JP5851299B2 - Drying apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drying apparatus including a plurality of heaters for heating and drying an object to be dried and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printing apparatus includes such a drying apparatus. An inkjet printing apparatus includes an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets onto a print medium (for example, continuous paper), a mechanism that moves the inkjet head and the print medium relatively, and drying that dries the ink droplets attached to the print medium. Device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The drying apparatus performs a drying process from at least one of a printing medium, for example, a surface of a continuous paper on which ink droplets are attached and an opposite surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 15, the drying device includes, for example, a heat drum (also referred to as a heat roller) 131. The heat drum 131 is heated to a preset temperature. The continuous paper WP is wound around the outer edge 131 a of the heat drum 131 with the surface opposite to the surface on which the ink droplets are attached contacting the heat drum 131. As a result, the solvent of the ink droplets is volatilized and drying is performed.

  The heat drum 131 includes a plurality of (for example, nine) heating lamps 133a to 135c therein. The nine heating lamps 133a to 135c are annularly arranged along the cylindrical shape. A plurality of heating lamps 133a to 135c constitute one unit, and for example, three lamps constitute one lamp unit. The heat drum 131 includes, for example, three lamp units 133, 134, and 135. As a result, when three lamp units are used, when two lamp units are used, three levels of output (heating intensity) when one lamp unit is used can be set.

JP 2012-020548 A

  However, such a configuration has the following problems. That is, for example, the priority of use is set in the three lamp units 133, 134, and 135. For example, the lamp unit 133 is always used when heating with one or more lamp units. The lamp unit 134 is always used when heating with two or more lamp units. The lamp unit 135 is used when heating with three lamp units. That is, the priority order of using the lamp units 133, 134, and 135 is arranged in the order of the lamp unit 133, the lamp unit 134, and the lamp unit 135 from the highest.

  The heat drum 131 is heated to a preset temperature by these lamp units 133, 134, and 135. All the lamp units 133, 134, and 135 are set in a use state (ON). First, when the first set temperature is reached, the lamp unit 135 having the lowest priority is turned off. When the second set temperature is reached, the lamp unit 134 is turned off. When the third set temperature is reached, all the lamp units 133 are turned off by turning them off. In order to keep the temperature constant, when only one lamp unit is used for heating, the lamp unit 133 having a higher priority is turned on.

  The lamps 133a to 135c that individually constitute the lamp units 133, 134, and 135 have a shorter life due to the lighting time. If a part of the lamp units 133, 134, and 135 is used in a biased manner, when the heating lamps 133a to 135c are cut off, a drying performance that satisfies the specifications of the drying device cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the heating lamps 133a to 135c. The replacement of the heating lamps 133a to 135c requires a stop time because the ink jet printing apparatus must be stopped. Further, if the heating lamps 133a to 135c are individually replaced, the replacement frequency increases. For this reason, there is a problem that the maintenance time for the replacement of the heating lamps 133a to 135c increases as the stop time increases.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the drying apparatus which can reduce the stop time of the apparatus by replacement | exchange of a heater, and its control method.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the drying apparatus according to the present invention is a drying apparatus for drying objects to be dried, a plurality of heater unit for heating the material to be dried, for heating at a preset temperature, operation of the plurality of heater unit and And a drying control unit that changes the priority of the stop .

According to the drying apparatus of the present invention, the drying control unit changes the priority order of operation and stop of the plurality of heater units that heat the object to be dried in order to heat at a preset temperature . Thereby, a heater unit can be used on average. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heater, such as the replacement of the heaters all at once.

Further, in the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the drying device includes a time measuring unit that is provided for each of the plurality of heater units and measures a usage time for each of the heater units, and the drying control unit is measured by the time measuring unit. It is preferable to change the priority order of operation and stop of the plurality of heater units according to the usage time of each heater unit. Since the usage time is measured for each heater unit and the priority order is changed according to the usage time for each heater unit, the heater units can be used on an average basis.

  Moreover, in the drying apparatus according to the present invention, an example of the drying control unit is to select one of the plurality of heater units with the shortest usage time measured by the time measurement unit to be in use. . Since the heater unit with the shortest usage time is preferentially selected and put into use, the heater unit can be used on average.

  Moreover, in the drying apparatus according to the present invention, an example of the drying control unit is to select one of the plurality of heater units having the longest usage time measured by the time measuring unit and to put the stopped state. . Since the heater unit with the longest usage time is preferentially selected and put into a stopped state, the heater unit can be used on average.

Further, a drying apparatus for drying an object to be dried according to the present invention includes a plurality of heater units for heating the object to be dried, each of the plurality of heater units configured with a plurality of heaters, and the plurality of the plurality of heater units. A drying control unit that changes the priority when using the heater unit, and is provided for each of the plurality of heater units and each of the plurality of heaters, and measures the usage time of either the heater unit or each heater. The drying control unit changes the priority when using the plurality of heater units according to the usage time of each heater unit measured by the time measurement unit, and The priority order when using a plurality of heaters individually constituting the heater unit is changed according to the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters measured by the time measuring unit. It is characterized in that.
According to the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the drying control unit changes the priority order when using a plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried. Thereby, a heater unit can be used on average. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heater, such as the replacement of the heaters all at once. Further, since the usage time is measured for each heater unit and the priority order is changed according to the usage time for each heater unit, the heater units can be used on an average basis. Moreover, even when used in the heater unit, it is possible to average use multiple heater constituting the heater unit.

Further, a drying apparatus for drying an object to be dried according to the present invention includes a plurality of heater units for heating the object to be dried, each of the plurality of heater units configured with a plurality of heaters, and the plurality of the plurality of heater units. A drying control unit that changes a priority when using the heater unit; and a time measurement unit that is provided for each of the plurality of heaters and that measures a usage time for each of the heaters. The order of priority when using the plurality of heater units is changed according to the representative value of the heater unit unit in the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters measured by the measuring unit .
According to the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the drying control unit changes the priority order when using a plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried. Thereby, a heater unit can be used on average. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heater, such as the replacement of the heaters all at once. Further, the priority order when using the plurality of heater units is changed according to the representative value of the heater unit unit for the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters. Therefore, the heater unit can be used on average.

  Further, in the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the drying control unit further uses a plurality of heaters that individually configure the heater unit according to the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters measured by the time measuring unit. It is preferable to change the priority when doing so. Thereby, even when used in units of heaters, a plurality of heaters constituting the heater unit can be used on average.

Further, in the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the heater unit is configured by a plurality of heaters, and the drying control unit is further configured to prioritize operation and stop of the plurality of heaters that individually configure the heater units. Is preferably changed. Thereby, even when used in units of heaters, a plurality of heaters constituting the heater unit can be used on average.

  Moreover, in an example of the drying apparatus according to the present invention, the object to be dried is a print medium printed by a printing apparatus and having ink adhered thereto, and the heater unit has an opposite surface to which the ink of the printing medium has adhered. The heating medium is heated to heat the print medium. Accordingly, in a drying device that dries a print medium that has been printed by a printing apparatus and to which ink has adhered, and that heats the print medium by heating a heat drum, at least one of the heater unit and the heater is averaged. Can be used for

In addition, the control method of the drying apparatus according to the present invention is the control method of the drying apparatus for drying an object to be dried. In order to heat at a preset temperature, the operation and stop of a plurality of heater units for heating the object to be dried are performed. The priority order is changed.

According to the control method of the drying apparatus according to the present invention , the heating and stopping priority of the plurality of heater units for heating the object to be dried is changed in order to heat at a preset temperature . Thereby, a heater unit can be used on average. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heater, such as the replacement of the heaters all at once.

  According to the drying apparatus and the control method thereof according to the present invention, the priority order when using a plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried is changed. Thereby, a heater unit can be used on average. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heater, such as the replacement of the heaters all at once.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drying unit according to Example 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the first embodiment. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a drying control unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a lamp unit (heating lamp) according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement of the lamp unit (heating lamp) which concerns on Example 5. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the drying part which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the drying part which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic block diagram of the conventional drying part.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drying unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the first embodiment. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the first embodiment.

  Please refer to FIG. The inkjet printing apparatus 1 includes an inkjet printing unit 2 that performs printing on a sheet-like continuous paper WP, a paper feeding unit 3 that supplies the continuous paper WP to the inkjet printing unit 2, and a continuous paper WP that has been printed in a roll shape. And a paper discharge unit 4 for winding. The continuous paper WP corresponds to the material to be dried and the printing medium of the present invention, and the ink jet printing apparatus 1 corresponds to the printing apparatus of the present invention.

  The paper feed unit 3 holds the roll-shaped continuous paper WP so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, and unwinds and supplies the continuous paper WP to the inkjet printing unit 2. The paper discharge unit 4 winds the continuous paper WP printed by the inkjet printing unit 2 around the horizontal axis. When the supply side of the continuous paper WP is the upstream side and the discharge side of the continuous paper WP is the downstream side, the paper feed unit 3 is disposed upstream of the inkjet printing unit 2, and the paper discharge unit 4 is the inkjet printing unit 2. It is arranged downstream.

  The ink jet printing unit 2 includes a driving roller 7 for taking in the continuous paper WP from the paper feeding unit 3 on the upstream side. The continuous paper WP unwound from the paper feed unit 3 by the driving roller 7 is conveyed toward the downstream paper discharge unit 4 along a rotatable conveyance roller 9 having no driving mechanism. A driving roller 11 is disposed between an inspection unit 21 and a paper discharge unit 4 which will be described later. The drive roller 11 feeds the continuous paper WP that has passed through an inspection unit 21 described later toward the paper discharge unit 4.

  The inkjet printing unit 2 includes an edge position control unit 13, a driving roller 15, a printing unit 17, a drying unit 19, and an inspection unit 21 between the driving roller 7 and the driving roller 11 in that order from the upstream side. It is equipped with. The edge position control unit 13 automatically adjusts when the continuous paper WP meanders so that the continuous paper WP flows to a correct position. The drive roller 15 rotates at a constant speed, and serves as a reference for the number of rotations of the other drive rollers 7 and 11 and a heat drum 31 described later. The drying unit 19 corresponds to the drying device of the present invention.

  The drive rollers 7, 11, 15 are individually provided with nip rollers 23 so as to be rotatable. The nip roller 23 presses the driving rollers 7, 11, and 15 from the opposite side with the continuous paper WP interposed therebetween, thereby giving a conveying force of the continuous paper WP. The pressing force is given by, for example, an air cylinder. The nip roller 23 is made of an elastic body such as rubber.

  The printing unit 17 includes an inkjet head 25 that ejects ink droplets. In the printing unit 17, a plurality of inkjet heads 25 are arranged in a staggered arrangement in the width direction (main scanning direction) 202 of the continuous paper WP orthogonal to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) 201 of the continuous paper WP. As a result, the ink jet head 25 is not moved in the width direction 202 of the continuous paper WP orthogonal to the conveyance direction 201 of the continuous paper WP, and the ink droplets are applied to the continuous paper WP while feeding the continuous paper WP while the position is fixed. Is being discharged.

  In the following, a plurality of inkjet heads 25 arranged in a staggered arrangement in the width direction 202 of the continuous paper WP will be described as one inkjet head 25. In the printing unit 17, a plurality of inkjet heads 25 are arranged along the conveyance direction of the continuous paper WP. For example, four inkjet heads 25 are individually provided for black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). An ink supply unit (not shown) is connected to the printing unit 17 and supplies ink droplets to the printing unit 17 as necessary.

  The drying unit 19 dries the ink droplets (ink) discharged from the inkjet head 25 and attached to the continuous paper WP. The drying unit 19 will be described later. The inspecting unit 21 inspects the printed portion for dirt or missing. The inspected continuous paper WP is wound around the paper discharge unit 4 in a roll shape.

  The ink jet printing apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 27 and an operation unit 29. The main control unit 27 comprehensively controls each component of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 and includes a central processing unit (CPU) and the like. The operation unit 29 is for operating the ink jet printing apparatus 1 and includes, for example, a touch panel and various switches. The operation unit 29 may be configured by a personal computer and input an operation using a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The drive rollers 7, 11, 15 and a heat drum 31 to be described later are rotationally driven by a drive mechanism such as a motor or a gear (not shown).

(Dry part)
Please refer to FIG. The drying unit 19 includes a heat drum 31, for example. As described above, the heat drum 31 includes, for example, three first lamp units 33, second lamp units 34, and third lamp units 35 therein. The first to third lamp units 33, 34, and 35 are hereinafter appropriately referred to as “first unit 33”, “second unit 34”, and “third unit 35”. The first to third units 33, 34, and 35 heat the heat drum 31 from the inside to a preset temperature. The heat drum 31 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The heat drum 31 is in contact with the opposite surface (back surface) of the continuous paper WP to which ink droplets are attached, and the continuous paper WP is wound around the outer edge 31 a of the heat drum 31. The heat drum 31 heats from the back side of the continuous paper WP to dry the ink droplets. The first to third units 33, 34, and 35 correspond to the heater unit of the present invention.

  The first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are each composed of a plurality of heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c. That is, the first unit 33 includes three heating lamps 33a, 33b, and 33c. The second unit 34 includes three heating lamps 34a, 34b, and 34c. The third unit 35 includes three heating lamps 35a, 35b, and 35c. The unit and the heating lamp may be composed of a plurality of units other than three units and three units. The heating lamps 33a to 35c correspond to the heater of the present invention.

  For example, the three heating lamps 33 a, 33 b, 33 c of the first unit 33 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the cylindrical shape of the heat drum 31. The same applies to the second and third units 34 and 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating lamps 33 a to 35 c are arranged in order for each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. The heating lamps 33a to 35c may be arranged in an order other than that shown in FIG. Further, the heating lamps 33a to 35c are constituted by lamps that irradiate infrared rays such as halogen lamps. The non-contact temperature sensor 37 measures the surface temperature of the outer edge 31a of the heat drum 31 that is rotationally driven. Reference numeral 203 denotes a conveyance path for the continuous paper WP.

  Please refer to FIG. The first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are controlled by the drying control unit 39. The drying control unit 39 is provided in the drying unit 19 and includes, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The drying control unit 39 changes the priority order for using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. Specifically, the drying control unit 39 sets the priority when at least one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is in a use state (ON) and all are in a stop state (OFF). change. It is assumed that the initial priority order is, for example, the first unit 33, the second unit 34, and the third unit 35 in order from the highest.

  Next, operation | movement of the drying part 19 of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 is demonstrated. Please refer to FIG. The continuous paper WP is conveyed by the drive rollers 7, 9, 15 and the heat drum 31 (FIG. 2). When the continuous paper WP passes through the printing unit 17, ink droplets are ejected by the inkjet head 25 and printed. In this state, the ink droplets are not fixed on the continuous paper WP, and the continuous paper WP to which the ink droplets are attached is conveyed to the drying unit 19.

  In the drying unit 19 shown in FIG. 2, the continuous paper WP is conveyed in a state where the back surface thereof is in contact with the heat drum 31 and is wound around the outer edge 31 a of the heat drum 31. At this time, since the heat drum 31 is heated to a preset temperature, the continuous paper WP is heated from the back side and dried.

  Next, an example of the operation in the case of heating to a preset temperature by the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 provided inside the heat drum 31 will be described. The surface temperature of the outer edge 31a in contact with the continuous paper WP of the heat drum 31 is measured by a non-contact temperature sensor 37 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows temperature on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 according to the temperature of FIG. FIG. 5 shows time on the horizontal axis. In FIG. 5, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 indicate a use state when ON, and indicate a stop state when OFF.

  In FIG. 4, regions between time t0 and time t1, between time t2 and time t3, between time t4 and time t5, between time t6 and time t7, and after time t8 are hatched. It shows with. The diagonal lines shown in FIG. 5 correspond to the diagonal lines shown in FIG. Note that the diagonal lines shown in FIG. 7 described later correspond to the diagonal lines shown in FIG.

  The drying control unit 39 controls the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 to heat the heat drum 31 to a preset temperature T3. In the middle of heating, set temperatures T1 and T2 are provided to moderate the heating. It is assumed that the initial priority order is the first unit 33, the second unit 34, and the third unit 35 in descending order. The priority order is “first, second, third” → “second, third, first” → “third, first, second” → “first, second, third” → The drying control unit 39 controls to circulate.

  The time t0 to t3 is a step for heating to a preset temperature T3, and the time t3 to t8 is a step for keeping the temperature T3 in a constant state.

  At time t0, all of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are turned on to start heating. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T1 at time t1, the third unit 35 having a low priority is turned off, and the heating intensity is weakened. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T2 at time t2, the second unit 34 with the next lowest priority is turned OFF to reduce the heating intensity. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t3, the first unit 33 is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  Here, since all of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are turned off, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order. That is, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority from “first unit 33, second unit 34, third unit 35” to “second unit 34, third unit 35, first unit 33”. At time t4, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T3, the second unit 34 having a higher priority is turned on and heating is started. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t5, the second unit 34 is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  Here, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority from “second unit 34, third unit 35, first unit 33” to “third unit 35, first unit 33, second unit 34”. change. At time t6, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T3, the third unit 35 having a higher priority is turned on and heating is started. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t7, the third unit 35 is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  Here, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority from “the third unit 35, the first unit 33, the second unit 34” to “the first unit 33, the second unit 34, the third unit 35”. change. Thereby, the priority order is circulated.

  In addition, the drying control part 39 turns ON from the thing with a high priority, when turning ON the 1st-3rd units 33, 34, and 35 one by one. For example, when the priority is “first unit 33, second unit 34, third unit 35”, the drying control unit 39 is turned on in the order of the first unit 33, the second unit 34, and the third unit 35. To.

  According to the present embodiment, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order when using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 that heat the continuous paper WP. That is, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order used when at least one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is turned on and all of them are turned off. Thereby, the 1st-3rd units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the apparatus stop time and the replacement cost due to the replacement of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, such as the replacement of the heating lamps 33a to 35c all at once.

  Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the second embodiment. In addition, the description which overlaps with Example 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

  Please refer to FIG. The drying unit 19 includes first to third units 33, 34, and 35 and a drying control unit 39, and further includes time counters 43, 44, and 45. That is, the drying unit 19 includes time counters 43, 44, and 45 that are provided for the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 and that measure the usage time of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. ing.

  The time counter 43 measures (counts) the usage time (lighting time) of the first unit 33. The time counter 44 measures the usage time of the second unit 34. The time counter 45 measures the usage time of the third unit 35. The usage time is the cumulative usage time. The time counters 43 to 45 are, for example, configured to measure the usage time by themselves and store the usage time (integrated time), or to accumulate and store the measured usage time. The time counters 43, 44, and 45 correspond to the time measurement unit of the present invention.

  The drying control unit 39 uses the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. Change the priority when.

  Specifically, the drying control unit 39 selects one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 that has the shortest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45, and is in a usage state (ON). To. Further, the drying control unit 39 selects any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the longest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45 and puts them into a stopped state (OFF).

  Next, an example of the operation in the case of heating to a preset temperature by the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 provided inside the heat drum 31 will be described. Please refer to FIG.

  At time t0, all of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are turned on to start heating. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T1 at time t1, the drying control unit 39 selects one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 that has the longest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. Select and turn it off. At this time, for example, it is assumed that the usage time of the third unit 35 is the longest. The drying control unit 39 selects the third unit 35 and turns it off. Thereby, heating intensity becomes weak.

  When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T2 at time t2, similarly, the drying control unit 39 selects one of the first and second units 33 and 34 having the next longest usage time and turns it off. At this time, for example, it is assumed that the usage time of the second unit 34 is long. The drying control unit 39 selects the second unit 34 and turns it off. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t3, the first unit 33 is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  At time t4, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T3, any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is selected and heated. The drying control unit 39 selects any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the shortest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45 and turns them ON. At this time, for example, it is assumed that the usage time of the third unit 35 is the shortest. The drying control unit 39 selects the third unit 35 and turns it on. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t5, the third unit 35 is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  At time t6, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T3, similarly, any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is selected and heated. At this time, for example, it is assumed that the usage time of the second unit 34 is the shortest. The drying control unit 39 selects the second unit 34 and turns it on. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T3 at time t7, the third unit 35 is turned off and all heating is stopped. Similar processing is performed after time t8. In FIG. 7, the third unit 35 is selected at time t8.

  In addition, the drying control part 39 turns ON from the thing with a high priority, when turning ON the 1st-3rd units 33, 34, and 35 one by one. For example, the first unit 33 with the shortest use time is turned on, the second unit 34 with the next shortest use time is turned on, and the third unit 35 with the longest use time is turned on last. In FIG. 7, for example, the time counter 44 is used for a period in which the second unit 44 is ON, between time t0 and time t2, and between time t6 and time t7 (integrated time). It is controlled by the drying control unit 39 so as to measure.

  According to the present embodiment, time counters 43 to 45 are provided for each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 and measure the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. . The drying control unit 39 uses the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 measured by the time counters 43 to 45. Change the priority. Since the usage time is measured for each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, and the priority order is changed according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, the first to third units. 33, 34, 35 can be used on average.

  That is, the lifetime of the heating lamps 33a to 35c is shortened depending on the lighting time. Therefore, by managing the usage time in units of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average more than in the first embodiment.

  Further, the drying control unit 39 selects one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the shortest usage time measured by the time counters 43 to 45 and puts it into a usage state. Since the unit with the shortest usage time is preferentially selected and used (ON), the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  Also, the drying control unit 39 selects any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the longest usage time measured by the time counters 43 to 45 and puts them into a stopped state. Since the unit having the longest usage time is preferentially selected and brought into the stopped state (OFF), the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the drying control unit according to the third embodiment. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the third embodiment. In addition, the description which overlaps with each Example is abbreviate | omitted.

  In Example 2, the usage time was measured for each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. However, in Example 3, in addition to each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, the usage time is measured for each of the heating lamps 33a to 35c constituting the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. .

  Please refer to FIG. As described above, each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 includes a plurality of (for example, three) heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c. The time counters 43, 44, 45, 43a to 45c are provided for each of the three first to third units and for each of the three heating lamps 33a to 35c. For example, in the first unit 33, a time counter 43 that measures the usage time of the first unit 33 is provided. In addition, the heating lamp 33a is provided with a time counter 43a, the heating lamp 33b is provided with a time counter 43b, and the heating lamp 33c is provided with a time counter 43c.

  The time counters 43, 44, and 45 overlap with the time counters 43a to 45c. For example, when only the heating lamp 33a in the first unit 33 is used, the time counter 43a measures the usage time (integrated time) of the heating lamp 33a. At the same time, the time counter 43 measures the usage time (integrated time) of the first unit 33 including the heating lamp 33a.

  The heating intensity can be finely adjusted by individually lighting the heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c. In addition, the usage time is biased by lighting them individually. In order to suppress this, the drying control unit 39 performs lighting time management.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the drying control unit 39 includes the first to third units 33 according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. , 34 and 35 are changed in priority order. That is, one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is selected (step S01). The drying control unit 39 further uses, for example, the heating lamps 33a to 33c constituting the first unit 33 according to the usage time for each of the heating lamps 33a to 35c measured by the time counters 43a to 45c. Change the priority when For example, one of the heating lamps 33a to 33c constituting the first unit 33 is selected (step S02).

  Further, for example, when using the first unit 33, the drying control unit 39 selects one of the heating lamps 33a to 33c measured by the time counters 43a to 43c and uses the shortest usage state ( ON). Further, the drying control unit 39 selects any of the heating lamps 33a to 33c that have been used for the longest time measured by the time counters 43a to 43c and puts them into a stopped state (OFF). The same applies when the second and third units 34 and 35 are used.

  Next, an example of the operation when heating to a preset temperature by the heating lamps 33a to 35c of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 will be described. In FIG. 10, set temperatures T31, T32, and T33 (T31 <T32 <T33 (= T3)) are provided in order to further finely control between the temperature T2 and the temperature T3 in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, between time t0 and time t1, between time t2 and time t31, between time t32 and time t33, between time t4 and time t5, between time t6 and time t7. The area after time t8 is indicated by hatching. The diagonal lines shown in FIG. 11 correspond to the diagonal lines shown in FIG. Note that the diagonal lines shown in FIG. 12 described later correspond to the diagonal lines shown in FIG.

  The process up to time t2 is the same as in the second embodiment. That is, the second and third units 34 and 35 are OFF, and only the first unit 33 is in use (ON). When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T31 at time t31, the drying control unit 39 selects the first unit 33, and the usage time is the longest according to the usage time of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of the first unit 33. One of the long heating lamps 33a to 33c is selected and turned off. That is, at time t31, the heating lamp 33c having the longest use time is turned off.

  Further, when the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T32 at time t32, the heating lamp 33b having a long usage time is selected from the heating lamps 33a and 33b and turned off. At time t33, when the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T33 (= T3), the heating lamp 33a is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  At time t4, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T3, for example, any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, and any one of the heating lamps 33a to 35c is heated. To do.

  The drying control unit 39 uses the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. Change the priority when. Further, the drying control unit 39 further heats the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 individually according to the usage time for each of the heating lamps 33 a to 35 c measured by the time counters 43 a to 45 c. The priority order when using the lamps 33a to 35c is changed.

  At time t4, the third unit 35 having the shortest usage time is selected from the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, and the heating lamp 35c having the shortest usage time is selected from among the heating lamps 35a to 35c. Select it and turn it on. Heating by the heating lamp 35c is performed until the heat drum 31 at time t5 reaches the temperature T33.

  Similarly, at the time t6, the second unit 34 having the shortest usage time is selected from the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, and the heating time having the shortest usage time is selected from the heating lamps 34a to 34c. The lamp 34b is selected and turned on. Heating by the heating lamp 35c is performed until the heat drum 31 at time t7 reaches the temperature T33. At time t8, similarly, the drying control unit 39 selects the third unit 35 having the shortest usage time, selects the heating lamp 35c having the shortest usage time, and turns it ON.

  According to the present embodiment, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are configured by heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c, respectively. The time counters 43 to 45 and 43a to 45c are provided for each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 and for each of the heating lamps 34a to 34c. The drying control unit 39 uses the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 according to the usage time of each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. Change the priority when. Accordingly, the drying control unit 39 further includes, for example, the heating lamps 33 a to 33 that individually configure the first unit 33 according to the usage time for each of the heating lamps 33 a to 35 c measured by the time counters 43 a to 45 c. The priority order when using 33c is changed. Thereby, even when used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the description which overlaps with each Example is abbreviate | omitted. In the third embodiment, the time counters 43, 44, 45, 43a to 45c are provided for each of the three first to third units and for each of the three heating lamps 33a to 35c. However, the time counters 43, 44, 45 may not be provided.

  That is, according to the representative values of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 units in the usage time for each of the nine heating lamps 33a to 35c measured by the time counters 43a to 45c, the drying control unit 39 The order of priority when using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is changed. That is, the drying control unit 39 uses the representative value of the usage time for each of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of the first unit 33, the representative value of the usage time for each of the heating lamps 34a to 34c of the second unit 34, and the third unit. The priority when using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is changed according to the representative value of the usage time for each of the 35 heating lamps 35a to 35c. As the representative value, for example, a maximum value, a minimum value, an average value, a median value, or the like is used.

  For example, the drying control unit 39 may perform control so that any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the shortest average usage time is selected and turned on. Further, the drying control unit 39 may perform control so that any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the longest average usage time is selected and turned off.

  The operation is as described in the third embodiment. However, when selecting any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, the drying control unit 39 does not make a determination according to the usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45. That is, the drying control unit 39 represents representative values (for example, average values) of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 in the usage time for each of the nine heating lamps 33a to 35c measured by the time counters 43a to 45c. ), The priority order when using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is changed.

  According to the present embodiment, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are configured by heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c, respectively. The time counters 43a to 45c are provided for the heating lamps 33a to 35c. The drying control unit 39 determines the first to third units according to the representative values of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 units in the usage time for each of the heating lamps 34 a to 34 c measured by the time counters 43 a to 45 c. The priority when using the units 33, 34, and 35 is changed. That is, according to the representative value of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 units of the usage time for each of the heating lamps 34a to 34c, the priority order when using the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 is used. To change. Therefore, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  In addition, the drying control unit 39 further includes, for example, heating lamps 33a to 33c that individually configure the first unit 33 according to the usage time for each of the heating lamps 33a to 35c measured by the time counters 43a to 45c. Change the priority when using. Thereby, even when used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lamp unit (heating lamp) according to the fifth embodiment. In addition, the description which overlaps with each Example is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the priority order is changed in units of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. However, as in the third embodiment, the priority order may be changed in units of heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33 to 35.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are configured by three heating lamps 33 a to 33 c, 34 a to 34 c, and 35 a to 35 c, respectively. The drying control unit 39 further changes the priority order when using the heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33, 34, and 35. For example, the drying control unit 39 includes, for example, heating lamps 33a to 33c that are turned on when the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are used individually in units of heating lamps 33a to 35c. The priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of one unit 33 is changed.

  For example, in the first unit 33, the initial priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c is the heating lamp 33a, the heating lamp 33b, and the heating lamp 33c. In this case, the priority order is “(heating lamps) 33a, 33b, 33c” → “33b, 33c, 33a” → “33c, 33a, 33b” → “33a, 33b, 33c” →... Thus, the drying control unit 39 controls the operation. The same applies to the second and third units 34 and 35.

  Next, an example of the operation when heating to a preset temperature by the heating lamps 33a to 35c of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 will be described. As described above, the oblique lines shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the oblique lines shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, set temperatures T31, T32, and T33 (T31 <T32 <T33 (= T3)) are provided in order to further finely control between the temperature T2 and the temperature T3 in FIG.

  The process up to time t2 is the same as in the first embodiment. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T31 at time t31, the drying control unit 39 turns off the heating lamp 33c having a low priority in the first unit 33 and weakens the heating intensity. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T32 at time t32, the drying control unit 39 turns off the heating lamp 33b having the next lowest priority, and weakens the heating intensity. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T33 at time t33, the drying control unit 39 turns off the heating lamp 33a and stops all the heating.

  Here, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order of the first to third units 33, 34, 35 from “first unit 33, second unit 34, third unit 35” to “second unit 34, second unit 34, 3 unit 35, first unit 33 ". Further, since the drying control unit 39 is used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c is changed from “heating lamp 33a, heating lamp 33b, heating lamp 33c” to “ The heating lamp 33b, the heating lamp 33c, and the heating lamp 33a are changed.

  At this time, the priority of the heating lamps 34 a to 34 c of the second unit 34 is “(heating lamp) 34 a, 34 b, 34 c”, and the priority of the heating lamps 35 a to 35 c of the third unit 35. Is “(heating lamps) 35a, 35b, 35c”.

  At time t4, since the heat drum 31 has fallen below the temperature T33, as shown in FIG. 9, the second unit 34 with the highest priority is selected, and the heating lamp 34a with the highest priority is selected and turned on. . When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T33 at time t5, the heating lamp 34a is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  Here, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order of the first to third units 33, 34, 35 from “second unit 34, third unit 35, first unit 33” to “third unit 35. , First unit 33, second unit 34 ”. Furthermore, since the drying control unit 39 is used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the priority order of the heating lamps 34a to 34c is changed from “heating lamp 34a, heating lamp 34b, heating lamp 34c” to “ The heating lamp 34b, the heating lamp 34c, and the heating lamp 34a "are changed.

  At this time, the priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of the first unit 33 is “(heating lamp) 33b, 33c, 33a”, and the priority order of the heating lamps 35a to 35c of the third unit 35 is set. Is “(heating lamps) 35a, 35b, 35c”.

  When the heat drum 31 falls below the temperature T33 at time t6, the third unit 35 having the highest priority is selected, and the heating lamp 35a having the highest priority is selected and turned on. When the heat drum 31 reaches the temperature T33 at time t7, the heating lamp 35a is turned off and all heating is stopped.

  Similarly, the drying control unit 39 changes the priority order of the first to third units 33, 34, 35 from “the third unit 35, the first unit 33, the second unit 34” to “the first unit 33, the first unit 33, 2 unit 34, third unit 35 ". Further, since the drying control unit 39 is used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the priority order of the heating lamps 35a to 35c is changed from “heating lamp 35a, heating lamp 35b, heating lamp 35c” to “ The heating lamp 35b, the heating lamp 35c, and the heating lamp 35a "are changed.

  At this time, the priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of the first unit 33 is “(heating lamp) 33b, 33c, 33a”, and the priority order of the heating lamps 34a to 34c of the second unit 34. Is “(heating lamps) 34b, 34c, 34a”.

  When the heat drum 31 falls below the temperature T33 at time t8, the first unit 33 having the highest priority is selected, and the heating lamp 35b having the highest priority is selected and turned on.

  According to the present embodiment, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are configured by heating lamps 33a to 35c. The drying control unit 39 further changes the priority when using, for example, the heating lamps 33 a to 33 c that individually configure the first unit 33. That is, when the drying control unit 39 is used in units of heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33, 34, and 35, for example, the heating lamps 33a to 33c that are in a use state (ON). For example, the priority order of the heating lamps 33a to 33c of the first unit 33 is changed. Thereby, even when used in units of the heating lamps 33a to 35c, the heating lamps 33a to 35c that individually configure the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 can be used on average.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, hardware is configured as shown in FIGS. However, it may be configured by software. For example, the time counters 43 to 45 and 43a to 45c are provided on software used in a personal computer constituting the main control unit 27 and the operation unit 29. The control unit (not shown) such as the main control unit 27 or the CPU of the personal computer may be one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the shortest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45, for example. Select or to turn on. Further, the control unit selects any one of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 having the longest usage time measured by the time counters 43, 44, and 45 and turns them off.

  (2) In the above-described embodiments and modification (1), as shown in FIG. 2, the heating lamps 33 a to 35 c of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 extend along the inside of the heat drum 31. It was provided in a ring shape. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the heating lamps 33 a to 35 c of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are irradiation types that are provided linearly or curvedly along the conveyance path 203. There may be.

  (3) In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, for example, when the first unit 33 is turned on or off, or for example, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are all turned off. The priority was changed for each case. However, the determination frequency for changing the priority order may be reduced.

  (4) In each embodiment and each modification described above, the drying control unit 39 uses the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 (heating lamps 33 a to 35 c) provided inside the heat drum 31. The priority to be changed was. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the drying control unit 39 includes a plurality (six) of hot air (hot air) drying units 53 provided in the drying unit 51, and three ( The order of priority for using a plurality of heaters 55 may be changed.

  The hot air drying unit 53 includes a heater 55, a blower source (fan) 57, a heater housing 59, an intake duct 61, and an exhaust duct 63. The hot air drying unit 53 is provided on the opposite side of the heat drum 31 across the continuous paper WP. The hot air drying unit 53 includes a heater 55 provided facing the conveyance path 203 through which the continuous paper WP is conveyed, a blower source 57 that blows air toward the heater 55, and a heater housing 59 that surrounds the heater 55. The heater housing 59 flows along the transport path 203 with the inflow port 59a through which the wind sent from the air source 57 flows and the warm air heated by the heater 55 toward the transport path 203 outside the heater housing 59. And a spraying port 59b that squeezes and sprays in the selected direction. Reference numeral 59c denotes a partition wall.

  (5) In each embodiment and each modification described above, the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 are each composed of three (plural) heating lamps 33a to 33c, 34a to 34c, and 35a to 35c. Has been. However, each of the first to third units 33, 34, and 35 may be configured by a single heating lamp.

  (6) In each embodiment and each modification described above, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 supplies the continuous paper WP to the inkjet printing unit 2. However, separated paper may be supplied. Moreover, it is not limited to paper, A plastic film may be sufficient.

  (7) In each example and each modification described above, the drying unit 19 of the ink jet printing apparatus 1 was used. However, the drying unit may be used in a rotary press for offset printing or gravure printing. In this case, the material to be dried becomes a print medium printed with a rotary press used for offset printing or gravure printing and having ink attached thereto. The rotary press corresponds to the printing apparatus of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet printing apparatus 2 ... Inkjet printing part 19, 51 ... Drying part 25 ... Inkjet head 31 ... Heat drum 33 ... 1st lamp unit 34 ... 2nd lamp unit 35 ... 3rd lamp unit 33a, 33b, 33c ... For heating Lamp 34a, 34b, 34c ... Heating lamp 35a, 35b, 35c ... Heating lamp 37 ... Temperature sensor 39 ... Drying control unit 43, 43a, 43b, 43c ... Time counter 44, 44a, 44b, 44c ... Time counter 45, 45a, 45b, 45c ... time counter 55 ... heater

Claims (10)

In a drying device for drying an object to be dried,
A plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried;
In order to heat at a preset temperature, a drying control unit that changes the priority order of operation and stop of the plurality of heater units,
A drying apparatus comprising: The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Provided for each of the plurality of heater units, comprising a time measuring unit for measuring a usage time for each heater unit,
The drying apparatus, wherein the drying control unit changes the priority order of operation and stop of the plurality of heater units according to the usage time of each heater unit measured by the time measurement unit. The drying apparatus according to claim 2,
The drying control unit selects one of the plurality of heater units with the shortest usage time measured by the time measurement unit and puts the drying unit into a use state. The drying apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The drying control unit selects one of the plurality of heater units with the longest usage time measured by the time measurement unit and puts the drying unit into a stopped state. In a drying device for drying an object to be dried,
A plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried, each of the plurality of heater units composed of a plurality of heaters;
A drying control unit for changing a priority when using the plurality of heater units;
A time measuring unit that is provided for each of the plurality of heater units and for each of the plurality of heaters, and that measures the usage time of either one of the heater units or each of the heaters;
The drying control unit changes the priority when using the plurality of heater units according to the usage time of each heater unit measured by the time measuring unit, and further, measured by the time measuring unit. The drying apparatus is characterized in that the priority when using a plurality of heaters that individually constitute the heater unit is changed according to the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters. In a drying device for drying an object to be dried,
A plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried, each of the plurality of heater units composed of a plurality of heaters;
A drying control unit for changing a priority when using the plurality of heater units;
A time measuring unit that is provided for each of the plurality of heaters and that measures a usage time for each of the heaters;
The drying control unit changes the priority when using the plurality of heater units according to the representative value of the heater unit unit in the usage time for each of the plurality of heaters measured by the time measurement unit. Feature drying equipment. The drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The drying control unit may further change a priority when using a plurality of heaters that individually configure the heater unit, according to usage times of the plurality of heaters measured by the time measurement unit. Feature drying equipment. The drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The heater unit is composed of a plurality of heaters,
The drying control unit further changes the priority order of operation and stop of a plurality of heaters individually configuring the heater unit. In the drying apparatus in any one of Claim 1 to 8,
The object to be dried is a print medium printed with a printing apparatus and having ink attached thereto.
The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater unit heats the print medium by heating a heat drum that is in contact with an opposite surface of the print medium to which ink is attached. In a control method of a drying apparatus for drying an object to be dried,
A control method for a drying apparatus, wherein the priority of operation and stop of a plurality of heater units for heating an object to be dried is changed in order to heat at a preset temperature .

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