JP2011168001A - Printer, control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce unevenness of density and a decrease of density of a printed matter, and to reduce occurrence of a paper jam of roll paper. <P>SOLUTION: A printer performs printing of an image on roll paper by lowering a head to let the lowered head press an ink ribbon and the roll paper. The operation of lowering the head or the operation of pressing by the head is controlled depending on an amount of the remaining roll paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing by operating a head, a control method, a program, and a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, thermal printers have attracted attention as devices for outputting images, with the progress of devices for inputting images, such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, and scanners. Thermal printers are particularly attracting attention as printers for natural images.

  This is because the performance of thermal heads and paper materials has been improved, and it has become possible to obtain image prints with quality that is not inferior to silver halide photographs.

  The thermal printer uses a thermal recording system that directly heats the thermal recording paper with a thermal head, and the ink ribbon superimposed on the recording paper is heated with the thermal head to transfer the ink onto the recording paper for printing. There is a thermal transfer recording method. The thermal transfer recording method is further roughly divided into a hot melt transfer method in which ink is melted and transferred onto recording paper by the heat of a thermal head, and a sublimation transfer method in which ink is vaporized and transferred onto recording paper.

  In the thermal head, a large number of heating elements (resistors) are formed on a line on a ceramic substrate, and the amount of heat generated can be controlled by the power supplied to these heating elements.

  In the sublimation transfer method, the amount of ink to be transferred can be adjusted by controlling the amount of heat applied to the ink ribbon by controlling the amount of heat generated by the thermal head. For this reason, the sublimation transfer method is superior in terms of gradation expression as compared with the heat melting transfer method.

  In the thermal transfer recording system, the thermal head is in the retracted position when printing is not performed, and is lowered to the printing position where printing is performed, and presses the ink ribbon and the recording paper with the platen roller. . As a result, an image is printed on the recording paper.

  In a thermal printer, when roll paper is used as recording paper, curling occurs for convenience of storage as compared to when cut paper is used. If printing is performed in a state where the curl remains, density unevenness or the like may occur in the printed material, or roll paper may be jammed. The roll paper is a strip-shaped recording paper wound around a roller.

  Here, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing density unevenness of a printed material in a printing apparatus.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a paste-like substance is filled in a gap formed by a head substrate of a thermal head and a heat sink, and the pressing force acting on the head substrate is caused by the fluidity of the paste-like substance. Homogenize. Thereby, the distribution of the pressing force in the thermal head is made uniform, and the density unevenness of the printed matter is reduced.

  In addition, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for reducing the occurrence of paper jams in a printing apparatus.

  In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, the occurrence of a paper jam is reduced by changing the distance between the thermal head and the platen roller according to the thickness of the recording paper (printing paper).

JP 2006-44126 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-262822

  When roll paper is used as recording paper, the roll diameter becomes shorter as the remaining amount of roll paper decreases. Thereby, the curl amount of the roll paper conveyed to the printing position is increased.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the roll paper conveyed to the printing position, where (a) is a diagram illustrating a state when the remaining amount of roll paper is low, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the state of the roll paper. It is a figure which shows a state in case there are more remaining amounts than (a).

  In the state shown in FIG. 21B, the curl amount of the roll paper 902 is smaller than that in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the roll paper 902 is conveyed between the thermal head 901 and the platen roller 903 with almost no curl. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 21A, the curl amount of the roll paper 902 is larger than that in the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the roll paper 902 is conveyed between the thermal head 901 and the platen roller 903 with the curl remaining.

  As a result, when the remaining amount of roll paper is small and the curl amount is large, the pressure when pressing the roll paper 902 by the thermal head 901 does not work evenly on the roll paper 902 occurs. To do. In this case, the ink ribbon or the like moves during the conveyance of the roll paper 902, and density unevenness occurs.

  That is, even if the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used and the distribution of the pressing force in the thermal head is made uniform, the density unevenness of the printed matter cannot be reduced depending on the amount of curl.

  When roll paper is used as recording paper, as described above, as the remaining amount of roll paper decreases, the curl amount of the roll paper conveyed to the printing position increases. In other words, the curl amount of the roll paper increases as the number of printed sheets increases. As a result, as the number of printed sheets increases, the density decreases at the rear end portion of the printed material in the sub-scanning direction.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the density and the number of prints at the rear end portion of the printed material in the sub-scanning direction when roll paper is used as the recording paper.

  As shown in FIG. 22, it can be seen that the density decreases at the rear end portion in the sub-scanning direction as the number of printed sheets increases.

  Further, when roll paper is used as recording paper, the angle at which the leading end of the roll paper 902 approaches the thermal head 901 when the roll paper is conveyed to the printing position depends on the remaining amount of the roll paper 902. Change.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state when the leading end portion of the roll paper approaches the thermal head, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state when the remaining amount of the roll paper is low, (b) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the remaining amount of roll paper is greater than (a).

  As shown in FIG. 23, the thermal head 901 descends toward the roll paper 902 while drawing a circular orbit. Then, the leading end portion of the roll paper 902 approaches the thermal head 901 at an angle corresponding to the curl amount of the roll paper 902.

  At this time, depending on the angle at which the leading end of the roll paper 902 approaches the thermal head 901, the roll paper 902 is bent by elasticity when the thermal paper 901 comes into contact, and a paper jam occurs.

  In other words, even if the distance between the thermal head and the platen roller is changed according to the thickness of the recording paper using the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a paper jam may occur depending on the amount of curl. It cannot be reduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a recording medium that can reduce density unevenness and density reduction of printed matter.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a recording medium that can reduce the occurrence of paper jams in roll paper.

To achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention lowers the head from the retracted position to the printing position, and the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper, thereby printing an image on the roll paper. A printing device that
The operation of lowering the head or the operation of pressing the head is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper.

In order to achieve the above object, the control method of the present invention lowers the head from the retracted position to the printing position, and the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper, whereby the image is applied to the roll paper. A control method in a printing apparatus for printing
A process of controlling the operation of lowering the head or the operation of pressing the head according to the remaining amount of the roll paper.

In order to achieve the above object, the program of the present invention lowers the head from the retracted position to the printing position, and the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper, whereby an image is printed on the roll paper. To the printing device that prints,
A function of controlling the operation of lowering the head or the operation of pressing the head according to the remaining amount of the roll paper is realized.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium on which the above program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, the operation of lowering the head from the retracted position to the printing position or the operation of the head pressing the ink ribbon and the roll paper is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper.

  As a result, the head pressure can be changed according to the amount of curl of the roll paper, and density unevenness and density reduction of the printed matter can be reduced. In addition, the head lowering speed can be changed according to the amount of curl of the roll paper, and the occurrence of paper jam of the roll paper can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining cartridge information, where FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of cartridge information stored in a ROM, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of cartridge information stored in a cartridge information chip of a cartridge. . FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when a cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for changing the head pressure of a thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating another example of a cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the cartridge, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of cartridge information stored in the ROM of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when a cartridge is mounted in the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of an operation for changing the head pressure of the thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a head pressure and a remaining number controlled by the main controller illustrated in FIG. 2. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of an operation for changing the head pressure of the thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a head pressure controlled by a main controller shown in FIG. 2 and a remaining number range. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for changing a head lowering speed of a thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an incident angle which is an angle when the leading end portion of the roll paper approaches the thermal head when the remaining amount of the roll paper shown in FIG. In the case shown in FIG. 15, it is a figure which shows an example of the state at the time of a roll paper contacting a thermal head, (a) is a figure which shows the case where head fall speed is arbitrary speed V1, (b) is a figure. It is a figure which shows the case where head descent speed is faster than V1. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an incident angle that is an angle when the leading end portion of the roll paper approaches the thermal head when the remaining amount of roll paper is larger than the case illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. In the case shown in FIG. 17, it is a figure which shows an example of the state at the time of a roll paper contacting a thermal head, (a) is a figure which shows the case where head fall speed is arbitrary speed V1, (b) is a figure. It is a figure which shows the case where head descent speed is faster than V1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of an operation for changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of an operation for changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head when the printing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of roll paper conveyed to a printing position, where (a) illustrates a state when the remaining amount of roll paper is low, and (b) illustrates a state where the remaining amount of roll paper is ( It is a figure which shows the state in case there are more than a). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the density and the number of printed sheets in a rear end portion of a printed material in a sub-scanning direction when roll paper is used as recording paper. It is a figure which shows an example in the state when the front-end | tip part of roll paper approaches a thermal head, (a) is a figure which shows a state when the remaining amount of roll paper is low, (b) is a figure of roll paper It is a figure which shows a state in case there are more remaining amounts than (a).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, “printing” refers to a series of operations from performing printing based on a printing instruction from the user, cutting the roll paper into a predetermined size, and discharging the paper. Further, “printing” refers to an operation of recording an image on a roll paper by transferring the ink applied to the ink ribbon to the roll paper among the printing operations.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an example of a cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a housing 101 whose side surfaces are opened and closed. By opening and closing the side surface of the housing 101, the cartridge 110 can be attached and detached (attached and removed) in the direction of the arrow 120. In addition, a display unit 102 and an operation unit 103 are disposed on the upper portion of the housing 101.

  The display unit 102 includes a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays image data to be printed in the printing apparatus 100 and various menus for inputting setting data necessary for printing. To do.

  The operation unit 103 includes a power switch 104 for instructing power ON / OFF of the printing apparatus 100 and a selection switch 105 for selecting image data and various menus displayed on the display unit 102. Further, a left / right key 106 and an up / down key 107 for moving the cursor displayed on the display unit 102 to a desired position are arranged around the selection switch 105.

  The cartridge 110 includes a housing 111, a roller rotation shaft 112, an ink ribbon supply roller rotation shaft 113, and an ink ribbon take-up roller rotation shaft 114. The cartridge 110 also stores an ink ribbon to which ink is applied and roll paper. Note that the roll paper is covered with the housing 111 before the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100, and the user does not directly touch the roll paper. Further, at the time of printing, the roll paper is pulled out from the cartridge 110, and printing is performed by transferring the ink applied to the ink ribbon onto the roll paper by the thermal head of the printing apparatus 100. The cartridge 110 includes a cartridge information chip that is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that stores cartridge information. The cartridge information will be described later.

  The roller rotation shaft 112 is a rotation shaft of a roller around which roll paper is wound. When the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100, the roller rotation shaft 112 is coupled with a rotation mechanism of a paper feed motor included in the printing apparatus 100. The rotation is controlled by.

  The ink ribbon supply roller rotation shaft 113 is a rotation shaft of the ink ribbon supply roller, and the ink ribbon take-up roller rotation shaft 114 is a rotation shaft of the ink ribbon take-up roller. The ink ribbon take-up roller rotating shaft 114 is included in the printing apparatus 100 when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100, and is coupled to the rotation mechanism of the ink ribbon winding motor that winds up the ink ribbon. The rotation is controlled.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main controller 201 that is a head pressure control unit that controls the entire printing apparatus 100 and a head lowering speed control unit. Further, the printing apparatus 100 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 which are remaining amount storage units. The printing apparatus 100 also includes an ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204, a roll paper detection sensor 205, a roll paper cue sensor 206, and an ink ribbon cue sensor 207. The printing apparatus 100 includes an environmental temperature sensor 208, a head pressure detection sensor 209, a print range identification sensor 210, and a head lowering speed detection sensor 231. The printing apparatus 100 also includes a roll paper transport motor driver 211, a paper feed motor driver 214, an ink ribbon winding motor driver 216, a head up / down motor driver 218, and a cutter motor driver 220. The printing apparatus 100 includes a display control unit 222, a driver controller 225, a head drive circuit 226, a thermal head 227, an image data input unit 229, and an IC read / write unit 230. The printing apparatus 100 also includes drive motors 212 and 213, a paper feed motor 215, an ink ribbon winding motor 217, a head up / down motor 219, and a cutter motor 221. Note that the drivers such as the head up / down motor driver 218 described above receive a signal output from the main controller 201 and operate the motors connected thereto according to an instruction indicated by the received signal.

  When printing, the thermal head 227 descends from the retracted position to the printing position, and presses the ink ribbon and roll paper (not shown) with the platen roller (not shown). The thermal head 227 melts or vaporizes the ink applied to the ink ribbon by the heat generated by a built-in heating element (not shown). Hereinafter, the speed at which the thermal head 227 descends from the retracted position to the printing position is referred to as the head descending speed. The pressure when the thermal head 227 presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper with the platen roller is called head pressure.

  The ROM 202 stores a control program for controlling the printing apparatus 100 and the like. The main controller 201 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. The control program also holds a table in which remaining amount information that is a value indicating the remaining amount of roll paper is associated with the head pressure and the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining amount information. The ROM 202 stores cartridge information of the cartridge 110 mounted on the printing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 203 is used as a work memory for arithmetic processing of the main controller 201. The RAM 203 also temporarily stores various setting data input via the operation unit 103.

  The head drive circuit 226 drives the heat generating element built in the thermal head 227. Printing is performed by the driver controller 225 connected to the main controller 201 controlling the head driving circuit 226 using image data recorded in the RAM 203 in the bitmap format or the like.

  The roll paper transport motor driver 211 controls the rotation of the drive motors 212 and 213.

  The drive motors 212 and 213 are coupled to a decurling roller, a grip roller, a paper discharge roller, a paper discharge kick roller, and the like, which will be described later, via a rotation mechanism, and drive these rollers. Thereby, roll paper is conveyed.

  The paper feed motor driver 214 controls the rotation of the paper feed motor 215. When the cartridge 110 is mounted, roll paper is wound by the paper feed motor 215, the roller rotation shaft 112 and the paper feed motor 215 are coupled via a rotation mechanism, and the roller rotation shaft 112 is coupled by the paper feed motor driver 214. Is controlled.

  The ink ribbon winding motor driver 216 controls the rotation of the ink ribbon winding motor 217. When the cartridge 110 is mounted, the ink ribbon take-up roller rotating shaft 114 and the ink ribbon take-up motor 217 are coupled via a rotation mechanism, and the ink ribbon take-up motor driver 216 controls the take-up and take-up of the ink ribbon. Is done.

  The head up / down motor driver 218 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 219 that moves the thermal head 227 up and down. As a result, the thermal head 227 moves between the retracted position and the printing position, and the head pressure and the head lowering speed are controlled.

  The cutter motor driver 220 cuts the roll paper by controlling the cutter blades that constitute the cutter unit and the cutter motor 221 that drives the cutter receiving blade.

  The ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204 detects the rotation speed when winding the ink ribbon. The main controller 201 calculates the remaining amount of roll paper stored in the cartridge 110 from the detected rotation speed. When the remaining amount of roll paper is low, a message indicating that the remaining amount of roll paper is low is displayed on the display unit 102.

  The roll paper detection sensor 205 detects that the roll paper stored in the cartridge 110 has been pushed out and the leading end portion of the roll paper has been discharged from the outlet of the cartridge 110. The roll paper detection sensor 205 is provided in the vicinity of the exit of the cartridge 110 so as to face the roll paper in the width direction, and detects the right end portion and the left end portion of the roll paper discharged from the cartridge 110 in the width direction. Detect each. The main controller 201 recognizes the inclination in the width direction of the roll paper pushed out from the outlet of the cartridge 110 based on the difference in detection timing between the right end portion and the left end portion in the width direction of the roll paper by the roll paper detection sensor 205.

  The roll paper cueing sensor 206 is disposed behind a platen roller provided to face the thermal head 227, and indicates that the leading end of the roll paper pulled out from the cartridge 110 has passed behind the platen roller at the start of printing. To detect.

  The ink ribbon cue sensor 207 detects an identification band applied to the leading end portion of each color of the ink ribbon. The ink ribbon winding operation by the ink ribbon winding motor 217 is controlled based on the detection result of the ribbon cueing sensor 207.

  The environmental temperature sensor 208 detects an ambient temperature that is the temperature around the place where the printing apparatus 100 is placed. The main controller 201 controls the input energy input to the thermal head 227 by the head drive circuit 226 based on the detection result of the environmental temperature sensor 208.

  The head pressure detection sensor 209 detects the head pressure of the thermal head 227. The main controller 201 controls the head pressure to a pressure corresponding to the remaining amount of roll paper based on the detection result of the head pressure detection sensor 209 and the control program stored in the ROM 202.

  The printing range identification sensor 210 is arranged in the vicinity of the cutter unit and identifies the printed range.

  The head lowering speed detection sensor 231 detects the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227. The main controller 201 controls the head lowering speed to a speed corresponding to the remaining amount of roll paper based on the detection result of the head lowering speed detection sensor 231 and the control program stored in the ROM 202.

  The display control unit 222 performs control for displaying a menu for inputting image data to be printed and setting data necessary for printing on the display unit 102.

  The IC read / write unit 230 reads cartridge information from a cartridge information chip included in the cartridge 110 and writes cartridge information to the cartridge information chip. The cartridge information read from the cartridge information chip includes, for example, roll paper size (width, thickness, length), roll paper characteristics, roller diameter, ink ribbon manufacturing information, and the like. The ink ribbon characteristic information, the diameter of the take-up roller of the ink ribbon, the diameter of the supply roller of the ink ribbon, and the like are also listed as cartridge information read from the cartridge information chip. The cartridge information written to the cartridge information chip includes, for example, information indicating the number of printed sheets, information indicating the number of sheets that failed to print, information indicating the cause of the printing failure, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the cartridge 110 shown in FIG.

  The configuration of each unit that operates when the printing apparatus 100 performs printing will be described with reference to FIG.

  The conveyance path 301 is a conveyance path through which the roll paper 313-2 stored in the cartridge 110 passes when it is pulled out to the printing position 311 during printing.

  The cartridge outlet 302 is an outlet from which the roll paper 313-2 is drawn out from the cartridge 110. The roll paper 313-2 wound around the roller 313-1 is pulled off by the separation member 314, and is drawn out of the cartridge 110 from the cartridge outlet 302, and the drawn roll paper 313-2 passes through the conveyance path 301. pass.

  The curl removing roller 303-1 and the curl driven roller 303-2 correct curl (curl) of the roll paper 313-2.

  The grip roller 304-1 and the pinch roller 304-2 are arranged at positions facing each other across the roll paper 313-2, and sandwich the front and back surfaces of the roll paper 313-2. When the pair of rollers rotate in the forward direction (the grip roller 304-1 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing), the roll paper 313-2 drawn from the cartridge 110 is conveyed to the printing position 311.

  Note that the housing 111 covering the ink ribbon 315 is removed at the printing position 311 in a state where the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100. The ink ribbon 315 is exposed outside the cartridge 110.

  The platen roller 305 maintains the state where the ink ribbon 315 and the roll paper 313-2 are overlapped with the thermal head 227 at the printing position 311.

  The paper discharge roller 306 conveys the roll paper 313-2 in the paper discharge direction.

  The discharge kick-out roller 307 has a concavo-convex portion, and carries the printed and cut roll paper 313-2 to a discharge box (not shown) outside the printing apparatus 100. The paper discharge roller 306 and the paper discharge kick roller 307 are arranged at positions facing each other with the roll paper 313-2 interposed therebetween, and sandwich the front and back surfaces of the roll paper 313-2.

  The gear train 308 transmits the operation of the cutter motor 221 to the cutter unit.

  The cutter blade 309 and the cutter receiving blade 310 constitute a cutter unit and are disposed at positions facing each other across the conveyance path of the roll paper 313-2. The cutter blade 309 and the cutter receiving blade 310 are driven by a gear train 308. The roll paper 313-2 is cut by rubbing the cutter blade 309 and the cutter receiving blade 310 together.

  Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which the leading end portion of the roll paper 313-2 is peeled off by the separation member 314 and remains in the conveyance path 301. However, in the printing apparatus 100, such a state is not realized immediately after the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100.

  Hereinafter, an operation of the printing apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.

  First, the operation when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described. Before that, the cartridge information will be described.

  4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining cartridge information. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of cartridge information stored in the ROM 202. FIG. 4B is an example of cartridge information stored in a cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the cartridge 110 and the ROM 202, the cartridge number, the paper size information, the printing state information, and the remaining amount information are associated with each other and stored as cartridge information. The cartridge number is information for identifying the cartridge. The paper size information is information indicating the size of the roll paper stored in the cartridge. The print status information is information indicating whether printing has been normally completed when the cartridge 110 was used last time. Here, the printing status information indicates “normal” or “abnormal”. Further, the remaining amount information is represented by the number of sheets that can be printed with the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 as an example, and this number is hereinafter referred to as the remaining number.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. When the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 and the power is turned on, the operation described below is started when the state shown in FIG.

  First, the main controller 201 acquires the cartridge number from the cartridge information stored in the cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110 in the format as shown in FIG. 4B (step S1).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the acquired cartridge number is stored in the ROM 202 (step S2).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S2, if the acquired cartridge number is not stored in the ROM 202, the main controller 201 stores the acquired cartridge number in the ROM 202 (step S3). Note that the acquired cartridge number is not stored in the ROM 202 means that the cartridge identified by the acquired cartridge number is first installed in the printing apparatus 100.

  Next, the main controller 201 acquires paper size information from the cartridge information chip (step S4).

  On the other hand, if the acquired cartridge number is stored in the ROM 202 as a result of the confirmation in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4.

  Next, the main controller 201 acquires printing status information from the cartridge information chip (step S5).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the acquired printing status information indicates normality (step S6).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S6, if the acquired printing status information indicates an abnormality, the main controller 201 displays an error on the display unit 102 (step S7) and ends the process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S6, if the acquired printing status information indicates normal, the main controller 201 acquires the remaining amount information from the cartridge information chip (step S8).

  Then, the main controller 201 checks whether there is a remaining amount of roll paper 313-2 from the remaining amount information acquired in step S8 (step S9).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S9, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates that there is no remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2, the operation proceeds to step S7, and the main controller 201 displays an error on the display unit 102. To finish the process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S9, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates that the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is present, the main controller 201 determines that the acquired sheet size information, printing state information, and The remaining amount information is stored in the ROM 202 (step S10). Then, the process ends.

  Here, the paper size information, the print state information, and the remaining amount information are cartridge information. However, as described above, the cartridge information is not limited to these.

  Next, an operation for changing the head pressure of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for changing the head pressure of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 103 to select image data to be printed from among the image data displayed on the display unit 102. Note that the number of image data that can be selected as a print target is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  Then, the main controller 201 accepts selection of image data via the operation unit 103 (step S21).

  Next, the main controller 201 determines whether or not a printing instruction has been issued by the user operating the operation unit 103 (step S22).

  As a result of the determination in step S22, when it is determined that there is a print instruction, the main controller 201 determines whether or not all of the selected image data can be printed (step S23). Here, whether or not all the selected image data can be printed is determined based on the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. The remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is calculated from the ribbon speed, which is the rotation speed when winding the ink ribbon detected by the ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204.

  As a result of the determination in step S23, when it is determined that all of the selected image data can be printed, the main controller 201 converts the print data (drawing data) for each color based on the selected image data. (Step S24).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 4A (step S25).

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S25 is less than the predetermined number (5 in this embodiment), the main controller 201 outputs a signal instructing an increase in head pressure to the head up / down motor driver 218. Then, the head up / down motor driver 218 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 219 to switch the cam position (not shown), and the head pressure of the thermal head 227 increases from the normal head pressure (step). S26).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head pressure of the thermal head 227 using the head pressure detection sensor 209.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the detected head pressure has reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S25 based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 (step S27). .

  As a result of the confirmation in step S27, if the detected head pressure has not reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26. Thereby, the increase in head pressure is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S27, if the detected head pressure has reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S25, a printing process using the generated print data is performed. (Step S28).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110 stored in the ROM 202 (step S29).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a printing target (step S30).

  If the result of determination in step S30 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S24.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S <b> 30 is that there is no next image data, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information stored in the cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110 with the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202. (Step S31).

  Thereafter, a termination process is performed, and the printing apparatus 100 returns to the state shown in FIG. Specifically, the thermal head 227 returns to the retracted position, the roll paper 313-2 is wound up, and the leading end portion of the roll paper 313-2 remains in the conveyance path 301. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

  If it is determined in step S23 that it is impossible to print all of the selected image data, the main controller 201 displays a message indicating that printing is impossible on the display unit 102. Display. And it changes to operation | movement of step S30.

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S25 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (5), the main controller 201 moves the thermal head 227 at a normal head pressure determined in advance without increasing the head pressure. Make it work.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of the thermal head 227 pressing the ink ribbon 315 and the roll paper 313-2 is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. As a result, the head pressure of the thermal head 227 can be changed according to the curl amount of the roll paper 313-2, and density unevenness and density reduction of the printed matter can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the cartridge 110 includes a cartridge information chip that stores cartridge information has been described. In this embodiment, the cartridge does not include a cartridge information chip, but instead includes a bit switch for identifying the cartridge number. In this embodiment, the bit value represented by this bit switch is the cartridge number.

  7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating another example of the cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the cartridge, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the bit switch with which a cartridge is provided. A cartridge 110-1 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a cartridge in which roll paper and an ink sheet are integrated, and the basic configuration is the same as the cartridge 110 described in the first embodiment. However, a bit switch as shown in FIG. 7B is arranged at a portion indicated by an arrow in FIG. 7A.

  FIG. 7B shows a bit switch representing 4 bits as an example, but the number of bits is not limited to 4.

  Other configurations are the same as those described in the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the configurations is omitted here.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 of the printing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, in the ROM 202, the cartridge number represented by the bit value, the paper size information, the printing state information, and the remaining paper amount are associated with each other and stored as cartridge information.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the cartridge 110-1 is attached to the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. When the cartridge 110-1 is mounted in the printing apparatus 100 and the power is turned on, the operation described below is started when the state shown in FIG.

  First, the main controller 201 acquires a bit value indicated by the bit switch of the cartridge 110-1 (step S41).

  Next, the main controller 201 checks whether or not the acquired bit value is stored in the ROM 202 as a cartridge number (step S42).

  If the acquired bit value is not stored in the ROM 202 as the cartridge number as a result of the confirmation in step S42, the main controller 201 stores the acquired bit value in the ROM 202 as the cartridge number. At the same time, the main controller 201 stores the cartridge information in the ROM 202 in association with the cartridge number as shown in FIG. 8 (step S43). Specifically, information indicating the paper size recognized by the bit switch of the mounted cartridge 110-1 is stored as paper size information. Further, information indicating normality is stored as the print status information. Further, the maximum number corresponding to the mounted cartridge 110-1 is stored as the remaining amount information.

  Note that the acquired bit value is not stored in the ROM 202 as the cartridge number means that the cartridge 110-1 is first installed in the printing apparatus 100.

  Next, the main controller 201 acquires paper size information corresponding to the cartridge number that is the acquired bit value from the ROM 202 (step S44).

  On the other hand, if the acquired bit value is stored in the ROM 202 as the cartridge number as a result of the confirmation in step S42, the process proceeds to step S44.

  Next, the main controller 201 acquires print state information corresponding to the cartridge number that is the acquired bit value from the ROM 202 (step S45).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the acquired printing status information indicates normality (step S46).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S46, if the acquired printing status information indicates an abnormality, the main controller 201 displays an error on the display unit 102 (step S47), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the acquired print status information indicates normality as a result of the confirmation in step S46, the main controller 201 acquires the remaining amount information corresponding to the cartridge number that is the acquired bit value from the ROM 202 (step S46). S48).

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms whether there is a remaining amount of roll paper 313-2 from the remaining amount information acquired in step S48 (step S49).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S49, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates that there is no remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2, the operation proceeds to step S47, and the main controller 201 displays an error on the display unit 102. To finish the process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S49, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates that there is a remaining amount of roll paper 313-2, the processing is ended as it is.

  Here, the paper size information, the print state information, and the remaining amount information are cartridge information. However, as described above, the cartridge information is not limited to these.

  Next, an operation for changing the head pressure of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing will be described. Here, it is assumed that the cartridge 110-1 is attached to the printing apparatus 100.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of changing the head pressure of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 103 to select image data to be printed from among the image data displayed on the display unit 102. Note that the number of image data that can be selected as a print target is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  Then, the main controller 201 accepts selection of image data via the operation unit 103 (step S61).

  Next, the main controller 201 determines whether or not a printing instruction has been issued by the user operating the operation unit 103 (step S62).

  As a result of the determination in step S <b> 62, when it is determined that there is an instruction for printing, the main controller 201 detects the ribbon speed using the ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204.

  Next, the main controller 201 calculates the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 based on the detected ribbon speed (step S63). Here, the remaining amount is calculated as the number of sheets that can be printed by the remaining amount of roll paper stored in the cartridge 110-1.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the number of roll sheets 313-2 calculated in step S63 matches the remaining number as remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 (step S64).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S64, when the number of sheets calculated in step S63 matches the remaining number, the main controller 201 determines whether or not all of the selected image data can be printed (step). S65).

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S64, if the number calculated in step S63 does not match the remaining number, the main controller 201 stores the number calculated in step S63 in the ROM 202 as the remaining number (step S66). ). And it changes to operation | movement of step S65.

  As a result of the determination in step S65, when it is determined that all of the selected image data can be printed, the main controller 201 converts the print data (drawing data) for each color based on the selected image data. (Step S67).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110-1 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S68).

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S68 is less than the predetermined number (5 in this embodiment), the main controller 201 outputs a signal instructing an increase in head pressure to the head up / down motor driver 218. Then, the head up / down motor driver 218 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 219 to switch the cam position (not shown), and the head pressure of the thermal head 227 increases from the normal head pressure (step). S69).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head pressure of the thermal head 227 using the head pressure detection sensor 209.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 whether the detected head pressure has reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S68 (step S70). .

  As a result of the confirmation in step S70, if the detected head pressure has not reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S68, the process proceeds to step S69. Thereby, the increase in head pressure is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S70, if the detected head pressure has reached the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S68, printing processing using the generated print data is performed. (Step S71).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110-1 stored in the ROM 202 (step S72).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a printing target (step S73).

  If the result of determination in step S73 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S67.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S73 is that there is no next image data, the processing ends.

  Thereafter, a termination process is performed, and the printing apparatus 100 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S65 that it is impossible to print all of the selected image data, the main controller 201 displays a message indicating that printing is not possible on the display unit 102. Display. And it changes to operation | movement of step S73.

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S68 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (5), the main controller 201 moves the thermal head 227 at a normal head pressure determined in advance without increasing the head pressure. Make it work.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of the thermal head 227 pressing the ink ribbon 315 and the roll paper 313-2 is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. As a result, the head pressure of the thermal head 227 can be changed according to the curl amount of the roll paper 313-2, and density unevenness and density reduction of the printed matter can be reduced.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the head pressure of the thermal head 227 is changed based on whether or not the remaining number of remaining amount information is a predetermined number or more. In the present embodiment, a case where the head pressure of the thermal head 227 is changed for each confirmed remaining number will be described. That is, in the present embodiment, the head pressure corresponding to each remaining number is set for each remaining number.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the head pressure and the remaining number of sheets controlled by the main controller 201 shown in FIG. In the control program stored in the ROM 202 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the remaining number and the head pressure corresponding to each remaining number are associated with each other.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the remaining number is less than N, the head pressure is increased by 0.2 [N] according to the remaining number. However, this is only an example, and these head pressures can be appropriately changed depending on the characteristics of the head, components and members in which the head is assembled, and the like.

  In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the printing apparatus and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted here. Also, the operation when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Of the operations at the time of printing in the printing apparatus 100, the operations from the selection of image data to be printed from the user to the generation of print data are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  Therefore, the operation of checking the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 among the operations of performing printing in the printing apparatus 100 will be described here. Specifically, the operation described here corresponds to the operation after step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of changing the head pressure of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  The main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 4A (step S81).

  Next, the main controller 201 controls the head pressure of the thermal head 227 by transmitting a signal to the head up / down motor driver 218 in accordance with the remaining number confirmed in step S81 (step S82).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head pressure of the thermal head 227 using the head pressure detection sensor 209.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 whether or not the detected head pressure is set to the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S81 (step S83). ). For example, if the remaining number confirmed in step S81 is “N-2”, it is confirmed whether the head pressure is 31.6 (N) as shown in FIG.

  As a result of the confirmation in step S83, if the detected head pressure is set to a head pressure corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S81, a printing process using the generated print data is performed (step S84). ).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110 stored in the ROM 202 (step S85).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a printing target (step S86).

  If the result of determination in step S86 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S81.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S86 is that there is no next image data, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information stored in the cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110 with the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202. (Step S87).

  Here, as a result of the confirmation in step S83, if the detected head pressure is not set to the head pressure corresponding to the remaining number, the main controller 201 determines whether the head pressure exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. Is confirmed (step S88).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S88, if the detected head pressure exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the display unit 102 displays that the head pressure is abnormal (step S89), and the operation in step S87. Transition to.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S88, if the detected head pressure does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S82.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the operation of the thermal head 227 pressing the ink ribbon 315 and the roll paper 313-2 is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. Specifically, when the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 is less than a predetermined value, the head pressure of the thermal head 227 is increased by an increase corresponding to the remaining amount information from a predetermined predetermined head pressure. increase. As a result, the head pressure of the thermal head 227 can be changed in more detail according to the curl amount of the roll paper 313-2, and the density unevenness and density reduction of the printed matter can be more reliably reduced. Can do. Here, the remaining amount information may be the number of sheets that can be printed with the remaining roll paper, or the length of the remaining roll paper. Or the roll diameter of roll paper may be sufficient.

  As described above, instead of setting the head pressure corresponding to each remaining number for each remaining number, a range of the remaining number may be determined in advance, and the head pressure may be set for each range. .

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the head pressure controlled by the main controller 201 shown in FIG. 2 and the range of the remaining number of sheets. The relationship between the head pressure and the remaining number range shown in FIG. 13 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  In this case, the main controller 201 controls the head pressure in a stepwise manner according to the remaining number range. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the remaining number is 50 or more, the head pressure is N1, and when the remaining number is 15 or more and less than 50, the head pressure is N2, which is higher than N1. When the remaining number is less than 15, the head pressure is set to N3 that is further increased from N2.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first to third embodiments described above, the print head is controlled by controlling the operation of the thermal head 227 pressing the ink ribbon 315 and the roll paper 313-2 according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. The case of reducing the density unevenness and the decrease in density has been described.

  In the present embodiment, a case where the operation of lowering the thermal head 227 is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 will be described.

  Since the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 is the same as that described in the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the present embodiment, a case where cartridge information is stored in a cartridge information chip cartridge included in the cartridge 110 will be described, as in the first embodiment described above. The operation when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, here, the operation of changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing using the mounted cartridge 110 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation for changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 103 to select image data to be printed from among the image data displayed on the display unit 102. Note that the number of image data that can be selected as a print target is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  Then, the main controller 201 accepts selection of image data via the operation unit 103 (step S101).

  Next, the main controller 201 determines whether or not a printing instruction has been issued by the user operating the operation unit 103 (step S102).

  As a result of the determination in step S102, when it is determined that there is a print instruction, the main controller 201 determines whether or not all of the selected image data can be printed (step S103). Here, whether or not all the selected image data can be printed is determined based on the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. The remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is calculated from the ribbon speed detected by the ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204.

  As a result of the determination in step S103, when it is determined that all of the selected image data can be printed, the main controller 201 converts the print data (drawing data) for each color based on the selected image data. (Step S104).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 4A (step S105).

  When the remaining number confirmed in step S105 is less than the predetermined number, the main controller 201 outputs a signal instructing an increase in the head lowering speed to the head up / down motor driver 218. The head up / down motor driver 218 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 219, thereby increasing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 (step S106).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 using the head lowering speed detection sensor 231.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 whether or not the detected head lowering speed has reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S105 (step S105). S107).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S107, if the detected head lowering speed has not reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S105, the process proceeds to step S106. Thereby, the increase in the head lowering speed is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S107, if the detected head lowering speed has reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S105, printing processing using the generated print data is performed. Performed (step S108).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110 stored in the ROM 202 (step S109).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a print target (step S110).

  If the result of determination in step S110 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S104.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S <b> 110 is that there is no next image data, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information stored in the cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110 with the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202. (Step S111).

  Thereafter, a termination process is performed, and the printing apparatus 100 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S103 that it is impossible to print all of the selected image data, the main controller 201 displays a message indicating that printing is impossible on the display unit 102. Display. And it changes to operation | movement of step S110.

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S105 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the main controller 201 operates the thermal head 227 at a predetermined head lowering speed without increasing the head lowering speed.

  Here, the relationship between the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 and the head lowering speed will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a case where the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is reduced will be described.

  FIG. 15 illustrates an incident angle that is an angle when the leading end portion of the roll paper 313-2 approaches the thermal head 227 when the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 illustrated in FIG. 3 is low. FIG. The incident angle is expressed as an angle with respect to the thermal head bottom surface 227-1 which is the bottom surface of the thermal head 227. The thermal head bottom surface 227-1 is precisely the ink ribbon 315 pressed by the thermal head bottom surface 227-1. However, in FIG. 15, the ink ribbon 315 is omitted for easy understanding.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state when the roll paper 313-2 is in contact with the thermal head 227 in the case illustrated in FIG. 15, and (a) is a case where the head lowering speed is an arbitrary speed V1. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a case where the head lowering speed is faster than V1. To be precise, the roll paper 313-2 is in contact with the ink ribbon 315 pressed by the thermal head bottom surface 227-1, but here, for the sake of easy understanding, the “thermal head bottom surface 227- "Contact 1". Also, in FIG. 16, as in FIG. 15, the ink ribbon 315 is omitted for easy understanding.

  When the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is low, the roll paper 313-2 is conveyed obliquely upward as shown in FIG. At this time, when the incident angle falls within the range of θ1, as shown in FIG. 16A, the bottom surface of the roll paper 313-2 is close to a right angle with respect to the thermal head bottom surface 227-1. Contact 227-1. In this case, the roll paper 313-2 is bent by the elasticity of the roll paper 313-2, and there is a high possibility that a paper jam will occur.

  On the other hand, when the incident angle is in the range of θ2, that is, when the head lowering speed is faster than V1, as shown in FIG. It contacts the thermal head bottom surface 227-1 in a state close to parallel. In this case, the roll paper 313-2 is conveyed along the thermal head bottom surface 227-1 without being bent. Therefore, the possibility of paper jams is low.

  Next, a case where the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is larger than the case illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows an incident angle which is an angle when the leading end of the roll paper 313-2 approaches the thermal head 227 when the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is larger than that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. It is a figure for demonstrating. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state when the roll paper 313-2 is in contact with the thermal head 227 in the case illustrated in FIG. 17, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a case where the head lowering speed is faster than V1. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the ink ribbon 315 is omitted as in FIGS. 15 and 16.

  When the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 is larger than that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the roll paper 313-2 is conveyed in a substantially parallel state as shown in FIG. At this time, when the incident angle is in the range of θ4, as shown in FIG. 18A, the thermal paper bottom surface 227-1 is in a state where the roll paper 313-2 is almost parallel to the thermal head bottom surface 227-1. Contact with. In this case, the roll paper 313-2 is conveyed along the thermal head bottom surface 227-1 without being bent. Therefore, the possibility of paper jams is low.

  On the other hand, when the incident angle is in the range of θ3, that is, when the head lowering speed is faster than V1, as shown in FIG. 18B, the leading end portion of the roll paper 313-2 is the thermal head bottom surface 227-1. In contact with the thermal head bottom surface 227-1 in a state close to a right angle to the thermal head. In this case, the roll paper 313-2 is bent by the elasticity of the roll paper 313-2, and there is a high possibility that a paper jam will occur.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of lowering the thermal head 227 from the retracted position to the printing position is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. As a result, the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 can be changed according to the curl amount of the roll paper 313-2, and the occurrence of paper jam of the roll paper can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the above-described fourth embodiment, the case where the cartridge 110 includes a cartridge information chip that stores cartridge information has been described. Similar to the second embodiment described above, the cartridge in the present embodiment is not provided with a cartridge information chip, but instead is a cartridge 110-1 provided with a bit switch for indicating a cartridge number. The cartridge information is stored in the ROM 202 of the printing apparatus 100 in association with the cartridge number indicated by the bit switch.

  Note that the operation when the cartridge 110-1 is attached to the printing apparatus 100 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in the second embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, here, the operation of changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing using the mounted cartridge 110-1 will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  First, the user operates the operation unit 103 to select image data to be printed from among the image data displayed on the display unit 102. Note that the number of image data that can be selected as a print target is not limited to one, and may be plural.

  Then, the main controller 201 accepts selection of image data via the operation unit 103 (step S121).

  Next, the main controller 201 determines whether or not a printing instruction has been issued by the user operating the operation unit 103 (step S122).

  As a result of the determination in step S122, when it is determined that there has been an instruction for printing, the main controller 201 detects the ribbon speed using the ink ribbon speed detection sensor 204.

  Next, the main controller 201 calculates the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2 based on the detected ribbon speed (step S123). Here, the remaining amount is calculated as the number of sheets that can be printed by the remaining amount of roll paper stored in the cartridge 110-1.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms whether or not the number of roll papers 313-2 calculated in step S123 matches the remaining number as remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 (step S124).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S124, if the number calculated in step S123 matches the remaining number, the main controller 201 determines whether or not all the selected image data can be printed (step S124). S125).

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S124, if the number calculated in step S123 does not match the remaining number, the main controller 201 stores the number calculated in step S123 in the ROM 202 as the remaining number (step S126). ). And it changes to operation | movement of step S125.

  As a result of the determination in step S125, when it is determined that all of the selected image data can be printed, the main controller 201 converts the print data (drawing data) for each color based on the selected image data. (Step S127).

  Next, the main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110-1 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S128).

  When the remaining number confirmed in step S128 is less than the predetermined number, the main controller 201 outputs a signal instructing an increase in the head lowering speed to the head up / down motor driver 218. The head up / down motor driver 218 controls the rotation of the head up / down motor 219, thereby increasing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 (step S129).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 using the head lowering speed detection sensor 231.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 whether or not the detected head lowering speed has reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S128 (step S128). S130).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S130, when the detected head lowering speed has not reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S128, the process proceeds to step S129. Thereby, the increase in the head lowering speed is continued.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S130, if the detected head lowering speed has reached the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S128, the printing process using the generated print data is performed. Performed (step S131).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110-1 stored in the ROM 202 (step S132).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a printing target (step S133).

  If the result of determination in step S133 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S127.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S133 is that there is no next image data, the process ends.

  Thereafter, a termination process is performed, and the printing apparatus 100 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S125 that it is impossible to print all of the selected image data, the main controller 201 displays a message indicating that printing cannot be performed on the display unit 102. Display. And it changes to operation | movement of step S133.

  If the remaining number confirmed in step S128 is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the main controller 201 operates the thermal head 227 at a predetermined head lowering speed without increasing the head lowering speed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of lowering the thermal head 227 from the retracted position to the printing position is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. As a result, the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 can be changed according to the curl amount of the roll paper 313-2, and the occurrence of paper jam of the roll paper can be reduced.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment described above, the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 is changed based on whether or not the remaining number of remaining amount information is a predetermined number or more. In the present embodiment, a case where the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 is changed for each confirmed remaining number will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 shown in the third embodiment described above, the head lowering speed corresponding to each remaining number is set for each remaining number. In other words, in the control program stored in the ROM 202 in the present embodiment, the remaining number as the remaining amount information and the head lowering speed corresponding to each remaining number are associated with each other.

  Note that in this embodiment, the basic configuration of the printing apparatus is the same as that of the above-described fourth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here. Also, the operation when the cartridge 110 is mounted on the printing apparatus 100 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Of the operations for printing in the printing apparatus 100, the operations from receiving selection of image data to be printed from the user to generating print data are the same as those described in the fourth embodiment.

  Therefore, the operation of checking the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 among the operations of performing printing in the printing apparatus 100 will be described here. Specifically, the operation described here corresponds to the operation after step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 described in the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation of changing the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 when the printing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 performs printing.

  The main controller 201 confirms the remaining number as the remaining amount information of the mounted cartridge 110 from the cartridge information stored in the ROM 202 as shown in FIG. 4A (step S141).

  Next, the main controller 201 controls the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 by transmitting a signal to the head up / down motor driver 218 in accordance with the remaining number confirmed in step S141 (step S142).

  Next, the main controller 201 detects the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 using the head lowering speed detection sensor 231.

  Then, the main controller 201 confirms based on the control program stored in the ROM 202 whether or not the detected head lowering speed is set to the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number confirmed in step S141 ( Step S143).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S143, when the detected head lowering speed is set to the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number of sheets confirmed in step S141, a printing process using the generated print data is performed ( Step S144).

  Next, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information by subtracting one remaining number as the remaining amount information of the cartridge 110 stored in the ROM 202 (step S145).

  Then, the main controller 201 determines whether there is the next image data selected as a printing target (step S146).

  If the result of determination in step S146 is that there is next image data, the operation proceeds to step S141.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S146 is that there is no next image data, the main controller 201 updates the remaining amount information stored in the cartridge information chip of the cartridge 110 with the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202. (Step S147).

  Here, as a result of the confirmation in step S143, when the detected head lowering speed is not set to the head lowering speed corresponding to the remaining number of sheets, the main controller 201 determines that the head lowering speed exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. It is confirmed whether or not (step S148).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S148, if the detected head lowering speed exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the display unit 102 displays that the head lowering speed is abnormal (step S149), and step S147. Transition to the operation.

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in step S148, if the detected head lowering speed does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value, the operation proceeds to step S142.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of lowering the thermal head 227 from the retracted position to the printing position is controlled according to the remaining amount of the roll paper 313-2. Specifically, when the remaining amount information stored in the ROM 202 is less than a predetermined value, the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 is increased according to the remaining amount information from a predetermined predetermined head lowering speed. Increase by minutes. As a result, the head lowering speed of the thermal head 227 can be changed in more detail according to the amount of curl of the roll paper 313-2, and the occurrence of roll paper jams can be more reliably reduced. it can.

  In this embodiment as well, as described with reference to FIG. 13 in the third embodiment described above, a range of the remaining number as remaining amount information is determined in advance, and the head lowering speed is set for each range. May be set.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary. In addition, here, the first to sixth embodiments have been described separately, but the first to sixth embodiments may be appropriately combined and implemented in one apparatus.

  In the first to sixth embodiments described above, the head operation is controlled using the remaining amount information recorded on the chip provided in the cartridge. However, the remaining amount information may be acquired in any way. For example, a remaining amount detection sensor may be provided to detect the diameter of the roll paper and determine the remaining amount. Further, the remaining amount of roll paper may be determined from the rotation speed of the roll paper when the roll paper is pulled out at a constant speed.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by providing a recording medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the first to sixth embodiments described above to a system or apparatus. Needless to say.

  In this case, a computer (or CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit)) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the recording medium. Thereby, the above-described function is realized. In this case, the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. be able to.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, an OS (Operating System) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

  Further, when the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. Is also included. In other words, after the program code is written in the memory, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and is realized by the processing. This is also included.

Claims (20)

A printing apparatus that prints an image on the roll paper by lowering the head from the retracted position to the printing position, and the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper,
A printing apparatus that controls an operation of lowering the head or an operation of pressing the head according to a remaining amount of the roll paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
A printing apparatus comprising: a head pressure control unit that changes a head pressure, which is a pressure when the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper, according to the remaining amount of the roll paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
When the remaining amount of the roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount, the head pressure control unit increases the head pressure above a predetermined predetermined head pressure. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
When the remaining amount of the roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount, the head pressure control unit is configured to increase the head pressure by an increase corresponding to the remaining amount of the roll paper than the predetermined head pressure. apparatus. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A printing apparatus having a head lowering speed control unit that changes a head lowering speed, which is a speed of lowering the head, in accordance with a remaining amount of the roll paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The head descent speed control unit is configured to increase the head descent speed from a predetermined predetermined descent speed when the remaining amount of the roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.
When the remaining amount of the roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount, the head lowering speed control unit increases the head lowering speed by an increment corresponding to the remaining amount of roll paper than the predetermined head lowering speed. Printing equipment to increase. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A printing apparatus having a remaining amount storage unit that stores remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the roll paper. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The roll paper is stored in a cartridge that is detachably attached to the printing apparatus,
The remaining amount storage unit stores information indicating the remaining amount of the roll paper stored in a cartridge mounted on the printing device as the remaining amount information. A control method in a printing apparatus that prints an image on the roll paper by lowering the head from the retracted position to the print position and pressing the ink ribbon and roll paper by the lowered head,
A control method including a process of controlling an operation of lowering the head or an operation of pressing the head according to a remaining amount of the roll paper. The control method according to claim 10,
A control method comprising a process of changing a head pressure, which is a pressure when the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper, according to the remaining amount of the roll paper. The control method according to claim 11, wherein
A control method comprising a process of increasing the head pressure above a predetermined head pressure when the remaining amount of the roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount. The control method according to claim 12, wherein
A control method comprising a process of increasing the head pressure by an increment corresponding to the remaining amount of roll paper, rather than the predetermined head pressure, when the remaining amount of roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount. The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
A control method comprising a process of changing a head lowering speed, which is a speed of lowering the head, according to the remaining amount of the roll paper. The control method according to claim 14, wherein
A control method comprising a process of increasing the head lowering speed beyond a predetermined predetermined head lowering speed when the remaining amount of the roll paper is smaller than a predetermined remaining capacity. The control method according to claim 15, wherein
A control method comprising a process of increasing the head lowering speed by an increase corresponding to the remaining amount of roll paper than the predetermined head lowering speed when the remaining amount of roll paper is less than a predetermined remaining amount. The control method according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
A control method including a process of storing remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of the roll paper. The control method according to claim 17,
The roll paper is stored in a cartridge that is detachably attached to the printing apparatus,
A control method including a process of storing information indicating the remaining amount of the roll paper stored in a cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus as the remaining amount information. In a printing apparatus that prints an image on the roll paper by lowering the head from the retracted position to the printing position, and the lowered head presses the ink ribbon and the roll paper.
A program for realizing a function of controlling the operation of lowering the head or the operation of pressing the head according to the remaining amount of the roll paper.   A recording medium recording the program according to claim 19.

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