Dryer and recording device

Abstract

To provide a dryer capable of suppressing unevenness of a drying degree of a medium and a recording device.SOLUTION: A dryer includes a drying section that dries a medium to which liquid is discharged by generating electromagnetic waves in accordance with application of high-frequency voltage. The drying section includes: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed to surround the first electrode in plan view from a first direction toward the medium; a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage and the first electrode; and a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode. The first electrode includes: a first electrode part disposed at a position overlapped with the second electrode in the first direction; and a second electrode part disposed at a position that is not overlapped with the second electrode in the first direction and that is separated from the medium and surrounding the first electrode part in plan view from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drying device that dries a medium by generating electromagnetic waves toward the medium onto which liquid has been ejected. This drying device generates electromagnetic waves toward the medium by supplying a high-frequency voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode. This allows the medium onto which liquid has been ejected to be dried. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-39286 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such a drying device, the strong electric field tends to be concentrated at both ends of the first electrode, which can lead to uneven drying of the medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A drying device that solves the above problem includes a drying unit that dries a medium onto which a liquid has been ejected by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, the drying unit including a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the medium, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the first electrode including a first electrode portion that is arranged at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction, and a second electrode portion that is arranged at a position that does not overlap the second electrode in the first direction and is away from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a planar view from the first direction.

[0006] A recording device that solves the above problem comprises a recording unit that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium, and a drying unit that dries the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, wherein the drying unit has a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the medium, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode has a first electrode portion that is arranged at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction, and a second electrode portion that is arranged at a position that does not overlap the second electrode in the first direction and is located away from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a planar view from the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the drying unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first electrode of the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first electrode and the second electrode of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view showing the first electrode and the second electrode of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the amount of heat in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] The drying device 12 includes a high-frequency voltage generating section 31. The high-frequency voltage generating section 31 is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage. The high-frequency voltage generating section 31 supplies the high-frequency voltage to the drying unit 30 via a transmission line 32.

[0023] The transmission line 32 is a line that connects the drying unit 30 and the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31. The transmission line 32 is capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage from the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 to the drying unit 30. In other words, the transmission line 32 is capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage.

[0024] The transmission line 32 may be a coaxial cable, but is not limited to a coaxial cable. The transmission line 32 may include a first line and a second line. The first line may be the core wire of the transmission line 32. The second line may be an electromagnetic shield that covers the first line.

[0025] The drying device 12 includes a dry conveying section 33. The dry conveying section 33 is configured to convey the medium 90 in the conveying direction D. The dry conveying section 33 may convey the medium 90 in the conveying direction D using a plurality of rollers. The dry conveying section 33 may perform continuous conveyance, which continuously conveys the medium 90. Slack in the medium 90 may occur between the recording conveying section 22 and the dry conveying section 33.

[0026] The drying device 12 includes a drying support section 34. The drying support section 34 is configured to support the medium 90 transported by the drying conveying section 33. The drying support section 34 is located in the Z2 below the drying unit 30. The drying support section 34 supports the back surface 90B of the medium 90 transported by the drying conveying section 33. The drying support section 34 is located in the Z2 below the drying section 36, which will be described later.

[0027] The drying device 12 includes a control unit 35. The control unit 35 controls the drying device 12. More specifically, the control unit 35 controls the drying unit 30. The control unit 35 controls the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31. The control unit 35 controls the drying conveying unit 33.

[0028] The control unit 35 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 35 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits. The control unit 35 may be configured with an application specific integrated circuit that executes at least some of the various processes. The control unit 35 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions that are configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0029] The drying unit 30 includes a drying section 36. That is, the drying device 12 includes a drying section 36. The drying unit 30 may include multiple drying sections 36. The drying section 36 may be rectangular in plan view from the vertical direction Z. The drying section 36 may be arranged so that the width direction X is the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the plan view from the vertical direction Z will be simply referred to as plan view.

[0030] The drying unit 36 is configured to generate electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. The drying unit 36 generates electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. In this way, the drying unit 36 is configured to dry the medium 90 onto which the liquid has been ejected by the recording unit 20. The drying unit 36 is an electromagnetic wave generating unit.

[0031] The drying unit 36 generates an AC electric field by generating electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves generated by the drying unit 36 are mainly composed of electric fields. Compared to electromagnetic wave generating units that generate normal electromagnetic waves, the drying unit 36 can significantly reduce the induction of a magnetic field due to the generated electric field.

[0032] As a specific example, the drying unit 36 generates electromagnetic waves of 2.4 GHz, but is not limited to this. The drying unit 36 may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 3 MHz to 300 MHz. The drying unit 36 may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 300 MHz to 30 GHz, and particularly, may generate electromagnetic waves of 10 MHz to 20 GHz.

[0033] The drying unit 36 dries the medium 90 by heating the medium 90 from the surface 90A. Specifically, the drying unit 36 heats the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 from the surface 90A. The drying unit 36 dries the medium 90 by vaporizing the liquid ejected onto the medium 90. In other words, the drying unit 36 dries the medium 90 regardless of whether the water vapor is saturated around the medium 90. Therefore, the drying unit 36 does not need to blow dry gas that is not saturated with water vapor around the medium 90.

[0034] <Configuration of Drying Unit 36> 2, the drying unit 36 includes a first electrode 41, a second electrode 42, a first conductor 43, and a second conductor 44. The drying unit 36 may also include a facing unit 45. Fig. 2 is a diagram in which the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are arranged on the downward Z2 side.

[0035] The first electrode 41 has a longitudinal direction in the width direction X in a plan view. That is, the first electrode 41 extends in the width direction X in a plan view. The first electrode 41 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0036] The first electrode 41 has a first electrode surface 41A. The first electrode surface 41A faces downward Z2. In other words, the first electrode surface 41A faces the surface 90A of the medium 90. The first electrode 41 is disposed so that the first electrode surface 41A abuts against the facing portion 45.

[0037] The second electrode 42 has a flat plate shape. The second electrode 42 has a second electrode surface 42A. The second electrode surface 42A faces downward Z2. In other words, the second electrode surface 42A faces the surface 90A of the medium 90. The second electrode 42 is disposed so that the second electrode surface 42A abuts against the facing portion 45.

[0038] The second electrode 42 has a second electrode opening 42B. The second electrode opening 42B has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but may have a rounded rectangular shape. The first electrode 41 is located in the second electrode opening 42B in a plan view. In other words, the second electrode 42 is disposed so as to surround the first electrode 41 in a plan view.

[0039] The first conductor 43 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 32 and the first electrode 41. The first conductor 43 includes a coil 43A. The coil 43A extends in the vertical direction Z. One end of the coil 43A is connected to the first electrode 41. The other end of the coil 43A is connected to the conducting wire 43B.

[0040] The second conductor 44 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 32 and the second electrode 42. The second conductor 44 may include a support pillar 44A. The second conductor 44 may include a plurality of support pillars 44A. The support pillars 44A are electrically connected to the second electrode 42. The support pillars 44A extend upward Z1 from the second electrode 42. The support pillars 44A are made of metal.

[0041] The second conductor 44 may include a connecting portion 44B. The connecting portion 44B is electrically connected to the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B is provided on the upper end of the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B connects multiple support pillars 44A together. The connecting portion 44B may be integral with the support pillar 44A. The connecting portion 44B may be H-shaped in a plan view. The connecting portion 44B is made of metal.

[0042] The second conductor 44 may include a top plate 44C. The top plate 44C is located above Z1 the connecting portion 44B. The top plate 44C is electrically connected to the connecting portion 44B. The top plate 44C may be integral with the connecting portion 44B. The top plate 44C is made of metal.

[0043] The facing portion 45 is located between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and the medium 90. The facing portion 45 may be flat. The facing portion 45 is made of a material that transmits the electromagnetic waves generated by the drying unit 36. The facing portion 45 is arranged to face the surface 90A of the medium 90. The facing portion 45 may or may not be in contact with the medium 90. The facing portion 45 protects the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The facing portion 45 is made of an insulating member. The facing portion 45 may be a glass plate. The facing portion 45 may be a ceramic with high transparency. The facing portion 45 may be made of a resin with a low dielectric tangent. The facing portion 45 may be made of polypropylene. The facing portion 45 may be made of polyethylene.

[0044] By configuring the drying unit 36 in this manner, when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 generate electromagnetic waves in response to the application of the high-frequency voltage, thereby heating the medium 90.

[0045] The drying unit 36 can transfer large amounts of heat energy to the medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves. The drying unit 36 uses electromagnetic waves instead of heat conduction, and does not need to include components such as heating wires. This allows the drying unit 36 to be made smaller.

[0046] Furthermore, the minimum separation distance between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves output from the drying unit 36. This allows the electromagnetic waves generated when a high-frequency voltage is applied to be attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. This allows the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reaching distant locations from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 to be reduced. In other words, the electromagnetic waves generated from the drying unit 36 are very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and very weak in the distant locations.

[0047] By appropriately controlling the frequency band of the generated electromagnetic waves, such drying unit 36 can generate an AC electric field intensively near the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. In other words, it is possible to suppress the influence of the generated electromagnetic waves on the surroundings beyond the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 may correspond to a range of 3 mm to 3 cm, for example.

[0048] <Configuration of First Electrode 41> 3 to 5, the first electrode 41 includes a first electrode portion 51, a second electrode portion 52, a first conductor portion 53, and a second conductor portion 54. The first electrode portion 51, the second electrode portion 52, the first conductor portion 53, and the second conductor portion 54 are conductive conductors. The first electrode portion 51, the second electrode portion 52, the first conductor portion 53, and the second conductor portion 54 are configured as separate bodies, but at least any combination of them may be configured as an integrated body.

[0049] The first electrode portion 51 extends in the width direction X. The first electrode portion 51 has a flat plate shape, but may also have a rod shape. The first electrode portion 51 may be shorter than the second electrode portion 52 in the width direction X.

[0050] The first electrode portion 51 has a bottom surface 51A. The bottom surface 51A constitutes the first electrode surface 41A of the first electrode 41. The first electrode portion 51 has both end portions 51B and a first central portion 51C. The both end portions 51B are both end portions of the first electrode portion 51 in the width direction X. The first central portion 51C is located at the center of the first electrode portion 51 in the width direction X. The first central portion 51C is located so as to be sandwiched between the both end portions 51B in the width direction X.

[0051] The second electrode portion 52 is provided above the first electrode portion 51 in the Z1 direction. The second electrode portion 52 extends in the width direction X. The second electrode portion 52 is configured to have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, but is not limited to this.

[0052] The second electrode portion 52 includes a pair of girder portions 61 and a pair of beam portions 62. The pair of girder portions 61 each extend in the width direction X. The pair of girder portions 61 are arranged side by side in the depth direction Y. The pair of girder portions 61 form both long sides of the second electrode portion 52 in a plan view. The pair of girder portions 61 are flat plate-shaped, but may also be rod-shaped.

[0053] The pair of beam portions 62 each extend in the depth direction Y. The pair of beam portions 62 are arranged side by side in the width direction X. The pair of beam portions 62 form both short sides of the second electrode portion 52 in a plan view. The pair of beam portions 62 are flat plate-shaped, but may also be rod-shaped.

[0054] Both end portions 61A of the pair of girder portions 61 are connected to the pair of beam portions 62. Both end portions 62A of the pair of beam portions 62 protrude outward from the pair of girder portions 61 in the depth direction Y. In this case, both end portions 62A of the pair of beam portions 62 form corner portions of the second electrode portion 52.

[0055] The pair of girder portions 61 and the pair of beam portions 62 form an opening 52A. That is, the second electrode portion 52 has an opening 52A. The first electrode portion 51 is located in the opening 52A in a planar view. In this way, the opening 52A overlaps with the first electrode portion 51 in a planar view. More specifically, the pair of girder portions 61 and the pair of beam portions 62 surround the first electrode portion 51 in a planar view. In this way, the second electrode portion 52 surrounds the first electrode portion 51 in a planar view.

[0056] The second electrode portion 52 includes a second central portion 63. The second central portion 63 is located at the center of the pair of girder portions 61 in the width direction X. The second central portion 63 is located between the pair of beam portions 62 in the width direction X. In this way, the second central portion 63 is located at the center of the second electrode portion 52 in the width direction X.

[0057] The second central portion 63 is configured to connect the pair of girder portions 61 in the depth direction Y. The second central portion 63 extends in the depth direction Y so as to straddle the opening 52A. The second central portion 63 is a central beam portion that is parallel to the pair of beam portions 62.

[0058] The first conductor 43 is connected to the second central portion 63. More specifically, one end of the coil 43A is connected to the second central portion 63. In this manner, the first conductor 43 is connected to the second central portion 63.

[0059] The first conductor 53 connects the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. More specifically, the first conductor 53 connects both end portions 51B and 62A. That is, the first conductor 53 extends from both end portions 51B to the corners of the second electrode 52.

[0060] The first conductor portion 53 extends upward Z1 from both end portions 51B so as to be inclined outward with respect to the width direction X. The first conductor portion 53 is configured to be V-shaped when viewed from the width direction X. The first conductor portion 53 extends upward Z1 from both end portions 51B so as to be inclined outward with respect to the depth direction Y. The first conductor portion 53 is configured to be V-shaped in a plan view. In this way, the first conductor portion 53 is connected to the second electrode portion 52 so as to branch off from both end portions 51B of the first electrode portion 51.

[0061] The second conductor portion 54 connects the first electrode portion 51 and the second electrode portion 52. More specifically, the second conductor portion 54 connects the first central portion 51C of the first electrode portion 51 and the second central portion 63 of the second electrode portion 52.

[0062] 4, the first electrode portion 51 is located at the same height as the second electrode 42 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the first electrode portion 51 is disposed at a position overlapping with the second electrode 42 in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] The second electrode unit 52 is located above the second electrode 42 at a position Z1 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the second electrode unit 52 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with the second electrode 42 in the vertical direction Z. The medium 90 is transported below the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 at a position Z2. In other words, the second electrode unit 52 is disposed at a position away from the medium 90.

[0064] <Example> Here, the comparative examples and examples will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the amount of heat in each region in the first comparative example, the second comparative example, and the examples. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 in descending order of the amount of heat. In Fig. 6, the central position of the configuration of the first electrode 41 and the configuration of the second electrode 42 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0065] 6, in the first comparative example, the first electrode 41 is configured from a first electrode portion 51, a first conductor portion 53, and a second conductor portion 54. In the first comparative example, the amount of heat generated increases along the first electrode portion 51 in the region surrounded by the second electrode 42 in plan view.

[0066] On the other hand, in the first comparative example, in the area surrounded by the second electrode 42 in a planar view, the amount of heat does not increase in any area other than the area along the first electrode portion 51, and the amount of heat does not increase further away from the first electrode portion 51.

[0067] Compared to conventional cases where the first electrode 41 is composed only of the first electrode portion 51, the first comparative example is provided with the first conductor portion 53. As a result, in the first comparative example, the concentration of electromagnetic waves can be avoided in the areas near both end portions 51B, thereby making it possible to equalize the amount of heat, but the amount of heat does not increase in other areas, resulting in a relatively small overall amount of heat.

[0068] In the second comparative example, the first electrode 41 is configured from the second electrode portion 52. In the second comparative example, in the region surrounded by the second electrode 42 in plan view, the amount of heat generated is extremely large along the second electrode opening 42B.

[0069] On the other hand, in the second comparative example, of the region surrounded by the second electrode 42 in plan view, the amount of heat is not large in the region surrounded by the pair of girder portions 61 and the pair of beam portions 62. Thus, in the second comparative example, the amount of heat is not equalized.

[0070] In the embodiment, the first electrode 41 is configured from a first electrode portion 51 and a second electrode portion 52 as well as a first conductor portion 53 and a second conductor portion 54. That is, in the embodiment, the configuration of the second comparative example is added to the configuration of the first comparative example.

[0071] In the example, in the region surrounded by the second electrode 42 in plan view, the difference in the amount of heat is smaller than in the first and second comparative examples, and the amount of heat can be made more uniform. In addition, in the example, the total amount of heat is not relatively small.

[0072] In this way, in the embodiment, the first comparative example reduces the amount of heat in the areas near both end portions 51B, and the second comparative example reduces the amount of heat in the area near the first electrode portion 51 while increasing the amount of heat in other areas. This makes it possible to further equalize the amount of heat, and the overall amount of heat does not become relatively small.

[0073] Furthermore, when the amount of heat generated by the first comparative example and the amount of heat generated by the second comparative example are compared under the same conditions, the amount of heat generated by the second comparative example is approximately twice that of the first comparative example. For this reason, in the vertical direction Z, the first electrode unit 51 is disposed in a position overlapping with the second electrode 42, and the second electrode unit 52 is disposed in a position Z1 above the first electrode unit 51. This allows for more equalization of the amount of heat generated, and the total amount of heat generated does not become relatively small.

[0074] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) In the past, the first electrode was extended in the width direction X, and strong electric fields tended to concentrate in the areas near both ends of the first electrode, for example, due to the same principle as corona discharge. As a result, the amount of heat generated in the areas near both ends of the first electrode was large, while the amount of heat generated in other areas was small. This resulted in uneven heating depending on the area, which resulted in uneven drying of the medium.

[0075] Therefore, the first electrode 41 includes a first electrode portion 51 and a second electrode portion 52. The first electrode portion 51 is disposed at a position overlapping with the second electrode 42 in the vertical direction Z. The second electrode portion 52 is disposed at a position not overlapping with the second electrode 42 in the vertical direction Z and away from the medium 90. The second electrode portion 52 surrounds the first electrode portion 51 in a plan view.

[0076] According to this configuration, by using the first electrode unit 51 and the second electrode unit 52, it is possible to avoid concentration of electromagnetic waves in the area near the first electrode unit 51, while increasing the electromagnetic waves in the area surrounding the first electrode unit 51. This makes it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of drying of the medium 90. Furthermore, by equalizing the generated electromagnetic waves, it is possible to suppress discharge between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. It is also possible to suppress a decrease in the intensity of the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the drying efficiency of the medium 90.

[0077] (2) The first conductor 53 is connected to the second electrode 52 so as to branch off from both ends 51B of the first electrode 51. With this configuration, the first conductor 53 is connected to the second electrode 52 so as to branch off from both ends 51B, thereby preventing the concentration of electromagnetic waves at both ends 51B. This allows the generated electromagnetic waves to be uniform. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the degree of dryness of the medium 90.

[0078] (3) The first conductor portions 53 extend from both end portions 51B to the second electrode portions 52 so as to be inclined outward in the width direction X and inclined outward in the depth direction Y. With this configuration, the first conductor portions 53 extend from both end portions 51B so as to be inclined outward in the width direction X and the depth direction Y, thereby further preventing the concentration of electromagnetic waves at both end portions 51B. This makes it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of dryness of the medium 90.

[0079] (4) The first conductor portion 53 extends from both end portions 51B to both end portions 62A, which are corner portions of the second electrode portion 52. This configuration increases the electromagnetic waves generated in areas away from the first electrode portion 51 in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. This allows the generated electromagnetic waves to be uniform. Therefore, unevenness in the degree of dryness of the medium 90 can be suppressed.

[0080] (5) The second electrode portion 52 has an opening 52A. The opening 52A overlaps with the first electrode portion 51 in a plan view. With this configuration, the opening 52A is provided at a position overlapping with the first electrode portion 51 in a plan view, thereby suppressing electromagnetic waves generated in the vicinity of the first electrode portion 51. This makes it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of dryness of the medium 90.

[0081] (6) The first electrode 41 includes a second conductor portion 54. The second conductor portion 54 connects the first central portion 51C of the first electrode portion 51 and the second central portion 63 of the second electrode portion 52. This configuration allows the first electrode portion 51 and the second electrode portion 52 to be stably connected.

[0082] (7) The first conductor 43 is connected to the second central portion 63. According to this configuration, a configuration in which the first conductor 43 and the first electrode 41 can be easily connected can be realized. [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0083] As long as the first electrode 41 includes the first electrode portion 51 and the second electrode portion 52, the first electrode portion 51 and the second electrode portion 52 may be connected in any configuration. In particular, as long as the positions of the ends of the first electrode 41, such as both end portions 51B and 62A, are the same, the strength of the electromagnetic waves can be equalized in the same manner regardless of whether there is a space or not.

[0084] As a specific example, the first electrode portion 51 and the second electrode portion 52 may be connected by a conductor portion different from the first conductor portion 53 and the second conductor portion 54. That is, a third conductor portion may be further provided between the first conductor portion 53 and the second conductor portion 54 in the width direction X. The third conductor portion may have a shape similar to that of the second conductor portion 54 when viewed in the width direction X and may be smaller than the second conductor portion 54. Furthermore, a plurality of third conductors may be provided. This configuration can make the intensity of the electromagnetic waves more uniform. Note that the first electrode 41 does not necessarily have to include either the first conductor portion 53 or the second conductor portion 54. The first electrode 41 may also have an integrated conductor portion including the first conductor portion 53 and the second conductor portion 54.

[0085] The second electrode portion 52 does not have to have the opening 52A. In such a case, the second electrode portion 52 is disposed so as to overlap the first electrode portion 51 in a plan view. In other words, it can be said that the second electrode portion 52 surrounds the first electrode portion 51 in a plan view.

[0086] The end portions 62A of the pair of beam portions 62 may not protrude from the pair of girder portions 61 in the depth direction Y, and the end portions 61A of the pair of girder portions 61 may not protrude from the pair of beam portions 62 in the width direction X. In such a case, the end portions 61A of the pair of girder portions 61 and the end portions 62A of the pair of beam portions 62 form corners of the second electrode portion 52.

[0087] The opposite ends 61A of the pair of beams 61 may protrude outward from the pair of beams 62 in the width direction X. In this case, the opposite ends 61A of the pair of beams 61 form corners of the second electrode portion 52.

[0088] The first electrode portion 51 may be made up of multiple members. The second electrode portion 52 may be made up of multiple members. As a specific example, the second electrode portion 52 may be made up of at least any combination of the pair of girder portions 61, the pair of beam portions 62, and the second central portion 63, which are separately formed.

[0089] The drying unit 36 may be disposed so that the depth direction Y is its longitudinal direction. In other words, the depth direction Y may be an example of the second direction. The width direction X may be an example of the third direction. The drying unit 36 may be disposed so that it is inclined with respect to the width direction X and the depth direction Y. The direction inclined with respect to the width direction X and the depth direction Y may be an example of the second direction.

[0090] The drying unit 30 may include a plurality of drying sections 36. The plurality of drying sections 36 may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the width direction X. The plurality of drying sections 36 may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the depth direction Y.

[0091] The drying unit 36 may be provided on the back surface 90B side of the medium 90. The drying unit 36 may be provided on both the front surface 90A side and the back surface 90B side of the medium 90. The drying unit 36 may be scannable in the width direction X.

[0092] The drying unit 36 may be provided separately from the facing unit 45. In other words, the drying unit 36 does not have to include the facing unit 45. In this case, it is preferable that the facing unit 45 be provided between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode and the medium 90.

[0093] The second electrode 42 is not limited to a flat plate shape and may be, for example, a generally flat plate shape. The generally flat plate shape may include, for example, a shape curved in the thickness direction, which is the direction along the vertical direction Z, or a linear shape with an extremely large aspect ratio of a rectangular shape.

[0094] At least one of the first electrode surface 41A and the second electrode surface 42A is not limited to a planar shape and may be a substantially planar shape. The substantially planar shape may include, for example, a shape curved in the thickness direction, which is the direction along the vertical direction Z, or a linear shape with an extremely large aspect ratio of a rectangular shape.

[0095] The drying unit 36 may be provided in the recording device 11, rather than in the drying device 12. That is, the recording device 11 may include the drying unit 36. In this case, the drying unit 36 may be provided downstream of the recording device 20 in the transport direction D. In this way, the drying unit 36 may be applied to the recording device 11, rather than the drying device 12.

[0096] A lateral printer may be used as the recording device 11. A lateral printer is a printer in which a carriage 25 can move in two directions, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0097] The medium 90 is not limited to a roll, and may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, clothing, or the like.

[0098] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium 90 to record on the medium 90. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0099] The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0100] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0101] (A) A drying device includes a drying section that dries a medium onto which a liquid has been ejected by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, the drying section including a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction toward the medium, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the first electrode including a first electrode portion that is arranged at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction, and a second electrode portion that is arranged at a position that does not overlap the second electrode in the first direction and is away from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a planar view from the first direction.

[0102] According to this configuration, by using the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit, it is possible to avoid the concentration of electromagnetic waves in the area near the first electrode unit, while increasing the electromagnetic waves in the surrounding area surrounding the first electrode unit. This makes it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of drying of the medium. Furthermore, by equalizing the generated electromagnetic waves, it is possible to suppress discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode. It is also possible to suppress a decrease in the intensity of the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the drying efficiency of the medium.

[0103] (B) In the above drying device, the first electrode may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction and have a first conductor portion, and the first conductor portion may be connected to the second electrode portion so as to branch off from both ends of the first electrode portion in the second direction.

[0104] With this configuration, the first conductor portion is connected to the second electrode portion so that it branches from both ends of the first electrode portion, thereby preventing the concentration of electromagnetic waves at both ends of the first electrode portion. This allows the generated electromagnetic waves to be uniform, thereby preventing uneven drying of the medium.

[0105] (C) In the above drying device, the first conductor portion may extend from both ends of the first electrode portion to the second electrode portion so as to be inclined outward with respect to the second direction and to be inclined outward with respect to a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0106] According to this configuration, the first conductor portions extend from both ends of the first electrode portion so as to be inclined outward in the second and third directions, which further prevents the concentration of electromagnetic waves at both ends of the first electrode portion. This allows the generated electromagnetic waves to be uniformized, thereby preventing uneven drying of the medium.

[0107] (D) In the drying device, the first conductor portions may extend from both end portions of the first electrode portion to corner portions of the second electrode portion. This configuration increases the electromagnetic waves generated in areas farther from the first electrode in the second and third directions, thereby making it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves and thereby suppress unevenness in the degree of drying of the medium.

[0108] (E) In the drying device, the second electrode portion may have an opening, and the opening may overlap the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction. According to this configuration, by providing an opening at a position overlapping with the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction, it is possible to suppress electromagnetic waves generated in the area near the first electrode portion. This makes it possible to equalize the generated electromagnetic waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the degree of drying of the medium.

[0109] (F) In the above drying device, the first electrode may have a second conductor portion, and the second conductor portion may connect a first central portion of the first electrode portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a second central portion of the second electrode portion in the second direction.

[0110] According to this configuration, the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion can be stably connected. (G) In the drying device, the first conductor may be connected to the second central portion. This configuration makes it possible to easily connect the first conductor and the first electrode.

[0111] (H) A recording device includes a recording unit that performs recording by discharging a liquid onto a medium, and a drying unit that dries the medium onto which the liquid has been discharged by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage, wherein the drying unit includes a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward the medium, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode portion that is arranged at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction, and a second electrode portion that is arranged at a position not overlapping the second electrode in the first direction and away from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction. This configuration can achieve the same effect as (A). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] D...conveyance direction, R1...first region, R2...second region, R3...third region, X...width direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y...depth direction, Y1...first depth direction, Y2...second depth direction, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upper, Z2...lower, 10...recording system, 11...recording device, 12...drying device, 13...feed section, 13A...feed roller, 14...winding section, 14A...winding roller, 20...recording section, 21...recording support section, 22...recording transport section, 23...head, 24...nozzle surface, 25...carriage, 26...carriage support section, 30...drying unit, 31...high frequency voltage generation section, 32...transmission line, 33...drying transport section, 34...drying support section, 35...control section, 36...drying section, 41...first electrode, 41A...first electrode surface, 42...second electrode, 42A...second electrode surface, 42B...second electrode opening, 43...first conductor, 43A...coil, 43B...conductor, 44...second conductor, 44A...support, 44B...connecting section, 44C...top plate, 45...opposing section, 51...first electrode section, 51A...bottom surface, 51B...both ends, 51C...first central section, 52...second electrode section, 52A...opening, 53...first conductor section, 54...second conductor section, 61...girder section, 61A...both ends, 62...beam section, 62A...both ends, 63...second central section, 90...medium, 90A...surface, 90B...rear surface, 91...first roll body, 92...second roll body.

Claims

1. a drying unit that dries the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage; The drying section A first electrode; a second electrode disposed to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward the medium; a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; and The first electrode is a first electrode portion disposed at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction; a second electrode portion that is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the second electrode in the first direction and is spaced apart from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction; A drying device characterized by:

2. The drying device according to claim 1, the first electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and has a first conductor portion; the first conductor portion is connected to the second electrode portion so as to branch from both ends of the first electrode portion in the second direction; drying equipment.

3. The drying device according to claim 2, the first conductor portion extends from both ends of the first electrode portion to the second electrode portion so as to be inclined outward with respect to the second direction and to be inclined outward with respect to a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; drying equipment.

4. The drying device according to claim 3, The first conductor portions extend from both end portions of the first electrode portion to corner portions of the second electrode portion. drying equipment.

5. The drying device according to claim 1, the second electrode portion has an opening, the opening overlaps with the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction. drying equipment.

6. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the first electrode has a second conductor portion; the second conductor portion connects a first central portion of the first electrode portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction to a second central portion of the second electrode portion in the second direction; drying equipment.

7. 7. The drying device according to claim 6, the first conductor is connected to the second central portion; drying equipment.

8. a recording unit that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium; a drying unit that dries the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage; The drying section A first electrode; a second electrode disposed to surround the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction toward the medium; a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; and The first electrode is a first electrode portion disposed at a position overlapping the second electrode in the first direction; a second electrode portion that is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the second electrode in the first direction and is spaced apart from the medium, and that surrounds the first electrode portion in a plan view from the first direction; A recording device characterized by:

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