JP6406401B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a printing apparatus that performs printing by transferring ink applied to an ink ribbon to a printing medium by controlling energization of a heating element provided in a thermal head. Such a printing apparatus is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2011-062896 A

  By the way, in the above-described printing apparatus adopting the thermal transfer method, if excessively high energy is applied to the ink ribbon, the ink ribbon may be damaged, and as a result, the print quality may deteriorate. In particular, when a phenomenon called ribbon breakage, in which the ink ribbon melts and breaks, printing itself stops.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of a printing apparatus according to the present invention is:
A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the number of the obtained heating elements, the energization time is varied, and the thermal One or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data are energized by the head.

  According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a program that can suppress a decrease in print quality due to a temperature rise of a print head.

1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tape cassette 30 stored in the printing apparatus 1. 3 is a perspective view of a cassette storage unit 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing pattern that is printed on a printing medium. 3 is an example of a timing chart of signals output from a control unit 5; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a print control process. It is a figure which shows an example of a density coefficient table. It is the figure which showed an example of the threshold value table regarding the number of printing dots of this electricity supply. It is the figure which showed an example of the threshold value table regarding the printing dot number of log | history energization. It is the figure which showed an example of the 1st main electricity supply time adjustment table. It is a figure showing an example of the 1st history energization time adjustment table. It is the figure which showed an example of the 2nd main electricity supply time adjustment table of a modification. It is a figure showing an example of the 2nd history energization time adjustment table of a modification. It is the figure which showed another example of the threshold value table regarding the number of printing dots of this electricity supply. It is the figure which showed another example of the 1st main electricity supply time adjustment table.

  Hereinafter, a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus that includes a thermal head that performs printing on a printing medium. For example, the printing apparatus 1 is a label printer that performs printing on a long printing medium M using a single-pass method. The print medium M is, for example, a tape member having a base material having an adhesive layer and a release paper that is attached to the base material so as to be peelable so as to cover the adhesive layer. The print medium M may be a tape member without release paper.

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

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

  The opening / closing lid 18 is disposed on the upper portion of the cassette housing 19 so as to be opened and closed. The opening / closing lid 18 is opened by pressing the button 18a. The opening / closing lid 18 is formed with a window 18b so that it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the tape cassette 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in the cassette storage portion 19 even when the opening / closing lid 18 is closed. ing. A reading unit 25 for reading an identification tag 38 (see FIG. 2) attached to the tape cassette 30 is provided on the back surface of the opening / closing lid 18. The reading unit 25 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) reader. The reading unit 25 reads the identifier (identification information) from the identification tag 38, so that the material and color of the tape cassette 30 and eventually the printing medium M accommodated in the tape cassette 30, the material of the ink ribbon R, An identification unit that identifies a color or the like, and outputs a sensor signal indicating the identifier. A discharge port 2 a is formed on the side surface of the apparatus housing 2. The printing medium M on which printing has been performed in the printing apparatus 1 is discharged out of the apparatus from the discharge port 2a.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 30 includes a cassette case 31 that accommodates a printing medium M and an ink ribbon R in which a thermal head insertion portion 36 and an engagement portion 37 are formed. An identification tag 38 is affixed to the surface of the cassette case 31. The identification tag 38 is, for example, an RFID tag, and an identifier for identifying the tape cassette 30 (and thus the ink ribbon R accommodated in the tape cassette 30) is recorded. Further, the cassette case 31 is provided with a tape core 32, an ink ribbon supply core 34, and an ink ribbon winding core 35. The print medium M is wound around a tape core 32 inside the cassette case 31 in a roll shape. In addition, the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon supply core 34 inside the cassette case 31 in a state where the leading end of the ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon winding core 35.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette housing part 19 of the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a plurality of cassette receiving parts 20 for supporting the tape cassette 30 at a predetermined position. The cassette receiving unit 20 is provided with a tape width detection switch 24 for detecting the width of the tape (the printing medium M) accommodated in the tape cassette 30. The tape width detection switch 24 detects the width of the printing medium M accommodated in the tape cassette 30 and the width of the ink ribbon R based on the shape of the tape cassette 30 (the uneven shape provided on the tape cassette 30). And a sensor signal indicating the detected widths of the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R.

  The cassette storage unit 19 further includes a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line, and the plurality of heating elements are energized based on the print data to heat the ink ribbon R to print on the printing medium M. A thermal head 10, a platen roller 21 that is a conveyance unit that conveys the printing medium M, a tape core engagement shaft 22, and an ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23 are provided. Further, a thermistor 13 is embedded in the thermal head 10. The thermistor 13 is a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the thermal head 10 and outputs a sensor signal indicating the measured temperature.

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

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

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

  FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 is controlled in addition to the input unit 3, display unit 4, thermal head 10, thermistor 13, half-cut mechanism 16, full-cut mechanism 17, platen roller 21, tape width detection switch 24, and reading unit 25. Unit 5, ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, RAM (Random Access Memory) 7, display unit drive circuit 8, head drive circuit 9, transport motor drive circuit 11, stepping motor 12, cutter motor drive circuit 14, and cutter A motor 15 is provided. Note that the control unit 5, the ROM 6, and the RAM 7 constitute a computer of the printing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 5 includes a processor 5a such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 5 controls the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 1 by developing and executing a program stored in the ROM 6 in the RAM 7. The control unit 5 is, for example, a head control unit that controls energization to the plurality of heating elements 10 a included in the thermal head 10 via the head drive circuit 9, a conveyance control unit that controls the platen roller 21, and a cutting mechanism It is a cut control part which controls.

  The ROM 6 stores a printing program for printing on the printing medium M and various data (for example, fonts) necessary for executing the printing program. Furthermore, the ROM 6 stores various tables (density coefficient table, threshold value table, energization time adjustment table) described later. The ROM 6 also functions as a storage medium in which a program readable by the control unit 5 is stored.

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

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

  The head drive circuit 9 energizes the plurality of heating elements 10a based on the print data during a period in which the strobe signal is ON (hereinafter referred to as an energization period). The thermal head 10 is a print head having a plurality of heating elements 10a arranged in the main scanning direction. The thermal head 10 heats the ink ribbon R with the heating element 10a by selectively energizing the heating element 10a according to the print data during the energization period of the strobe signal sent from the control unit 5. Thus, printing is performed line by line on the printing medium M by thermal transfer.

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

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

  A thermistor 13 that is a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the thermal head 10, a tape width detection switch 24 that is a width detection unit that detects the width of the ink ribbon R, and a reading that is an identification unit that identifies the ink ribbon R. The unit 25 constitutes the sensor unit 26 of the printing apparatus 1. The sensor unit 26 may include any configuration that acquires information for identifying the printing environment of the printing apparatus 1. Therefore, the sensor unit 26 may include other configurations in addition to the above configuration.

  In the printing apparatus 1 adopting the thermal transfer method, as described above, when excessively high energy is applied to the ink ribbon R, the ink ribbon R is damaged, and as a result, the print quality may be deteriorated. . For example, in the case of printing the printing pattern P shown in FIG. 6 on the printing medium M, the line patterns P1, P2, P3, and P4 of the line pattern P1, the line pattern P2, the line pattern P4, and the line pattern P4 that generate a large number of heat simultaneously. It is estimated that the ink ribbon R is easily damaged during printing. However, whether or not the ink ribbon R is damaged is not determined only by the print data, but also depends on the printing environment of the printing apparatus 1. This is because the energy applied to the ink ribbon R and the energy allowable by the ink ribbon R vary depending on the printing environment. In the printing apparatus 1, the printing environment can be recognized based on the sensor signal from the sensor unit 26.

  Based on the above points, in the printing apparatus 1, the control unit 5 determines whether the print data satisfies the predetermined condition determined based on the sensor signal output from the sensor unit 26. Adjust the energization time. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition relating to the print data, and is a condition in which the ink ribbon R can be damaged to the extent that it interferes with printing when printing is performed according to the print data satisfying the condition. Specifically, for example, the number of heating elements that are energized by one-line printing based on print data among the plurality of heating elements 10a (hereinafter referred to as energized heating elements in the sense of heating elements to be energized). Is that the set value set in accordance with the width of the ink ribbon R detected by the sensor unit 26 has been reached. When the control unit 5 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, when it is determined that the number of energized heating elements has reached the set value, the heating element 10a determined without depending on the print data. An energization time (second energization time) different from the energization time may be calculated from the energization time (first energization time), and energization to the heating element 10a may be controlled according to the calculated energization time. .

  The printing apparatus 1 can reduce damage to the ink ribbon R by the control unit 5 adjusting the energization time, and can prevent printing from being hindered.

  In the printing apparatus 1, the control unit 5 replaces the print data only once during the energization period in which the thermal head 10 performs printing for one line. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, the control unit 5 changes the print data held by the head drive circuit 9 during the energization period from the main energization data (first energization data) to the history energization data (second energization data). The energization data) may be replaced. Here, the main energization data is print data indicating a print pattern to be formed on a line to be printed during the energization period (hereinafter referred to as a target line), and the main energization time TS1 shown in FIG. The width of the period in which energization is controlled according to the main energization data is shown. That is, it is the time corresponding to the main energization data in the energization time. The history energization data is print data generated based on print data of a preceding line (for example, a line one line before the target line) that is printed before the target line. The history energization time TS2 shown in FIG. 2 indicates the width of a period during which energization is controlled according to the history energization data. That is, the time corresponding to the history energization data in the energization time. Further, one line period T shown in FIG. 7 indicates the width of a period during which the print medium M is conveyed by one line.

  The printing apparatus 1 can control the print gradation by replacing the print data during the energization period. Thereby, a desired pattern can be printed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the print control process. FIGS. 9 to 13 are diagrams illustrating tables stored in the ROM 6. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the density coefficient table T1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the threshold value table T2 regarding the number of printing dots for main energization. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the threshold value table T3 regarding the number of print dots for history energization. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first main energization time adjustment table T4. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first history energization time adjustment table T5. Hereinafter, a specific example of the print control process of the printing apparatus 1 performed by the control unit 5 by executing the print program will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

  When the print control process shown in FIG. 8 is started, the control unit 5 first acquires the print density (step S1). Here, the control unit 5 acquires a print density level (hereinafter, density level) designated by the user using the input unit 3 in advance. It should be noted that the density level (that is, the print density setting) is acquired in order to vary the adjustment amount of the energization time according to the density level, as will be described later.

  Next, the control unit 5 acquires the width of the ink ribbon R based on the sensor signal output from the tape width detection switch 24 (step S2). Next, the control unit 5 acquires identification information (material, color, etc.) of the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R stored in the tape cassette 30 based on the sensor signal output from the reading unit 25 (step) S3).

  Further, the control unit 5 acquires the temperature of the thermal head 10 (step S4). Here, the control unit 5 acquires the temperature of the thermal head 10 based on the sensor signal output from the thermistor 13.

  Thereafter, the control unit 5 calculates the energization time (step S5). Here, for example, the controller 5 searches the energization time table in which the energization time for each temperature is recorded using the temperature of the thermal head 10 acquired in step S4 as a key, and acquires the energization time according to the temperature. . The energization time table is stored in the ROM 6 in advance. Further, the control unit 5 searches the density coefficient table T1 shown in FIG. 9 using the density level acquired in step S1 and the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as keys, and acquires the density coefficient. Finally, the control unit 5 calculates the energization time by multiplying the energization time acquired from the energization time table by the concentration coefficient acquired from the concentration coefficient table T1. The calculated energization time is the energization time of the heating element 10a determined without depending on the print data, and is the first energization time of the printing apparatus 1. The first energization time is calculated for main energization and history energization, respectively.

  When the energization time is calculated, the control unit 5 acquires line data that is print data of the target line (step S6). Thereafter, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the line data satisfies a predetermined condition (step S7).

  In step S7, the controller 5 first searches the threshold value table T2 shown in FIG. 10 using the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as a key, and is also referred to as the number of print dots (the number of ON dots) in the main energization. ) Threshold (in other words, a first set value set according to the width of the ink ribbon). Whether the number of printed dots of the main energization data in the line data acquired in step S6 (in other words, the number of energization heating elements specified based on the main energization data) exceeds the threshold acquired from the threshold table T2. Determine if. Note that the number of print dots is the number of heating elements 10a that generate heat at a time, and the threshold value for the number of print dots is the maximum number of print dots estimated that the ink ribbon R is not damaged so as to hinder printing. .

  In step S7, the controller 5 further searches the threshold value table T3 shown in FIG. 11 using the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as a key, and the threshold value of the number of print dots in history energization (in other words, the ink The second setting value set according to the width of the ribbon is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of print dots (in other words, the number of energized heating elements specified based on the history energization data) of the history energization data in the acquired line data exceeds the threshold acquired from the threshold table T3. To do.

  When at least one of the number of print dots of the main energization data and the number of print dots of the history energization data exceeds the threshold, the control unit 5 seems to be damaged to the extent that the ink ribbon R interferes with printing. It is determined that a certain condition (predetermined condition) is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 5 adjusts the energization time calculated in step S5 (step S8), and controls the energization of the heating element 10a according to the adjusted energization time (step S9). . On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit 5 controls the energization of the heating element 10a according to the energization time calculated in step S5 (step S9).

  In step S8, the control unit 5 adjusts the main energization time calculated in step S5 when it is determined in step S7 that the number of print dots of the main energization data exceeds the threshold value. Further, when it is determined in step S7 that the number of print dots of the history energization data exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 5 adjusts both the main energization time and the history energization time calculated in step S5.

  More specifically, the control unit 5 determines in step S7 that the number of print dots of the main energization data exceeds the threshold and the number of print dots of the history energization data does not exceed the threshold. The first main energization time adjustment table T4 shown in FIG. 12 is searched using the density level acquired in step S1 and the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as keys, and the first adjustment coefficient of the main energization time is searched. To get. Further, when it is determined in step S7 that the number of print dots of the first main energization data exceeds the threshold and the number of print dots of the history energization data exceeds the threshold, Using the density level acquired in step S1 and the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as a key, the first main energization time adjustment table T4 shown in FIG. 12 is searched to obtain the first adjustment coefficient for the main energization time. In addition to the acquisition, the first history energization time adjustment table T5 shown in FIG. 13 is searched to obtain the history energization time adjustment coefficient. Then, the energization time is adjusted by multiplying the corresponding energization time by the acquired adjustment coefficient. That is, the first adjustment coefficient of the main energization time is multiplied by the main energization time calculated in step S5, and the first adjustment coefficient of the history energization time is multiplied by the history energization time calculated in step S5.

  Note that the coefficients acquired from the energization time adjustment table are all values less than 100%. For this reason, the energization time is adjusted to be shortened by multiplying the energization time by the adjustment coefficient when the number of printing dots exceeds the threshold. Further, when comparing the first main energization time adjustment table T5 and the first history energization time adjustment table T6, the first history energization time adjustment table T6 includes an adjustment coefficient in the first main energization time adjustment table T5. The following adjustment factors are stored. This is because the history energization time is shorter than the main energization time. By adjusting the short-time history energization time at a rate greater than the rate at which the main energization time is adjusted, it is possible to adjust the main energization time and the history energization time in a well-balanced manner to avoid damage to the ink ribbon R. Become.

  Finally, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the printing process has been completed (step S10). And the control part 5 repeats the process of step S4 to step S10 until it determines with the printing process having been complete | finished by step S10.

  By performing the print control process shown in FIG. 8, the energization time is shortened when the number of print dots exceeds the threshold. Thereby, the printing apparatus 1 can reduce damage to the ink ribbon R so as not to hinder printing. Further, in the printing apparatus 1, the adjustment coefficient used for adjusting the energization time varies depending on the printing environment (here, the density level and the width of the ink ribbon R). For this reason, it is possible to appropriately adjust the energization time according to the printing environment, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in print quality due to excessive adjustment of the energization time. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1, the threshold value for the number of printing dots changes according to the printing environment. For this reason, it is possible to appropriately estimate whether or not the ink ribbon R is damaged to the extent that it interferes with printing, and damage to the ink ribbon R can be more reliably reduced.

<Modification>
In step S7, the control unit 5 further determines whether or not the identification information (material, color, etc.) of the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R acquired in step S3 meets the second setting condition. The second setting condition may be, for example, a combination that the color of the printing medium M is “white” and the color of the ink ribbon R is “black”. Depending on the combination of the material and color of the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R, there is a possibility that the ink ribbon R may be divided into a case where the ink ribbon R is damaged so as to interfere with printing and a case where such a damage is not caused. is there.

  In step S8, when it is determined that the identification information of the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R acquired in step S3 meets the second setting condition, the control unit 5 calculates as described above in step S8. Further adjust the adjusted main energization time. If it is determined that the information acquired in step S3 corresponds to the second setting condition, the controller 5 uses the density level acquired in step S1 and the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as keys. The second main energization time adjustment table T6 shown in FIG. 14 is searched to obtain the second adjustment coefficient for the main energization time. At this time, the control unit 5 searches the second history energization time adjustment table T7 shown in FIG. 15 using the density level acquired in step S1 and the width of the ink ribbon R acquired in step S2 as keys. A second adjustment coefficient for the history energization time may be further acquired. Then, the energization time is further adjusted by multiplying the corresponding energization time by the acquired adjustment coefficient. That is, the second adjustment coefficient of the main energization time is multiplied by the adjusted main energization time calculated in step S8 of the above-described embodiment. When the second adjustment coefficient is further acquired, the second adjustment coefficient of the history energization time may be multiplied by the adjusted history energization time calculated in step S8 of the above-described embodiment.

  The above-described embodiments and modifications are specific examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and changes can be made to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus control method, and the program without departing from the scope of the claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the control unit 5 replaces the print data held by the head drive circuit 9 once during the energization period has been described, but the print data may be replaced a plurality of times. Moreover, although the printing apparatus 1 which has the input part 3 and the display part 4 was illustrated, the printing apparatus may be a printing apparatus which does not have the input part 3 and the display part 4, and print data is arrange | positioned separately. You may receive from a computer. Further, only part of the print data may be received from the computer. For example, the main energization data may be received from the computer, and the history energization data may be generated by the printing apparatus 1.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the predetermined condition (condition that the ink ribbon R is damaged to the extent that it interferes with printing) is determined based on the width of the ink ribbon R has been described. The condition may be determined in consideration of the temperature of the thermal head 10, and for example, a threshold table T8 shown in FIG. 16 may be used instead of the threshold table T2 shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, it is desirable to record a relationship in which the threshold value decreases as the temperature of the thermal head 10 decreases, in the threshold value table T7. This is because, as the temperature of the thermal head 10 is lower, the longer energization time (first energization time) is calculated in step S5 in FIG. Because.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the energization time is adjusted using the adjustment coefficient determined based on the density level and the width of the ink ribbon R is shown. However, the energization time takes into account the temperature of the thermal head 10. For example, instead of the first main energization time adjustment table T4 shown in FIG. 12, the first main energization time adjustment table T9 shown in FIG. 17 may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, it is desirable that the first main energization time adjustment table T9 records a relationship such that the adjustment coefficient decreases as the temperature of the thermal head 10 decreases. This is because, as the temperature of the thermal head 10 is lower, the longer energization time is calculated in step S5 of FIG. By taking the temperature of the thermal head 10 into account, the energization time can be adjusted more appropriately.

  Although the example in which the threshold value and the adjustment coefficient are determined based on at least one of the width of the ink ribbon R and the temperature of the thermal head 10 has been described above, the threshold value and the adjustment coefficient are subject to at least one of these factors. The print medium M and / or the type of ink ribbon R may be determined in combination. This is because the amount of energy that can be tolerated varies depending on the material or the like if the type of ink ribbon R is different. Even when the same type of ink ribbon R is used, the amount of energy applied to the ink ribbon R can be varied depending on the type (magnet, cloth, etc.) of the printing medium M. In the printing apparatus 1, the type of the ink ribbon R can be specified based on the sensor signal output from the reading unit 25. By adding the type of ink ribbon R, the energization time can be adjusted more appropriately.

  In the threshold value table, the ratio of the number of print dots to the total number of dots may be recorded as a threshold value instead of the number of print dots. Further, in the energization time adjustment table, an adjustment time [μsec] that is a subtraction value for subtracting from the energization time may be recorded instead of an adjustment coefficient [%] that is a multiplication value for multiplying the energization time. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the energization time is adjusted using the first main energization time adjustment coefficient, the second main energization time adjustment coefficient, and the history energization time adjustment coefficient has been described. It is not necessary to adjust the energization time using. For example, the energization time may be adjusted using only the first main energization time adjustment coefficient, or the energization time may be adjusted using the first main energization time adjustment coefficient and the history energization time adjustment coefficient.

  Moreover, although the example which adjusts so that energization time may be shortened in embodiment mentioned above, you may adjust so that energization time may be extended. That is, a short energization time (first energization time) is estimated in advance so that the ink ribbon R is not damaged so as to interfere with printing regardless of the print data, and then the printing environment and the print data are taken into consideration. You may adjust so that energization time may be extended.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. And are included. Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.

[Appendix 1]
A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set to be larger as the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization is larger and the acquired number of the heating elements, the thermal printhead generates the line print data. A printing apparatus that varies the energization time of one or more corresponding heating elements.
[Appendix 2]
A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
Before the printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the temperature of the thermal head,
In accordance with a comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization increases and the temperature of the acquired thermal head, the thermal print head generates the line print data. A printing apparatus that varies the energization time of one or more corresponding heating elements.
[Appendix 3]
A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; A printing apparatus that energizes one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head.
[Appendix 4]
The head controller is
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is large and the set condition is met and the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is small The printing apparatus according to appendix 3, wherein the printing on the printing medium is performed by the thermal head as not satisfying the setting condition.
[Appendix 5]
The head controller is
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is greater than a first threshold, the heat generating elements satisfying the setting condition and energizing based on the line print data The printing apparatus according to appendix 3, wherein the thermal head performs printing on the printing medium, assuming that the setting condition is not met when the number of the printing heads is equal to or less than the first threshold value.
[Appendix 6]
The head controller is
The printing apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein the first threshold value is set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization increases.
[Appendix 7]
The head controller is
The printing according to appendix 5, wherein the first threshold value is set so as to increase as the temperature of the thermal head before the printing on the printing medium is performed by the thermal head based on the line print data. apparatus.
[Appendix 8]
The controller is
During each printing cycle corresponding to a period for printing each line print data, the line print data and another line print data are replaced, and based on the line print data and the other line print data, Performing control to perform printing on the printing medium by the thermal head,
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized is large based on the other line print data, the thermal head performs the second time shorter than when the number of heat generating elements to be energized is small. The printing apparatus according to any one of appendix 3 to appendix 7, wherein energization is performed to one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data.
[Appendix 9]
The head controller is
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the other line print data is larger than the second number, the current is satisfied based on the other line print data that satisfies the setting condition. The printing apparatus according to appendix 8, wherein the thermal head performs printing on the printing medium, assuming that the setting condition is not met when the number of heating elements is equal to or less than the second number.
[Appendix 10]
The head controller is
When the setting condition is satisfied, and the material and color of the printing medium and the material and color of the ink ribbon heated by the energization correspond to the second setting condition, the second The printing apparatus according to appendix 8 or appendix 9, wherein the thermal head energizes one or more heating elements corresponding to the other line print data for a third time shorter than a case where the set condition is not met .
[Appendix 11]
The head controller is
When the setting condition is satisfied, and the material and color of the printing medium and the material and color of the ink ribbon heated by the energization correspond to the second setting condition, the second The printing according to any one of appendices 3 to 10, wherein the thermal head energizes one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data for a fourth time that is shorter than a case where the set condition is not met. apparatus.
[Appendix 12]
When the head controller is assumed to satisfy the setting condition,
When the temperature of the thermal head before the printing on the printing medium is performed by the thermal head based on the print data, the thermal head allows a shorter time than when the temperature of the thermal head is low. The printing apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 3 to 11, which is set as a reference time for energizing a plurality of heating elements.
[Appendix 13]
A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
The printing method includes:
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set to be larger as the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization is larger and the acquired number of the heating elements, the thermal printhead generates the line print data. A printing method including varying energization time to one or more corresponding heating elements.
[Appendix 14]
A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
The printing method includes:
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; A printing method including energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head.
[Appendix 15]
A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is acquired,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the number of the obtained heating elements, the energization time is varied, and the thermal A program for energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by a head.
[Appendix 16]
A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; A program for causing the thermal head to energize one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing device, 2 ... Apparatus housing, 2a ... Discharge port, 3 ... Input part, 4 ... Display part, 5 ... Control part, 5a ... Processor, 6 ... ROM, 7 ... RAM, 8 ... display drive circuit, 9 ... head drive circuit, 10 ... thermal head, 10a ... heating element, 11 ... conveyance motor drive Circuit, 12 ... Stepping motor, 13 ... Thermistor, 14 ... Cutter motor drive circuit, 15 ... Cutter motor, 16 ... Half cut mechanism, 17 ... Full cut mechanism, 18 ... Opening / closing lid, 18a ... button, 18b ... window, 19 ... cassette housing part, 20 ... cassette receiving part, 21 ... platen roller, 22 ... tape core engaging shaft, 23 ..Ink ribbon winding drive shaft, 24 ... Tape width inspection Switch, 25... Reading section, 26... Sensor section, 30... Tape cassette, 31... Cassette case, 32... Tape core, 34. Ribbon winding core, 36 ... thermal head insertion portion 37 ... engagement portion, 38 ... identification tag, M ... printing medium, R ... ink ribbon, P ... printing pattern , P1, P2, P3, P4 ... line pattern, T ... 1 line cycle, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 ... table, TS1 ... main energization time, TS2 ... History energization time

Claims (17)

A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the number of the obtained heating elements, the energization time is varied, and the thermal A printing apparatus for energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by a head. A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
Before the printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the temperature of the thermal head,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the obtained temperature of the thermal head, the energization time is varied to change the thermal head. A printing apparatus for energizing one or more heat generating elements corresponding to the line print data. A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head ;
The setting condition is satisfied when the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is greater than a first threshold value set according to the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization. The printing apparatus does not satisfy the setting condition when the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold value . A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along the arrangement direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the printing medium;
A head control unit that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium based on line print data obtained by dividing the print data along the arrangement direction;
The head controller is
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head;
The number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is set according to the temperature of the thermal head before printing on the print medium by the thermal head based on the line print data. When the number is larger than the set first threshold, the setting is satisfied when the setting condition is satisfied and the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold. The printing device shall not meet the conditions . The head controller is
During each printing cycle corresponding to a period for printing each line print data, the line print data and another line print data are replaced, and based on the line print data and the other line print data, Performing control to perform printing on the printing medium by the thermal head,
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized is large based on the other line print data, the thermal head performs the second time shorter than when the number of heat generating elements to be energized is small. the printing apparatus according to claim 3 or claim to the line printing data to perform energization of the one or more heat generating elements corresponding 4. The head controller is
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the other line print data is larger than the second number, the current is satisfied based on the other line print data that satisfies the setting condition. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when the number of heating elements is less than or equal to the second number, the thermal head performs printing on the printing medium as not satisfying the setting condition. The head controller is
When the setting condition is satisfied, and the material and color of the printing medium and the material and color of the ink ribbon heated by the energization correspond to the second setting condition, the second the third time shorter than the case where the setting condition does not correspond, according to claim 5 or claim 6 causes the power supply to one or more heat generating elements corresponding to said further line printing data by the thermal head Printing device. The head controller is
When the setting condition is satisfied, and the material and color of the printing medium and the material and color of the ink ribbon heated by the energization correspond to the second setting condition, the second fourth time shorter than the case where the setting condition does not fall in, according to any one of claims 3 to 7 to perform the energization of the one or more heat generating elements corresponding to the line printing data by the thermal head Printing device. When the head controller is assumed to satisfy the setting condition,
When the temperature of the thermal head before the printing on the printing medium is performed by the thermal head based on the print data, the thermal head allows a shorter time than when the temperature of the thermal head is low. printing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8 is set as a reference time for causing the power supply to the plurality of heating elements. A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
The printing method includes:
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the number of the obtained heating elements, the energization time is varied, and the thermal Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by a head;
A printing method including that. A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head control unit that causes the thermal head to perform printing on the print medium,
The printing method includes:
Before the printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the temperature of the thermal head,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the obtained temperature of the thermal head, the energization time is varied to change the thermal head. To energize one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data,
A printing method including that. A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
The printing method includes:
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head ;
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is greater than a first threshold set according to the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization, the setting condition is satisfied. And when the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the setting condition is not satisfied .
A printing method including that. A printing method executed by a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
The printing method includes:
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head;
The number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is set according to the temperature of the thermal head before printing on the print medium by the thermal head based on the line print data. When the number is larger than the set first threshold, the setting is satisfied when the setting condition is satisfied and the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold. Shall not meet the requirements ,
A printing method including that. A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
Before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is acquired,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the number of the obtained heating elements, the energization time is varied, and the thermal A program for energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by a head. A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
Before the printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data, obtain the temperature of the thermal head,
Depending on the comparison result between the first threshold value set so as to increase as the width of the ink ribbon heated by energization increases and the obtained temperature of the thermal head, the energization time is varied to change the thermal head. A program for energizing one or more heat generating elements corresponding to the line print data . A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head ;
When the number of heat generating elements to be energized based on the line print data is greater than a first threshold set according to the width of the ink ribbon heated by the energization, the setting condition is satisfied. In addition, when the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the thermal head prints on the printing medium as not satisfying the setting condition. A program to be performed . A program for controlling a control unit of a printing apparatus,
The printing apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements arranged in a line along an arrangement direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a print medium, and line print data obtained by dividing print data along the arrangement direction. And a head controller that causes the thermal head to print on the print medium, and
By the control unit,
A first time that is shorter than the case where the setting condition is not met when the state acquired before printing on the printing medium by the thermal head based on the line print data corresponds to the setting condition; Energizing one or more heating elements corresponding to the line print data by the thermal head;
The number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is set according to the temperature of the thermal head before printing on the print medium by the thermal head based on the line print data. When the number is larger than the set first threshold, the setting is satisfied when the setting condition is satisfied and the number of heating elements to be energized based on the line print data is equal to or less than the first threshold. A program that causes the thermal head to perform printing on the print medium as a condition not applicable.