Conveyance control device, conveyance control method, and conveyance control program

Abstract

To provide a conveyance control device, a conveyance control method, and a conveyance control program which contribute to suppression in at least one of decrease in productivity and increase in energy consumption.SOLUTION: A conveyance control device includes: conveyance means for conveying a platen on which a printing medium is mounted; a first heating part and a second heating part which are connected to a printer performing printing on the printing medium on the platen, and perform medium heating operation of heating the printing medium on the platen; and a control part. The control part controls the conveyance means, and performs conveyance processing of conveying an object platen which is a platen of a control object on which the printing medium is mounted to any one of the first heating part and the second heating part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport control device, a transport control method, and a transport control program. [Background technology]

[0002] The printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport means, a head, a first heating element, and a second heating element. The transport means transports the print medium. The head prints on the print medium transported by the transport means. The first heating element is located upstream of the head in the transport direction and heats the print medium before printing. The second heating element is located downstream of the head in the transport direction and heats the print medium after printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-76424 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the printing device described above, the transport means transports the print medium so that it passes through both the first and second heating elements. Therefore, for example, a longer heating time with one heating element can reduce productivity. Alternatively, for example, if the heating temperature of each heating element differs for each print medium, the heating temperature of the heating element must be changed depending on the print medium. In this case, the amount of energy consumed by the heating element to heat up can increase.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a transport control device, a transport control method, and a transport control program that contribute to suppressing at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transport control device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a transport means for transporting a platen on which a printing medium is placed, a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer that prints on the printing medium on the platen and performs a medium heating operation to heat the printing medium on the platen, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the transport means and performs a transport process to transport a target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the target platen is transported to either the first heating section or the second heating section, and the transport control device contributes to suppressing at least one of a decrease in productivity and an increase in energy consumption, depending on whether the target platen is transported to the first heating section or the second heating section.

[0008] In the transport process, if there is an empty heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation among the first heating section and the second heating section, the control section may transport the target platen to the empty heating section. In this case, the transport control device contributes to suppressing a deterioration in productivity.

[0009] In the transport process, when one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit is an empty heating unit that is not currently performing the medium heating operation and is not scheduled to be performed, the control unit may transport the target platen to the empty heating unit. In this case, the transport control device contributes to preventing a decrease in productivity.

[0010] The control unit may acquire a first start time and a second start time, the first start time being a time based on the sum of a first process completion time required for the last of the media heating operations currently being performed by the first heating unit to be completed and a first transition time required from the first process completion time until the temperature reaches a corresponding set temperature for the print medium placed on the target platen, among set temperatures set for the print medium, and the second start time being a time based on the sum of a second process completion time required for the last of the media heating operations currently being performed by the second heating unit to be completed and a second transition time required from the second process completion time until the second heating temperature reaches the corresponding set temperature, and the control unit may transport the target platen to the first heating unit if the first start time is less than the second start time, and transport the target platen to the second heating unit if the second start time is less than the first start time. In this case, the target platen is transported to the heating unit whose start time arrives earlier, either the first heating unit or the second heating unit. Therefore, the transport control device contributes to preventing a decrease in productivity.

[0011] The control unit may acquire a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit, among set temperatures set according to the print medium. In the transport process, the control unit may transport the target platen to the first heating unit if the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature, and transport the target platen to the second heating unit if the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature. In this case, the smaller the difference between the heating temperature and the corresponding set temperature, the shorter the time it takes for the heating temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the transport control device contributes to suppressing deterioration in productivity.

[0012] The control unit may acquire a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit, among the set temperatures set according to the print medium. If a low heating unit exists in the transport process, the first heating unit has the first heating temperature lower than the corresponding set temperature, or the second heating unit has the second heating temperature lower than the corresponding set temperature, the control unit may transport the target platen to the low heating unit. In this case, the transport control device controls the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by increasing the heating temperature of the low heating unit. Therefore, the transport control device can more easily control the time it takes for the heating temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature than by lowering the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the transport control device contributes to suppressing a deterioration in productivity.

[0013] The control unit may acquire a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit, among the set temperatures set according to the print medium. If a high heating unit exists during the transport process, that is, the first heating unit whose first heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature or the second heating unit whose second heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature, the control unit may transport the target platen to the high heating unit. In this case, the transport control device controls the heating temperature to the corresponding set temperature by lowering the heating temperature of the high heating unit. Therefore, the transport control device does not need to consume energy until the heating temperature reaches the corresponding set temperature, as opposed to increasing the heating temperature to control it to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, the transport control device contributes to suppressing increases in energy consumption.

[0014] When the control unit detects a non-operating heating unit that is not scheduled to perform the medium heating operation and the first heating unit detects a non-operating heating unit that is scheduled to perform the medium heating operation, the control unit may stop the heating by the non-operating heating unit after the transport process. In this case, the transport control device contributes to suppressing an increase in energy consumption.

[0015] The transport control device may include a reception unit that receives a setting for either a productivity mode that prioritizes improving productivity in the first heating unit and the second heating unit or an energy-saving mode that prioritizes reducing energy consumption in the first heating unit and the second heating unit, and the control unit may transport the target platen to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit based on whether the setting received by the reception unit is the productivity mode or the energy-saving mode. In this case, the transport control device helps a user select whether to prioritize improving productivity or reducing energy consumption.

[0016] In the transport process, the control unit may transport the target platen to one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit until the number of times the medium heating operation has been performed within a predetermined period in one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation has been performed within the predetermined period, and the control unit may maintain stopping of heating by the other of the first heating unit and the second heating unit until the number of times the medium heating operation has been performed within the predetermined period in one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation has been performed within the predetermined period. In this case, the transport control device contributes to suppressing an increase in energy consumption while ensuring a target productivity.

[0017] A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a transport control device that includes a transport means for transporting a platen on which a printing medium is placed, and a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are connected to a printer that prints on the printing medium on the platen and perform a medium heating operation to heat the printing medium on the platen, and is characterized in that it includes a transport process that controls the transport means and transports a target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0018] The second aspect offers similar advantages as the first aspect.

[0019] A transport control program according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer that controls a transport control device that includes a transport means for transporting a platen on which a printing medium is placed, and a first heating unit and a second heating unit that are connected to a printer that prints on the printing medium on the platen and perform a medium heating operation to heat the printing medium on the platen, to control the transport means and execute a transport process that transports a target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit.

[0020] The third aspect offers similar advantages as the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a printing system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing system 1. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a transport destination determination process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a transport destination determination process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a transport destination determination process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a transport destination determination process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a transport destination determination process. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a set temperature table. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a printing system 1A. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a printing system 1B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the mechanical elements in the drawings are shown to actual scale. Hereinafter, the upper, lower, left, right, back of the page, and front of the page in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the rear, front, left, right, lower, and upper of the printing system 1, respectively.

[0023] A printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The printing system 1 is a system that transports multiple platens 10 and sequentially performs a coating process, a treatment liquid drying process, a printing process, and an ink drying process on printing media M placed on each of the multiple platens 10, in the order of coating process, treatment liquid drying process, printing process, and ink drying process. The printing media M is, for example, cloth or paper, and in this embodiment, a T-shirt. Details of each process will be described later.

[0024] The printing system 1 includes multiple platens 10, multiple printers 2A, 2B, a coating device 3, a first heating device 5A, a second heating device 5B, a first heating device 6A, a second heating device 6B, and a conveying device 7. The platen 10 is shaped like a plate and extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. A printing medium M is placed on the upper surface of the platen 10.

[0025] The printer 2A, coating device 3, first heating device 5A, and first heating device 6A are arranged from front to rear in the following order: coating device 3, first heating device 5A, printer 2A, first heating device 6A. The printer 2B, second heating device 5B, and second heating device 6B are arranged from front to rear in the following order: second heating device 5B, printer 2B, second heating device 6B. Printer 2B is arranged to the left of printer 2A. The second heating device 5B is arranged to the left of the first heating device 5A. The second heating device 6B is arranged to the left of the first heating device 6A.

[0026] Printers 2A and 2B are devices that perform printing processes, and in this embodiment are inkjet printers. The printing process involves applying liquid ink to a print medium M on a platen 10 to print an image. Printers 2A and 2B each include a transport support table 23, a sub-scanning transport mechanism 22, an inkjet head 26, and a main-scanning transport mechanism 24.

[0027] The platen 10 is detachably attached to the transport support table 23. The transport support table 23 supports the platen 10 when the platen 10 is attached. The sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 is, for example, a shaft extending in the left-right direction, and supports the transport support table 23. The sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 transports the transport support table 23 back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, which is the left-right direction.

[0028] The inkjet head 26 ejects ink downward. The main scanning transport mechanism 24 is, for example, a pair of rails extending in the front-to-rear direction, and supports the inkjet head 26. The main scanning transport mechanism 24 transports the inkjet head 26 back and forth in the main scanning direction, which is the front-to-rear direction.

[0029] Each of the printers 2A and 2B uses a sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 to transport a transport support table 23, on which a platen 10 is mounted, in the left-right direction, and a main-scanning transport mechanism 24 to transport an inkjet head 26 in the front-rear direction. This transports the print medium M on the platen 10 in the left-right and front-rear directions relative to the inkjet head 26. The printers 2A and 2B eject ink downward from the inkjet head 26 with the print medium M on the platen 10 and the lower surface of the inkjet head 26 facing each other in the vertical direction. This allows printing to be performed on the print medium M.

[0030] The coating device 3 is a device that performs a coating process. The coating process is performed before the printing process. The coating process is a process in which a treatment liquid is applied to the print medium M on the platen 10. The treatment liquid is a base coating agent, such as an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymer or a polyvalent metal salt. The polyvalent metal salt is, for example, calcium chloride or calcium nitrite. The treatment liquid improves the fixation of ink to the print medium M and the color development of the ink.

[0031] The coating device 3 includes a coating unit 31. In this embodiment, the coating unit 31 is a spray, and sprays the treatment liquid by driving a driving unit 32 shown in Fig. 2. The driving unit 32 is configured by, for example, a compressor and a solenoid valve. Note that the coating unit 31 may also be a discharge head, a coating spatula, or the like.

[0032] In the coating device 3, the platen 10 is disposed directly below the coating unit 31, and the coating unit 31 sprays the treatment liquid onto the printing medium M on the platen 10. In this way, a coating process is performed in which the treatment liquid is applied to the printing medium M.

[0033] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are devices that perform a treatment liquid drying process. The treatment liquid drying process is performed after the application process and before the printing process. The treatment liquid drying process heats the print medium M on the platen 10 to evaporate the water in the treatment liquid that was applied to the print medium M during the application process. This improves the fixation of the solutes in the treatment liquid to the print medium M.

[0034] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are each a blower dryer. The first heating device 5A includes a heater 55A and a fan 56A. Similarly, the second heating device 5B includes a heater 55B and a fan 56B. The heaters 55A and 55B are each a heating resistor that generates heat when electricity is applied. The heaters 55A and 55B each heat air. The fans 56A and 56B are each an air blower. The fan 56A sends air heated by the heater 55A into the first heating device 5A. The fan 56B sends air heated by the heater 55B into the second heating device 5B.

[0035] In the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, with the platen 10 housed in the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, air heated by the heaters 55A and 55B is sent by the fans 56A and 56B into the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, respectively. This dries the print medium M in a high-temperature atmosphere, and a treatment liquid drying process that evaporates the water in the treatment liquid is performed in each of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B.

[0036] The first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B are devices that perform an ink drying process. The second drying process is performed after the printing process. The ink drying process is a process in which the print medium M on the platen 10 is heated to evaporate the water in the ink that was applied to the print medium M during the printing process. This improves the fixation of the pigment or dye in the ink to the print medium M.

[0037] The first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B are each a blower dryer. The first heating device 6A includes a heater 65A and a fan 66A. Similarly, the second heating device 6B includes a heater 65B and a fan 66B. The heaters 65A and 65B are each a heating resistor that generates heat when electricity is applied. The heaters 65A and 65B each heat air. The fans 66A and 66B are each an air blower. The fan 66A sends air heated by the heater 65A into the first heating device 6A. The fan 66B sends air heated by the heater 65B into the second heating device 6B.

[0038] In the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, with the platen 10 housed in the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, air heated by the heaters 65A and 65B is sent by the fans 66A and 66B into the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, respectively. This dries the print medium M in a high-temperature atmosphere, and a treatment liquid drying process that evaporates the water content in the ink is performed in each of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B.

[0039] The transport device 7 forms a transport path for the platen 10 and transports the platen 10 so that the application process, treatment liquid drying process, printing process, and ink drying process are performed in sequence. The transport device 7 includes a main path 71, delivery mechanisms 83-86, and branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B. The main path 71 has a two-story structure and includes an outgoing path 72, a returning path (not shown), and elevator mechanisms 74 and 75.

[0040] The outgoing path 72 is on the second floor and extends in the front-to-rear direction between the printers 2A and 2B, to the left of the coating device 3, between the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, and between the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. The outgoing path 72 extends from in front of the coating device 3 to behind both the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. The returning path is on the first floor and extends from in front of the coating device 3 to behind both the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. In other words, the returning path is located directly below the outgoing path 72 and extends parallel to it.

[0041] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 from front to rear by driving a transport motor 701 for the outgoing path 72 shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the outgoing path 72 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 721, 722. The belt conveyor 721 is disposed at the left end of the outgoing path 72. The belt conveyor 722 is disposed at the right end of the outgoing path 72. The pair of belt conveyors 721, 722 extend parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 721, 722 extend in the left-to-right direction. The returning path has a similar structure to the outgoing path 72. The returning path transports the platen 10 from rear to front by driving a transport motor 701 for the returning path shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] The elevator mechanism 74 is disposed at the front end of the main path 71. The elevator mechanism 75 is disposed at the rear end of the main path 71. Therefore, the outgoing path 72 and the returning path are located between the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 in the front-to-rear direction. The elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 are raised and lowered to a position at the same height as the outgoing path 72 (second floor) and a position at the same height as the returning path (first floor) by driving the respective lift motors 702 shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 transport the platen 10 in the front-to-rear direction by driving the respective transport motors 701 shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the elevator mechanism 74 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 741, 742. The belt conveyor 741 is disposed at the left end of the elevator mechanism 74. The belt conveyor 742 is disposed at the right end of the elevator mechanism 74. The pair of belt conveyors 741, 742 extend parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 741, 742 extend in the left-to-right direction. The elevator mechanism 75 has a structure similar to that of the elevator mechanism 74. Therefore, a description of the structure of the elevator mechanism 75 will be omitted.

[0044] The delivery mechanisms 83 to 86 are disposed between the pair of belt conveyors 721 and 722 in the left-right direction. The delivery mechanisms 83 to 86 are arranged on the outgoing path 72 from front to rear in the order of delivery mechanisms 83, 84, 85, and 86. The delivery mechanisms 83 to 86 each transport the platen 10 in the left-right direction. The delivery mechanism 83 delivers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and a branch path 87, which will be described later. The delivery mechanism 84 delivers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and a branch path 88A or a branch path 88B, which will be described later. The delivery mechanism 85 delivers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and the transport support base 23 of printer 2A or printer 2B. The delivery mechanism 86 delivers the platen 10 between the outgoing path 72 and a branch path 89A or a branch path 89B, which will be described later.

[0045] The delivery mechanism 84 is raised and lowered between a position below the outgoing path 72 and a position above the outgoing path 72 by driving an elevation motor 702 of the delivery mechanism 84 shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the delivery mechanism 84 rotates the platen 10 on the delivery mechanism 84 clockwise or counterclockwise in a plan view by driving a rotation motor 703 of the delivery mechanism 84 shown in Fig. 2. The delivery mechanism 84 switches the orientation of the platen 10 so that the rear of the platen 10, i.e., the rear surface of the back panel 65, faces the direction in which the platen 10 travels.

[0046] In this embodiment, the delivery mechanism 84 is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 841, 842. The belt conveyor 841 is disposed at the front end of the delivery mechanism 84. The belt conveyor 842 is disposed at the rear end of the delivery mechanism 84. The pair of belt conveyors 841, 842 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 841, 842 extend in the front-rear direction. The delivery mechanisms 83, 85, 86 each have a structure similar to that of the delivery mechanism 84. Therefore, a description of the structures of the delivery mechanisms 83, 85 will be omitted.

[0047] The branch path 87 is disposed to the right of the delivery mechanism 83 and branches off to the right from the main path 71. The branch path 87 extends into the coating device 3. The branch path 88A is disposed to the right of the delivery mechanism 84 and branches off to the right from the main path 71. The branch path 88A extends into the first heating device 5A. The branch path 88B is disposed to the left of the delivery mechanism 84 and branches off to the left from the main path 71. The branch path 88B extends into the second heating device 5B. The branch path 89A is disposed to the right of the delivery mechanism 86 and branches off to the right from the main path 71. The branch path 89A extends into the first heating device 6A. The branch path 89B is disposed to the left of the delivery mechanism 84 and branches off to the left from the main path 71. The branch path 89B extends into the second heating device 6B. The branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B transport the platen 10 in the left and right directions, respectively.

[0048] In this embodiment, the branch path 88A is composed of a pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882. The belt conveyor 881 is disposed at the front end of the branch path 88A. The belt conveyor 882 is disposed at the rear end of the branch path 88A. The pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotation axes of the pair of belt conveyors 881 and 882 extend in the front-rear direction. The branch paths 87, 88B, 89A, and 89B each have a structure similar to that of the branch path 88A. Therefore, a description of the structures of the branch paths 87, 88B, 89A, and 89B will be omitted.

[0049] According to the configuration of the conveying device 7, the first heating device 5A is connected to the coating device 3 via the branch path 88A, the delivery mechanism 84, the outbound path 72, the delivery mechanism 83, and the branch path 87. The first heating device 5A is connected to each of the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 88A, the delivery mechanism 84, the outbound path 72, and the delivery mechanism 85. The second heating device 5B is connected to the coating device 3 via the branch path 88B, the delivery mechanism 84, the outbound path 72, the delivery mechanism 83, and the branch path 87. The second heating device 5B is connected to each of the printers 2A and 2B via the branch path 88B, the delivery mechanism 84, the outbound path 72, and the delivery mechanism 85.

[0050] The first heating device 6A is connected to each of the printers 2A and 2B via a branch path 89A, a delivery mechanism 86, an outgoing path 72, and a delivery mechanism 85. The second heating device 6B is connected to each of the printers 2A and 2B via a branch path 89B, a delivery mechanism 86, an outgoing path 72, and a delivery mechanism 85.

[0051] The following describes the flow of operations performed by the printing system 1. For convenience, it is assumed below that when the printing system 1 starts its operations, the delivery mechanisms 83 to 85 are each located below the outgoing path 72, and the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75 are each located at the same height as the outgoing path 72.

[0052] Hereinafter, the position of the platen 10 when the printing medium M is placed on the platen 10 will be referred to as the "set position P0." In this embodiment, the set position P0 is located on the elevator mechanism 74. Note that, for example, if the elevator mechanism is used as the starting point for the upstream and downstream directions, the set position P0 may be located upstream of the coating device 3, such as at the delivery mechanism 83, on the outgoing path 72. As will be described later, the platen 10 is transported from the elevator mechanism 74 to the outgoing path 72, the elevator mechanism 75, and then a return path (not shown), and then returns to the elevator mechanism 74. For this reason, the set position P0 may be located downstream of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B on the main path 71, or may be located on the return path (not shown). In this embodiment, the user places the printing medium M on the platen 10 with the platen 10 located at the set position P0, i.e., on the elevator mechanism 74. With the printing medium M placed on the platen 10 , the elevator mechanism 74 transports the platen 10 rearward and transfers it to the outgoing path 72 .

[0053] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 backward to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rises to a position higher than the outgoing path 72. As a result, the platen 10 is delivered from the outgoing path 72 to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rotates the platen 10 clockwise by 90° in a plan view, and transports the platen 10 to the right to the branch path 87. The delivery mechanism 83 descends to a position lower than the branch path 87. As a result, the platen 10 is delivered from the delivery mechanism 83 to the branch path 87. The coating device 3 performs a coating process.

[0054] When the coating process by the coating device 3 is completed, the branch path 87 transports the platen 10 to the left to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rises to a position higher than the branch path 87. As a result, the platen 10 is delivered from the branch path 87 to the delivery mechanism 83. The delivery mechanism 83 rotates the platen 10 by 90° counterclockwise in a plan view, and descends to a position lower than the outgoing path 72. As a result, the platen 10 is delivered from the delivery mechanism 83 to the outgoing path 72.

[0055] The manner in which the platen 10 is transferred by each of the transfer mechanisms 84 and 85 is the same as the manner in which the platen 10 is transferred by the transfer mechanism 83. Therefore, in the following, a description of the transfer of the platen 10 by each of the transfer mechanisms 84 and 85 will be omitted or simplified.

[0056] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 rearward and hands it over to the delivery mechanism 84. The delivery mechanism 84 transports the platen 10 to the right or left and hands it over to the branch path 88A or branch path 88B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 84 is a branching point where the platen 10 is transported to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. The first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B to which the platen 10 has been transported performs a treatment liquid drying process. Once the treatment liquid drying process by the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B is completed, the branch path 88A transports the platen 10 to the left, or the branch path 88B transports the platen 10 to the right, and the platen 10 is delivered to the delivery mechanism 84. The delivery mechanism 84 hands the platen 10 over to the outgoing path 72.

[0057] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 rearward and hands it over to the delivery mechanism 85. The delivery mechanism 85 transports the platen 10 to the right or left and hands it over to the transport support table 23 of the printer 2A or the printer 2B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 85 is the branching point where the platen 10 is transported to either the printer 2A or the printer 2B. The printer 2A or the printer 2B to which the platen 10 has been transported performs printing processing. When the printing processing by the printer 2A or the printer 2B is completed, the transport support table 23 of the printer 2A transports the platen 10 to the left, or the transport support table 23 of the printer 2B transports the platen 10 to the right and hands it over to the delivery mechanism 85. The delivery mechanism 85 hands the platen 10 over to the outgoing path 72.

[0058] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 rearward and hands it over to the delivery mechanism 86. The delivery mechanism 86 transports the platen 10 to the right or left and hands it over to the branch path 89A or branch path 89B. In other words, the delivery mechanism 86 is a branching point where the platen 10 is transported to either the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B. The first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B to which the platen 10 has been transported performs an ink drying process. Once the ink drying process by the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B is completed, the branch path 89A transports the platen 10 to the left, or the branch path 89B transports the platen 10 to the right, and the platen 10 is delivered to the delivery mechanism 86. The delivery mechanism 86 hands the platen 10 over to the outgoing path 72.

[0059] The outgoing path 72 transports the platen 10 rearward and hands it over to an elevator mechanism 75. The elevator mechanism 75 descends to the same height as the returning path (not shown). The elevator mechanism 75 transports the platen 10 forward and hands it over to the returning path. On the returning path, the platen 10 is transported forward and hands over to the elevator mechanism 74, with the elevator mechanism 74 positioned at the same height as on the returning path.

[0060] The user removes the print medium M with the image printed thereon from the platen 10 while the platen 10 is being transported from the elevator mechanism 75 to the elevator mechanism 74 via the return path. For example, the user removes the print medium M with the image printed thereon from the platen 10 while the platen 10 is positioned on the elevator mechanism 75. Thereafter, the user places the print medium M to be printed next onto the platen 10 while the platen 10 is positioned at the set position P0, that is, on the elevator mechanism 74. Thereafter, the printing system 1 repeats similar operations.

[0061] The electrical configuration of printing system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Printing system 1 includes a system computer 100 and printer computers 20A and 20B. System computer 100 is provided, for example, on a control panel (not shown), and controls coating device 3, first heating device 5A, second heating device 5B, first heating device 6A, second heating device 6B, and conveying device 7. Printer computer 20A is provided in printer 2A and controls printer 2A. Printer computer 20B is provided in printer 2B and controls printer 2B. System computer 100 and printer computers 20A and 20B communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0062] The system computer 100 includes a CPU 101, a flash memory 102, a RAM 103, a reception unit 104, and a display 105. The CPU 101 functions as a processor. The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the flash memory 102, the RAM 103, the reception unit 104, and the display 105.

[0063] The flash memory 102 is a non-volatile storage medium and stores various types of information. For example, programs are stored in the flash memory 102. The programs include a transport control program for executing a main process described below and shown in FIG. 3, and are executed by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is a volatile storage medium and temporarily stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 103 temporarily stores information calculated, acquired, identified, determined, received, or accepted by the CPU 101 during execution of the main process described below.

[0064] The reception unit 104 is a user interface and includes a touch panel, a power button, etc. The user operates the reception unit 104 to input various instructions to the system computer 100. The display 105 displays various information under the control of the CPU 101.

[0065] Drive unit 32, heaters 55A, 55B, 65A, 65B, temperature sensors 58A, 58B, 68A, 68B, transport motor 701, lift motor 702, rotation motor 703, position sensor 704, printer computer 20A, and printer computer 20B are electrically connected to CPU 101 via input / output interface 106. Drive unit 32 is driven under the control of CPU 101, causing application unit 31 shown in FIG. 1 to spray the treatment liquid.

[0066] Heaters 55A, 55B, 65A, and 65B generate heat and heat the air under the control of CPU 101. Temperature sensor 58A is provided in first heating device 5A. Temperature sensor 58A detects the temperature of the atmosphere within first heating device 5A and outputs a signal indicating the detected temperature to CPU 101. Similarly, temperature sensors 58B, 68A, and 68B are provided in second heating device 5B, first heating device 6A, and second heating device 6B, respectively. Temperature sensors 58B, 68A, and 68B detect the temperatures of the atmosphere within second heating device 5B, first heating device 6A, and second heating device 6B, respectively, and output a signal indicating the detected temperature to CPU 101. Hereinafter, the temperatures detected by temperature sensors 58A, 58B, 68A, and 68B are referred to as "detected temperatures." For example, the detected temperature of first heating device 5A is the temperature detected by temperature sensor 58A, which is the temperature within first heating device 5A.

[0067] There are multiple transport motors 701. The multiple transport motors 701 are provided on the outgoing path 72 shown in FIG. 1 , the return path (not shown), the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the delivery mechanisms 83 to 86, and the branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B, respectively. The multiple transport motors 701 are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to transport the platen 10. For example, the transport motor 701 on the outgoing path 72 is driven to transport the platen 10 on the outgoing path 72.

[0068] There are a plurality of lift motors 702. The plurality of lift motors 702 are provided in each of the elevator mechanisms 74, 75 and the delivery mechanisms 83 to 86 shown in FIG. 1 . The plurality of lift motors 702 are driven under the control of the CPU 101 to lift and lower the platen 10. For example, the lift motor 702 of the elevator mechanism 74 is driven to lift and lower the platen 10 on the elevator mechanism 74.

[0069] There are multiple rotary motors 703. The multiple rotary motors 703 are provided in each of the delivery mechanisms 83 to 86 shown in FIG. 1. Each of the multiple rotary motors 703 is driven under the control of the CPU 101 to rotate the platen 10 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in a plan view. For example, the rotary motor 703 of the delivery mechanism 84 rotates the platen 10 on the delivery mechanism 84 when driven.

[0070] There are multiple position sensors 704. Each of the multiple position sensors 704 may be a limit switch, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or the like, and is provided on the outgoing path 72 shown in FIG. 1, the returning path (not shown), the elevator mechanisms 74 and 75, the delivery mechanisms 83 to 86, the branch paths 87, 88A, 88B, 89A, and 89B, and a determination position P1 shown in FIG. 1 (described below). Each of the multiple position sensors 704 detects the platen 10 present at its respective location and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 101. For example, when the position sensor 704 on the branch path 88A detects the platen 10 on the branch path 88A, it outputs a signal indicating that the platen 10 is present on the branch path 88A to the CPU 101.

[0071] The main processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. When the system computer 100 is powered on, the CPU 101 starts the main processing by reading and running a transport control program from the flash memory 102. In the main processing, the coating device 3, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, and the transport device 7 are controlled. In the following, the main processing will be mainly described with respect to the control of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B and the control of the transport device 7. When neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B is specified, they will simply be referred to as "heating device."

[0072] If the multiple platens 10 were always transported to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B, it could take a long time to complete the printing process on the multiple print media M. In other words, the productivity of the printing process could decrease. To prevent this decrease in productivity, the CPU 101 performs the main process described below.

[0073] 3, when the main processing starts, the CPU 101 performs a system control processing (S100). The system control processing includes a transport processing of the platen 10 by the transport device 7 upstream of a determination position P1 (described later), a coating processing by the coating device 3, a transport processing of the platen 10 by the transport device 7 downstream of each of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, and an ink drying processing by the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. Each processing included in the system control processing is performed in parallel with the processing performed from S101 onwards.

[0074] The CPU 101 determines whether a mode switching operation for switching the setting mode has been received via the receiving unit 104 shown in FIG. 2 (S101). The setting mode is a mode set by the user from among multiple modes, and is stored in the flash memory 102. Each of the multiple modes specifies a priority when determining the transport destination of the target platen, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the multiple modes include a productivity mode and an energy-saving mode. The productivity mode specifies improving productivity in the heating device as a priority. The energy-saving mode specifies reducing energy consumption in the heating device as a priority.

[0075] If a mode switching operation has not been received (S101: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to the determination in S103. If a mode switching operation has been received (S101: YES), CPU 101 switches the setting mode in flash memory 102 (S102). For example, if a mode switching operation is received when the setting mode is productivity mode, CPU 101 switches the setting mode from productivity mode to energy saving mode. For example, if a mode switching operation is received when the setting mode is energy saving mode, CPU 101 switches the setting mode from energy saving mode to productivity mode. CPU 101 proceeds to the determination in S103.

[0076] 1, in the conveyance device 7, a determination position P1 is provided at any position between the set position P0 and the delivery mechanism 84 shown in FIG. 1. The determination position P1 may be located on the coating device 3, i.e., on the branch path 87, or on the delivery mechanism 83 or 84, or on the elevator mechanism 74, i.e., at the set position P0. In the present embodiment, the determination position P1 is located downstream of the delivery mechanism 83 and upstream of the delivery mechanism 84 on the outgoing path 72. That is, in the present embodiment, the determination position P1 is located at a position in the conveyance device 7 where the platen 10 does not pass before the coating process by the coating device 3 is performed, but where the platen 10 passes after the coating process by the coating device 3 is performed.

[0077] 3, in the determination of S103, the CPU 101 determines whether the platen 10 transported by the system control processing of S100 has reached the determination position P1 based on a detection signal from the position sensor 704 at the determination position P1 (S103). Hereinafter, the platen 10 that has reached the determination position P1 will be referred to as the "target platen." That is, the target platen is the platen 10 that is present at the determination position P1 at the time of the determination of S103, and is the platen 10 that will be controlled in the processing from S111 onwards in the main processing. In other words, the target platen is the platen 10 that will be determined as the destination of transport to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B, and is the platen 10 that will be transported to the determined destination.

[0078] If the platen 10 has not yet reached the determination position P1 (S103: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to the determination in S101. If the platen 10 has reached the determination position P1 (S103: YES), the CPU 101 moves the process to the determination in S111. If the platen 10 has reached the determination position P1 (S103: YES), the CPU 101 may stop the transport of the target platen at the determination position P1, or may continue the transport of the target platen without stopping the transport of the target platen at the determination position P1.

[0079] For example, if the transport of the target platen is maintained, there is a possibility that the target platen will reach the delivery mechanism 84 by the time the transport of the target platen to the first heating device 5A is started in the process of S131 shown in FIG. 4 (described later), or by the time the transport of the target platen to the second heating device 5B is started in the process of S151 shown in FIG. 5 (described later). Before the process of S131 or S151, the CPU 101 stops the target platen at a position upstream of the delivery mechanism 84 from the determination position P1. The CPU 101 performs the process up to S131 or S151 with the target platen stopped at a position upstream of the delivery mechanism 84 from the determination position P1. The CPU 101 may stop the target platen on the delivery mechanism 84 if the target platen is at a position on the delivery mechanism 84 where a platen 10 other than the target platen can be delivered to the delivery mechanism 84 from the branch path 88A or the branch path 88B. That is, the CPU 101 performs the process from S111 to before S131 or the process from S111 to before S151 with the target platen being placed at any position in the transport device 7 between the determination position P1 and the delivery mechanism 84.

[0080] The heating operation will be described. The heating operation by the first heating device 5A is an operation of causing the heater 55A to generate heat. The heating operation by the second heating device 5B is an operation of causing the heater 55B to generate heat. The heating operation includes a medium heating operation and a preheating operation.

[0081] The medium heating operation is a heating operation that maintains the amount of power supplied to heater 55A or heater 55B so that the detected temperature becomes the corresponding set temperature, and heats the print medium M at the corresponding set temperature. The corresponding set temperature is a set temperature that corresponds to the print medium M placed on the target platen, out of multiple set temperatures that correspond to the print medium M. The medium heating operation by the first heating device 5A is performed with the print medium M housed in the first heating device 5A. The medium heating operation by the second heating device 5B is performed with the print medium M housed in the second heating device 5B. In this embodiment, it is possible to set a reservation for the execution of the medium heating operation. The reservation for the execution of the medium heating operation is stored in RAM 103.

[0082] The preheating operation is a heating operation that controls the amount of power supplied to heater 55A or heater 55B so that the detected temperature rises to the corresponding set temperature before the medium heating operation is performed. The preheating operation by the first heating device 5A is performed when the printing medium M is not housed in the first heating device 5A. The preheating operation by the second heating device 5B is performed when the printing medium M is not housed in the second heating device 5B.

[0083] Define "empty heating device." An empty heating device is a heating device that is not currently performing a media heating operation and has no reservations for performing a media heating operation. No reservations for performing a media heating operation means that the number of reservations for performing a media heating operation is "0." In other words, no reservations for performing a media heating operation means that the target platen is not scheduled to be transported in the processing of S131 or S151 described below. A heating device that is not an empty heating device is a heating device that is currently performing a media heating operation and has no reservations for performing a media heating operation, a heating device that is not currently performing a media heating operation and has a reservations for performing a media heating operation, or a heating device that is currently performing a media heating operation and has a reservations for performing a media heating operation.

[0084] When the target platen is transported to the air heater, the target platen does not need to wait until the media heating operation is performed. Therefore, as will be described below, when an air heater is present, the target platen is controlled to be transported to the air heater in principle.

[0085] The CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111). If the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the determination of S121 shown in FIG. 4 and performs the various processes for transporting the target platen to the first heating device 5A. If the first heating device 5A is not an empty heating device (S111: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112). If the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the determination of S141 shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the CPU 101 performs the various processes for transporting the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B depending on the number of reservations for execution of the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A.

[0086] If the second heating device 5B is not an empty heating device (S112: NO), the CPU 101 performs a transfer destination determination process (S113). As will be described in detail later, in the transfer destination determination process, the transfer destination of the target platen is determined to be either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B based on whether the set mode is the productivity mode or the energy saving mode.

[0087] The case where the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device (S111: YES) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is in preheating operation (S121). For example, at the start of the main processing, the first heating device 5A is not yet performing preheating operation. If the first heating device 5A is not in preheating operation (S121: NO), the CPU 101 starts preheating operation in the first heating device 5A (S122). The CPU 101 proceeds to processing of S131. If the first heating device 5A is in preheating operation (S121: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to processing of S131.

[0088] The CPU 101 transports the target platen to the first heating device 5A (S131). For example, if the target platen has not yet been subjected to coating processing by the coating device 3, the coating processing is performed and then the processing of S131 is performed. In the processing of S131, with the target platen placed on the delivery mechanism 84 shown in FIG. 1, the delivery motor 701 of the delivery mechanism 84 is controlled to transport the target platen to the right and transfer it to the branch path 88A. Once the target platen has been transferred to the branch path 88A and transported to the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 executes the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A (S132). Once the medium heating operation in the first heating device 5A is completed, the CPU 101 proceeds to the determination of S133.

[0089] A "non-operating heating device" is defined. A non-operating heating device is a heating device that has no reservation for the execution of a media heating operation. If a non-operating heating device exists, the CPU 101 stops the heating operation by the non-operating heating device. Therefore, when the media heating operation is completed, the CPU 101 refers to the RAM 103 and determines whether there is a reservation for the execution of a media heating operation by the first heating device 5A (S133). If there is no reservation for the execution of a media heating operation by the first heating device 5A (S133: NO), the CPU 101 stops the preheating operation by the first heating device 5A (S134). This allows the temperature inside the second heating device 5B to drop naturally. The CPU 101 returns the process to the determination of S101 shown in Figure 3.

[0090] If the first heating device 5A is scheduled to perform a media heating operation (S133: YES), the CPU 101 skips S134 and returns the process to the determination in S101 shown in Fig. 3. In this case, the power supply to the heater 55A, i.e., the heating or stopping of the heater 55A, is controlled so that the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A becomes the next corresponding set temperature for the first heating device 5A through a preheating operation of the first heating device 5A or through natural cooling of the first heating device 5A. The next corresponding set temperature for the first heating device 5A is the set temperature corresponding to the print medium M placed on the platen 10 next to the platen 10 on which the media heating operation of the first heating device 5A was completed in S132.

[0091] The following describes the case where the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112: YES). For example, if the number of times the first heating device 5A performs a medium heating operation within a predetermined period is equal to or less than the target number of times the first heating device 5A performs a medium heating operation within a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the "target number of executions"), there is no need to perform a medium heating operation with the second heating device 5B. In this case, if the second heating device 5B is maintained in a state where its heating operation is stopped, the printing system 1 can perform the target number of medium heating operations without consuming energy to raise the temperature inside the second heating device 5B to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, even if the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device, the CPU 101 determines whether to transport the medium to the second heating device 5B depending on the target number of executions, as described below.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in a preheating operation (S141). If the second heating device 5B is in a preheating operation (S141: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to S151. For example, at the start of the main process, the second heating device 5B is not yet performing a preheating operation. If the second heating device 5B is not in a preheating operation (S141: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the number of reservations for the medium heating operation to be performed by the first heating device 5A is equal to or less than the target reservation number (S142). The number of reservations for the medium heating operation to be performed by the first heating device 5A corresponds to the number of times the medium heating operation is performed by the first heating device 5A within a predetermined period. The target reservation number is the same as the target number of times the operation is performed. The target reservation number is the number of platen standbys that the user allows. The platen standby number is the number of platens 10 that wait until the medium heating operation is performed by the first heating device 5A. The target reservation number is set in advance by the user via the reception unit 104, for example, and stored in the flash memory 102.

[0093] If the number of reservations for the medium heating operation by the first heating device 5A exceeds the target reservation number (S142: NO), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation by the second heating device 5B (S143). The CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S151.

[0094] The CPU 101 transports the target platen to the second heating device 5B (S151). For example, if the target platen has not yet been subjected to coating processing by the coating device 3, the coating processing is performed and then the processing of S151 is performed. In the processing of S151, with the target platen placed on the delivery mechanism 84 shown in FIG. 1, the delivery motor 701 of the delivery mechanism 84 is controlled to transport the target platen leftward and transfer it to the branch path 88B. Once the target platen has been transferred to the branch path 88B and transported to the second heating device 5B, the CPU 101 executes the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B (S152). Once the medium heating operation in the second heating device 5B is completed, the CPU 101 proceeds to the determination of S153.

[0095] As described above, if there is an inactive heating device, CPU 101 stops the heating operation by the inactive heating device. Therefore, when the medium heating operation is completed, CPU 101 refers to RAM 103 and determines whether there is a reservation for the medium heating operation by second heating device 5B (S153). If there is no reservation for the medium heating operation by second heating device 5B (S153: NO), CPU 101 stops the preheating operation by second heating device 5B (S154). This allows the temperature inside second heating device 5B to drop naturally. CPU 101 returns the process to the determination of S101 shown in FIG. 3.

[0096] If the second heating device 5B is scheduled to perform a media heating operation (S153: YES), the CPU 101 skips S154 and returns the process to the determination in S101 shown in Fig. 3. In this case, the power supply to the heater 55B, i.e., the heating or stopping of the heater 55B, is controlled so that the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B becomes the next corresponding set temperature for the second heating device 5B through preheating operation of the second heating device 5B or natural cooling of the second heating device 5B. The next corresponding set temperature for the second heating device 5B is the set temperature corresponding to the print medium M placed on the platen 10 next to the platen 10 on which the media heating operation of the second heating device 5AB was completed in S152.

[0097] In the determination of S142, if the number of reservations for the medium heating operation by the first heating device 5A is equal to or less than the target reservation number (S142: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the determination of S161 shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the suspension of the preheating operation by the second heating device 5B is maintained.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is in a medium heating operation (S161). If the first heating device 5A is not in a medium heating operation (S161: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the first heating device 5A is in a preheating operation (S162). If the first heating device 5A is not in a preheating operation (S162: NO), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation of the first heating device 5A (S163). The CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S131 shown in FIG. 4. If the first heating device 5A is in a preheating operation (S162: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S131 shown in FIG. 4 and performs the processes from S131 onwards as described above. In this case, the target platen is transported to the first heating device 5A.

[0099] If the first heating device 5A is currently performing a media heating operation (S161: YES), the CPU 101 schedules the first heating device 5A to perform the media heating operation (S164). The CPU 101 places the target platen on standby until the first heating device 5A's turn to perform the media heating operation comes (S165). For example, if a standby position for the platen 10 is provided between the delivery mechanism 84 and the first heating device 5A, the CPU 101 may transport the target platen to the standby position in the processing of S165 and place the target platen on standby at the standby position. When the first heating device 5A's turn to perform the media heating operation comes, the CPU 101 proceeds to the processing of S131 shown in FIG. 4 and performs the processing from S131 onward as described above. In this case, the target platen is transported to the first heating device 5A.

[0100] A case will be described where the destination of the target platen is determined to be either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B by the destination determination process (S113). As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 101 determines whether the destination of the target platen determined by the destination determination process is the first heating device 5A (S114). If the destination of the target platen is the first heating device 5A (S114: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to process S161 shown in FIG. 6 and performs the processes from S161 onwards as described above. If the destination of the target platen is the second heating device 5B (S114: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to process S171 shown in FIG. 7.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in a medium heating operation (S171). If the second heating device 5B is not in a medium heating operation (S171: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the second heating device 5B is in a preheating operation (S172). If the second heating device 5B is not in a preheating operation (S172: NO), the CPU 101 starts the preheating operation of the second heating device 5B (S173). The CPU 101 proceeds to the processing of S151 shown in FIG. 5. If the second heating device 5B is in a preheating operation (S172: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the processing of S151 shown in FIG. 5, and performs the processing from S151 onwards as described above. In this case, the target platen is transported to the second heating device 5B.

[0102] If the second heating device 5B is currently performing a medium heating operation (S171: YES), the CPU 101 schedules the second heating device 5B to perform the medium heating operation (S174). The CPU 101 places the target platen on standby until the second heating device 5B's turn to perform the medium heating operation comes (S175). For example, if a standby position for the platen 10 is provided between the delivery mechanism 84 and the second heating device 5B, the CPU 101 may transport the target platen to the standby position in the processing of S175 and place the target platen on standby at the standby position. When the second heating device 5B's turn to perform the medium heating operation comes, the CPU 101 shifts the processing to the processing of S151 shown in FIG. 5 and performs the processing from S151 onward as described above. In this case, the target platen is transported to the second heating device 5B.

[0103] The conveyance destination determination process will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. As shown in Figure 8, when the conveyance destination determination process starts, CPU 101 refers to the set temperature table shown in Figure 12 and acquires the corresponding set temperature (S201). The set temperature table shown in Figure 12 is stored in flash memory 102. As shown in Figure 12, the set temperature table associates set temperatures with the type of printing medium M. The type of printing medium M is determined, for example, by the type of fiber contained in the printing medium M. The type of fiber contained in the printing medium M is, for example, cotton or synthetic fiber. The synthetic fiber is, for example, polyester fiber.

[0104] 12, type A is associated with temperature A, and type B is associated with temperature B. Type A is, for example, cotton, and temperature A is, for example, 180°C. Type B is, for example, synthetic fiber, and temperature B is, for example, 110°C.

[0105] The type of printing medium M may be defined, for example, by the color of the printing medium M. The type of printing medium M may be defined, for example, by the type of ink applied to the printing medium M by the printer 2A or the printer 2B, or may be defined, for example, by the type of treatment liquid applied to the printing medium M by the application device 3. The type of printing medium M may be defined, for example, by the amount of ink applied to the printing medium M by the printer 2A or the printer 2B, or may be defined, for example, by the amount of treatment liquid applied to the printing medium M by the application device 3.

[0106] For example, when a user places print medium M on platen 10, the user inputs the identifier of the platen 10 and the type of print medium M on the platen 10 to the system computer 100 via the reception unit 104. The CPU 101 associates the received identifier of the platen 10 with the type of print medium M on the platen 10 and stores them in RAM 103. In the process of S201, the CPU 101 identifies the type of print medium M corresponding to the identifier of the target platen. The CPU 101 references the set temperature table and acquires the set temperature corresponding to the identified type of print medium M as the corresponding set temperature.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 101 references the set temperature table shown in FIG. 12 and acquires the first completion temperature (S202). The first completion temperature is the set temperature for the last medium heating operation among the medium heating operations currently being performed by the first heating device 5A or scheduled for execution. In other words, if there is no reservation for the execution of a medium heating operation by the first heating device 5A, the first completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation currently being performed by the first heating device 5A. If there is a reservation for the execution of a medium heating operation by the first heating device 5A, the first completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation that is scheduled for execution last by the first heating device 5A.

[0108] The CPU 101 refers to the set temperature table shown in FIG. 12 and acquires the second completion temperature (S203). The second completion temperature is the set temperature for the last medium heating operation among the medium heating operations currently being performed or scheduled for execution by the second heating device 5B. In other words, if there is no reservation for execution of a medium heating operation by the second heating device 5B, the second completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation currently being performed by the second heating device 5B. If there is a reservation for execution of a medium heating operation by the second heating device 5B, the second completion temperature is the set temperature for the medium heating operation that corresponds to the last reservation for execution in the order of execution by the second heating device 5B.

[0109] The CPU 101 refers to the flash memory 102 and determines whether the set mode is the energy saving mode (S204). If the set mode is the energy saving mode (S204: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S211 shown in Fig. 9. If the set mode is the productivity mode (S204: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of S231 shown in Fig. 10.

[0110] The following describes the case where the setting mode is the energy-saving mode (S204: YES). A "high-heating device" is defined. A high-heating device is a heating device whose first or second completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature. For example, when a target platen is transported to the high-heating device, the high-heating device lowers the temperature inside the high-heating device from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature inside the high-heating device lowers from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature through natural cooling. In this case, the energy consumption required for the temperature inside the heating device to rise from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature is likely to be smaller than when the temperature inside the heating device rises from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature through heating operation by the heating device. Therefore, in the energy-saving mode, if a high-heating device is present, the target platen is controlled to be transported to the high-heating device. In this way, in the energy-saving mode, the CPU 101 controls the transport of the target platen so as to prioritize reducing energy consumption in the heating device over improving productivity in the heating device. This will be described in detail below.

[0111] 9, CPU 101 determines whether the first completion temperature acquired in the process of S202 is equal to or higher than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S211). If the first completion temperature is equal to or higher than the corresponding set temperature (S211: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature acquired in the process of S203 is equal to or higher than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S212).

[0112] If the second completion temperature is equal to or higher than the corresponding set temperature (S212: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to S221. If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S212: NO), the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the first heating device 5A (S251), as shown in Fig. 11. The CPU 101 then returns the process to the main process shown in Fig. 3.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 9, if it is determined in S211 that the first completion temperature is less than the corresponding set temperature (S211: NO), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature acquired in the process of S203 is equal to or greater than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S213). If the second completion temperature is less than the corresponding set temperature (S213: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to process S221. If the second completion temperature is equal to or greater than the corresponding set temperature (S213: YES), CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the second heating device 5B (S252), as shown in Fig. 11. CPU 101 then returns the process to the main process shown in Fig. 3.

[0114] 9, if both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are high-heating devices (S211: YES, S212: YES), or if neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B are high-heating devices (S211: NO, S213: NO), the CPU 101 must decide whether to transport the target platen to the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. For this reason, the CPU 101 performs the processes from S211 onwards.

[0115] In the process of S211, CPU 101 calculates a first temperature difference based on the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 and the first completion temperature acquired in the process of S202, and calculates a second temperature difference based on the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 and the second completion temperature acquired in the process of S203 (S221). The first temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first completion temperature. The second temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second completion temperature.

[0116] CPU 101 determines whether the first temperature difference calculated in the process of S221 is less than or equal to the second temperature difference calculated in the process of S221 (S222). If the first temperature difference is less than or equal to the second temperature difference (S222: YES), CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the first heating device 5A (S251), as shown in Fig. 11. If the second temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference (S222: NO), as shown in Fig. 9, CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the second heating device 5B (S252), as shown in Fig. 11.

[0117] The following describes the case where the setting mode is the productivity mode (S204: NO). A "low heating device" is defined. A low heating device is a heating device whose first or second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature. For example, when a target platen is transported to a low heating device, the low heating device raises the detected temperature from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature through heating operation. In this case, the time it takes for the detected temperature to rise from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature is likely to be shorter than when the detected temperature is lowered from the first or second completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature through natural cooling, for example. Therefore, in the productivity mode, if a low heating device is present, the target platen is controlled to be transported to the low heating device. In this way, in the productivity mode, the CPU 101 controls the transport of the target platen so as to prioritize improving productivity in the heating device over reducing energy consumption in the heating device. This will be described in detail below.

[0118] 10, CPU 101 determines whether the first completion temperature acquired in the process of S202 is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S231). If the first completion temperature is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature (S231: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature acquired in the process of S203 is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S232).

[0119] If the second completion temperature is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature (S232: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to S241. If the second completion temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature (S232: NO), the CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the first heating device 5A (S251), as shown in FIG.

[0120] 10, if it is determined in S231 that the first completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature (S231: NO), CPU 101 determines whether the second completion temperature acquired in the process of S203 is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature acquired in the process of S201 (S233). If the second completion temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature (S233: NO), CPU 101 proceeds to process S241. If the second completion temperature is equal to or lower than the corresponding set temperature (S233: YES), CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the second heating device 5B (S252), as shown in FIG.

[0121] 10, if both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are low heating devices (S231: YES, S232: YES), or if neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B are low heating devices (S231: NO, S233: NO), the CPU 101 must decide whether to transport the target platen to the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. For this reason, the CPU 101 performs the processes from S241 onwards.

[0122] In the process of S241, the CPU 101 references the flash memory 102 and acquires a first processing completion time (S241). The first processing completion time is the time required for the completion of the last media heating operation among the media heating operations currently being performed or scheduled for execution by the first heating device 5A. In other words, if there is no media heating operation scheduled for execution by the first heating device 5A, the first processing completion time is the time required for the media heating operation currently being performed by the first heating device 5A to be completed. If there is a media heating operation scheduled for execution by the first heating device 5A, the first processing completion time is the time required for the media heating operation scheduled for execution last by the first heating device 5A to be completed. A processing time table (not shown) is stored in the flash memory 102. The processing time table defines the time required for one media heating operation depending on, for example, the type of printing medium M. The CPU 101 references the processing time table and acquires the first processing completion time based on the time required for one media heating operation depending on the type of printing medium M and the number of media heating operations scheduled for execution by the first heating device 5A.

[0123] The CPU 101 refers to the flash memory 102 and acquires a first transition time (S242). The first transition time is the time from when the first process completion time has elapsed until the detected temperature in the first heating device 5A reaches the corresponding set temperature. In other words, the first transition time is the time until the detected temperature in the first heating device 5A reaches the corresponding set temperature from the first completion temperature. A transition time table (not shown) is stored in the flash memory 102. The transition time table defines the time until the temperature reaches the second temperature from the first temperature. The CPU 101 sets the first completion temperature as the first temperature and the corresponding set temperature as the second temperature, and acquires the time until the temperature reaches the second temperature from the first temperature by referring to the transition time table.

[0124] The CPU 101 references the flash memory 102 and acquires the second process completion time (S243). The second process completion time is the time required for the completion of the last of the media heating operations currently being performed or scheduled for execution by the second heating device 5B. In other words, if there is no reservation for a media heating operation by the second heating device 5B, the second process completion time is the time required for the completion of the media heating operation currently being performed by the second heating device 5B. If there is a reservation for a media heating operation by the second heating device 5B, the second process completion time is the time required for the completion of the media heating operation that is last scheduled for execution by the second heating device 5B. The CPU 101 references the processing time table and acquires the second process completion time based on the time required for one media heating operation according to the type of print medium M and the number of reservations for media heating operations by the second heating device 5B.

[0125] CPU 101 refers to flash memory 102 and acquires a second transition time (S244). The second transition time is the time from when the second process completion time has elapsed until the detected temperature in second heating device 5B reaches the corresponding set temperature. In other words, the second transition time is the time until the detected temperature in second heating device 5B reaches the corresponding set temperature from the second completion temperature. CPU 101 sets the second completion temperature as the first temperature and the corresponding set temperature as the second temperature, and acquires the time until the temperature reaches the second temperature from the first temperature by referring to the transition time table.

[0126] The CPU 101 calculates a first start time based on the first process completion time acquired in step S241 and the first transition time acquired in step S242, and calculates a second start time based on the second process completion time acquired in step S243 and the second transition time acquired in step S244 (step S245). The first start time is a time based on the sum of the first process completion time and the first transition time, and in this embodiment, is equal to the sum of the first process completion time and the first transition time. For example, the first start time may take into account the time required for the target platen to be transported to the first heating device 5A. The second start time is a time based on the sum of the second process completion time and the second transition time, and is equal to the sum of the second process completion time and the second transition time. For example, the second start time may take into account the time required for the target platen to be transported to the second heating device 5B.

[0127] CPU 101 determines whether the first start time calculated in the process of S245 is less than or equal to the second start time calculated in the process of S245 (S246). If the first start time is less than or equal to the second start time (S246: YES), CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the first heating device 5A (S251), as shown in Fig. 11. If the first start time exceeds the second start time (S246: NO), as shown in Fig. 10, CPU 101 determines the destination of the target platen to be the second heating device 5B (S252), as shown in Fig. 11.

[0128] As described above, in the above embodiment, CPU 101 controls delivery mechanism 84 to transport the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B (S131 or S151). Therefore, printing system 1 contributes to suppressing at least one of a decrease in productivity or an increase in energy consumption, depending on whether the target platen is transported to the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B.

[0129] If the target platen is transported to a heating device that is not an air heating device, there is a possibility that the target platen will have to wait before the media heating operation can begin. In the above embodiment, if an air heating device is present (S111: YES or S112: YES), the CPU 101 transports the target platen to the air heating device. This prevents the target platen from having to wait before the media heating operation can begin. Therefore, the printing system 1 contributes to preventing a decrease in productivity.

[0130] In the above embodiment, CPU 101 acquires the first start time and the second start time (S245). If the first start time is less than the second start time (S246: YES), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the first heating device 5A. If the second start time is less than the first start time (S246: NO), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the second heating device 5B. Therefore, the target platen is transported to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B, whichever heating device has an earlier start time. Therefore, printing system 1 contributes to suppressing a deterioration in productivity.

[0131] For example, the smaller the difference between the completion temperature and the corresponding set temperature, the shorter the time it takes for the completion temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. In the above embodiment, CPU 101 acquires the corresponding set temperature, the first completion temperature, and the second completion temperature (S201, S202, and S203). If the first temperature difference is less than the second temperature difference (S222: YES), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the first heating device 5A. If the second temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference (S222: NO), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the second heating device 5B. Therefore, the target platen is transported to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B, whichever heating device it takes the shortest time for the completion temperature to reach the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, printing system 1 contributes to suppressing a deterioration in productivity.

[0132] In the above embodiment, CPU 101 acquires the corresponding set temperature, first completion temperature, and second completion temperature (S201, S202, and S203). If a low-heating device is present (S231: YES or S233: YES), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the low-heating device. In this case, printing system 1 controls the temperature inside the low-heating device from the completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature by raising the detected temperature of the low-heating device. Therefore, printing system 1 can more easily control the time it takes for the temperature inside the low-heating device to rise from the completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature than by lowering the detected temperature from the completion temperature to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, printing system 1 contributes to suppressing a deterioration in productivity.

[0133] In the above embodiment, CPU 101 acquires the corresponding set temperature, first completion temperature, and second completion temperature (S201, S202, and S203). If a high-heating device is present (S211: YES or S213: YES), CPU 101 transports the target platen to the high-heating device. In this case, printing system 1 lowers the temperature in the high-heating device from the completion temperature and controls it to the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, printing system 1 does not need to consume energy until the temperature in the high-heating device reaches the corresponding set temperature. Therefore, printing system 1 contributes to suppressing increases in energy consumption.

[0134] In the above embodiment, after the processing of S131 or S151, if there is an inactive heating device (S133: NO or S153: NO), the CPU 101 stops the preheating operation by the inactive heating device. This contributes to suppressing an increase in energy consumption in the printing system 1.

[0135] The reception unit 104 receives a setting of either the productivity mode or the energy saving mode. The CPU 101 transports the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B based on whether the set mode is the productivity mode or the energy saving mode (S204). In this case, the printing system 1 helps the user select whether to prioritize improving productivity or reducing energy consumption.

[0136] The CPU 101 transports the target platen to the first heating device 5A until the number of times the first heating device 5A performs the medium heating operation within a predetermined period reaches the target number of times the first heating device 5A performs the medium heating operation within the predetermined period (S142: YES). The CPU 101 maintains the suspension of the preheating operation by the second heating device 5B until the number of times the first heating device 5A performs the medium heating operation within the predetermined period reaches the target number of times the first heating device 5A performs the medium heating operation within the predetermined period (S142: YES). In this case, the printing system 1 contributes to suppressing an increase in energy consumption while ensuring the target productivity.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the unit consisting of the system computer 100 and the conveying device 7 corresponds to the "conveying control device" of the present invention. The printing medium M corresponds to the "printing medium" of the present invention. The platen 10 corresponds to the "platen" of the present invention. The delivery mechanism 84 corresponds to the "conveying means" of the present invention. The printers 2A and 2B correspond to the "printers" of the present invention. The first heating device 5A corresponds to the "first heating section" of the present invention. The second heating device 5B corresponds to the "second heating section" of the present invention. The CPU 101 corresponds to the "control section" of the present invention. The processing of S131 and S151 corresponds to the "conveying process" of the present invention. The reception section 104 corresponds to the "reception section" of the present invention. The system computer 100 corresponds to the "computer" of the present invention. The first completion temperature corresponds to the "first heating temperature" of the present invention. The second completion temperature corresponds to the "second heating temperature" of the present invention.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the main processing has been described as transporting the platen 10 to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. In the above embodiment, the CPU 101 controls the transport of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B in the main processing in the same manner as the transport of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B. In this case, in the description of the above main processing, the first heating device 5A can be read as the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 5B can be read as the second heating device 6B. In this case, the determination position P1 is located at any position on the transport device 7 between the set position P0 and the delivery mechanism 86. It is preferable that the determination position P1 be located at any position on the transport device 7 between the delivery mechanism 85 and the delivery mechanism 86. The determination position P1 is preferably located at a position on the transport device 7 where the platen 10 does not pass before printing by the printer 2A or 2B, but where the platen 10 passes after printing by the printer 2A or 2B. In the process of S131 or S151, if printing by the printer 2A or 2B has not yet been performed on the target platen, the target platen is transported to the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B after the printing process is performed. As described above, when controlling the transport of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 6A or the second heating device 6B, the printing system 1 achieves the same effects as when controlling the transport of the platen 10 to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B.

[0139] The present invention may be modified in various ways from the above-described embodiment. A printing system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the printing system 1A, components having the same functions as those in the printing system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0140] Printing system 1A differs from the above embodiment in that conveying device 7A further includes delivery mechanisms 191, 192, and 193, and main path 71 includes an outgoing path 72A instead of outgoing path 72 shown in Fig. 1. The detailed structures of delivery mechanisms 191, 192, and 193 are the same as, for example, delivery mechanism 84 shown in Fig. 1. Outgoing path 72A includes conveying paths 171 to 187. The detailed structures of conveying paths 171 to 187 are the same as, for example, main path 71 shown in Fig. 1.

[0141] Conveying path 171 connects to elevator mechanism 74, extends rearward from elevator mechanism 74, and connects to the front end of branching path 87. Conveying path 172 connects to the rear end of branching path 87, extends rearward from the rear end of branching path 87, and connects to delivery mechanism 84. Conveying path 173 connects to delivery mechanism 84, extends leftward from delivery mechanism 84, and connects to the front end of branching path 88A. Conveying path 175 connects to the rear end of branching path 88A, extends rearward from the rear end of branching path 88A, and connects to delivery mechanism 191.

[0142] The conveying path 174 is connected to the delivery mechanism 84, extends rightward from the delivery mechanism 84, and connects to the front end of the branch path 88B. The conveying path 176 is connected to the rear end of the branch path 88B, extends rearward from the rear end of the branch path 88B, and connects to the delivery mechanism 191.

[0143] Transport path 177 connects to delivery mechanism 191, extends rearward from delivery mechanism 191, and connects to delivery mechanism 85. Transport path 178 connects to delivery mechanism 85, extends leftward from delivery mechanism 85, and connects to the front end of sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of printer 2A. Transport path 179 connects to delivery mechanism 85, extends rightward from delivery mechanism 85, and connects to the front end of sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of printer 2B.

[0144] The transport path 180 connects to the rear end of the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of the printer 2A, extends rightward from the rear end of the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of the printer 2A, and connects to the delivery mechanism 192. The transport path 181 connects to the rear end of the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of the printer 2B, extends rearward from the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22 of the printer 2B, and connects to the delivery mechanism 192.

[0145] The conveying path 182 is connected to the delivery mechanism 192, extends rearward from the delivery mechanism 192, and connects to the delivery mechanism 86. The conveying path 183 is connected to the delivery mechanism 86, extends leftward from the delivery mechanism 86, and connects to the front end of the branching path 89A. The conveying path 184 is connected to the delivery mechanism 86, extends rightward from the delivery mechanism 86, and connects to the front end of the branching path 89B.

[0146] The conveying path 185 is connected to the rear end of the branching path 89A, extends rearward from the rear end of the branching path 89A, and connects to the delivery mechanism 193. The conveying path 186 is connected to the rear end of the branching path 89B, extends rearward from the rear end of the branching path 89B, and connects to the delivery mechanism 193. The conveying path 187 is connected to the delivery mechanism 193, extends rearward from the delivery mechanism 193, and connects to the elevator mechanism 75.

[0147] According to printing system 1A, platen 10 is transported from elevator mechanism 74 to delivery mechanism 84 via transport path 171, branch path 87, and transport path 172, in that order. Platen 10 is transported from delivery mechanism 84 to transport path 173 or 174. For example, when platen 10 is transported to transport path 173, platen 10 is transported from delivery mechanism 84 to delivery mechanism 191 via transport path 173, branch path 88A, and transport path 175, in that order. Platen 10 is transported from delivery mechanism 191 to delivery mechanism 85 via transport path 177.

[0148] The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 85 to the transport path 178 or 179. For example, when the platen 10 is transported to the transport path 178, the platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 85 to the delivery mechanism 192 via the transport path 177, the sub-scanning transport mechanism 22, and the transport path 180 in that order. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 192 to the delivery mechanism 86 via the transport path 182.

[0149] The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 86 to the transport path 183 or 184. For example, when the platen 10 is transported to the transport path 183, the platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 86 to the delivery mechanism 193 via the transport path 183, the branch path 89A, and the transport path 185 in that order. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 193 to the elevator mechanism 75 via the transport path 187.

[0150] In the printing system 1A, for example, a standby position where the platen 10 waits until the first heating device 5A's turn to perform the medium heating operation may be provided on the transport path 173. For example, a standby position where the platen 10 waits until the second heating device 5B's turn to perform the medium heating operation may be provided on the transport path 174. A standby position where the platen 10 waits until the first heating device 6A's turn to perform the medium heating operation may be provided on the transport path 183. For example, a standby position where the platen 10 waits until the second heating device 6B's turn to perform the medium heating operation may be provided on the transport path 184.

[0151] Printing system 1B will be described with reference to Figure 14. In printing system 1B, components having equivalent functions to printing system 1 or printing system 1A are given the same reference numerals as printing systems 1 and 1A, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 13, outgoing path 72A from conveying path 171 to conveying path 187, coating device 3, first heating device 5A, second heating device 5B, printers 2A and 2B, first heating device 6A, and second heating device 6B will be referred to as "printing unit 70."

[0152] Printing system 1B differs from printing system 1A in that the transport device 7 further includes delivery mechanisms 291 and 292, and the main path 71 includes an outgoing path 72B instead of the outgoing path 72A shown in Fig. 13. The detailed structure of the delivery mechanisms 291 and 292 is the same as, for example, the delivery mechanism 84 shown in Fig. 1. The outgoing path 72B includes multiple printing units 70 and transport paths 271 to 276. The detailed structure of each of the transport paths 276 to 276 is the same as, for example, the main path 71 shown in Fig. 1.

[0153] The multiple printing units 70 are arranged in parallel between the elevator mechanisms 74, 75. The number of the multiple printing units 70 is not limited to a specific number, but may be, for example, two. The conveying path 271 connects to the elevator mechanism 74, extends rearward from the elevator mechanism 74, and connects to the delivery mechanism 291. The conveying path 272 connects to the delivery mechanism 291, extends leftward from the delivery mechanism 291, and connects to the front end of the conveying path 171 (see FIG. 13) of the left printing unit 70. The conveying path 273 connects to the delivery mechanism 291, extends rightward from the delivery mechanism 291, and connects to the front end of the conveying path 171 (see FIG. 13) of the right printing unit 70.

[0154] The transport path 274 connects to the rear end of the transport path 187 (see FIG. 13) of the left printing unit 70, extends rearward from the transport path 187, and connects to the delivery mechanism 292. The transport path 275 connects to the rear end of the transport path 187 (see FIG. 13) of the right printing unit 70, extends rearward from the transport path 187, and connects to the delivery mechanism 292. The transport path 276 connects to the delivery mechanism 292, extends rearward from the delivery mechanism 292, and connects to the elevator mechanism 75.

[0155] According to the printing system 1B, the platen 10 is transported from the elevator mechanism 74 to the delivery mechanism 291 via the transport path 271. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 291 to the transport path 272 or 273. For example, when the platen 10 is transported to the transport path 272, the platen 10 is transported to the transport path 171 (see FIG. 13) of the left printing unit 70. In this case, the platen 10 is transported from the transport path 187 (see FIG. 13) of the left printing unit 70 to the delivery mechanism 292 via the transport path 274. The platen 10 is transported from the delivery mechanism 292 to the elevator mechanism 75 via the transport path 276.

[0156] Other modifications will be described. In the above embodiment, the printing system 1 may omit one of the printers 2A and 2B. The printing system 1 may include one or more other printers in addition to the printers 2A and 2B. The printers 2A and 2B may be changed from inkjet printers to laser printers, thermal printers, etc. The printers 2A and 2B may be different types of printers.

[0157] The printing system 1 may omit the coating device 3. The printing system 1 may include one or more other coating devices in addition to the coating device 3. When the printing system 1 includes the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, it may omit one or both of the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B. The printing system 1 may include one or more other heating devices in addition to the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B. When the printing system 1 includes the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B, it may omit one or both of the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B. The printing system 1 may include one or more other heating devices in addition to the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the number of printers 2A and 2B (two), the number of first heating devices 5A and second heating devices 5B (two), and the number of first heating devices 6A and second heating devices 6B (two) may be different from one another. For example, the number of printers 2A and 2B may be two, and the number of first heating devices 5A and second heating devices 5B may be three.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the first heating device 5A is a blower dryer. However, the first heating device 5A may be a heat press machine instead of a blower dryer, or may include both a blower dryer and a heat press machine. For example, if the first heating device 5A is a heat press machine, the first heating device 5A may be equipped with a press mechanism instead of the fan 56A. In this case, the heater 55A may heat the press mechanism. For example, if the first heating device 5A includes both a blower dryer and a heat press machine, the number of blower dryers and the number of heat press machines may be the same or different. The blower dryers and the heat press machines may be arranged in series or in parallel. The second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, and the second heating device 6B may also be modified in the same way as the first heating device 5A.

[0160] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may have a different configuration from the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B, respectively. For example, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may both include an air blower and a heat press, and the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B may both be air blowers.

[0161] The transport device 7 transports the platen 10 so that the application process, treatment liquid drying process, printing process, and ink drying process are performed in sequence. Alternatively, the transport device 7 may transport the platen 10 so as to skip the treatment liquid drying process, or skip both the application process and the treatment liquid drying process. The transport device 7 may also transport the platen 10 so as to skip the ink drying process.

[0162] In the above embodiment, for example, if the first completion temperature is equal to the corresponding set temperature in the determination of S211, CPU 101 may proceed to the determination of S213. Similarly, if the two values ​​are equal in the process of comparing two values, CPU 101 may proceed to a process different from the process to which the process proceeds in the above embodiment.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the energy saving mode and the productivity mode do not have to be provided. In this case, the CPU 101 may omit the determination in S204 and perform either the processing from S211 onwards or the processing from S231 onwards.

[0164] In the process of S202, CPU 101 may acquire the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A instead of the first completion temperature, and in the process of S203, acquire the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B instead of the second completion temperature. In this case, in the determination from S204 onwards, CPU 101 may make the determination based on the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A instead of the first completion temperature, and may make the determination based on the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B instead of the second completion temperature. For example, in the determination of S211, CPU 101 may make the determination based on the detected temperature of the first heating device 5A, and in the determination of S212, CPU 101 may make the determination based on the detected temperature of the second heating device 5B.

[0165] If both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are high-heating devices (S211: YES, S212: YES), the CPU 101 may perform the processes of S241 and later instead of the processes of S221 and later. If neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B are high-heating devices (S211: NO, S213: NO), the CPU 101 may perform the processes of S241 and later instead of the processes of S221 and later.

[0166] If both the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B are low heating devices (S231: YES, S232: YES), the CPU 101 may perform the processes of S221 and later instead of the processes of S241 and later. If neither the first heating device 5A nor the second heating device 5B are low heating devices (S231: NO, S233: NO), the CPU 101 may perform the processes of S221 and later instead of the processes of S241 and later.

[0167] If the set mode is the energy saving mode (S204: YES), CPU 101 may skip the determinations of S211, S212, and S213 and proceed to S221. If the set mode is the productivity mode (S204: NO), CPU 101 may skip the determinations of S231, S232, and S233 and proceed to S241. If the target platen has reached determination position P1 (S103: YES), CPU 101 may proceed to S221 or S241.

[0168] In the above embodiment, if an air heating device is not present (S111: NO, S112: NO), CPU 101 performs the transport destination determination process (S113). Alternatively, CPU 101 may cause the target platen to wait until an air heating device is present without performing the transport destination determination process. In this case, CPU 101 may not store the execution reservation of the media heating operation in RAM 103. CPU 101 may omit one or both of the determinations in S111 and S112. For example, if the determinations in both S111 and S112 are omitted, CPU 101 may perform the transport destination determination process (S113) when the target platen reaches determination position P1 (S103: YES), regardless of whether an air heating device is present.

[0169] In the above embodiment, an empty heating device is defined as a heating device that is not currently performing a media heating operation and that has not been scheduled to perform a media heating operation. In contrast, an empty heating device may also be a heating device that is not currently performing a media heating operation, regardless of whether a media heating operation has been scheduled to perform. Even in this case, the printing system 1 contributes to preventing a decline in productivity.

[0170] In the above embodiment, if the second heating device 5B is an empty heating device (S112: YES), the target platen may be transported to the second heating device 5B (S151) regardless of the number of reservations for the medium heating operation to be performed by the first heating device 5A. In other words, if the second heating device 5B is not performing a preheating operation (S141: NO), the CPU 101 may skip the determination in S142 and proceed to the process in S143.

[0171] CPU 101 may omit the determination in S133 and the process in S134. CPU 101 may omit the determination in S153 and the process in S154. In other words, even if an inactive heating device is present, CPU 101 does not have to stop the preheating operation of the inactive heating device.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the platen 10 is transported by a transport path. However, the platen 10 may be transported by a robot. In this case, the robot transports the target platen to either the first heating device 5A or the second heating device 5B.

[0173] The first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B do not have to be separate devices. That is, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may each constitute a part of a single device and be provided integrally as a single device. For example, the first heating device 5A and the second heating device 5B may be provided in two layers, arranged vertically. Similarly, the first heating device 6A and the second heating device 6B do not have to be separate devices.

[0174] A first calculated value and a second calculated value are defined. The nth power of the absolute value of the difference between the first completion temperature and the corresponding set temperature is defined as the "first temperature parameter." The first calculated value is the sum of the first completion time, the first transition time, and coefficient k × the first temperature parameter. The nth power of the absolute value of the difference between the second completion temperature and the corresponding set temperature is defined as the "second temperature parameter." The second calculated value is the sum of the second completion time, the second transition time, and coefficient k × the second temperature parameter. n may be a positive number or a negative number. For example, in the process of S211 or S245, the CPU 101 may calculate the first calculated value based on the first completion time, the first transition time, the first completion temperature, the corresponding set temperature, and coefficient k, and may calculate the second calculated value based on the second completion time, the second transition time, the second completion temperature, the corresponding set temperature, and coefficient k. For example, in the determination of S222 or S246, the CPU 101 may determine whether the first calculated value is less than the second calculated value. If the first calculated value is less than the second calculated value, CPU 101 may determine the destination of the target platen to be the first heating device 5A (S251). If the second calculated value is less than the first calculated value, CPU 101 may determine the destination of the target platen to be the second heating device 5B (S251). In this case, CPU 101 may set the value of coefficient k according to the setting mode. For example, if the setting mode is the energy saving mode, CPU 101 sets coefficient k to a value k1, and if the setting mode is the productivity mode, CPU 101 sets coefficient k to a value k2. In this case, if n is a positive number, coefficient k2 may be greater than or equal to 0 and less than coefficient k1.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the system computer 100 controls each of the coating device 3, the first heating device 5A, the second heating device 5B, the first heating device 6A, the second heating device 6B, and the transport device 7. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the system computer 100, the printing system 1 may include a computer controlling the coating device 3, a computer controlling the first heating device 5A, a computer controlling the second heating device 5B, a computer controlling the first heating device 6A, a computer controlling the second heating device 6B, and a computer controlling the transport device 7. In this case, for example, the computer controlling the transport device 7 may execute the main processing. When the computer controlling the transport device 7 executes the main processing, for example, in the determination of S111, the computer controlling the transport device 7 may acquire information indicating whether the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device from the computer controlling the first heating device 5A and determine whether the first heating device 5A is an empty heating device based on the acquired information. In other determinations in the main processing, the computer controlling the transport device 7 may also make each determination based on information acquired from the other computers.

[0176] Instead of CPU 101, a microcomputer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used as a processor. The main processing may be distributed among multiple processors. The non-transitory storage medium, such as flash memory 102, may be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the period for which the information is stored. The non-transitory storage medium may not include a temporary storage medium (e.g., a transmitted signal). The control program may be downloaded (i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal) from a server connected to a network (not shown) and stored in flash memory 102. In this case, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium, such as an HDD, provided in the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1, 1A, 1B: Printing system 2A, 2B: Printer 5A, 6A: First heating device 5B, 6B: Second heating device 7, 7A: Conveyor device 10: Platen 84, 86: Delivery mechanism 100: System Computer 101: CPU 102: Flash memory 104: Reception

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying a platen on which a print medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer that prints on the print medium on the platen, the first heating unit and the second heating unit performing a medium heating operation to heat the print medium on the platen; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit A transport control device characterized by controlling the transport means and performing a transport process to transport the target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating section or the second heating section.

2. The control unit, in the transport process, If there is an idle heating section out of the first heating section and the second heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation, the target platen is transported to the idle heating section.

2. The transport control device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, in the transport process, When there is an empty heating section among the first heating section and the second heating section that is not performing the medium heating operation and has not been scheduled for execution, the target platen is transported to the empty heating section.

3. The transport control device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit Get the first start time and the second start time, the first start time is a time based on the sum of a first processing completion time required for the completion of the last of the media heating operations currently being performed by the first heating unit or scheduled for execution, and a first transition time required from the elapse of the first processing completion time until the temperature reaches the corresponding set temperature corresponding to the printing medium placed on the target platen, among the set temperatures set according to the printing medium, the second start time is a time based on the sum of a second processing completion time required for the completion of the last of the medium heating operations being performed by the second heating unit or scheduled for execution, and a second transition time required from the elapse of the second processing completion time until the second heating temperature by the second heating unit reaches the corresponding set temperature, The control unit, in the transport process, If the first start time is less than the second start time, transporting the target platen to the first heating section; If the second start time is less than the first start time, the target platen is transported to the second heating section.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

5. The control unit acquiring a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen from among set temperatures set according to the print medium, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit; The control unit, in the transport process, If the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature, the target platen is transported to the first heating unit; If the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the second heating temperature is less than the difference between the corresponding set temperature and the first heating temperature, the target platen is transported to the second heating unit.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

6. The control unit acquiring a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen from among set temperatures set according to the print medium, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit; The control unit, in the transport process, If there is a low heating section, which is the first heating section in which the first heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature, or the second heating section in which the second heating temperature is lower than the corresponding set temperature, the target platen is transported to the low heating section.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

7. The control unit acquiring a corresponding set temperature corresponding to the print medium placed on the target platen from among set temperatures set according to the print medium, a first heating temperature by the first heating unit, and a second heating temperature by the second heating unit; The control unit, in the transport process, If there is a high heating section, which is the first heating section in which the first heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature, or the second heating section in which the second heating temperature exceeds the corresponding set temperature, the target platen is transported to the high heating section.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

8. The control unit After the transport process, if there is an inactive heating section among the first heating section and the second heating section that is not scheduled to perform the medium heating operation, heating by the inactive heating section is stopped.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

9. a reception unit that receives a setting of either a productivity mode that prioritizes improving productivity in the first heating unit and the second heating unit, or an energy-saving mode that prioritizes reducing energy consumption in the first heating unit and the second heating unit, The control unit The control unit, in the transport process, The target platen is transported to either the first heating unit or the second heating unit based on whether the setting received by the receiving unit is the setting for the productivity mode or the setting for the energy saving mode.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

10. The control unit, in the transport process, transporting the target platen to one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit until the number of times the medium heating operation is performed within a predetermined period reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period in one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit; The control unit The suspension of heating by one of the first heating unit and the second heating unit is maintained until the number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period reaches a target number of times the medium heating operation is performed within the predetermined period.

4. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the transport control device is a control device for controlling a transport of a vehicle.

11. a conveying means for conveying a platen on which a print medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer that prints on the print medium on the platen and that perform a medium heating operation to heat the print medium on the platen; A control method for a transport control device comprising: A transport control method characterized by including a transport process that controls the transport means and transports the target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating section or the second heating section.

12. a conveying means for conveying a platen on which a print medium is placed; a first heating unit and a second heating unit connected to a printer that prints on the print medium on the platen and that perform a medium heating operation to heat the print medium on the platen; A computer that controls a transport control device including the A transport control program characterized by controlling the transport means and executing a transport process to transport a target platen, which is the platen to be controlled and on which the printing medium is placed, to either the first heating section or the second heating section.

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