JP4351925B2 - Thermal head drive control method and recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal head drive control method and a recording apparatus that can control a heat generation temperature of a thermal head, prevent a defective recording result due to overheating, and improve the throughput of the recording apparatus.

  Generally, a thermal printer as a recording apparatus is based on desired recording information by contacting a thermal head in which a plurality of heating elements are linearly arranged on a substrate with a recording medium such as an ink film or a thermal recording paper. By selectively energizing one of the heating elements to heat the heating element, the thermal recording paper is colored in a thermal printer, and the ink on the ink ribbon is partially melted or sublimated in a thermal transfer printer. Then, it is formed so as to be recorded on a recording sheet.

  By the way, in any of the thermal printers described above, the drive control of the thermal head during recording greatly affects the recording result.

  For example, if the temperature of the thermal head does not rise to such an extent that the ink of the ink film can be transferred to the recording paper or the thermal recording paper can be appropriately colored, the heating element of the thermal head is selectively used. Even if heat is generated, good recording results cannot be obtained. For this reason, conventionally, control is performed to apply heat to the heating elements of the thermal head in advance before recording is started.

In addition, if the temperature of the thermal head is overheated, the recording result may be crushed or print stains may occur such that the ink rubs and the tail is pulled long (tailing), which may reduce the quality of the recording result. It was. The thermal head overheats when continuously driven for a long time. For example, in the case of a line thermal head in which heating elements are arranged in a range corresponding to one side of the recording range of the recording medium, in order to prevent overheating of the line thermal head, when recording a plurality of sheets continuously In order to obtain an appropriate temperature (hereinafter referred to as a control reference temperature ) in which excessive heat storage of the line thermal head is dissipated for each recording of one recording medium, drive control of the thermal head for stopping the recording operation is performed. . The thermal head heat dissipation is described in Patent Document 1, and the pause of the recording operation is described in Patent Document 2.

JP 2002-086830 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-64885

However, it is not necessary to provide the time for stopping the recording operation (hereinafter referred to as standby time) until the thermal head is not overheated. Further, a state thermal head is slightly overheated, if the state where the recording operation is a thermal head continuously has become hot enough unsuitable to the recording in the uniform control reference temperature, the thermal head recording operation As long as this continues, the overheating state of the thermal head will deteriorate, so it is unlikely that the waiting time will be shortened, and naturally the throughput will deteriorate.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a thermal head drive control method capable of preventing a recording result defect such as tailing caused by overheating of the thermal head and improving the throughput of the recording apparatus. It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of a thermal head before starting recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media when continuously recording several recording media. When the thermal head is hotter than the control reference temperature used as a reference for energization control to the thermal head for a predetermined recording, excessive heat storage of the thermal head is dissipated and below the control reference temperature. A thermal head drive control method for executing a heat radiation standby operation for delaying energization of the thermal head for recording until a plurality of the control reference temperatures and the heat radiation standby operation for each control reference temperature are performed. The number of times allowed is set in advance, and a counting means for counting the number of times the heat radiation standby operation has been performed is provided, and the highest temperature control is performed during recording on the first recording medium. Normal recording is performed while setting the quasi temperature and the number of recordings that allow the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature, and when recording on each recording medium after the second sheet, before the start of recording, If the temperature of the thermal head is measured by a temperature detection device and the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, it is determined that the heat radiation standby operation is unnecessary, and is set for the immediately preceding recording medium. In addition, while setting the same control reference temperature as the control reference temperature and the number of recordings that allow the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature, normal recording is performed, and the detected temperature is set for the immediately preceding recording medium. If the temperature is higher than the control reference temperature, it is determined that the heat release standby operation is necessary, and the number of recordings in which the heat release standby operation of the counting means is executed is counted up. If it is less than the number of recordings allowed for the heat dissipation standby operation set for the body, the same control reference temperature as the immediately preceding recording medium, and the number of recordings allowed for the heat dissipation standby operation at the control reference temperature, Applying the control reference temperature to execute the heat dissipation standby operation, and when the count number is the number of recordings that allows the heat dissipation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, the count number is cleared to 0, The control reference temperature, which is the next higher than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, and the number of times that the heat release standby operation at the control reference temperature is allowed are set, and the heat release standby operation using the control reference temperature. Execute.

In addition, the number of recordings in which the heat dissipation standby operation is executed before the execution of the heat dissipation standby operation at the time of recording on each recording medium is preset by setting a reset reference temperature of the thermal head that is a reference for resetting the control of the heat dissipation standby operation. If the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the process shifts to the control of the heat radiation control operation for recording based on the recording information, If the recording information for the recording medium is not obtained, all controls are terminated, and if the number of times the recording operation has been performed is 1 or more, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device and the detection is performed. If the temperature is equal to or lower than the reset reference temperature, it is determined that the control of the heat radiation standby operation needs to be reset, and the count number of the number of times the heat radiation standby operation of the counting unit is executed is cleared to zero. In both cases, the highest control reference temperature among the set control reference temperatures and the number of times that the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature is allowed are set, and the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time. Then, the process shifts to the control of the heat radiation control operation for recording based on the recording information, and when the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within a predetermined time, the information standby mode for ending all the control is set. Execute.

Furthermore, the control is performed with reference to a plurality of control reference temperatures, a table in which the number of times the recording standby operation is allowed at each control reference temperature, and the reset reference temperature of each control reference temperature are managed.

The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a thermal head, a control unit that controls driving of the thermal head, and a temperature detection device that measures the temperature of the thermal head and outputs the temperature data to the control unit. Then, when continuously recording a plurality of recording media under the control of the control unit, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device before starting recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media, When the thermal head is higher than a predetermined control reference temperature, a heat dissipation standby operation that delays energization of the thermal head for recording until excessive heat storage of the thermal head is dissipated and falls below the control reference temperature. In the recording apparatus that is capable of executing the above, a counting unit that counts the number of times the heat radiation standby operation has been performed, a plurality of predetermined control reference temperatures, and each control The number of times that the heat radiation standby operation is allowed for each reference temperature is managed, and when recording on the first recording medium, the highest control reference temperature and the number of recordings that permits the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature The normal recording is performed, and when recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device before the recording is started, and the recording temperature immediately before is detected. If it is equal to or lower than the control reference temperature set for the medium, it is determined that the heat radiation standby operation is unnecessary, and the same control reference temperature as the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, and the control reference temperature at the control reference temperature. Normal recording is performed while setting the number of recordings that allow the heat radiation standby operation. If the detected temperature is higher than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, it is determined that the heat radiation standby operation is necessary. Then, the number of recordings in which the heat radiation standby operation of the counting unit is executed is counted up, and if the count number is less than the number of recordings that permits the heat radiation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, The same control reference temperature and the number of recordings that allow the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature are set, and the heat radiation standby operation is executed by applying the control reference temperature, and the count number is recorded immediately before. When the number of recording times allowing the heat radiation standby operation set for the medium is reached, the count number is cleared to 0, the control reference temperature set next to the immediately preceding recording medium is set to the highest control reference temperature, and the control A control means for setting the number of times that the heat radiation standby operation at the reference temperature is permitted and performing control for executing the heat radiation standby operation to which the control reference temperature is applied. Yeah.

The control unit manages a reset reference temperature of a thermal head that serves as a reference for resetting the control of the heat radiation standby operation for each control reference temperature determined in advance. If the number of recordings in which the heat radiation standby operation has been executed is 0 before the execution of the heat radiation standby operation, the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time. If the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within a predetermined time, the control is terminated, and the number of times of recording in which the heat radiation standby operation is executed is 1 If it is above, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detecting device, and if the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the reset reference temperature, it is determined that the control of the heat radiation standby operation needs to be reset, and the counting means Clears the count of the number of times the heat radiation standby operation has been executed to 0, and sets the highest control reference temperature among the set control reference temperatures and the number of times to allow the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature When the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to the control of the heat radiation control operation for recording based on the recording information, and the recording information for the next recording medium is stored within the predetermined time. If not, perform control to execute the information standby mode to end all control, moreover, a plurality of control reference temperatures, the number of recordings allowed for the heat dissipation standby operation at each control reference temperature, and The reset reference temperature of each control reference temperature is managed as a table.

In the drive control method of the thermal head of the present invention configured as described above, by determining whether the heat radiation standby operation is necessary or not before starting recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media during continuous recording, When the thermal head is not overheated and the heat release standby operation is unnecessary, the recording operation can be performed quickly to give the user a good feeling of use.

Further, when it is determined that necessity of the heat radiation standby operation, further, it obtains a control reference temperature of the thermal head applied by the heat radiation standby operation, by performing the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature Further, it is possible to prevent further deterioration of the overheating state of the thermal head, and it is possible to prevent the waiting time from being cumulatively prolonged, so that the time required for desired continuous recording can be shortened as a result. Thus, the throughput can be improved.

  Furthermore, before starting the recording of the next recording medium, by dissipating excessive heat storage while measuring the temperature of the thermal head, a good recording result free from problems such as tailing caused by overheating of the thermal head is obtained. be able to.

Then, by counting the number of times the heat radiation standby operation was performed at the control reference temperature of the same value, and determining the control reference temperature of the thermal head applied in the heat radiation standby operation based on this count number, the thermal head The drive control method can be executed efficiently and reliably, and at least one of the control reference temperature of the thermal head and the number of times of recording in which the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature of the same value is allowed is tabled. Therefore, parameter setting based on this table can be easily performed.

Also in the recording apparatus of the present invention, during continuous recording, as well as determining the presence or absence of heat dissipation standby operation after printing of each recording medium, when it is determined that necessity of the heat radiation standby operation, further, the heat radiation standby operation The control reference temperature of the thermal head applied in the above is obtained, and the control unit for executing the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature is provided, so that there is no tailing caused by overheating of the thermal head, etc. Recording results can be obtained, and the recording apparatus has a good throughput.

Then, the control section counts the recorded number of times that the heat radiation standby operation in equivalence of the control reference temperature, on the basis of the counted number, to determine the control reference temperature of the thermal head applied in the heat radiation standby operation by performing the control, drive control method of the thermal head can be performed efficiently and reliably, also, a control reference temperature of the thermal head, heat radiation standby operation based on equivalence of the control reference temperature is allowed By managing at least one of the number of recordings in a table, parameter setting based on this table can be easily performed.

  Hereinafter, a line thermal printer equipped with a line thermal head will be exemplified as a recording apparatus of the present embodiment, and a drive control method for the line thermal head in the line thermal printer will be described.

  The line thermal printer according to the present embodiment includes a CPU that controls the operation of each unit and a control unit that includes an appropriate capacity ROM, RAM, and the like. The CPU includes a line thermal head serving as a print head. Are electrically connected so that a voltage can be selectively applied to the heating elements of the line thermal head.

  Here, the line thermal head has a plurality of heating elements formed of heating resistors formed in a row on a substrate, and is disposed in the printer body by attaching the substrate to a head mounting base. Then, the heating element can be brought into contact with the platen via the ink film and the recording paper by rotating the head mounting base by a driving means (not shown). The line thermal head is provided with a temperature detection device that measures the temperature of the line thermal head and outputs the temperature data to the control unit.

  Further, the CPU of the control unit further includes a conveyance motor as a drive source for the recording medium conveyance mechanism, a conveyance motor as a drive source for the ink film conveyance mechanism, and a drive for causing the line thermal head to move toward and away from the platen. It is electrically connected to a motor, a temperature detection device disposed on the line thermal head, and the like.

  The line thermal printer is electrically connected to a host device such as a computer, and the recording information of the original image output from the host device is input.

  When desired recording is performed using the line thermal head, the heating element of the line thermal head is connected to the printer via an ink film and recording paper under the control of a control unit disposed in the printer body. The ink film and the recording paper are brought into contact with a platen disposed inside the main body, and a plurality of heating elements are selectively heated based on the recording information to heat the ink film, thereby Ink is transferred onto a recording sheet to obtain a desired character or image.

During such a recording operation, in the line thermal printer of the present embodiment, when the recording information needs to be recorded on a plurality of recording media, after the recording of the previous recording medium, Before starting the recording of the next recording medium, the temperature of the line thermal head is measured using the temperature detecting device, and excessive heat accumulation is naturally or forcibly released to thereby record the line thermal head. It is configured to perform control to execute a heat radiation standby operation with a control reference temperature having a value suitable for.

Note that the recording on the recording medium does not mean that the voltage is actually applied to the heat generating element to transfer the ink, but is required for recording desired recording information on the recording medium. It means from the start to the end of a series of recording operations of members constituting the line thermal printer. Therefore, the concept of radiating excessive heat storage is to obtain the next recording information after performing a predetermined recording on the recording medium during a series of recording operations for recording the desired recording information on one recording medium. The state where heat is deprived from the heat generating element in the state of waiting (hereinafter, this state is referred to as information standby mode) is not included.

When executing the heat radiation standby operation , the control reference temperature at the time of recording on the previous recording medium is compared with the temperature of the line thermal head that finished the recording operation on the previous recording medium, and the heat radiation standby operation is performed. to determine the necessity, if it is determined that necessity of the heat radiation standby operation, further, obtains a control reference temperature of the line thermal head applied by the heat radiation standby operation, the heat radiating standby operation based on the control reference temperature Execute.

In the present embodiment, the control unit, when executing the heat radiation standby operation, at the same temperature as the control reference temperature, counts the recorded number of times that the heat radiation standby operation, this count Based on this, control for determining the control reference temperature of the line thermal head applied in the heat radiation standby operation is performed.

In this embodiment, the control reference temperature of the thermal head, the number of recordings allowed for the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature of the same value that triggers the control reference temperature of the line thermal head, and the reset reference temperature are set. A table is formed and stored in the ROM of the control unit, and the heat radiation standby operation is performed based on this table.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit performs control to return various settings of the heat radiation standby operation control to the initial settings when the temperature of the thermal head becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

Hereinafter, the heat radiation standby operation control relating to the temperature management of the line thermal head in the above-described drive control of the line thermal head will be specifically described.

FIG. 1 shows the control reference temperature t of the line thermal head stored in the ROM of the control unit used for drive control of the line thermal head in this embodiment, and the heat radiation standby operation based on each control reference temperature t is allowed. It is a table of the number of times of recording (hereinafter referred to as the allowable number of standby operations) pa and the reset reference temperature st. In the present embodiment, the reset reference temperature st is a temperature that is used as a reference for resetting the control of the heat radiation standby operation, and at the same time is a temperature at which preheating energization of the line thermal head is started , and an arbitrary temperature is set. . For example, it is possible to control so as to automatically set the initial recording environment temperature driven by the line thermal printer, or it may be different for each table counter TC.

The table counter CT 0 in the table indicates the initial setting. In this initial setting, the control reference temperature t (0) of the line thermal head is 60 ° C., the standby operation allowable number pa (0) based on the control reference temperature of 60 ° C. is once, and the reset reference temperature s ( 0) is 25 ° C. Further, the numerical value set in the following table counter CT1 is control reference temperature t of the line thermal head (1) is 2 ° C. lower 58 ° C. than the initial setting of the control reference temperature t (0), the control of 58 ° C. The standby operation allowable number of times pa (1) based on the reference temperature is 3 times, and the reset reference temperature s (1) is 25 ° C. Similarly, the numerical values set in the next table counter CT2 are 56 ° C. and 56 ° C., where the control reference temperature t (2) of the line thermal head is 2 ° C. lower than the control reference temperature t (1) of the table counter CT1. The allowable number of standby operations pa (2) based on the control reference temperature is 5 times, and the reset reference temperature s (2) is 25 ° C. Although not shown in FIG. 1, similarly for the subsequent table counter CT, the control allowable temperature pa (n) based on the control reference temperature t (n) of the line thermal head and the control reference temperature of the same value. ), The reset reference temperature s (n) is determined. By having a table in this way, it is possible to easily perform parameter setting in this control.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the heat radiation standby operation control in the drive control of the thermal head in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a case where eight recording media are continuously recorded based on the heat radiation standby operation control. It is a graph which shows a temperature change.

When the recording information of the original image output from the electrically connected host device is input to the line thermal printer, the control unit starts the heat radiation standby operation control for the temperature management of the line thermal head ( START).

First, all the settings of the heat radiation standby operation control are returned to the initial state (step ST1). That is, the table counter CT is reset to 0, and the number of times of heat release standby operation (all_ct) (hereinafter referred to as standby operation count value (all_ct)) based on the same control reference temperature is reset to 0. Thus, in this initial setting, the control reference temperature t (0) of the line thermal head is 60 ° C., the allowable number of standby operations pa (0) based on the control reference temperature of 60 ° C. is once, and the reset reference temperature s (n) is 25 ° C., and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is 0.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is greater than 0 (step ST2). In the case of the first recording based on the recording information, since the standby operation count value (all_ct) is set to 0, NO is determined in step ST2.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether there is recorded information (step ST3).

The above is the judgment control in the information standby mode . Subsequently, judgment control in the heat radiation standby operation is performed.

That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (0) of the table counter CT (0) in the initial state (step ST4). In the case of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, at the time of the first recording, the line thermal head is in a non-applied state, so the temperature conforms to the recording environment temperature, and the determination here is no (No).

  Therefore, in the next step, the ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the first sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown in line A), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line A ′), and when the recording operation of the first recording medium is completed, the temperature is lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point a). ).

  Subsequently, in order to shift to the recording operation of the second recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined again whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2). Even in the case of the second recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is not counted up and is set to 0, so a negative (No) determination is made in step ST2.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (0) (step ST4). In the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the first recording medium indicated by point a is completed, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature is lower than the control reference temperature t (0) of 60 ° C. The determination here is no (No).

  Therefore, in the next step, ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the second sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown in line B), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line B ′), and when the recording operation of the second recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point b). .

  Subsequently, in order to shift to the recording operation of the third recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2).

  Even in the case of the third recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is not counted up and is set to 0, so a negative (No) determination is made in step ST2.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (0) (step ST4). In the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the second recording medium indicated by the point b is completed, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature is lower than the control reference temperature t (0) of 60 ° C. The determination here is no (No).

  Therefore, in the next step, ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change at the time of recording on the third sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (indicated by line C), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed, the information standby mode is completed. When the recording operation of the second recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point c).

  Subsequently, in order to shift to the recording operation of the fourth recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value is larger than 0 (step ST2).

  Even in the case of recording on the fourth sheet based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is not counted up and is set to 0, so a negative (No) determination is made in step ST2.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), “Yes” is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (0) (step ST4). In the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the third recording medium indicated by point c is completed, the temperature is higher than the control reference temperature t (0) of 60 ° C. as shown in FIG. Therefore, the judgment here is Yes.

  Therefore, in the next step, first, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is counted up (step ST6). As a result, the standby operation count value (all_ct) becomes 1.

Subsequently, it is determined from the standby operation count value (all_ct) whether or not the control reference temperature t (0) is to be corrected (step ST7). That is, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is equal to or greater than the standby operation allowable number pa (0) in the table counter CT0. At this time, as shown in the table of FIG. 1, the standby operation allowable number pa (0) is 1, and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is also 1. Therefore, here, Yes (Yes) is set. Select and proceed to the next step to change the control reference temperature t. That is, the table counter CT0 is counted up to be a table counter CT1, and the control reference temperature t is obtained based on the changed table counter CT1. Therefore, the control reference temperature t (1) is changed to 58 ° C. Further, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is returned to 0 (step ST8).

Then, the process proceeds to the next step, and it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 58 ° C. or less of the control reference temperature t (1) and the overheating state is improved (step 9). Here, the determination in step ST9 is repeated until the control reference temperature t (1) becomes 58 ° C. or less, and when the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 58 ° C. or less (see heat radiation standby operation 1 in FIG. 3). Then, the ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the fourth sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown in line D), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line D ′), and when the recording operation of the fourth recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point d). .

  Subsequently, in order to shift to the recording operation of the fifth recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2).

  In the case of the fifth recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is reset to 0 in step ST8 at the time of recording driving for the fourth sheet. (No) is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (1) (step ST4). In the case of this embodiment, when the recording operation of the fourth recording medium indicated by the point d is completed, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature is higher than 58 ° C. indicated by the control reference temperature t (1). Therefore, the judgment here is Yes.

  Therefore, in the next step, first, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is counted up (step ST6). As a result, the standby operation count value (all_ct) becomes 1.

Subsequently, it is determined from the standby operation count value (all_ct) whether or not the control reference temperature t is to be corrected (step ST7). That is, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is equal to or greater than the allowable number of times pa (1) of the heat radiation standby operation in the table counter t (1). At this time, as shown in the table of FIG. 1, the allowable number of times pa (1) of the heat radiation standby operation is 3, and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is 1, so here, no (No) is determined. Then, the process proceeds to the next step, and it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 58 ° C. or less, which is the control reference temperature t (1), and the overheating state is improved (step 9).

Here, the determination of step ST9 is repeated until the temperature becomes equal to or lower than the control reference temperature t (1), and when the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 58 ° C. or lower (see the heat radiation standby operation 2 in FIG. 3), Ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the fifth sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown by line E), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line E ′), and when the recording operation of the fifth recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point e). .

  Further, in order to shift to the recording operation of the sixth recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2). In the case of the sixth recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is set to 1. Therefore, YES is determined in step ST2.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the heat radiation of the line thermal head is completed in the information standby mode (step ST10). That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head is 25 ° C. or less of the reset reference temperature s (1). Here, “No” is selected because the temperature of the line thermal head is not lower than 25 ° C.

  In the next step, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature t (step ST4). In the case of the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the fifth recording medium indicated by the point e is completed,
As shown in FIG. 3, since the temperature is higher than 58 ° C. shown in the control reference temperature t (1), the determination here is “Yes”.

  In the next step, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is counted up (step ST6). As a result, the standby operation count value (all_ct) becomes 2.

Subsequently, it is determined from the standby operation count value (all_ct) whether or not to change the control reference temperature (step ST7). That is, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is equal to or greater than the standby operation allowable number pa (1) in the table counter CT1. At this time, as shown in the table of FIG. 1, the standby operation allowable number pa (1) is 3, and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is 2. Therefore, here, no (No) is selected. Then, the process proceeds to the next step, and it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head has become 58 ° C. or less, which is the control reference temperature t (1), and the overheating state has been improved (step 9). Here, the determination in step ST9 is repeated until the control reference temperature t (1) becomes 58 ° C. or less, and when the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 58 ° C. or less (see the heat radiation standby operation 3 in FIG. 3). Then, the ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the sixth sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown by line F), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line F ′), and when the recording operation of the sixth recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point f). .

  Then, in order to shift to the recording operation of the seventh recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2).

  In the case of the seventh recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is set to 2. Therefore, YES is determined in step ST2.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the heat radiation of the line thermal head is completed in the information standby mode (step ST10). That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head is 25 ° C. or less of the reset reference temperature s (1). Here, since the temperature of the line thermal head is not lower than 25 ° C., “No” is selected.

  In the next step, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature (step ST4). In the case of the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the sixth recording medium indicated by the point f is completed,
As shown in FIG. 3, since the temperature is higher than 58 ° C. shown in the control reference temperature t (1), the determination here is “Yes”.

  In the next step, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is incremented (step ST6). As a result, the standby operation count value (all_ct) becomes 3.

Subsequently, it is determined from the standby operation count value (all_ct) whether or not to change the control reference temperature t (step ST7). That is, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is equal to or greater than the allowable number of times pa (1) of the heat radiation standby operation in the table counter t (1). At this time, as shown in the table of FIG. 1, the allowable number of times pa (1) of the heat radiation standby operation is 3, and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is also 3. Therefore, here, Yes (Yes) is set. The process proceeds to the next step, and the control reference temperature t is changed. That is, the table counter CT1 is counted up to obtain a table counter CT2, and the control reference temperature t is obtained based on the changed table counter CT2. Therefore, the control reference temperature t (2) is changed to 56 ° C. Further, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is returned to 0 (step ST8).

Subsequently, in the next step, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head is 56 ° C. or less, which is the control reference temperature t (2), and the overheating state is improved (step 9). Here, the determination in step ST9 is repeated until the temperature becomes equal to or lower than the control reference temperature t (2), and when the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 56 ° C. or lower (see the heat radiation standby operation 4 in FIG. 3), Ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the seventh sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (indicated by line G), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed, When heat is dissipated in the information standby mode (indicated by line G ′) and the recording operation of the seventh recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point g).

  Then, in order to shift to the recording operation of the final 8th recording medium, the process returns to step ST2, and it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is larger than 0 (step ST2).

  In the case of the eighth recording based on the recording information, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is reset to 0 in step ST8 at the time of the recording driving of the seventh sheet. (No) is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3), Yes is selected, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head measured by the temperature detection device is higher than the control reference temperature (step ST4). In the case of the present embodiment, when the recording operation of the seventh recording medium indicated by point g is completed,
As shown in FIG. 3, since the temperature is higher than 56 ° C. shown in the control reference temperature t (2), the determination here is “Yes”.

  In the next step, the standby operation count value (all_ct) is incremented (step ST6). As a result, the standby operation count value (all_ct) becomes 1.

Subsequently, it is determined from the standby operation count value (all_ct) whether or not the control reference temperature t is to be corrected (step ST7). That is, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is equal to or greater than the allowable number of pausing operations pa (2) in the table counter CT (2). At this time, as shown in the table of FIG. 1, the allowable number of times pa (2) of the heat radiation standby operation is 5, and the standby operation count value (all_ct) is 1, so here, no (No) is determined. Select and go to the next step.

Subsequently, in the next step, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head has become 56 ° C. or less, which is the control reference temperature t (2), and the overheating state has been improved (step 9). Here, the determination in step ST9 is repeated until the control reference temperature t (2) becomes 56 ° C. or less, and when the temperature of the line thermal head becomes 56 ° C. or less (see the heat radiation standby operation 5 in FIG. 3). ), The ink is transferred according to the recording information (step ST5).

At this time, as shown in the temperature change of the line thermal head during the recording operation of the eighth sheet in FIG. 3, the line thermal head is overheated by voltage application (shown by line H), and after the predetermined ink transfer is completed. In the information standby mode , heat is dissipated (indicated by line H ′), and when the recording operation of the eighth recording medium is completed, the temperature becomes lower than the peak temperature during recording (indicated by point h). .

  And in this embodiment, after finishing desired continuous recording in this way, it returns to step ST2 again. Then, it is determined whether or not the standby operation count value (all_ct) is greater than 0 (step ST2).

  At this time, since the standby operation count value (all_ct) is set to 1, YES is determined in step ST2.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the heat radiation of the line thermal head is completed in the information standby mode (step ST10). That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the line thermal head is 25 ° C. or less of the reset reference temperature s (2). Here, since the temperature of the line thermal head is not lower than 25 ° C., “No” is selected.

  In the next step, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3). Here, no (No) is selected, and then it is determined whether or not a predetermined standby time has elapsed (step). ST12).

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed, NO (No) is selected, and the process returns to step ST2.

  Even after the recording of the desired number of sheets is completed in this way, control is performed to repeatedly determine step ST2, step ST10, and step ST3.

Then, while the measurement of the temperature of the line thermal head is continued, the line thermal head is dissipated and becomes equal to or lower than the reset reference temperature s (n), and if YES is determined in step ST10, step ST11 is performed. Then, the table counter CT and the standby operation count value (all_ct) are returned to the initial setting of 0.

  Subsequently, in the next step, it is determined whether or not there is recorded information (step ST3). Here, no (No) is selected, and the process returns to step ST2.

  At this time, in step ST2, the standby operation count value (all_ct) has been reset to 0, so a determination of no (No) is made, and thereafter the determinations of step ST3, step ST12 and step ST2 are repeated to It waits for the input of the recorded information.

Then, during this process, in the case where it is determined that the predetermined standby time has elapsed step ST12, select Shi (Yes), terminates the control of the heat radiation standby operation.

It should be noted that numerical values such as the control reference temperature of this line thermal head and the number of recordings allowed for the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature of the same value can be arbitrarily set and can be tabulated.

The predetermined waiting time can also be set arbitrarily. For example, the predetermined waiting time is set to 30 minutes from the start, and when the control determination of step ST12 is performed after 30 minutes have elapsed from the start of the control, an end process is performed. It is also possible to do so. Further, the process shown in step ST12 may not be included in the control of the heat radiation standby operation , and the control of the heat radiation standby operation may be terminated after the main power supply of the line thermal printer is turned off.

According to the drive control method and the recording apparatus for the line thermal head of the present embodiment configured as described above, during the continuous recording, the control reference temperature during the recording of the previous recording medium is set to the recording of the next recording medium. By comparing the control reference temperature at the time and the temperature of the line thermal head that finished the recording operation of the previous recording medium to determine whether or not the heat radiation standby operation is necessary, the line thermal head is not in an overheated state, When the heat radiation standby operation is unnecessary, the recording operation can be performed quickly as in the recording from the first sheet to the third sheet in the above-described embodiment to give the user a good feeling of use.

Further, when it is determined that necessity of the heat radiation standby operation, further, it obtains a control reference temperature of the line thermal head applied by the heat radiation standby operation, performing the heat radiation standby operation based on the control reference temperature Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overheating state of the line thermal head from further deteriorating, and to prevent the standby time required for the heat radiation standby operation from being cumulatively long. Can be shortened as a result, and the throughput can be improved.

  Furthermore, before starting the recording of the next recording medium, by dissipating excessive heat storage while measuring the temperature of the line thermal head, good recording results without defects such as tailing caused by overheating of the thermal head are obtained. Obtainable.

Then, by counting the number of times of recording the heat dissipation standby operation at the same control reference temperature , and determining the control reference temperature of the thermal head applied in the heat dissipation standby operation based on this count number, The drive control method can be executed efficiently and reliably. Furthermore, by setting at least one of the control reference temperature of the thermal head and the allowable number of standby operations as a table, parameter setting based on this table can be performed easily. Can be performed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible as needed.

  The temperature detection means need not be provided in the line thermal head, but may be provided in the printer body and configured to detect the recording environment temperature.

Table of control reference temperature of thermal head, allowable number of standby operations based on each control reference temperature , and reset reference temperature used for drive control of thermal head of this embodiment Flowchart of heat radiation standby operation control in drive control of thermal head of this embodiment A graph showing an example of temperature change when a plurality of recording media are continuously recorded based on the heat radiation standby operation control in the drive control of the thermal head of the present embodiment.

Claims (6)

  When recording a plurality of recording media continuously, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by a temperature detecting device before starting recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media, and a thermal head for predetermined recording When the thermal head is at a temperature higher than the control reference temperature, which is the reference for energization control, the energization of the thermal head for recording until the excessive heat storage of the thermal head is dissipated and falls below the control reference temperature. A thermal head drive control method for performing a heat radiation standby operation to delay
  A plurality of the control reference temperatures and a number of times for allowing the heat radiation standby operation for each control reference temperature are set in advance, and a counting unit that counts the number of times the heat radiation standby operation is performed is provided,
  During recording of the first recording medium, normal recording is performed while setting the highest control reference temperature and the number of times of recording that allows the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature.
  When recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device before the recording starts, and if the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium. Determining that the heat release standby operation is unnecessary, and setting the same control reference temperature as the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, and the number of recordings permitting the heat release standby operation at the control reference temperature. While doing normal recording,
  If the detected temperature is higher than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, it is determined that the heat dissipation standby operation is necessary, and the number of times the heat dissipation standby operation of the counting unit is executed is counted up,
  If the count is less than the number of recordings allowed for the heat dissipation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, the same control reference temperature as that of the immediately preceding recording medium and the recording allowing the heat dissipation standby operation at the control reference temperature And setting the number of times, and applying the control reference temperature to execute the heat radiation standby operation,
  When the count reaches the number of recordings that allows the heat radiation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, the count is cleared to 0, and the temperature next to the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium is higher. A thermal head drive control method comprising: setting a control reference temperature and the number of times that the heat release standby operation at the control reference temperature is allowed, and executing the heat release standby operation to which the control reference temperature is applied.   Presetting the thermal head reset reference temperature as a reference for resetting the control of the heat radiation standby operation;
  Before execution of the heat dissipation standby operation at the time of recording on each recording medium,
  If the number of recordings in which the heat radiation standby operation has been performed is 0, when recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the heat radiation control operation for recording based on the recording information is controlled. If the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within a predetermined time, all control is terminated,
  If the number of times that the heat radiation standby operation has been performed is 1 or more, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device. If the detected temperature is less than the reset reference temperature, the control of the heat radiation standby operation needs to be reset. The count number of the number of times of recording the heat radiation standby operation of the counting means is cleared to 0, and the highest control reference temperature among the set control reference temperatures and the heat dissipation standby at the control reference temperature Set the number of times to allow movement,
  If the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the control proceeds to the heat dissipation control operation for recording based on the recording information, and the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within the predetermined time. 2. The thermal head drive control method according to claim 1, wherein an information standby mode in which all control is terminated is executed.   Control is performed by referring to a table in which a plurality of control reference temperatures, the number of recordings at which the heat radiation standby operation at each control reference temperature is allowed, and the reset reference temperature of each control reference temperature are managed. The thermal head drive control method according to claim 2.   Thermal head,
  A control unit for controlling the driving of the thermal head;
  A temperature detection device that measures the temperature of the thermal head and outputs the temperature data to the control unit;
  When continuously recording a plurality of recording media under the control of the control unit, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by a temperature detecting device before starting recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media. When the temperature is higher than a predetermined control reference temperature, a heat release standby operation is performed to delay energization of the thermal head for recording until excessive heat storage of the thermal head is released and falls below the control reference temperature. In the recording device made possible,
  Comprising a counting means for counting the number of times the heat radiation standby operation has been performed,
  The control means manages a plurality of predetermined control reference temperatures and the number of times that the heat radiation standby operation for each control reference temperature is allowed,
  During recording of the first recording medium, normal recording is performed while setting the highest control reference temperature and the number of times of recording that allows the heat radiation standby operation at the control reference temperature.
  When recording on each of the second and subsequent recording media, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device before the recording starts, and if the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium. Determining that the heat release standby operation is unnecessary, and setting the same control reference temperature as the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, and the number of recordings permitting the heat release standby operation at the control reference temperature. While doing normal recording,
  If the detected temperature is higher than the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium, it is determined that the heat dissipation standby operation is necessary, and the number of times the heat dissipation standby operation of the counting unit is executed is counted up,
  If the count is less than the number of recordings allowed for the heat dissipation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, the same control reference temperature as that of the immediately preceding recording medium and the recording allowing the heat dissipation standby operation at the control reference temperature And setting the number of times, and applying the control reference temperature to execute the heat radiation standby operation,
  When the count reaches the number of recordings that allows the heat radiation standby operation set for the immediately preceding recording medium, the count is cleared to 0, and the temperature next to the control reference temperature set for the immediately preceding recording medium is higher. A recording apparatus, wherein a control reference temperature and a number of times that the heat release standby operation at the control reference temperature is allowed are set, and a control to execute the heat release standby operation to which the control reference temperature is applied is performed.   The control means manages a reset reference temperature of the thermal head that is a reference for resetting the control of the heat radiation standby operation for each predetermined control reference temperature,
  Before execution of the heat dissipation standby operation at the time of recording on each recording medium,
  If the number of recordings in which the heat radiation standby operation has been performed is 0, when recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the heat radiation control operation for recording based on the recording information is controlled. If the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within a predetermined time, all control is terminated,
  If the number of times that the heat radiation standby operation has been performed is 1 or more, the temperature of the thermal head is measured by the temperature detection device. If the detected temperature is less than the reset reference temperature, the control of the heat radiation standby operation needs to be reset. The count number of the number of times of recording the heat radiation standby operation of the counting means is cleared to 0, and the highest control reference temperature among the set control reference temperatures and the heat dissipation standby at the control reference temperature Set the number of times to allow movement,
  If the recording information for the next recording medium is obtained within a predetermined time, the control proceeds to the heat dissipation control operation for recording based on the recording information, and the recording information for the next recording medium is not obtained within the predetermined time. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein control is performed to execute an information standby mode in which all control is terminated.   The control unit manages a plurality of the control reference temperatures, the number of times the recording standby operation is permitted at each control reference temperature, and the reset reference temperature of each control reference temperature in a table. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

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