Drying device and recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a drying device capable of improving drying efficiency of liquid discharged to a medium, and a recording device.SOLUTION: The drying device includes an electromagnetic wave generator that generates an electromagnetic wave in response to application of a high-frequency voltage to dry the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected. The electromagnetic wave generator includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed so as to surround at least a part of the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction, a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage and the first electrode, and a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode. The first electrode is provided on the first surface side of the medium. The second electrode is provided at least on a second surface side of the medium opposite to the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-8969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such a drying device, it is desired to improve the efficiency of drying the liquid discharged onto the medium by efficiently transmitting electromagnetic waves to the liquid discharged onto the medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A drying device that solves the above problem includes an electromagnetic wave generating unit that dries a medium onto which a liquid has been ejected by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, the electromagnetic wave generating unit including a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround at least a portion of the first electrode when viewed in a plane from a first direction, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the first electrode being provided on the first surface side of the medium, and the second electrode being provided at least on the second surface side of the medium opposite the first surface.

[0006] A recording device that solves the above problem includes a recording unit that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium, and an electromagnetic wave generating unit that dries the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to the application of a high-frequency voltage, wherein the electromagnetic wave generating unit has a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround at least a portion of the first electrode when viewed in a plane from a first direction, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode is provided on the first surface side of the medium, and the second electrode is provided at least on the second surface side of the medium opposite the first surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the drying unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the electromagnetic wave generating unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the electromagnetic wave generating unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an electromagnetic wave generating unit of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] The drying unit 30 is configured to generate electromagnetic waves to dry the recorded medium 90. The drying unit 30 may be positioned so as to straddle the upper Z1 and lower Z2 sides of the medium 90.

[0022] The drying device 12 includes a high-frequency voltage generating section 31. The high-frequency voltage generating section 31 is configured to generate a high-frequency voltage. The high-frequency voltage generating section 31 supplies the high-frequency voltage to the drying unit 30 via a transmission line 32. The high-frequency voltage generating section 31 is configured to supply the high-frequency voltage to at least one electromagnetic wave generating section 36, which will be described later.

[0023] The high frequency voltage generating unit 31 may use an inverter full bridge structure, or may be, for example, an E class amplifier circuit or an EF2 class inverter circuit. The high frequency voltage generating unit 31 may use a rectified commercial AC power supply.

[0024] The transmission line 32 is a line that connects the drying unit 30 and the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31. The transmission line 32 is capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage from the high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 to the drying unit 30. In other words, the transmission line 32 is capable of transmitting the high-frequency voltage.

[0025] The transmission line 32 may be a coaxial cable, but is not limited to a coaxial cable. The transmission line 32 may include a first line and a second line. The first line may be the core wire of the transmission line 32. The second line may be an electromagnetic shield that covers the first line.

[0026] The drying device 12 includes a dry conveying section 33. The dry conveying section 33 is configured to convey the medium 90 in a conveying direction D. The conveying direction D may be the first depth direction Y1. The dry conveying section 33 is configured to convey the medium 90 along a conveying path 99. The dry conveying section 33 may convey the medium 90 in the conveying direction D using multiple rollers. The dry conveying section 33 may perform continuous conveyance, which continuously conveys the medium 90. Slack in the medium 90 may occur between the recording conveying section 22 and the dry conveying section 33.

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

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

[0029] <Configuration of Drying Unit 30> 2, the drying unit 30 includes a conductive housing 34 and an electromagnetic wave generating section 36. That is, the drying device 12 includes the conductive housing 34 and the electromagnetic wave generating section 36. The drying unit 30 may include the conductive housing 34 and a plurality of electromagnetic wave generating sections 36. In FIG. 2, the conductive housing 34 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0030] The conductive housing 34 may be provided inside the housing of the drying device 12. The conductive housing 34 is electrically conductive. The conductive housing 34 is configured to house the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. The conductive housing 34 may be configured to house a plurality of electromagnetic wave generating units 36. The conductive housing 34 has a cylindrical shape that follows the transport path 99 of the medium 90. The conductive housing 34 may be provided such that the transport direction D is the longitudinal direction.

[0031] The conductor housing 34 has an outlet 34A. The outlet 34A is provided in a first depth direction Y1 of the conductor housing 34. The outlet 34A is provided for discharging the medium 90 from the inside to the outside of the conductor housing 34. The conductor housing 34 has a carry-in opening 34B. The carry-in opening 34B is provided in a second depth direction Y2 of the conductor housing 34. The carry-in opening 34B is provided for transporting the medium 90 from the outside to the inside of the conductor housing 34.

[0032] The electromagnetic wave generators 36 are arranged inside the conductor housing 34 along the conveying direction D. The electromagnetic wave generators 36 are arranged along the conveying path 99. The electromagnetic wave generators 36 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above in the vertical direction Z. The electromagnetic wave generators 36 may be arranged such that the width direction X is the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​is configured to generate electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​generates electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage. In this way, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​is configured to dry the medium 90 onto which the liquid has been ejected by the recording unit 20. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​is a drying unit.

[0034] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​generates an AC electric field by generating electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​are mainly composed of an electric field. Compared to generating units that generate ordinary electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​can significantly reduce the induction of a magnetic field by the generated electric field.

[0035] As a specific example, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​generates electromagnetic waves of 2.4 GHz, but is not limited to this. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 3 MHz to 300 MHz. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may generate electromagnetic waves of, for example, 300 MHz to 30 GHz, and particularly, may generate electromagnetic waves of 10 MHz to 20 GHz.

[0036] <Configuration of the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36> 3, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​includes a first electrode 41, a second electrode 42, a first conductor 43, and a second conductor 44. In other words, the drying device 12 includes the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the first conductor 43, and the second conductor 44.

[0037] The first electrode 41 has a rod shape, but may have a flat plate shape. The first electrode 41 has a longitudinal direction in the width direction X in a plan view. That is, the first electrode 41 extends in the width direction X in a plan view. The first electrode 41 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. The first electrode 41 is located below Z2 of the medium 90. That is, the first electrode 41 is provided on the back surface 90B side of the medium 90. The back surface 90B corresponds to an example of the first surface.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may include a plurality of first electrodes 41. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​includes two first electrodes 41, but may also include one or three or more first electrodes 41. The plurality of first electrodes 41 are arranged side by side in the depth direction Y. Fig. 4 is a diagram in which the second conductor 44 is omitted.

[0039] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may include a connecting unit 45. The connecting unit 45 is configured to connect the plurality of first electrodes 41 together. The connecting unit 45 is made of metal. The connecting unit 45 is configured to electrically connect the plurality of first electrodes 41 together. The connecting unit 45 is connected to the first conductor 43.

[0040] As a result, the connecting portion 45 is configured to electrically connect the plurality of first electrodes 41 and the first conductor 43. The connecting portion 45 may be included in the first conductor 43. The connecting portion 45 may be included in any of the plurality of first electrodes 41.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the second electrode 42 has a flat plate shape. The second electrode 42 has a longitudinal direction in the width direction X in a plan view. That is, the second electrode 42 extends in the width direction X in a plan view. The second electrode 42 is located above the first electrode 41 in a position Z1. The second electrode 42 is located above the medium 90 in a position Z1. That is, the second electrode 42 is provided at least on the surface 90A side of the medium 90. The surface 90A corresponds to an example of the second surface.

[0042] 4, the second electrode 42 includes a notch 42A. The notch 42A is configured to surround at least a portion of the first electrode 41 in a plan view. The notch 42A may be provided to surround the first depth direction Y1 side, the second depth direction Y2 side, and the first width direction X1 side of the first electrode 41 in a plan view. The notch 42A may be provided so as not to surround the second width direction X2 side of the first electrode 41 in a plan view.

[0043] In this way, the second electrode 42 is arranged so as to surround, in a plan view, at least a portion of the first electrode 41. The second electrode 42 may be arranged so as to surround, in a plan view, at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes 41.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the first conductor 43 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 32 and the first electrode 41. The first conductor 43 includes a coil 43A. The coil 43A may be provided to extend in the vertical direction Z. One end of the coil 43A is connected to the first electrode 41. The other end of the coil 43A is connected to a conductor 43B. The conductor 43B is connected to the transmission line 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the second electrode 42 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the coil 43A in a plan view.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the second conductor 44 is configured to electrically connect the transmission line 32 and the second electrode 42. The second conductor 44 may include a support pillar 44A. The second conductor 44 may include a plurality of support pillars 44A. The support pillars 44A are electrically connected to the second electrode 42. The support pillars 44A extend downward Z2 from the second electrode 42. The support pillars 44A are made of metal. The support pillars 44A are provided in the first width direction X1. The support pillars 44A do not have to be provided in the second width direction X2. In this way, the second conductor 44 is configured to support the second electrode 42 in either one of the width directions X.

[0046] The second conductor 44 may include a top plate 44B. The top plate 44B is electrically connected to the second electrode 42. The top plate 44B is provided above the second electrode 42 in the Z1 direction. The top plate 44B connects the multiple support columns 44A together. The top plate 44B is made of metal. The top plate 44B is located above the medium 90 in the Z1 direction. In this way, the second conductor 44 is provided at least on the surface 90A side of the medium 90.

[0047] By configuring the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​in this manner, when a high-frequency voltage is applied, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 generate electromagnetic waves in response to the application of the high-frequency voltage, thereby heating the medium 90.

[0048] Such an electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​can transmit large amounts of thermal energy to the medium 90 by generating electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​uses an electromagnetic wave method rather than a heat conduction method, and does not need to include components such as heating wires for heating. This allows the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​to be made smaller.

[0049] Furthermore, the minimum distance between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. The minimum distance between the first conductor 43 and the second conductor 44 may be 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. This allows the electromagnetic waves generated when a high-frequency voltage is applied to be attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. This allows the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reaching distant locations from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 to be reduced. In other words, the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​are very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and very weak in the distant locations.

[0050] By appropriately controlling the frequency band of the electromagnetic waves generated, such electromagnetic wave generator 36 can generate an AC electric field intensively near the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. In other words, it is possible to suppress the influence of the generated electromagnetic waves on the surroundings beyond the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. The vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 may correspond to a range of 3 mm to 3 cm, for example.

[0051] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) The first electrode 41 is provided on the back surface 90B side of the medium 90, and the second electrode 42 is provided at least on the front surface 90A side of the medium 90. With this configuration, compared to when the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are provided on the same side of the medium 90 in the vertical direction Z, the electromagnetic waves generated between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 can be transmitted more efficiently to the liquid ejected onto the medium 90. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be improved.

[0052] In particular, by sandwiching the medium 90 between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and configuring the second electrode 42 to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 41 in a plan view, it is possible to suppress the concentration of an electric field such as corona discharge. In addition, it is possible to equalize the electromagnetic waves and expand the heating area for the liquid ejected onto the medium 90.

[0053] (2) The second conductor 44 is provided at least on the surface 90A side of the medium 90. According to this configuration, by providing the second conductor 44, which is electrically connected to the second electrode 42, at least on the surface 90A side of the medium 90, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be improved.

[0054] (3) The first electrode 41 extends in the width direction X, and the second conductor 44 is configured to support the second electrode 42 on either side in the width direction X. With this configuration, the second conductor 44 can be configured to support the second electrode 42 with a simple configuration.

[0055] (4) The conductive housing 34 is configured to house the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​itself is housed in the conductive housing 34, so that the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​can be stably supplied to the liquid ejected onto the medium 90. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be improved.

[0056] (5) The conductive housing 34 is configured to house multiple electromagnetic wave generators 36. This configuration allows electromagnetic waves to be efficiently transmitted over a wide range to the liquid ejected onto the medium 90. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be improved.

[0057] (6) The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​includes a plurality of first electrodes 41. The second electrode 42 is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes 41 in a plan view. With this configuration, the electromagnetic waves generated between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 can be transmitted more efficiently to the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 than when the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are disposed on the same side of the medium 90 in the vertical direction Z. In particular, the electric field applied to the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be made uniform. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90 can be improved.

[0058] (7) The high-frequency voltage generating unit 31 is configured to supply a high-frequency voltage to at least one electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. This configuration allows a stable supply of a high-frequency voltage to the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. This improves the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium 90.

[0059] (8) The minimum distance between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. With this configuration, the generated electromagnetic wave can be attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic wave that reaches a distant location from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​is very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and very weak in the distant location.

[0060] (9) The minimum separation distance between the first conductor 43 and the second conductor 44 is 1 / 10 or less of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. With this configuration, the generated electromagnetic wave can be attenuated in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic wave that reaches a distance from the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​is very strong in the vicinity of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and very weak in the distance.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as in the already described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and only the configuration different from the already described embodiment will be described.

[0062] 5, in the second embodiment, second electrodes 42 may be provided both above Z1 and below Z2 the first electrode 41. The second conductor 44 may include support columns 44A on both the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side.

[0063] The support pillar 44A is electrically connected to both the second electrode 42 on the upper side Z1 and the second electrode 42 on the lower side Z2. The support pillar 44A may be configured as the second electrode 42. In such a case, the second electrode 42 and the support pillar 44A are provided so as to cover the periphery of the first electrode 41 when viewed from the width direction X.

[0064] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0065] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may have a contact portion between the first electrode 41 and the medium 90. The contact portion is located on the back surface 90B side of the medium 90. The contact portion is arranged to face the back surface 90B of the medium 90. The contact portion may be configured not to contact the medium 90, or may be configured to contact the medium 90. The contact portion may have a flat plate shape. The contact portion is made of a material that transmits the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. The contact portion protects the first electrode. The contact portion is made of an insulating member. The contact portion may be a glass plate. The contact portion may be highly transparent ceramic. The contact portion may be made of a resin with a low dielectric tangent. The contact portion may be made of polypropylene. The contact portion may be made of polyethylene.

[0066] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may include a contact portion between the second electrode 42 and the medium 90. The contact portion is located on the surface 90A side of the medium 90. The contact portion is disposed so as to face the surface 90A of the medium 90. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may include a first contact portion between the first electrode 41 and the medium 90, and a second contact portion between the second electrode 42 and the medium 90. The drying unit 30 may include contact portions along the conveying path 99.

[0067] The drying unit 30 may include a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is configured to support and convey the medium 90. The conveyor belt may be endless. The conveyor belt may be located between the first electrode 41 and the medium 90. The conveyor belt may be an abutting portion.

[0068] The second electrode 42 may be supported by a plurality of support columns 44A on both sides in the first width direction X1 and the second width direction X2. In other words, the second electrode 42 may be supported by the second conductors 44 on both sides in the first width direction X1 and the second width direction X2.

[0069] The second electrode 42 may be electrically connected to the conductive housing 34. The second electrode 42 may be provided integrally with the conductive housing 34. The second conductor 44 may be electrically connected to the conductive housing 34. The second conductor 44 may be provided integrally with the conductive housing 34. In such cases, both the second electrode 42 and the conductive housing 34 may be grounded.

[0070] The second electrode 42 may be configured to cover the second width direction X2 side of the first electrode 41 in a plan view, but not cover the first width direction X1 side of the first electrode 41 in a plan view. The second electrode 42 may be configured to cover both the first width direction X1 side and the second width direction X2 side of the first electrode 41 in a plan view. In this case, the cutout portion 42A may be an opening. In this manner, it is sufficient for the second electrode 42 to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 41 in a plan view. In particular, if the conductive housing 34 is electrically connected to the second electrode 42, it is sufficient for the second electrode 42 to cover at least a portion of the first electrode 41 in a plan view.

[0071] The high frequency voltage generating unit 31 may be configured to supply high frequency voltage to one electromagnetic wave generating unit 36, or may be configured to supply high frequency voltage to a plurality of electromagnetic wave generating units 36.

[0072] The electromagnetic wave generating units 36 may be arranged so that their longitudinal direction is in the depth direction Y. The electromagnetic wave generating units 36 may be arranged so that they are inclined with respect to the width direction X and the depth direction Y. The plurality of electromagnetic wave generating units 36 may be arranged in multiple rows in the width direction X. The plurality of electromagnetic wave generating units 36 may be arranged in a single row in the depth direction Y.

[0073] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may have the first electrode 41 provided on the front surface 90A side of the medium 90, and the second electrode 42 provided on at least the back surface 90B side of the medium 90. The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may be capable of scanning in the width direction X.

[0074] The first electrode 41 is not limited to a rod shape and may be, for example, a flat or substantially flat plate shape. The substantially flat plate shape may include, for example, a shape curved in the thickness direction, which is the direction along the vertical direction Z, or a linear shape with an extremely large aspect ratio of a rectangular shape.

[0075] The second electrode 42 is not limited to a flat plate shape and may be, for example, a generally flat plate shape. The generally flat plate shape may include, for example, a shape curved in the thickness direction, which is the direction along the vertical direction Z, or a linear shape with an extremely large aspect ratio of a rectangular shape.

[0076] The electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may be provided in the recording device 11 instead of in the drying device 12. That is, the recording device 11 may include the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36. In this case, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may be provided downstream of the recording unit 20 in the transport direction D. In this way, the electromagnetic wave generating unit 36 ​​may be applied to the recording device 11 instead of the drying device 12.

[0077] A lateral printer may be used as the recording device 11. A lateral printer is a printer in which a carriage 25 can move in two directions, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0078] The medium 90 is not limited to a roll, and may be paper, a resin film or sheet, a resin-metal composite film, a laminate film, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a metal foil, a metal film, a ceramic sheet, clothing, or the like.

[0079] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium 90 to record on the medium 90. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0080] The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0081] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0082] [1] The drying device includes an electromagnetic wave generating unit that dries a medium onto which a liquid has been ejected by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage, the electromagnetic wave generating unit including a first electrode, a second electrode that is arranged to surround at least a portion of the first electrode in a planar view from a first direction, a first conductor that has a coil and electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the first electrode being provided on the first surface side of the medium, and the second electrode being provided at least on the second surface side of the medium opposite to the first surface.

[0083] With this configuration, compared to when the first electrode and the second electrode are provided on the same side of the medium in the first direction, the electromagnetic waves generated between the first electrode and the second electrode can be transmitted more efficiently to the liquid ejected onto the medium, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium.

[0084] [2] In the drying device, the second conductor may be provided at least on the second surface side of the medium. According to this configuration, by providing at least the second conductor electrically connected to the second electrode on the second surface side of the medium, it is possible to improve the efficiency of drying the liquid ejected onto the medium.

[0085] [3] In the drying device, the first electrode may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second conductor may be configured to support the second electrode in either one of the second directions.

[0086] According to this configuration, the second conductor can be configured to support the second electrode with a simple configuration. [4] The drying device may include a conductive housing configured to house the electromagnetic wave generating unit.

[0087] With this configuration, the electromagnetic wave generating unit itself is housed in a conductive housing, so that the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating unit can be stably supplied to the liquid ejected onto the medium, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium.

[0088] [5] The drying device may include a conductive housing configured to house a plurality of the electromagnetic wave generating units. According to this configuration, the electromagnetic waves can be efficiently transmitted over a wide range to the liquid ejected onto the medium, thereby improving the efficiency of drying the liquid ejected onto the medium.

[0089] [6] In the drying device, the electromagnetic wave generating unit may have a plurality of the first electrodes, and the second electrode may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes when viewed in a plan view from the first direction.

[0090] With this configuration, compared to when the first electrode and the second electrode are provided on the same side of the medium in the first direction, the electromagnetic waves generated between the first electrode and the second electrode can be transmitted more efficiently to the liquid ejected onto the medium. In particular, the electric field applied to the liquid ejected onto the medium can be made uniform. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the liquid ejected onto the medium can be improved.

[0091] [7] The drying device may include a high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a high-frequency voltage, and the high-frequency voltage generating unit may be configured to supply a high-frequency voltage to at least one of the electromagnetic wave generating units.

[0092] According to this configuration, a high frequency voltage can be stably supplied to the electromagnetic wave generating unit, thereby improving the efficiency of drying the liquid ejected onto the medium. [8] In the drying device, the minimum distance between the first electrode and the second electrode may be equal to or less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit.

[0093] According to this configuration, the generated electromagnetic waves can be attenuated near the first electrode and the second electrode. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic waves that reach far from the first electrode and the second electrode. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit are very strong near the first electrode and the second electrode and very weak far from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0094] [9] In the drying device, the minimum distance between the first conductor and the second conductor may be equal to or less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit. According to this configuration, the generated electromagnetic waves can be attenuated near the first electrode and the second electrode. This reduces the intensity of the electromagnetic waves that reach far from the first electrode and the second electrode. Therefore, the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating unit are very strong near the first electrode and the second electrode and very weak far from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0095]

[10] A recording device includes a recording unit that performs recording by discharging a liquid onto a medium, and an electromagnetic wave generating unit that dries the medium onto which the liquid has been discharged by the recording unit by generating electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage, the electromagnetic wave generating unit including a first electrode, a second electrode that is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction, a first conductor that electrically connects the first electrode to a transmission line that has a coil and is capable of transmitting a high-frequency voltage, and a second conductor that electrically connects the transmission line to the second electrode, the first electrode being provided on the first surface side of the medium, and the second electrode being provided at least on the second surface side of the medium opposite to the first surface. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10...recording system, 11...recording device, 12...drying device, 13...feeding section, 13A...feeding roller, 14...winding section, 14A...winding roller, 20...recording section, 21...recording support section, 22...recording transport section, 23...head, 24...nozzle surface, 25...carriage, 26...carriage support section, 30...drying unit, 31...high frequency voltage generating section, 32...transmission line, 33...drying transport section, 34...conductor housing, 34A...discharge port, 34B...inlet, 35...control section, 36...electromagnetic wave generating section , 41...first electrode, 42...second electrode, 42A...cutout portion, 43...first conductor, 43A...coil, 43B...conductor, 44...second conductor, 44A...support, 44B...top plate, 45...connecting portion, 90...medium, 90A...front surface, 90B...back surface, 91...first roll body, 92...second roll body, 99...conveying path, D...conveying direction, X...width direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y...depth direction, Y1...first depth direction, Y2...second depth direction, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upper, Z2...lower.

Claims

1. an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage to dry the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected; The electromagnetic wave generating unit A first electrode; a second electrode disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction; a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; and the first electrode is provided on a first surface side of the medium, The second electrode is provided at least on a second surface side of the medium opposite to the first surface. A drying device characterized by:

2. The drying device according to claim 1, The second conductor is provided at least on the second surface side of the medium. A drying device characterized by:

3. The drying device according to claim 1, the first electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the second conductor is configured to support the second electrode in either one of the second directions. A drying device characterized by:

4. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a conductor housing configured to accommodate the electromagnetic wave generating unit; A drying device characterized by:

5. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a conductor housing configured to accommodate a plurality of the electromagnetic wave generating units; A drying device characterized by:

6. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the electromagnetic wave generating unit has a plurality of the first electrodes, the second electrode is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the plurality of first electrodes in a plan view from the first direction; A drying device characterized by:

7. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a high-frequency voltage generating unit that generates a high-frequency voltage; The high-frequency voltage generating unit is configured to supply a high-frequency voltage to at least one of the electromagnetic wave generating units. A drying device characterized by:

8. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a minimum separation distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is equal to or less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit; A drying device characterized by:

9. The drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a minimum separation distance between the first conductor and the second conductor is equal to or less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit; A drying device characterized by:

10. a recording unit that performs recording by ejecting liquid onto a medium; an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves in response to application of a high-frequency voltage, thereby drying the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the recording unit; The electromagnetic wave generating unit A first electrode; a second electrode disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the first electrode in a plan view from a first direction; a first conductor having a coil and electrically connecting a transmission line capable of transmitting a high frequency voltage to the first electrode; a second conductor electrically connecting the transmission line and the second electrode; and the first electrode is provided on a first surface side of the medium, The second electrode is provided at least on a second surface side of the medium opposite to the first surface. A recording device characterized by:

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