printing unit 25 has a printing control unit 38. The printing control unit 38 controls the printing unit 25. Specifically, the printing control unit 38 controls the printing unit 27 and the conveying unit 32. The printing control unit 38 may control the feeding unit 21 in addition to the printing unit 25. The printing control unit 38 may control the feeding unit 23, for example.

[0026] The printing control unit 38 may be composed of one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The printing control unit 38 may be composed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit that executes at least a part of the various processes. The printing control unit 38 may be composed of a circuit including a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium, includes any available readable medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0027] The printing control unit 38 communicates with the drying device 13. The printing control unit 38 transmits various signals to the drying device 13. By transmitting a signal to the drying device 13, the printing control unit 38 notifies the state of the printing device 12. The printing control unit 38 receives various signals from the drying device 13. By receiving a signal from the drying device 13, the printing control unit 38 grasps the state of the drying device 13.

[0028] The printing control unit 38 transmits a printing signal to the drying device 13. The printing signal is a signal that notifies the drying device 13 that the printing device 12 is in the process of printing. When in the process of printing, the printing control unit 38 continues to transmit the printing signal to the drying device 13. Even when printing is interrupted, the printing control unit 38 continues to transmit the printing signal to the drying device 13. When printing is completed, the printing control unit 38 stops transmitting the printing signal.

[0029] The printing control unit 38 transmits a printing interruption signal to the drying device 13. The printing interruption signal is a signal that notifies the drying device 13 that the printing device 12 has interrupted printing. When printing is interrupted, the printing control unit 38 transmits the printing interruption signal to the drying device 13. For example, when maintenance of the printing unit 27 is required during printing, the printing control unit 38 transmits the printing interruption signal.

[0030] The printing control unit 38 transmits a printing resumption signal to the drying device 13. The printing resumption signal is a signal that notifies the drying device 13 that the printing device 12 has resumed printing. When printing is resumed, the printing control unit 38 transmits the printing resumption signal to the drying device 13. For example, when the maintenance of the printing unit 27 is completed, the printing control unit 38 transmits the printing resumption signal to the drying device 13.

[0031] The printing control unit 38 transmits a printing preparation signal to the drying device 13. The printing preparation signal is a signal that notifies the drying device 13 that the printing device 12 is preparing for printing. For example, when a printing instruction is input from the input unit 14, the printing control unit 38 also transmits the printing preparation signal to the drying device 13.

[0032] The printing control unit 38 transmits a conveyance signal to the drying device 13. The conveyance signal is a signal for notifying the drying device 13 that the printing device 12 is conveying the medium 99. When the medium 99 is being conveyed, the printing control unit 38 continues to transmit the conveyance signal to the drying device 13. For example, when printing is in progress, the printing control unit 38 continues to transmit the conveyance signal to the drying device 13. When the conveyance of the medium 99 stops, the printing control unit 38 stops transmitting the conveyance signal. For example, when printing is interrupted or when printing is finished, the printing control unit 38 stops transmitting the conveyance signal.

[0033] The printing control unit 38 transmits a conveyance amount signal to the drying device 13. The conveyance amount signal is a signal for notifying the drying device 13 of the conveyance amount of the medium 99 by the printing device 12. The conveyance amount signal notifies the drying device 13 of, for example, a voltage value. The larger the voltage value, the larger the conveyance amount. As the medium 99 is conveyed, the printing control unit 38 transmits the conveyance amount signal to the drying device 13. Thereby, the conveyance amounts of the printing device 12 and the drying device 13 are coordinated. If there is a large difference in the conveyance amounts between the printing device 12 and the drying device 13, the medium 99 may slack or the tension applied to the medium 99 may become excessive.

[0034] The printing control unit 38 receives a heating preparation completion signal (to be described later) from the drying device 13. By receiving the heating preparation completion signal, the printing control unit 38 grasps that the preparation of the drying device 13 is complete. In addition, the printing control unit 38 receives a temperature not reached signal (to be described later), a temperature rise start signal (to be described later), etc. from the drying device 13.

[0035] During printing, the printing control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at a first speed. The printing control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at a second speed from when the printing restart signal is transmitted until the heating preparation completion signal is received. That is, until the preparation of the drying device 13 is complete after printing is restarted, the printing control unit 38 conveys the medium 99 at a speed slower than normal.

[0036] <Drying Device> The drying device 13 has a winding unit 41. The winding unit 41 is configured to wind the medium 99. The winding unit 41 forms a roll body by winding the medium 99.

[0037] The winding unit 41 has a winding case 42. The winding case 42 houses the second roll body R2. The second roll body R2 is a roll body around which the printed medium 99 is wound.

[0038] The winding unit 41 has a winding part 43. The winding part 43 winds the medium 99. Specifically, the winding part 43 winds the dried medium 99. The winding part 43 has a winding shaft 44. The winding shaft 44 is housed in the winding case 42. The winding shaft 44 rotatably supports the second roll body R2. When the winding shaft 44 rotates, the medium 99 is wound. That is, as the winding shaft 44 rotates, the second roll body R2 also rotates. The medium 99 is conveyed in the drying device 13 by being wound around the winding part 43.

[0039] The winding part 43 is driven to wind the medium 99 at a speed faster than that of the conveying part 32. That is, the winding part 43 is driven so that the winding speed is faster than the conveying speed. Thereby, tension is applied to the medium 99 between the conveying part 32 and the winding part 43. When tension is applied to the medium 99, the posture of the medium 99 is stabilized. In one example, when tension is applied to the medium 99, it becomes easier to peel the medium 99 from the belt 35.

[0040] The winding part 43 may have a dancer roller 45. The dancer roller 45 may be located inside the winding case 42 or outside the winding case 42. The medium 99 is wound around the dancer roller 45. Specifically, the medium 99 before being wound around the winding shaft 44 is wound around the dancer roller 45. The dancer roller 45 is configured to be displaced. The dancer roller 45 adjusts the tension applied to the medium 99 by being displaced. Thereby, it becomes easier for the winding shaft 44 to stably wind the medium 99.

[0041] The winding unit 43 may be driven to move the medium 99 in the conveying direction D1 and the opposite direction in the drying device 13. The winding unit 43 moves the medium 99 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction D1 by loosening or pulling the medium 99. For example, the winding unit 43 may move the medium 99 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction D1 by rotating the winding shaft 44 forward or backward. For example, the winding unit 43 may move the medium 99 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction D1 by displacing the dancer roller 45. The medium 99 loosens, for example, so that the portion of the medium 99 located between the printing device 12 and the drying device 13 drops. As a result, the medium 99 moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction D1 in the drying device 13.

[0042] The drying device 13 includes a drying unit 46. The drying unit 46 is configured to dry the medium 99. The drying unit 46 dries the medium 99 printed by the printing device 12. After being dried by the drying unit 46, the medium 99 is wound up by the winding unit 41.

[0043] The drying unit 46 has a drying furnace 47. The drying furnace 47 is adjacent to the winding case 42. In one example, the drying furnace 47 is aligned with the winding case 42 in the conveying direction D1. The printed medium 99 enters the drying furnace 47.

[0044] The drying unit 46 has a heating unit 48. The heating unit 48 is housed in the drying furnace 47. The heating unit 48 heats the medium 99. As a result, the liquid adhering to the medium 99 evaporates. As a result, the color components are fixed on the medium 99.

[0045] The heating unit 48 has one or more heating members 49. In one example, the heating unit 48 has a plurality of heating members 49. The heating member 49 is, for example, an infrared heater. The plurality of heating members 49 are aligned in the conveying direction D1. The heating member 49 is located, for example, so as to face the printed surface of the medium 99. The heating member 49 irradiates infrared rays onto the printed surface of the medium 99.

[0046] The heating unit 48 heats the medium 99 to a predetermined temperature. In one example, the heating unit 48 heats the medium 99 at a first temperature during printing. The heating unit 48 heats the medium 99 at a second temperature when printing is interrupted. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature. That is, the heating unit 48 heats the medium 99 at a lower temperature than normal when printing is interrupted. Thereby, the risk that the medium 99 is overheated is reduced. Specifically, when printing is interrupted, the conveyance of the medium 99 stops. When printing is interrupted, since the medium 99 stagnates in the drying furnace 47, the heating time of the medium 99 becomes longer. Therefore, the medium 99 is likely to be overheated. In contrast, when the temperature of the heating unit 48 drops when printing is interrupted, the risk that the medium 99 is overheated is reduced.

[0047] When printing resumes, the heating unit 48 returns from the second temperature to the first temperature. At this time, since the heating unit 48 returns from the second temperature to the first temperature, it takes a predetermined time. Therefore, if the medium 99 is conveyed at the first speed when printing resumes, there is a risk that the heating of the medium 99 is insufficient. In this regard, when printing resumes, since the medium 99 is conveyed at the second speed, the time it is located in the drying furnace 47 becomes longer. Thereby, the risk that the heating of the medium 99 is insufficient is reduced.

[0048] The drying unit 46 has an exhaust duct 50. The exhaust duct 50 is a duct for exhausting from the drying furnace 47. The exhaust duct 50 extends from the drying furnace 47. The exhaust duct 50 is attached to the drying furnace 47. In one example, the exhaust duct 50 is attached to the upper surface of the drying furnace 47. Thereby, the vapor in the drying furnace 47 is easily exhausted. This is because the vapor tends to float upward when heated by the heating unit 48. By exhausting the vapor from the drying furnace 47, the drying of the medium 99 is promoted.

[0049] The drying unit 46 has an exhaust fan 51. The exhaust fan 51 is a fan that exhausts from the drying furnace 47. The exhaust fan 51 exhausts from the drying furnace 47 through the exhaust duct 50. The exhaust fan 51 is attached to the drying furnace 47. In one example, the exhaust fan 51 is attached to the upper surface of the drying furnace 47. The exhaust fan 51 is attached to the exhaust duct 50. The exhaust fan 51 may be located outside the exhaust duct 50 or may be located inside the exhaust duct 50.

[0050] The exhaust fan 51 exhausts the inside of the drying furnace 47 at a predetermined exhaust volume. In one example, the exhaust fan 51 exhausts the inside of the drying furnace 47 at a first exhaust volume during printing. The exhaust fan 51 exhausts the inside of the drying furnace 47 at a second exhaust volume when printing is interrupted. The second exhaust volume is an exhaust volume larger than the first exhaust volume. That is, the exhaust fan 51 exhausts the inside of the drying furnace 47 at a larger exhaust volume than normal when printing is interrupted. Thereby, since the temperature inside the drying furnace 47 decreases, the risk that the medium 99 is overheated is reduced.

[0051] When printing resumes, the exhaust fan 51 returns from the second exhaust volume to the first exhaust volume. Thereby, it is easy for the inside of the drying furnace 47 to be warmed by the heating unit 48. That is, the temperature inside the drying furnace 47 is easy to return.

[0052] The drying unit 46 may have one or more drying guide rollers. In one example, the drying unit 46 has a first drying guide roller 52 and a second drying guide roller 53. The drying guide roller is configured to guide the medium 99 in the same manner as the printing guide roller. The drying guide roller guides the medium 99 by contacting the medium 99. The drying guide roller guides the medium 99 from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13 or from the drying unit 46 to the winding unit 41.

[0053] The drying guide roller may be located inside the drying furnace 47 or outside the drying furnace 47. In one example, the first drying guide roller 52 and the second drying guide roller 53 are located outside the drying furnace 47. The first drying guide roller 52 guides the medium 99 so that the medium 99 is supplied from outside the drying furnace 47 into the drying furnace 47. In one example, the first drying guide roller 52 guides the medium 99 conveyed from the printing device 12 into the drying furnace 47. The second drying guide roller 53 guides the medium 99 so that the medium 99 is discharged from inside the drying furnace 47 to the outside of the drying furnace 47. Specifically, the second drying guide roller 53 guides the dried medium 99 to the outside of the drying furnace 47.

[0054] The drying unit 46 has a drying control unit 54. The drying control unit 54 controls the drying unit 46. Specifically, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 and the exhaust fan 51. In addition to the drying unit 46, the drying control unit 54 may control the winding unit 41. For example, the drying control unit 54 may control the winding unit 43. The drying control unit 54 may be composed of a processor, a hardware circuit, or a circuit including a combination thereof, similar to the printing control unit 38.

[0055] The drying control unit 54 communicates with the printing device 12. Specifically, the drying control unit 54 communicates with the printing control unit 38. The drying control unit 54 transmits various signals to the printing control unit 38. By transmitting a signal to the printing control unit 38, the drying control unit 54 notifies the state of the drying device 13. The drying control unit 54 receives various signals from the printing control unit 38. By receiving a signal from the printing control unit 38, the drying control unit 54 grasps the state of the printing device 12.

[0056] The drying control unit 54 transmits a heating preparation completion signal to the printing apparatus 12. The heating preparation completion signal is a signal for notifying the printing apparatus 12 that the preparation for heating has been completed. The drying control unit 54 transmits the heating preparation completion signal to the printing apparatus 12 when the heating unit 48 reaches the first temperature. The drying control unit 54 transmits the heating preparation completion signal, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the printing restart signal. The drying control unit 54 transmits the heating preparation completion signal, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the printing preparation signal.

[0057] The drying control unit 54 transmits a temperature not reached signal to the printing apparatus 12. The temperature not reached signal is a signal for notifying the printing apparatus 12 that the temperature of the heating unit 48 has not reached the first temperature. The drying control unit 54 transmits the temperature not reached signal at the time of printing interruption. The drying control unit 54 also transmits the temperature not reached signal when the heating unit 48 is at the second temperature.

[0058] The drying control unit 54 transmits a temperature rise start signal to the printing apparatus 12. The temperature rise start signal is a signal for notifying the printing apparatus 12 that the temperature of the heating unit 48 has started to rise from the second temperature. The drying control unit 54 transmits the temperature rise start signal to the printing apparatus 12 at the time of printing restart.

[0059] The drying control unit 54 receives a printing interruption signal from the drying apparatus 13. By receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 grasps that printing has been interrupted in the printing apparatus 12. The drying control unit 54 receives a printing restart signal from the drying apparatus 13. By receiving the printing restart signal, the drying control unit 54 grasps that printing has been restarted in the printing apparatus 12. In addition to the printing interruption signal and the printing restart signal, the printing control unit 38 receives a printing in progress signal, a printing preparation signal, a conveyance signal, a conveyance amount signal, etc. from the drying apparatus 13.

[0060] Upon receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the first temperature to the second temperature. That is, upon receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 lowers the temperature of the heating unit 48. Thereby, the possibility that the medium 99 stagnating in the drying furnace 47 is overheated is reduced. In this way, without having a complicated configuration, the drying apparatus 13 can reduce the possibility that the medium 99 is overheated.

[0061] Upon receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 may control the winding unit 43 to move the medium 99 in the conveyance direction D1 and the opposite direction thereof. If the medium 99 stagnates in the drying furnace 47, there is a possibility of uneven heating. This is because there are regions in the drying furnace 47 where heating by the heating unit 48 is easy and regions where it is difficult. For example, in the drying furnace 47, the region directly below the heating member 49 is a region where heat is easily reached. On the other hand, by moving the medium 99 in the conveyance direction D1 and the opposite direction in the drying furnace 47, the possibility of uneven heating occurring in the medium 99 is reduced.

[0062] Upon receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 may control the exhaust fan 51 to be driven at a second exhaust volume from the first exhaust volume. Thereby, the possibility that the medium 99 is overheated is reduced.

[0063] Upon receiving the printing restart signal, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the second temperature to the first temperature. That is, upon receiving the printing restart signal, the drying control unit 54 raises the temperature of the heating unit 48. Thereby, after the printing restarts, the drying apparatus 13 can appropriately heat the medium 99.

[0064] <Interruption Process> Next, an example of the interruption process executed by the printing control unit 38 will be described. The interruption process is a process including printing interruption and printing restart. The interruption process is started when it becomes necessary to perform maintenance on the printing unit 27 during printing.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, in step S11, the print control unit 38 transmits a print interruption signal to the drying control unit 54. At this time, the print control unit 38 stops the printing unit 27 and the conveyance unit 32.

[0066] In step S12, the print control unit 38 determines whether the maintenance of the printing unit 27 has been completed. If the maintenance has been completed, the print control unit 38 proceeds to step S13. If the maintenance has not been completed, the print control unit 38 repeats the process of step S12.

[0067] In step S13, the print control unit 38 transmits a print restart signal to the drying control unit 54. That is, when the maintenance of the printing unit 27 is completed, the print control unit 38 transmits a print restart signal to the drying control unit 54.

[0068] In step S14, the print control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at the second speed. That is, the print control unit 38 resumes printing while conveying the medium 99 at the second speed. Thereby, the possibility that the heating of the medium 99 is insufficient in the drying device 13 is reduced.

[0069] In step S15, the print control unit 38 determines whether a heating preparation completion signal has been received. If the heating preparation completion signal has been received, the print control unit 38 proceeds to step S16. If the heating preparation completion signal has not been received, the print control unit 38 repeats the process of step S15.

[0070] In step S16, the print control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at the first speed. That is, when the heating preparation completion signal is received, the print control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at the first speed. Thereby, the medium 99 is appropriately heated. When the process of step S16 is completed, the interruption process ends.

[0071] <Suppression Process> Next, an example of the suppression process executed by the drying control unit 54 will be described. The suppression process is a process for suppressing excessive heating of the medium 99. The suppression process is started, for example, when a print interruption signal is input from the print control unit 38 to the drying control unit 54.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S21, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the first temperature to the second temperature. That is, when the drying control unit 54 receives a print interruption signal, it controls the heating unit 48 to change from the first temperature to the second temperature. At this time, the drying control unit 54 may control the winding unit 43 so that the medium 99 moves in the transport direction D1 and the opposite direction. Also, the drying control unit 54 may control the exhaust fan 51 to be driven at a second exhaust volume from a first exhaust volume. As a result, the possibility that the medium 99 is excessively heated is reduced.

[0073] In step S22, the drying control unit 54 determines whether a print restart signal has been received. When the print restart signal is received, the drying control unit 54 proceeds to step S23. When the print restart signal has not been received, the drying control unit 54 repeats the process of step S22.

[0074] In step S23, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the second temperature to the first temperature. That is, when the drying control unit 54 receives a print restart signal, it controls the heating unit 48 to change from the second temperature to the first temperature. At this time, the drying control unit 54 controls the winding unit 43 in accordance with the medium 99 being transported at the second speed. Also, at this time, the drying control unit 54 may control the exhaust fan 51 to be driven at the first exhaust volume.

[0075] In step S24, the drying control unit 54 determines whether the heating unit 48 has reached the first temperature. When the heating unit 48 has reached the first temperature, the drying control unit 54 proceeds to step S25. When the heating unit 48 has not reached the first temperature, the drying control unit 54 repeats the process of step S24.

[0076] In step S25, the drying control unit 54 transmits a heating preparation completion signal to the printing control unit 38. That is, when the heating unit 48 reaches the first temperature, the drying control unit 54 transmits a heating preparation completion signal to the printing control unit 38. When the process of step S25 is completed, the suppression process ends.

[0077] <Function and Effect> Next, the function and effect of the above embodiment will be described. (1) When the printing control unit 38 interrupts printing, it transmits a printing interruption signal to the drying control unit 54. When receiving the printing interruption signal, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature. According to the above configuration, when the medium 99 stops due to printing interruption, the temperature of the heating unit 48 decreases. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the risk of the medium 99 being overheated is reduced.

[0078] (2) When receiving a printing restart signal from the printing control unit 38, the drying control unit 54 controls the heating unit 48 to change from the second temperature to the first temperature. When the heating unit 48 reaches the first temperature, the drying control unit 54 transmits a heating preparation completion signal to the printing control unit 38. The printing control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at the first speed during printing. When restarting printing, the printing control unit 38 transmits a printing restart signal to the drying control unit 54. The printing control unit 38 controls the conveyance unit 32 to convey the medium 99 at a second speed slower than the first speed from the time of transmitting the printing restart signal until receiving the heating preparation completion signal. If the medium 99 is conveyed at the first speed until the heating unit 48 changes from the second temperature to the first temperature, there is a risk that the heating of the medium 99 is insufficient. According to the above configuration, since the medium 99 is conveyed at the second speed until the heating unit 48 changes from the second temperature to the first temperature, the risk of insufficient heating of the medium 99 is reduced.

[0079] (3) When the drying control unit 54 receives the printing interruption signal, it controls the winding unit 43 to move the medium 99 in the conveying direction D1 and the opposite direction thereof. In the drying device 13, there are a position where the heat from the heating unit 48 easily reaches and a position where the heat from the heating unit 48 hardly reaches. Therefore, when the medium 99 stops in the drying device 13, there is a possibility that uneven heating occurs in the medium 99. According to the above configuration, by moving the medium 99 in the conveying direction D1 and the opposite direction, uneven heating of the medium 99 is reduced.

[0080] (4) When the drying control unit 54 receives the printing interruption signal, it controls the exhaust fan 51 to be driven at a second exhaust volume larger than the first exhaust volume from the first exhaust volume. According to the above configuration, when the medium 99 stops due to a printing interruption, the exhaust volume of the exhaust fan 51 increases, so that the temperature of the drying furnace 47 decreases. Therefore, the possibility that the medium 99 is overheated is reduced.

[0081] <Modified Example> The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0082] · At the time of printing interruption, the medium 99 may be reciprocally moved in the conveying direction D1 and the opposite direction by the feeding unit 23 and the winding unit 43. That is, the printing system 11 may reciprocally move the medium 99 while applying tension to the medium 99.

[0083] · Similar to the winding unit 43, the feeding unit 23 may have a dancer roller. · The drying unit 46 may have a cooling fan that cools the medium 99 at the time of printing interruption. The cooling fan is attached to the drying furnace 47. The cooling fan reduces the possibility that the medium 99 is overheated by blowing outside air onto the medium 99.

[0084] The liquid ejected by the head 28 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the head 28 may eject a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, and a surface emission display in a dispersed or dissolved form.

[0085] <Technical idea> The following describes the technical idea and its effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modification examples.

[0086] (A) A printing system is a printing system including a printing device that prints on a medium and a drying device that dries the printed medium. The printing device includes a conveyance unit that conveys the medium, a printing unit that prints on the conveyed medium, and a printing control unit. The drying device includes a heating unit that heats the printed medium, a winding unit that winds up the heated medium, and a drying control unit. When the printing control unit interrupts printing, it transmits a printing interruption signal to the drying control unit. The drying control unit controls the heating unit to change from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature by receiving the printing interruption signal. According to the above configuration, when the medium stops due to printing interruption, the temperature of the heating unit decreases. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the risk of the medium being overheated is reduced.

[0087] (B) In the above printing system, when the drying control unit receives a printing restart signal from the printing control unit, it controls the heating unit to change from the second temperature to the first temperature. When the heating unit reaches the first temperature, it sends a heating preparation completion signal to the printing control unit. The printing control unit controls the conveying unit to convey the medium at a first speed during printing. When restarting printing, it sends the printing restart signal to the drying control unit. Between sending the printing restart signal and receiving the heating preparation completion signal, the conveying unit may be controlled to convey the medium at a second speed slower than the first speed. If the medium is conveyed at the first speed until the heating unit changes from the second temperature to the first temperature, there is a risk of insufficient heating of the medium. According to the above configuration, since the medium is conveyed at the second speed until the heating unit changes from the second temperature to the first temperature, the risk of insufficient heating of the medium is reduced.

[0088] (C) In the above printing system, when the drying control unit receives the printing interruption signal, it may control the winding unit to move the medium in the conveying direction and the opposite direction. In the drying device, there are positions where the heat from the heating unit is likely to reach and positions where the heat from the heating unit is less likely to reach. Therefore, if the medium stops in the drying device, there is a risk of uneven heating of the medium. According to the above configuration, by moving the medium in the conveying direction and the opposite direction, the uneven heating of the medium is reduced.

[0089] (D) In the above printing system, the drying device includes a drying furnace into which the medium enters and an exhaust fan that exhausts air from the drying furnace. When the drying control unit receives the printing interruption signal, it may control the exhaust fan to be driven at a second exhaust volume larger than the first exhaust volume from the first exhaust volume. According to the above configuration, when the medium stops due to printing interruption, the exhaust volume of the exhaust fan increases, causing the temperature of the drying furnace to drop. Therefore, the risk of excessive heating of the medium is reduced.

[0090] (E) The drying device is a drying device that dries the medium printed by the printing device, and includes a heating unit that heats the printed medium, a winding unit that winds up the heated medium, and a drying control unit. The drying control unit may control the heating unit to change from the first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature by receiving a printing interruption signal transmitted from the printing device when printing is interrupted. According to the above configuration, the same effect as the above-described printing system can be obtained.

Explanation of Signs

[0091] 11…Printing system, 12…Printing device, 13…Drying device, 14…Input unit, 21…Pay-out unit, 22…Pay-out case, 23…Pay-out section, 24…Pay-out shaft, 25…Printing unit, 26…Housing, 27…Printing section, 28…Head, 29…Nozzle, 30…Nozzle surface, 31…Carriage, 32…Conveying section, 33…First pulley, 34…Second pulley, 35…Belt, 36…First printing guide roller, 37…Second printing guide roller, 38…Printing control unit, 41…Winding unit, 42…Winding case, 43…Winding section, 44…Winding shaft, 45…Dancer roller, 46…Drying unit, 47…Drying furnace, 48…Heating unit, 49…Heating member, 50…Exhaust duct, 51…Exhaust fan, 52…First drying guide roller, 53…Second drying guide roller, 54…Drying control unit, 99…Medium, D1…Conveying direction, R1…First roll body, R2…Second roll body.

Claims

1. A printing system comprising a printing device for printing on a medium and a drying device for drying the printed medium, wherein the printing device comprises a conveyance unit for conveying the medium, a printing unit for printing on the conveyed medium, and a printing control unit, and the drying device comprises a heating unit for heating the printed medium, a winding unit for winding up the heated medium, and a drying control unit, wherein the printing control unit transmits a printing interruption signal to the drying control unit when interrupting printing, and the drying control unit controls the heating unit to change from a first temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature by receiving the printing interruption signal, characterized in that it is a printing system.

2. The drying control unit controls the heating unit to change from the second temperature to the first temperature by receiving a printing restart signal from the printing control unit, and transmits a heating preparation completion signal to the printing control unit when the heating unit reaches the first temperature, and the printing control unit controls the conveyance unit to convey the medium at a first speed during printing, transmits the printing restart signal to the drying control unit when restarting printing, and controls the conveyance unit to convey the medium at a second speed slower than the first speed from the time of transmitting the printing restart signal until receiving the heating preparation completion signal, characterized in that it is the printing system according to Claim 1.

3. The drying control unit controls the winding unit to move the medium in the conveyance direction and the opposite direction by receiving the printing interruption signal, characterized in that it is the printing system according to Claim 1.

4. The drying device A drying furnace into which the medium enters, and an exhaust fan that exhausts air from the drying furnace, and the drying control unit controls the exhaust fan to be driven at a second exhaust volume larger than the first exhaust volume from the first exhaust volume by receiving the printing interruption signal. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A drying device for drying a medium printed by a printing device, a heating unit that heats the printed medium, a winding unit that winds up the heated medium, and a drying control unit, and the drying control unit controls the heating unit to be at a second temperature lower than the first temperature by receiving a printing interruption signal transmitted from the printing device when printing is interrupted. A drying device characterized by this.

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