JP2003080757A - Thermal recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal recorder in which print dots can be protected surely against blur or collapse due to heat stored in a heating element through a simplified processing at each environmental temperature. SOLUTION: A CPU 21 acquires an environmental temperature at the time of starting operation (S1), and acquires a 'reference value' and a 'subtraction number of dots' corresponding to the environmental temperature from a cooling parameter table 3 (S2). Subsequently, a timer 21A is started (S3) and the number of print dots is added to a total number of print dot counter 27D every time when a line is printed (S5, S6). On the other hand, the 'subtraction number of dots' is subtracted from the count of the total number of print dot counter 27D every time when a specified time elapses after starting operation (S10, S11). When the count of the total number of print dot counter 27D is higher than the 'reference value' after ending print operation, a thermal head 9 is cooled by dissipating heat after waiting a moment when the count of the total number of print dot counter 27D reaches the 'reference value' (S15: YES).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heat-sensitive recording in which a plurality of heating elements mounted on a thermal head are selectively driven to generate heat and recording is performed while moving the thermal head and a print medium relatively. Regarding the apparatus, in particular, by detecting the total number of printed dots in relation to the environmental temperature and time, the print pause time between the print patterns can be set in consideration of the environmental temperature. The present invention relates to a thermal recording device capable of reliably preventing bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage of a heating element by a simple process at a temperature, and performing high-quality printing without executing a print suspension process in a low temperature environment. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various recording apparatuses have been proposed for improving print driving characteristics by heat storage of a print head such as a thermal head. For example, JP-A-61-1126
In the printing device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 49, a plurality of printing elements forming a dot row of the print head are selectively driven according to the movement of the print head to print characters, figures, and the like. In the printing apparatus, with the printing operation of the print head, a counting unit that sequentially adds the number of dots to be printed, a time measuring unit that constantly measures time, and a time measuring unit that measures the predetermined time each time, Subtraction means for subtracting a predetermined value from the counter means, judgment means for judging whether or not the count value of the counter means is a reference value or more, and when the judgment means judges that the count value is a reference value or more, the printing And a print control unit that controls the print head so that special printing is performed in the head. As a result, the number of dots printed by the printing operation of the print head is sequentially added by the counter means, and the predetermined value is subtracted from the counter means each time the time measuring means measures the predetermined time by the subtracting means.
When the determination means determines that the count value of the counter means is equal to or greater than the reference value, the print control means controls the printing so that the print head performs a special printing operation. In this way, when the count value of the counter means is equal to or greater than the reference value, a special printing operation is executed to radiate heat from the print head, so printing defects due to heat generation of the print head are prevented and characters and figures are displayed. It is possible to print with high quality.

[0003]

However, in the printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-112649, the number of printing dots in a printing line is detected only in relation to time, and the printing temperature Since the relevance is not considered, even if the count value of the counter means exceeds the reference value when the environmental temperature is low, it is not necessary to execute a special printing operation to radiate heat from the print head. No
Since a special print operation is executed in the same way as when the temperature is high and unnecessary heat dissipation operation of the print head is executed, extra time is required for printing, which is not convenient for the user. .

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by detecting the total number of print dots in relation to the environmental temperature and time, the print patterns are separated from each other. Since the printing pause time can be set in consideration of the environmental temperature, it is possible to reliably prevent the printing dots from bleeding or crushing due to the heat accumulation of the heating element at each environmental temperature, and unnecessary in the low temperature environment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal recording device that does not perform a special print suspension process, eliminates the processing waiting time, is user-friendly, and enables high-quality printing.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a thermal recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat. In a thermal recording device that performs dot printing on the print medium while moving the thermal head and the print medium relative to each other, an environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature, and printing from a reference time. The total print dot number counting means for sequentially adding the number of dots to be printed, the time measuring means for measuring the time from the reference time, and the total print dot number according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring means. Subtraction means for subtracting a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the counting means, and total print dot number counting means after the subtraction means subtracts the predetermined subtraction dot number When the count value is larger than the predetermined reference value, the print control means for controlling so as to stop the heat generation drive of the heating element until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value, the print control means, The predetermined reference value is determined based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the total number of printed dots counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtracting unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. If the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value determined based on the ambient temperature, the thermal head is operated until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. The heat generation drive of the heat generating element is stopped. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is determined based on the ambient temperature and the count value after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time. Since it is determined and executed by comparison with the reference value, that is, the print pause time for heat dissipation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, it is possible to perform simple processing for the heating element of the thermal head. The heat radiation process can be executed corresponding to each environmental temperature, the blurring and crushing of the print dots due to heat accumulation can be reliably prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

A heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to a second aspect is the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising reference value storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature, The plurality of predetermined reference values are set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to claim 2 having such a feature, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to claim 1, the plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature have a low environmental temperature. It is set to grow as it grows. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head becomes larger as the environmental temperature becomes lower and the count value after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time. Because it is determined and executed by comparison with the predetermined reference value set in, that is, as the environmental temperature becomes lower,
Since the count value of the total number of print dots in which the thermal head heat generation suspension processing is executed becomes large, unnecessary print suspension processing is not performed in a low temperature environment, which eliminates the processing wait time and is user-friendly. In each environment temperature, the heat dissipation process of the heat generating element of the thermal head can be executed by a simple process, and the bleeding and crushing of the print dots due to heat accumulation can be reliably prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

A thermal recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention includes a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements and a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, and the thermal head and the printing target. In a thermal recording device that performs dot printing on the print-receiving medium while moving the medium relatively, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature,
Total print dot number counting means for sequentially adding the number of dots printed from the reference time, time measuring means for measuring the time from the reference time, and according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring means, A subtracting unit that subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit, and a count value of the total print dot number counting unit after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by the subtracting unit is a predetermined reference value. If the count value is larger than the predetermined reference value, the print control means controls to stop the heat generation drive of the heating element until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value, and the print control means is an environment detected at the reference time. It is characterized in that the predetermined subtraction dot number is determined based on the temperature.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the third aspect having such a feature, the total print dot number counting means sequentially adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtraction unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. When the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heat generation drive of the heat generating element of the thermal head is stopped until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. It Thereby, the heat-heat driving suspension process of the thermal head is performed by subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time, and Since it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value, that is, because the print pause time for heat dissipation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, the heating element of the thermal head can be easily processed. The heat radiation process can be executed corresponding to each environmental temperature, the blurring and crushing of the print dots due to heat accumulation can be reliably prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

A thermal recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the thermal recording apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising subtraction dot number storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers predetermined for each environmental temperature. The plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers are set so as to increase as the environmental temperature decreases.

According to a fourth aspect of the thermal recording apparatus having such a feature, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the third aspect, the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers predetermined for each environmental temperature are the environmental temperature. It is set to increase as it decreases. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is performed after subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases from the total print dot number counting means in accordance with the time from the reference time. Of the total print dot number, which is greatly reduced as the environmental temperature decreases, is compared with the predetermined reference value. In a low temperature environment, unnecessary print pause processing is not performed, so the processing waiting time is eliminated and user friendliness is good, and at each environmental temperature, it is possible to perform heat dissipation processing of the heating element of the thermal head with simple processing, It is possible to reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of printed dots due to heat storage, and it is possible to perform high-quality printing.

A thermal recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the invention includes a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating drive means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat. In a thermal recording device that performs dot printing on the print-receiving medium while moving the medium relatively, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature,
Total print dot number counting means for sequentially adding the number of dots printed from the reference time, time measuring means for measuring the time from the reference time, and according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring means, A subtracting unit that subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit, and a count value of the total print dot number counting unit after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by the subtracting unit is a predetermined reference value. If the count value is larger than the predetermined reference value, the print control means controls to stop the heat generation drive of the heating element until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value, and the print control means is an environment detected at the reference time. The predetermined reference value and the predetermined subtraction dot number are determined based on the temperature.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus having the above-mentioned feature, the total number of printed dots counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtraction unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. If the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value determined based on the ambient temperature, the thermal head is operated until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. The heat generation drive of the heat generating element is stopped. Thereby, the heat-heat driving suspension process of the thermal head is performed by subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time, and Because it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value that is determined based on the ambient temperature, that is,
Since the print pause time for heat dissipation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, the heat dissipation processing of the heat generating elements of the thermal head can be executed with a simple process corresponding to each environmental temperature, and the printing dots by heat storage Bleeding and crushing can be reliably prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

Further, a heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein reference value storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature, and And a subtraction dot number storage unit that stores a plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers that are predetermined with respect to the environmental temperature, and the plurality of predetermined reference values and the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers both increase as the environmental temperature decreases. It is characterized by being set as follows.

According to a sixth aspect of the heat-sensitive recording apparatus having such a feature, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the plurality of predetermined reference values preset for each environmental temperature have a low environmental temperature. It is set to grow as it grows. Further, the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers that are predetermined for each environmental temperature are set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is performed after subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases from the total print dot number counting means in accordance with the time from the reference time. Of the total number of print dots, which is greatly reduced as the environmental temperature becomes lower, because it is determined and executed by comparing the count value of 1 with a predetermined reference value that is set to increase as the environmental temperature becomes lower. Since the value is compared with a predetermined reference value that increases as the environmental temperature decreases, unnecessary waiting time for printing is not executed in a low temperature environment, which eliminates the processing waiting time and is user-friendly. Heat treatment of the heat generating elements of the thermal head can be executed according to each environmental temperature, and the printed dots can be blotted or crushed due to heat accumulation. It can be reliably prevented, thereby enabling high quality printing.

A thermal recording apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the invention includes a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat. In a thermal recording device that performs dot printing on the print-receiving medium while moving the medium relatively, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature,
Total print dot number counting means for sequentially adding the number of dots to be printed, subtraction means for subtracting a predetermined subtraction dot number for each unit time from the count value sequentially added by the total print dot number counting means, and the subtraction When the count value of the total print dot number counting means after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by the means is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heat generation drive of the heating element is continued until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. Printing control means for controlling so as to stop, and the printing control means determines a unit time for subtracting a certain number of subtraction dots based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus having the above-mentioned feature, the total print dot number counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, the subtracting unit subtracts the predetermined subtracted dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit for each unit time determined based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time. When the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heat generation drive of the heat generating element of the thermal head is stopped until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. It As a result, in the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head, the number of dots to be printed is sequentially added and counted, and the predetermined subtraction dot number is set for each unit time determined based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time. Since it is determined and executed by comparing the count value of the total print dot number counting means to be subtracted with a predetermined reference value,
That is, since the print pause time for heat radiation and cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, the heat radiation processing of the heating element of the thermal head can be executed with a simple process corresponding to each environmental temperature. It is possible to reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of the print dots, and to achieve high-quality printing.

Further, a heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, further comprising unit time storage means for storing a plurality of unit times predetermined for each environmental temperature, The plurality of unit times are set so as to become shorter as the environmental temperature becomes lower.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to claim 8 having such a feature, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to claim 7, the environmental temperature becomes low for a plurality of unit times predetermined for each environmental temperature. It is set to be shorter according to. With this, in the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head, the number of dots to be printed is sequentially added and counted, and at each unit time set so that it becomes shorter as the environmental temperature detected at the reference time decreases. The count value of the total print dot number counting means for subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number is determined and executed by comparison with the predetermined reference value, that is, as the environmental temperature becomes lower,
Since the count value of the total number of print dots that decreases in a short time interval and the predetermined reference value are compared, unnecessary print pause processing is not performed in a low temperature environment, so processing wait time is eliminated and user convenience is good, Further, at each environmental temperature, the heat radiating process of the heat generating element of the thermal head can be executed by a simple process, so that the bleeding and the crushing of the print dots due to the heat accumulation can be surely prevented, and the high quality printing becomes possible.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A thermal recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as a tape printer. First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a tape printer according to the present embodiment, (A) is a schematic upper external view, and (B) is a schematic right side external view. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a thermal head of the tape printer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a front view. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the tape printer according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 has a character input key 2 for creating a text consisting of document data, a print key 3 for instructing the printing of text, and a line feed command and various processing commands. A return key 4 for instructing execution and selection, a keyboard 6 provided with a cursor key C for moving the cursor up and down, left and right on a liquid crystal display 7 for displaying characters such as characters over a plurality of lines, and
A cassette housing portion 8 for housing a tape cassette 35 (see FIG. 5) described later is arranged so as to be covered with a housing cover 8A. Further, below the keyboard 6, a control board 12 which constitutes a control circuit section is arranged.
A thermistor 13 for detecting the environmental temperature is attached to the lower surface of the tip of the. Also, the cassette storage section 8
A label discharge port 16 through which a printed tape is discharged is formed on the left side surface of the cassette storage unit 8 and a power supply adapter is attached to the right side surface of the cassette storage unit 1.
7 is provided. Since the thermistor 13 is provided at a location apart from the thermal head 9, it is not affected by the heat generation drive of the thermal head 9.

A thermal head 9 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, a platen roller 10 facing the thermal head 9, and a tape feeding roller 11 downstream of the platen roller 10 are provided in the cassette housing portion 8. And a tape drive roller shaft 14 facing the tape feed roller 11.
In addition to the above, the ribbon winding shaft 15 and the like for feeding the ink ribbon housed in the tape cassette 35 are further arranged. The ribbon take-up shaft 15 is rotatably driven by a tape feed motor 30 (see FIG. 3) including a stepping motor, which will be described later, via an appropriate drive mechanism, and the ink ribbon 43 ( The ink ribbon take-up reel 44 (see FIG. 5) that winds up the ink ribbon take-up reel (see FIG. 5) is driven to rotate in synchronization with the printing speed. Further, the tape drive roller shaft 14 is rotationally driven from the tape feed motor 30 via an appropriate transmission mechanism, and rotationally drives a tape drive roller 53 (see FIG. 5) described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 128) of each heating element R1 is provided at the left edge of the front surface of the thermal head 9 having a substantially vertically long rectangular flat plate shape. To Rn (n is a predetermined number) are arranged in a line along the side of the left edge portion. The other end of the flexible cable F connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the control board 12 is electrically connected to the right edge portion of the front surface of the thermal head 9 by soldering or the like. The thermal head 9 has a substantially rectangular radiator plate 9A formed of a plated steel plate, a stainless steel plate, or the like, and has a left end edge portion on the front surface in which the heat generating elements R1 to Rn are arranged in the left end edge portion of the radiator plate 9A. It is fixed by an adhesive or the like so as to be parallel to the side of. The upper right corner of the flexible cable F is fixed to the front surface of the heat dissipation plate 9A with double-sided tape or the like. Further, one end side of the flexible cable F is inserted into a horizontal substantially rectangular through hole 9D formed at the lower end edge of the heat dissipation plate 9A, and is drawn out to the rear side. Further, at the lower end edge of the heat radiating plate 9A, an extending portion 9 extending a predetermined width in a front direction substantially at a right angle.
B is formed, and each of the four through holes 9C, 9C, 9C, 9 is formed.
C is provided. In the heat dissipation plate 9A, the print-receiving tape 36 (see FIG. 5) in the opening 52 (see FIG. 5) of the tape cassette 35 is arranged in the arrangement direction of the heating elements R1 to Rn.
(See), the through holes 9C,
It is attached to the lower side of the cassette housing portion 8 by screws or the like via 9C, 9C, 9C.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 is configured with a control circuit section 20 formed on the control board 12 as a core. The control circuit unit 20 includes a CPU 21 that controls each device, an input / output interface 23, a CGROM 24, ROMs 25 and 26, and a RAM 2 that are connected to the CPU 21 via a data bus 22.
7 and 7. A timer 21A is provided inside the CPU 21.

In the CGROM 24, dot pattern data for display is stored in association with code data for each of a large number of characters.

Further, a ROM (dot pattern data memory) 25 is provided for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols.
The dot pattern data for printing is classified by typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.), and there are 6 types (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96 dot size) of printed characters for each typeface. The minutes and the code data are stored in association with each other. Further, graphic pattern data for printing a graphic image including gradation expression is also stored.

Further, the ROM 26 reads out the display drive control program for controlling the LCDC 28 corresponding to the code data of characters such as letters and numbers inputted from the keyboard 6 and the data in the print buffer 27B to read the thermal head 9 and the tape. A print drive control program for driving the feed motor 30, a pulse number determination program for determining the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of forming energy of each print dot, and a drive control program for each heating element R1 to Rn of the thermal head 9 described later (Fig. 5 etc.), other tape printer 1
Stores various programs required for control of. Then, the CPU 21 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 26.

Further, the RAM 27 has a text memory 27A, a print buffer 27B, a counter 27C, a total print dot number counter 27D, and a parameter storage area 27E.
The document data input from the keyboard 6 is stored in the text memory 27A. Further, the print buffer 27B stores a dot pattern for printing such as a plurality of characters and symbols and the number of applied pulses which is the amount of energy for forming each dot, and the thermal head 9 is stored in the print buffer 27B. Dots are printed according to the dot pattern data that has been set. Further, the counter 27C has a thermal head 9
The count value N of the number of print dots for one line (128 dots in this embodiment) printed by is stored.
Further, the total print dot number counter 27D stores the total print dot number printed by the thermal head 9 from the start. Further, in the parameter storage area 27E,
As will be described later, a cooling parameter table 33 selected when deciding whether or not to stop the print drive for cooling the thermal head 9 during tape printing is stored.

The input / output interface 23 has a video RA for outputting display data to the keyboard 6, the thermistor 13 and the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7.
Display controller having M28A (hereinafter referred to as L
28, a drive circuit 29 for driving the thermal head 9, and a drive circuit 31 for driving the tape feed motor 30 are connected to each other. Therefore,
When a character or the like is input via the character keys of the keyboard 6, the text (document data) is stored in the text memory 27.
While being sequentially stored in A, a dot pattern corresponding to a character or the like input via the keyboard 6 based on the dot pattern generation control program and the display drive control program is displayed on the LCD 7. Further, the thermal head 9 is driven through the drive circuit 29 to print the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 27B, and in synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 30 causes the drive circuit 3 to drive.
The tape feed control is performed via the control unit 1. Here, the thermal head 9 prints characters and the like on the tape by selectively driving the heating elements R1 to Rn to generate heat corresponding to one line of print dots via the drive circuit 29. Is.

Here, an example of the cooling parameter table 33 stored in the parameter storage area 27E will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a parameter storage area 27E of the RAM 27 of the tape printer 1 according to this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows an example of the cooling parameter table 33 memorize | stored in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, during the tape printing, the cooling parameter table 33 that is selected when it is determined whether or not the print drive is stopped to cool the thermal head 9.
Is composed of "environmental temperature" indicating the temperature measured through the thermistor 13, and "total amount" and "outflow amount (per second)" corresponding to this "environmental temperature". This "total amount" is, after printing the print pattern as described later,
This is a comparison reference value for determining whether or not the print drive of the thermal head 9 is stopped for cooling. In addition, the “outflow amount” is a predetermined time (in the present embodiment,
It is the number of dots subtracted from the total number of printed dots every 1 second). The “outflow amount” is the material, shape, and size of the thermal head 9, the material, shape, and size of the heat sink 9A, the material, thickness, and heat sink of the adhesive between the thermal head 9 and the heat sink 9A. 9A and the method of joining the mechanical frame of the tape printer 1, the material and shape of this mechanical frame,
It is the number of print dots determined by the size, the environmental temperature, etc., and the heat dissipation plate 9A of the thermal head 9 will be described later.
It represents the amount of natural heat dissipation through Also, "total amount"
Is the maximum total number of print dots that can be continuously printed, which is determined by the environmental temperature and the like, and does not cause the print dots of the heating elements R1 to Rn of the thermal head 9 that rise due to continuous printing to be crushed. It represents the heat storage temperature that guarantees.

Further, in the "environmental temperature" of the cooling parameter table 33, three kinds of environmental temperature ranges of "30 ° C or more", "20 ° C or more and less than 30 ° C", and "less than 20 ° C" are registered in advance. . The "total amount" for each "environmental temperature" is "250,000 dots" for "30 ° C or more" of "environmental temperature" and "20 ° C or more and less than 30 ° C" of "environmental temperature". For “300,000 dots” and “environmental temperature” of “less than 20 ° C.”, “460,000 dots” is registered in advance as “total amount”. In addition, the "outflow rate (per second)" for each "environmental temperature" is
"1800 dots" for "30 ° C or more" of "environmental temperature", "2000 dots" for "20 ° C or more and less than 30 ° C" of "environmental temperature", "less than 20 ° C" of "environmental temperature"
On the other hand, “2600 dots” is registered in advance as the “outflow amount”. In addition, "total amount" corresponding to each "environmental temperature"
The “outflow amount” and “outflow amount” are parameters that can be changed to arbitrary numerical values in response to changes in the natural heat dissipation amount of the thermal head 9 due to changes in the shape of the heat dissipation plate 9A.

Next, the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment
A schematic configuration of the tape cassette 35 mounted on the disk will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view when the cover of the tape cassette 35 attached to the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment is removed. As shown in FIG. 5, the tape cassette 35 is a print-receiving tape 3 made of a transparent tape or the like.
6, an ink ribbon 43 for printing on the print-receiving tape 36, and a double-sided adhesive tape 46 attached to the back of the print-receiving tape 36 on which the print is made, respectively, a tape spool 37, a reel 42, and a tape spool 47. Wrapped around,
Cassette boss 3 which is erected on the bottom surface of the cassette body 35B
8, the reel boss 50, and the cassette boss 48 are rotatably fitted and housed, and further, an ink ribbon take-up reel 44 for taking up the used ink ribbon 43 is provided.

Then, an unused ink ribbon 43 wound around the reel 42 and pulled out from the reel 42.
Is overlapped with the print-receiving tape 36, and the print-receiving tape 3
6 enters the opening 52 together with 6, and passes between the thermal head 9 and the platen roller 10. Thereafter, the ink ribbon 43 is separated from the print-receiving tape 36, and the ink ribbon take-up reel 4 is driven to rotate by the ribbon take-up shaft 15.
4, the ink ribbon take-up reel 44 winds the ink ribbon.

The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 46 is housed by being wound around the tape spool 47 with the release liner on the outside, with the release liner on one side. Then, the double-sided adhesive tape 46 pulled out from the tape spool 47 passes between the tape driving roller 53 and the tape feeding roller 11, and the adhesive surface on the side where the release paper is not superposed is attached to the print-receiving tape 36. Be worn. Further, spacers 46A are inserted at both upper and lower ends of the double-sided adhesive tape 46.

As a result, the print-receiving tape 36 wound around the tape spool 37 and pulled out from the tape spool 37 passes through the opening 52 into which the thermal head 9 of the tape cassette 35 is inserted. After that, the print-receiving tape 36 to which the double-sided adhesive tape 46 is attached is rotatably provided on one side lower part (lower left side in FIG. 3) of the tape cassette 35, and is rotated by the drive of the tape feed motor 30. It passes between the tape drive roller 53 and the tape feed roller 11 arranged opposite to the tape drive roller 53, is fed to the outside of the tape cassette 35, and is ejected from the label ejection port 16 of the tape printer 1. To be done. In this case, the double-sided adhesive tape 46 is pressed against the print-receiving tape 36 by the tape drive roller 53 and the tape feed roller 11.

Next, a cooling control process for suspending the printing drive for cooling the thermal head 9 during the tape printing of the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. . FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart showing startup processing executed at startup of the tape printer 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart showing a printing process executed at the time of printing by the tape printer 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sub-flowchart showing the timer interrupt process executed while the tape printer 1 according to this embodiment is being driven. FIG. 9 is a sub-flowchart showing the processing at the end of printing which is executed at the end of the printing pattern of the tape printer 1 according to this embodiment.

First, the "start-up process" shown in FIG.
It is executed at startup. In this "startup process", in step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1, the CPU 21 acquires temperature data via the thermistor 13 and stores the temperature data in the RAM 27 as environmental temperature data.

Subsequently, in S2, the CPU 21 causes the R
The environmental temperature data is read again from the AM 27, and the environmental temperature data is read as "environmental temperature" in the cooling parameter table 33.
It is determined which one of the three types corresponds to, the "total amount" and the "outflow amount" corresponding to the corresponding type of "environmental temperature" are read, and the "reference value" and the "subtracted dot number" are respectively stored in the RAM 27. ".

For example, when the environmental temperature data read from the RAM 27 is 10 ° C., the environmental temperature data is judged to correspond to “less than 20 ° C.” of “environmental temperature” of the cooling parameter table 33, and the “20 ° C.” is determined. "Total amount" corresponding to "less than""460,000dots","outflowamount"
"2600 dots" is read as
"460,000 dots" is stored as the "reference value" and "2600 dots" is stored as the "subtraction dot number".

Further, when the environmental temperature data read from the RAM 27 is 25 ° C., the environmental temperature data is “20 ° C. or higher 3” of “environmental temperature” in the cooling parameter table 33.
It is determined that the temperature falls below 0 ° C.
“300000 dots” is read as the “total amount” corresponding to “less than ℃”, “2000 dots” is read as the “outflow amount”, and “300000 dots” is set as the “reference value” and “2000 dots is set as the subtraction dot number” in the RAM 27. Is stored.

When the environmental temperature data read from the RAM 27 is 35 ° C., the environmental temperature data is “30 ° C. or higher” of “environmental temperature” in the cooling parameter table 33.
Is determined to correspond to “30 ° C. or higher”, “250,000 dots” is read as the “total amount” and “1800 dots” is read as the “outflow amount”, and “250,000 dots” is set as the “reference value” in the RAM 27. "1800 dots" is stored as the "subtraction dot number".

Then, in S3, the CPU 21 starts the timer 21A and then returns to the main flow chart (not shown).

Further, the "printing process" shown in FIG.
It is executed at the start of printing lines. In the "printing process", first, in S5, the CPU 21 waits for print data for one line (each heating element R1 to Rn) to be printed on the print-receiving tape 36 via the thermal head 9 (S5). : NO). If print data for one line (each heating element R1 to Rn) is printed on the print-receiving tape 36 via the thermal head 9 (S5: YES), S
In 6, the count value N is read from the counter 27C in which the number of print dots of the print data is stored, the count value N is added to the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D, and then the process returns to the main flowchart (not shown). .

On the other hand, the "timer interrupt process" shown in FIG. 8 is executed every predetermined time (in this embodiment, about every 10 msec) after the timer 21A is activated. This "timer interrupt process" is performed by first executing C at S10.
The PU 21 has a predetermined time (about 1 second in this embodiment) from the time when the timer is started or the time when the previous timer interrupt process is completed.
A determination process for determining whether or not the time has passed is executed. Then, when the predetermined time (about 1 second in the present embodiment) has not elapsed since the timer was started or the previous timer interrupt processing was ended (S10: NO), the "timer interrupt processing" is ended, The process returns to the main flow chart (not shown). On the other hand, a predetermined time (in the present embodiment, about 1
If (seconds) has elapsed (S10: YES), in S11, the CPU 21 reads “subtraction dot number” from the RAM 27.
Is read out and this "subtracted dot number" is subtracted from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D, and then the process returns to the main flow chart (not shown). When the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D becomes less than 0, 0 is substituted for the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D and stored. Also, the power is turned on and off during continuous printing.
In that case, the “reference value” is read from the RAM 27,
The "reference value" is substituted for the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D and stored, and the heat accumulation of each heating element R1 to Rn of the thermal head 9 up to that point is taken into consideration.

[Processing at the end of printing] shown in FIG.
Is executed at the end of printing the print pattern. In this "printing end process", in S15, the CPU 21 reads the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D,
The “reference value” in which the count value is stored in the RAM 27
Determination processing for determining whether or not it is greater than When the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D is larger than the "reference value" stored in the RAM 27 (S15: YES), the print driving of the heating elements R1 to Rn is stopped, By the above "timer interrupt processing", the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D is
Wait until it falls below the “standard value”. That is, it is determined that the temperature of the thermal head 9 is higher than the predetermined temperature (about 53 ° C. in this embodiment) (S15: YES),
The thermal head 9 waits for the heat to be cooled and cooled down to a predetermined temperature or lower. Therefore, when the environmental temperature is 30 ° C. or higher, the CPU 21 subtracts 1800 dots from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D every predetermined time (about 1 second in the present embodiment) to obtain the total value. It waits until the count value of the print dot number counter 27D becomes equal to or less than the "reference value". If the environmental temperature is 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 30 ° C., the CPU 21 subtracts 2000 dots from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D every predetermined time (about 1 second in this embodiment). , And waits until the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D becomes equal to or less than the “reference value”. Further, when the environmental temperature is lower than 20 ° C., the CPU2
1 is 2600 at every predetermined time (about 1 second in this embodiment) from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D.
The dots are subtracted, and the total print dot number counter 27D waits for the count value to become less than or equal to the "reference value". As a result, the heat radiation cooling time of the thermal head 9 is set longer as the environmental temperature rises.

On the other hand, the total print dot number counter 27D
When the count value of is smaller than the “reference value” stored in the RAM 27 (S15: NO), after the “printing small amount time process” is finished, the process returns to the main flowchart (not shown). That is, it is determined that the temperature of the thermal head 9 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (about 53 ° C. in this embodiment) (S15: NO), and the printing drive of the next print pattern is continued.

As described in detail above, in the tape printer 1 of this embodiment, the CPU 21 acquires the environmental temperature at the time of startup (S1), and the cooling parameter table 33.
The "total amount" and the "outflow amount" corresponding to this environmental temperature are acquired from R and set as "reference value" and "subtraction dot number", respectively.
It is stored in the AM 27 (S2). After that, the CPU 21
The timer 21A is activated (S3). And the CPU 21
Adds the number of print dots for one line to the total print dot number counter 27D for each line print (S5, S
6). On the other hand, the CPU 21 reads the “subtraction dot number” from the RAM 27 every time a predetermined time elapses (in this embodiment, about one second elapses) after activation, and the “subtraction dot number” is read from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D. The number "is subtracted (S10, S11). On the other hand, the CPU 21 reads out the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D and the “reference value” stored in the RAM 27 each time the print pattern is printed, and determines whether the count value is larger than the “reference value”. If the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D is less than or equal to the “reference value” (S15: YES), the thermal head 9
Performs heat dissipation cooling. If the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D is less than or equal to the "reference value", printing of the next print pattern is started (S15: NO).

Therefore, the heat generation stoppage process of the thermal head 9 after the printing of each print pattern is completed,
A predetermined subtraction dot number, which is set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases, is subtracted from the count value of the total print dot number counter 27D every time a predetermined time elapses, and increases as the environmental temperature decreases. Since it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value that is set, unnecessary print pause processing is not executed in a low temperature environment, and heat dissipation processing of the heating elements of the thermal head 9 is performed by simple processing. It can be executed according to the ambient temperature, and it is possible to reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage, and it is possible to perform high-quality printing.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Good. (A) In the above embodiment, the cooling parameter table 33
The "outflow amount" was set to three types according to the environmental temperature, but this is set to one type (for example, 2000 dots),
The unit time for subtracting the "outflow amount" from the total number of printed dots may be changed according to the environmental temperature. For example, based on the cooling parameter table 61 shown in FIG. 10, when the environmental temperature is 20 ° C. or higher and lower than 30 ° C., 2000 dots are subtracted from the total number of printed dots every 1.0 seconds so that the environmental temperature is When the temperature is 30 ° C. or higher, 2000 dots are subtracted from the total number of printed dots every 1.11 seconds, and when the environmental temperature is lower than 20 ° C., 2000 dots are printed from the total number of printed dots every 0.77 seconds. The dots may be subtracted. This makes it possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment in which the “outflow amount” is set to three types according to the environmental temperature. Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the cooling parameter table 61 stored in the parameter storage area 27E of the RAM 27 of the tape printer 1 according to another embodiment. This cooling parameter table 61 is
It is composed of "environmental temperature" indicating the temperature measured via the thermistor 13, "total amount" and "unit time" corresponding to this "environmental temperature". This "total amount" is a comparison reference value for determining whether or not the print drive of the thermal head 9 is stopped for cooling. The “unit time” is a time interval for subtracting a predetermined number of dots (for example, 2000 dots) from the total number of print dots. Incidentally, the “total amount” and “unit time” corresponding to each “environmental temperature” are arbitrary corresponding to changes in the natural heat radiation amount of the thermal head 9 due to the shape change of the heat radiation plate 9A and the like as in the above embodiment. This is a parameter that can be changed to the value of. (B) In the above embodiment, the cooling parameter table 33
Although the “environmental temperature” of is set to three types, it may be set to any type such as three types or more. (C) In the above embodiment, the cooling parameter table 33
“Total amount” and “Outflow amount” for each “environmental temperature” of
Although each is set to a constant value, a linear function or a quadratic function may be set arbitrarily.

[0051]

As described above, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the total print dot number counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtracting unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. If the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value determined based on the ambient temperature, the thermal head is operated until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. The heat generation drive of the heat generating element is stopped. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is determined based on the ambient temperature and the count value after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time. Since it is determined and executed by comparison with the reference value, that is, the print pause time for heat dissipation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, it is possible to perform simple processing for the heating element of the thermal head. It is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording apparatus capable of performing heat radiation processing corresponding to each environmental temperature, reliably preventing bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage, and capable of high-quality printing.

Further, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to a second aspect, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature increase as the environmental temperature decreases. Is set to. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head becomes larger as the environmental temperature becomes lower and the count value after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time. Since it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value set to, that is, as the environmental temperature becomes lower, the count value of the total number of printed dots at which the thermal head drive stop processing is executed increases. Therefore, in a low temperature environment,
The processing waiting time is eliminated because unnecessary print pause processing is not performed, and it is easy for the user to use. Also, at each environmental temperature, the heat dissipation element of the heating element of the thermal head can be executed with a simple process, and the print dots due to heat accumulation It is possible to provide a thermal recording device capable of reliably preventing bleeding and crushing and capable of high-quality printing.

Further, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the third aspect, the total print dot number counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtraction unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. When the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heat generation drive of the heat generating element of the thermal head is stopped until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. It Thereby, the heat-heat driving suspension process of the thermal head is performed by subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time, and Since it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value, that is, because the print pause time for heat dissipation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, the heating element of the thermal head can be easily processed. It is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording apparatus capable of performing heat radiation processing corresponding to each environmental temperature, reliably preventing bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage, and capable of high-quality printing.

Further, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the third aspect, the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers which are predetermined with respect to each environmental temperature are set as the environmental temperature becomes lower. It is set to be large. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is performed after subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases from the total print dot number counting means in accordance with the time from the reference time. Because it is determined and executed by comparing the count value of and the predetermined reference value, that is, as the environmental temperature becomes lower,
Since the count value of the total number of print dots, which greatly decreases, is compared with a predetermined reference value, unnecessary print pause processing is not performed in a low temperature environment, eliminating the processing wait time and improving user friendliness. At ambient temperature,
It is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording apparatus that can perform heat dissipation processing of a heating element of a thermal head by simple processing, can reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage, and can perform high-quality printing.

Further, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the total print dot number counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. Further, according to the time from the reference time, the subtraction unit subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit. If the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value determined based on the ambient temperature, the thermal head is operated until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. The heat generation drive of the heat generating element is stopped. Thereby, the heat-heat driving suspension process of the thermal head is performed by subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number determined based on the environmental temperature from the total print dot number counting means according to the time from the reference time, and Since it is determined and executed by comparison with a predetermined reference value determined based on the environmental temperature, that is, the print pause time for heat radiation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature, it is simple. In the processing, heat dissipation of the heating element of the thermal head can be executed corresponding to each environmental temperature, and it is possible to reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage,
It is possible to provide a thermal recording device capable of high-quality printing.

Further, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the sixth aspect, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature increase as the environmental temperature decreases. Is set to. Further, the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers that are predetermined for each environmental temperature are set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases. As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is performed after subtracting the predetermined subtraction dot number set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases from the total print dot number counting means in accordance with the time from the reference time. Of the total number of print dots, which is greatly reduced as the environmental temperature becomes lower, because it is determined and executed by comparing the count value of 1 with a predetermined reference value that is set to increase as the environmental temperature becomes lower. Since the value is compared with a predetermined reference value that increases as the environmental temperature decreases, unnecessary waiting time for printing is not executed in a low temperature environment, which eliminates the processing waiting time and is user-friendly. Heat treatment of the heat generating elements of the thermal head can be executed according to each environmental temperature, and the printed dots can be blotted or crushed due to heat accumulation. Can be reliably prevented, it is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of high quality printing.

In the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the total print dot number counting means successively adds the number of dots printed by the thermal head from the reference time. In addition, the subtracting means calculates a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting means.
It is subtracted every unit time determined based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time. When the count value after the subtraction of the total print dot number counting means is larger than the predetermined reference value, the heat generation drive of the heat generating element of the thermal head is stopped until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. It As a result, in the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head, the number of dots to be printed is sequentially added and counted, and the predetermined subtraction dot number is set for each unit time determined based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time. It is determined and executed by comparing the count value of the total print dot number counting means to be subtracted with a predetermined reference value, that is, the print pause time for heat radiation cooling of the thermal head is set in consideration of the environmental temperature. Therefore, the heat dissipation of the heating element of the thermal head can be executed in a simple process corresponding to each environmental temperature, and the bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat accumulation can be reliably prevented and high-quality printing is possible. A device can be provided.

Further, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in the heat-sensitive recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, a plurality of unit times predetermined for each environmental temperature become shorter as the environmental temperature becomes lower. Is set.
As a result, the process of stopping the heat generation drive of the thermal head is
The total number of printed dots is the number of dots to be printed, which is sequentially added and counted, and the specified number of subtracted dots is subtracted for each unit time that is set to become shorter as the environmental temperature detected at the time of reference decreases. Since the count value of the means and the predetermined reference value are determined and executed, that is, the count value of the total number of print dots that decreases in a short time interval as the environmental temperature becomes low and the predetermined reference value are For comparison, in a low temperature environment, unnecessary print pause processing is not executed, so the processing waiting time is eliminated and the user convenience is improved.
It is possible to provide a heat-sensitive recording apparatus that can perform heat dissipation processing of a heating element of a thermal head by simple processing, can reliably prevent bleeding and crushing of print dots due to heat storage, and can perform high-quality printing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a tape printer according to the present embodiment, where (A) is a schematic upper external view and (B) is a schematic right lateral external view.

2A and 2B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a thermal head of the tape printer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2A being a plan view and FIG. 2B being a front view.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the tape printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling parameter table stored in a parameter storage area of a RAM of the tape printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a case where the cover of the tape cassette mounted on the tape printer according to the present embodiment is removed.

FIG. 6 is a sub-flowchart showing startup processing executed at startup of the tape printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sub-flowchart showing a printing process executed at the time of printing by the tape printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sub-flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed during driving of the tape printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sub-flowchart showing a print end process executed at the end of the print pattern of the tape printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a RAM of a tape printer according to another embodiment.
5 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling parameter table stored in a parameter storage area of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tape printer 9 thermal head 9A heat sink 13 Thermistor 20 Control circuit section 21 CPU 21A timer 25, 26 ROM 27 RAM 27D Total print dot number counter 27E Parameter storage area 29, 31 drive circuit 33, 61 Cooling parameter table 35 tape cassette

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Naoki Tanjima             Brother, 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya             Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Adult Muto             Brother, 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya             Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C066 AA04 CA02 CA06 CA08 CA09                       CA16 CA17 CA19 CA21 CE03                       CE04 CE07 CE10 CE15

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, wherein the thermal head and the printing medium are moved relative to each other. In a thermal recording device that prints dots on a print medium, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature, total printed dot count means for sequentially adding the number of dots printed from the reference time, and time from the reference time And a subtraction unit that subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring unit. When the count value of the total print dot number counting means after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by is larger than the predetermined reference value, the count value is A print control unit that controls to stop the heat generation drive of the heating element until it becomes a reference value or less, and the print control unit determines the predetermined reference value based on an environmental temperature detected at a reference time. A thermal recording device characterized by the above. 2. A reference value storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature, wherein the plurality of predetermined reference values are set so as to increase as the environmental temperature decreases. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal recording apparatus is provided. 3. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating drive means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, wherein the thermal head and the print medium are moved relative to each other. In a thermal recording device that prints dots on a print medium, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature, total printed dot count means for sequentially adding the number of dots printed from the reference time, and time from the reference time And a subtraction unit that subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring unit. When the count value of the total print dot number counting means after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by is larger than the predetermined reference value, the count value is And a print control unit that controls to stop the heat generation drive of the heating element until it becomes a reference value or less, and the print control unit determines the predetermined subtraction dot number based on the environmental temperature detected at the reference time. A heat-sensitive recording apparatus characterized by: 4. A subtraction dot number storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers predetermined for each environmental temperature, wherein the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers increase as the environmental temperature decreases. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the thermal recording apparatus is set. 5. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, wherein the thermal head and the printing medium are moved relative to each other. In a thermal recording device that prints dots on a print medium, environmental temperature measuring means for detecting the environmental temperature, total printed dot count means for sequentially adding the number of dots printed from the reference time, and time from the reference time And a subtraction unit that subtracts a predetermined subtraction dot number from the count value of the total print dot number counting unit according to the time from the reference time measured by the time measuring unit. When the count value of the total print dot number counting means after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by is larger than the predetermined reference value, the count value is Print control means for controlling to stop the heat generation drive of the heat generating element until it becomes a reference value or less, the print control means, based on the environmental temperature detected at the time of reference, the predetermined reference value and a predetermined subtraction. A thermal recording device characterized by determining the number of dots. 6. A reference value storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined reference values predetermined for each environmental temperature, and a subtraction dot number storage for storing a plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers predetermined for each environmental temperature. 6. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a unit, wherein the plurality of predetermined reference values and the plurality of predetermined subtraction dot numbers are set to increase as the environmental temperature decreases. 7. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, and a heating drive means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, the thermal head and the print medium being moved relative to each other. In a thermal recording device that prints dots on a print medium, an environmental temperature measuring unit that detects an environmental temperature, a total print dot number counting unit that sequentially adds the number of printed dots, and a total print dot number counting unit. The subtraction unit that subtracts the predetermined subtraction dot number for each unit time from the sequentially added count value, and the count value of the total print dot number counting unit after the predetermined subtraction dot number is subtracted by the subtraction unit If it is larger than the value, a print control for controlling the heat generation of the heating element to be stopped until the count value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. And a stage, the printing control unit based on the environmental temperature detected in the reference time, thermal recording apparatus characterized by determining a unit time subtracting a constant number of subtraction dots. 8. A unit time storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined unit times for each environmental temperature, wherein the plurality of unit times are set so as to become shorter as the environmental temperature becomes lower. 7. The method according to claim 7,
The heat-sensitive recording device according to.