This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-184163, filed on Sep. 21, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
This application relates generally to a printing device, a printing method executed by the printing device, and a nonvolatile computer-readable recording medium on which a program is stored.
Conventionally, thermal printers are known in which energization of heater elements provided to a thermal head is controlled for desired printing onto a printing medium. Such a thermal printer is described in, for example, Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 2011-126140.
If the heater elements are continuously heated during an energization period, the temperature of the heater elements will significantly rises. When the peak temperature of the heater elements becomes too high, a phenomenon called broken ribbon in which an ink ribbon melts and breaks or a phenomenon called sticking in which the thermal head sticks to the ink ribbon or the printing medium may occur and then the print quality may deteriorate.
The printing device according to the present disclosure is a printing device, including:
a thermal head including heater elements arrayed into a line along an array direction intersecting a conveying direction of a printing medium; and
controller that causes the thermal head print to onto the printing medium based on multiple line print data, each of the multiple line print data being data into which print data is divided along the array direction,
wherein the controller performs either of a first energization control to energize the heater elements in one line cycle for printing based on a single line print data among the multiple line print data and a second energization control to energize the heater elements so that a non-energization period in which the heater elements are not energized is included in the one line cycle, depending on a temperature of the thermal head.
The printing method according to the present disclosure is a printing method executed by controller of a printing device, wherein
the printing device further includes a thermal head including heater elements arrayed into a line along an array direction intersecting a conveying direction of a printing medium, and
the printing method includes
causing the thermal head to print onto the printing medium based on multiple line print data, each of the multiple line print data being data into which print data is divided along the array direction, and
performing either of a first energization control to energize the heater elements in one line cycle for printing based on a single line print data among the multiple line print data and a second energization control to energize the heater elements so that a non-energization period in which the heater elements are not energized is included in the one line cycle, depending on a temperature of the thermal head.
The printing method according to the present disclosure is a printing method executed by controller of a printing device, wherein
the printing device further includes a thermal head including heater elements arrayed into a line, and
the printing method includes
causing the thermal head to print onto a printing medium by heating an ink ribbon with the heater elements based on multiple line print data, each of the multiple line print data being data into which print data is divided along the array direction, and
performing either of a first energization control to energize the heater elements in one line cycle for printing based on a single line print data among the multiple line print data and a second energization control to energize the heater elements so that a non-energization period in which the heater elements are not energized is included in the one line cycle, depending on a likelihood of the ink ribbon breaking or a likelihood of the ink ribbon or the printing medium sticking to the thermal head.
The nonvolatile computer-readable recording medium according to the present disclosure is a nonvolatile recording medium on which a computer-readable program is stored, the program causing controller of a printing device to execute the following processing:
causing a thermal head provided to the printing device to print onto the printing medium based on multiple line print data, each of the multiple line print data being data into which print data is divided along the array direction, and
performing either of a first energization control to energize the heater elements in one line cycle for printing based on a single line print data among the multiple line print data and a second energization control to energize the heater elements so that a non-energization period in which the heater elements are not energized is included in the one line cycle, depending on a temperature of the thermal head.
A more complete understanding of this application can be obtained when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
The printing device 1 comprises, as shown in
The input device 3 comprises various keys such as input keys, an arrow key, a conversion key, and an enter key. The display 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel and displays characters and the like corresponding to input from the input device 3, a selection menu for various settings, messages regarding various kinds of processing, and the like. Moreover, the display 4 displays, during printing, contents such as characters and/or graphics ordered to print onto the printing medium M (hereafter termed the print content).
Furthermore, the display 4 may display the progress of the printing. Here, the display 4 may be provided with a touch panel unit and in such a case, the display 4 functions as a part of the input device 3.
The open/close cover 18 is disposed at the top of the cassette housing 19 in an openable/closable manner The open/close cover 18 is opened as a button 18a is pressed down. The open/close cover 18 has a window 18b formed so that whether a tape cassette 30 (see
The tape cassette 30 has, as shown in
The cassette housing 19 of the device enclosure 2 is provided with multiple cassette receivers 20 for supporting the tape cassette 30 at a given position as shown in
The cassette housing 19 is further provided with a thermal head 10 having heater elements printing onto the printing medium M, a platen roller 21 that is conveyance means for conveying the printing medium M, a tape core engaging shaft 22, and an ink ribbon roll-up drive shaft 23. Furthermore, a thermistor 13 is embedded in the thermal head 10. The thermistor 13 functions as measurement means for measuring the temperature of the thermal head 10.
With the tape cassette 30 being housed in the cassette housing 19, as shown in
As a print order is entered into the printing device 1, the printing medium M is dispensed from the tape core 32 by rotation of the platen roller 21. At this point, the ink ribbon roll-up drive shaft 23 rotates in sync with the platen roller 21, whereby the ink ribbon R is dispensed from the ink ribbon feed core 34 along with the printing medium M. As a result, the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R are conveyed in an overlapped state. Then, while passing between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21, the ink ribbon R is heated by the thermal head 10, whereby ink is transferred to the printing medium M for printing.
The used ink ribbon R after passing between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is rolled up by the ink ribbon roll-up core 35. On the other hand, the printed printing medium M after passing between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is cut by a half-cut mechanism 16 and a full-cut mechanism 17 and discharged from the discharge slot 2a.
The controller 5 includes a processor 5a such as a central processing unit (CPU). The controller 5 loads on the RAM 7 and executes programs stored in the ROM 6 to control the operations of the parts of the printing device 1. In other words, the controller 5 is head control means for controlling the thermal head 10, conveyance control means for controlling the platen roller 21, and cut control means for controlling the cut mechanisms.
The ROM 6 stores a print program for printing onto the printing medium M and various data necessary for executing the print program (for example, fonts and the like). Here, the ROM 6 also functions as a storage medium storing programs readable by the controller 5.
The RAM 7 functions as an input data memory storing information regarding printing (hereafter termed the printing information). Moreover, the RAM 7 also functions as a print data memory storing data generated based on the printing information and presenting a pattern of print contents to be formed on the printing medium (hereafter termed the print data). Furthermore, the RAM 7 also functions as a display data memory storing display data generated based on the printing information.
The display drive circuit 8 controls the display 4 based on the display data stored in the RAM 7. The display 4 may display, for example, the print contents in a manner making the progress of the printing recognizable under the control of the display drive circuit 8.
The head drive circuit 9 energizes heater elements 10a based on the print data and a signal. This signal is, for example, a strobe signal. The thermal head 10 is a print head having heater elements 10a arrayed in the main scanning direction. As the head drive circuit 9 selectively energizes the heater elements 10a according to the print data during a period in which a strobe signal transmitted by the controller 5 is ON (namely, an energization period), the thermal head 10 heats the ink ribbon R with the heater elements 10a to print onto the printing medium M by thermal transfer line by line.
The conveyer motor drive circuit 11 drives the stepping motor 12. The stepping motor 12 drives the platen roller 21. The platen roller 21 is conveyance means rotating by the motive power of the stepping motor 12 for conveying the printing medium M in the longitudinal direction of the printing medium M (the sub-scanning direction).
The cutter motor drive circuit 14 drives the cutter motor 15. The half-cut mechanism 16 and the full-cut mechanism 17 operate by the motive force of the cutter motor 15. The full-cut mechanism 17 full-cuts the printing medium M. The half-cut mechanism 16 half-cuts the printing medium M. The full-cut is an operation to cut the base of the printing medium M together with the releasable paper along the width direction. The half-cut is an operation to cut only the base along the width direction.
In the printing device 1 having the above configuration, the controller 5 that is head control means operates as follows.
First, for realizing gradation control regardless of the performance of the processor 5a, the controller 5 changes print data one time during an energization-controlled period in which the thermal head 10 prints one line. More specifically, the controller 5 changes print data retained by the head drive circuit 9 from primary energization data to historical energization data in an energization-controlled period. Here, the primary energization data are first print data of the printing device 1 and print data presenting a print pattern to be formed on a line to print during that energization-controlled period (hereafter termed the target line). Moreover, the historical energization data is second print data of the printing device 1 and print data generated based on the print data of a preceding line that is printed before the target line (for example, the line prior to the target line by one line).
Second, for preventing the temperature of the heater elements 10a from becoming too high, the controller 5 controls the thermal head 10 so that a non-energization period is established in an energization-controlled period based on the temperature of the thermal head 10. More specifically, the controller 5 generates a strobe signal indicating that a non-energization period is established in an energization-controlled period based on the temperature measured by the thermistor 13 and outputs the strobe signal to the head drive circuit 9. Here, “a non-energization period being established based on the temperature” means that, for example, a non-energization period is established for some temperatures and no non-energization period is established for some other temperatures; whether to establish a non-energization period depends on the temperature. Here, as shown in
As the controller 5 operates as described above, the printing device 1 can perform high quality printing regardless of the processing performance of the processor 5a while suppressing occurrence of broken ribbon and sticking. Although not particularly restricted, the above-described control by the controller 5 is particularly preferable when the tape width (ribbon width) is small. This is because in cases in which print data is of a high rate of black letters and the temperature of the thermal head is high, sticking or broken ribbon is more likely to occur compared to when the tape width (ribbon width) is large. Here, major factors causing sticking or broken ribbon when the tape width (ribbon width) is small include the following. First, a narrow tape is printed in one part even with a high rate of black letters. In one part printing, the print speed is relatively high compared to printing a wide tape with a high rate of black letters in three parts. Therefore, heat tends to remain after moving on to the next line and the thermal head easily becomes hot. Second, if the thermal head width is larger than the ribbon width, the thermal head is pressed against the ribbon with a larger force. Here, the reason that the thermal head width is larger than the ribbon width is that the thermal head has to deal with tapes of multiple different widths.
For establishing a non-energization period in an energization-controlled period, the controller 5 may establish a non-energization period in the primary energization-controlled period of an energization-controlled period. The primary energization-controlled period is a period in which the thermal head 10 is controlled based on primary energization data. Establishing a non-energization period in a primary energization-controlled period is desirable in terms of extra time for controlling a strobe signal compared to establishing a non-energization period in a historical energization-controlled period. Here, the historical energization-controlled period is a period established for adjusting gradation and usually shorter than a primary energization-controlled period. Moreover, in this specification, a strobe signal is normally ON during a historical energization-controlled period. Therefore, a historical energization-controlled period is a historical energization period.
Furthermore, in establishing a non-energization period in a primary energization-controlled period, the controller 5 may establish multiple non-energization periods including a first non-energization period and a second non-energization period intermittently in a primary energization-controlled period. In such a case, it is desirable that the second non-energization period is longer and later than the first non-energization period. Moreover, it is desirable that the second non-energization period is established in the end of a primary energization-controlled period. This is because as proceeding on to the second half of an energization-controlled period, the temperature of the heater elements 10a is possibly higher. Moreover, if the temperature of the heater elements 10a is high, it is possible to perform printing in a non-energization state and suppress deterioration in the printing efficiency.
As the print control procedure shown in
In the strobe waveform determination procedure, the controller 5 first acquires the temperature of the thermal head 10 measured by the thermistor 13 (Step S101) and determines a strobe signal waveform based on the temperature of the thermal head 10 (Step S102).
In the Step S102, the controller 5 first determines an energization-controlled period T0 (μs) and an energization-uncontrolled period T3 (μs) based on the temperature of the thermal head 10 measured in the Step S101 (hereafter termed the measured temperature). The controller 5 further determines a primary energization-controlled period T1 (μs) and a historical energization-controlled period T2 (μs). Here, the energization-controlled period T0, the primary energization-controlled period T1, the historical energization-controlled period T2, and the energization-uncontrolled period T3 are determined so as to satisfy T0=T1+T2 and T=T0+T3. The energization-controlled period T0, the primary energization-controlled period T1, and the historical energization-controlled period T2 are determined so as to be longer as the measured temperature is lower. T (μs) is a period for conveying the printing medium M by one line (hereafter termed the one line cycle).
Furthermore, the controller 5 determines a first energization period Ton11 (μs), a first non-energization period Toff11 (μs), a second energization period Ton12 (μs), and a second non-energization period Toff12 (μs).
When the measured temperature is equal to or higher than a given temperature, the controller 5 determines the first energization period Ton11, the first non-energization period Toff11, the second energization period Ton12, and the second non-energization period Toff12 so as to all exceed 0 (μs) in value and satisfy T1=Ton11+Toff11+Ton12+Toff12. Moreover, the second non-energization period Toff12 is determined so as to be shorter than both the first energization period Ton11 and the second energization period Ton12. Moreover, the first non-energization period Toff11 is determined so as to be shorter than the second non-energization period Toff12. As a result, a strobe signal waveform is determined. Here, a waveform WF1 shown in
On the other hand, when the measured temperature is lower than a given temperature, the controller 5 determines the first energization period Ton11, the first non-energization period Toff11, the second energization period Ton12, and the second non-energization period Toff12 so as to satisfy Ton11=T1 and the Toff11=Ton12=Toff12=0. As a result, a strobe signal waveform is determined. Here, a waveform WF2 shown in
As a strobe signal waveform is determined, the controller 5 transfers the primary energization data acquired in the Step S1 to the head drive circuit 9 (Step S4) and sets for the first energization period Ton11 and starts the timer (Step S5).
As the timer set for the first energization period Ton11 starts, the controller 5 shifts the latch signal output to the head drive circuit 9 to ON (Step S6) so as to cause the head drive circuit 9 retain the primary energization data. Then, the controller 5 changes to ON and holds the strobe signal (Step S7) to cause the head drive circuit 9 energize the heater elements 10a according to the primary energization data.
Furthermore, the controller 5 transfers the historical energization data to the head drive circuit 9 during the first energization period Ton11 (Step S8). Subsequently, as the first energization period Ton11 has elapsed (Step S9: YES), the controller 5 determines whether the first non-energization period Toff11 is 0 (Step S10).
If the first non-energization period Toff11 is 0 (Step S10: YES), the controller 5 changes to OFF and holds the strobe signal (Step S11) and performs processing of Step S21. If the first non-energization period Toff11 is not 0 (Step S10: NO), the controller 5 sets for the first non-energization period Toff11 and starts the timer (Step S12).
As the timer set for the first non-energization period Toff11 starts, the controller 5 changes to OFF and holds the strobe signal (Step S13) to stop energization of the heater elements 10a by the head drive circuit 9. As a result, abrupt temperature rise of the heater elements 10a is suppressed. Subsequently, as the first non-energization period Toff11 has elapsed (Step S14: YES), the controller 5 sets for the second energization period Ton12 and starts the timer (Step S15).
As the timer set for the second energization period Ton12 starts, the controller 5 changes to ON and holds the strobe signal (Step S16) to cause the head drive circuit 9 energize the heater elements 10a according to the primary energization data again. Subsequently, as the second energization period Ton12 has elapsed (Step S17: YES), the controller 5 sets for the second non-energization period Toff12 and starts the timer (Step S18).
As the timer set for the second non-energization period Toff12 starts, the controller 5 changes to OFF and holds the strobe signal (Step S19) to stop energization of the heater elements 10a by the head drive circuit 9. As a result, abrupt temperature rise of the heater elements 10a is suppressed. Subsequently, as the second non-energization period Toff12 has elapsed (Step S20: YES), the controller 5 sets for the historical energization period T2 and starts the timer (Step S21).
As the timer set for the historical energization period T2 starts, the controller 5 shifts the latch signal output to the head drive circuit 9 to ON (Step S22) so as to cause the head drive circuit 9 retain the historical energization data. Then, the controller 5 changes to ON and holds the strobe signal (Step S23) to cause the head drive circuit 9 energize the heater elements 10a according to the historical energization data. Subsequently, as the historical energization period T2 has elapsed (Step S24: YES), the controller 5 sets for the energization-uncontrolled period T3 and starts the timer (Step S25).
As the timer set for the energization-uncontrolled period T3 starts, the controller 5 changes to OFF and holds the strobe signal (Step S26) to stop energization of the heater elements 10a by the head drive circuit 9 and finish printing one line by the thermal head 10. Subsequently, the controller 5 determines whether to end the printing (Step S27).
If determined not to end the printing in the Step S27 (Step S27: NO), the controller 5 acquires primary energization data for a line to print next (Step S28) and generates historical energization data (Step S29). Subsequently, the controller 5 performs the strobe waveform determination procedure shown in
In the printing device 1 performing the print control procedure shown in
A case is described above in which the controller 5 determines whether to establish a non-energization period and determines a strobe signal waveform based on the temperature of the thermal head 10. However, whether to establish a non-energization period may be determined with consideration of elements other than the temperature of the thermal head 10.
The controller 5 may perform the strobe waveform determination procedure shown in
Moreover, the controller 5 may perform the strobe waveform determination procedure shown in
Moreover, the controller 5 may perform the strobe waveform determination procedure shown in
For example, the controller 5 may function as determination means for determining the likelihood of the ink ribbon R breaking or the likelihood of the ink ribbon R or the printing medium M sticking to the thermal head 10 based on information including at least one of the temperature of the thermal head 10, the print pattern, and the width of the printing medium M. Then, the controller 5 may control the thermal head 10 so as to establish a non-energization period in an energization-controlled period based on the determination result.
The above-described embodiment presents a specific embodiment for easier understanding of the disclosure. The present disclosure is not confined to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications and changes can be made to the printing device, the printing method of the printing device, and the program without departing from the scope of claims.
In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 1 having the input device 3 and the display 4 is described by way of example. However, the printing device 1 may be a printing device not requiring operation of the input device 3 or display of the display 4 and may be a printing device receiving print data from a computer different from the printing device 1. Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, a strobe signal waveform is determined for each line. However, a strobe signal waveform may be determined on the basis of a given number of lines.
As described above, the present disclosure can apply various changes or modifications to the above-described specific embodiment and embodiments including such changes or modifications are included in the technical scope of the present disclosure, which is apparent to a person in the field from the description in the scope of claims.
The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2016-184163 | Sep 2016 | JP | national |