Dryer and printing system

Abstract

To provide a dryer which can dry a medium with a simple structure, and to provide a printing system.SOLUTION: A dryer 13 includes: a drying furnace 47 into which a printed medium goes; a heating unit 48 which heats the medium; and a transport part 61 which transports the medium. The transport part has: a holding part 69 which holds an end of the medium; and a support part 62 which supports the holding part. The support part extends in one direction and the holding part is configured to move along the support part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a drying device that dries a medium while conveying it by a belt conveyor.

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 belt conveyor is driven at a high temperature, there are difficulties in durability. Further, in the belt conveyor, there is a risk that the printing liquid adhering to the medium may be transferred, which is troublesome in terms of maintenance. Therefore, a drying device that can dry the medium with a simple configuration is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The drying device for solving the above problems includes a drying furnace into which a printed medium enters, a heating unit that heats the medium, and a conveying unit that conveys the medium. The conveying unit has a holding unit that holds an end portion of the medium and a support unit that supports the holding unit. The support unit extends in one direction, and the holding unit is configured to move along the support unit.

[0006] A 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 printing unit for printing on the medium. The drying device includes a drying furnace into which the printed medium enters, a heating unit for heating the medium, and a conveying unit for conveying the medium. The conveying unit has a holding unit for holding an end portion of the medium and a supporting unit for supporting the holding unit. The supporting unit extends in one direction, and the holding unit is configured to move along the supporting unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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. The printing device 12 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric. The drying device 13 is configured to dry the printed medium. Specifically, the drying device 13 dries the medium by heating the medium. The printing device 12 and the drying device 13 cooperate by transmitting signals to each other.

[0009] The printing system 11 performs printing and drying on the medium. The printing system 11 performs printing and drying, for example, on a long medium LM that extends from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13. The long medium LM is, for example, a roll fabric. The printing system 11 may also perform printing and drying on a single-sheet medium CM. The user may use the single-sheet medium CM to check the finish of printing and drying. The single-sheet medium CM is, for example, a cut fabric.

[0010] The printing device 12 and the drying device 13 are arranged in the conveyance direction D1. The conveyance direction D1 is the direction in which the long medium LM is conveyed 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 conveyance direction D1. This is because the user may enter between the printing device 12 and the drying device 13.

[0011] 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 may be attached to the drying device 13. The input unit 14 may be provided in the printing device 12 or may be provided in the drying device 13. The input unit 14 may be provided in each of the printing device 12 and the drying device 13.

[0012] <Printing Device> The printing device 12 may include a feeding unit 21. The feeding unit 21 is configured to feed a long medium LM. The feeding unit 21 feeds the long medium LM from, for example, a roll body. The roll body is an article around which the long medium LM is wound.

[0013] The feeding unit 21 has a feeding case 22. The feeding case 22 houses a first roll body R1. The first roll body R1 is a roll body around which the long medium LM before printing is wound.

[0014] 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 long medium LM 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 long medium LM 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 long medium LM is pulled.

[0015] The printing device 12 includes a printing unit 25. The printing unit 25 is configured to print on a medium. The printing unit 25 prints on the long medium LM fed from the feeding unit 21. The printing unit 25 may also print on a long medium LM fed from another device. The printing unit 25 may print on a single-sheet medium CM separately set in the printing unit 25.

[0016] The printing unit 25 has a housing 26. The housing 26 is adjacent to, for example, the feeding case 22. In one example, the housing 26 is aligned with the feeding case 22 in the conveyance direction D1. The printing unit 25 has a printing section 27. The printing section 27 is housed in a housing 26. The printing section 27 prints on a medium by discharging a liquid onto the medium. The printing section 27 prints on the medium conveyed within the housing 26. The printing section 27 prints on the long medium LM fed out from the feeding section 23. The printing section 27 may also print on a single-sheet medium CM.

[0017] 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 a liquid from the nozzles 29 onto the medium. The nozzle surface 30 faces the medium.

[0018] The printing section 27 may have a carriage 31. The carriage 31 mounts the head 28. The carriage 31 scans relative to the medium. That is, in one example, the head 28 is a serial head that prints across the width of the medium by scanning relative to the medium. The head 28 may also be a line head capable of discharging liquid all at once across the width of the medium.

[0019] The printing unit 25 has a printing conveyance section 32. The printing conveyance section 32 is configured to convey the medium. The printing conveyance section 32 conveys the medium within the housing 26. In one example, the printing conveyance section 32 conveys the medium in the conveyance direction D1. In one example, the printing conveyance section 32 conveys the medium intermittently. This is, in one example, because the head 28 is a serial head. When the head 28 is a line head, the printing conveyance section 32 may convey the medium continuously. The printing conveyance section 32 conveys at a predetermined conveyance speed. The conveyance speed is indicated, for example, by the average speed of the medium. The conveyance speed is set, for example, by the user operating the input section 14.

[0020] The printing conveyance unit 32 is housed in the housing 26. The printing conveyance unit 32 faces the printing unit 27. In one example, the printing conveyance unit 32 is located directly below the printing unit 27. The printing conveyance unit 32 conveys the long medium LM fed out from the feeding unit 23. The printing conveyance unit 32 may cause the feeding unit 23 to feed out the long medium LM by pulling the long medium LM from the first roll body R1. The printing conveyance unit 32 may also convey the single-sheet medium CM. The printing conveyance unit 32 can convey both the long medium LM and the single-sheet medium CM.

[0021] The printing 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 at intervals 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. Specifically, the belt 35 is configured to adsorb the medium. In one example, the belt 35 adsorbs the medium with an adhesive. An adhesive is applied to the surface of the belt 35. The belt 35 holds the medium by adsorbing the medium. Thereby, the posture of the medium is stabilized. The belt 35 may adsorb the medium by, for example, static electricity or by negative pressure due to suction. The medium is conveyed as the belt 35 rotates while adsorbing the medium. The printing conveyance unit 32 is not limited to conveying the medium by the belt 35, and may convey the medium by, for example, a roller.

[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 roller is configured to guide the long medium LM. The printing guide roller guides the long medium LM by contacting the long medium LM. The printing guide roller guides the long medium LM 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 rollers may be located inside 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 so that, for example, the long medium LM is supplied from outside the housing 26 into the housing 26. In one example, the first printing guide roller 36 guides the long medium LM fed out from the feeding unit 23 into the housing 26. The second printing guide roller 37 guides the long medium LM so that, for example, it is discharged from inside the housing 26 to the outside of the housing 26. Specifically, the second printing guide roller 37 guides the printed long medium LM 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 printing conveyance 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, for example, the feeding unit 23.

[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 some 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 configured to cause the CPU to execute a process or instructions. 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 signals 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 signals from the drying device 13, the printing control unit 38 grasps the state of the drying device 13.

[0028] <Drying device> The drying device 13 has a winding unit 41. The winding unit 41 is configured to wind the long medium LM. The winding unit 41 forms a roll body by winding the long medium LM.

[0029] 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 long medium LM is wound.

[0030] The winding unit 41 has a winding portion 43. The winding portion 43 winds the long medium LM. Specifically, the winding portion 43 winds the dried long medium LM. The winding portion 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 long medium LM is wound. That is, as the winding shaft 44 rotates, the second roll body R2 also rotates. The long medium LM is conveyed in the drying device 13 by being wound around the winding portion 43.

[0031] The winding portion 43 is driven to wind the long medium LM at a speed faster than that of the printing conveyance portion 32. That is, the winding portion 43 is driven so that the winding speed is faster than the conveyance speed. Thereby, tension is applied to the long medium LM between the printing conveyance portion 32 and the winding portion 43. When tension is applied to the long medium LM, the posture of the long medium LM is stabilized. In one example, when tension is applied to the long medium LM, it becomes easier to peel the long medium LM from the belt 35.

[0032] The take-up unit 43 may have a dancer roller 45. The dancer roller 45 may be located inside the take-up case 42 or outside the take-up case 42. The long-sized medium LM is wound around the dancer roller 45. Specifically, the long-sized medium LM before being wound around the take-up shaft 44 is wound around the dancer roller 45. The dancer roller 45 is configured to be displaceable. By being displaced, the dancer roller 45 adjusts the tension applied to the long-sized medium LM. Thereby, the take-up shaft 44 can stably wind the long-sized medium LM more easily.

[0033] The drying device 13 includes a drying unit 46. The drying unit 46 is configured to dry the medium. The drying unit 46 dries the medium printed by the printing device 12. The drying unit 46 dries the long-sized medium LM conveyed from the printing device 12. The drying unit 46 may also dry the single-sheet medium CM separately set in the drying unit 46. After being dried by the drying unit 46, the long-sized medium LM is wound by the winding unit 41.

[0034] The drying unit 46 has a drying furnace 47. The drying furnace 47 is adjacent to the take-up case 42. In one example, the drying furnace 47 is aligned with the take-up case 42 in the conveying direction D1. The printed medium enters the drying furnace 47.

[0035] 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. Thereby, the liquid adhering to the medium evaporates. As a result, the medium dries.

[0036] 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. The heating member 49 irradiates infrared rays onto the printed surface of the medium.

[0037] The heating member 49 extends in the longitudinal direction D2. The longitudinal direction D2 is a direction different from the conveyance direction D1. The longitudinal direction D2 is a direction that serves as an index indicating the width of the medium. By extending in the longitudinal direction D2, the heating member 49 can irradiate infrared rays over the entire width of the medium.

[0038] The drying unit 46 has an exhaust duct 50. The exhaust duct 50 is a duct for exhausting air 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. The exhaust duct 50 extends upward from the drying furnace 47. This makes it easier to exhaust the vapor inside the drying furnace 47. This is because the vapor tends to float upward when heated by the heating unit 48. Exhausting the vapor from the drying furnace 47 promotes the drying of the medium.

[0039] The drying unit 46 has an exhaust fan 51. The exhaust fan 51 is a fan for exhausting air from the drying furnace 47. The exhaust fan 51 exhausts air 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 inside the exhaust duct 50.

[0040] 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. Similar to the printing guide roller, the drying guide roller is configured to guide the long medium LM. The drying guide roller guides the long medium LM by contacting the long medium LM. The drying guide roller guides the long medium LM from the printing device 12 to the drying device 13 or from the drying unit 46 to the winding unit 41.

[0041] The drying guide roller may be located inside 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 long media LM so that, for example, the long media LM is supplied from outside the drying furnace 47 into the drying furnace 47. In one example, the first drying guide roller 52 guides the long media LM conveyed from the printing apparatus 12 into the drying furnace 47. The second drying guide roller 53 guides the long media LM so that, for example, it 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 long media LM outside the drying furnace 47.

[0042] 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. The drying control unit 54 controls the conveying unit 61, which will be described later. 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. Similar to the printing control unit 38, the drying control unit 54 may be composed of a processor, may be composed of a hardware circuit, or may be composed of a circuit including a combination thereof.

[0043] The drying control unit 54 communicates with the printing apparatus 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 apparatus 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 apparatus 12.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drying unit 46 includes a conveying unit 61. The conveying unit 61 is configured to convey the single-sheet media CM. Therefore, the drying apparatus 13 conveys the long media LM by the winding unit 43 and conveys the single-sheet media CM by the conveying unit 61.

[0045] The conveying unit 61 has a support unit 62. The support unit 62 supports a holding unit 69 described later. The support unit 62 extends in one direction. For example, the support unit 62 extends in the conveying direction D1. The support unit 62 extends in the conveying direction D1 so as to protrude from inside the drying furnace 47 to outside the drying furnace 47. In one example, the support unit 62 extends so as to penetrate the drying furnace 47. For example, the support unit 62 extends so as to penetrate the drying furnace 47 from between the housing 26 and the drying furnace 47. In one example, the support unit 62 extends from a position upstream of the drying furnace 47 to a position downstream of the drying furnace 47 in the conveying direction D1.

[0046] The support unit 62 has two rails. Specifically, the support unit 62 has a first rail 63 and a second rail 64. The first rail 63 and the second rail 64 extend in one direction. For example, the first rail 63 and the second rail 64 extend in the conveying direction D1. The first rail 63 and the second rail 64 are arranged side by side at an interval in the longitudinal direction D2.

[0047] The rails extend across the inside and outside of the drying furnace 47. For example, the rails extend so as to penetrate the drying furnace 47. For example, the rails extend so as to penetrate the drying furnace 47 from between the housing 26 and the drying furnace 47. In one example, the rails extend from a position upstream of the drying furnace 47 to a position downstream of the drying furnace 47 in the conveying direction D1. The rails constitute the movement path of the holding unit 69. Therefore, the longer the rails are, the longer the movement path of the holding unit 69 becomes.

[0048] The rails have an upstream portion and a downstream portion. That is, the first rail 63 has a first upstream portion 65 and a first downstream portion 66. The second rail 64 has a second upstream portion 67 and a second downstream portion 68. The upstream portion is the portion of the rail that is located upstream of the drying furnace 47 in the conveying direction D1. The downstream portion is the portion of the rail that is located downstream of the drying furnace 47 in the conveying direction D1. The downstream portion is preferably longer than the upstream portion. In this case, the holding unit 69 can move greatly in one direction downstream of the drying furnace 47.

[0049] The conveying unit 61 has a holding unit 69. The holding unit 69 is configured to hold the single-sheet medium CM. Specifically, the holding unit 69 holds the end of the single-sheet medium CM. In one example, the holding unit 69 holds the leading end of the single-sheet medium CM by sandwiching the leading end of the single-sheet medium CM. Thereby, compared with the case of supporting the entire single-sheet medium CM like a belt conveyor, it is difficult for the liquid to be transferred from the single-sheet medium CM to the conveying unit 61.

[0050] The holding unit 69 is supported by the support unit 62. Specifically, the holding unit 69 is supported by the first rail 63 and the second rail 64. The holding unit 69 is configured to move along the support unit 62. Specifically, the holding unit 69 moves along the first rail 63 and the second rail 64. That is, the holding unit 69 moves in the conveying direction D1. The single-sheet medium CM is conveyed by the holding unit 69 moving along the support unit 62 while being held by the holding unit 69.

[0051] The holding unit 69 moves across the inside and outside of the drying furnace 47 by moving in one direction. Therefore, the single-sheet medium CM is heated by the holding unit 69 moving while holding the single-sheet medium CM.

[0052] The holding unit 69 moves in one direction at the conveying speed indicated by the conveying speed information. That is, the drying control unit 54 controls the moving speed of the holding unit 69 based on the conveying speed information. The conveying speed information is information input from the user through the input unit 14. The user inputs, for example, the conveying speed information indicating the same conveying speed as when printing and drying the long-length medium LM. Thereby, the single-sheet medium CM is conveyed at the same speed as the long-length medium LM. That is, the single-sheet medium CM is heated under the same conditions as the long-length medium LM. The holding unit 69 may move intermittently or continuously in one direction.

[0053] The holding part 69 has two sliders. The holding part 69 has a first slider 70 and a second slider 71. The sliders are supported by rails. The sliders move along the rails. The sliders are located above the rails. The first slider 70 is supported by the first rail 63. The first slider 70 moves along the first rail 63. The second slider 71 is supported by the second rail 64. The second slider 71 moves along the second rail 64. The first slider 70 and the second slider 71 move in one direction while being synchronized.

[0054] The holding part 69 has two guide members. The holding part 69 has a first guide member 72 and a second guide member 73. The guide members are attached to the first slider 70 and the second slider 71. The guide members are installed on the first slider 70 and the second slider 71. The guide members extend in the longitudinal direction D2. In one example, the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 are arranged in the conveyance direction D1. The first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 may be arranged one above the other.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 hold the single ticket medium CM. Specifically, the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 hold the single ticket medium CM by sandwiching the end portion of the single ticket medium CM. The first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 sandwich the tip of the single ticket medium CM.

[0056] By winding the single-sheet medium CM around the guide member, the risk of the single-sheet medium CM falling off the holding portion 69 is reduced. In one example, the single-sheet medium CM is wound around the second guide member 73. Specifically, the single-sheet medium CM is wound around the second guide member 73 such that its tip passes between the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 from above the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73. The single-sheet medium CM extends such that its end passes below the first guide member 72 after passing between the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73. That is, the single-sheet medium CM is sandwiched between the first guide member 72 and the single-sheet medium CM. This makes it difficult for the single-sheet medium CM to fall off the holding portion 69.

[0057] The guide member has a core material 74 and a cover material 75. The core material 74 is a part that constitutes the core of the guide member. The core material 74 preferably has rigidity. This makes it difficult for the guide member to slacken, so it is difficult for the single-sheet medium CM to fall off the guide member. The core material 74 is, for example, a metal wire. The cover material 75 is a part that constitutes the outer peripheral surface of the guide member. The cover material 75 covers the core material 74. The cover material 75 contains a fluororesin. This increases the frictional force between the guide member and the single-sheet medium CM, so it is difficult for the single-sheet medium CM to fall off the guide member.

[0058] The holding portion 69 may have a holding member 76. The holding member 76 is configured to sandwich the guide member. The holding member 76 sandwiches, for example, the second guide member 73 around which the single-sheet medium CM is wound. This makes it difficult for the single-sheet medium CM to fall off the guide member.

[0059] When drying the single-sheet medium CM, the single-sheet medium CM is attached to the holding portion 69. That is, the single-sheet medium CM is attached to the guide member. At this time, in one example, the holding portion 69 is located at the first upstream portion 65 and the second upstream portion 67. Since the holding portion 69 is located outside the drying furnace 47, it is easy to attach the single-sheet medium CM. By attaching the single-sheet medium CM to the holding portion 69, the single-sheet medium CM is set in the drying device 13.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding part 69 enters the drying furnace 47 by moving in one direction from the first upstream part 65 and the second upstream part 67. Along with this, the single-sheet medium CM enters the drying furnace 47. The single-sheet medium CM is heated by the heating part 48.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the holding part 69 moves out of the drying furnace 47 by moving in one direction from inside the drying furnace 47. Along with this, the leading end of the single-sheet medium CM is exposed from the drying furnace 47. Then, the user moves the trailing end of the single-sheet medium CM out of the drying furnace 47 by pulling the single-sheet medium CM. At this time, the user pulls out the single-sheet medium CM at the same speed as the conveyance speed by the holding part 69. Thereby, the single-sheet medium CM is heated under the same conditions as the long medium LM.

[0062] It is preferable that the trailing end of the single-sheet medium CM is exposed from the drying furnace 47 by the movement of the holding part 69. That is, it is preferable that the support part 62 extends in one direction so that the trailing end of the single-sheet medium CM is exposed from the drying furnace 47 as the holding part 69 moves. That is, it is preferable that the downstream part extends in a long shape in one direction. In this case, as the holding part 69 moves in one direction, the entire single-sheet medium CM is exposed from the drying furnace 47. Thereby, the risk that the single-sheet medium CM is overheated is reduced.

[0063] The conveyance part 61 may have one or more support members 78. The conveyance part 61 has a plurality of support members 78. The support member 78 supports the single-sheet medium CM. The support member 78 may support the long medium LM.

[0064] The support member 78 is attached to the support portion 62. Specifically, the support member 78 is installed on the first rail 63 and the second rail 64. The support member 78 extends in the longitudinal direction D2. A plurality of support members 78 are arranged in the conveyance direction D1. The support member 78 is, for example, a roller. In one example, the support member 78 is positioned at the same height as the drying guide roller. Thereby, the support member 78 can support the long medium LM spanned over the first drying guide roller 52 and the second drying guide roller 53. The support member 78 may be positioned below the drying guide roller.

[0065] Since the holding portion 69 holds the leading end of the single-sheet medium CM, the trailing end of the single-sheet medium CM is likely to hang down. In this regard, by the support member 78 supporting the single-sheet medium CM, the possibility that the single-sheet medium CM hangs down from the holding portion 69 is reduced. That is, the distance between the single-sheet medium CM and the heating portion 48 is maintained. Thereby, the single-sheet medium CM is effectively heated.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the support member 78 is positioned below the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73. Therefore, there is a space between the upper end surface of the support member 78 and the lower end surface of the guide member. This space reduces the possibility that the guide member interferes with the long medium LM when the drying device 13 conveys the long medium LM. That is, when the support member 78 supports the long medium LM, the possibility that the guide member interferes with the long medium LM is reduced.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 7, the drying unit 46 may have a suction portion 80. The suction portion 80 is positioned below the support member 78. The suction portion 80 is configured to suck the single-sheet medium CM. In the single-sheet medium CM, there is a possibility that the trailing end floats up due to the wind during the process of being conveyed in the drying furnace 47. On the other hand, by the suction portion 80 sucking the single-sheet medium CM downward, the possibility that the single-sheet medium CM floats up from the support member 78 is reduced. Therefore, the distance between the single-sheet medium CM and the heating portion 48 is maintained. The suction portion 80 is, for example, a suction fan.

[0068] <Function and Effect> Next, the function and effect of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The conveyance unit 61 has a holding unit 69 that holds the end of the single-sheet medium CM, and a support unit 62 that supports the holding unit 69. The support unit 62 extends in one direction. The holding unit 69 is configured to move along the support unit 62. According to the above configuration, as the holding unit 69 moves along the support unit 62, the single-sheet medium CM is conveyed through the drying furnace 47. In this way, the single-sheet medium CM can be dried with a simple configuration.

[0069] (2) The holding unit 69 has a first guide member 72 installed on the first slider 70 and the second slider 71, and a second guide member 73 installed on the first slider 70 and the second slider 71. By sandwiching the end of the single-sheet medium CM between the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73, the end of the single-sheet medium CM is held. According to the above configuration, the user can cause the single-sheet medium CM to be held by the holding unit 69 by sandwiching the end of the single-sheet medium CM between the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73. Therefore, the user can easily hold the single-sheet medium CM by the holding unit 69. (3) The first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 each have a core material 74 and a cover material 75 that covers the core material 74. The cover material 75 contains a fluororesin. According to the above configuration, the frictional force between the guide member and the single-sheet medium CM is increased by the cover material 75 containing a fluororesin. Therefore, it is difficult for the single-sheet medium CM to fall off from the holding unit 69.

[0070] (4) The support unit 62 extends in one direction so as to protrude from inside the drying furnace 47 to outside the drying furnace 47. According to the above configuration, the holding unit 69 can move from inside the drying furnace 47 to outside the drying furnace 47. Thereby, the heated single-sheet medium CM can be positioned outside the drying furnace 47. Therefore, it is easy for the user to take out the dried single-sheet medium CM from the holding unit 69.

[0071] (5) The drying control unit 54 controls the moving speed of the holding unit 69 based on the conveyance speed information input to the input unit 14. According to the above configuration, the holding unit 69 moves at a speed corresponding to the conveyance speed information. Thereby, the heating time of the single ticket medium CM held by the holding unit 69 is adjusted.

[0072] (6) The conveyance unit 61 has a plurality of support members 78 installed on the first rail 63 and the second rail 64. According to the above configuration, the support member 78 supports the single ticket medium CM hanging down from the holding unit 69. Thereby, the single ticket medium CM is conveyed in a stable state.

[0073] (7) The plurality of support members 78 are located below the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73. According to the above configuration, when the support member 78 supports the long single ticket medium CM, the first guide member 72 and the second guide member 73 are less likely to interfere with the long single ticket medium CM.

[0074] (8) The drying device 13 is located below the plurality of support members 78 and includes a suction unit 80 that sucks the single ticket medium CM. According to the above configuration, the possibility that the single ticket medium CM floats up from the support member 78 is reduced. Thereby, the single ticket medium CM is conveyed in a stable state.

[0075] <Modification Example> The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0076] · The feeding unit 23 may have a dancer roller, similar to the take - up unit 43. · The liquid discharged 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 discharge 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 - emitting display in a dispersed or dissolved form.

[0077] <Technical Idea> The technical idea and its effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples are described below.

[0078] (A) The drying device includes a drying furnace into which the printed medium enters, a heating unit that heats the medium, and a conveying unit that conveys the medium. The conveying unit has a holding unit that holds an end of the medium and a support unit that supports the holding unit. The support unit extends in one direction, and the holding unit is configured to move along the support unit. According to the above configuration, the medium is conveyed through the drying furnace by the holding unit moving along the support unit. In this way, a single-sheet medium can be dried with a simple configuration.

[0079] (B) In the above drying device, the support unit has a first rail extending in the one direction and a second rail extending in the one direction. The holding unit has a first slider that moves along the first rail, a second slider that moves along the second rail, a first guide member installed on the first slider and the second slider, and a second guide member installed on the first slider and the second slider. The first guide member and the second guide member may hold the end of the medium by sandwiching the end of the medium. According to the above configuration, the user can cause the medium to be held by the holding unit by sandwiching the end of the medium between the first guide member and the second guide member. Therefore, the user can easily cause the medium to be held by the holding unit. (C) In the above drying device, the first guide member and the second guide member each have a core material and a cover material that covers the core material. The cover material may contain a fluororesin. According to the above configuration, the frictional force between the guide member and the medium is increased by the cover material containing a fluororesin. Therefore, it is difficult for the medium to fall off from the holding unit.

[0080] (D) In the above drying device, the support portion may extend in the one direction so as to protrude from inside the drying furnace to outside the drying furnace. According to the above configuration, the holding portion can move from inside the drying furnace to outside the drying furnace. Thereby, the heated medium can be positioned outside the drying furnace. Therefore, it is easy for the user to take out the dried medium from the holding portion.

[0081] (E) The above drying device may include a drying control unit and an input unit, and the drying control unit may control the moving speed of the holding portion based on the conveyance speed information input to the input unit. According to the above configuration, the holding portion moves at a speed corresponding to the conveyance speed information. Thereby, the heating time of the medium held by the holding portion is adjusted.

[0082] (F) In the above drying device, the conveyance portion may have a plurality of support members installed on the first rail and the second rail. According to the above configuration, the support members support the medium hanging down from the holding portion. Thereby, the medium is conveyed in a stable state.

[0083] (G) In the above drying device, the plurality of support members may be located below the first guide member and the second guide member. According to the above configuration, when the support members support a long medium, the first guide member and the second guide member are less likely to interfere with the long medium.

[0084] (H) The above drying device may include a suction portion that is located below the plurality of support members and sucks the medium. According to the above configuration, the possibility that the medium floats up from the support members is reduced. Thereby, the medium is conveyed in a stable state.

[0085] (I) The printing system 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 printing unit for printing on the medium. The drying device includes a drying furnace into which the printed medium enters, a heating unit for heating the medium, and a conveying unit for conveying the medium. The conveying unit has a holding unit for holding an end portion of the medium and a supporting unit for supporting the holding unit. The supporting unit extends in one direction, and the holding unit is configured to move along the supporting unit. According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the drying device described above can be obtained.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 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…Printing conveyance section, 33…First pulley, 34…Second pulley, 35…Belt, 36…First printing guide roller, 37…Second printing guide roller, 38…Printing control section, 41…Take-up unit, 42…Take-up case, 43…Take-up section, 44…Take-up 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 section, 61…Conveying section, 62…Supporting section, 63…First rail, 64…Second rail, 65…First upstream portion, 66…First downstream portion, 67…Second upstream portion, 68…Second downstream portion, 69…Holding section, 70…First slider, 71…Second slider, 72…First guide member, 73…Second guide member, 74…Core material, 75…Cover material, 76…Holding member, 78…Supporting member, 80…Suction section, CM…Single-sheet medium, D1…Conveying direction, D2…Longitudinal direction, LM…Long-sized medium, R1…First roll body, R2…Second roll body.

Claims

1. A drying furnace into which a printed medium enters, A heating unit for heating the medium, A conveying unit for conveying the medium, and is provided with, The conveying unit, A holding unit for holding an end portion of the medium, And a support unit for supporting the holding unit, The support unit extends in one direction, The holding unit is configured to move along the support unit. A drying device characterized by this.

2. The support unit, A first rail extending in the one direction, And a second rail extending in the one direction, The holding unit, A first slider that moves along the first rail, A second slider that moves along the second rail, A first guide member installed on the first slider and the second slider, And a second guide member installed on the first slider and the second slider, By the first guide member and the second guide member sandwiching an end portion of the medium, the drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end portion of the medium is held.

3. The first guide member and the second guide member, Each has a core material, And a cover material covering the core material, The cover material contains a fluororesin. The drying device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The support unit extends in the one direction so as to protrude from inside the drying furnace to outside the drying furnace. The drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. A drying control unit, And an input unit, and is provided with, The drying control unit controls the moving speed of the holding unit based on the conveyance speed information input to the input unit, and the drying apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that.

6. The conveying unit has a plurality of support members installed on the first rail and the second rail, and the drying apparatus according to claim 2 is characterized in that.

7. The plurality of support members are located below the first guide member and the second guide member, and the drying apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that.

8. The drying apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 is characterized by comprising a suction unit that is located below the plurality of support members and sucks a medium.

9. A printing system comprising a printing apparatus that prints on a medium and a drying apparatus that dries the printed medium, The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints on a medium, The drying apparatus, A drying furnace into which the printed medium enters, A heating unit that heats the medium, And a conveying unit that conveys the medium, The conveying unit, A holding unit that holds an end of the medium, And a support unit that supports the holding unit, The support unit extends in one direction, The holding unit is configured to move along the support unit, and the printing system is characterized in that.

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