Apparatus, system and method for air supply and exhaust

Abstract

To effectively increase a temperature of air supplied to a heating device.SOLUTION: An apparatus 500 for air supply and exhaust for a heating device includes: a heating device 4 that heats a sheet to which a liquid is applied; air supply means 6 for supplying air into the heating device 4 through a plurality of air supply ports 43a to 43f provided in the heating device 4; exhaust means 5 for exhausting air in the heating device 4; and a heat exchanger 55 for recovering heat of the air exhausted by the exhaust means 5 and for heating the air supplied by the air supply means 6 by applying the recovered heat thereto. The heated air heated by the heat exchanger 55 is supplied into the heating device 4 through a part of the plurality of air supply ports 43d to 43f, and non-heated air not heated by the heat exchanger 55 is supplied into the heating device 4 through the other air supply ports 43a to 43c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air intake and exhaust device, an air intake and exhaust system, and an air intake and exhaust method. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a heating device, a drying device is known that heats and dries a sheet on which ink has been applied.

[0003] In such drying devices, when the sheet is heated, the water or solvent contained in the ink evaporates into steam, and some devices are equipped with an intake and exhaust device to exhaust the generated steam outside the device.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7185111) proposes a drying device that effectively utilizes the heat of the discharged heat medium by a heat exchanger in order to reduce the energy consumption of the drying device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 proposes an effective use of exhaust heat, it does not consider a method for effectively increasing the temperature of the air supplied to the heating device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to effectively increase the temperature of the air supplied to the heating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an air intake and exhaust device for a heating device, comprising: a heating device that heats a sheet to which liquid has been applied; an air intake means that supplies air into the heating device through multiple air intake ports provided in the heating device; an exhaust means that exhausts air from the heating device; and a heat exchanger that recovers heat from the air exhausted by the exhaust means and transfers the recovered heat to air supplied by the air intake means to heat the air, wherein heated air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through some of the multiple air intake ports, and unheated air that is not heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through the other air intake ports. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the temperature of the air supplied to the heating device can be effectively increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration relating to image formation in a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air intake and exhaust system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air intake and exhaust system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air intake and exhaust system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air intake and exhaust device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air intake and exhaust system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10 shows an example of an air supply mode according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing for explaining the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are designated by the same reference numerals as far as they can be distinguished, and once they have been described, their description will be omitted.

[0011] First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with an air intake and exhaust device according to the present invention will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a sheet supplying unit 1, a conveying unit 2, a liquid applying unit 3, a heating unit 4, a sheet collecting unit 7, and the like.

[0014] The sheet supply means 1 has a supply roller 11 around which a long sheet S is wound in a roll. As the supply roller 11 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, the sheet S is unwound from the supply roller 11 and supplied. The sheet S may also be a pre-cut sheet of a predetermined size. In this case, the sheet supply means 1 may be a feed roller or the like that feeds out sheets of the predetermined size one by one.

[0015] The conveying means 2 has a pair of conveying rollers 12 that sandwich and convey the sheet S. In addition to the pair of conveying rollers 12, the conveying means 2 may also be a conveying belt that conveys the sheet S while adsorbing it.

[0016] The liquid application unit 3 has multiple liquid ejection units 13 that eject liquid onto the sheet S. The multiple liquid ejection units 13 are composed of multiple liquid ejection heads that eject liquids (inks) of different colors, such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Alternatively, the liquid ejection unit 13 may be a single, integrated liquid ejection head that ejects liquids of different colors. The ejection method of the liquid ejection units 13 is not particularly limited, and examples of the ejection method include an on-demand method that ejects minute droplets and a continuous method that continuously sprays liquid. In addition, the on-demand method includes a pressure application method using a piezoelectric element as a driving source for ejecting liquid, a thermal method that ejects liquid using pressure generated by bubbles when the liquid is heated, and an electrostatic method that uses electrostatic force. The color of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection units 13 is not limited to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and can be selected as desired. In FIG. 1 , a transport guide member 14 that supports the sheet S being transported is disposed below each liquid ejection unit 13.

[0017] The heating device 4 functions as a drying device that heats and dries the sheet S. Specifically, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 4 has a plurality of heating rollers 21a to 21g, a plurality of guide rollers 23a to 23e, a plurality of air outlets 25a to 25f, and a plurality of air suction ports 26a to 26f.

[0018] The heating rollers 21a to 21g are cylindrical heating rotors having a heat source such as a halogen heater inside. When the sheet S is conveyed into the heating device 4, the sheet S is heated and dried by contacting each of the heating rollers 21a to 21g. Note that the heating means for heating the sheet S is not limited to contact-type heating means such as the heating rollers 21a to 21g, and may be a non-contact type, such as one that heats the sheet S by emitting infrared or ultraviolet rays.

[0019] The guide rollers 23a to 23e are cylindrical rotating bodies that do not have a heat source inside, and function as guide means for guiding the sheet S. The heated sheet S that comes into contact with the heating rollers 21a to 21g is guided out of the heating device 4 by the guide rollers 23a to 23e.

[0020] The air blowing ports 25a to 25f and the air suction ports 26a to 26f are arranged to face each other across the transport path along which the sheet S is transported. In this case, the air blowing ports 25a to 25f are arranged on the liquid application surface (image formation surface) side of the sheet S being transported, and the air suction ports 26a to 26f are arranged on the opposite side of the liquid application surface of the sheet S being transported.

[0021] The sheet collection means 7 has a collection roller 15 that winds up and collects the sheet S. When the collection roller 15 rotates in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1, the sheet S is wound up into a roll by the collection roller 15 and collected. If the sheet S is a pre-cut sheet of a predetermined size, a discharge tray or the like is used as the sheet collection means 7, on which discharged sheets are stacked.

[0022] <Image formation operation> Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] When the image forming operation is started, the supply roller 11 starts to rotate, and the sheet S is supplied from the supply roller 11.

[0024] The supplied sheet S is transported by the transport roller pairs 12 to below each liquid discharge unit 13, and liquid (ink) is discharged from each liquid discharge unit 13 onto the sheet S. In this way, an image is formed on the sheet S.

[0025] Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the heating device 4. In the heating device 4, the sheet S comes into contact with the heating rollers 21a to 21g while being conveyed, thereby heating the sheet S. More specifically, when the sheet S is conveyed into the heating device 4, the surface of the sheet S opposite to the liquid application surface comes into contact with the heating rollers 21a to 21g, thereby heating the sheet S. At this time, air is blown onto the liquid application surface of the sheet S from the air outlets 25a to 25f, thereby accelerating the drying of the sheet S. The sheet S is then conveyed out of the heating device 4 by the guide rollers 23a to 23e.

[0026] Here, when the sheet S is heated by the heating device 4, the moisture or solvent contained in the liquid applied to the sheet S turns into vapor and is released. Furthermore, when the sheet S is heated, the moisture contained in the sheet S itself also turns into vapor and is released. This vapor remains in a gaseous state for a while, but if it is subsequently cooled and condenses inside the heating device 4, water droplets may adhere to the sheet S and cause image defects.

[0027] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the steam generated from the sheet S is exhausted to the outside of the heating device 4 by sucking in air from the inside of the device through air inlets 26a to 26f provided in the heating device 4. The steam may be exhausted to the outside of the heating device 4, or to the outside of the space in which the image forming device 200 is installed, or outdoors.

[0028] Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed to the collection roller 15 by the conveyance roller pair 12, and is taken up and collected by the rotating collection roller 15. This completes a series of image forming operations.

[0029] <Controller configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration related to image formation in the control unit 8 that controls the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 8 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 504, an external device connection I / F 505, a network I / F 506, and a bus line 507.

[0031] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The NVRAM 504 stores various data such as programs, and retains the various data even when the power to the image forming apparatus 200 is turned off.

[0032] The external device connection I / F 505 is connected to a PC (Personal Computer) via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like, and communicates control signals and image data to be printed with the PC. The network I / F 506 is an interface for communicating data using a communication network such as the Internet. The bus line 507 is an address bus and a data bus or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 501.

[0033] The control unit 8 also has a main scanning driver 508 and a liquid ejection driver 509. The main scanning driver 508 controls the movement of a carriage 600 carrying the liquid ejection unit 13 in the main scanning direction (width direction of the sheet). The liquid ejection driver 509 is a driver for controlling the driving of the liquid ejection unit 13. When the carriage 600 moves in the main scanning direction, the liquid ejection unit 13 moves in the main scanning direction (width direction of the sheet) in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 600, and liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection unit 13 onto the sheet that is being transported intermittently. In this way, an image is formed on the sheet.

[0034] The control unit 8 also has a sub-scanning driver 510. The sub-scanning driver 510 controls the conveyance of the sheet by the conveyance roller pair 12.

[0035] The liquid discharge unit 13 may be a serial type liquid discharge head that discharges liquid onto a sheet while moving in the width direction of the sheet, or a line type liquid discharge head that discharges liquid onto a sheet without moving. The liquid discharge driver 509 may not be mounted on the carriage 600, but may be connected to a bus line outside the carriage 600. The main scanning driver 508, the liquid discharge driver 509, and the sub scanning driver 510 may each be a function realized by an instruction from the CPU 501 according to a program.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 8 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 8 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main control unit 201, a liquid deposition amount calculation unit 202, a conveying speed setting unit 204, a sheet thickness setting unit 205, a liquid deposition control unit 207, a conveying control unit 208, and a heating temperature control unit 209.

[0038] The liquid deposition amount calculation unit 202 is a part that calculates the amount of liquid to be deposited on a sheet based on image information input by the input unit 300. The input unit 300 is, for example, an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or a touch panel input device. The liquid deposition amount is obtained by calculating the amount of liquid to be deposited per unit area or per unit time. Information on the liquid deposition amount calculated by the liquid deposition amount calculation unit 202 is sent to the main control unit 201.

[0039] The conveying speed setting unit 204 is a part that sets the sheet conveying speed based on speed information input by the input unit 300. Information on the conveying speed set by the conveying speed setting unit 204 is sent to the main control unit 201.

[0040] The sheet thickness setting unit 205 is a part that sets the thickness of a sheet based on thickness information input by the input unit 300. The input thickness information may be a thickness that is preset for each type of sheet, or, instead of thickness, basis weight, which is correlated with the thickness of the sheet, may be used. Basis weight is a value that represents the mass per unit area of a sheet, and generally, the greater the basis weight, the greater the thickness of the sheet. The sheet thickness information set by the sheet thickness setting unit 205 is sent to the main control unit 201.

[0041] The main control unit 201 is a part that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200. Specifically, the main control unit 201 is configured with a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, and an NVRAM 504, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0042] The main control unit 201 generates an image formation control signal based on image information input by the input unit 300. When the image formation control signal is sent from the main control unit 201 to the liquid deposition control unit 207, the liquid deposition control unit 207 receives the control signal and controls the liquid deposition operation of the liquid deposition unit 3. As a result, an image based on the image information is formed on the sheet. The liquid deposition control unit 207 includes a main scanning driver 508 and a liquid ejection driver 509 shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the main control unit 201 generates a conveying speed control signal based on information about the conveying speed set by the conveying speed setting unit 204. When the conveying speed control signal is sent from the main control unit 201 to the conveying control unit 208, the conveying control unit 208 receives the control signal and controls the conveying operation of the conveying means 2. As a result, the sheet is conveyed at the set speed. The conveying control unit 208 includes the sub-scanning driver 510 in FIG. 2.

[0044] The main control unit 201 is a part that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200. Specifically, the main control unit 201 is configured with a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, and an NVRAM 504, etc., as shown in FIG.

[0045] Furthermore, the main control unit 201 generates a heating temperature control signal based on temperature information detected by the heating temperature detection means 400, liquid deposition amount information calculated by the liquid deposition amount calculation unit 202, and thickness information set by the sheet thickness setting unit 205. The heating temperature detection means 400 is a contact or non-contact temperature sensor that detects the temperature of at least one of the multiple heating rollers 21a to 21g of the heating device 4. When the heating temperature control signal is sent from the main control unit 201 to the heating temperature control unit 209, the heating temperature control unit 209 receives the control signal and controls the heating temperature of the heating device 4. This allows the sheet to be dried effectively. In other words, since the thermal energy required to dry a sheet varies depending on the amount of liquid applied to the sheet, as well as the thickness of the sheet and the temperature of the heating roller 21, the main control unit 201 can effectively promote drying of the sheet by controlling the temperature of each heating roller 21a to 21g based on information on the amount of liquid applied calculated by the liquid application amount calculation unit 202, information on the sheet thickness set by the sheet thickness setting unit 205, and temperature information detected by the heating temperature detection means 400.

[0046] <Issues related to intake and exhaust> In order to prevent condensation in the heating device and improve the drying properties of the sheet, it is preferable to supply warm air or the like into the heating device to increase the temperature inside the heating device. On the other hand, when the air inside the heating device is exhausted to the outside, heat is also exhausted along with the air, resulting in thermal energy consumption associated with the exhaust.

[0047] Conventionally, in order to reduce thermal energy consumption, a technology has been proposed that uses exhaust heat to generate warm air. For example, the heat of the air discharged from a heating device is recovered using a heat exchanger, and the recovered heat is then transferred to the air supplied to the heating device to generate warm air. In this way, by effectively utilizing the heat of the air discharged from the heating device, thermal energy consumption can be reduced, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0048] However, in a method of supplying air using exhaust heat, if the amount of air supplied increases, the temperature of the air heated by the heat exchanger decreases, and there is a risk that sufficient drying and condensation suppression effects will not be achieved. That is, if the amount of air supplied increases, the amount of exhaust heat per unit flow applied by the heat exchanger decreases, which raises concerns that the temperature of the air supplied to the heating device will decrease, and the drying and condensation suppression effects of the heating device will be reduced. Similarly, if the temperature of the exhaust air is low, the amount of exhaust heat per unit flow applied by the heat exchanger will be reduced, which raises concerns that the drying and condensation suppression effects of the heating device will be reduced.

[0049] Therefore, the present invention proposes an air intake and exhaust device, an air intake and exhaust system, and an air intake and exhaust method that can effectively increase the temperature of the air supplied to the heating device. The following describes the characteristics of the present invention, taking the first embodiment of the present invention as an example.

[0050] <Characteristics of the present invention> FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust system 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the air supply and exhaust device 500 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an exhaust unit 5 that exhausts air from inside the heating device 4, an air supply unit 6 that supplies air into the heating device 4, and a heat exchanger 55. In Fig. 4, reference numeral 70 denotes an indoor space surrounded by the walls of a building or the like, and reference numeral 80 denotes an outdoor space partitioned from the indoor space 70. In addition to the image forming apparatus 200 of Fig. 1 including the heating device 4, the exhaust unit 5, the air supply unit 6, and the heat exchanger 55 are arranged in the indoor space 70.

[0052] The exhaust means 5 has an exhaust blower 31 as an exhaust airflow means and an exhaust duct 32 that constitutes an exhaust path. The exhaust blower 31 is connected to the exhaust duct 32. Alternatively, an exhaust airflow means such as a fan may be used instead of the exhaust blower 31. The exhaust duct 32 is connected to the heating device 4 via a plurality of exhaust ports 33a-33f provided in the housing (exterior) of the heating device 4. Furthermore, each of the air inlets 43a-43f individually communicates with a plurality of air suction ports 26a-26f provided in the heating device 4. Therefore, when the exhaust blower 31 is driven, air inside the heating device 4 is sucked into the exhaust duct 32 from each of the air suction ports 26a-26f.

[0053] The air supply means 6 has a plurality of air supply blowers 41a-41f as air supply and blowing means, and an air supply duct 42 that forms an air supply path. The plurality of air supply blowers 41a-41f are each connected to the air supply duct 42. Furthermore, air supply blowers 41 may be replaced with air supply and blowing means such as a fan. The air supply duct 42 is connected to the heating device 4 via a plurality of air supply ports 43a-43f provided in the housing (exterior) of the heating device 4. Furthermore, each of the air supply ports 43a-43f is individually connected to a plurality of air outlets 25a-25f provided in the heating device 4. Therefore, when each of the air supply blowers 41a-41f is driven, air is supplied into the heating device 4 and blown out from each of the air outlets 25a-25f.

[0054] Furthermore, the exhaust duct 32 and the intake duct 42 are arranged to pass through a heat exchanger 55. The heat exchanger 55 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air passing through the exhaust duct 32 and the air passing through the intake duct 42. The heat exchanger 55 may be a sensible heat exchanger that exchanges only sensible heat, or a total heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat and latent heat. When the air in the heating device 4 is sent to the heat exchanger 55 via the exhaust duct 32, the heat exchanger 55 recovers heat from the air flowing through the exhaust duct 32. The recovered heat is then supplied to the air flowing through the intake duct 42, heating the air. In this case, outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 55, but the air supplied to the heat exchanger 55 may be indoor air or outdoor air.

[0055] Here, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the intake air duct 42 has an outdoor air supply path 44 that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger 55, a heated air supply path 45 that supplies heated air heated by the heat exchanger 55 to the heating device 4 via some of the intake air ports 43d to 43f, and an indoor air supply path 46 that supplies indoor air to the heating device 4 via the other intake air ports 43a to 43c.

[0056] For this reason, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when one of the plurality of intake air blowers 41a-41f, that is connected to heated air supply passage 45, is driven, outdoor air is drawn into outdoor air supply passage 44, which communicates with heated air supply passage 45, and is supplied to heat exchanger 55 via outdoor air supply passage 44. Then, in heat exchanger 55, recovered heat is imparted to the outdoor air, thereby heating the outdoor air. Then, the heated outdoor air is sent to heated air supply passage 45 and is supplied into heating device 4 from some of air intake ports 43d-43f via heated air supply passage 45.

[0057] Furthermore, when one of the plurality of intake air blowers 41a to 41f, which is connected to the indoor air supply path 46, is driven, indoor air is drawn into the indoor air supply path 46. The drawn indoor air is then supplied into the heating device 4 from the other intake air ports 43a to 43c via the indoor air supply path 46.

[0058] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, outdoor air (heated air) heated by heat exchanger 55 is supplied to some of the air intake ports 43d-43f, and indoor air (unheated air) not heated by heat exchanger 55 is supplied to the other air intake ports 43a-43c. This allows the temperature of the heated air to be increased effectively. That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the heat recovered by heat exchanger 55 is used intensively on some of the air to be supplied, so the temperature of the air to be supplied into heating device 4 can be increased more effectively than when heat is applied to all of the air to be supplied. Furthermore, when the required amount of supply air is large, increasing the amount of indoor air to be supplied can suppress a decrease in the temperature of the heated air that would otherwise occur due to an increase in the amount of air supplied to heat exchanger 55. This allows the required amount of supply air to be secured while maintaining the temperature of the heated air.

[0059] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the heated air heated by the heat exchanger 55 can be effectively increased while ensuring the required amount of air supply, thereby improving the drying properties and condensation suppression effect of the heating device 4.

[0060] Which of the multiple air intake ports 43a-43f to supply heated air through may be determined appropriately taking into consideration drying properties and condensation suppression effects, etc. In this regard, in the first embodiment of the present invention, heated air is supplied particularly to the air intake ports 43d-43f that supply air downstream in the sheet conveyance direction. That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the multiple air outlets 25a-25f are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S to the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and therefore heated air is supplied to the three air intake ports 43d-43f that supply air to the last three air outlets 25d-25f that are arranged downstream in the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0061] In the drying process, the heat in the heating device 4 is first used to raise the temperature of the sheet S and the liquid on the sheet S, and then the heat is used to evaporate the moisture contained in the sheet S and the liquid. For this reason, steam is generated from the sheet S and the liquid mainly on the downstream side in the conveyance direction within the heating device 4. Therefore, it is also on the downstream side in the conveyance direction that condensation is more likely to occur within the heating device 4. For this reason, in the first embodiment of the present invention, heated air is supplied to the air inlets 43d to 43f that supply air to the downstream side in the conveyance direction. This makes it possible to increase the temperature on the downstream side in the conveyance direction where condensation is more likely to occur, thereby effectively suppressing condensation.

[0062] Note that the term "air inlet that supplies air downstream in the conveying direction" does not only refer to an air inlet that supplies air in the latter half of the heating device 4 in the conveying direction, but also refers to an air inlet that supplies air to a position relatively more downstream in the conveying direction than an air inlet that supplies unheated air that is not heated by the heat exchanger 55. Therefore, the term "air inlet that supplies air downstream in the conveying direction" may include an air inlet that supplies air in the former half of the heating device 4 in the conveying direction, as long as it is an air inlet that supplies air to a position relatively more downstream in the conveying direction than an air inlet that supplies unheated air. The position and number of air inlets that supply heated air can be set appropriately taking into consideration factors such as drying properties and condensation suppression effect.

[0063] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described, and descriptions of the same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] <Second embodiment of the present invention> FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust system 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the air supply duct 42 is configured to be switchable by a plurality of dampers 64a to 64f serving as switching means.

[0066] Specifically, the air supply duct 42 has an outdoor air supply passage 44 that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger 55, a heated air supply passage 45 that supplies heated air heated by the heat exchanger 55 to the heating device 4, an indoor air supply passage 46 that supplies indoor supply air to the heating device 4, and a heating device air supply passage 47 that supplies heated air or indoor air to the heating device 4.

[0067] The dampers 64a-64f are provided one at each of a plurality of junctions where the heated air supply path 45 and the indoor air supply path 46 join together. Therefore, when each of the dampers 64a-64f is switched, one of the heated air supply path 45 and the indoor air supply path 46 is switched to alternatively communicate with the heating device air supply path 47.

[0068] Further, the heated air supply passage 45 is provided with a heated air temperature sensor 56 as heated air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heated air heated by the heat exchanger 55 .

[0069] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air supply and exhaust system 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] 6, the air supply and exhaust system 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 8. As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 8 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 200, and also controls the dampers 64a to 64f based on the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature sensor 56.

[0071] Hereinafter, an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, when the air supply / exhaust operation starts, first, the heated air temperature sensor 56 detects the temperature of the heated air (step S1). Then, the control unit 8 determines whether the detected heated air temperature is equal to or higher than 50°C or less than 50°C (step S2). As a result, if it is determined that the heated air temperature is less than 50°C (if "YES" in step S2), the control unit 8 controls the dampers 64a-64f so that heated air is supplied to three of the six air supply ports 43a-43f, namely, air supply ports 43d-43f, which supply air downstream in the conveyance direction (step S3). At this time, indoor air is supplied to the remaining three air supply ports 43a-43c, which supply air upstream in the conveyance direction. That is, as indicated by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 8, heated air is supplied to the three air intakes 43d to 43f that supply air downstream in the conveying direction, and indoor air is supplied to the three air intakes 43a to 43c that supply air upstream in the conveying direction.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the heated air is 50°C or higher ("NO" in step S2), the control unit 8 controls the dampers 64a-64f to change the number of air inlets to which heated air is supplied. Specifically, as indicated by the dash-dotted arrows and the dash-double-dotted arrows in Fig. 9, the dampers 64a-64f are controlled so that, of the six air inlets 43a-43f, heated air is supplied to the four air inlets 43c-43f that supply air downstream in the conveyance direction, and indoor air is supplied to the two air inlets 43a-43b that supply air upstream in the conveyance direction (step S4). Thereafter, the same control is repeated until an instruction to end the air supply / exhaust operation is received (step S5).

[0074] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature of the heated air is high (50°C or higher), the number of air inlets through which the heated air is supplied can be increased compared to when the temperature of the heated air is low (less than 50°C), thereby widening the range within the heating device 4 to which the heated air is supplied. Note that even if the amount of air supplied to the heat exchanger 55 increases by increasing the number of air inlets through which the heated air is supplied, when the temperature of the heated air is high, a decrease in the temperature of the heated air that accompanies an increase in the amount of air supplied can be suppressed, and the temperature of the heated air can be maintained. Therefore, heated air can be effectively supplied within the heating device 4 over a wide range, improving drying properties and the effect of suppressing condensation.

[0075] Furthermore, the temperature of the heated air that is used as a criterion for determining whether to increase the number of air inlets through which heated air is supplied is not limited to 50°C, and may be other temperatures. Furthermore, the number and location of the air inlets through which heated air is supplied may be changed not only in two stages based on one temperature, but also in three or more stages based on two different temperatures. The air supplied to heat exchanger 55 may be outdoor air or indoor air.

[0076] Third Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air supply and exhaust system 1000 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] 10, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 8 is configured to control each of the dampers 64a to 64f based on conveying speed information acquired by the conveying speed setting unit 204. Other than that, the configuration is basically the same as that of the second embodiment of the present invention. That is, the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the second embodiment of the present invention in that the information for controlling each of the dampers 64a to 64f is sheet conveying speed information, rather than heated air temperature information.

[0078] The conveying speed setting unit 204 functions as a conveying speed information acquiring unit that acquires conveying speed information from information input via the input unit 300. The control unit 8 (main control unit 201 in FIG. 2) controls each of the dampers 64a to 64f based on the conveying speed information acquired by the conveying speed setting unit 204.

[0079] Hereinafter, an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0080] 11, when the air supply and exhaust operation is started, first, the conveying speed setting unit 204 acquires sheet conveying speed information (step S11). Then, the control unit 8 determines whether the conveying speed is 50 [mpm] or 100 [mpm] from the acquired conveying speed information (step S12). As a result, if it is determined that the conveying speed is 100 [mpm] (if "YES" in step S12), the control unit 8 controls each damper 64a-64f so that heated air is supplied to three air supply ports 43d-43f that supply air downstream in the conveying direction out of the six air supply ports 43a-43f, and indoor air is supplied to the remaining three air supply ports 43a-43c that supply air upstream in the conveying direction (step S13). That is, as indicated by the dashed and dotted arrows in Figure 12, heated air is supplied to the three air intakes 43d to 43f that supply air downstream in the conveying direction, and indoor air is supplied to the three air intakes 43a to 43c that supply air upstream in the conveying direction.

[0081] On the other hand, if the conveying speed is determined to be 50 mpm ("NO" in step S12), the control unit 8 controls the dampers 64a-64f to change the position and number of the air inlets to which heated air is supplied (step S14). Specifically, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrows in FIG. 13, heated air is supplied to three air inlets 43d-43f that supply air downstream in the conveying direction and one air inlet 43a that supplies air upstream in the conveying direction, out of the six air inlets 43a-43f. Meanwhile, indoor air is supplied to the remaining two air inlets 43b-43c that supply air upstream in the conveying direction, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrows in FIG. 13. Thereafter, the same control is repeated until an instruction to end the air supply / exhaust operation is received (step S15).

[0082] As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the conveying speed is slow (50 mpm), heated air is supplied not only to the air inlet that supplies air downstream in the conveying direction but also to the air inlet that supplies air upstream in the conveying direction, thereby more effectively suppressing condensation in the heating device 4. In particular, when the conveying speed is slow, steam is generated actively from the sheet and the liquid on the sheet even in the first half of the conveying direction in the heating device 4, making condensation more likely to occur. Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the conveying speed is slow, heated air is supplied not only to the air inlet that supplies air downstream in the conveying direction but also to the air inlet that supplies air upstream in the conveying direction. This makes it possible to effectively suppress condensation in the heating device 4.

[0083] The conveying speed, which is the basis for determining the number and positions of the air inlets through which heated air is supplied, is not limited to two, 50 mpm and 100 mpm, but may be three or more. In this case, the number and positions of the air inlets through which heated air is supplied may be changed to three or more different values based on the three or more conveying speeds. The conveying speed information acquisition unit that acquires conveying speed information may be the conveying speed setting unit 204 of the control unit 8, or may be a speed sensor such as an encoder that detects the conveying speed of the sheet S from the rotation amount per unit time of the supply roller 11 shown in FIG. 1. Similar to the second embodiment of the present invention, the number and positions of the air inlets through which heated air is supplied may be changed based on not only the conveying speed information but also the temperature information of the heated air. That is, the number and positions of the air inlets through which heated air is supplied may be changed based on both the conveying speed information and the temperature information of the heated air. This further improves drying performance and condensation suppression effects.

[0084] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 55 may be either outdoor air or indoor air.

[0085] <Fourth embodiment of the present invention> FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an air supply and exhaust system 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, air supply duct 42 has outdoor air supply path 44 that supplies outdoor air to heat exchanger 55, as well as first indoor air supply path 48 that supplies indoor air to heat exchanger 55. Furthermore, a damper 65 serving as first switching means is provided at the junction where outdoor air supply path 44 and first indoor air supply path 48 join together.

[0087] The damper 65, which serves as a first switching means, switches between the outdoor air supply path 44 and the indoor air supply path 48 for the heat exchanger 55. That is, when the damper 65 is switched, either the outdoor air supply path 44 or the first indoor air supply path 48 is switched so as to selectively communicate with the heat exchanger 55.

[0088] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the second and third embodiments of the present invention, the air intake duct 42 has a heated air supply passage 45 that supplies heated air heated by a heat exchanger 55 to the heating device 4, a (second) indoor air supply passage 46 that supplies indoor supply air to the heating device 4, and a heating device air intake passage 47 that supplies heated air or indoor air to the heating device 4. A plurality of dampers 64a-64f serving as second switching means are provided at the junction where the heated air supply passage 45 and the second indoor air supply passage 46 join. When each of the dampers 64a-64f is switched, either the heated air supply passage 45 or the second indoor air supply passage 46 is selectively connected to the heating device air intake passage 47. Furthermore, a heated air temperature sensor 56 serving as heated air temperature detection means is provided in the heated air supply passage 45.

[0089] Furthermore, temperature sensors 57, 58 are provided in the outdoor air supply path 44 and the first indoor air supply path 48, respectively. The temperature sensor 57 provided in the outdoor air supply path 44 is an outdoor air temperature sensor serving as outdoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of outdoor air, and the temperature sensor 58 provided in the first indoor air supply path 48 is an indoor air temperature sensor serving as indoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of indoor air.

[0090] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air supply and exhaust system 1000 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] 15 , in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, control unit 8 is configured to acquire temperature information detected by outdoor air temperature sensor 57, indoor air temperature sensor 58, and heated air temperature sensor 56. Then, control unit 8 controls damper 65, which is a first switching means, based on the acquired temperature information, namely, outdoor air temperature information detected by outdoor air temperature sensor 57 and indoor air temperature information detected by indoor air temperature sensor 58. Control unit 8 is also configured to control multiple dampers 64a to 64f, which are second switching means, based on heated air temperature information detected by heated air temperature sensor 56.

[0092] An example of an air supply and exhaust method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0093] 16, when the air supply / exhaust operation is started, first, the outdoor air temperature sensor 57 detects the outdoor air temperature, and the indoor air temperature sensor 58 detects the indoor air temperature (step S21). Then, the control unit 8 compares the detected outdoor air temperature and indoor air temperature, and determines whether the outdoor air temperature is higher than the indoor air temperature (step S22). As a result, if it is determined that the outdoor air temperature is higher than the indoor air temperature (if "YES" in step S22), the control unit 8 controls the damper 65 as the first switching means so that the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 55 via the outdoor air supply path 44, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 17 (step S23).

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than the temperature of the indoor air ("NO" in step S22), the control unit 8 controls the damper 65 so that the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 55 via the first air supply path 48, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 18 (step S24).

[0095] Next, the control unit 8 controls the multiple dampers 64a-64f, which serve as second switching means, based on the heated air temperature detected by the heated air temperature sensor 56. In this case, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as in the second embodiment of the present invention, the number and positions of the air inlets through which the heated air is supplied are determined depending on whether the heated air temperature is 50°C or higher (steps S25-S28). That is, when the heated air temperature is 50°C or higher, the control unit 8 controls the multiple dampers 64a-64f so as to increase the number of air inlets through which the heated air is supplied compared to when the heated air temperature is less than 50°C. Note that steps S25-S28 in FIG. 16 are the same as steps S1-S4 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Thereafter, the same control is repeated until an instruction to end the air supply / exhaust operation is received (step S29).

[0096] As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the outdoor air is compared with the temperature of the indoor air. If the temperature of the outdoor air is higher, the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 55. Conversely, if the temperature of the indoor air is higher, the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 55. That is, the damper 65 is controlled so that the higher-temperature air (outdoor air or indoor air) is supplied to the heat exchanger 55. During periods of high outdoor temperatures, such as summer, the indoor air is cooled by the air conditioning system, so it is inefficient to supply indoor air to the heat exchanger 55. Therefore, by supplying outdoor air, which has a higher temperature than the indoor air, to the heat exchanger 55, energy consumption can be reduced, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, by supplying the relatively warm outdoor air to the heat exchanger 55, the temperature of the heated air is increased, improving the drying and condensation suppression effects of the heating device 4.

[0097] The decision of whether to supply outdoor air or indoor air to heat exchanger 55 may be made based on a comparison between the outdoor air temperature and the indoor air temperature, or may be made based on the magnitude of the temperature difference between the outdoor air and the indoor air. Specifically, control unit 8 acquires outdoor air temperature information detected by outdoor air temperature sensor 57 and indoor air temperature information detected by indoor air temperature sensor 58, and calculates the difference (temperature difference) by subtracting the indoor air temperature from the outdoor air temperature. If the temperature difference is, for example, 0°C or greater, control unit 8 controls damper 65 so that outdoor air is supplied to heat exchanger 55. Conversely, if the temperature difference is less than 0°C, control unit 8 controls damper 65 so that indoor air is supplied to heat exchanger 55.

[0098] The threshold (temperature) for determining the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the indoor air temperature may be a temperature other than 0°C. For example, if it is acceptable for the outdoor air temperature to be slightly lower than the indoor air temperature in consideration of the heating capacity (heat exchange capacity) of heat exchanger 55, the threshold may be set to a temperature lower than 0°C, such as -5°C.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the information used to determine the air inlet to which the heated air is supplied is the temperature information of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature sensor 56, but as in the third embodiment of the present invention, the conveying speed information may be used instead of the temperature information of the heated air. Furthermore, the air inlet may be determined based on both the conveying speed information and the temperature of the heated air.

[0100] Fifth embodiment of the present invention FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an air intake and exhaust system 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the air supply duct 42 has a heated air supply path 45 that supplies heated air heated by a heat exchanger 55, a first indoor air supply path 46 that supplies indoor air to the heating device 4, an indoor air supply path 54 that supplies heated air indoors, and a second indoor air supply path 49 that supplies indoor air to the heating device 4.

[0102] A plurality of dampers 64a-64f serving as first switching means are provided at each of a plurality of junctions where the heated air supply channel 45 and the first indoor air supply channel 46 join. Furthermore, a plurality of dampers 66a-66f serving as second switching means are provided at a plurality of junctions where the heating device air supply channel 47 and the indoor air supply channel 54 branch off. Therefore, when the plurality of dampers 64a-64f serving as first switching means and the plurality of dampers 66a-66f serving as second switching means are switched, one of the heated air supply channel 45 and the first indoor air supply channel 46 is switched to alternatively communicate with either the heating device air supply channel 47 or the indoor air supply channel 54.

[0103] Furthermore, a plurality of dampers 67a to 67f serving as third switching means are provided at a plurality of junctions where the second indoor air supply path 49 joins the heating device air supply path 47. When these dampers 67a to 67f are controlled to switch, the second indoor air supply path 49 is switched between a state in which it communicates with the heating device air supply path 47 and a state in which it does not communicate with the heating device air supply path 47.

[0104] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of supply air blowers 41a-41f serving as first supply air blowing means are provided in the supply air passage between a plurality of dampers 64a-64f serving as first switching means and a plurality of dampers 66a-66f serving as second switching means. Furthermore, a plurality of supply air blowers 71a-71f serving as second supply air blowing means are provided in the supply air passage between a plurality of dampers 67a-67f serving as third switching means and each of the air supply ports 43a-43f.

[0105] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air supply and exhaust system 1000 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] 20, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 8 is configured to control a plurality of dampers 66a to 66f serving as first switching means, a plurality of dampers 64a to 64f serving as second switching means, and a plurality of dampers 67a to 67f serving as third switching means, based on the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature sensor 56. The heated air temperature sensor 56 is heated air temperature detection means provided in the heated air supply path 45 in FIG.

[0107] Hereinafter, an example of an air supply and exhaust method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 21, when the air supply / exhaust operation is started, first, the temperature of the heated air is detected by the heated air temperature sensor 56 (step S31). Then, the control unit 8 determines whether the detected temperature of the heated air is equal to or greater than 25°C or less than 25°C (step S32). As a result, if it is determined that the temperature of the heated air is equal to or greater than 25°C (if "YES" in step S32), the control unit 8 controls the dampers 64a-64f, 66a-66f, and 67a-67f so that the heated air is supplied to the heating device 4 via the heated air supply path 45 and the heating device air supply path 47, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrows in Fig. 22 (step S33).

[0109] At this time, heated air is supplied to the heating device 4 through some of the multiple air intake ports 43a to 43f, namely, air intake ports 43d to 43f. Meanwhile, indoor air is supplied to the other air intake ports 43a to 43c through the first indoor air supply path 46, as indicated by the two-dot chain arrows in Fig. 22. In the example of Fig. 22, heated air is supplied to the three air intake ports 43d to 43f that supply air downstream in the transport direction, and indoor air is supplied to the remaining three air intake ports 43a to 43c that supply air upstream in the transport direction, but the air intake ports to which the heated air and indoor air are supplied can be changed as appropriate.

[0110] On the other hand, if it is determined that the temperature of the heated air is less than 25°C (NO in step S32), the control unit 8 controls the dampers 64a-64f, 66a-66f, 67a-67f so that the heated air is supplied to the room 70 via the indoor air supply path 54, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in Fig. 23 (step S34). Meanwhile, for the heating device 4, indoor air taken in via the second indoor air supply path 49 is supplied to all of the air supply ports 43a-43f (step S35). Thereafter, the same control is repeated until an instruction to end the air supply / exhaust operation is received (step S36).

[0111] As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature of the heated air is high (25°C or higher), heated air is supplied to the heating device 4, and conversely, when the temperature of the heated air is low (less than 25°C), indoor air is supplied to the heating device 4 instead of heated air, thereby ensuring the drying properties and condensation suppression effects of the heating device 4. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heated air is low, heated air is supplied to the room 70 instead of the heating device 4, thereby achieving energy savings. In other words, even when the temperature of the heated air is low, the heated air is basically at a higher temperature than the outdoor air, and therefore, the power consumption of the indoor air conditioning equipment can be reduced compared to when outdoor air is directly supplied to the room 70.

[0112] The temperature that is the criterion for determining whether heated air is supplied to the heating device 4 or the indoors 70 is not limited to 25° C., but may be any other temperature.

[0113] Furthermore, the decision as to whether to supply heated air or indoor air to the heating device 4 may be made based on whether the temperature of the heated air is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, or may be made by comparing the temperature of the heated air with the temperature of the indoor air. That is, the temperature of the heated air may be compared with the temperature of the indoor air, and if the temperature of the heated air is equal to or higher than the temperature of the indoor air, the heated air may be supplied to the heating device 4, and if the temperature of the heated air is lower than the temperature of the indoor air, the indoor air may be supplied to the heating device 4.

[0114] Also in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the air supplied to the heat exchanger 55 may be outdoor air or indoor air. Furthermore, as in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the outdoor air may be compared with the temperature of the indoor air, and the air with the higher temperature may be supplied to the heat exchanger 55.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to an air intake / exhaust device and an air intake / exhaust system of a heating device that dries a sheet. However, the present invention can also be applied to an air intake / exhaust device and an air intake / exhaust system of a heating device that heats a sheet for purposes other than drying. Furthermore, the image forming device equipped with a heating device may be an image forming device that applies a liquid to a sheet to form an image, or a liquid application device that applies a treatment liquid or the like to modify the surface of a sheet before image formation. Furthermore, the liquid application device may be a liquid application device that applies liquid to a sheet by a method other than ejection, such as applying liquid to the sheet using a roller.

[0117] Furthermore, the sheet used in the present invention may be any material that can at least temporarily hold a liquid, and that can adhere and solidify with the liquid, or that can penetrate and penetrate with the liquid. Specifically, the sheet may be paper, resin film, wallpaper, electronic circuit boards, or the like. Furthermore, the sheet may be made of paper, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, or the like. Furthermore, the sheet is not limited to a long sheet that is transported continuously and without interruption from the sheet supply means to the sheet collection means, but may also be a short sheet that is transported individually and without interruption from the sheet supply means to the sheet collection means.

[0118] The liquid applied to the sheet is not particularly limited, but includes solutions, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functional materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium, edible materials such as natural pigments, etc. These are used, for example, in inkjet inks, surface treatment solutions, components of electronic elements and light-emitting elements, liquids for forming electronic circuit resist patterns, and material liquids for 3D modeling.

[0119] To summarize the above-described aspects of the present invention, the present invention includes at least the following aspects.

[0120] [First aspect] The first aspect is an air intake and exhaust device for a heating device, comprising: a heating device that heats a sheet to which liquid has been applied; an air intake means that supplies air into the heating device through multiple air intake ports provided in the heating device; an exhaust means that exhausts air from the heating device; and a heat exchanger that recovers heat from the air exhausted by the exhaust means and transfers the recovered heat to air supplied by the air intake means to heat the air, wherein heated air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through some of the multiple air intake ports, and unheated air that is not heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through the other air intake ports.

[0121] [Second aspect] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the heated air is supplied to the heating device through an air supply port that supplies air downstream in the sheet conveying direction from the air supply port through which the unheated air is supplied.

[0122] [Third aspect] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the air supply means has an outdoor air supply path that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger and an indoor air supply path that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger, and the air supply and exhaust device has a switching means that switches between the outdoor air supply path and the indoor air supply path so that either the outdoor air or the indoor air can be supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0123] [Fourth aspect] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the air supply means has a heating device air supply path that supplies the heated air to the heating device and an indoor air supply path that supplies the heated air indoors, and the air supply and exhaust device is provided with a switching means that switches between the heating device air supply path and the indoor air supply path so that the heated air can be supplied to the heating device or the indoors.

[0124] [Fifth aspect] A fifth aspect is an air supply and exhaust system for a heating device comprising: a heating device that heats a sheet to which liquid has been applied; an air supply means that supplies air into the heating device through multiple air supply ports provided in the heating device; an exhaust means that exhausts air from the heating device; a heat exchanger that recovers heat from the air exhausted by the exhaust means and transfers the recovered heat to air supplied by the air supply means to heat the air; a switching means that switches the air supply path; and a control unit that controls the switching means, wherein the control unit controls the switching means to supply heated air heated by the heat exchanger into the heating device through some of the multiple air supply ports, and to supply unheated air not heated by the heat exchanger into the heating device through the other air supply ports.

[0125] [Sixth aspect] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the air supply and exhaust system is provided with a heated air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heated air, and the control unit controls the switching means based on the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means, and changes the number and position of the air supply ports to which the heated air is supplied.

[0126] [Seventh aspect] In a seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the air supply and exhaust system includes a conveying speed information acquisition unit that acquires conveying speed information of the sheet, and the control unit controls the switching means based on the conveying speed information acquired by the conveying speed information acquisition unit to change the number and position of the air supply ports through which the heated air is supplied.

[0127] [Eighth aspect] An eighth aspect is any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the air intake duct has an outdoor air supply duct that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger and an indoor air supply duct that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger, the air supply and exhaust system includes an outdoor air temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the outdoor air and an indoor air temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the indoor air, and the control unit controls the switching means so that the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the outdoor air supply duct when the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is higher than the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means, and controls the switching means so that the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the indoor air supply duct when the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is lower than the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means.

[0128] [Ninth aspect] A ninth aspect is any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the air intake passage has an outdoor air supply passage that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger, and an indoor air supply passage that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger, and the air supply and exhaust system includes outdoor air temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the outdoor air, indoor air temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the indoor air, and switching means that switches between the outdoor air supply passage and the indoor air supply passage so that the outdoor air or the indoor air can be supplied to the heat exchanger, and the control unit is When the difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means from the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor temperature detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit controls the switching means so that the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the outdoor air supply path, and when the difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means from the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit controls the switching means so that the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the indoor air supply path.

[0129] [Tenth aspect] A tenth aspect is any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, wherein the air intake duct has a heating device air intake duct that supplies the heated air to the heating device and an indoor air intake duct that supplies the heated air indoors, the air intake and exhaust system is provided with a heated air temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the heated air, and the control unit controls the switching means so that the heated air is supplied to the heating device through the heating device air intake duct when the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and controls the switching means so that the heated air is supplied indoors through the indoor air intake duct when the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0130] [Eleventh aspect] In an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, when the heated air is supplied indoors via the indoor air supply passage, indoor air is supplied to the heating device via all of the air supply passages.

[0131] [Twelfth aspect] A twelfth aspect is an air supply and exhaust method for a heating device that heats a sheet to which a liquid has been applied, which method recovers heat from air exhausted from the heating device using a heat exchanger and imparts the recovered heat to air supplied into the heating device to heat the air, supplies the heated air heated by the heat exchanger into the heating device through some of a plurality of air supply ports, and supplies unheated air that has not been heated by the heat exchanger into the heating device through the other air supply ports. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 4 Heating device 5. Exhaust means 6 Air supply means 8 Control Unit 42 Air supply duct (air supply passage) 43a~43f Air supply port 44 Outdoor air supply channel 45 Heated air supply line 46 Indoor air supply line 47 Heating device air supply path 48 Indoor air supply line 49 Indoor air supply line 54 Indoor air supply path 55 Heat exchanger 56 Heated air temperature sensor (heated air temperature detection means) 57 Outdoor air temperature sensor (outdoor air temperature detection means) 58 Indoor air temperature sensor (indoor air temperature detection means) 64a~64f Damper (switching means) 65 Damper (switching means) 66a~66f Damper (switching means) 67a~67f Damper (switching means) 70 Indoor 80 Outdoors 204 Conveying speed setting unit (conveying speed information acquisition unit) 500 Intake and exhaust system 1000 Intake and Exhaust System S seat

Prior Technical Literature

Charter Documents

[0133] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7185111

Claims

1. a heating device that heats the sheet to which the liquid has been applied; an air supply means having an air supply path that supplies air into the heating device through a plurality of air supply ports provided in the heating device; an exhaust means for exhausting air from the heating device; a heat exchanger that recovers heat from the air exhausted by the exhaust means and imparts the recovered heat to the air supplied by the air supply means to heat the air; An air supply and exhaust device for a heating device comprising: The heated air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through some of the plurality of air inlets, An air supply and exhaust device, characterized in that unheated air that is not heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through the other air supply ports.

2. The air supply and exhaust device according to claim 1 , wherein the heated air is supplied to the heating device through the air supply port that supplies air downstream in the sheet conveying direction from the air supply port through which the unheated air is supplied.

3. the air supply means includes an outdoor air supply passage that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger, and an indoor air supply passage that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger; 2. The air supply and exhaust device according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching means for switching between the outdoor air supply path and the indoor air supply path so that the outdoor air or the indoor air can be supplied to the heat exchanger.

4. the air supply means includes a heating device air supply passage that supplies the heated air to the heating device and an indoor air supply passage that supplies the heated air indoors, The air supply and exhaust device according to claim 1 , further comprising a switching means for switching between the heating device air supply path and the indoor air supply path so that the heated air can be supplied to the heating device or the indoor space.

5. a heating device that heats the sheet to which the liquid has been applied; an air supply means for supplying air into the heating device through a plurality of air supply ports provided in the heating device; an exhaust means for exhausting air from the heating device; a heat exchanger that recovers heat from the air exhausted by the exhaust means and imparts the recovered heat to the air supplied by the air supply means to heat the air; A switching means for switching the air supply path; a control unit that controls the switching means; An air supply and exhaust system for a heating device comprising: The control unit The heated air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through some of the plurality of air inlets, The unheated air not heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through the other air supply ports. An air supply and exhaust system characterized by controlling the switching means.

6. the air supply / exhaust system includes a heated air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heated air, The control unit 6. The air intake and exhaust system according to claim 5, wherein the switching means is controlled based on the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means, and the number and positions of the air intake ports to which the heated air is supplied are changed.

7. the air supply / exhaust system includes a conveying speed information acquisition unit that acquires conveying speed information of the sheet, The control unit The air supply and exhaust system according to claim 5 , wherein the switching means is controlled based on the conveying speed information acquired by the conveying speed information acquisition unit, and the number and positions of the air supply ports to which the heated air is supplied are changed.

8. the air supply passage includes an outdoor air supply passage that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger, and an indoor air supply passage that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger; The air intake and exhaust system includes: outdoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air; an indoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the indoor air; The control unit When the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is higher than the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means, the switching means is controlled so that the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger through the outdoor air supply path; 6. The air supply and exhaust system according to claim 5, wherein the switching means is controlled so that the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the indoor air supply path when the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is equal to or lower than the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means.

9. the air supply passage includes an outdoor air supply passage that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger, and an indoor air supply passage that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger; The air intake and exhaust system includes: outdoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air; an indoor air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the indoor air; The control unit When a difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means from the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the switching means is controlled so that the outdoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the outdoor air supply path; 6. The air supply and exhaust system according to claim 5, wherein when a difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor temperature detection means from the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature detection means is less than the predetermined threshold, the switching means is controlled so that the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger via the indoor air supply path.

10. the air supply passage includes a heating device air supply passage that supplies the heated air to the heating device and an indoor air supply passage that supplies the heated air indoors, The air intake and exhaust system includes: a heated air temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heated air; The control unit When the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the switching means is controlled so that the heated air is supplied to the heating device through the heating device air supply path; 6. The air supply and exhaust system according to claim 5, wherein when the temperature of the heated air detected by the heated air temperature detection means is lower than the predetermined temperature, the switching means is controlled so that the heated air is supplied indoors through the indoor air supply path.

11. The air supply and exhaust system according to claim 10, wherein when the heated air is supplied indoors via the indoor air supply path, the indoor air is supplied to the heating device via all of the air supply paths.

12. A method for supplying and exhausting air to a heating device that heats a sheet to which a liquid has been applied, comprising: The heat of the air exhausted from the heating device is recovered by a heat exchanger, The recovered heat is applied to air supplied into the heating device to heat the air; The heated air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied into the heating device through some of the plurality of air inlets, A method for supplying air into the heating device through the other air inlets, the method comprising: supplying unheated air that is not heated by the heat exchanger into the heating device through the other air inlets.

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