WO2018173395A1 - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Printing device and printing method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018173395A1
WO2018173395A1 PCT/JP2017/045905 JP2017045905W WO2018173395A1 WO 2018173395 A1 WO2018173395 A1 WO 2018173395A1 JP 2017045905 W JP2017045905 W JP 2017045905W WO 2018173395 A1 WO2018173395 A1 WO 2018173395A1
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Prior art keywords
temperature
waveguide member
drying unit
drying
unit
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PCT/JP2017/045905
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雅晴 中川
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株式会社Ｓｃｒｅｅｎホールディングス
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Publication of WO2018173395A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018173395A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00216—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation using infrared [IR] radiation or microwaves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/0015—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form for treating before, during or after printing or for uniform coating or laminating the copy material before or after printing
    • B41J11/002—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating
    • B41J11/0021—Curing or drying the ink on the copy materials, e.g. by heating or irradiating using irradiation
    • B41J11/00212—Controlling the irradiation means, e.g. image-based controlling of the irradiation zone or control of the duration or intensity of the irradiation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B13/00—Machines and apparatus for drying fabrics, fibres, yarns, or other materials in long lengths, with progressive movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
    • F26B3/32—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by development of heat within the materials or objects to be dried, e.g. by fermentation or other microbiological action
    • F26B3/34—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by development of heat within the materials or objects to be dried, e.g. by fermentation or other microbiological action by using electrical effects
    • F26B3/347—Electromagnetic heating, e.g. induction heating or heating using microwave energy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for performing printing by an ink jet method by discharging ink to a base material and drying ink discharged to the base material.
  • Such an ink jet printing apparatus includes a head unit that performs printing on a base material such as roll paper as a recording medium by ejecting ink onto the base material, and a base material in the head unit. Printing is executed by sequentially transporting the ink discharged to the drying unit for drying the ink.
  • the ink is, for example, water-based ink
  • the ink is dried by a drying drum with a built-in heater or a hot air heater that blows hot air on the surface of the substrate. It had been.
  • a standing wave is formed in the waveguide member by irradiating the waveguide member with electromagnetic waves, and the inside of the waveguide member in which the standing wave is formed.
  • An image recording apparatus having a drying unit that dries ink ejected to the substrate in the head unit by conveying the substrate to the head has also been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
  • a drying unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a waveguide member to form a standing wave in the waveguide member, and dries the ink by transporting the substrate into the waveguide member.
  • the temperature of the drying section is low in the initial state of using the apparatus, but when the apparatus is continuously used, the temperature of the drying section gradually increases. For this reason, the temperature of a drying part changes with use of an apparatus.
  • the size of the waveguide member in the drying section changes due to thermal expansion.
  • it becomes impossible to form a standing wave in the waveguide member resulting in a problem that the drying efficiency in the drying section is lowered.
  • the temperature of the drying section may gradually increase due to the action of electromagnetic waves.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and by performing the drying efficiently using a standing wave by maintaining the temperature of the drying section within a certain range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can be used.
  • a head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate, and an electromagnetic wave is irradiated into the waveguide member to generate a standing wave in the waveguide member.
  • a printing apparatus comprising: a drying unit that dries ink discharged to the substrate in the head unit; and a transport mechanism that transports the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit.
  • a heating mechanism that heats the drying unit; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the drying unit; and a control unit that controls the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor. It is characterized by that.
  • the heating mechanism is a planar heater disposed on the outer wall of the waveguide member.
  • control unit heats the drying unit by the heating mechanism before printing by the head unit is started.
  • Invention of Claim 4 is further provided with the cooling mechanism which cools the said drying part in the invention in any one of Claims 1-3,
  • the said control part is the said measured by the said temperature sensor.
  • the cooling mechanism is controlled based on the temperature of the drying unit.
  • the cooling mechanism is a fan that blows outside air on the outer wall of the waveguide member.
  • a head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate, and irradiates an electromagnetic wave in the waveguide member to generate a standing wave in the waveguide member.
  • a printing apparatus comprising: a drying unit that dries ink discharged onto the substrate in the head unit; and a transport mechanism that transports the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit.
  • a printing method for performing printing by using a temperature control step of heating the drying unit, detecting a temperature of the drying unit, and maintaining the drying unit at a predetermined temperature, and the substrate by the transport mechanism A printing step of drying the ink discharged onto the base material by the drying unit after discharging the ink onto the base material by the head unit with respect to the base material transported by the transport mechanism; , Including It is characterized in.
  • the standing wave is utilized by controlling the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor and maintaining the temperature of the drying unit within a certain range.
  • the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor and maintaining the temperature of the drying unit within a certain range.
  • the drying section can be heated with a simple configuration.
  • the temperature of the drying section becomes low at the start of printing, condensation occurs, and sparking due to electromagnetic waves occurs. Can be prevented.
  • the drying section it is possible to cool the drying section with a simple configuration by using a fan that blows outside air to the outer wall of the waveguide member.
  • the sixth aspect of the present invention by maintaining the temperature of the drying section within a certain range, it is possible to efficiently perform drying even when performing drying using a standing wave. Become.
  • the drying unit since the drying unit is heated before printing is started, it is possible to effectively prevent the temperature of the drying unit from becoming low at the start of printing, causing condensation, and generating sparks due to electromagnetic waves. .
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • 3 is a side view of a drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of a drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an internal configuration of a waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6. It is a block diagram which shows the main control systems of the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the temperature control process at the time of printing and drying by the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • This printing apparatus executes printing on a roll paper 1 as a base material, which is a long recording medium, by an inkjet method.
  • the head unit 5 having the four-color ink discharge head unit 9 for performing printing by the ink jet method by discharging the ink, and the drying for performing the drying using the electromagnetic waves on the ink discharged on the roll paper 1
  • a control unit 3 connected to the operation unit 4 including a personal computer and controlling the entire apparatus.
  • the transport mechanism 2 for the roll paper 1 includes an unwinding unit 21 for the roll paper 1, a take-up unit 22 for the roll paper 1, and a plurality of guide rollers (not shown), and transports the roll paper 1 in its longitudinal direction. It has the composition to do.
  • the unwinding unit 21 and the winding unit 22 rotate in synchronization with each other by driving a motor (not shown).
  • the four-color ink discharge head units 9 constituting the head unit 5 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the roll paper 1 at positions above the transport path of the roll paper 1 by the transport mechanism 2.
  • the ink ejection head unit 9 ejects cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink droplets onto the surface of the roll paper 1, respectively.
  • This printing apparatus records a desired image pattern on the roll paper 1 by ejecting ink droplets from each ink ejection head unit 9 while the roll paper 1 passes below each ink ejection head unit 9. This is a so-called one-pass ink jet printing apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the internal configuration of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6.
  • the drying unit 6 is irradiated on the roll paper 1 in the head unit 5 described above by irradiating the waveguide member 54 with electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to form a standing wave W in the waveguide member 54.
  • the ink is dried.
  • the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is, for example, a microwave having a wavelength ⁇ of 300 mm and a frequency of 2.45 GHz.
  • the drying unit 6 includes an electromagnetic wave generating unit 51 having a magnetron that radiates electromagnetic waves, an isolator 52 that propagates the electromagnetic waves only in one direction, an electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 having a three stub tuner for adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic waves, And a waveguide member 54 having three waveguides 55, 56, and 57.
  • the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave generation unit 51 passes through the isolator 52 and is adjusted in phase by the electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 and then enters the waveguide member 54.
  • the electromagnetic wave reflected from the waveguide member 54 passes through the electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 and is converted into heat in the isolator 52.
  • a planar heater 71 is disposed on the upper surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54.
  • a pair of planar heaters 72 and 73 are disposed on the side surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54. These planar heaters 71, 72, 73 heat the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6.
  • a pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are disposed on the waveguide member 54. These cooling fans 75 and 76 cool the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 by blowing outside air onto the upper surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54.
  • a temperature sensor 74 for measuring the temperature inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is disposed at the bottom of the waveguide member 54.
  • the waveguide member 54 is made of aluminum, and has three waveguides 55, 56, and 57 disposed adjacent to each other. Each of the waveguides 55, 56, and 57 is formed of a cylindrical body having a rectangular cross section. Each waveguide 55, 56, 57 is formed with a hole 59 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) through which the roll paper 1 passes.
  • Resin members 64, 65, 66 are disposed at the end of the waveguide member 54 on the side of the electromagnetic wave generator 51, and resin members 62, 63 are disposed at the end opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51. And a reflecting member 61 that functions as a short-circuit plate.
  • Each resin member 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE: High Density Polyethylene). This high density polyethylene has a low dielectric constant and is difficult to be heated by electromagnetic waves.
  • the resin member 64 is disposed in the waveguide 55, the resin members 62 and 65 are disposed in the waveguide 56, and the resin member 63 is disposed in the waveguide 57.
  • An end of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51, an end of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51, and an end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 Are separated from each other by d / 3, which is 1/3 of the node interval d of the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54.
  • d / 3 which is 1/3 of the node interval d of the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54.
  • the members 54 are separated from each other by d / 3, which is 1/3 of the node interval d of the electromagnetic wave applied to the member 54.
  • the distance between the end portion of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 and the end portion of the reflection member 61 on the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 side, and the end portion of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 The distance between the end of the resin member 62 on the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 side and the distance between the end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 and the end of the resin member 63 on the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 side are In both cases, the wavelength is 2 ⁇ which is twice the wavelength ⁇ of the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54.
  • the waveguide 55 the wave is guided between the end portion of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 and the end portion of the reflection member 61 on the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 side.
  • the node of the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the member 54 is formed.
  • the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54 at the end of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 and the end of the resin member 62 on the electromagnetic wave generator 51 side. are formed.
  • the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54 at the end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 and the end of the resin member 63 on the electromagnetic wave generator 51 side. are formed.
  • a standing wave W is formed in each of the waveguides 55, 56, 57 of the waveguide member 54.
  • the roll paper 1 from which ink has been ejected in the head unit 5 enters the waveguide member 54 from the holes 59 formed in the respective waveguides 55, 56, 57 of the waveguide member 54. To do. And it heats and dries with the standing wave W formed in each waveguide 55,56,57 in the waveguide member 54.
  • FIG. At this time, the antinode portions having the highest drying efficiency in the standing wave W formed in each of the waveguides 55, 56, and 57 are arranged at positions shifted from each other by d / 3. For this reason, the entire area of the roll paper 1 can be dried substantially uniformly.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main control system of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • a printing apparatus includes a ROM in which an operation program necessary for controlling the apparatus is stored, a RAM in which data and the like are temporarily stored at the time of control, and a CPU as a processor that executes a logical operation.
  • a control unit 3 is provided.
  • the control unit 3 is connected to the operation unit 4, the transport mechanism 2, the head unit 5, and the drying unit 6 described above.
  • the control unit 3 includes a heater control unit 7 that controls driving of the above-described planar heaters 71, 72, and 73, a fan control unit 8 that controls driving of the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76, and a temperature sensor 74. And connected to.
  • the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is within a certain range by the action of the temperature sensor 74, the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 and the pair of cooling fans 75, 76. By maintaining the inside, it is possible to efficiently perform the drying even when the standing wave W is used for drying.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a temperature control process during printing and drying by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
  • This temperature control step is executed by the control unit 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 before the start of the printing operation.
  • the control unit 3 functions as a control unit that starts the temperature control process before the printing process.
  • step S1 it is determined whether or not the set temperature needs to be set.
  • This set temperature is a temperature that determines in which temperature range the temperature of the drying unit 6 is maintained.
  • setting of the temperature TH at which heating of the drying unit 6 should be started (step S5) and setting of the temperature TC at which cooling of the drying unit 6 should be started (step S6) are performed.
  • the temperature TH is, for example, 50 degrees Celsius
  • the temperature TC is, for example, 60 degrees Celsius.
  • step S2 it is determined whether or not to end a series of operations including the temperature control operation and the printing operation after the temperature control operation (step S2).
  • step S7 it is determined whether or not the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 measured by the temperature sensor 74 is equal to or higher than the temperature TH (step S7).
  • step S8 the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned on via the heater control unit 7 under the control of the control unit 3 (step S8).
  • the waveguide member 54 is heated by the planar heaters 71, 72 and 73.
  • the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned off (step S9).
  • step S10 it is determined whether or not the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 measured by the temperature sensor 74 is equal to or higher than the temperature TC (step S10).
  • the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned on via the fan control unit 8 under the control of the control unit 3 (step S11).
  • the waveguide member 54 is cooled by the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76.
  • the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned off (step S12).
  • the roll paper 1 is transported by the transport mechanism 2 and the roll paper 1 is transported by the head unit 5.
  • printing is executed by ejecting ink.
  • the ink discharged on the roll paper 1 is dried in the drying unit 6.
  • the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is kept between the temperature TH and the temperature TC before the printing process. For this reason, since the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature even at the start of printing, condensation in the waveguide member 54 does not occur and the occurrence of sparks due to electromagnetic waves can be prevented. It becomes possible to do. Moreover, since the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range during the subsequent printing, the size of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is maintained constant, A constant standing wave W can be formed in the waveguide member 54, and the drying efficiency in the drying unit 6 can be maintained constant. Furthermore, even when the printing is continuously executed, it is possible to prevent damage due to heat of components inside the drying unit 6 by maintaining the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 within a certain range. It becomes.
  • Step S2 the temperature control operation for the drying unit 6 is also completed (step S2), and the sheet heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned off via the heater control unit 7. (Step S3), the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned off (Step S4).
  • planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are used as the heating mechanism according to the present invention, but other heating mechanisms may be used.
  • the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are used as the cooling mechanism according to the present invention, but other cooling mechanisms may be used.

Abstract

A planar heater 71 is provided to a top surface of an outer wall in a waveguide member 54, and a pair of planar heaters 72, 73 is provided on side surfaces of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54. The planar heaters 71, 72, 73 heat the waveguide member 54 in a drying part 6. A pair of cooling fans 75, 76 is provided to a top part of the waveguide member 54. The cooling fans 75, 76 blow outside air to the top surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54 and thereby cool the waveguide member 54 in the drying part 6. A temperature sensor 74 for measuring the temperature of the inside of the waveguide member 54 in the drying part 6 is provided in a bottom part of the waveguide member 54. The temperature of the drying part 6 can thereby be maintained in a specific range, and drying can be efficiently performed even when drying is performed using a standing wave.

Description

印刷装置および印刷方法Printing apparatus and printing method
　この発明は、基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うとともに、基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥する印刷装置および印刷方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method for performing printing by an ink jet method by discharging ink to a base material and drying ink discharged to the base material.
　このようなインクジェット方式の印刷装置は、記録媒体としてのロール紙等の基材を、この基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うヘッド部と、このヘッド部において基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる乾燥部と、に対して順次搬送させることにより、印刷を実行している。 Such an ink jet printing apparatus includes a head unit that performs printing on a base material such as roll paper as a recording medium by ejecting ink onto the base material, and a base material in the head unit. Printing is executed by sequentially transporting the ink discharged to the drying unit for drying the ink.
　このような印刷装置において、インクが例えば水性インクである場合においては、従来、ヒータを内蔵した乾燥ドラムや、基材の表面に温風を吹き付ける温風ヒータ等により、インクを乾燥する構成が採用されていた。これに対して、インクをより効率的に乾燥するために、導波部材に電磁波を照射することにより導波部材内に定在波を形成し、この定在波が形成された導波部材内に基材を搬送することによって、ヘッド部において基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる方式の乾燥部を有する画像記録装置も提案されている（特許文献１参照）。 In such a printing apparatus, when the ink is, for example, water-based ink, conventionally, the ink is dried by a drying drum with a built-in heater or a hot air heater that blows hot air on the surface of the substrate. It had been. On the other hand, in order to dry the ink more efficiently, a standing wave is formed in the waveguide member by irradiating the waveguide member with electromagnetic waves, and the inside of the waveguide member in which the standing wave is formed. An image recording apparatus having a drying unit that dries ink ejected to the substrate in the head unit by conveying the substrate to the head has also been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
特開２０１６－１４７３６９号公報JP 2016-147369 A
　特許文献１に記載されたように、導波部材に電磁波を照射して導波部材内に定在波を形成し、この導波部材内に基材を搬送することによりインクを乾燥させる乾燥部を使用した場合においては、装置を使用した初期の状態では乾燥部の温度が低温となっているが、装置を継続して使用した場合においては乾燥部の温度が徐々に上昇する。このため、装置の使用に伴って乾燥部の温度が変化することになる。乾燥部の温度が変化した場合においては、熱膨張により、乾燥部における導波部材の大きさが変化する。導波部材の大きさが変化した場合には、この導波部材内に定在波を形成することができなくなり、乾燥部における乾燥効率が低下するという問題が生ずる。 As described in Patent Document 1, a drying unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave to a waveguide member to form a standing wave in the waveguide member, and dries the ink by transporting the substrate into the waveguide member. When the apparatus is used, the temperature of the drying section is low in the initial state of using the apparatus, but when the apparatus is continuously used, the temperature of the drying section gradually increases. For this reason, the temperature of a drying part changes with use of an apparatus. When the temperature of the drying section changes, the size of the waveguide member in the drying section changes due to thermal expansion. When the size of the waveguide member changes, it becomes impossible to form a standing wave in the waveguide member, resulting in a problem that the drying efficiency in the drying section is lowered.
　また、印刷開始時において、乾燥部の温度が低温となっていた場合には、乾燥部内で結露が生じ、ここに電磁波が照射された場合には、電磁波によるスパークが発生するという問題も生ずる。 In addition, when the temperature of the drying section is low at the start of printing, condensation occurs in the drying section, and when electromagnetic waves are irradiated here, there is a problem that sparks are generated due to the electromagnetic waves.
　さらに、印刷を継続して実行した場合においては、電磁波の作用により、乾燥部の温度が徐々に上昇する場合がある。このような現象が発生した場合においては、乾燥部内部の部品が熱により損傷するという問題も生ずる。 Furthermore, when printing is continued, the temperature of the drying section may gradually increase due to the action of electromagnetic waves. When such a phenomenon occurs, there is a problem that parts inside the drying section are damaged by heat.
　この発明は上記課題を解決するためになされたものであり、乾燥部の温度を一定範囲内に維持することにより、定在波を利用して乾燥を行う場合においても、効率的に乾燥を実行することが可能な印刷装置および印刷方法を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and by performing the drying efficiently using a standing wave by maintaining the temperature of the drying section within a certain range. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can be used.
　請求項１に記載の発明は、基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うヘッド部と、導波部材内に電磁波を照射して前記導波部材内に定在波を形成することにより、前記ヘッド部において前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる乾燥部と、前記ヘッド部および前記乾燥部に対して前記基材を搬送する搬送機構と、を備えた印刷装置において、前記乾燥部を加熱する加熱機構と、前記乾燥部の温度を検出する温度センサと、前記温度センサにより測定された前記乾燥部の温度に基づいて前記加熱機構を制御する制御部と、を備えることを特徴とする。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate, and an electromagnetic wave is irradiated into the waveguide member to generate a standing wave in the waveguide member. In a printing apparatus comprising: a drying unit that dries ink discharged to the substrate in the head unit; and a transport mechanism that transports the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit. A heating mechanism that heats the drying unit; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the drying unit; and a control unit that controls the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor. It is characterized by that.
　請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、前記加熱機構は、前記導波部材の外壁に配設された面状ヒータである。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the heating mechanism is a planar heater disposed on the outer wall of the waveguide member.
　請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、前記制御部は、前記ヘッド部による印刷が開始する前に、前記加熱機構により前記乾燥部を加熱させる。 According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control unit heats the drying unit by the heating mechanism before printing by the head unit is started.
　請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１から請求項３のいずれかに記載の発明において、前記乾燥部を冷却する冷却機構をさらに備え、前記制御部は、前記温度センサにより測定された前記乾燥部の温度に基づいて前記冷却機構を制御する。 Invention of Claim 4 is further provided with the cooling mechanism which cools the said drying part in the invention in any one of Claims 1-3, The said control part is the said measured by the said temperature sensor. The cooling mechanism is controlled based on the temperature of the drying unit.
　請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項４に記載の発明において、前記冷却機構は、前記導波部材の外壁に外気を吹き付けるファンである。 According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention of the fourth aspect, the cooling mechanism is a fan that blows outside air on the outer wall of the waveguide member.
　請求項６に記載の発明は、基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うヘッド部と、導波部材内に電磁波を照射して前記導波部材内に定在波を形成することにより、前記ヘッド部において前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる乾燥部と、前記ヘッド部および前記乾燥部に対して前記基材を搬送する搬送機構と、を備えた印刷装置を使用して印刷を行う印刷方法であって、前記乾燥部を加熱するとともに前記乾燥部の温度を検出し、前記乾燥部を所定の温度に維持する温度制御工程と、前記搬送機構により前記基材を搬送し、前記搬送機構により搬送される前記基材に対して、前記ヘッド部により前記基材にインクを吐出した後、前記乾燥部により前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥する印刷工程と、を含むことを特徴とする。 According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate, and irradiates an electromagnetic wave in the waveguide member to generate a standing wave in the waveguide member. A printing apparatus comprising: a drying unit that dries ink discharged onto the substrate in the head unit; and a transport mechanism that transports the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit. A printing method for performing printing by using a temperature control step of heating the drying unit, detecting a temperature of the drying unit, and maintaining the drying unit at a predetermined temperature, and the substrate by the transport mechanism A printing step of drying the ink discharged onto the base material by the drying unit after discharging the ink onto the base material by the head unit with respect to the base material transported by the transport mechanism; , Including It is characterized in.
　請求項１に記載の発明によれば、温度センサにより測定された乾燥部の温度に基づいて加熱機構を制御して乾燥部の温度を一定範囲内に維持することにより、定在波を利用して乾燥を行う場合においても、効率的に乾燥を実行することが可能となる。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the standing wave is utilized by controlling the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor and maintaining the temperature of the drying unit within a certain range. Thus, even when drying is performed, it is possible to efficiently perform the drying.
　請求項２に記載の発明によれば、導波部材の外壁に配設された面状ヒータを使用することにより、簡易な構成により乾燥部を加熱することが可能となる。 According to the second aspect of the invention, by using the planar heater disposed on the outer wall of the waveguide member, the drying section can be heated with a simple configuration.
　請求項３に記載の発明によれば、印刷を開始する前に乾燥部を加熱することから、印刷開始時において乾燥部の温度が低温となり結露が生じ、電磁波によるスパーク等が発生することを効果的に防止することが可能となる。 According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the drying section is heated before printing is started, the temperature of the drying section becomes low at the start of printing, condensation occurs, and sparking due to electromagnetic waves occurs. Can be prevented.
　請求項４に記載の発明によれば、温度センサにより測定された乾燥部の温度に基づいて冷却機構を制御することにより、乾燥部の温度をさらに精度よく一定範囲内に維持することが可能となる。このため、定在波を利用して乾燥を行う場合においても、効率的に乾燥を実行することが可能となる。また、乾燥部の温度が上昇することによる加熱室内部の部品の損傷を防止することが可能となる。 According to the invention described in claim 4, by controlling the cooling mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor, it is possible to maintain the temperature of the drying unit within a certain range with higher accuracy. Become. For this reason, even when performing drying using a standing wave, it becomes possible to perform drying efficiently. In addition, it is possible to prevent damage to the components in the heating chamber due to an increase in the temperature of the drying unit.
　請求項５に記載の発明によれば、導波部材の外壁に外気を吹き付けるファンを使用することにより、簡易な構成により乾燥部を冷却することが可能となる。 According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cool the drying section with a simple configuration by using a fan that blows outside air to the outer wall of the waveguide member.
　請求項６に記載の発明によれば、乾燥部の温度を一定範囲内に維持することにより、定在波を利用して乾燥を行う場合においても、効率的に乾燥を実行することが可能となる。また、印刷を開始する前に乾燥部を加熱することから、印刷開始時において乾燥部の温度が低温となり結露が生じ、電磁波によるスパーク等が発生することを効果的に防止することが可能となる。 According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by maintaining the temperature of the drying section within a certain range, it is possible to efficiently perform drying even when performing drying using a standing wave. Become. In addition, since the drying unit is heated before printing is started, it is possible to effectively prevent the temperature of the drying unit from becoming low at the start of printing, causing condensation, and generating sparks due to electromagnetic waves. .
この発明に係る印刷装置の概要図である。1 is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. 乾燥部６の側面図である。3 is a side view of a drying unit 6. FIG. 乾燥部６の平面図である。3 is a plan view of a drying unit 6. FIG. 乾燥部６における導波部材５４の斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6. 乾燥部６における導波部材５４の内部構成を示す平面模式図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an internal configuration of a waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6. この発明に係る印刷装置の主要な制御系を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the main control systems of the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention. この発明に係る印刷装置による印刷および乾燥時の温度制御工程を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the temperature control process at the time of printing and drying by the printing apparatus which concerns on this invention.
　以下、この発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。図１は、この発明に係る印刷装置の概要図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
　この印刷装置は、長尺の記録媒体である基材としてのロール紙１に対してインクジェット方式で印刷を実行するものであり、ロール紙１の搬送機構２と、ロール紙１に対してイク滴を吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うための４色のインク吐出ヘッドユニット９を備えたヘッド部５と、ロール紙１上に吐出されたインクに対して電磁波を利用した乾燥を実行する乾燥部６と、パーソナルコンピュータから成る操作部４と接続され装置全体を制御する制御部３とを備える。 This printing apparatus executes printing on a roll paper 1 as a base material, which is a long recording medium, by an inkjet method. The head unit 5 having the four-color ink discharge head unit 9 for performing printing by the ink jet method by discharging the ink, and the drying for performing the drying using the electromagnetic waves on the ink discharged on the roll paper 1 And a control unit 3 connected to the operation unit 4 including a personal computer and controlling the entire apparatus.
　ロール紙１の搬送機構２は、ロール紙１の巻き出し部２１と、ロール紙１の巻き取り部２２と、図示を省略した複数のガイドローラとを備え、ロール紙１をその長手方向に搬送する構成を有する。巻き出し部２１と巻き取り部２２とは、図示を省略したモータの駆動により、互いに同期して回転する。 The transport mechanism 2 for the roll paper 1 includes an unwinding unit 21 for the roll paper 1, a take-up unit 22 for the roll paper 1, and a plurality of guide rollers (not shown), and transports the roll paper 1 in its longitudinal direction. It has the composition to do. The unwinding unit 21 and the winding unit 22 rotate in synchronization with each other by driving a motor (not shown).
　ヘッド部５を構成する４色のインク吐出ヘッドユニット９は、搬送機構２によるロール紙１の搬送経路の上方の位置に、ロール紙１の搬送方向に対して所定の間隔で配設される。インク吐出ヘッドユニット９は、それぞれ、シアン（Ｃ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、イエロー（Ｙ）、ブラック（Ｋ）のインク滴を、ロール紙１の表面に吐出する。この印刷装置は、ロール紙１が各インク吐出ヘッドユニット９の下方を通過する間に、各インク吐出ヘッドユニット９からインク滴を吐出することにより、ロール紙１上に所望の画像パターンを記録する、いわゆるワンパス式のインクジェット方式の印刷装置である。 The four-color ink discharge head units 9 constituting the head unit 5 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the roll paper 1 at positions above the transport path of the roll paper 1 by the transport mechanism 2. The ink ejection head unit 9 ejects cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink droplets onto the surface of the roll paper 1, respectively. This printing apparatus records a desired image pattern on the roll paper 1 by ejecting ink droplets from each ink ejection head unit 9 while the roll paper 1 passes below each ink ejection head unit 9. This is a so-called one-pass ink jet printing apparatus.
　次に、この発明の特徴部分である乾燥部６の構成について説明する。図２は、乾燥部６の側面図である。図３は、乾燥部６の平面図である。図４は、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の斜視図である。図５は、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の内部構成を示す平面模式図である。 Next, the configuration of the drying unit 6 which is a characteristic part of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view of the drying unit 6. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drying unit 6. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the internal configuration of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6.
　この乾燥部６は、導波部材５４内に電磁波（マイクロ波）を照射して導波部材５４内に定在波Ｗを形成することにより、上述したヘッド部５においてロール紙１に吐出されたインクを乾燥させるものである。この乾燥部６において導波部材５４に照射される電磁波は、例えば、波長λが３００ｍｍで周波数が２．４５ＧＨｚのマイクロ波である。この場合、電磁波の節ごとの間隔（以下、節間隔ｄという）はλ／２＝１５０ｍｍである。 The drying unit 6 is irradiated on the roll paper 1 in the head unit 5 described above by irradiating the waveguide member 54 with electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to form a standing wave W in the waveguide member 54. The ink is dried. The electromagnetic wave irradiated to the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is, for example, a microwave having a wavelength λ of 300 mm and a frequency of 2.45 GHz. In this case, the interval between the nodes of the electromagnetic wave (hereinafter referred to as the node interval d) is λ / 2 = 150 mm.
　この乾燥部６は、電磁波を照射するマグネトロンを有する電磁波発生部５１と、電磁波を一方向にのみ伝搬させるアイソレータ５２と、電磁波の位相を調整するための３スタブチューナを有する電磁波整合部５３と、３個の導波管５５、５６、５７を有する導波部材５４とを備える。電磁波発生部５１から照射された電磁波は、アイソレータ５２を通過し、電磁波整合部５３において位相を調整された後、導波部材５４に進入する。一方、導波部材５４から反射された電磁波は、電磁波整合部５３を通過し、アイソレータ５２において熱に変換される。 The drying unit 6 includes an electromagnetic wave generating unit 51 having a magnetron that radiates electromagnetic waves, an isolator 52 that propagates the electromagnetic waves only in one direction, an electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 having a three stub tuner for adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic waves, And a waveguide member 54 having three waveguides 55, 56, and 57. The electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave generation unit 51 passes through the isolator 52 and is adjusted in phase by the electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 and then enters the waveguide member 54. On the other hand, the electromagnetic wave reflected from the waveguide member 54 passes through the electromagnetic wave matching unit 53 and is converted into heat in the isolator 52.
　図２および図３に示すように、導波部材５４における外壁の上面には、面状ヒータ７１が配設されている。また、導波部材５４における外壁の側面には、一対の面状ヒータ７２、７３が配設されている。これらの面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３は、乾燥部６における導波部材５４を加熱する。また、図２および図３に示すように、導波部材５４の上部には、一対の冷却ファン７５、７６が配設されている。これらの冷却ファン７５、７６は、導波部材５４における外壁の上面に外気を吹き付けることにより、乾燥部６における導波部材５４を冷却する。さらに、図２および図３に示すように、導波部材５４の底部には、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の内部の温度を測定するための温度センサ７４が配設されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a planar heater 71 is disposed on the upper surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54. A pair of planar heaters 72 and 73 are disposed on the side surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54. These planar heaters 71, 72, 73 heat the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are disposed on the waveguide member 54. These cooling fans 75 and 76 cool the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 by blowing outside air onto the upper surface of the outer wall of the waveguide member 54. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a temperature sensor 74 for measuring the temperature inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is disposed at the bottom of the waveguide member 54.
　図４および図５に示すように、導波部材５４は、アルミニウムより構成され、互いに隣接して配置された３本の導波管５５、５６、５７を有する。各導波管５５、５６、５７は、断面が矩形状の筒状体から構成される。各導波管５５、５６、５７には、ロール紙１が通過するための孔部５９（図２および図４参照）が形成されている。 4 and 5, the waveguide member 54 is made of aluminum, and has three waveguides 55, 56, and 57 disposed adjacent to each other. Each of the waveguides 55, 56, and 57 is formed of a cylindrical body having a rectangular cross section. Each waveguide 55, 56, 57 is formed with a hole 59 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) through which the roll paper 1 passes.
　この導波部材５４における電磁波発生部５１側の端部には、樹脂部材６４、６５、６６が配設されており、電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部には、樹脂部材６２、６３と、短絡板として機能する反射部材６１とが配設されている。各樹脂部材６２、６３、６４、６５、６６は、高密度ポリエチレン（ＨＤＰＥ：Ｈｉｇｈ Ｄｅｎｓｉｔｙ Ｐｏｌｙｅｔｈｙｌｅｎｅ）から構成される。この高密度ポリエチレンは、誘電率が低く、電磁波により加熱されにくい性質を有する。 Resin members 64, 65, 66 are disposed at the end of the waveguide member 54 on the side of the electromagnetic wave generator 51, and resin members 62, 63 are disposed at the end opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51. And a reflecting member 61 that functions as a short-circuit plate. Each resin member 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE: High Density Polyethylene). This high density polyethylene has a low dielectric constant and is difficult to be heated by electromagnetic waves.
　樹脂部材６４は導波管５５内に配設されており、樹脂部材６２、６５は導波管５６内に配設されており、樹脂部材６３は導波管５７内に配設されている。樹脂部材６４の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と、樹脂部材６５の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と、樹脂部材６６の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部とは、導波部材５４に照射される電磁波の節間隔ｄの１／３であるｄ／３だけ互いに離隔している。また、同様に、反射部材６１の電磁波発生部５１側の端部と、樹脂部材６２の電磁波発生部５１側の端部と、樹脂部材６３の電磁波発生部５１側の端部とは、導波部材５４に照射される電磁波の節間隔ｄの１／３であるｄ／３だけ互いに離隔している。そして、樹脂部材６４の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と反射部材６１の電磁波発生部５１側の端部との距離、樹脂部材６５の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と樹脂部材６２の電磁波発生部５１側の端部との距離、および、樹脂部材６６の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と樹脂部材６３の電磁波発生部５１側の端部との距離は、いずれも、導波部材５４に照射される電磁波の波長λの２倍である２λとなっている。 The resin member 64 is disposed in the waveguide 55, the resin members 62 and 65 are disposed in the waveguide 56, and the resin member 63 is disposed in the waveguide 57. An end of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51, an end of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51, and an end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 Are separated from each other by d / 3, which is 1/3 of the node interval d of the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54. Similarly, the end of the reflection member 61 on the electromagnetic wave generation unit 51 side, the end of the resin member 62 on the electromagnetic wave generation unit 51 side, and the end of the resin member 63 on the electromagnetic wave generation unit 51 side are guided. The members 54 are separated from each other by d / 3, which is 1/3 of the node interval d of the electromagnetic wave applied to the member 54. The distance between the end portion of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 and the end portion of the reflection member 61 on the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 side, and the end portion of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 The distance between the end of the resin member 62 on the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 side and the distance between the end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 and the end of the resin member 63 on the electromagnetic wave generating part 51 side are In both cases, the wavelength is 2λ which is twice the wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54.
　そして、図５に示すように、導波管５５内においては、樹脂部材６４の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と反射部材６１の電磁波発生部５１側の端部とにおいて、導波部材５４に照射された電磁波の節が形成される。また、導波管５６内においては、樹脂部材６５の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と樹脂部材６２の電磁波発生部５１側の端部とにおいて、導波部材５４に照射された電磁波の節が形成される。さらに、導波管５７内においては、樹脂部材６６の電磁波発生部５１とは逆側の端部と樹脂部材６３の電磁波発生部５１側の端部とにおいて、導波部材５４に照射された電磁波の節が形成される。これにより、導波部材５４の各導波管５５、５６、５７内において、定在波Ｗが形成される。 Then, as shown in FIG. 5, in the waveguide 55, the wave is guided between the end portion of the resin member 64 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 and the end portion of the reflection member 61 on the electromagnetic wave generation portion 51 side. The node of the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the member 54 is formed. In the waveguide 56, the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54 at the end of the resin member 65 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 and the end of the resin member 62 on the electromagnetic wave generator 51 side. Are formed. Further, in the waveguide 57, the electromagnetic wave applied to the waveguide member 54 at the end of the resin member 66 opposite to the electromagnetic wave generator 51 and the end of the resin member 63 on the electromagnetic wave generator 51 side. Are formed. Thereby, a standing wave W is formed in each of the waveguides 55, 56, 57 of the waveguide member 54.
　図４に示すように、ヘッド部５においてインクが吐出されたロール紙１は、導波部材５４の各導波管５５、５６、５７に形成された孔部５９から導波部材５４内に進入する。そして、導波部材５４における各導波管５５、５６、５７内に形成された定在波Ｗにより加熱、乾燥される。このとき、各導波管５５、５６、５７内に形成される定在波Ｗにおける最も乾燥効率の高い腹の部分は、互いに、ｄ／３だけずれた位置に配置される。このため、ロール紙１の全域を略均一に乾燥することが可能となる。 As shown in FIG. 4, the roll paper 1 from which ink has been ejected in the head unit 5 enters the waveguide member 54 from the holes 59 formed in the respective waveguides 55, 56, 57 of the waveguide member 54. To do. And it heats and dries with the standing wave W formed in each waveguide 55,56,57 in the waveguide member 54. FIG. At this time, the antinode portions having the highest drying efficiency in the standing wave W formed in each of the waveguides 55, 56, and 57 are arranged at positions shifted from each other by d / 3. For this reason, the entire area of the roll paper 1 can be dried substantially uniformly.
　図６は、この発明に係る印刷装置の主要な制御系を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main control system of the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
　この発明に係る印刷装置は、装置の制御に必要な動作プログラムが格納されたＲＯＭと、制御時にデータ等が一時的にストアされるＲＡＭと、論理演算を実行するプロセッサーとしてのＣＰＵとを備えた制御部３を備える。 A printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a ROM in which an operation program necessary for controlling the apparatus is stored, a RAM in which data and the like are temporarily stored at the time of control, and a CPU as a processor that executes a logical operation. A control unit 3 is provided.
　この制御部３は、上述した操作部４、搬送機構２、ヘッド部５および乾燥部６と接続されている。また、この制御部３は、上述した面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３の駆動を制御するヒータ制御部７と、一対の冷却ファン７５、７６の駆動を制御するファン制御部８と、温度センサ７４とに接続されている。 The control unit 3 is connected to the operation unit 4, the transport mechanism 2, the head unit 5, and the drying unit 6 described above. The control unit 3 includes a heater control unit 7 that controls driving of the above-described planar heaters 71, 72, and 73, a fan control unit 8 that controls driving of the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76, and a temperature sensor 74. And connected to.
　以上のような構成を有する印刷装置において、印刷開始時において乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度が低温となっていた場合には、導波部材５４内で結露が生じ、電磁波が照射されたときにスパークが発生するという問題が生ずる。また、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度が低温の状態から高温の状態に変化したときには、熱膨張により、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の大きさが変化する。導波部材５４の大きさが変化した場合には、この導波部材５４内に一定の定在波Ｗを形成することができなくなり、乾燥部６における乾燥効率が低下するという問題が生ずる。さらに、印刷を継続して実行した場合においては、電磁波の作用により乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度が徐々に上昇し、乾燥部６の内部の部品が熱により損傷するという問題も生ずる。 In the printing apparatus having the above configuration, when the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is low at the start of printing, dew condensation occurs in the waveguide member 54 and electromagnetic waves are irradiated. The problem of sparks sometimes arises. Further, when the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 changes from a low temperature state to a high temperature state, the size of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 changes due to thermal expansion. When the size of the waveguide member 54 changes, it becomes impossible to form a constant standing wave W in the waveguide member 54, resulting in a problem that the drying efficiency in the drying unit 6 is lowered. Furthermore, when printing is continuously performed, the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 gradually increases due to the action of electromagnetic waves, and there is a problem that the components inside the drying unit 6 are damaged by heat.
　このため、この発明に係る印刷装置においては、温度センサ７４と、面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３および一対の冷却ファン７５、７６の作用により、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度を一定範囲内に維持することにより、定在波Ｗを利用して乾燥を行う場合においても、効率的に乾燥を実行することを可能としている。 Therefore, in the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is within a certain range by the action of the temperature sensor 74, the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 and the pair of cooling fans 75, 76. By maintaining the inside, it is possible to efficiently perform the drying even when the standing wave W is used for drying.
　次に、この発明に係る印刷装置による、印刷および乾燥時の温度制御工程について説明する。図７は、この発明に係る印刷装置による印刷および乾燥時の温度制御工程を示すフローチャートである。 Next, the temperature control process at the time of printing and drying by the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a temperature control process during printing and drying by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
　なお、この温度制御工程は、図１および図６に示す制御部３により、印刷動作の開始前から実行される。制御部３は、印刷工程の前に温度制御工程を開始する制御部として機能する。 This temperature control step is executed by the control unit 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 before the start of the printing operation. The control unit 3 functions as a control unit that starts the temperature control process before the printing process.
　温度制御工程においては、最初に、設定温度を設定する必要があるか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１）。この設定温度は、乾燥部６の温度をどの温度範囲に維持するかを決定する温度である。この実施形態においては、乾燥部６の加熱を開始すべき温度ＴＨの設定（ステップＳ５）と、乾燥部６の冷却を開始すべき温度ＴＣの設定（ステップＳ６）とを実行する。ここで、温度ＴＨは、例えば、摂氏５０度であり、温度ＴＣは、例えば、摂氏６０度である。 In the temperature control process, first, it is determined whether or not the set temperature needs to be set (step S1). This set temperature is a temperature that determines in which temperature range the temperature of the drying unit 6 is maintained. In this embodiment, setting of the temperature TH at which heating of the drying unit 6 should be started (step S5) and setting of the temperature TC at which cooling of the drying unit 6 should be started (step S6) are performed. Here, the temperature TH is, for example, 50 degrees Celsius, and the temperature TC is, for example, 60 degrees Celsius.
　温度ＴＨ、ＴＣの設定が完了すれば、温度制御動作と、この温度制御動作後の印刷動作を含む一連の動作を終了するか否かを判断する（ステップＳ２）。一連の動作を終了しない時には、温度センサ７４により測定した乾燥部６における導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが、温度ＴＨ以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ７）。そして、導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが温度ＴＨより低い時には、制御部３の制御によりヒータ制御部７を介して面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３をＯＮとする（ステップＳ８）。これにより、面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３によって導波部材５４が加熱される。一方、導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが温度ＴＨ以上のときには、面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３をＯＦＦとする（ステップＳ９）。 When the setting of the temperatures TH and TC is completed, it is determined whether or not to end a series of operations including the temperature control operation and the printing operation after the temperature control operation (step S2). When the series of operations is not finished, it is determined whether or not the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 measured by the temperature sensor 74 is equal to or higher than the temperature TH (step S7). When the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 is lower than the temperature TH, the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned on via the heater control unit 7 under the control of the control unit 3 (step S8). As a result, the waveguide member 54 is heated by the planar heaters 71, 72 and 73. On the other hand, when the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 is equal to or higher than the temperature TH, the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned off (step S9).
　次に、温度センサ７４により測定した乾燥部６における導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが、温度ＴＣ以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１０）。そして、導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが温度ＴＣより高い時には、制御部３の制御によりファン制御部８を介して一対の冷却ファン７５、７６をＯＮとする（ステップＳ１１）。これにより、一対の冷却ファン７５、７６によって導波部材５４が冷却される。一方、導波部材５４の内部の温度Ｔが温度ＴＣ以下のときには、一対の冷却ファン７５、７６をＯＦＦとする（ステップＳ１２）。 Next, it is determined whether or not the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 measured by the temperature sensor 74 is equal to or higher than the temperature TC (step S10). When the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 is higher than the temperature TC, the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned on via the fan control unit 8 under the control of the control unit 3 (step S11). As a result, the waveguide member 54 is cooled by the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76. On the other hand, when the temperature T inside the waveguide member 54 is equal to or lower than the temperature TC, the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned off (step S12).
　以上の温度制御動作を実行することにより、乾燥部６の温度がＴＨ以上ＴＣ以下の温度となって安定すれば、搬送機構２によりロール紙１を搬送するとともに、ヘッド部５によりロール紙１に対してインクを吐出することにより印刷が実行される。ロール紙１に吐出されたインクは、乾燥部６において乾燥される。 If the temperature of the drying unit 6 is stabilized to a temperature of TH or more and TC or less by performing the above temperature control operation, the roll paper 1 is transported by the transport mechanism 2 and the roll paper 1 is transported by the head unit 5. On the other hand, printing is executed by ejecting ink. The ink discharged on the roll paper 1 is dried in the drying unit 6.
　このように、印刷工程の前から、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度が温度ＴＨと温度ＴＣの間に保たれる。このため、印刷開始時においても乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度を所定の温度に維持できることから、導波部材５４内での結露が生じることはなく、電磁波によるスパークの発生を未然に防止することが可能となる。また、その後の印刷実行中において、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度を所定の温度範囲に維持することができることから、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の大きさを一定に維持して、導波部材５４内に一定の定在波Ｗを形成することができ、乾燥部６における乾燥効率を一定に維持することが可能となる。さらに、印刷を継続して実行した場合においても、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度を一定範囲内に維持することにより、乾燥部６の内部の部品の熱による損傷を防止することが可能となる。 Thus, the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is kept between the temperature TH and the temperature TC before the printing process. For this reason, since the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature even at the start of printing, condensation in the waveguide member 54 does not occur and the occurrence of sparks due to electromagnetic waves can be prevented. It becomes possible to do. Moreover, since the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 can be maintained within a predetermined temperature range during the subsequent printing, the size of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is maintained constant, A constant standing wave W can be formed in the waveguide member 54, and the drying efficiency in the drying unit 6 can be maintained constant. Furthermore, even when the printing is continuously executed, it is possible to prevent damage due to heat of components inside the drying unit 6 by maintaining the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 within a certain range. It becomes.
　一連の印刷作業が終了すれば、これに伴って乾燥部６に対する温度制御動作も終了させるために（ステップＳ２）、ヒータ制御部７を介して面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３をＯＦＦとするとともに（ステップＳ３）、一対の冷却ファン７５、７６をＯＦＦとする（ステップＳ４）。 When the series of printing operations is completed, the temperature control operation for the drying unit 6 is also completed (step S2), and the sheet heaters 71, 72, 73 are turned off via the heater control unit 7. (Step S3), the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are turned off (Step S4).
　なお、上述した実施形態においては、面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３と一対の冷却ファン７５、７６との作用により、乾燥部６における導波部材５４の温度を一定範囲内に維持する構成を採用している。しかしながら、面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３による加熱制御だけで導波部材５４の温度を所定の温度に維持しうる場合においては、冷却ファン７５、７６を省略するようにしてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the temperature of the waveguide member 54 in the drying unit 6 is maintained within a certain range by the action of the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 and the pair of cooling fans 75, 76. is doing. However, when the temperature of the waveguide member 54 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature only by heating control with the planar heaters 71, 72, 73, the cooling fans 75, 76 may be omitted.
　また、上述した実施形態においては、この発明に係る加熱機構として面状ヒータ７１、７２、７３を使用しているが、その他の加熱機構を使用してもよい。また、上述した実施形態においては、この発明に係る冷却機構として一対の冷却ファン７５、７６を使用しているが、その他の冷却機構を使用してもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the planar heaters 71, 72, 73 are used as the heating mechanism according to the present invention, but other heating mechanisms may be used. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pair of cooling fans 75 and 76 are used as the cooling mechanism according to the present invention, but other cooling mechanisms may be used.
　１　　　ロール紙
　２　　　搬送機構
　３　　　制御部
　４　　　操作部
　５　　　ヘッド部
　６　　　乾燥部
　７　　　ヒータ制御部
　８　　　ファン制御部
　９　　　インク吐出ヘッドユニット
　２１　　巻き出し部
　２２　　巻き取り部
　５１　　電磁波発生部
　５２　　アイソレータ
　５３　　電磁波整合部
　５４　　導波部材
　５５　　導波管
　５６　　導波管
　５７　　導波管
　５９　　孔部
　６１　　反射部材
　６２　　樹脂部材
　６３　　樹脂部材
　６４　　樹脂部材
　６５　　樹脂部材
　６６　　樹脂部材
　７１　　面状ヒータ
　７２　　面状ヒータ
　７３　　面状ヒータ
　７４　　温度センサ
　７５　　冷却ファン
　７６　　冷却ファン
　Ｗ　　　定在波 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Roll paper 2 Conveyance mechanism 3 Control part 4 Operation part 5 Head part 6 Drying part 7 Heater control part 8 Fan control part 9 Ink discharge head unit 21 Unwinding part 22 Winding part 51 Electromagnetic wave generating part 52 Isolator 53 Electromagnetic wave matching part 54 Waveguide member 55 Waveguide 56 Waveguide 57 Waveguide 59 Hole 61 Reflective member 62 Resin member 63 Resin member 64 Resin member 65 Resin member 66 Resin member 71 Planar heater 72 Planar heater 73 Planar heater 74 Temperature Sensor 75 Cooling fan 76 Cooling fan W Standing wave

Claims (6)

  1. 　基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うヘッド部と、
    　導波部材内に電磁波を照射して前記導波部材内に定在波を形成することにより、前記ヘッド部において前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる乾燥部と、
    　前記ヘッド部および前記乾燥部に対して前記基材を搬送する搬送機構と、
    　を備えた印刷装置において、
    　前記乾燥部を加熱する加熱機構と、
    　前記乾燥部の温度を検出する温度センサと、
    　前記温度センサにより測定された前記乾燥部の温度に基づいて前記加熱機構を制御する制御部と、
    　を備えることを特徴とする印刷装置。     A head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate;
    A drying unit that dries the ink ejected to the substrate in the head unit by irradiating an electromagnetic wave in the waveguide member to form a standing wave in the waveguide member;
    A transport mechanism for transporting the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit;
    In a printing apparatus comprising
    A heating mechanism for heating the drying unit;
    A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drying unit;
    A control unit for controlling the heating mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor;
    A printing apparatus comprising:
  2. 　請求項１に記載の印刷装置において、
    　前記加熱機構は、前記導波部材の外壁に配設された面状ヒータである印刷装置。     The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
    The printing apparatus, wherein the heating mechanism is a planar heater disposed on an outer wall of the waveguide member.
  3. 　請求項１に記載の印刷装置において、
    　前記制御部は、前記ヘッド部による印刷が開始する前に、前記加熱機構により前記乾燥部を加熱させる印刷装置。     The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
    The control unit is a printing apparatus in which the drying unit is heated by the heating mechanism before printing by the head unit is started.
  4. 　請求項１から請求項３のいずれかに記載の印刷装置において、
    　前記乾燥部を冷却する冷却機構をさらに備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記温度センサにより測定された前記乾燥部の温度に基づいて前記冷却機構を制御する印刷装置。     The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    A cooling mechanism for cooling the drying unit;
    The control unit is a printing apparatus that controls the cooling mechanism based on the temperature of the drying unit measured by the temperature sensor.
  5. 　請求項４に記載の印刷装置において、
    　前記冷却機構は、前記導波部材の外壁に外気を吹き付けるファンである印刷装置。     The printing apparatus according to claim 4,
    The printing apparatus, wherein the cooling mechanism is a fan that blows outside air onto an outer wall of the waveguide member.
  6. 　基材に対してインクを吐出することによりインクジェット方式で印刷を行うヘッド部と、
    　導波部材内に電磁波を照射して前記導波部材内に定在波を形成することにより、前記ヘッド部において前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥させる乾燥部と、
    　前記ヘッド部および前記乾燥部に対して前記基材を搬送する搬送機構と、
    　を備えた印刷装置を使用して印刷を行う印刷方法であって、
    　前記乾燥部を加熱するとともに前記乾燥部の温度を検出し、前記乾燥部を所定の温度に維持する温度制御工程と、
    　前記搬送機構により前記基材を搬送し、前記搬送機構により搬送される前記基材に対して、前記ヘッド部により前記基材にインクを吐出した後、前記乾燥部により前記基材に吐出されたインクを乾燥する印刷工程と、
    　を含むことを特徴とする印刷方法。     A head portion that performs printing by an ink jet method by ejecting ink onto a substrate;
    A drying unit that dries the ink ejected to the substrate in the head unit by irradiating an electromagnetic wave in the waveguide member to form a standing wave in the waveguide member;
    A transport mechanism for transporting the substrate to the head unit and the drying unit;
    A printing method for performing printing using a printing apparatus comprising:
    A temperature control step of heating the drying unit and detecting the temperature of the drying unit and maintaining the drying unit at a predetermined temperature;
    The base material was transported by the transport mechanism, and after the ink was ejected to the base material by the head unit with respect to the base material transported by the transport mechanism, the ink was ejected to the base material by the drying unit A printing process for drying the ink;
    A printing method comprising:
PCT/JP2017/045905 2017-03-23 2017-12-21 Printing device and printing method WO2018173395A1 (en)

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Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11115175A (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-04-27 Brother Ind Ltd Ink jet printer
JP2000203008A (en) * 1999-01-14 2000-07-25 Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd Ink jet printed matter forming apparatus and ink jet printed matter formed thereby
US20030154620A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-08-21 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for electromagnetic drying of printed media
JP2010125781A (en) * 2008-11-28 2010-06-10 Mimaki Engineering Co Ltd Inkjet printer
JP2013114835A (en) * 2011-11-28 2013-06-10 Murata Mach Ltd Microwave heating apparatus and image fixing device using the same
JP2016147396A (en) * 2015-02-10 2016-08-18 株式会社Ｓｃｒｅｅｎホールディングス Image recorder and image recording method

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11115175A (en) * 1997-10-15 1999-04-27 Brother Ind Ltd Ink jet printer
JP2000203008A (en) * 1999-01-14 2000-07-25 Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd Ink jet printed matter forming apparatus and ink jet printed matter formed thereby
US20030154620A1 (en) * 2002-02-15 2003-08-21 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for electromagnetic drying of printed media
JP2010125781A (en) * 2008-11-28 2010-06-10 Mimaki Engineering Co Ltd Inkjet printer
JP2013114835A (en) * 2011-11-28 2013-06-10 Murata Mach Ltd Microwave heating apparatus and image fixing device using the same
JP2016147396A (en) * 2015-02-10 2016-08-18 株式会社Ｓｃｒｅｅｎホールディングス Image recorder and image recording method

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