JP2018047642A - Printer, control method and program of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly control the electric conduction time in accordance with printing conditions while suppressing the capacity of a storage unit such as ROM.SOLUTION: A printer 1 includes: a thermal head 10 being a print head which performs printing on a printing object medium M and has a plurality of heater elements 10a; ROM 6 being a storage unit which stores a plurality of electric conduction tables in which the temperature of the thermal head 10 and the electric conduction time for electric conduction to each of the plurality of heater elements 10a are associated with each other in correspondence with each of a plurality of conveyance speeds for conveying the printing object medium M; a thermistor 13 which measures the temperature of the thermal head 10; and a control unit 5. The control unit 5 calculates the first electric conduction time for electric conduction to each of the plurality of heater elements 10a on the basis of at least the two electric conduction tables having the conveyance speed different from the first conveyance speed out of the plurality of electric conduction tables when the printing object medium M is set to be conveyed at the first conveyance speed that is not contained in the plurality of conveyance speeds and the temperature of the thermal head 10 measured by the thermistor 13 is at the first temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus is known that performs printing on a print medium line by line by controlling energization of a plurality of heating elements provided in a thermal head while conveying the print medium with a motor. In such a printing apparatus, a method of obtaining a good printing result by controlling the energization time according to the temperature of the thermal head is generally employed. The energization time corresponding to the temperature of the thermal head is stored in a table format in a ROM (Read Only Memory).

  By the way, in the field of a printing apparatus including a thermal head, a technique is known in which printing is performed at different printing speeds according to a printing mode and print data (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). When printing is performed at different printing speeds, the energization time suitable for printing is different at each printing speed even if the thermal head is at the same temperature. For this reason, in a printing apparatus that performs printing at a plurality of printing speeds, it is desirable to control the energization time according to the temperature of the thermal head and the printing speed.

JP 2011-062896 A International Publication No. 2012/132987

  In a printing apparatus that controls the energization time according to the temperature of the thermal head and the printing speed, the information amount of energization time managed in the table increases as the type of printing speed increases. In particular, in a printing apparatus in which the printing speed changes continuously, the amount of information on energization time to be managed increases significantly, and the size of the ROM that stores the energization table increases.

  The energization time may be changed according to printing conditions other than the temperature of the thermal head and the printing speed. For example, when the gradation is expressed by replacing the print data during energization, the gradation expression may be controlled by managing the energization time before and after the replacement of the print data. Even in such a case, since the amount of information on the energization time increases, the size of the ROM that stores the energization table increases.

  Based on the above situation, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to appropriately control the energization time according to various printing conditions while suppressing the capacity of a storage unit such as a ROM.

  A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a print head that has a plurality of heat generating elements and performs printing on a print medium, and an energization time for energizing at least a part of the temperature of the print head and the plurality of heat generating elements. And a plurality of different energization tables associated with each other, each of the plurality of energization tables corresponding to each of a plurality of different transport speeds for transporting the print medium, and the printing A measurement unit that measures the temperature of the head, and the print head that is set to convey the printing medium at a first conveyance speed that is not included in the plurality of conveyance speeds and is measured by the measurement unit The first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements when the temperature is the first temperature is different from the first conveyance speed of the plurality of energization tables. Based on at least two energization table corresponds, and a control unit for calculating.

  A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus having a plurality of heating elements and printing on a print medium; and a temperature of the print head. A plurality of different energization tables associated with energization times for energizing at least some of the plurality of heat generating elements are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables transports the printing medium. A storage unit corresponding to each of the speeds, and a measurement unit that measures the temperature of the print head, and transports the print medium at a first transport speed that is not included in the plurality of transport speeds. And when the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature, a first energization time for energizing at least some of the plurality of heating elements is Multiple energization A first energization table corresponding to one second transport speed faster than the first transport speed of the plurality of transport speeds, and the first transport speed of the plurality of transport speeds. It calculates based on the 2nd electricity supply table corresponding to one slower 3rd conveyance speed.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program executed by a computer that controls a printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus includes a print head that includes a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on a print medium; A plurality of different energization tables in which the temperature of the print head and the energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables conveys the printing medium. A storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds, and a measurement unit for measuring the temperature of the print head, wherein the program includes the plurality of print media in the computer. When it is set to transport at a first transport speed not included in the transport speed, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature One second energization time in which the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements is higher than the first conveyance speed among the plurality of conveyance speeds in the plurality of energization tables. And a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds.

  According to the above aspect, it is possible to appropriately control the energization time according to the printing conditions while suppressing the capacity of the storage unit such as the ROM.

1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tape cassette 30 stored in the printing apparatus 1. 3 is a perspective view of a cassette storage unit 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a timing chart of the signal output from the control part 5 during a batch printing period. 6 is a timing chart of signals output from the control unit 5 during a divided printing period. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating dynamic characteristics of a stepping motor 12 included in the printing apparatus 1. It is a flowchart of a printing control process. It is a flowchart of a conveyance speed determination process. It is the figure which illustrated the change of the conveyance speed at the time of printing the to-be-printed medium M of tape width 12mm in speed priority mode. It is the figure which illustrated the change of the conveyance speed at the time of printing the to-be-printed medium M of tape width 24mm in speed priority mode. It is a flowchart of an energization time determination process. It is the figure which illustrated the energization time table. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of energization time. It is the figure which showed the modification of the electricity supply time table. It is another figure for demonstrating the calculation method of energization time. It is the figure which illustrated the strobe signal in the case of replacing print data 3 times within an energization period. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining exchange of energization tables between the printing apparatus 1a and a computer 50.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus that includes a thermal head that performs printing on a printing medium. For example, the printing apparatus 1 is a label printer that performs printing on a long printing medium M using a single-pass method. Hereinafter, a thermal transfer type label printer using an ink ribbon will be described as an example, but the printing method is not particularly limited. For example, a thermal method using thermal paper may be used. The print medium M is, for example, a tape member having a base material having an adhesive layer and a release paper that is attached to the base material so as to be peelable so as to cover the adhesive layer. The print medium M may be a tape member without release paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 2, an input unit 3, a display unit 4, an opening / closing lid 18, and a cassette storage unit 19. An input unit 3, a display unit 4, and an opening / closing lid 18 are disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2. Although not shown, the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a power cord connection terminal, an external device connection terminal, a storage medium insertion port, and the like.

  The input unit 3 includes various keys such as an input key, a cross key, a conversion key, and a determination key. The display unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays a selection menu for various settings, messages related to various processes, and the like corresponding to characters input from the input unit 3. Further, during printing, contents such as characters and graphics instructed to be printed on the printing medium M (hereinafter referred to as print contents) may be displayed, and the progress of the printing process may be displayed. The display unit 4 may be provided with a touch panel unit. In that case, the display unit 4 may be regarded as a part of the input unit 3.

  The opening / closing lid 18 is disposed on the upper portion of the cassette housing 19 so as to be opened and closed. The opening / closing lid 18 is opened by pressing the button 18a. The opening / closing lid 18 is formed with a window 18b so that it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the tape cassette 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in the cassette storage portion 19 even when the opening / closing lid 18 is closed. ing. A discharge port 2 a is formed on the side surface of the apparatus housing 2. The printing medium M on which printing has been performed in the printing apparatus 1 is discharged out of the apparatus from the discharge port 2a.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 30 housed in the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cassette storage unit 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1. The tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 2 is detachably stored in the cassette storage unit 19 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the tape cassette 30 is stored in the cassette storage unit 19.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 30 includes a cassette case 31 that accommodates a printing medium M and an ink ribbon R in which a thermal head insertion portion 36 and an engagement portion 37 are formed. The cassette case 31 is provided with a tape core 32, an ink ribbon supply core 34, and an ink ribbon winding core 35. The print medium M is wound around a tape core 32 inside the cassette case 31 in a roll shape. In addition, the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon supply core 34 inside the cassette case 31 in a state where the leading end of the ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon winding core 35.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette housing part 19 of the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a plurality of cassette receiving parts 20 for supporting the tape cassette 30 at a predetermined position. The cassette receiving unit 20 is provided with a tape width detection switch 24 for detecting the width of the tape (the printing medium M) accommodated in the tape cassette 30. The tape width detection switch 24 is a detection unit that detects the width of the printing medium M based on the shape of the cassette.

  The cassette housing unit 19 further includes a thermal head 10 having a plurality of heating elements that print on the printing medium M, a platen roller 21 that is a conveyance unit that conveys the printing medium M, and a tape core engaging shaft 22. An ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23 is provided. Further, a thermistor 13 is embedded in the thermal head 10. The thermistor 13 is a measurement unit that measures the temperature of the thermal head 10.

  In the state in which the tape cassette 30 is stored in the cassette storage unit 19, as shown in FIG. 4, the engaging unit 37 provided in the cassette case 31 is supported by the cassette receiving unit 20 provided in the cassette storage unit 19. The thermal head 10 is inserted into a thermal head insertion portion 36 formed in the cassette case 31. Further, the tape core 32 of the tape cassette 30 is engaged with the tape core engaging shaft 22, and the ink ribbon winding core 35 is engaged with the ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23.

  When a printing instruction is input to the printing apparatus 1, the printing medium M is fed out from the tape core 32 by the rotation of the platen roller 21. At this time, the ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23 rotates in synchronization with the platen roller 21, whereby the ink ribbon R is fed out from the ink ribbon supply core 34 together with the printing medium M. As a result, the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R are conveyed in an overlapping state. The ink ribbon R is heated by the thermal head 10 when passing between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21, whereby the ink is transferred to the printing medium M and printing is performed.

  The used ink ribbon R that has passed between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is wound around the ink ribbon winding core 35. On the other hand, the printed medium M that has passed between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is cut by the half-cut mechanism 16 and the full-cut mechanism 17 and discharged from the discharge port 2a.

  FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus 1. In addition to the above-described input unit 3, display unit 4, thermal head 10, thermistor 13, half-cut mechanism 16, full-cut mechanism 17, platen roller 21, tape width detection switch 24, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 5, ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, RAM (Random Access Memory) 7, display drive circuit 8, head drive circuit 9, transport motor drive circuit 11, stepping motor 12, cutter motor drive circuit 14, and cutter motor 15. . Note that the control unit 5, the ROM 6, and the RAM 7 constitute a computer of the printing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 5 includes a processor 5a such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 5 controls the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 1 by developing and executing a program stored in the ROM 6 in the RAM 7. The control unit 5 is, for example, a head control unit that controls the thermal head 10, a conveyance control unit that controls the platen roller 21, and a cut control unit that controls the cutting mechanism.

  The ROM 6 stores a printing program for printing on the printing medium M and various data (for example, fonts) necessary for executing the printing program. The ROM 6 is a storage unit that stores a plurality of energization tables in which the temperature of the thermal head 10 and the time for energizing the plurality of heating elements 10a (hereinafter simply referred to as energization time) are associated. The correspondence between the temperature and the energization time varies depending on the conveyance speed at which the printing medium M is conveyed. The ROM 6 stores a plurality of energization tables having different correspondences between temperature and energization time, and each of the plurality of energization tables corresponds to a plurality of different transport speeds. The ROM 6 also functions as a storage medium in which a program that can be read by the control unit 5 is stored.

  The RAM 7 functions as an input data memory for storing information about printing (hereinafter referred to as print information). The RAM 7 also functions as a print data memory that stores data (hereinafter referred to as print data) indicating a pattern of print contents to be formed on a print medium, generated based on print information. Further, the RAM 7 also functions as a display data memory that stores display data generated based on the print information.

  The display unit drive circuit 8 controls the display unit 4 based on the display data stored in the RAM 7. The display unit 4 may display the print contents under a control of the display unit drive circuit 8, for example, in a manner in which the progress status of the printing process can be recognized.

  The head drive circuit 9 energizes the plurality of heating elements 10a based on the print data and the strobe signal. The thermal head 10 is a print head having a plurality of heating elements 10a arranged in the main scanning direction. In the thermal head 10, at least a part of the heating element 10 a is selectively energized by the head drive circuit 9 in accordance with the print data during the period when the strobe signal sent from the control unit 5 is ON (that is, energization period). Thus, the ink ribbon R is heated by the heating element 10a, and printing is performed line by line on the printing medium M by thermal transfer.

  The conveyance motor drive circuit 11 drives the stepping motor 12. The stepping motor 12 drives the platen roller 21. The platen roller 21 is a transport unit that rotates by the power of the stepping motor 12 and transports the print medium M in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) of the print medium M.

  The cutter motor drive circuit 14 drives the cutter motor 15. The half-cut mechanism 16 and the full-cut mechanism 17 operate by the power of the cutter motor 15 and half-cut or full-cut the print medium M. The full cut is an operation of cutting the base material of the printing medium M along the width direction together with the release paper, and the half cut is an operation of cutting only the base material along the width direction.

  In the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above, the control unit 5 includes a plurality of heating elements 10a according to printing conditions including the temperature of the thermal head 10 measured by the thermistor 13 (hereinafter referred to as measurement temperature). The energization time for at least a part of the current is controlled. More specifically, when the energization time under the printing condition (first printing condition) including the measured temperature is recorded in any of the plurality of energization tables, the control unit 5 With reference to the corresponding energization table, the energization time under the printing condition (first printing condition) is extracted from the energization table, and energization is performed on at least some of the plurality of heating elements 10a according to the extracted energization time. Control. On the other hand, when the energization time under the printing condition including the measured temperature (first printing condition) is not recorded in any of the plurality of energization tables, the control unit 5 refers to the plurality of energization tables. Then, at least two energization times are extracted from a plurality of energization tables under at least two different printing conditions (second printing conditions and third printing conditions) close to the target printing conditions. Based on the extracted at least two energization times, the energization time under the target printing condition (first printing condition) is calculated. More specifically, for example, the control unit 5 is set to transport the printing medium M at a first transport speed that is not included in the plurality of transport speeds corresponding to the plurality of energization tables, and the thermistor. When the temperature of the thermal head 10 measured by 13 is the first temperature, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements 10a is set to the first energization table among the plurality of energization tables. The calculation is performed based on at least two energization tables corresponding to a transport speed different from the transport speed. And the control part 5 controls the electricity supply with respect to at least one part of the several heat generating element 10a according to the computed electricity supply time. Thus, the energization time is appropriately controlled according to the printing conditions. Here, the printing conditions refer to various conditions that affect the printing quality. The temperature of the thermal head 10 measured by the thermistor 13, the transport speed of the printing medium M, the tape width of the printing medium M, and the like. Is included.

  In the printing apparatus 1, the control unit 5 replaces the print data held by the head drive circuit 9 once during the period corresponding to the energization time (that is, the energization period). More specifically, the control unit 5 replaces the print data held by the head drive circuit 9 during the energization period from the main energization data to the history energization data. As a result, gradation expression for printing a desired pattern on the printing medium M with high quality becomes possible. Here, the main energization data is print data indicating a print pattern formed on a line to be printed (hereinafter referred to as a print line) during the energization period. The history energization data is print data generated based on print data of a preceding line (for example, a line one line before the print line, etc.) that is printed earlier than the print line. .

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1, when a plurality of heating elements 10a included in the thermal head 10 are energized at once, the current capacity may be insufficient. Therefore, when the number of heating elements to be energized in printing of one print line exceeds a specific number, that is, when printing a print line having a number of print dots exceeding the specific number, Control is performed so that the printing line is printed in multiple steps. Thereby, the situation where current capacity is insufficient can be avoided.

  FIG. 6A is a timing chart of signals output from the control unit 5 during the batch printing period. FIG. 6B is a timing chart of signals output from the control unit 5 during the divided printing period. Note that batch printing means that a print line is printed at a time by batch driving in which a number of heating elements 10a corresponding to the number of printing dots included in a printing line among a plurality of heating elements 10a are simultaneously driven. The division printing means that the number of heating elements 10a corresponding to the number of printing dots included in the printing line is divided into a plurality, and the printing line is divided into a plurality of times. In batch printing, as shown in FIG. 6A, there is one energization period in which the strobe signal is ON during one line period T in which the printing medium M is conveyed by one printing line. On the other hand, in divided printing, as shown in FIG. 6B, there are a plurality of energization periods (two for two divisions) in which the strobe signal is ON during one line period T.

  The division printing in which the printing line is divided into a plurality of times requires more time for printing than the batch printing. Therefore, the conveyance speed of the printing medium M in the division printing is slower than the conveyance speed for the batch printing. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in batch printing and division printing, the length of one line cycle T in which the printing medium M is conveyed by one printing line is different, and one line cycle T of division printing is different. This is longer than one line cycle T of batch printing. In addition, when the conveyance speed (in other words, one line cycle) is different, the influence of heat generated by printing the preceding line and the amount of energy required for printing are also different. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the energization time (main energization time TS1, history energization time TS2) differs between batch printing and divided printing, and the energization time of divided printing is more than the energization time of batch printing. Also gets longer.

  Further, in the printing apparatus 1, the user can select which of the printing speed and the printing quality is given priority. When the speed priority mode that is a printing mode that prioritizes the printing speed is selected, the control unit 5 has a higher conveyance speed than when the quality priority mode that is the printing mode that prioritizes the print quality is selected. The thermal head 10 and the stepping motor 12 are controlled so that one line period T and energization time are shortened. For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 has at least four types of conveyance speeds depending on whether the printing mode is the speed priority mode or the quality priority mode, and whether the printing is batch printing or division printing. Become. Accordingly, the ROM 6 of the printing apparatus 1 stores, for example, four energization tables corresponding to each of the four types of transport speeds.

  In the printing apparatus 1, the control unit 5 is configured to determine whether or not the transition from the self-starting area of the stepping motor 12 to the through area in the printing process leads to a reduction in printing time. Moreover, the control part 5 is comprised so that it may determine whether it transfers to a through area | region based on the determination result.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating dynamic characteristics of the stepping motor 12 included in the printing apparatus 1. The torque Tq on the vertical axis indicates the torque necessary for rotating the platen roller 21. The pulse rate P1g on the horizontal axis indicates the pulse rate corresponding to the conveyance speed that can be taken during division printing in the quality priority mode. The pulse rate P1s indicates a pulse rate corresponding to a conveyance speed that can be obtained during divided printing in the speed priority mode. The pulse rate P2g indicates a pulse rate corresponding to the conveyance speed that can be obtained during batch printing in the quality priority mode. The pulse rate P2s indicates a pulse rate corresponding to a conveyance speed that can be obtained during batch printing in the speed priority mode.

  Here, the area surrounded by the vertical axis, the horizontal axis, and the solid line L1 indicates the self-activation area, and the area surrounded by the solid line L1, the solid line L2, and the horizontal axis indicates the through area. In the printing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 7, at the torque Tq, the pulse rate P2s at the time of batch printing in the speed priority mode exists in the through region, and the pulse rate P1s at the time of divided printing in the speed priority mode is automatically activated. A situation occurs that exists in the area.

  When the pulse rate is changed within the self-activation area, the stepping motor 12 is synchronized with the change of the pulse rate. For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 can immediately change the transport speed to a speed corresponding to the changed pulse rate. On the other hand, when changing from the pulse rate in the self-starting region to the pulse rate in the through region, the stepping motor 12 is operated in the through region after performing an acceleration operation that gradually increases the pulse rate. Must do so. Further, when changing from the pulse rate in the through region to the pulse rate in the self-starting region, the stepping motor 12 is operated in the self-starting region after performing a deceleration operation that gradually decreases the pulse rate. Must be. For this reason, if the speed changes so that the conveyance speed goes back and forth between the self-start area and the through area, even if it is possible to operate in the through area, stepping from the self-start area to the through area is possible. Changing the state of the motor 12 does not necessarily lead to a reduction in printing time. This is because a certain amount of time is required for the acceleration operation or the deceleration operation. If it is not possible to operate for a sufficient time in the through area, the transfer speed is immediately changed to the speed in the self-starting area (for example, the maximum speed in the self-starting area) and maintained. May also reduce the printing time.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the print control process. Hereinafter, the print control process performed by the control unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the printing apparatus 1, when a print processing start instruction is input from the input unit 3, the control unit 5 executes the print program and performs the print control process illustrated in FIG. 8. First, the control unit 5 acquires information on the print mode designated by the user (step S1). Here, the control unit 5 determines whether to print in the quality priority mode or the speed priority mode based on the acquired information of the print mode. Further, the control unit 5 acquires the tape width (step S2). Here, the control unit 5 acquires the tape width detected by the tape width detection switch 24.

  Next, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the tape width is equal to or less than a predetermined width L (step S3). Here, the control part 5 determines whether the tape width acquired by step S3 is 18 mm or less, for example. When the tape width is 18 mm or less, the number of heating elements that are energized in printing of one printing line does not exceed the specific number described above. For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 does not perform division printing regardless of data.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the tape width is 18 mm or less, the controller 5 acquires the temperature of the thermal head 10 (step S4). Here, the control unit 5 acquires the measured temperature measured by the thermistor 13. Then, line data that is print data for the next print line to be printed is acquired (step S5), and a conveyance speed determination process and an energization time determination process are performed (steps S6 and S7). The conveyance speed determination process and the energization time determination process will be described later. In the energization time determination process, the energization time according to the printing conditions is determined.

  Thereafter, the control unit 5 controls the stepping motor 12 to change the conveyance speed of the printing medium M (step S8). Here, the control unit 5 changes the conveyance speed of the printing medium M to the conveyance speed determined in step S6. Further, the control unit 5 controls the thermal head 10 to perform printing for one line (step S9). Here, the control unit 5 performs printing by controlling energization to the plurality of heating elements 10a according to the energization time determined in step S7.

  Finally, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the print control process has been completed, that is, whether or not the last line has been printed (step S10). Then, the control unit 5 repeats the processing from step S4 to step S10 until it is determined in step S10 that the printing of the last line has been completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the tape width exceeds 18 mm, the control unit 5 acquires the temperature of the thermal head 10 (step S11), acquires line data (step S12), and acquires the acquired line. The number of divisions in division printing is set based on the data (step S13). Here, the control unit 5 sets the number of divisions according to the number of print dots that the print line has. For example, it is determined based on the line data whether or not the print line has more than a specific number of print dots. If it is determined that the print line exceeds the specific number, the number of divisions is set to 2 and the number is less than the specific number. If it is determined that there is, the number of divisions is set to 1.

  Then, the control part 5 performs a conveyance speed determination process and an energization time determination process (step S14, step S15). The conveyance speed determination process and the energization time determination process will be described later. In the energization time determination process, the energization time according to the printing conditions is determined.

  Further, the control unit 5 controls the stepping motor 12 to change the conveyance speed of the printing medium M (step S16). Here, the control unit 5 changes the conveyance speed of the printing medium M to the conveyance speed determined in step S14. Further, the control unit 5 controls the thermal head 10 to perform printing for one line (step S17). Here, the control unit 5 performs printing by controlling energization to the plurality of heating elements 10a according to the energization time determined in step S15.

  Finally, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the print control process has been completed, that is, whether or not the last line has been printed (step S18). Then, the control unit 5 repeats the processing from step S11 to step S18 until it is determined in step S10 that the printing of the last line has been completed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the conveyance speed determination process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the change in the conveyance speed when the printing medium M having a tape width of 12 mm is printed in the speed priority mode. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in the conveyance speed when the printing medium M having a tape width of 24 mm is printed in the speed priority mode. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, taking as an example the case where the printing apparatus 1 is operating in the speed priority mode, a conveyance speed determination process (step S <b> 6, step performed in the print control process shown in FIG. 8). S14) will be specifically described.

  When the conveyance speed determination process shown in FIG. 9 is started, the control unit 5 first determines whether or not the conveyance speed is under acceleration / deceleration (step S101). In the speed priority mode, as shown in FIG. 7, the pulse rate P2s at the time of batch printing is located in the through region. Therefore, when the pulse rate of the stepping motor 12 is changed from the pulse rate (for example, pulse rate P1s) in the self-starting region to the pulse rate P2s, it is necessary to accelerate the conveyance speed, and from the pulse rate P2s in the self-starting region. When changing to the pulse rate, it is necessary to reduce the conveyance speed. In step S101, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the conveyance speed is being accelerated / decelerated. Whether acceleration / deceleration is being performed may be determined based on, for example, whether an acceleration / deceleration table to be described later is being referenced. Note that immediately after starting the printing process, it is determined in step S101 that acceleration / deceleration is not in progress.

  If it is determined that acceleration / deceleration is being performed, the control unit 5 determines the conveyance speed with reference to the acceleration / deceleration table in step S109 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that acceleration / deceleration is not being performed, the control unit 5 determines a conveyance speed corresponding to the printing condition (step S102). Here, the transport speed selected from the four transport speeds is determined according to the print mode and the presence / absence of division. Next, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the determined conveyance speed exists in the through region (step S103). Here, it is determined that the conveyance speed exists in the through area in the speed priority mode and batch printing, and otherwise, it is determined that the conveyance speed does not exist in the through area and exists in the self-activation area.

  If it is determined that the determined transport speed does not exist in the through region, the control unit 5 ends the transport speed determination process, and the transport speed is determined to be the transport speed determined in step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determined conveyance speed exists in the through region, the control unit 5 prefetches the line data (step S104). Here, for example, the control unit 5 prefetches line data by a predetermined number of lines. Then, the number of divisions of each line is specified based on the number of printing dots of each line, and the number of divisions corresponding to the through region (here, the number of divisions 1 in this case) continues thereafter. Hereinafter, the number of remaining lines in which the number of divisions corresponding to the through area continues is referred to as the number of continuous through lines.

  When the prefetching of line data ends, the control unit 5 determines whether deceleration is necessary (step S105). Here, the control unit 5 determines the necessity of deceleration based on the number of continuous through lines calculated in step S104. Specifically, if the current transport speed is the speed in the through area and the number of continuous through lines is less than or equal to the number of lines required for the transition from the through area to the self-starting area, it is determined that deceleration is necessary. To do.

  If it is determined that deceleration is necessary, the control unit 5 determines the conveyance speed with reference to the acceleration / deceleration table in step S109 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that deceleration is not necessary, the control unit 5 determines whether acceleration is necessary (step S106). Here, the control part 5 determines by comparing the conveyance speed determined in step S102 with the current conveyance speed.

  If it is determined that acceleration is not necessary, the control unit 5 ends the transport speed determination process, and the transport speed is fixed to the transport speed determined in step S102. On the other hand, when it is determined that acceleration is necessary, the control unit 5 determines whether or not a specific condition for allowing the stepping motor 12 to accelerate toward the through region is satisfied (step S107). . Here, the specific condition is a condition in which the transition to the through region is advantageous. That is, in step S107, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the shift to the through region is advantageous.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 5 may determine whether the printing time is shorter when the state of the stepping motor 12 is shifted to the through region than when the stepping motor 12 is operated in the self-starting region. Good. Then, it may be determined that the stepping motor 12 is accelerated toward the through region when the printing time becomes short. More specifically, the number of continuous through lines (hereinafter referred to as the limit number of through lines) that shortens the printing time by shifting to the through area is recorded in advance in the ROM 6 or the like. Then, the control unit 5 compares the limit number of through lines recorded in the ROM 6 with the number of continuous through lines calculated in step S105, and operates the stepping motor 12 within the self-starting area based on the comparison result. Alternatively, it may be determined whether to accelerate toward the through region. That is, based on the number of continuous through lines, in other words, the number of continuous print lines having a number of print dots equal to or less than a specific number, the stepping motor 12 is operated within the self-starting area or directed toward the through area. You may decide whether to accelerate.

  In addition, for example, when the control unit 5 shifts the state of the stepping motor 12 to the through region, the printing time is shorter than when the stepping motor 12 is operated in the self-starting region, and whether the preset condition is satisfied. It may be determined whether or not. Then, it may be determined that the stepping motor 12 is accelerated toward the through region when the printing time becomes short and a preset condition is satisfied. It is desirable that the preset condition includes at least one of a condition related to printing quality and a condition related to deterioration in durability of the stepping motor 12.

  The condition regarding the print quality may be, for example, that the print line is difficult to be affected by the deterioration of the print quality. That is, the stepping motor 12 is accelerated toward the through region and the conveyance speed is increased over time, or the deceleration is decelerated from the through region toward the self-starting region and the conveyance speed is decreased over time. In the period, since the conveyance speed changes with time, the print quality may be lowered. In this case, if the print line corresponds to a blank line or a relatively simple figure, even if a decrease in print quality occurs, it is difficult to affect the print line, so it is determined that the condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the print line constitutes an identification code such as a QR code (registered trademark), it may be determined that the condition is not satisfied because the print quality is easily affected when the print quality is deteriorated. .

  Further, the condition regarding the deterioration of the durability of the stepping motor 12 may be a condition that prevents frequent acceleration and deceleration operations on the stepping motor 12, for example. That is, if acceleration and deceleration operations are frequently performed in a short time, the durability of the stepping motor 12 may deteriorate due to, for example, a temperature rise of the stepping motor 12. Therefore, for example, when the number of continuous through lines is 10 lines or more, when the printing time is shortened, in order to prevent frequent changes in the conveyance speed, if the number of continuous through lines is 15 lines or more, go to the through region. You may make it decide to accelerate towards. That is, the number of lines (for example, 15 lines) obtained by adding a certain number (for example, 5 lines) to the limit number of through lines (for example, 10 lines) may be compared with the number of continuous through lines. Alternatively, the frequency of performing the acceleration operation toward the through region in a certain period is managed, and when the frequency does not exceed a certain value, the stepping motor 12 is accelerated to the through region according to the number of continuous through lines. If the frequency exceeds a certain value, the stepping motor 12 may not be allowed to accelerate toward the through region regardless of the number of continuous through lines.

  If it is determined in step S107 that the specific condition is not satisfied and the shift to the through area is not advantageous, the control unit 5 determines the conveyance speed within the self-activation area (step S108) and ends the conveyance speed determination process. To do. Here, for example, the control unit 5 may determine the transport speed to the maximum speed at which a necessary torque can be obtained within the self-activation area. Alternatively, the speed may be determined to be slightly slower than the maximum speed with some margin.

  If it is determined in step S107 that the transition to the through region is advantageous, the controller 5 refers to the acceleration / deceleration table to determine the conveyance speed (step S109), and ends the conveyance speed determination process. The acceleration / deceleration table is a table in which a change curve indicating which line and what speed is controlled when the conveyance speed is changed from the initial speed to the final speed is recorded in the ROM 6 or the like, for example. . The contents of the acceleration / deceleration table may change the conveyance speed linearly, or may change it in an S shape. Further, the acceleration / deceleration table may be recorded with a specific change curve according to the characteristics of the stepping motor 12, or a plurality of change curves may be recorded so that it can be changed by setting.

  By performing the conveyance speed determination process illustrated in FIG. 9, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not to move to the through region depending on whether or not the printing time is shortened. For this reason, for example, when printing the print pattern Pt2 shown in FIG. 11, the print area Pt2 is printed in the through region in a period where the number of continuous through lines is small, such as the line L11 to the line L12 among the print lines constituting the print pattern Pt2. The transition is not performed and the speed is controlled within the self-activation area. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the printing time becomes longer due to the shift to the through region, and the printing time can be shortened more reliably than in the past. In addition, the user's request to shorten the printing time and the printing by determining whether or not to shift to the through area is determined by whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in addition to shortening the printing time. Balance with other demands such as quality.

  In the printing apparatus 1, when the tape width is narrow and division printing is not performed, as shown in FIG. 10, acceleration / deceleration due to the printing pattern Pt1 does not occur. Acceleration / deceleration occurs at the start of printing (from line L0 to line L10 among the printing lines constituting the printing pattern Pt1) and at the end of printing (not shown). On the other hand, when the tape width is wide and division printing is performed, the print pattern Pt2 is indicated by the pulse rates of the lines L13 to L14 and the lines L15 to L16 among the print lines constituting the print pattern Pt2. Acceleration / deceleration due to the occurrence may occur.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the energization time determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an energization time table stored in the ROM 6. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the energization time. Hereinafter, the energization time determination process (step S7, step performed in the print control process shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, taking as an example the case where the printing apparatus 1 is operating in the speed priority mode. S15) will be specifically described.

  When the energization time determination process shown in FIG. 12 is started, the control unit 5 first determines whether there is an energization table including the energization time under the current printing conditions (step S201). Here, the control unit 5 specifies, for example, the current printing condition (hereinafter referred to as the first printing condition) of the printing apparatus 1 including the conveyance speed and the measured temperature, and energization under the first printing condition. The presence / absence of an energization table including time is determined. The transport speed included in the printing conditions is the transport speed determined in the transport speed determination process in step S6 or step S14 in FIG. 8, and the measured temperature included in the printing conditions is the step S4 or step S11 in FIG. It is the temperature acquired by.

  If there is a corresponding energization table, the control unit 5 extracts the energization time under the current printing condition (first printing condition) from the energization table (step S202), and ends the energization time determination process. For example, if the thermistor 13 measures the temperature of the thermal head 10 at 30 degrees during operation at the pulse rate P2s (corresponding to a conveyance speed of 40 mm / sec) shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 5 is stored in the ROM 6. Reference is made to the energization table T1 shown in FIG. Then, the main energization time and the history energization time corresponding to the temperature of 30 degrees are extracted, and the extracted energization time is determined as an energization time as a control target.

  On the other hand, if there is no corresponding energization table, the control unit 5 extracts a plurality of energization times under printing conditions different from the current printing conditions (first printing conditions) (step S203). As a case where there is no corresponding energization table, for example, it is assumed that the conveyance speed is being accelerated and the energization table corresponding to the current conveyance speed is not stored in the ROM 6. In such a case, in order to estimate the energization time under the current printing conditions, at least two printing conditions (for example, the first printing table) that are different from the current printing conditions and are different from each other among the plurality of energization tables. At least two energization times are extracted from at least two energization tables corresponding to the second printing condition and the third printing condition. Here, the at least two printing conditions include, for example, a plurality of conveying speeds in which the conveying speed is higher than the conveying speed (first conveying speed) under the current printing conditions among the plurality of printing conditions in the plurality of energization tables. Among the printing conditions (second printing conditions) that are the values closest to the conveyance speed under the current printing conditions, and the plurality of conveyance speeds that are slower than the conveyance speed under the current printing conditions. The printing condition (third printing condition) that is the value closest to the conveyance speed under the printing condition is set. That is, the at least two energization tables include an energization table (first energization table) corresponding to one second transport speed faster than the first transport speed among a plurality of transport speeds corresponding to the plurality of energization tables. And an energization table (second energization table) corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds.

  Thereafter, the temperature of the thermal head 10 is 30 degrees, the conveyance speed is the pulse rate P2s shown in FIG. 7 (equivalent to the conveyance speed of 40 mm / sec, the second printing condition) and the pulse rate P1s (equivalent to the conveyance speed of 20 mm / sec, the third The case where the speed corresponds to the pulse rate (corresponding to a conveyance speed of 30 mm / sec) during (printing conditions) is described as an example. In this case, first, the control unit 5 refers to the energization table T1 (first energization table) shown in FIG. 13 from a plurality of energization tables stored in the ROM 6, and corresponds to a temperature of 30 degrees (first temperature). The main energizing time (for example, 274 μs) and the history energizing time (for example, 183 μs) are extracted. Further, referring to an energization table T2 (second energization table) shown in FIG. 13 from a plurality of energization tables stored in the ROM 6, a main energization time (for example, 331 μs) corresponding to a temperature of 30 degrees (first temperature). ) And history energization time (for example, 221 μs) are extracted.

  When a plurality of energization times under different printing conditions are extracted, the control unit 5 determines the current printing conditions (first output) based on the extracted plurality of energization times (second energization time, third energization time). (Printing condition)) is calculated (first energization time) (step S204), and the energization time determination process is terminated. Here, the control unit 5 calculates the energization time (first energization time) by interpolation (including extrapolation) using a plurality of energization times. FIG. 14 shows a state where the main energization time C0 under the current printing conditions is calculated by interpolating between the main energization time E1 extracted from the energization table T1 and the main energization time E2 extracted from the energization table T2. It is shown. A broken line F1 and a broken line F2 indicate main energization time groups recorded in the energization table T1 and the energization table T2, respectively.

Specifically, it is calculated as follows. For example, the current one-line cycle calculated from the transport speed, the one-line cycle calculated from the transport speed corresponding to the energization table T1, and the one-line cycle calculated from the transport speed corresponding to the energization table T2 are each 2.50 ms. 1.56 ms and 3.12 ms. In this case, the energization time (main energization time, history energization time) under the current printing conditions is calculated by the following equation using the energization time extracted from the energization table T1 and the energization time extracted from the energization table T2. .

  In the above interpolation formula, the energization time is calculated on the assumption that the increase rate of the energization time in one line period changes linearly, but the interpolation formula is not particularly limited to the above formula. An interpolation formula in which the increase rate changes nonlinearly or another interpolation formula may be adopted. In the above description, the case where the energization time under the first printing condition is calculated from the two energization times under two printing conditions different from the first printing condition has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, when using a non-linear interpolation formula, it is preferable to calculate the energization time under the first printing condition from three or more different energization times in order to increase the accuracy of interpolation. Therefore, in this case, three or more energization times different from each other are extracted from three or more energization tables that are close to the first printing condition and are different from each other in a plurality of energization tables. From this value, the energization time under the first printing condition may be calculated based on a non-linear interpolation formula.

  By performing the energization time determination process shown in FIG. 12, the printing apparatus 1 can estimate the energization time under the current printing conditions from the energization times under different printing conditions. For this reason, even when the printing speed can be continuously changed as in the printing apparatus 1, the energization time is set using a plurality of energization tables corresponding to the conveyance speed at which the printing medium M is conveyed at a constant speed. Can be calculated. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an excessive increase in the information amount of the entire energization table stored in the ROM 6, and as a result, the capacity of the ROM 6 can be suppressed. Further, by suppressing the capacity of the ROM 6, there are merits such as a reduction in hardware cost and a time required for rewriting the ROM 6. Furthermore, by suppressing the amount of information in the energization table, a sufficient area for storing programs and the like can be secured in the ROM 6.

  In order to further reduce the information amount of the entire energization table stored in the ROM 6, the printing apparatus 1 uses the energization table T3 and the energization table shown in FIG. 15 instead of the energization table T1 and the energization table T2 shown in FIG. T4 may be stored in the ROM 6. In the energization table T1 and energization table T2 shown in FIG. 13, the energization time is recorded every 1 ° C., whereas in the energization table T3 and energization table T4 shown in FIG. 15, the energization time is recorded every 10 ° C. Has been. For this reason, the information amount per energization table is reduced to 1/10.

  When the energization time is calculated using the energization table T3 and the energization table T4, the temperature is interpolated for each energization table, and then the conveyance speed is interpolated between the energization tables, thereby energizing under the current printing conditions. Calculate time. In FIG. 16, the main energization at the conveyance speed of 40 mm / sec is interpolated between the main energization time E31 (fourth energization time) and the main energization time E32 (fifth energization time) extracted from the energization table T3. Time C3 (sixth energization time) is calculated, and interpolation is performed between the main energization time E41 (seventh energization time) and the main energization time E42 (eighth energization time) extracted from the energization table T4. A main energization time C4 (9th energization time) at a conveyance speed of 20 mm / sec is calculated, and a main energization time C3 (sixth energization time) and a main energization time C4 (9th energization time) calculated by interpolation are calculated. A state in which the main energization time C1 (first energization time) under the current printing conditions is calculated by further interpolating the interval is shown. A broken line F3 and a broken line F4 indicate main energization time groups recorded in the energization table T3 and the energization table T4, respectively.

  The embodiments described above are specific examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. The printer, the control method of the printer, and the program can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the invention described in the claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the control unit 5 replaces the print data held by the head drive circuit 9 once during the energization period has been described, but the print data may be replaced a plurality of times. FIG. 17 illustrates a strobe signal when the print data is replaced three times within the energization period. When the print data is changed three times, four types of energization times (first energization time, second energization time, third energization time, and fourth energization time) are recorded for each energization table. It will be. Since the amount of information in the energization table increases as the number of replacements of print data increases, the capacity reduction effect of the ROM 6 obtained by calculating the energization time by calculation increases as the number of replacements of print data increases.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which printing is divided into two times when the number of print dots exceeds a specific number has been described. However, printing may be performed in three or more times. In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the energization time under the current printing condition is calculated based on the plurality of energization times extracted from the plurality of energization tables has been described. However, the energization time under the current printing condition is calculated. The plurality of energization times used to do so may be extracted from a single energization table.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 including the input unit 3 and the display unit 4 is illustrated. However, the printing apparatus is a printing apparatus 1a that does not include the input unit 3 and the display unit 4 as illustrated in FIG. The print data may be received from the computer 50 arranged separately. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1a may receive an energization table corresponding to the printing condition from the computer by specifying a printing condition to the computer and requesting the energization table. Also in this case, by reducing the amount of information in the energization table, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the ROM included in the printing apparatus 1a, and it is possible to reduce the time required for updating the ROM.

Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the application of the present application will be added.
[Appendix 1]
A print head having a plurality of heating elements for printing on a printing medium;
A plurality of different energization tables in which the temperature of the print head and the energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables conveys the printing medium. A storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds;
A measurement unit for measuring the temperature of the print head;
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has at least two energization tables corresponding to a transport speed different from the first transport speed among the plurality of energization tables. Based on the control unit to calculate,
A printing apparatus comprising:

[Appendix 2]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 1,
The controller is
A first energizing table corresponding to one second conveying speed that is faster than the first conveying speed among the plurality of conveying speeds in the plurality of energizing tables; And a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed that is slower than the first transport speed of the first transport speed.

[Appendix 3]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 2,
The control unit sets the first energization time to the second energization time associated with the first temperature in the first energization table and the first temperature in the second energization table. A printing apparatus that calculates by interpolating from the associated third energization time.

[Appendix 4]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 2,
The controller is
In the first energization table, a fourth energization time associated with a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a fifth energization associated with a third temperature higher than the first temperature. The sixth energization time at the first temperature is calculated by interpolation from the energization time,
In the second energization table, a seventh energization time associated with a fourth temperature lower than the first temperature and an eighth associated with a fifth temperature higher than the first temperature. The ninth energization time at the first temperature is interpolated from the energization time,
The printing apparatus, wherein the first energization time is calculated by interpolating from the sixth energization time and the ninth energization time.

[Appendix 5]
In the printing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 4,
The control unit calculates the first energization time during an acceleration period in which the conveyance speed of the printing medium is increased over time or in a deceleration period in which the conveyance speed is decreased over time. A printing apparatus characterized by the above.

[Appendix 6]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 5,
A motor that drives a transport unit that transports the print medium;
The controller is
Among the plurality of heating elements, the print head is configured to simultaneously drive a number of heating elements corresponding to the number of print dots included in each print line constituting a print pattern printed on the printing medium. Determining whether or not a specific condition for allowing the motor to accelerate toward the through region is satisfied when printing the print pattern on the print medium,
The printing is characterized in that when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the motor is accelerated toward the through region, and the conveyance speed of the printing medium is controlled to increase with time. apparatus.

[Appendix 7]
In the printing apparatus according to appendix 6,
The controller is
When the motor is moved to the through area and the printing pattern is printed on the printing medium, the printing is performed more than when the motor is operated in the self-starting area and the printing pattern is printed. When the time becomes shorter, it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied,
A printing apparatus that accelerates the motor toward the through region.

[Appendix 8]
In the printing apparatus according to appendix 6,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition includes at least one of a condition relating to print quality and a condition relating to deterioration of durability of the motor.

[Appendix 9]
A method for controlling a printing apparatus,
In the printing apparatus, a print head that has a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on a printing medium, and a temperature of the print head and an energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other. A plurality of different energization tables are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables measures a temperature of the print head and a storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds for conveying the print medium. A measurement unit,
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has one second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed among the plurality of conveyance speeds in the plurality of energization tables. And calculating based on a first energization table corresponding to a speed and a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds. A control method characterized by the above.

[Appendix 10]
A program executed by a computer that controls a printing apparatus,
In the printing apparatus, a print head that has a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on a printing medium, and a temperature of the print head and an energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other. A plurality of different energization tables are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables measures a temperature of the print head and a storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds for conveying the print medium. A measurement unit,
The program is
In the computer,
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has one second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed among the plurality of conveyance speeds in the plurality of energization tables. Calculation based on a first energization table corresponding to a speed and a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds. A program characterized by

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a ... Printing apparatus, 2 ... Apparatus housing, 2a ... Discharge port, 3 ... Input part, 4 ... Display part, 5 ... Control part, 5a ... Processor 6 ... ROM, 7 ... RAM, 8 ... display drive circuit, 9 ... head drive circuit, 10 ... thermal head, 10a ... heating element, 11 ... for conveyance Motor drive circuit 12 ... Stepping motor 13 ... Thermistor 14 ... Cutter motor drive circuit 15 ... Cutter motor 16 ... Half cut mechanism 17 ... Full cut mechanism 18 ...... Opening / closing lid, 18a ... button, 18b ... window, 19 ... cassette housing part, 20 ... cassette receiving part, 21 ... platen roller, 22 ... tape core engaging shaft, 23 ... Ink ribbon winding drive shaft, 24 ... Tape Width detection switch, 30 ... tape cassette, 31 ... cassette case, 32 ... tape core, 34 ... ink ribbon supply core, 35 ... ink ribbon winding core, 36 ... thermal head cover Insertion part 37 ... engagement part 50 ... computer M ... printing medium R ... ink ribbon T1, T2, T3, T4 ... energization table

Claims (10)

A print head having a plurality of heating elements for printing on a printing medium;
A plurality of different energization tables in which the temperature of the print head and the energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables conveys the printing medium. A storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds;
A measurement unit for measuring the temperature of the print head;
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has at least two energization tables corresponding to a transport speed different from the first transport speed among the plurality of energization tables. Based on the control unit to calculate,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
A first energizing table corresponding to one second conveying speed that is faster than the first conveying speed among the plurality of conveying speeds in the plurality of energizing tables; And a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed that is slower than the first transport speed of the first transport speed. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The control unit sets the first energization time to the second energization time associated with the first temperature in the first energization table and the first temperature in the second energization table. A printing apparatus that calculates by interpolating from the associated third energization time. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The controller is
In the first energization table, a fourth energization time associated with a second temperature lower than the first temperature and a fifth energization associated with a third temperature higher than the first temperature. The sixth energization time at the first temperature is calculated by interpolation from the energization time,
In the second energization table, a seventh energization time associated with a fourth temperature lower than the first temperature and an eighth associated with a fifth temperature higher than the first temperature. The ninth energization time at the first temperature is interpolated from the energization time,
The printing apparatus, wherein the first energization time is calculated by interpolating from the sixth energization time and the ninth energization time. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control unit calculates the first energization time during an acceleration period in which the conveyance speed of the printing medium is increased over time or in a deceleration period in which the conveyance speed is decreased over time. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:
A motor that drives a transport unit that transports the print medium;
The controller is
Among the plurality of heating elements, the print head is configured to simultaneously drive a number of heating elements corresponding to the number of print dots included in each print line constituting a print pattern printed on the printing medium. Determining whether or not a specific condition for allowing the motor to accelerate toward the through region is satisfied when printing the print pattern on the print medium,
The printing is characterized in that when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the motor is accelerated toward the through region, and the conveyance speed of the printing medium is controlled to increase with time. apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.
The controller is
When the motor is moved to the through area and the printing pattern is printed on the printing medium, the printing is performed more than when the motor is operated in the self-starting area and the printing pattern is printed. When the time becomes shorter, it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied,
A printing apparatus that accelerates the motor toward the through region. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition includes at least one of a condition relating to print quality and a condition relating to deterioration of durability of the motor. A method for controlling a printing apparatus,
In the printing apparatus, a print head that has a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on a printing medium, and a temperature of the print head and an energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other. A plurality of different energization tables are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables measures a temperature of the print head and a storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds for conveying the print medium. A measurement unit,
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has one second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed among the plurality of conveyance speeds in the plurality of energization tables. And calculating based on a first energization table corresponding to a speed and a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds. A control method characterized by the above. A program executed by a computer that controls a printing apparatus,
In the printing apparatus, a print head that has a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on a printing medium, and a temperature of the print head and an energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements are associated with each other. A plurality of different energization tables are stored, and each of the plurality of energization tables measures a temperature of the print head and a storage unit corresponding to each of a plurality of different conveyance speeds for conveying the print medium. A measurement unit,
The program is
In the computer,
When the print medium is set to be transported at a first transport speed not included in the plurality of transport speeds, and the temperature of the print head measured by the measurement unit is the first temperature In addition, the first energization time for energizing at least a part of the plurality of heating elements has one second conveyance speed higher than the first conveyance speed among the plurality of conveyance speeds in the plurality of energization tables. Calculation based on a first energization table corresponding to a speed and a second energization table corresponding to one third transport speed slower than the first transport speed among the plurality of transport speeds. A program characterized by