Printing apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide a printing apparatus that can decrease power consumption by a plurality of heaters.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus comprises: a head adapted to discharge liquid to a medium; a first heater adapted to heat the medium; a second heater for heating the medium on a conveyance path on which the medium is conveyed, downstream of the first heater; a first switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the first heater; and a second switch for switching whether or not to supply power to the second heater.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Research and development is being conducted on printing devices.

[0003] In this regard, a printing device is known that includes a head that ejects liquid onto a medium to be printed on, a transport unit that transports the medium, and multiple heaters that heat the medium transported by the transport unit (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-052578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A printing device such as that described in Patent Document 1 controls multiple heaters collectively, which can make it difficult for the printing device to reduce the amount of power consumed by the multiple heaters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device comprising: a head that ejects liquid onto a medium; a first heater that heats the medium; a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported; a first switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the first heater; and a second switch that switches whether or not to supply power from the power source to the second heater.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a printing device that includes a head that ejects liquid onto a medium, a first heater that heats the medium, a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported, a first switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the first heater, and a second switch that switches whether or not to supply power from the power source to the second heater, wherein the control method switches the first switch so that the temperature of the first heater becomes a first target temperature at a first time point, and switches the second switch so that the temperature of the second heater becomes a second target temperature at a second time point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a printing device 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a heating unit 4 in the printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of temporal changes in the temperatures of the preheater, the recording unit heater, and the afterheater when the timing at which power is supplied to the preheater, the recording unit heater, and the afterheater starts is the same. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the change in temperature over time of each of the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63 when the timing at which power is supplied to each of the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63 is different from each other. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of power consumption increase suppression processing 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a power consumption increase suppression process 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of power consumption increase suppression processing 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of power consumption increase suppression processing 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Printing device configuration> First, the configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment will be described using the printing device 1 as an example. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the printing device 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the printing device 1.

[0011] The printing device 1 is a large format printer that handles large-sized medium M. Here, medium M refers to the medium on which printing device 1 prints. Medium M is, for example, a medium made of polyvinyl chloride film with a width of approximately 64 inches. Note that medium M may instead be other media made of materials such as various types of paper (e.g., plain paper, recycled paper, glossy paper), various types of fabrics, various types of nonwoven fabrics, resin, metal, glass, and resin film. Furthermore, medium M may be a medium of other shapes instead of a film-like medium. Furthermore, when medium M is a resin film, examples of resins that can be used as the material of medium M include, but are not limited to, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PS (polyester), and PP (polypropylene).

[0012] The printing method of the printing device 1 is, for example, an inkjet method. However, the printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to this, and other methods may be used.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a conveying unit 2, a recording unit 3, a heating unit 4, and an air blowing unit 5. Each of these components of the printing device 1 is supported by a main body frame 6. The printing device 1 also includes a control unit that controls the driving of each member that makes up each of these components. Note that this control unit is omitted from FIG. 1.

[0014] The transport unit 2 transports the medium M by a roll-to-roll method. The transport unit 2 has a supply roller 21 that feeds out the rolled medium M from the roll R, and a take-up roller 22 that winds up the fed-out medium M. The transport unit 2 has a transport roller pair 23 and a transport roller pair 24 that transport the medium M in the transport path between the supply roller 21 and the take-up roller 22. The transport unit 2 also has a tension roller 25 that applies tension to the medium M in the transport path between the transport roller pair 24 and the take-up roller 22.

[0015] The transport section 2 is controlled by a medium transport unit 130 for feeding the medium M in the sub-scanning direction. During image recording, the medium transport unit 130 transports the medium M intermittently by repeatedly transporting and stopping the medium M in accordance with the operation of the carriage 32.

[0016] Tension roller 25 is supported by swing frame 26 and is configured to contact the back surface of medium M in the width direction. Here, in FIG. 1, the width direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Tension roller 25 is formed to be longer in the width direction than the width of medium M. Tension roller 25 is provided downstream in the transport direction from an after-heater of heating unit 4, which will be described later.

[0017] The recording unit 3 ejects a liquid onto the medium M to record images, characters, etc. The recording unit 3 has a head 31 that ejects the liquid onto the medium M in a transport path between the transport roller pair 23 and the transport roller pair 24 using an inkjet method, and a carriage 32 that mounts the head 31 and is movable back and forth in the width direction. Here, the liquid ejected from the head 31 is, for example, ink, but is not limited to this. The head 31 has multiple nozzles and is configured to be able to eject a liquid that is selected in relation to the medium M and requires permeation drying, evaporation drying, etc.

[0018] The head 31 is connected to a controller 110. The controller 110 sends to the head 31 signals and the like for controlling the ejection of liquid.

[0019] The printing device 1 has a guide rail (not shown), which supports a carriage 32. The carriage 32 is moved back and forth along the guide rail in the main scanning direction by a carriage drive unit 140.

[0020] A head 31 having nozzles formed therein for ejecting liquid of each color, such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), onto the medium M, is mounted in the center of the carriage 32. Of the liquids ejected from the head 31, the liquids of each color, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), are primarily used as image recording liquids for drawing a predetermined image based on image data received from a host device, such as a computer 10.

[0021] In the embodiment, as an example, the direction in which the carriage 32 moves is defined as the main scanning direction, and the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction in which the medium M is transported is defined as the sub-scanning direction. Here, in FIG. 1, the main scanning direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0022] The computer 10 sends image data corresponding to the image to be printed via a printer driver to the printing device 1. The image data includes pixel data indicating whether or not liquid is to be ejected for each color for each pixel on the medium.

[0023] An input operation unit 120, which is configured, for example, by a touch panel, is provided on a housing (not shown) of the printing device 1. The input operation unit 120 displays recording modes and other information that can be selected by the user, and allows the user to select and input a displayed recording mode. The input operation unit 120 is connected to the controller 110, and outputs to the controller 110 a signal related to the recording mode selected based on a predetermined operation.

[0024] A user of the printing device 1 can input information related to the type of medium M used in the printing device 1, information related to the type of liquid, etc., via this input operation unit 120. The user can also input this information from the computer 10 to the controller 110 of the printing device 1. In FIG. 1, information related to the type of medium M is indicated by "medium type." In addition, in FIG. 1, information related to the type of liquid is indicated by "liquid type."

[0025] 2, the controller 110 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, and the processing program recorded in the ROM 112 is loaded into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111. The interface 105 is an interface provided to connect the controller 110 of the printing device 1 to the computer 10. The controller 110 is an example of the control unit of the printing device 1 described above.

[0026] The ROM 112 stores a table of optimal set temperatures for the heating unit 4 corresponding to the type of medium M and the type of liquid. When information related to the type of medium M and the type of liquid used in the printing device 1 is input from the input operation unit 120 and the computer 10, respectively, the controller 110 refers to the table and sets the temperature for the heating unit 4.

[0027] The controller 110 controls the operation of each component in accordance with a processing program based on the status of the operation of the medium transport unit 130, which controls the transport of the medium M, the carriage drive unit 140, which controls the movement of the carriage 32, the head unit 150, which controls the liquid ejection from the head 31, the heater control unit 160, which controls the temperature of the heating unit 4, and the fan control unit 170, which controls the airflow from the air blower 5. The carriage position detector 180 is composed of a position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the origin position of the carriage 32. Detection information from the position detection sensor is configured to be input to the controller 110 and is used for the drive processing of the carriage drive unit 140.

[0028] The heating unit 4 heats the medium M. By heating the medium M, the heating unit 4 quickly dries and fixes the liquid on the medium M, preventing bleeding, blurring, and the like, thereby improving image quality. The heating unit 4 has a support surface that forms part of the transport path of the medium M, and is configured to support the medium M by curving it so that it is convex upward between the supply roller 21 and the take-up roller 22, and to heat the medium M on the support surface. Note that the configuration of the heating unit 4 may be a configuration that does not have a support surface, or may have another configuration, as long as it is capable of heating the medium M.

[0029] The heating unit 4 has a box-shaped portion 4A, and its outer shape is defined by the box-shaped portion 4A. The box-shaped portion 4A includes a second platen 62 from which liquid is ejected from the head 31 above the box-shaped portion 4A, a first platen 61 disposed upstream of the second platen 62, a third platen 63 disposed downstream of the second platen 62, and a main body portion 60. The second platen 62, the first platen 61, and the third platen 63 are each detachable from the main body portion 60. Note that some or all of the second platen 62, the first platen 61, and the third platen 63 may not be detachable from the main body portion 60.

[0030] In the printing device 1, each of the three platens, the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63, is made of a material having PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) properties, and these three platens themselves function as the heating section 4.

[0031] 1, the heating unit 4 has a first platen 61 that functions as a preheater that heats the medium M upstream in the transport direction from the position where the recording unit 3 is provided, a second platen 62 that functions as a recording unit heater that heats the medium M at a position opposite the recording unit 3, and a third platen 63 that functions as an afterheater that heats the medium M downstream in the transport direction from the position where the recording unit 3 is provided. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, the first platen 61 will be referred to as a preheater, the second platen 62 will be referred to as a recording unit heater, and the third platen 63 will be referred to as an afterheater. Also, for convenience of explanation, the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater will be collectively referred to as heaters unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the preheater, is set to 40°C. Also, in this embodiment, the second target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the recording unit heater, is set to 40°C, the same as the first target temperature. Also, in this embodiment, the third target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the afterheater, is set to 50°C, which is higher than both the first target temperature and the second target temperature. Note that some or all of the first target temperature, second target temperature, and third target temperature may be other temperatures.

[0033] The preheater is configured to gradually increase the temperature of the medium M from room temperature to the first target temperature, thereby facilitating rapid drying of the liquid from the time of landing.

[0034] In addition, the recording unit heater is configured to set the temperature of the recording unit heater to a second target temperature, so that the liquid is allowed to land on the medium M while maintaining the same temperature as the first target temperature, thereby facilitating rapid drying of the liquid from the time it lands.

[0035] In addition, the after-heater is configured to raise the temperature of the medium M to a third target temperature higher than the first target temperature, quickly dry any liquid that has landed on the medium M that has not yet dried, and completely dry and fix the landed liquid on the medium M at least before it is taken up by the take-up roller 22.

[0036] Because the third target temperature is set higher than the first and second target temperatures, the medium M on the afterheater is relatively more susceptible to thermal expansion than the medium M on the preheater and the medium M on the recording unit heater. Furthermore, because tension is applied to the medium M on the afterheater by the tension roller 25, the thermal expansion of the medium M tends to appear in the center of the width direction, causing the medium M to twist and wrinkle. For this reason, the printing device 1 applies tension to the medium M being heated on the afterheater by driving the tension roller 25, thereby preventing the thermal expansion of the medium M from appearing in the center of the width direction, causing the medium M to twist and wrinkle.

[0037] In addition, in the printing device 1, in order to obtain effects different from these effects, some or all of the first target temperature, second target temperature, and third target temperature may be the same temperature, or some or all of the first target temperature, second target temperature, and third target temperature may be different temperatures.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the heating unit 4 in the printing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0039] In the printing apparatus 1, as described above, the heater is made of a material having PTC characteristics, and supports the medium M being transported and heats the medium M.

[0040] A material with PTC characteristics exhibits a self-temperature control function by abruptly increasing electrical resistance when the temperature exceeds a certain temperature, which is the Curie point. Therefore, a material with PTC characteristics can prevent the heater from overheating. Furthermore, when a liquid lands on the medium M and the temperature drops, the material's electrical resistance rapidly decreases. In response to this rapid decrease in electrical resistance, electricity is quickly applied and the temperature is restored.

[0041] An example of a material having PTC characteristics that can be used for a heater is a thermoplastic resin to which conductive particles have been added.

[0042] The thermoplastic resin is preferably a crystalline thermoplastic resin, and specific examples thereof include polyolefin resins and copolymer resins thereof, polyamide resins, polyacetal resins, thermoplastic polyester resins, polyphenylene oxide and nonyl resins, polysulfone, etc. Various crystalline thermoplastic resins can also be used as compositions with other polymers, additives, etc., as needed.

[0043] Examples of conductive particles include granular materials such as carbon black particles and graphite particles; metal fine particles such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and gold (Au); powdery materials such as metal powder and metal oxide powder; fibrous materials such as carbon fiber; conductive inorganic materials (e.g., ITO); and inorganic materials with positive temperature coefficients such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3). Among these, granular materials such as carbon black particles and graphite particles, especially carbon black particles, are preferred as conductive particles. Various conductive particles may be used singly or in combination of two or more types as a mixture.

[0044] Here, in Figure 3, R1 is shown as the equivalent circuit of the preheater. Also in Figure 3, R2 is shown as the equivalent circuit of the recording section heater. Also, R3 is shown as the equivalent circuit of the afterheater. However, each of the preheater, recording section heater, and afterheater is not a simple resistance component, but a circuit element whose resistance becomes infinite when the Curie temperature of the respective material is reached. Here, for simplicity, each of the preheater, recording section heater, and afterheater is represented as a resistor as shown in Figure 3.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the pre-heater, recording unit heater, and after-heater are all connected in parallel with one another. The heater control unit 160 instructs the constant voltage source in the circuit diagram of Fig. 3 to set an output target value so that a predetermined voltage V is output. The constant voltage source is an example of a power source that supplies power to the heater. The constant voltage source may be configured to be built into the printing device 1, or may be configured to be connected to the printing device 1 from outside.

[0046] The heater control unit 160 controls whether or not the voltage V applied by the constant voltage source is applied to the preheater by controlling the on / off of the first switch SW1 in the circuit diagram in FIG. 3. That is, the first switch SW1 is a switch that switches whether or not power is supplied to the preheater. Therefore, the heater control unit 160 supplies power to the preheater via the first switch SW1. Note that the first switch SW1 is, for example, a field-effect transistor, but may instead be another switch that can switch whether or not power is supplied to the preheater.

[0047] The heater control unit 160 also controls whether or not the voltage V applied by the constant voltage source is applied to the recording section heater by controlling the on / off of the second switch SW2 in the circuit diagram in FIG. 3. That is, the second switch SW2 is a switch that switches whether or not power is supplied to the recording section heater. Therefore, the heater control unit 160 supplies power to the recording section heater via the second switch SW2. Note that the second switch SW2 is, for example, a field-effect transistor, but may instead be another switch that can switch whether or not power is supplied to the preheater.

[0048] The heater control unit 160 also controls whether or not the voltage V applied by the constant voltage source is applied to the after-heater by controlling the on / off of the third switch SW3 in the circuit diagram in FIG. 3. That is, the third switch SW3 is a switch that switches whether or not power is supplied to the after-heater. Therefore, the heater control unit 160 supplies power to the after-heater via the third switch SW3. Note that the third switch SW3 is, for example, a field-effect transistor, but may instead be another switch that can switch whether or not power is supplied to the pre-heater.

[0049] In this way, in the printing device 1, the same voltage V is applied to each of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. However, for example, by adjusting the amount of conductive particles added to the thermoplastic resin base material for each of these three platens, the Curie point temperature of each platen can be adjusted. This means that even if a common voltage V is applied to each of the three platens as shown in Figure 3, the temperature of each of the three platens can be independently adjusted to a desired temperature. Note that in the printing device 1, different voltages may be applied to some or all of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater.

[0050] By controlling the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3, the printing device 1 can independently control the power supply to the preheater, the recording unit heater, and the afterheater. This means that the timing at which the preheater, the recording unit heater, and the afterheater reach their target temperatures can be adjusted as desired. In other words, for example, if the preheater has reached the first target temperature but the recording unit heater has not yet reached the second target temperature, the printing device 1 can synchronize the timing at which the preheater and the recording unit heater reach their target temperatures to prevent the power consumed by the preheater until the recording unit heater reaches the second target temperature from being wasted.

[0051] For example, FIG. 4 shows an example of the change in temperature of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater over time when the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater are energized at the same time. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 represents the elapsed time from the origin. The vertical axis of the graph represents temperature. Curve C1 plotted on the graph represents the change in temperature of the preheater over time. Curve C2 plotted on the graph represents the change in temperature of the recording unit heater over time. Curve C3 plotted on the graph represents the change in temperature of the afterheater over time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, timing TS is the time when energization of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater is initiated. Therefore, the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater begin to rise from timing TS. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater are consistent with room temperature during the period prior to timing TS. Therefore, the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater are maintained constant during that period. Also, in order to make it easier to see the changes in the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater over time, Fig. 4 shows the changes in the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater over time when the first target temperature, second target temperature, and third target temperature are different from one another. For this reason, in Fig. 4, the first target temperature and second target temperature are not 40°C. Similarly, in Fig. 4, the third target temperature is not 50°C.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature of the preheater reaches the first target temperature at time T1. Therefore, the temperature of curve C1 does not change after time T1. However, in FIG. 4, changes in the temperature of the preheater due to the ejection of liquid from the head 31, the blowing of air from the blowing unit 5, the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 2, other noise, etc. are omitted for simplicity of explanation. Also, in this example, the temperature of the recording unit heater reaches the second target temperature at time T2. Therefore, the temperature of curve C2 does not change after time T2. However, in FIG. 4, changes in the temperature of the recording unit heater due to the ejection of liquid from the head 31, the blowing of air from the blowing unit 5, the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 2, other noise, etc. are omitted for simplicity of explanation. Also, in this example, the temperature of the afterheater reaches the third target temperature at time T3. Therefore, the temperature of curve C3 does not change after time T3. However, in Figure 4, changes in the temperature of the afterheater due to the ejection of liquid from the head 31, the blowing of air from the blowing unit 5, the transport of the medium M by the transporting unit 2, and other noises are omitted to simplify the explanation.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the times at which the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater reach their respective target temperatures are generally different, except when they coincide by chance due to design. This can result in wasted power consumption by the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the temperature of the preheater does not reach the first target temperature during the period PA between timings T1 and T3. Furthermore, in this example, the temperature of the preheater does not reach the first target temperature during the period PB between timings T1 and T2. Therefore, if an image cannot be printed on the medium M until the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater all reach their target temperatures, the power consumed by the afterheater during the period PA is wasted. In this case, the power consumed by the recording unit heater during the period PB is also wasted.

[0054] On the other hand, for example, FIG. 5 shows an example of the temporal changes in the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater when the timings at which power is supplied to the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater are different from one another. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represents the elapsed time from the origin. The vertical axis of the graph represents temperature. Curve C4 plotted on the graph represents the temporal change in the temperature of the preheater. Curve C5 plotted on the graph represents the temporal change in the temperature of the recording unit heater. Curve C6 plotted on the graph represents the temporal change in the temperature of the afterheater. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the temperature of the preheater is equal to room temperature during the period before timing TS. Therefore, the temperature of the preheater is maintained at a constant temperature during this period. In addition, in this example, the temperature of the recording unit heater is equal to room temperature during the period before timing TS1. Therefore, the temperature of the recording unit heater is maintained at a constant temperature during this period. In this example, the temperature of the afterheater is equal to room temperature during the period before timing TS2. Therefore, the temperature of the after-heater is maintained constant during this period. Also, in FIG. 5, to make it easier to see the changes in the temperatures of the pre-heater, recording unit heater, and after-heater over time, the changes in the temperatures of the pre-heater, recording unit heater, and after-heater over time are shown for cases where the first target temperature, second target temperature, and third target temperature are different from one another. The first target temperature shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the first target temperature shown in FIG. 4. The second target temperature shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the second target temperature shown in FIG. 4. The third target temperature shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the third target temperature shown in FIG. 4. In this example, the timings at which power is supplied to the pre-heater, recording unit heater, and after-heater are different from one another. In this example, the timing at which power is supplied to the pre-heater is timing TS. In this example, the timing at which power is supplied to the recording unit heater is timing TS1.In this example, the timing at which power is supplied to the afterheater is timing TS2. In this example, timing TS2 is later than timing TS1 on the time axis (i.e., the horizontal axis). In this example, timing TS1 is later than timing TS on the time axis.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the length of the period between timing TS and timing TS1 is the same as the length of period PB shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, in FIG. 5, the period between timing TS and timing TS1 is indicated by period PB. In this example, the length of the period between timing TS and timing TS2 is the same as the length of period PA shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, in FIG. 5, the period between timing TS and timing TS2 is indicated by period PA. When the timings at which power is turned on are different as shown in FIG. 5, the timings at which the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater reach their respective target temperatures overlap on the time axis, except for slight deviations due to errors, etc. In other words, in this case, the timings at which the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater reach their respective target temperatures coincide on the time axis, except for deviations due to errors, etc. In this case, even if the printing device 1 cannot print an image on the medium M until the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater all reach their target temperatures, it is possible to prevent wasted power consumption by the recording unit heater and the afterheater.

[0056] The timing at which power is supplied to each of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater varies depending on the design of the printing device 1. Therefore, the suppression of increases in power consumption as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is merely one example of the effect that the printing device 1 can achieve by being able to independently control power supply to each of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. In other words, some or all of the timing at which the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater reach their target temperatures may be different from each other. Furthermore, some or all of the timing at which power is supplied to each of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater may be the same.

[0057] As described above, the printing device 1 can independently control the power supply to the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. Instead of controlling the power supply to the preheater with the first switch SW1, the printing device 1 may be configured to control the power supply to the preheater with another method. Instead of controlling the power supply to the recording unit heater with the second switch SW2, the printing device 1 may be configured to control the power supply to the recording unit heater with another method. Instead of controlling the power supply to the afterheater with the third switch SW3, the printing device 1 may be configured to control the power supply to the afterheater with another method.

[0058] In the heating unit 4, any one or any two of the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63 may not function as a heater. In other words, the number of heaters included in the heating unit 4 may be one or two. Furthermore, the heating unit 4 may be configured to include another member that functions as a heater for heating the medium M in place of some or all of the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63, or in addition to all of the first platen 61, the second platen 62, and the third platen 63.

[0059] The air blowing unit 5 blows air to the medium M. By blowing air to the medium M, the air blowing unit 5 not only quickly dries and fixes the liquid on the medium M, but also blows air for the purposes of preventing wrinkles from occurring on the medium M, preventing show-through of the liquid on the medium M, preventing uneven gloss on the medium M, discharging liquid mist to the outside, ventilating the area around the platen, and preventing mist from coagulating around the platen. Note that the air blowing unit 5 may be configured in any way as long as it is capable of blowing air to the medium M.

[0060] The blower 5 includes two fans: a first fan 51 and a second fan 52.

[0061] The first fan 51 is provided to promote evaporation of water from the liquid ejected onto the medium M. The first fan 51 may be any fan capable of blowing air onto the medium M. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first fan 51 is provided in a position facing the recording unit heater across the transport path of the medium M. That is, the recording unit heater and the first fan 51 are provided in positions facing each other. In FIG. 1, the movement path of the carriage 32, which carries the head 31 and moves back and forth in the width direction, is located between the recording unit heater and the first fan 51. However, this movement path may not be located between the recording unit heater and the first fan 51. The relative positional relationship between the first fan 51 and the recording unit heater shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and other positional relationships may be used.

[0062] The second fan 52 is provided to promote evaporation of water from the liquid ejected onto the medium M. The second fan 52 may be any fan that can blow air onto the medium M. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second fan 52 is provided in a position facing the after-heater across the transport path of the medium M. In other words, the after-heater and the second fan 52 are provided in positions facing each other. Note that the relative positional relationship between the after-heater and the second fan 52 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and other positional relationships may be used.

[0063] The blower 5 may be configured to include a third fan that faces the afterheater across the transport path of the medium M, in addition to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52, or instead of at least one of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52. The blower 5 may also be configured not to include either the first fan 51 or the second fan 52. In other words, the number of fans included in the blower 5 may be one.

[0064] The printing device 1 configured as described above performs four processes described below as processes for suppressing increases in power consumption. For ease of explanation, these four processes will be referred to as power consumption increase suppression process 1, power consumption increase suppression process 2, power consumption increase suppression process 3, and power consumption increase suppression process 4. These four power consumption increase suppression processes will be described below.

[0065] <Power consumption increase suppression process 1> Power consumption increase suppression process 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of power consumption increase suppression process 1. Power consumption increase suppression process 1 is a process performed by the printing device 1 that independently controls power supply to the preheater, recording unit heater, and after-heater, as described above. Here, the preheater, recording unit heater, and after-heater are each controlled by the heater control unit 160, as described above. In other words, power consumption increase suppression process 1 is a process performed by the heater control unit 160. When heating the medium M using each of the preheater, recording unit heater, and after-heater, the heater control unit 160 performs the process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 6. More specifically, in this case, the heater control unit 160 performs steps S110 to S140, steps S150 to S160, and steps S170 to S190 in parallel.

[0066] The heater control unit 160 waits until a first heating condition, which serves as a trigger for starting heating by the preheater, is satisfied (step S110). In FIG. 6, the process of step S110 is indicated by "Preheater heating?" Here, the first heating condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the first heating condition may be, but is not limited to, the elapse of a predetermined first time period after the controller 110 receives an instruction to cause the transport unit 2 to start transporting the medium M. Note that the first time period is a time period that is predetermined so as to reduce the amount of power consumed by the preheater, and may be determined through prior experiments or simulations. The first heating condition may also be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the first heating condition is satisfied when at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0067] When the heater control unit 160 determines that the first heating condition is satisfied (step S110-YES), it controls the first switch SW1 to start energizing the preheater (step S120). As a result, the temperature of the preheater starts to rise. In FIG. 6, the process of step S120 is indicated by "start preheater heating."

[0068] Next, the heater control unit 160 waits until a first heating end condition, which triggers the end of heating by the preheater, is satisfied (step S130). In FIG. 6, the process of step S130 is indicated by "Heating End?". Here, the first heating end condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the first heating end condition may be, but is not limited to, that the medium M has finished passing over the preheater. Note that detection of whether the medium M has finished passing over the preheater may be performed using a known method or a method to be developed in the future. Furthermore, the first heating end condition may be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the first heating end condition is satisfied when at least one of these multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0069] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the first heating end condition is satisfied (step S130-YES), it controls the first switch SW1 to stop the power supply to the preheater (step S140). As a result, the temperature of the preheater starts to drop. In FIG. 6, the process of step S140 is indicated by "end preheater heating."

[0070] Meanwhile, the heater control unit 160 waits until a second heating condition, which serves as a trigger for starting heating of the recording unit heater, is satisfied (step S150). In FIG. 6, the process of step S150 is indicated by "Recording unit heater heating?" Here, the second heating condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the second heating condition may be, but is not limited to, the elapse of a predetermined second time period after the controller 110 receives an instruction to cause the transport unit 2 to start transporting the medium M. Note that the second time period is a time period that is predetermined so as to reduce the amount of power consumed by the recording unit heater, and may be determined through prior experiments or simulations. The second heating condition may also be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the second heating condition is satisfied when at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0071] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the second heating condition is satisfied (step S150-YES), it controls the second switch SW2 to start energizing the recording unit heater (step S160). As a result, the temperature of the recording unit heater starts to rise. In FIG. 6, the process of step S160 is indicated by "start heating of recording unit heater."

[0072] Next, the heater control unit 160 waits until a second heating end condition, which triggers the end of heating by the recording unit heater, is satisfied (step S170). In FIG. 6, the process of step S170 is indicated by "Heating Ended?" Here, the second heating end condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the second heating end condition may be, but is not limited to, that the medium M has finished passing over the recording unit heater. Note that detection of whether the medium M has finished passing over the recording unit heater may be performed using a known method or a method to be developed in the future. The second heating end condition may also be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the second heating end condition is satisfied when at least one of these multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0073] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the second heating end condition is met (step S170-YES), it controls the second switch SW2 to stop the power supply to the recording unit heater (step S180). As a result, the temperature of the recording unit heater starts to drop. In FIG. 6, the process of step S180 is indicated by "End heating of recording unit heater."

[0074] The heater control unit 160 also waits until a third heating condition, which serves as a trigger for starting heating by the after-heater, is satisfied (step S190). In FIG. 6, the process of step S190 is indicated by "After-heater heating?" Here, the third heating condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the third heating condition may be, but is not limited to, the passage of a predetermined third time since the controller 110 received an instruction to cause the transport unit 2 to start transporting the medium M. Note that the third time is a time that is predetermined so as to reduce the amount of power consumed by the after-heater, and may be determined through prior experiments, simulations, or the like. The third heating condition may also be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the third heating condition is satisfied when at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0075] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the third heating condition is satisfied (step S190-YES), it controls the third switch SW3 to start energizing the after-heater (step S200). As a result, the temperature of the after-heater starts to rise. In FIG. 6, the process of step S200 is indicated by "start heating by after-heater."

[0076] Next, the heater control unit 160 waits until a third heating end condition, which triggers the end of heating by the after-heater, is satisfied (step S210). In FIG. 6, the processing of step S210 is indicated by "Heating Ended?". Here, the third heating end condition may be any condition that serves as the trigger. For example, the third heating end condition may be, but is not limited to, that the medium M has finished passing over the after-heater. Note that detection of whether the medium M has finished passing over the after-heater may be performed using a known method or a method to be developed in the future. The third heating end condition may also be configured to include multiple conditions. In this case, the heater control unit 160 determines that the third heating end condition is satisfied when at least one of these multiple conditions is satisfied.

[0077] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the third heating end condition is satisfied (step S210-YES), it controls the third switch SW3 to stop the power supply to the after-heater (step S220). As a result, the temperature of the after-heater starts to drop. In FIG. 6, the process of step S220 is indicated by "End heating by after-heater."

[0078] As described above, the printing device 1 performs power consumption increase suppression process 1, which independently controls power supply to the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. As a result, the printing device 1 switches the first switch SW1 so that the temperature of the preheater reaches a first target temperature at a first time point, switches the second switch SW2 so that the temperature of the recording unit heater reaches a second target temperature at a second time point, and switches the third switch SW3 so that the temperature of the afterheater reaches a third target temperature at a third time point. Note that some or all of the first, second, and third time points may overlap on the time axis. This means that the printing device 1 is designed to cause the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater to all reach their respective target temperatures at a common time point. In this case, the printing device 1 can suppress unnecessary power consumption by the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater. In other words, the printing device 1 can suppress unnecessary power consumption by each heater, thereby improving power saving. However, some or all of the first, second, and third time points may be different points on the time axis. This means that the printing device 1 is designed to cause the temperatures of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater to reach their target temperatures in a predetermined order. In this case, the printing device 1 can control the temperature of the three heaters (preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater) to reach their target temperatures starting from the heater located upstream in the process, depending on the operation of the printing device 1. As a result, unnecessary increases in power consumption can be suppressed, improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, in the printing device 1, by performing a power consumption increase suppression process 1, the first switch SW1 can start supplying power to the preheater, the second switch SW2 can start supplying power to the recording unit heater, and after the second switch SW2 starts supplying power to the recording unit heater, the third switch SW3 can start supplying power to the afterheater.This means that the printer 1 controls the heaters in the printing process, starting with the most upstream heater, so that the heaters reach their target temperatures in sequence according to the printing operation. In this case, the printer 1 can shorten the amount of time each heater is wasted compared to when all three heaters are energized at the same time, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, in this case, the printer 1 can avoid heating each heater when there is no medium M, when the state of the medium M is different from what was expected, etc., thereby preventing a shortened lifespan for each of the three heaters and the printer 1 itself.

[0079] <Power consumption increase suppression process 2> The power consumption increase suppression process 2 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the power consumption increase suppression process 2. The power consumption increase suppression process 2 is a process that changes the amount of power supplied to the fans when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation and when the printing device 1 is not performing a printing operation. The power consumption increase suppression process 2 may be a process that is applied to the first fan 51 but not to the second fan 52, a process that is not applied to the first fan 51 but to the second fan 52, or a process that is applied to both the first fan 51 and the second fan 52. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the power consumption increase suppression process 2 is applied to the first fan 51 but not to the second fan 52. Here, the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 are each controlled by the fan control unit 170, as described above. In other words, the power consumption increase suppression process 2 is a process performed by the fan control unit 170. When the first fan 51 blows air onto the medium M, the fan control unit 170 performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 . In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation is a predetermined first amount of power, and the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 when the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation is a predetermined second amount of power, and the second amount of power is less than the first amount of power. The printing operation refers to an operation performed by the printing device 1 that involves the ejection of liquid from the head 31 onto the medium M. For example, the printing operation refers to an operation in which the printing device 1 prints onto the medium M. The non-printing operation refers to an operation in which the printing device 1 does not involve the ejection of liquid from the head 31 onto the medium M. For example, the non-printing operation refers to an operation in which the printing device 1 performs maintenance on the head 31, such as flushing. Furthermore, the power source that supplies power to each of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 may be a constant voltage source that applies voltage to each of the pre-heater, the recording unit heater, and the after-heater, or may be a constant voltage source other than the constant voltage source.Furthermore, the power supplies that supply power to each of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 may be configured to be included in the fan control unit 170, or may not be configured to be included in the fan control unit 170. Furthermore, the power supplies that supply power to each of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 may be configured to be built into the printing device 1, or may be configured to be connected to the printing device 1 from outside. Furthermore, the power supplies that supply power to each of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 may be separate power supplies. However, the power supplies that supply power to each of the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 are controlled by the fan control unit 170.

[0080] The fan control unit 170 determines whether the operation being performed by the printer 1 is a printing operation (step S310). The method by which the fan control unit 170 determines whether the operation being performed by the printer 1 is a printing operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In FIG. 7, the processing of step S310 is indicated by "Printing operation?"

[0081] If the fan control unit 170 determines that the operation being performed by the printing device 1 is a printing operation (step S310-YES), it starts supplying the first amount of power to the first fan 51 and starts driving the first fan 51 (step S320). In Figure 7, the processing of step S320 is indicated by "drive with first amount of power."

[0082] After the processing of step S320 is performed, the fan control unit 170 waits until the operation of the printing device 1 is completed (step S330). The method by which the fan control unit 170 determines whether the operation of the printing device 1 is completed may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In FIG. 7, the processing of step S330 is indicated by "Operation completed?"

[0083] If the fan control unit 170 determines that the operation of the printing device 1 has ended (step S330-YES), it stops the supply of power to the first fan 51, causing the first fan 51 to stop (step S340). Then, the fan control unit 170 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the processing of step S340 is indicated by "stop driving fan."

[0084] On the other hand, if the fan control unit 170 determines that the operation being performed by the printing device 1 is a non-printing operation (step S310-NO), it starts supplying the second amount of power to the first fan 51 and starts driving the first fan 51 (step S350). In Figure 7, the processing of step S350 is indicated by "drive with second amount of power."

[0085] After the process of step S350 is performed, the fan control unit 170 proceeds to step S330 and waits until the operation of the printing device 1 is completed.

[0086] As described above, the printing device 1 performs power consumption increase suppression process 2, which changes the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation and when the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 when performing a non-printing operation compared to when performing a printing operation. As a result, the printing device 1 can suppress excessive heat dissipation from the heater due to air blown from the first fan 51 when performing a non-printing operation. This means that the printing device 1 can suppress an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater. In other words, the printing device 1 can suppress an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater.

[0087] In addition, when the power consumption increase suppression process 2 is not applied to the first fan 51 but is applied to the second fan 52, the printing device 1 performs the power consumption increase suppression process 2, which changes the amount of power supplied to the second fan 52 when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation and when the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the amount of power supplied to the second fan 52 when performing a non-printing operation compared to when performing a printing operation. As a result, the printing device 1 can suppress excessive heat dissipation from the heater due to air blown from the second fan 52 when performing a non-printing operation. This means that the printing device 1 can suppress an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater. In other words, the printing device 1 can suppress an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater.

[0088] Furthermore, when the power consumption increase suppression process 2 is applied to both the first fan 51 and the second fan 52, the first amount of power for the first fan 51 and the first amount of power for the second fan 52 may be the same or different. In this case, the second amount of power for the first fan 51 and the second amount of power for the second fan 52 may be the same or different. However, even in this case, the second amount of power for the first fan 51 is less than the first amount of power for the first fan 51. In this case, the second amount of power for the second fan 52 is less than the first amount of power for the second fan 52. In this case, the printing device 1 performs the power consumption increase suppression process 2, which changes the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 depending on whether the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation or a non-printing operation. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 when a non-printing operation is being performed compared to when a printing operation is being performed. As a result, the printing device 1 can prevent excessive heat dissipation from the heater due to air blown from the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 when a non-printing operation is being performed. This means that the printing device 1 can prevent an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater. In other words, the printing device 1 can prevent an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater.

[0089] <Power consumption increase suppression process 3> The power consumption increase suppression process 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the power consumption increase suppression process 3. The power consumption increase suppression process 3 is a process that changes the amount of power supplied to the heater when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation and when the printing device 1 is not performing a printing operation. The power consumption increase suppression process 3 may be applied to some of the preheater, recording unit heater, and after-heater, but not to the other parts of the preheater, recording unit heater, and after-heater. As an example, the power consumption increase suppression process 3 is applied to the preheater, but not to the recording unit heater or the after-heater. Here, the power consumption increase suppression process 3 is a process performed by the heater control unit 160. When starting heating of the preheater, the heater control unit 160 performs the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8. In the following, as an example, we will explain a case where the amount of power supplied to the preheater when the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation is a predetermined third amount of power, and the amount of power supplied to the preheater when the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation is a predetermined fourth amount of power, and the fourth amount of power is less than the third amount of power.

[0090] The heater control unit 160 determines whether the operation being performed by the printer 1 is a printing operation (step S410). The method by which the heater control unit 160 determines whether the operation being performed by the printer 1 is a printing operation may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Figure 8, the processing of step S410 is indicated by "Printing operation?"

[0091] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the operation being performed by the printer 1 is a printing operation (step S410-YES), it starts supplying the third amount of power to the preheater, and starts heating the preheater (step S420). In Figure 8, the processing of step S420 is indicated by "start heater heating with third amount of power."

[0092] After the processing of step S420 is performed, the heater control unit 160 waits until the operation of the printing device 1 is completed (step S430). The method by which the heater control unit 160 determines whether the operation of the printing device 1 is completed may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future. In Figure 8, the processing of step S430 is indicated by "Operation completed?"

[0093] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the operation of the printing device 1 has ended (step S430-YES), it cuts off the power supply to the preheater and ends heating by the preheater (step S440). Then, the heater control unit 160 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the processing of step S440 is indicated by "end heater heating."

[0094] On the other hand, if the heater control unit 160 determines that the operation being performed by the printing device 1 is a non-printing operation (step S410-NO), it starts supplying a fourth amount of power to the preheater, causing the preheater to start heating (step S450). In Figure 8, the processing of step S450 is indicated by "start heater heating with fourth amount of power."

[0095] After the process of step S450 is performed, the heater control unit 160 proceeds to step S430 and waits until the operation of the printing device 1 is completed.

[0096] As described above, the printing device 1 performs the power consumption increase suppression process 3, which changes the amount of power supplied to the preheater depending on whether the printing device 1 is performing a printing operation or a non-printing operation. When the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation, the preheater continues to heat the area of the medium M with which it is in contact. This is because the medium M is not transported by the transport unit 2 when the printing device 1 is performing a non-printing operation. In such a case, even if the printing device 1 lowers the temperature of the preheater, the cumulative effect is such that the same effect can be achieved by heating the medium M with the preheater when the preheater temperature is high. Therefore, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the preheater without reducing the effect achieved by heating the medium M with the preheater through the power consumption increase suppression process 3.

[0097] In addition, when the power consumption increase suppression process 3 is not applied to the pre-heater and after-heater, but is applied to the recording unit heater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the recording unit heater by the power consumption increase suppression process 3 without reducing the effect obtained by heating the medium M by the recording unit heater.

[0098] Furthermore, when the power consumption increase suppression process 3 is not applied to the preheater and recording unit heater, but is applied to the afterheater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the afterheater by the power consumption increase suppression process 3 without reducing the effect obtained by heating the medium M by the afterheater.

[0099] Furthermore, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is not applied to the preheater but is applied to the recording unit heater and the afterheater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the recording unit heater and the afterheater without reducing the effect achieved by heating the medium M with the recording unit heater and the afterheater. However, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is applied to both the recording unit heater and the afterheater, the third power amount for the recording unit heater and the third power amount for the afterheater may be the same or different. In this case, the fourth power amount for the recording unit heater and the fourth power amount for the afterheater may be the same or different. However, even in this case, the fourth power amount for the recording unit heater is less than the third power amount for the recording unit heater. In this case, the fourth power amount for the afterheater is less than the third power amount for the afterheater.

[0100] Furthermore, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is not applied to the recording unit heater but is applied to the preheater and afterheater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the preheater and afterheater without reducing the effect achieved by heating the medium M with the preheater and afterheater through power consumption increase suppression process 3. However, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is applied to both the preheater and afterheater, the third power amount for the preheater and the third power amount for the afterheater may be the same or different. In such a case, the fourth power amount for the preheater and the fourth power amount for the afterheater may be the same or different. However, even in such a case, the fourth power amount for the preheater is less than the third power amount for the preheater. In such a case, the fourth power amount for the afterheater is less than the third power amount for the afterheater.

[0101] Furthermore, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is not applied to the afterheater but is applied to the preheater and recording unit heater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the preheater and recording unit heater without reducing the effect achieved by heating the medium M with the preheater and recording unit heater by power consumption increase suppression process 3. However, when power consumption increase suppression process 3 is applied to both the preheater and recording unit heater, the third power amount for the preheater and the third power amount for the recording unit heater may be the same or different. In this case, the fourth power amount for the preheater and the fourth power amount for the recording unit heater may be the same or different. However, even in this case, the fourth power amount for the preheater is less than the third power amount for the preheater. In this case, the fourth power amount for the recording unit heater is less than the third power amount for the recording unit heater.

[0102] Furthermore, when the power consumption increase suppression process 3 is a process that is applied to all of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater, the printing device 1 can reduce the power consumption of the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater by using the power consumption increase suppression process 3 without reducing the effect obtained by heating the medium M by the preheater, recording unit heater, and afterheater.

[0103] Furthermore, the amount of power supplied to the preheater when a non-printing operation is being performed may be the same as the amount of power supplied to the preheater when a printing operation is being performed. This means that there is no need to perform a warm-up operation for the preheater when the printing device 1 transitions from a non-printing operation to a printing operation. Furthermore, the amount of power supplied to the recording unit heater when a non-printing operation is being performed may be the same as the amount of power supplied to the recording unit heater when a printing operation is being performed. This means that there is no need to perform a warm-up operation for the recording unit heater when the printing device 1 transitions from a non-printing operation to a printing operation. Furthermore, the amount of power supplied to the afterheater when a non-printing operation is being performed may be the same as the amount of power supplied to the afterheater when a printing operation is being performed. This means that there is no need to perform a warm-up operation for the afterheater when the printing device 1 transitions from a non-printing operation to a printing operation. These features allow the operation of the printing device 1 to transition quickly from a non-printing operation to a printing operation. In particular, if the amount of power supplied to the preheater, recording section heater, and afterheater is the same during non-printing operation and during printing operation, the printing device 1 can quickly transition from non-printing operation to printing operation.

[0104] The method of changing the amount of power supplied to the preheater between the third amount of power and the fourth amount of power may be, for example, the method of changing the output target value to the constant voltage source shown in Fig. 3, or a method using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the preheater using the first switch SW1, or any other method. This also applies to the method of changing the amount of power supplied to the recording unit heater between the first amount of power and the second amount of power, and the method of changing the amount of power supplied to the afterheater between the first amount of power and the second amount of power.

[0105] <Power consumption increase suppression process 4> The power consumption increase suppression process 4 will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the flow of the power consumption increase suppression process 4. The power consumption increase suppression process 4 is a process that cuts off the power supply to the heater and stops the power supply to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 when a predetermined condition is met. Here, the predetermined condition may be, for example, that the head 31 has not ejected liquid for a predetermined period of time or more, but is not limited to this. Note that the power consumption increase suppression process 4 does not necessarily require cutting off the power supply to some of the pre-heater, recording unit heater, and post-heater. Also, the power supply to either of the two fans does not necessarily require stopping. The power consumption increase suppression process 4 is performed by the heater control unit 160 and the fan control unit 170. When the printing device 1 is started, the heater control unit 160 and the fan control unit 170 perform the processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 9 .

[0106] The heater control unit 160 and the fan control unit 170 wait until a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S510). In Fig. 9, the processing of step S510 is indicated by "condition satisfied?". The method by which the heater control unit 160 and the fan control unit 170 determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied may be a known method or a method to be developed in the future.

[0107] If the heater control unit 160 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S510-YES), it controls the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the third switch SW3 to cut off the power supply to the heater (step S520). In Fig. 9, the process of step S520 is indicated by "stop heater."

[0108] Next, the fan control unit 170 stops the power supply to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 (step S530). In Fig. 9, the processing of step S530 is indicated by "Stop fan." Note that in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, the processing of step S530 may be performed in the reverse order of the processing of step S520, or may be performed in parallel with the processing of step S520.

[0109] After the process of step S530 is performed, the heater control unit 160 and the fan control unit 170 end the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0110] As described above, when predetermined conditions are met, the printing device 1 performs power consumption increase suppression process 4, which cuts off the power supply to the heater and stops the power supply to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52. This allows the printing device 1 to prevent the fans and heaters from consuming power when, for example, no printing operation is performed for a long period of time, thereby improving power saving.

[0111] As described above, the printing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a preheater, a recording unit heater, an afterheater, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, and a third switch SW3. This allows the printing device 1 to reduce the amount of power consumed by the multiple heaters.

[0112] Furthermore, in the printing device 1 according to the embodiment, the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 when a non-printing operation is being performed is less than the amount of power supplied to the first fan 51 and the second fan 52 when a printing operation is being performed. This allows the printing device 1 to suppress an increase in the amount of power required to reheat the heater.

[0113] In the example described above, the preheater may be separate from the first platen 61. In the example described above, the recording unit heater may be separate from the second platen 62. In the example described above, the afterheater may be separate from the third platen 63.

[0114] <Appendix 1> [1] A printing device comprising a head that ejects liquid onto a medium, a heater that heats the medium, and a fan that blows air onto the medium, wherein the amount of power supplied to the fan when a non-printing operation is being performed is less than the amount of power supplied to the fan when a printing operation is being performed. [2] The printing device described in [1], wherein the non-printing operation is an operation that does not involve the ejection of the liquid from the head to the medium, and the printing operation is an operation that involves the ejection of the liquid from the head to the medium. [3] The printing device according to [1] or [2], wherein the fan is provided to promote evaporation of water from the liquid ejected onto the medium. [4] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [3], comprising a switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the heater, and a control unit that controls the switch and the fan, wherein the control unit supplies an amount of power to the fan when the non-printing operation is being performed that is less than the amount of power supplied to the fan when the printing operation is being performed. [5] The printing device described in [4], which is equipped with the power supply. [6] The printing device according to [4], wherein the control unit stops the supply of power to the fan and cuts off the supply of power to the heater using the switch when a predetermined condition is met. [7] The printing device according to [6], wherein the condition is that the liquid has not been ejected from the head for a predetermined period of time or longer. [8] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater when the non-printing operation is being performed is the same as the amount of power supplied to the heater when the printing operation is being performed. [9] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater when the non-printing operation is being performed is less than the amount of power supplied to the heater when the printing operation is being performed.

[10] The printing device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the heater and the fan are disposed in positions facing each other.

[11] A control method for a printing device that has a head that ejects liquid onto a medium, a heater that heats the medium, and a fan that blows air onto the medium, the control method reducing the amount of power supplied to the fan when a non-printing operation is being performed compared to the amount of power supplied to the fan when a printing operation is being performed.

[12] The control method described in

[11] , wherein the non-printing operation is an operation that does not involve ejection of the liquid from the head to the medium, and the printing operation is an operation that involves ejection of the liquid from the head to the medium.

[13] The printing device includes a switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the heater, and the control method includes, when a predetermined condition is met, stopping the power supply to the fan and cutting off the power supply to the heater using the switch.

[11] or

[12]

[14] The control method according to

[13] , wherein the condition is that the liquid has not been ejected from the head for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[15] A control method according to any one of

[11] to

[14] , wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater when the non-printing operation is being performed is made the same as the amount of power supplied to the heater when the printing operation is being performed.

[16] The control method according to

[11] or

[14] , wherein the amount of power supplied to the heater when the non-printing operation is being performed is made less than the amount of power supplied to the heater when the printing operation is being performed.

[0115] <Appendix 2> [1] A printing device comprising: a head that ejects liquid onto a medium; a first heater that heats the medium; a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported; a first switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the first heater; and a second switch that switches whether or not to supply power from the power source to the second heater. [2] The printing device according to [1], further comprising the power supply, wherein the power supply supplies power to the first heater via the first switch and to the second heater via the second switch. [3] A printing device described in [1] or [2], wherein the first switch is switched so that the temperature of the first heater becomes a first target temperature at a first time point, and the second switch is switched so that the temperature of the second heater becomes a second target temperature at a second time point. [4] The printing device according to [3], wherein the first point in time and the second point in time overlap on a time axis. [5] The printing device according to [3], wherein the second point in time is a point in time later than the first point in time on a time axis. [6] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein after the first switch starts supplying power to the first heater, the second switch starts supplying power to the second heater. [7] A control method for a printing device comprising: a head that ejects liquid onto a medium; a first heater that heats the medium; a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported; a first switch that switches whether or not to supply power from a power source to the first heater; and a second switch that switches whether or not to supply power from the power source to the second heater, wherein the control method switches the first switch so that the temperature of the first heater becomes a first target temperature at a first time point, and switches the second switch so that the temperature of the second heater becomes a second target temperature at a second time point. [8] [7] The control method according to [7], wherein the first switch starts supplying power to the first heater, and then the second switch starts supplying power to the second heater. [9] The control method according to [7] or [8], wherein the first time point and the second time point are points that overlap on a time axis.

[10] The control method according to [7] or [8], wherein the second point in time is a point in time later than the first point in time on the time axis.

[0116] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, substituted, deleted, etc. as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0117] Furthermore, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components of the device described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and then loaded and executed by a computer system. Such a device may be, for example, the printing device 1. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact disks (CDs)-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0118] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above program may also be a program for realizing some of the above functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1...printing device, 2...transport unit, 3...recording unit, 4...heating unit, 4A...box-shaped unit, 5...blower unit, 6...main body frame, 10...computer, 21...supply roller, 22...roller, 23...transport roller pair, 24...transport roller pair, 25...tension roller, 26...oscillating frame, 31...head, 32...carriage, 51...first fan, 52...second fan, 60...main body, 61...first platen, 62...second platen, 63...third platen, 105...interface, 110...controller, 120...input operation unit, 130...media transport unit, 140...carriage drive unit, 150...head unit, 160...heater control unit, 170...fan control unit, 180...carriage position detector, M...media, R...roll body, SW1...first switch, SW2...second switch, SW3...third switch

Claims

1. a head that ejects liquid onto a medium; a first heater that heats the medium; a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported; a first switch that switches whether or not power from a power source is supplied to the first heater; a second switch that switches whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the second heater; A printing device comprising:

2. The power supply is provided. the power supply supplies power to the first heater via the first switch and supplies power to the second heater via the second switch; The printing device of claim 1 .

3. the first switch is switched so that the temperature of the first heater becomes a first target temperature at a first time point, and the second switch is switched so that the temperature of the second heater becomes a second target temperature at a second time point; The printing device of claim 1 .

4. The first time point and the second time point are overlapping points on a time axis. The printing device according to claim 3 .

5. The second point in time is a point in time later than the first point in time on the time axis. The printing device according to claim 3 .

6. After the first switch starts supplying power to the first heater, the second switch starts supplying power to the second heater. The printing device of claim 1 .

7. A control method for a printing device including a head that ejects liquid onto a medium, a first heater that heats the medium, a second heater that heats the medium downstream of the first heater on a transport path along which the medium is transported, a first switch that switches whether or not power is supplied from a power source to the first heater, and a second switch that switches whether or not power is supplied from the power source to the second heater, switching the first switch so that the temperature of the first heater becomes a first target temperature at a first time point; switching the second switch so that the temperature of the second heater becomes a second target temperature at a second time point; Control method.

8. After starting the supply of power to the first heater by the first switch, starting the supply of power to the second heater by the second switch. The control method according to claim 7.

9. The first time point and the second time point are overlapping points on a time axis. The control method according to claim 7.

10. The second point in time is a point in time later than the first point in time on the time axis. The control method according to claim 7.

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