JP5717421B2 - Thermal head and thermal printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal head used in a thermal printer that performs printing by supplying heat to thermal paper, and a thermal printer including the thermal head as a part thereof.

  Conventionally, thermal printers that perform printing by supplying heat to thermal paper are widely used in cash registers, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), POSs (Point of sale systems), ECRs (Efficient Consumer Responses), and the like.

  A part of the thermal printer that includes a heating element that supplies heat to the thermal paper and generates heat based on data input from a control board or the like via a communication line is referred to as a thermal head.

  The heating elements of the thermal head are usually electric resistances (heating resistors) arranged in a line, and generate heat by flowing a current. In the thermal head, the longer the line length, the more information can be printed. However, as the line length becomes longer, the number of electrical resistances also increases. Therefore, if one line is printed at a time, the current to be supplied becomes excessive.

  In the thermal head described in Patent Document 1, print data consisting of serial data (“print signal” in Patent Document 1) is converted into parallel data and latched, and then external strobe data (in Strobe “ Pulse ") is sequentially input from a plurality of input terminals, and the heating resistor is heated for each block.

  Here, the print data indicates whether or not each heating resistor performs printing, and the strobe data means the period during which the heating resistor is energized for each block (in other words, printing on / off). This is a signal for instructing off timing).

JP-A-6-122222

  However, if a plurality of input terminals for inputting strobe data are provided as in the thermal head described in Patent Document 1, the number of connectors on the thermal head and the control board for outputting data to the thermal head, and further the thermal head As a result, the number of communication lines connecting the control board increases, resulting in an increase in cost and weight.

  The present invention is for solving such problems, and is capable of avoiding an excessive current supplied to the heating resistor while suppressing an increase in the number of input terminals. It is a main object to provide a thermal printer including a part thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A thermal head used in a thermal printer,
A plurality of heating resistors arranged in a line;
Print data conversion / supply means for converting print data input as serial data into parallel data and supplying them to the plurality of heating resistors at once;
Strobe data distribution means for sequentially supplying a strobe signal to each of the plurality of heating resistors based on the strobe data input as serial data;
The input terminal for the print data and the strobe data is shared, and the data input to the shared input terminal is transmitted to either the print data conversion / supply means or the strobe data distribution means. Transmission switching means for switching between, and
Is a thermal head.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid an excessive current supplied to the heating resistor while suppressing an increase in the number of input terminals.

  The “block” determined in advance for the plurality of heating resistors may include a single heating element.

In the first aspect of the present invention,
A switching timing determining means for determining the switching timing by the transmission switching means by counting the input clock signal may be provided.

  In this way, the number of input terminals can be further reduced.

In the first aspect of the present invention,
The print data conversion / supply unit and the strobe data distribution unit are configured by a shift register that sequentially stores serial data, and a flip-flop that latches data stored in the shift register according to a latch signal.
A latch signal automatic generating means for automatically generating the latch signal by counting input clock signals may be provided.

  In this way, the number of input terminals can be further reduced.

In the first aspect of the present invention,
The thermal paper may be scrolled during a printing stop period created based on the strobe data.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of print curl and the like.

The second aspect of the present invention is:
A thermal head according to the first aspect of the present invention;
Control means connected to the thermal head by a communication line and supplying at least the print data to the thermal head;
Is a thermal printer.

  According to the present invention, a thermal head capable of avoiding an excessive current supplied to the heating resistor while suppressing an increase in the number of input terminals, and a thermal printer partially including the thermal head Can be provided.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of a thermal printer including a thermal head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a circuit configuration example of a thermal head 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a timing chart (print data input period) in the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment. It is a timing chart (strobe period) in the thermal head 1 which concerns on 1st Example. 2 is a circuit configuration example of a conventional thermal head X to be compared with the thermal head 1 according to the present embodiment. 6 is a timing chart (strobe period) in a conventional thermal head X. It is a circuit structural example of the thermal head 2 which concerns on 2nd Example of this invention. It is a timing chart in the thermal head 2 which concerns on 2nd Example. It is a circuit structural example of the thermal head 3 which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is a circuit structural example of the thermal head 4 which concerns on 4th Example of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First embodiment>
A thermal head 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The thermal head 1 causes the heating resistor to generate heat in accordance with various signals and data input from the control board via a communication line, and performs desired printing (or printing) on thermal paper that is scroll-controlled by a minute distance. It is a device. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a thermal printer including a thermal head according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control board is, for example, a microcomputer, generates a print pattern based on input data, and outputs various signals and data to the thermal head 1. The thermal head 1 is a stationary line head, for example, and can perform printing with a resolution of about 8 dots per millimeter.

[Constitution]
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration example of the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the thermal head 1 includes a power source PS, heating resistors R1 to R832, NAND gates NAND1 to 832, print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832, print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832, and a strobe. Side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 and strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are provided.

  The power source PS is a DC power source of about 7.2 [V], for example. The heating resistors R1 to R832 are arranged in a substantially straight line, generate heat when a current flows, and print by supplying heat to the opposite portions of the thermal paper.

  The NAND gates NAND1 to NAND 832 output a signal having a value of 0 (LO signal) only when both input voltage signals are signals having a value of 1 (HI signal), and otherwise, signals having a value of 1 (HI signal). ) Is output.

  The signal of value 1 in the present embodiment is assumed to be a voltage signal of about 7.2 [V] in accordance with the power source PS. Further, a signal having a value of 0 is assumed to be a voltage signal of a ground potential at a ground terminal (not shown). In this embodiment, it is assumed that value 1 indicates “printing” and value 0 indicates “no printing”.

  As a result, if both voltage signals input to the NAND gate are signals having a value of 1, the output of the NAND gate has a value of 0, and a potential difference occurs between both ends of the corresponding heating resistor, so that current flows and heat is generated. Become. On the other hand, if at least one of the voltage signals input to the NAND gate is a signal having a value of 0, the output of the NAND gate has a value of 1, no potential difference is generated across the corresponding heating resistor, and no current flows. Accordingly, each heating resistor generates heat and performs printing only when the signals input to the corresponding NAND gates are both signals of value 1.

  Such a configuration can be arbitrarily changed, and an AND gate may be provided instead of the NAND gate, and the value 0 may indicate “printing” and the value 1 may indicate “no printing”.

  The print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832 and the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 take in serial data and store them. The serial data in the present invention is binary data of value 1 and value 0 that are sent one by one in accordance with, for example, a clock signal.

  For example, (*), when 8-bit data “10000000” is input to the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to SR_ST8 in 8 clocks, SR_ST1 stores the value 1, SR_ST2 stores the value 0, and SR_ST3 stores the value 0. SR_ST4 stores the value 0, SR_ST5 stores the value 0, SR_ST6 stores the value 0, SR_ST7 stores the value 0, and SR_ST8 stores the value 0.

  The print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832 or strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 receive data from the corresponding print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832 or strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 when latch signals are input, respectively. In addition to capturing and storing, the stored data is always output all at once.

  To explain the above example (*), the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST1 stores and outputs the value 1, the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST2 stores and outputs the value 0, and the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST3 stores the value. 0 is stored and output, the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST4 stores and outputs the value 0, the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST5 stores and outputs the value 0, and the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST6 stores the value 0. The strobe side flip-flop FF_ST7 stores and outputs the value 0, and the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST8 stores and outputs the value 0.

  The thermal head 1 has, as input terminals, a print data side latch signal input terminal R_PR, a print data input terminal D_PR, a print data side clock signal input terminal C_PR, a strobe side latch signal input terminal R_ST, and strobe data. An input terminal D_ST and a strobe side clock signal input terminal C_ST are provided.

  Input to the print data input terminal D_PR is 832-bit serial data (print data) indicating whether each heating resistor performs printing in the printing of the current time. The print data is input bit by bit in accordance with a clock signal (print data side clock signal) input to the print data side clock signal input terminal C_PR, and stored in the print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832.

  The print data side latch signal serving as a trigger for the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832 to perform the above-described latch operation is input to the print data side latch signal input terminal R_PR.

  The strobe data input terminal D_ST is divided into blocks of the heating resistors R1 to R832, and serial data (strobe data) for determining whether or not to perform printing in each printing operation is input to each block. The In this embodiment, the heating resistors R1 to R832 are divided into 8 blocks of R1 to 128, R129 to R256, R257 to R352, R353 to R416, R417 to R480, R481 to R576, R577 to R704, R705 to R832. Only one block performs printing in one printing operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent an excessive current from flowing from the power source PS as compared with the case where the respective heating resistors perform printing all at once.

  The strobe data is 8-bit data in which only 1 bit has a value 1, such as “0100000”. Further, as will be described later, all the bits can have a value of 0 in order to create a period during which printing is not performed.

  The strobe data is input bit by bit in accordance with the clock signal (strobe side clock signal) input to the strobe side clock signal input terminal C_ST, and is stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1-8.

  The strobe side latch signal input terminal R_ST is input with a strobe side latch signal that triggers the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to FF to perform the above-described latch operation.

[Timing chart]
Hereinafter, signals and data input to the thermal head 1 having such a configuration, and state changes of the respective components corresponding thereto will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment. In the period for performing printing for one line, the print data is taken into the print data side and the output is started (print data). 6 is a timing chart showing signals and data input to the thermal head 1 and state changes of each component in an input period).

  Print data is input bit by bit for 832 clocks as a print data side clock signal between times t1 and t2, and stored in the print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832. During this time, the output of the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832 remains the output corresponding to the print data in the previous cycle. Note that one-bit input and one clock do not have to correspond one-to-one, and a plurality of clocks may be required for one-bit input.

  When the time t2 is reached, the input of the print data is completed, and the print data side latch signal is input to the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832. At this time, the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832 take in the print data stored in the print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832 and always output the fetched data all at once. Such an operation corresponds to “print data input as serial data is converted into parallel data and supplied collectively” in the claims.

  On the other hand, on the strobe side, the strobe side clock signal is continuously input from time t1 to time t2, and the strobe data and the strobe side latch signal maintain the value 0, and the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 All outputs have the value 0. The strobe side clock signal may be the same as the print data side clock signal (in this case, the input terminals C_PR and C_ST can be shared).

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment, after a print data side latch signal is input to the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832 during a period of printing for one line ( 6 is a timing chart showing signals and data input to the thermal head 1 during a strobe period) and state changes of each component. In the drawing, the print data side clock signal and the print data are omitted.

  When the time t2 is reached, the strobe data (“1000000”) starts to be input, and is stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to SR_ST1 through 8 as the strobe side clock (time t2 to t3). During this time, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are 0, and printing by the heating resistor is not performed. Note that one-bit input and one clock do not have to correspond one-to-one, and a plurality of clocks may be required for one-bit input.

  At time t3, the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8, and the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 take in and output the data stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8. As a result, only the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST1 outputs the value 1, and the other strobe side flip-flops FF_ST2 to 8 output the value 0. Accordingly, the heating resistors R705 to R832 reflecting the output of the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST1 perform printing according to the print data. The interval between times t3 and t4 can be set to a desired time. For example, it may be suitably set in consideration of the difference in temperature, humidity, etc.

  In addition, the value 0 is continuously input as the strobe data between the times t3 and t4. For this reason, when the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 at time t4, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 become 0, and printing by the heating resistors R705 to R832 is stopped. Is done.

  It is preferable that the thermal paper is slightly scrolled during the printing stop period. This is because if the thermal paper is scrolled in a state in which heat is supplied to the thermal paper, the print may be curled. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a print stop period in order to create a timing for scrolling the thermal paper.

  At time t4, input of strobe data ("0100000") is started, and the strobe side clock is stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to ST8 through 8 clocks (time t4 to t5). During this time, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are 0, and printing by the heating resistor is not performed.

  At time t5, the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8, and the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 capture and output the data stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8. As a result, only the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST2 outputs the value 1, and the other strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1, 3 to 8 output the value 0. Accordingly, the heating resistors R577 to R704 reflecting the output of the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST2 perform printing according to the print data.

  Similarly to the above, the value 0 is continuously input as the strobe data between the times t5 and t6. Therefore, when the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 at time t6, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 become the value 0, and printing by the heating resistors R577 to R704 is stopped. Is done.

  This operation is continued (omitted), and when time t18 is reached, input of strobe data (“0000001”) is started, and the strobe side clock is stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 after 8 clocks. (Time t18 to t19). During this time, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are 0, and printing by the heating resistor is not performed.

  At time t19, the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8, and the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 capture and output the data stored in the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8. As a result, only the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST8 outputs the value 1, and the other strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 7 output the value 0. Accordingly, the heating resistors R1 to R128 reflecting the output of the strobe side flip-flop FF_ST2 perform printing according to the print data.

  When the strobe side latch signal is input to the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 at time t20, all the outputs of the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 become 0, and printing by the heating resistors R1 to R128 is stopped. The Thereafter, the process returns to time t1, and the input of print data in the next cycle is disclosed.

[Comparison with conventional configuration, summary]
FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration example of a conventional thermal head X to be compared with the thermal head 1 according to the present embodiment. The thermal head X does not include the strobe side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 and the strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8, but includes D_ST1 to D_ST8 as input terminals for strobe data.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart (in a strobe period) after input and latching of print data in the conventional thermal head X shown in FIG. Since the input and latching of the print data is the same as that of the thermal head 1 according to this embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the conventional thermal head X, strobe data 1 to 8 are input to the input terminals D_ST1 to D_ST8 for each block, respectively. As a result, a printing operation similar to that of the present embodiment is realized.

  However, since the conventional thermal head X includes eight input terminals for strobes, the number of communication lines between the connector as the input terminal and the control board increases, resulting in an increase in cost and weight. .

  In this regard, in the thermal head 1 of this embodiment, the number of strobe input terminals is limited to three, and the strobe data is distributed to the blocks on the head side, which increases costs and weight compared to the conventional configuration. Is preventing.

  Of course, since printing is performed for each block, it is possible to suppress the current supplied from the power source PS to each heating resistor from being excessive as compared to printing on each heating resistor at the same time.

  According to the thermal head 1 of the present embodiment described above and the thermal printer including the thermal head 1 in part, the current supplied to the heating resistor is excessive while suppressing an increase in the number of input terminals. It can be avoided.

<Second embodiment>
The thermal head 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Similar to the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment, the thermal head 2 generates heat from the heating resistor according to various signals and data input from the control board via the communication line, and is scroll-controlled by a minute distance. This is an apparatus for performing desired printing (or printing) on paper (see FIG. 1). The control board is, for example, a microcomputer, generates a print pattern based on input data, and outputs various signals and data to the thermal head 2. The thermal head 2 is a stationary line head, for example, and can perform printing with a resolution of about 8 dots per millimeter.

  FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration example of the thermal head 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the thermal head 2 includes a power source PS, heating resistors R1 to R832, NAND gates NAND1 to 832, print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832, print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832, and a strobe. Side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 and strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are provided. Since these components are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, in FIG. 7, illustration of some of the constituent elements is omitted.

  The thermal head 2 includes a latch signal input terminal R, a data input terminal D, a clock signal input terminal C, and a switching signal input terminal S as input terminals. That is, the input terminal is shared between the print data side and the strobe side, and which side the signal and data are supplied to is switched according to the switching signal input to the switching signal input terminal S from the control board.

  For example, if the switching signal is 1, the switch SW1 connects the data input terminal D and the print data side shift registers SR_PR1 to 832, and the switch SW2 connects the latch signal input terminal and the print data side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 832. Let On the other hand, if the switch signal is 0, the switch SW1 connects the data input terminal D and the strobe side shift registers SR_PR1 to 8, and the switch SW2 connects the latch signal input terminal and the strobe side flip-flops FF_PR1 to 8.

  With this configuration, the same operation as in the first embodiment is realized. FIG. 8 is a timing chart of the thermal head 2 according to the second embodiment. In this figure, for example, “strobe latch signal” means that a latch signal input to the latch signal input terminal is input to the strobe flip-flops FF_PR1 to FF_8 through the switch SW2.

  As shown in the figure, the value 1 is input as the switching signal until the print data is input and latched, and the same operation as in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is realized. Further, after the print data is input and latched, the value 0 is input as the switching signal, and the same operation as in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment is realized.

  With such a configuration, the number of input terminals can be further reduced, and an increase in cost and weight can be prevented.

  According to the thermal head 2 of the present embodiment described above and the thermal printer including the thermal head 2 as a part, the current supplied to the heating resistor becomes excessive while further increasing the number of input terminals. Can be avoided.

<Third embodiment>
Hereinafter, a thermal head 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Similar to the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment, the thermal head 3 generates heat from the heating resistor according to various signals and data input from the control board via the communication line, and is scroll-controlled by a minute distance. This is an apparatus for performing desired printing (or printing) on paper (see FIG. 1). The control board is, for example, a microcomputer, generates a print pattern based on input data, and outputs various signals and data to the thermal head 3. The thermal head 3 is a stationary line head, for example, and can perform printing with a resolution of about 8 dots per millimeter.

  FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration example of the thermal head 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the thermal head 3 includes a power source PS, heating resistors R1 to R832, NAND gates NAND1 to 832, a print data side shift register SR_PR1 to 832, a print data side flip-flop FF_PR1 to 832, and a strobe. Side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 and strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are provided. Since these components are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, in FIG. 9, illustration of some of the components is omitted.

  The thermal head 3 includes a latch signal input terminal R, a data input terminal D, and a clock signal input terminal C as input terminals, and further includes a switching signal generator SG. That is, as compared with the second embodiment, the switching signal input terminal is omitted and a component for generating the switching signal by itself is provided.

  The switching signal generator SG includes a count register that counts the clock signal therein, and automatically generates a switching signal as described with reference to FIG. 8 in the second embodiment.

  With such a configuration, the number of input terminals can be further reduced, and an increase in cost and weight can be prevented.

  According to the thermal head 3 of the present embodiment described above and the thermal printer including the thermal head 3 in part, the current supplied to the heating resistor becomes excessive while further increasing the number of input terminals. Can be avoided.

<Fourth embodiment>
The thermal head 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Similar to the thermal head 1 according to the first embodiment, the thermal head 4 generates heat from the heating resistor according to various signals and data input from the control board via the communication line, and is scroll-controlled by a minute distance. This is an apparatus for performing desired printing (or printing) on paper (see FIG. 1). The control board is, for example, a microcomputer, generates a print pattern based on input data, and outputs various signals and data to the thermal head 4. The thermal head 3 is a stationary line head, for example, and can perform printing with a resolution of about 8 dots per millimeter.

  FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration example of the thermal head 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the thermal head 3 includes a power source PS, heating resistors R1 to R832, NAND gates NAND1 to 832, a print data side shift register SR_PR1 to 832, a print data side flip-flop FF_PR1 to 832, and a strobe. Side shift registers SR_ST1 to 8 and strobe side flip-flops FF_ST1 to 8 are provided. Since these components are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Further, in FIG. 10, illustration of some of the constituent elements is omitted.

  The thermal head 4 includes a data input terminal D and a clock signal input terminal C as input terminals, and further includes a switching signal generation unit SG and a latch signal generation unit DG. That is, as compared with the third embodiment, the latch signal input terminal is omitted and a component for generating a latch signal by itself is provided.

  Like the switching signal generator SG, the latch signal generator DG includes a count register that counts the clock signal therein, and automatically outputs each latch signal as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in the first embodiment. Generate automatically.

  With such a configuration, the number of input terminals can be further reduced, and an increase in cost and weight can be prevented.

  According to the thermal head 4 of the present embodiment described above and the thermal printer including the thermal head 4 as a part, the current supplied to the heating resistor becomes excessive while further increasing the number of input terminals. Can be avoided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. And substitutions can be added.

  The present invention can be used in the manufacturing industry of computers and peripheral devices.

1, 2, 3, 4 Thermal head PS power supply R1 to R832 Heating resistor NAND1 to 832 NAND gate SR_PR1 to 832 Print data side shift register FF_PR1 to 832 Print data side flip-flop SR_ST1 to 8 Strobe side shift register FF_ST1 to 8 Strobe side Flip-flop L_PR Print data side latch signal input terminal D_PR Print data input terminal C_PR Print data side clock signal input terminal L_ST Strobe side latch signal input terminal D_ST Strobe data input terminal C_ST Strobe side clock signal input terminal L Latch signal input terminal D Data Input terminal C Clock signal input terminal SG Switching signal generator DG Latch signal generator

Claims (5)

A thermal head used in a thermal printer,
A plurality of heating resistors arranged in a line;
Print data conversion / supply means for converting print data input as serial data into parallel data and supplying them to the plurality of heating resistors at once;
Strobe data distribution means for sequentially supplying a strobe signal to each of the plurality of heating resistors based on the strobe data input as serial data;
The input terminal for the print data and the strobe data is shared, and the data input to the shared input terminal is transmitted to either the print data conversion / supply means or the strobe data distribution means. Transmission switching means for switching between, and
Thermal head equipped with. The thermal head according to claim 1 ,
A thermal head comprising switching timing determining means for determining switching timing by the transmission switching means by counting input clock signals. The thermal head according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The print data conversion and supply means and the strobe data distributing means comprises a shift register for storing the serial data in order, a flip-flop for latching in response to the latch signal of data stored in the shift register, by,
A thermal head comprising latch signal automatic generation means for automatically generating the latch signal by counting input clock signals. The thermal head according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A thermal head, wherein thermal paper is scrolled during a printing stop period created based on the strobe data. The thermal head according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
Control means connected to the thermal head by a communication line and supplying at least the print data to the thermal head;
Thermal printer equipped with.

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