Drying equipment and printing equipment
The drying device addresses overheating issues by regulating airflow and temperature through a duct system with controlled airflow adjustment, preventing thermal damage to the medium post-drying.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022021889
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-02-16
AI Technical Summary
Drying devices face issues where the air temperature between the heating unit and the support surface remains high after drying is complete, potentially causing thermal damage to the medium.
A drying device with a duct system that includes an air flow path, an air outlet, intake port, and an air port, controlled by a unit that adjusts airflow to manage temperature and airflow rates during and after heating, using a blower and adjustment units to regulate airflow.
Effectively manages airflow to prevent overheating and thermal damage by controlling airflow and temperature, ensuring safe cooling of the medium post-drying.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a drying device and a printing device. [Background technology]
[0002] The drying device described in Patent Document 1 includes a heating unit that heats a medium supported on a support surface. The heating unit includes a heating section that heats the medium, a housing that is an example of a duct, an air flow path, and a blower that blows air through the air flow path. The housing is formed with an intake port and an outlet port. The intake port and the outlet port open toward the support surface and communicate with the air flow path. Air flowing through the air flow path is discharged from the outlet port into the area between the heating unit and the support surface. A portion of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface flows into the air flow path from the intake port. In this way, air circulates between the area between the heating unit and the support surface and the air flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-107822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the drying device, even when the heating unit stops heating the medium after drying is complete, the temperature of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface is unlikely to decrease, which may result in thermal damage to the medium supported on the support surface. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] A drying device that solves the above problem includes a support section that supports a printed medium being transported on a support surface, a heating unit that faces the support surface and heats the printed medium supported on the support surface, and a control section that controls the heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes a duct that includes an air flow path that has an air outlet for blowing air toward the support surface, an intake port for taking in the air blown from the air outlet onto the support surface, and an air port different from the air outlet and the intake port, and through which air can flow; a heating section that heats at least one of the air in the air flow path and the medium supported on the support surface; The air conditioner has a blower that causes air in the flow path to flow toward the outlet, and a first adjustment unit that can adjust the amount of air flowing into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air port, wherein the duct has an opposing area that faces the support surface and a non-opposing area that does not face the support surface, and the air port is provided in the non-opposing area, and the control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit to adjust the amount of air when heating is being performed by the heating unit, and a second mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit so that the amount of air is greater than the amount of air in the first mode when heating by the heating unit is stopped.
[0006] A printing device that solves the above problem is a printing device that includes a transport unit that transports a medium, a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport unit, a support unit that supports the medium printed by the printing unit on a support surface, a heating unit that faces the support surface and heats the printed medium supported on the support surface, and a control unit that controls the heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes a duct that includes an air flow path that has an air outlet for blowing air toward the support surface, an intake port for sucking the air blown out from the air outlet onto the support surface, and an air port different from the air outlet and the intake port, and the duct has a facing region facing the support surface and a non-facing region not facing the support surface, and the air port is provided in the non-facing region; and the control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit to adjust the amount of air while heating by the heating unit is performed, and a second mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit so that the amount of air is greater than the amount of air in the first mode while heating by the heating unit is stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device and the drying device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a first mode execution routine. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a second mode execution routine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An embodiment of a drying device and a printing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.
[0009] In the drawings, the printing device is placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other. The direction parallel to the X axis is also called the width direction X. The direction parallel to the Y axis is also called the depth direction Y. The direction parallel to the Z axis is also called the vertical direction Z.
[0010] <Printing device> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 10 may include a housing 13. The printing device 10 includes a printing unit 12 that prints on a medium M. The printing unit 12 may be located inside the housing 13. The width direction X is also the width direction of the medium M. The printing unit 12 may include a carriage 12a that moves in a scanning direction SD and a rod-shaped guide shaft 12b that extends in the width direction X. The scanning direction SD may be a direction parallel to the X axis. The carriage 12a is supported by the guide shaft 12b. The carriage 12a can move back and forth along the guide shaft 12b by driving a motor (not shown). The carriage 12a and the guide shaft 12b are spaced above the medium M transported by the transport unit 22.
[0011] The printing unit 12 may include a recording head 12c that records on the medium M. The recording head 12c has a nozzle surface 12d where nozzles 12h are open. The carriage 12a carries the recording head 12c. The recording head 12c scans in the scanning direction SD by moving together with the carriage 12a. The recording head 12c may record on the medium M by ejecting ink, an example of liquid, from the nozzles 12h onto the medium M. The recording head 12c of this embodiment is a serial type that prints while moving in the width direction X of the medium M. The recording head 12c may also be configured as a line type that is provided across the width direction X of the medium M.
[0012] The printing device 10 may include a print support table 11. The print support table 11 is located inside a housing 13. The print support table 11 is located below the recording head 12c. The medium M is transported in an upstream transport direction D1 along the upper surface of the print support table 11. The upstream transport direction D1 is a direction along the upper surface of the print support table 11 and is the length direction of the medium M.
[0013] <Feeding section> The printing device 10 may include a feeding unit 14. The feeding unit 14 feeds the medium M. The feeding unit 14 includes a support shaft 14a and a feeding motor 14b. The support shaft 14a rotatably supports the roll R. The roll R is the medium M wound in a roll. The feeding motor 14b is a power source that rotates the support shaft 14a. The feeding unit 14 pays out the long medium M from the roll R by rotating the support shaft 14a through the drive of the feeding motor 14b. The feeding unit 14 pays out the medium M from the roll R toward the inside of the housing 13.
[0014] <Transportation section> The printing device 10 includes a transport unit 22 that transports a medium M. The printing unit 12 prints on the medium M transported by the transport unit 22. In other words, the printing unit 12 prints on the medium M transported by the transport unit 22.
[0015] The transport unit 22 may include a transport motor and a transport roller pair 24, both not shown. Although one transport roller pair 24 is shown in the drawings, the transport unit 22 may include multiple transport roller pairs 24. The medium M may be transported by the transport roller pair 24 rotating with the medium M sandwiched between them. The transport motor is intermittently driven, so that the transport unit 22 of this embodiment intermittently transports the medium M. The transport operation by the transport unit 22 may be performed alternately with the printing operation by the printing unit 12.
[0016] <Winding section> The printing device 10 may include a winding unit 15. The winding unit 15 winds the medium M after printing by the printing unit 12 into a roll. The winding unit 15 includes a winding shaft 15a and a winding motor 15b. The winding shaft 15a rotatably supports the roll R. The roll R in the winding unit 15 is the printed medium M wound into a roll. The winding motor 15b is a drive source for the winding shaft 15a. The winding unit 15 winds the medium M by rotating the winding shaft 15a due to the drive of the winding motor 15b. The winding motor 15b may be driven at a timing later than the drive of the feed motor 14b, and may stop driving at a timing later than the drive of the feed motor 14b.
[0017] <Drying equipment> The printing device 10 includes a drying device 20. The drying device 20 includes a support unit 21. In other words, it can be said that the printing device 10 includes the support unit 21. The support unit 21 may be located outside the housing 13. The support unit 21 has a support surface 21a. The support unit 21 supports the medium M printed by the printing unit 12 on the support surface 21a. The support surface 21a may extend between the housing 13 and the winding unit 15. The dimension of the support surface 21a in the width direction X may be larger than the dimension of the medium M in the width direction X.
[0018] The medium M is transported in the transport direction D2 along the support surface 21a. The transport direction D2 is a direction along the support surface 21a and is the length direction of the medium M. The support surface 21a may extend so as to be displaced in the depth direction Y and inclined downward in the vertical direction Z as it proceeds downstream in the transport direction D2. In this case, the medium M transported along the support surface 21a is transported downward in the vertical direction Z while being displaced in the depth direction Y as it proceeds downstream in the transport direction D2.
[0019] <Heating unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the drying device 20 includes a heating unit 25. In other words, it can be said that the printing device 10 includes the heating unit 25. The heating unit 25 faces the support surface 21a. The heating unit 25 heats the printed medium M supported on the support surface 21a. The heating unit 25 includes a duct 31, a heating section 32, a blower 33, and a first adjustment section 34. The heating unit 25 may include a partition wall 42. The heating unit 25 may include a second adjustment section 52.
[0020] <Duct> The duct 31 may have an outer wall 41. The outer wall 41 defines a space inside the duct 31. The partition wall 42 may be located inside the duct 31. A part of the outer wall 41 and the partition wall 42 form an air flow path 43 through which air can flow. The air flow path 43 is formed inside the duct 31. That is, the duct 31 includes the air flow path 43.
[0021] The outer wall 41 of the duct 31 may have a first outer wall 41a and a second outer wall 41b. The first outer wall 41a may be flat. The first outer wall 41a may be capable of communicating air. The first outer wall 41a may have a mesh shape or may have a plurality of through holes, for example. The second outer wall 41b is positioned to surround the first outer wall 41a.
[0022] The first outer wall 41a has a first outer surface 41c. The first outer surface 41c is the outer surface of the first outer wall 41a. The first outer surface 41c is a surface facing the support surface 21a. The first outer surface 41c may be parallel to the support surface 21a. The first outer surface 41c and the support surface 21a are positioned apart from each other. A direction perpendicular to the support surface 21a is referred to as an orthogonal direction D3. The orthogonal direction D3 may be a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 41c. In the orthogonal direction D3, the first outer surface 41c may face the support surface 21a.
[0023] The partition wall 42 includes a thermal insulator 42a. Specifically, the partition wall 42 may be composed of the thermal insulator 42a and an inner wall 42b. The thermal insulator 42a is composed of a material having a higher insulating effect than the inner wall 42b. The inner wall 42b is composed of the same material as the outer wall 41. The thermal insulator 42a and the inner wall 42b may be in contact with each other. The inner wall 42b may be located between the thermal insulator 42a and the second outer wall 41b.
[0024] An end of the partition wall 42 may be located between an end of the first outer wall 41a and an end of the second outer wall 41b. The end of the partition wall 42 may be fixed to the first outer wall 41a. An air flow path 43 may be formed by the second outer wall 41b and the partition wall 42. An internal space S may be defined inside the duct 31 by the partition wall 42 and the first outer wall 41a. The internal space S may be adjacent to the air flow path 43 via the partition wall 42.
[0025] The duct 31 has a facing region 44 facing the support surface 21a and a non-facing region 45 not facing the support surface 21a. In this embodiment, the facing region 44 is formed by the entire first outer wall 41a and an end portion of the second outer wall 41b. In this embodiment, the non-facing region 45 is formed by a portion of the second outer wall 41b that does not form the facing region 44. The facing region 44 is separated from the support surface 21a in the orthogonal direction D3. The region between the facing region 44 and the support surface 21a is referred to as region 46. Region 46 is the region between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a.
[0026] <Intake port> Duct 31 is provided with an intake port 47. Intake port 47 is connected to air flow path 43. That is, air flow path 43 has intake port 47. Intake port 47 is a through-hole formed in outer wall 41. Through intake port 47, the inside and outside of duct 31 can communicate with each other.
[0027] The intake port 47 may be provided in the opposing region 44. The intake port 47 may be located in the second outer wall 41b at a position lower than the first outer wall 41a. The intake port 47 may communicate with an end of the air flow path 43. A portion of the air in the region 46 can flow into the air flow path 43 through the intake port 47.
[0028] <Air outlet> Duct 31 is provided with an air outlet 48 for blowing air toward support surface 21a. Air outlet 48 communicates with air flow path 43. That is, air flow path 43 has air outlet 48. Air outlet 48 is a through-hole formed in outer wall 41. The inside and outside of duct 31 can communicate with each other via air outlet 48.
[0029] The air outlet 48 is provided in the opposing region 44. The air outlet 48 may be located in a position on the second outer wall 41b higher than the first outer wall 41a. The air outlet 48 may be connected to one of both end portions of the air flow path 43 that is not connected to the inlet 47. The air that flows into the air flow path 43 from the inlet 47 flows toward the air outlet 48. That is, the air outlet 48 is connected downstream of the inlet 47 in the flow direction of the air flowing through the air flow path 43. The inlet 47 is used to draw in the air blown out from the air outlet 48 onto the support surface 21a.
[0030] <Air vent> The duct 31 is provided with an air opening 49 that is different from the air outlet 48 and the air inlet 47. The air opening 49 is in communication with the air flow path 43. That is, the air flow path 43 has the air opening 49. The air opening 49 is a through-hole formed in the outer wall 41. The inside and outside of the duct 31 can communicate with each other via the air opening 49.
[0031] The air opening 49 is provided in the non-opposing region 45. The air opening 49 may be located in a position on the second outer wall 41b away from the inlet 47 and the outlet 48. The air opening 49 communicates with the inlet 47 and the outlet 48 in the air flow path 43.
[0032] A removal member 51 may be provided inside the air opening 49. That is, the drying device 20 may include the removal member 51. The removal member 51 may be, for example, mesh-shaped. For example, heat-resistant plastic or a filter can be used as the removal member 51. The removal member 51 removes foreign matter from the air flowing into the air opening 49.
[0033] <Heating part> The heating unit 32 heats the medium M supported on the support surface 21a. The heating unit 32 heats the surface of the medium M supported on the support surface 21a, thereby evaporating the moisture of the liquid that has been adhered to the medium M by the printing unit 12. This dries the medium M to which the liquid has been adhered.
[0034] The heating unit 32 may be disposed in the internal space S of the duct 31. That is, the partition wall 42 separates the air flow path 43 and the heating unit 32 inside the duct 31. The heating unit 32 may heat the medium M supported on the support surface 21a via the first outer wall 41a. The heating unit 32 is aligned with a part of the air flow path 43 via the partition wall 42 in the orthogonal direction D3. A part of the air flow path 43 that is aligned with the heating unit 32 via the partition wall 42 in the orthogonal direction D3 is referred to as a juxtaposed portion 43a. The air port 49 is connected downstream of the juxtaposed portion 43a in the flow direction of air flowing through the air flow path 43.
[0035] The heating unit 32 may include a heating element 32a and a reflector 32b. Examples of the heating element 32a include a heater tube and a halogen lamp. The heating element 32a and the reflector 32b extend in the width direction X. The heating unit 32 may include a plurality of heating elements 32a and a plurality of reflectors 32b. The heating element 32a is spaced apart from the first outer wall 41a in the orthogonal direction D3. The reflector 32b reflects heat emitted by the heating element 32a. The reflector 32b is located between the heating element 32a and the partition wall 42 in the orthogonal direction D3. The reflector 32b surrounds the rear of the heating element 32a. Heat emitted from the heating element 32a to the rear is reflected by the reflector 32b toward the first outer wall 41a. This allows heat to be emitted from the first outer wall 41a toward the support surface 21a.
[0036] <Blower> The blower 33 causes the air in the air flow path 43 to flow toward the air outlet 48. The blower 33 may be disposed midway through the air flow path 43. The position of the blower 33 in the air flow path 43 may be downstream of the point at which the air flow path 43 communicates with the air port 49. The blower 33 may have a fan 33a. The blower 33 may generate an airflow that flows toward the air outlet 48 by rotating the fan 33a. The airflow generated by the blower 33 causes the air to flow through the air flow path 43 from the intake port 47 toward the air outlet 48 and be blown out from the air outlet 48. In addition to heating the medium M using the heating section 32, the heating unit 25 dries the medium M by blowing air onto the medium M using the blower 33.
[0037] <1st adjustment section> The first adjustment unit 34 can adjust the amount of air flowing into the air flow path 43 from outside the duct 31 via the air port 49. The amount of air flowing into the air flow path 43 from outside the duct 31 via the air port 49 will hereinafter also be referred to as air amount A. The first adjustment unit 34 may be located in the air flow path 43. The first adjustment unit 34 may include a first main body portion 34a in which an air hole 34h is formed, and a first closing member 34b that can close the air hole 34h.
[0038] The first main body portion 34a may be positioned along the inner surface of the second outer wall 41b so as to block the air opening 49 from the inside of the duct 31. The air hole 34h is a through-hole that penetrates the first main body portion 34a. The air opening 49 and the air flow path 43 communicate with each other via the air hole 34h. There may be multiple air holes 34h formed in the first main body portion 34a.
[0039] The first closing member 34b can be displaced by a motor (not shown). By displacing the first closing member 34b, it is possible to switch between a state in which the first closing member 34b closes the air hole 34h and a state in which the air hole 34h is open.
[0040] The number of open air holes 34h may be adjustable by adjusting the position of the first closing member 34b. The more air holes 34h that are closed by the first closing member 34b, the smaller the opening of the air port 49 of the duct 31. When all air holes 34h in the first adjustment unit 34 are closed by the first closing member 34b, the air port 49 is said to be in a fully closed state. The more open air holes 34h there are, the larger the opening of the air port 49 of the duct 31. When all air holes 34h in the first adjustment unit 34 are open, the air port 49 is said to be in a fully open state.
[0041] <Second adjustment section> The second adjustment unit 52 can adjust the opening degree of the intake port 47. The second adjustment unit 52 may be located in the air flow path 43. The second adjustment unit 52 may include a second main body portion 52a having an intake hole 52h formed therein and a second closing member 52b capable of closing the intake hole 52h. The second main body portion 52a may be located inside the duct 31 so as to close the intake port 47. The intake hole 52h is a through hole penetrating the second main body portion 52a. The region 46 and the air flow path 43 are connected via the intake hole 52h. The second main body portion 52a may have a plurality of intake holes 52h. The second closing member 52b may be located in the air flow path 43. The second closing member 52b can be displaced by a motor (not shown). By displacing the second closing member 52b, it is possible to switch between a state in which the intake hole 52h is closed by the second closing member 52b and a state in which the intake hole 52h is open.
[0042] The number of open suction holes 52h may be adjustable by adjusting the position of the second closing member 52b. The more suction holes 52h closed by the second closing member 52b, the smaller the opening of the suction port 47 of the duct 31. When all of the suction holes 52h in the second adjustment unit 52 are closed by the second closing member 52b, the suction port 47 is said to be in a fully closed state. The more open suction holes 52h there are, the larger the opening of the suction port 47 of the duct 31. When all of the suction holes 52h in the second adjustment unit 52 are open, the suction port 47 is said to be in a fully open state.
[0043] <Temperature and humidity detection units> 3, the heating unit 25 may include a temperature detection unit 53. The temperature detection unit 53 detects the outside air temperature T. The heating unit 25 may include a humidity detection unit 54. The humidity detection unit 54 is for detecting the humidity H of the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. In addition to the humidity H of the region 46, the humidity detection unit 54 may also detect the outside air humidity H1, which is the humidity of the outside air.
[0044] <Control unit> The printing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 35. The control unit 35 controls various operations executed by the printing apparatus 10. The control unit 35 controls the heating unit 25. It can also be said that the drying apparatus 20 includes the control unit 35.
[0045] The control unit 35 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions 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 dedicated computer.
[0046] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the transport unit 22. The control unit 35 may drive the transport motor of the transport unit 22 when the printing conditions are met. The printing conditions may be met when a print instruction is input in response to an operation of an operation unit (not shown). The printing conditions may be met when a print instruction is input from a terminal device (not shown). The transport motor is driven, causing the transport unit 22 to transport the medium M.
[0047] The control unit 35 causes the transport unit 22 to repeatedly perform intermittent transport, thereby transporting the medium M. Intermittent transport is an operation in which the transport unit 22 switches between transporting the medium M and stopping transport of the medium M at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the control unit 35 causes the printing unit 12 to print on the medium M when transport of the medium M is stopped during intermittent transport.
[0048] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the heating unit 32. The control unit 35 may switch between generating heat and stopping heat generation by the heating element 32a. By causing the heating element 32a to generate heat, the control unit 35 causes the heating unit 32 to perform heating. By causing the heating element 32a to stop generating heat, the control unit 35 causes the heating unit 32 to stop heating.
[0049] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the blower 33. The control unit 35 may switch between driving and stopping the blower 33. When the blower 33 is driven, the fan 33a of the blower 33 rotates, generating an airflow that flows toward the air outlet 48. The control unit 35 may adjust the rotation speed of the fan 33a of the blower 33 to adjust the amount of air in the air flow path 43 that flows from the blower 33 toward the air outlet 48. The amount of air in the air flow path 43 that flows from the blower 33 toward the air outlet 48 increases as the rotation speed of the fan 33a increases.
[0050] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the first adjustment unit 34. The control unit 35 may adjust the position of the first closing member 34b of the first adjustment unit 34. In this embodiment, the control unit 35 adjusts the number of opened air holes 34h by adjusting the position of the first closing member 34b. In other words, the control unit 35 can adjust the opening degree of the air opening 49 by controlling the first adjustment unit 34.
[0051] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the second adjustment unit 52. The control unit 35 may adjust the position of the second closing member 52b of the second adjustment unit 52. In the present embodiment, the control unit 35 adjusts the number of opened suction holes 52h by adjusting the position of the second closing member 52b. In other words, the control unit 35 may be able to adjust the opening degree of the suction port 47 by controlling the second adjustment unit 52.
[0052] Control unit 35 may be electrically connected to temperature detection unit 53. Control unit 35 may be able to control blower 33 and first adjustment unit 34 based on the outside air temperature T detected by temperature detection unit 53.
[0053] The control unit 35 may be electrically connected to the humidity detection unit 54. The control unit 35 may be capable of controlling the blower 33 and the first adjustment unit 34 based on the humidity H detected by the humidity detection unit 54.
[0054] The control unit 35 can execute a first mode M1 and a second mode M2. The first mode M1 and the second mode M2 are processes related to heating the medium M supported on the support surface 21a. Next, the first mode M1 and the second mode M2 will be described. The order of steps in each mode can be arbitrarily changed within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of each mode.
[0055] <First mode> The routine of the first mode M1 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The first mode M1 may be executed periodically while the printing device 10 is powered on.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S101, the control unit 35 determines whether the execution conditions for the first mode M1 are met. Here, when printing is in progress, the control unit 35 determines that the execution conditions for the first mode M1 are met. If it is determined that the execution conditions for the first mode M1 are not met, step S101 becomes NO. The control unit 35 ends the routine for the first mode M1. If the control unit 35 determines that the execution conditions for the first mode M1 are met, step S101 becomes YES. The control unit 35 proceeds to step S102.
[0057] In step S102, the control unit 35 causes the heating unit 32 to perform heating. In step S103, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 to adjust the air port 49 to a first opening degree A1. The first opening degree A1 is a preset setting value. In this embodiment, the air port 49 adjusted to the first opening degree A1 is fully closed. In step S104, the control unit 35 controls the second adjustment unit 52 to adjust the intake port 47 to a second opening degree A2. The second opening degree A2 is a preset setting value. In this embodiment, the intake port 47 adjusted to the second opening degree A2 is fully open.
[0058] In step S105, the control unit 35 controls the blower 33 to adjust the airflow rate of the blower 33 to a first airflow rate W1. The first airflow rate W1 is a preset value. In this embodiment, when the airflow rate of the blower 33 is adjusted to the first airflow rate W1, the rotation speed of the fan 33a of the blower 33 is set to a predetermined rotation speed. The control unit 35 ends the routine for the first mode M1.
[0059] In the first mode M1, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 to adjust the amount of air A while heating is being performed by the heating unit 32. In the first mode M1, the control unit 35 controls the second adjustment unit 52 to open the intake port 47.
[0060] <Second mode> The routine for the second mode M2 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The second mode M2 may be executed periodically while the printing device 10 is powered on.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S201, the control unit 35 determines whether the execution conditions for the second mode M2 are met. Here, when printing is not in progress, the control unit 35 determines that the execution conditions for the second mode M2 are met. If the control unit 35 determines that the execution conditions for the second mode M2 are not met, step S201 becomes NO. The control unit 35 ends the routine for the second mode M2. If the control unit 35 determines that the execution conditions for the second mode M2 are met, step S201 becomes YES. The control unit 35 proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the control unit 35 stops heating by the heating unit 32.
[0062] In step S203, the control unit 35 sets the third opening degree A3 based on the outside air temperature T and humidity H. The third opening degree A3 is greater than the first opening degree A1. In this embodiment, the air vent 49 adjusted to the third opening degree A3 is at an opening degree between the fully closed state and the fully open state, or is in the fully open state. When the third opening degree A3 set by the control unit 35 is compared under the same humidity H, the higher the outside air temperature T, the greater the third opening degree A3. The control unit 35 sets the third opening degree A3 based on the comparison result between the humidity H and the outside air humidity H1. When the third opening degree A3 set by the control unit 35 is compared under the same outside air temperature T, the third opening degree A3 when the humidity H of the region 46 is equal to or greater than the outside air humidity H1 is greater than the third opening degree A3 when the humidity H of the region 46 is less than the outside air humidity H1. When the humidity H in the region 46 is equal to or greater than the outside air humidity H1, the third opening degree A3 may be increased as the difference between the humidity H in the region 46 and the outside air humidity H1 increases. When the humidity H in the region 46 is less than the outside air humidity H1, the third opening degree A3 may be decreased as the difference between the humidity H in the region 46 and the outside air humidity H1 increases. In step S204, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 to adjust the air opening 49 to the third opening degree A3.
[0063] In step S205, the control unit 35 controls the second adjustment unit 52 to adjust the suction port 47 to a fourth opening degree A4. The fourth opening degree A4 is a preset value. The fourth opening degree A4 is smaller than the second opening degree A2. In this embodiment, the suction port 47 adjusted to the fourth opening degree A4 has an opening degree between a fully closed state and a fully open state.
[0064] In step S206, the control unit 35 sets the second airflow rate W2 based on the outside air temperature T and the humidity H. The second airflow rate W2 is a value greater than the first airflow rate W1. In this embodiment, when the airflow rate of the blower 33 is adjusted to the second airflow rate W2, the rotation speed of the fan 33a of the blower 33 is set faster than the rotation speed required to achieve the first airflow rate W1. In this embodiment, when the second airflow rates W2 set by the control unit 35 are compared under the same humidity H, the higher the outside air temperature T, the greater the second airflow rate W2. The control unit 35 sets the second airflow rate W2 based on the humidity H of the region 46. When the second airflow rates W2 set by the control unit 35 are compared under the same outside air temperature T, the higher the humidity H of the region 46, the greater the second airflow rate W2.
[0065] In step S207, the control unit 35 controls the blower 33 to adjust the air volume blown by the blower 33 to the second air volume W2. The control unit 35 ends the routine for the second mode M2.
[0066] In step S202, the control unit 35 stops heating by the heating unit 32 in the second mode M2. In step S204, the control unit 35 adjusts the air opening 49 to the third opening degree A3. The third opening degree A3 is greater than the first opening degree A1. Therefore, the amount of air A obtained through the air opening 49 set to the third opening degree A3 is greater than the amount of air A obtained through the air opening 49 set to the first opening degree A1. Therefore, in the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 so that the amount of air A is greater than the amount of air A in the first mode M1 when heating by the heating unit 32 is stopped.
[0067] In step S203, the control unit 35 sets the third opening degree A3 based on the outside air temperature T. When the third opening degrees A3 set by the control unit 35 are compared under the same humidity H condition, the higher the outside air temperature T, the larger the third opening degree A3. Therefore, the higher the outside air temperature T, the larger the amount of air A obtained through the air port 49 set to the third opening degree A3. Therefore, in the second mode M2, the control unit 35 can be said to control the first adjustment unit 34 so that the amount of air A when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is the first temperature T1 is larger than the amount of air A when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1.
[0068] In step S203, the control unit 35 sets the third opening degree A3 based on the humidity H. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54 in the second mode M2.
[0069] In step S206, control unit 35 sets second airflow rate W2 based on the outside air temperature T. In step S207, control unit 35 adjusts the airflow rate of blower 33 to second airflow rate W2. When the second airflow rate W2 set by control unit 35 is compared under the same humidity H, the higher the outside air temperature T, the greater the second airflow rate W2. Therefore, the higher the outside air temperature T, the more air flows toward outlet 48 by blower 33 whose airflow rate is set to second airflow rate W2. Therefore, in second mode M2, when outside air temperature T detected by temperature detection unit 53 is the first temperature T1, control unit 35 controls blower 33 so that more air flows toward outlet 48 than when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2.
[0070] In step S206, control unit 35 sets second airflow rate W2 based on humidity H. Therefore, it can be said that control unit 35 controls blower 33 based on the result detected by humidity detection unit 54 in second mode M2.
[0071] In step S205, the control unit 35 adjusts the intake port 47 to the fourth opening degree A4. The fourth opening degree A4 is smaller than the second opening degree A2. Therefore, the amount of air flowing from the region 46 into the air flow path 43 through the intake port 47 set to the fourth opening degree A4 is smaller than the amount of air obtained through the intake port 47 set to the second opening degree A2. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 35 controls the second adjustment unit 52 so that the opening degree of the intake port 47 in the second mode M2 is smaller than the opening degree of the intake port 47 in the first mode M1.
[0072] <Operation of the embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the first mode M1, heating is performed by the heating unit 32. In the first mode M1, the temperature of the air in the region 46 rises as a result of heating by the heating unit 32. As the temperature of the air in the region 46 rises, the medium M supported on the support surface 21a is heated. In this way, the surface of the medium M supported on the support surface 21a is heated, and the moisture of the liquid adhered to the medium M by the printing unit 12 evaporates. As a result, the medium M to which the liquid has adhered dries.
[0073] In the first mode M1, the blower 33 is driven to cause air to flow through the air flow path 43. In the first mode M1, the second adjustment unit 52 adjusts the opening degree of the suction port 47 so that the suction port 47 is fully open. As a result, as the blower 33 is driven, a portion of the air in the region 46 flows into the air flow path 43 through the suction port 47. The air in the region 46 is heated by the heating unit 32. As the blower 33 is driven, the air that flows into the air flow path 43 from the suction port 47 flows through the air flow path 43 toward the outlet 48. A portion of the air that flows through the air flow path 43 is discharged from the outlet 48 toward the region 46. A portion of the air blown from the outlet 48 to the region 46 flows downstream in the conveyance direction D2 along the support surface 21a. In this way, the air heated by the heating unit 32 in the region 46 circulates between the air flow path 43 and the region 46.
[0074] In particular, in the first mode M1, the first adjustment unit 34 adjusts the opening degree of the air port 49 so that the air port 49 is fully closed. Therefore, the inflow of air into the air flow path 43 via the air port 49 is suppressed. The air entering the air flow path 43 via the air port 49 has a lower temperature than the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. Therefore, by suppressing the inflow of air into the air flow path 43 via the air port 49, a decrease in the temperature of the air in the air flow path 43 can be suppressed. Accordingly, a decrease in the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 48 toward the support surface 21a can be suppressed.
[0075] On the other hand, in the second mode M2, unlike the first mode M1, heating by the heater 32 is stopped. As a result, the temperature of the air in the region 46 does not increase, and therefore the temperature of the air in the region 46 is lower in the second mode M2 than in the first mode M1. Therefore, excessive heating by the heater 32 of the medium M transported along the support surface 21a is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress thermal damage to the medium M supported on the support surface 21a.
[0076] In the second mode M2, as in the first mode M1, air flows through the air flow path 43 by driving the blower 33. In the second mode M2, the second adjustment unit 52 adjusts the opening of the suction port 47 so that the opening is smaller than the opening of the suction port 47 in the first mode M1. As a result, the amount of air flowing from the region 46 into the air flow path 43 through the suction port 47 as the blower 33 is driven is smaller than in the first mode M1. In this way, the air that has been heated by the heating unit 32 in the region 46 is less likely to circulate between the air flow path 43 and the region 46.
[0077] Furthermore, in the second mode M2, the first adjustment unit 34 adjusts the opening degree of the air opening 49 so that the air opening 49 is open. As a result, as the blower 33 is driven, a portion of the outside air flows into the air flow path 43 through the air opening 49. As the blower 33 is driven, a portion of the outside air that flows from the air opening 49 into the air flow path 43 flows through the air flow path 43 toward the air outlet 48. A portion of the air that flows through the air flow path 43 is discharged from the air outlet 48 toward the region 46. A portion of the air blown out from the air outlet 48 into the region 46 flows downstream in the conveyance direction D2 along the support surface 21a. In this way, the outside air that flows into the air flow path 43 from the air opening 49 is blown into the region 46. The temperature of the outside air that flows into the air flow path 43 from the air opening 49 is lower than the temperature of the air in the region 46. Therefore, by discharging the outside air into the air flow path 43 via the air port 49 to the region 46 via the air outlet 48, it is possible to promote a decrease in the temperature of the air in the air flow path 43. Accordingly, it is possible to promote a decrease in the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 48 toward the support surface 21a. Furthermore, the air that has been heated by the heating unit 32 in the region 46 is discharged from the region 46 downstream in the conveyance direction D2.
[0078] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The first adjustment unit 34 can adjust the amount of air A flowing into the air flow path 43 from outside the duct 31 through the air opening 49. The air opening 49 is provided in a non-opposing region 45 of the duct 31 that does not face the support surface 21a. Therefore, air with a lower temperature than the air in a region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a can flow into the air flow path 43 through the air opening 49. In the first mode M1, heating is performed by the heating unit 32, and the first adjustment unit 34 adjusts the amount of air A in the second mode M2 so that the amount of air A is greater than the amount of air A in the first mode M1. Therefore, in the second mode M2, the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path 43 and discharged from the air outlet 48 toward the support surface 21a can be lower than in the first mode M1. In the second mode M2, the temperature of the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a tends to decrease, which can prevent thermal damage to the medium M being transported along the support surface 21a.
[0079] (2) In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 so that the air volume A is greater when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is a first temperature T1 than when the air volume A is a second temperature T2 lower than the first temperature T1. In the second mode M2, when the outside air temperature T is the first temperature T1, more air flows into the air flow path 43 through the air outlet 49 than when the outside air temperature T is a second temperature T2 lower than the first temperature T1. Therefore, even if the temperature of the air flowing into the air flow path 43 through the air outlet 49 is relatively high, more air flows through the air flow path 43 and is discharged from the air outlet 48 toward the support surface 21a. This makes it easier to lower the temperature of the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. Therefore, thermal damage to the medium M transported along the support surface 21a can be effectively suppressed according to the outside air temperature T.
[0080] (3) In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the blower 33 so that, when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is the first temperature T1, more air flows toward the outlet 48 than when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2. In the second mode M2, when the outside air temperature T is the first temperature T1, more air flows in the air flow path 43 toward the outlet 48 than when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2, which is lower than the first temperature T1. Therefore, even if the temperature of the air flowing into the air flow path 43 through the air opening 49 is relatively high, more air flows through the air flow path 43 and is discharged from the outlet 48 toward the support surface 21a. This makes it easier to lower the temperature of the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. Therefore, thermal damage to the medium M transported along the support surface 21a can be more effectively suppressed in accordance with the outside air temperature T.
[0081] (4) The heating unit 25 includes a humidity detection unit 54 for detecting the humidity H in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the blower 33 and the first adjustment unit 34 based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54. Therefore, in the second mode M2, the control unit 35 can control the blower 33 and the first adjustment unit 34 based on the humidity H in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a.
[0082] (5) The second adjustment unit 52 can adjust the opening of the inlet 47. The larger the opening of the inlet 47 adjusted by the second adjustment unit 52, the more air flows into the air flow path 43 from the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a through the inlet 47. The second adjustment unit 52 adjusts the opening of the inlet 47 in the second mode M2 so that it is smaller than the opening of the inlet 47 in the first mode M1. Therefore, the opening of the inlet 47 in the first mode M1 is adjusted to be larger than that in the second mode M2, so that warm air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a easily flows into the air flow path 43 through the inlet 47. This increases the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path 43, and the air discharged from the air flow path 43 toward the support surface 21a through the outlet 48 more easily increases the temperature of the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. This further promotes evaporation of moisture from liquid adhering to the medium M transported along the support surface 21a and drying of the medium M to which the liquid is adhering. The intake port 47 in the second mode M2 is adjusted to have a smaller opening than the intake port 47 in the first mode M1. This makes it difficult for warm air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a to flow into the air flow path 43 via the intake port 47. This prevents an increase in the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path 43, and the air discharged from the air flow path 43 toward the support surface 21a via the air outlet 48 more likely to lower the temperature of the air in the region 46 between the heating unit 25 and the support surface 21a. This further reduces thermal damage to the medium M transported along the support surface 21a.
[0083] (6) The air opening 49 is connected to the air flow path 43 downstream of the juxtaposed portion 43a, which is a portion of the air flow path 43 that is aligned with the heating unit 32 via the partition wall 42 in the orthogonal direction D3 orthogonal to the support surface 21a. Therefore, air that flows into the air flow path 43 from outside the duct 31 via the air opening 49 does not easily flow through the juxtaposed portion 43a. Therefore, cooler air can be discharged from the air flow path 43 toward the support surface 21a via the air outlet 48.
[0084] (7) The partition wall 42 separating the air flow path 43 and the heating unit 32 includes a heat insulating material 42a. Therefore, the air that flows into the air flow path 43 from the outside of the duct 31 through the air opening 49 is less likely to be heated by the heating unit 32. Therefore, cooler air can be discharged from the air flow path 43 toward the support surface 21a through the air outlet 48.
[0085] (8) The drying device 20 includes the removal member 51 that removes foreign matter from the air flowing into the air port 49. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the air flow path 43 through the air port 49.
[0086] (9) In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 so that the amount of air A is greater when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is a first temperature T1 than when the outside air temperature T is a second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1. In the second mode M2, when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2, less air flows into the air flow path 43 through the air opening 49 than when the outside air temperature T is the first temperature T1 that is higher than the second temperature T2. Therefore, the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path 43 is less likely to drop when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2 than when the outside air temperature T is the first temperature T1. Therefore, under conditions of a low outside air temperature T where even a small amount of air A is sufficient to suppress thermal damage to the medium M, the duct 31 can be maintained in a warm state by reducing the amount of air A using the first adjustment unit 34. Since the next first mode M1 can be performed in a state in which the duct 31 is already warmed, the temperature of the air blown out from the air flow path 43 through the intake port 47 onto the support surface 21a can be increased quickly.
[0087] <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.
[0088] The printing device 10 may have an encoder that detects the drive amount of the transport motor. That is, the drying device 20 may have an encoder. The control unit 35 may acquire the transport position of the medium M from the value detected by the encoder. The control unit 35 may determine whether transport of the medium M will start before a specified time that is longer than the stop time of intermittent transport has elapsed, based on the acquired transport position of the medium M. The execution condition for the first mode M1 may include that transport of the medium M has started before the specified time has elapsed. The control unit 35 may determine that the execution condition for the first mode M1 is met when printing is in progress and transport of the medium M has started before the specified time has elapsed. The execution condition for the second mode M2 may include that transport of the medium M has not started before the specified time has elapsed. The control unit 35 may determine that the execution condition for the second mode M2 is met when printing is in progress and transport of the medium M has not started before the specified time has elapsed.
[0089] The position where the removal member 51 is provided is not limited to the inside of the air vent 49. For example, the removal member 51 may be provided outside the duct 31 so as to block the opening of the air vent 49 facing outward from the duct 31. The removal member 51 may be provided inside the duct 31 so as to block the opening of the air vent 49 facing inward from the duct 31.
[0090] The removing member 51 may be omitted from the drying device 20. The heat insulating material 42a may be separated from the inner wall 42b. The heat insulating material 42a may be located between the inner wall 42b and the second outer wall 41b.
[0091] The entire partition wall 42 may be made of the heat insulating material 42a. In this case, the partition wall 42 also includes the heat insulating material 42a. The heat insulating material 42a may be omitted from the partition wall 42. In this case, for example, the entire partition wall 42 may be the inner wall 42b. In this case, as the heating unit 32 heats, heat is easily transferred to the air in the air flow path 43 via the partition wall 42. Therefore, the heating unit 32 heats the air in the air flow path 43.
[0092] The air port 49 may be connected to the parallel portion 43a of the air flow path 43, or may be connected to a portion upstream of the parallel portion 43a. The position where the air port 49 communicates with the air flow path 43 is not limited to between the intake port 47 and the outlet port 48 .
[0093] If the air in the region 46 can flow into the air flow path 43 through the intake port 47, the intake port 47 may be provided in the non-opposing region 45. The air outlet 48 may be provided in the non-opposing area 45 as long as it is possible to blow air toward the support surface 21a.
[0094] The partition wall 42 may be omitted from the heating unit 25. In this case, for example, a space not separated by the partition wall 42 is formed inside the duct 31. The heating section 32 and the air flow path 43 may be located in this space inside the duct 31.
[0095] The control unit 35 may control the second adjustment unit 52 so that the intake port 47 does not open in the second mode M2. In this case, the intake port 47 is fully closed when adjusted to the fourth opening degree A4. In the second mode M2, air in the region 46 does not flow into the air flow path 43 through the intake port 47.
[0096] The installation position of the second adjustment unit 52 is not limited to the air flow path 43. For example, the second adjustment unit 52 may be located outside the duct 31. The second adjustment unit 52 is not limited to the one including the second main body portion 52a in which the suction hole 52h is formed and the second closing member 52b capable of closing the suction hole 52h. For example, the second adjustment unit 52 may include an opening / closing valve capable of opening and closing the suction port 47. By displacing this opening / closing valve, the suction port 47 may be adjusted to a fully closed state, a fully open state, or an opening degree between the fully closed state and the fully open state.
[0097] The second adjustment unit 52 may be omitted from the heating unit 25. In this case, the intake port 47 is fully open whether the first mode M1 or the second mode M2 is being executed. Step S104 may be omitted from the routine shown in FIG. 4. Step S205 may be omitted from the routine shown in FIG. 5.
[0098] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 may control only either the blower 33 or the first adjustment unit 34 based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54. When the control unit 35 controls only the blower 33 based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54 in the second mode M2, the process of step S203 in the routine shown in FIG. 5 may be changed to a process of setting the third opening degree A3 based on the outside air temperature T. When the control unit 35 controls only the first adjustment unit 34 based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54 in the second mode M2, the process of step S206 in the routine shown in FIG. 5 may be changed to a process of setting the second airflow rate W2 based on the outside air temperature T.
[0099] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 does not have to perform control based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54. If the control unit 35 does not perform control based on the result detected by the humidity detection unit 54, the humidity detection unit 54 may be omitted from the heating unit 25.
[0100] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 may select one airflow rate from a plurality of airflow rates that vary in stages in accordance with the outside air temperature T, and may set the selected airflow rate as the second airflow rate W2 to adjust the blower 33. Specifically, the airflow rate when the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that includes the second temperature T2 is referred to as the low-temperature airflow rate. The airflow rate when the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that includes the first temperature T1 that is higher than the second temperature T2 is referred to as the high-temperature airflow rate. The high-temperature airflow rate is a rate that is greater than the low-temperature airflow rate. When the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range corresponding to the high-temperature airflow rate, the high-temperature airflow rate is adopted as the second airflow rate W2. When the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range corresponding to the low-temperature airflow rate, the low-temperature airflow rate is adopted as the second airflow rate W2. Even in this case, it can be said that in the second mode M2, the control unit 35 controls the blower 33 so that when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is the first temperature T1, more air flows toward the outlet 48 than when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2.
[0101] The control unit 35 does not have to control the blower 33 based on the detection result by the temperature detection unit 53. In this case, the process of step S206 in the routine shown in Fig. 5 may be changed to a process of setting the second airflow rate W2 based on the humidity H.
[0102] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 may select one of a plurality of opening degrees that vary in magnitude in accordance with the outside air temperature T, and may set the selected opening degree as the third opening degree A3 to adjust the air vent 49. In detail, the opening degree when the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that includes the second temperature T2 is called the low-temperature opening degree. The opening degree when the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that includes the first temperature T1 that is higher than the second temperature T2 is called the high-temperature opening degree. The low-temperature opening degree is a smaller opening degree than the high-temperature opening degree. When the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that corresponds to the high-temperature opening degree, the high-temperature opening degree is adopted as the third opening degree A3. When the outside air temperature T is in a temperature range that corresponds to the low-temperature opening degree, the low-temperature opening degree is adopted as the third opening degree A3. Even in this case, it can be said that the control unit 35 controls the first adjustment unit 34 in the second mode M2 so that the air volume A when the outside air temperature T detected by the temperature detection unit 53 is the first temperature T1 is greater than the air volume A when the outside air temperature T is the second temperature T2 lower than the first temperature T1.
[0103] The control unit 35 does not have to control the first adjustment unit 34 based on the detection result by the temperature detection unit 53. In this case, the process of step S203 in the routine shown in FIG. 5 may be changed to a process of setting the third opening degree A3 based on the humidity H.
[0104] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 may control the blower 33 using a second airflow rate W2 as a preset setting value. In this case, the second airflow rate W2 may be greater than the first airflow rate W1, may be the same as the first airflow rate W1, or may be less than the first airflow rate W1. In this case, the processing of step S206 may be omitted from the routine shown in FIG. 5.
[0105] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 may control the first adjustment unit 34 using a third opening A3 as a preset setting value. In this case, the processing of step S203 may be omitted from the routine shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the third opening A3 is larger than the first opening A1. Therefore, even in this case, it can be said that the first adjustment unit 34 is controlled in the second mode M2 so that the air amount A in the second mode M2 is larger than the air amount A in the first mode M1.
[0106] In the second mode M2, the control unit 35 does not have to perform control based on the result detected by the temperature detection unit 53. If the control unit 35 does not perform control based on the result detected by the temperature detection unit 53, the temperature detection unit 53 may be omitted from the heating unit 25.
[0107] The installation position of the first adjustment unit 34 is not limited to the air flow path 43. For example, the first adjustment unit 34 may be located outside the duct 31. The first adjustment unit 34 is not limited to being provided with the first main body portion 34a in which the air hole 34h is formed and the first closing member 34b capable of closing the air hole 34h. For example, the first adjustment unit 34 may be provided with an opening / closing valve capable of opening and closing the air port 49. By displacing this opening / closing valve, the air port 49 may be adjusted to a fully closed state, a fully open state, or an opening degree between the fully closed state and the fully open state.
[0108] The printing device 10 may be a liquid ejection device that jets or ejects liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device includes granular, teardrop-like, and string-like tails. The term "liquid" as used herein refers to any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the term "liquid" refers to any state in which a substance is in its liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The term "liquid" refers not only to a single state of matter, but also to solid functional material particles, such as pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, "ink" encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacture, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc.
[0109] [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.
[0110] (A) A drying device comprising: a support section that supports a printed medium being transported on a support surface; a heating unit that faces the support surface and heats the printed medium supported on the support surface; and a control section that controls the heating unit, wherein the heating unit comprises a duct that includes an air flow path through which air can flow, the duct having an air outlet for blowing air toward the support surface, an intake port for sucking the air blown from the air outlet onto the support surface, and an air port different from the air outlet and the intake port; a heating section that heats at least one of the air in the air flow path and the medium supported on the support surface; and a control section that controls the air flow path. the duct has a facing region facing the support surface and a non-facing region not facing the support surface, and the air port is provided in the non-facing region; and the control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit to adjust the amount of air while heating is being performed by the heating unit, and a second mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit so that the amount of air is greater than the amount of air in the first mode while heating by the heating unit is stopped.
[0111] According to this configuration, the first adjustment unit can adjust the amount of air flowing into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air opening. The air opening is provided in a non-facing area of the duct that does not face the support surface. Therefore, air with a lower temperature than the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface can flow into the air flow path through the air opening. In the first mode, heating is performed by the heating unit, and the amount of air is adjusted by the first adjustment unit. In the second mode, heating by the heating unit is stopped, and the amount of air in the second mode is adjusted by the first adjustment unit so that it is greater than the amount of air in the first mode. Therefore, in the second mode, the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path and discharged from the outlet toward the support surface can be lowered compared to the first mode, making it easier to lower the temperature of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface in the second mode. This can prevent thermal damage to the medium transported along the support surface.
[0112] (B) In the drying device, the heating unit is equipped with a temperature detection unit that detects the outside air temperature, and the control unit controls the first adjustment unit in the second mode so that the amount of air when the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is a first temperature is greater than the amount of air when the outside air temperature is a second temperature lower than the first temperature.
[0113] According to this configuration, in the second mode, when the outside air temperature is a first temperature, more air flows into the air flow path through the air inlet than when the outside air temperature is a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Therefore, even if the temperature of the air flowing into the air flow path through the air inlet is relatively high, the air flowing through the air flow path and being discharged from the outlet toward the support surface increases, which makes it easier for the temperature of the air in the region between the heating unit and the support surface to decrease. Therefore, thermal damage to the medium transported along the support surface can be effectively suppressed according to the outside air temperature.
[0114] (C) In the drying device, in the second mode, the control unit controls the blower so that when the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is the first temperature, more air flows toward the outlet than when the outside air temperature is the second temperature.
[0115] According to this configuration, in the second mode, when the outside air temperature is a first temperature, more air in the air passage flows toward the outlet than when the outside air temperature is a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Therefore, even if the temperature of the air flowing into the air passage through the air inlet is relatively high, the air flowing through the air passage and being discharged from the outlet toward the support surface increases, which makes it easier for the temperature of the air in the region between the heating unit and the support surface to decrease. Therefore, thermal damage to the medium transported along the support surface can be more effectively suppressed according to the outside air temperature.
[0116] (D) In the drying device, the heating unit is provided with a humidity detection unit for detecting the humidity of the area between the heating unit and the support surface, and the control unit controls the blower and the first adjustment unit in the second mode based on the results detected by the humidity detection unit.
[0117] According to this configuration, in the second mode, the blower and the first adjustment unit can be controlled based on the humidity of the region between the heating unit and the support surface. (E) In the drying device, the heating unit includes a second adjustment unit capable of adjusting the opening degree of the intake port, and the control unit controls the second adjustment unit so that the intake port is open in the first mode, and controls the second adjustment unit so that the opening degree of the intake port in the second mode is smaller than the opening degree of the intake port in the first mode.
[0118] According to this configuration, the second adjustment unit can adjust the opening of the inlet. The larger the opening of the inlet adjusted by the second adjustment unit, the more air flows into the air flow path from the area between the heating unit and the support surface through the inlet. The second adjustment unit adjusts the opening of the inlet in the second mode to be smaller than the opening of the inlet in the first mode. Here, a smaller opening of the inlet than the opening of the inlet in the first mode includes an opening at which the inlet is not open. Therefore, the opening of the inlet in the first mode is adjusted to be larger than that in the second mode, so that warm air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface easily flows into the air flow path through the inlet. This can increase the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path, and the air discharged from the air flow path toward the support surface through the outlet easily increases the temperature of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface. This can further promote evaporation of moisture from liquid adhering to the medium transported along the support surface and drying of the medium to which the liquid is attached. The opening of the intake port in the second mode is adjusted to be smaller than the opening of the intake port in the first mode. Therefore, warm air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface is less likely to flow into the air flow path through the intake port. This suppresses the increase in temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path, and the air discharged from the air flow path toward the support surface through the outlet more easily lowers the temperature of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface. This further suppresses thermal damage to the medium transported along the support surface.
[0119] (F) In the drying device, the heating unit has a partition wall inside the duct that separates the air flow path and the heating section, and when the portion of the air flow path that is aligned with the heating section via the partition wall in a direction perpendicular to the support surface is defined as a parallel section, the air port is connected downstream of the parallel section in the flow direction of air flowing through the air flow path.
[0120] According to this configuration, the air inlet is connected downstream of the parallel section of the air flow path, which is a section of the air flow path that is aligned with the heating section via the partition wall in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. Therefore, air that flows into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air inlet is less likely to flow through the parallel section. Therefore, cooler air can be discharged from the air flow path toward the support surface through the air outlet.
[0121] (G) In the drying device, the partition wall includes a heat insulating material. According to this configuration, the partition wall separating the air flow path and the heating unit contains a thermal insulator, so that air flowing into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air inlet is less likely to be heated by the heating unit, allowing cooler air to be discharged from the air flow path toward the support surface through the air outlet.
[0122] (H) The drying device includes a removal member that removes foreign matter from the air flowing into the air inlet. According to this configuration, the drying device includes a removal member that removes foreign matter from the air flowing into the air inlet, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the air flow path via the air inlet.
[0123] (I) A printing device comprising: a transport unit that transports a medium; a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport unit; a support unit that supports the medium printed by the printing unit on a support surface; a heating unit that faces the support surface and heats the printed medium supported on the support surface; and a control unit that controls the heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes a duct that includes an air flow path through which air can flow, the duct having an air outlet for blowing air toward the support surface, an intake port for sucking the air blown out from the air outlet onto the support surface, and an air port different from the air outlet and the intake port; and a controller that controls the heating unit. a heating unit that heats at least one of the above, a blower that causes air in the air flow path to flow toward the outlet, and a first adjustment unit that can adjust the amount of air flowing into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air port, wherein the duct has a facing area that faces the support surface and a non-facing area that does not face the support surface, and the air port is provided in the non-facing area, and the control unit is capable of executing a first mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit to adjust the amount of air while heating by the heating unit is performed, and a second mode in which it controls the first adjustment unit so that the amount of air is greater than the amount of air in the first mode while heating by the heating unit is stopped.
[0124] According to this configuration, the first adjustment unit can adjust the amount of air flowing into the air flow path from outside the duct through the air opening. The air opening is provided in a non-facing area of the duct that does not face the support surface. Therefore, air with a lower temperature than the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface can flow into the air flow path through the air opening. In the first mode, heating is performed by the heating unit, and the amount of air is adjusted by the first adjustment unit. In the second mode, heating by the heating unit is stopped, and the amount of air in the second mode is adjusted by the first adjustment unit so that it is greater than the amount of air in the first mode. Therefore, in the second mode, the temperature of the air flowing through the air flow path and discharged from the outlet toward the support surface can be lowered compared to the first mode, making it easier to lower the temperature of the air in the area between the heating unit and the support surface in the second mode. This can prevent thermal damage to the medium transported along the support surface. [Explanation of symbols]
[0125] A...air volume, D3...orthogonal direction, H...humidity, M...medium, M1...first mode, M2...second mode, T...outside air temperature, T1...first temperature, T2...second temperature, 10...printing device, 12...printing section, 20...drying device, 21...support section, 21a...support surface, 22...conveying section, 25...heating unit, 31...duct, 32...heating section, 33...blower, 34...first adjustment section, 35...control section, 42...partition wall, 42a...insulating material, 43...air flow path, 43a...parallel section, 44...opposing area, 45...non-opposing area, 46...area, 47...intake port, 48...blowout port, 49...air vent, 51...removal member, 52...second adjustment section, 53...temperature detection section, 54...humidity detection section.
Claims
1. a support unit that supports the transported printed medium on a support surface; a heating unit facing the support surface and configured to heat the printed medium supported on the support surface; 、 A drying device comprising: a control unit that controls the heating unit, The heating unit comprises: a blowout port for blowing air toward the support surface; and The intake port for sucking the air blown out to the outside is different from the outlet and the intake port. a duct including an air flow path through which air can flow, the duct having an air port; a heating element for heating at least one of the air in the air flow path and the medium supported on the support surface; Heat section and a blower that causes air in the air flow path to flow toward the air outlet; The amount of air flowing into the air flow path from the outside of the duct through the air port can be adjusted. a first adjustment unit, The duct has a facing region facing the support surface and a non-facing region not facing the support surface. and, the air vent is provided in the non-opposing region, The control unit adjusts the amount of air while heating is being performed by the heating unit. a first mode for controlling the first adjustment unit, and a second mode for controlling the empty space while heating by the heating unit is stopped; The first adjustment unit is controlled so that the air volume is greater than the air volume in the first mode. and a second mode in which The heating unit separates the air flow path and the heating section inside the duct. A partition wall is provided. In the air flow path, the pressure is applied to the support surface through the partition wall in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. When the part next to the heating part is the parallel part, The air port is located downstream of the juxtaposed portion in the flow direction of air flowing through the air flow path. A drying device characterized in that it is in communication with
2. the heating unit includes a temperature detection unit that detects an outside air temperature; In the second mode, the control unit The amount of air when the temperature is a first temperature is equal to the amount of air when the temperature is a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature.
2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the first adjusting unit is controlled so that the amount of the dryer is greater than the amount of the first adjusting unit. Drying equipment.
3. In the second mode, the control unit When the temperature is the first temperature, more air is directed toward the air outlet than when the temperature is the second temperature.
3. The drying device according to claim 2, wherein the blower is controlled to move the material.
4. The heating unit may include a heater for detecting humidity in an area between the heating unit and the support surface. It is equipped with a humidity detector for In the second mode, the control unit The blower and the first adjusting unit are controlled based on the temperature of the air blower and the first adjusting unit. The drying device according to any one of the preceding claims.
5. the heating unit includes a second adjustment unit that can adjust the opening degree of the suction port; The control unit controls the second adjustment unit so that the intake port is open in the first mode. and controlling the opening degree of the intake port in the second mode so that the opening degree of the intake port in the first mode is equal to or greater than the opening degree of the intake port in the second mode. The second adjusting unit is controlled so that the opening degree of the valve is smaller than that of the valve opening degree of the valve. The drying device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.
6. 6. The drying device according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall includes a heat insulating material.
7. a removal member for removing foreign matter from the air flowing into the air inlet; The drying device according to any one of items 1 to 6.
8. a transport unit that transports the medium; a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport unit; a support unit that supports the medium printed by the printing unit on a support surface; a heating unit facing the support surface and configured to heat the printed medium supported on the support surface; 、 a control unit that controls the heating unit, The heating unit comprises: a blowout port for blowing air toward the support surface; and The intake port for sucking the air blown out to the outside is different from the outlet and the intake port. a duct including an air flow path through which air can flow, the duct having an air port; a heating element for heating at least one of the air in the air flow path and the medium supported on the support surface; Heat section and a blower that causes air in the air flow path to flow toward the air outlet; The amount of air flowing into the air flow path from the outside of the duct through the air port can be adjusted. a first adjustment unit, The duct has a facing region facing the support surface and a non-facing region not facing the support surface. and, the air vent is provided in the non-opposing region, The control unit adjusts the amount of air while heating is being performed by the heating unit. a first mode for controlling the first adjustment unit, and a second mode for controlling the empty space while heating by the heating unit is stopped; The first adjustment unit is controlled so that the air volume is greater than the air volume in the first mode. and a second mode in which The heating unit separates the air flow path and the heating section inside the duct. A partition wall is provided. In the air flow path, the pressure is applied to the support surface through the partition wall in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. When the part next to the heating part is the parallel part, The air port is located downstream of the juxtaposed portion in the flow direction of air flowing through the air flow path. A printing device characterized in that it is in communication with
Citation Information
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